Punjab FM Assures Resolution of Punbus, PRTC Contract Workers’ Demands
Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday held a crucial meeting with the Punjab Roadways Punbus/PRTC Contract Workers Union at the Punjab Secretariat, assuring early resolution of their legitimate demands. Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar and Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) DK Tiwari also attended the meeting. Cheema reiterated the State Government’s commitment to employee welfare, stating that a transparent policy is already in place to regularize contract employees without legal complications. “Our government believes in justice and dignity for all workers,” he said. He directed the Transport Department to compile a comprehensive report on the Union’s concerns along with practical solutions. “This report will be discussed in the next meeting to ensure prompt and fair redressal,” he assured.
Punjab Governor pays homage to Jain Sadhvis on Navkar Mantra Day
Peer Muchalla (Mohali): Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday paid obeisance to Jain Sadhvis at Jain Sathanak, Peer Muchalla, on Vishva Mahamantra Navkar Diwas. Highlighting Lord Mahavir’s timeless teachings of Ahimsa, Satya, and Aparigraha, he emphasized their relevance in modern life. The Governor lauded the Jain community’s societal contributions and advocated for Ratribhoj Tyag (dinner abstinence) for holistic well-being. Sadhvi Sunidhi praised his initiatives in de-addiction and women empowerment. The event concluded with the presentation of Navkar Mantra literature, inspiring spiritual reflection and ethical living.
Punjab Govt Dedicates Rs 8.21-cr Old Age Home to Helpless Elderly in Tapa
Tapa: Punjab Social Security Minister Dr Baljit Kaur and Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art old age home in Tapa, built at a cost of Rs 8.21 crore. The three-storeyed facility, spread over 26 kanals, offers free lodging, food, healthcare, and recreational services to 72 elderly residents. Emotional inmates expressed gratitude to the government for providing shelter and care. The initiative, part of the ‘Sade Buzurg, Sada Maan’ campaign, reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s commitment to social welfare. Dr Baljit kaur and Hayer also participated in a state-level camp, distributing spectacles and senior citizen cards, and sharing a meal with the residents.
Kataria extends greetings on Mahavir Jayanti
Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday greeted citizens on Mahavir Jayanti, honouring Lord Mahavir’s legacy of non-violence, compassion, and universal brotherhood. In his message, Kataria underscored the enduring relevance of Jain principles in fostering a virtuous and harmonious society. The Governor urged collective celebration, reinforcing communal bonds and humanitarian values. He expressed hope that Mahavir’s teachings would inspire purposeful living amid today’s materialistic challenges.
Ludhiana West Bypoll: Punjab CEO reviews electoral roll revision
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C on Wednesday held a meeting with representatives of political parties to discuss the Special Summary Revision of Ludhiana West’s electoral roll, with a qualifying date of April 1, 2025. The draft roll lists 1,73,071 voters across 192 urban polling stations, optimized for voter convenience. The window for claims or objections remains open till April 24, with final publication on May 5. CEO Sibin urged parties to deploy Booth Level Agents (BLAs) for voter awareness, ensuring a free, fair, and inclusive bye-election.
Punjab Speaker mourns former Minister Randhir Cheema’s demise
Chandigarh: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Minister Randhir Singh Cheema, recalling his simplicity and dedicated service to Punjab. Sandhwan extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength to bear the loss. He hailed Cheema’s contributions to public welfare, leaving a lasting legacy in the state’s political landscape.
Hry Minister inspects thermal power plant established in Yamunanagar
Yamunanagar: Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij, along with senior officers and engineers, inspected the existing thermal power plant in Yamunanagar and gathered information about the technology being used. The officers provided him with complete details regarding power generation at the plant. Vij also inspected the preparations for the proposed visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Yamunanagar. Before the inspection, Vij held a meeting with officers at the venue and gave necessary directions regarding arrangements. During the inspection, Vij informed that the Prime Minister will visit Yamunanagar on April 14 to lay the foundation stone of the third 800 MW unit of the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Plant. This will enhance the state's electricity generation capacity and provide significant benefits.
Officers asked to address every grievance on priority basis
Chandigarh: Haryana Health, Medical Education, Research and AYUSH Minister Arti Singh Rao on Wednesday chaired the monthly meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Committee held in Palwal. She directed the officers concerned to address every grievance on a priority basis. During this, 12 out of the 13 complaints were resolved on the spot. During the meeting, Jyoti Sharma from Palwal submitted a complaint stating that HAFED and the warehouse had encroached upon her land. After hearing the matter, the Health Minister directed that possession of the applicant’s land should be returned to her. For this, she ordered the appointment of a duty magistrate to ensure possession is handed back. The Health Minister also ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
Closure of slaughter houses & meat shops on Mahavir Jayanti in Chandigarh
Chandigarh: The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has announced that all slaughter houses and meat shops within the city limits shall remain closed on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in observance of Mahavir Jayanti. This directive is in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India and aims to uphold the religious sentiments associated with the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, a significant festival for the Jain community. All concerned shop owners and establishments are requested to ensure strict compliance with this order.
8% of total population in India suffers from voice disorders
Chandigarh: Professor Dr Jaimanti Bakshi, head, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, PGIMER said that a healthy voice is imperative for effective communication. Globally more than 7 per cent of the population suffers from voice disorders. In India, the prevalence rate is around 8% of the total population. Dr Bakshi further said that voice problems may range from change in voice to complete inability to speak. It could be either functional or organic. A voice disorder exists when a person's quality, pitch, and loudness differ from those of similar age, gender, cultural background, and geographic location. Patients should be concerned when there is persistent vocal quality change including breathiness, hoarseness or complete loss of voice. Other symptoms also include a persistent funny' feeling or pain in the larynx, persistent feeling that the voice is stuck in the throat, vocal fatigue and persistent pitch breaks. PGIMER, being a premiere institute in medical education, research and patient care, caters to the medical needs of patients from almost five states of Northern India, she added.
