Himachal govt lifts ban on export of Safeda, Poplar, Bamboo, and Kuth

Shimla: The Himachal Government has lifted the ban on the export of wood from four tree species, including Safeda, Poplar, Bamboo, and Kuth (Medicinal Plant), allowing people of the State to export these types of wood without any permit. Moreover, the transportation of wood from these species within the state will also no longer require a permit.  Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that many farmers in Himachal Pradesh cultivate these species on a commercial scale and this decision of the government would facilitate them to a great extent. He said that the state government has also eased restrictions on the export of other forest products, including Khair wood, Katha, cedarwood oil, and various herbs native to Himachal Pradesh. However, for these forest products, a valid permit from the Forest Department will be required to take them out of the State, he added.  Sukhu said that the State government is mulling to introduce the National Transit Pass System in Himachal Pradesh, enabling individuals to obtain various e-permits from the Forest Department, making Himachal Pradesh the sixth state in India to implement this system. The National Transit Pass System is expected to bring greater convenience to permit processes, enhance transparency in the department's operations and improve departmental functioning, he said.

Haryana Police and IIT Madras collaborate to enhance road safety

Chandigarh: The Haryana Police, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), is embarking on a transformative initiative to enhance road safety and reduce fatalities. The initiative focuses on ensuring timely medical attention for accident victims during the critical 'golden hour' and implementing a comprehensive data-driven approach to improve road safety measures. Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur convened a meeting on Sunday at the Dial 112 office in Panchkula to discuss the implementation of a transformative road safety initiative in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). During the meeting, Kapur addressed the issue of accident-prone areas, often referred to as 'black spots'. He emphasized the need for collaboration with relevant departments to identify the causes of accidents at these locations and implement measures for improvement.

Mahendragarh tops Hry in delivering healthcare services Under Ayushman Bharat Chirayu Yojana

Chandigarh: Mahendragarh District has achieved the top ranking in the state for delivering healthcare services to its citizens under the Ayushman Bharat Chirayu Yojana. Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal commended Mahendragarh district for its outstanding efforts in this regard during a review meeting conducted via video conferencing to assess the progress of the scheme. In the review meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, G Anupama, unveiled Mahendragarh District's top-ranking success story in the healthcare sector. A recent evaluation conducted by a team from IIM Rohtak found that health facilities and empanelled hospitals in Mahendragarh District excelled, earning them the top spot in the assessment. In an effort to make the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat Chirayu Yojana accessible to a broader population, the Haryana Government has launched an online portal for expansion of this scheme. Now, families in the state with annual incomes ranging from Rs 1.80 lakh to Rs 3 lakh can enjoy the privileges of this scheme.

Block-Level Road Safety Quiz Competition in Hry

Chandigarh: A block-level quiz competition on road safety, organized in collaboration with the Police Department, is set to take place on October 27, and students are eagerly preparing for the event. According to an official spokesperson, the 'All Haryana Road Safety Quiz Competition - 2023-24' aims to inculcate the habit of following traffic rules from a young age. To enhance awareness of traffic regulations, the police department provides students with books at various levels, which serve as the foundation for the competition's question papers. A school-level competition was recently held on October 13, with over 42 lakh students participating.

Haryana Energy Minister redresses public grievances in Sirsa

Chandigarh: Haryana Energy Minister Ranjit Singh on Sunday redressed public grievances at Sirsa. During this event, public representatives put forth their concerns related to electricity, drinking water, road construction and repairs works and various other issues before the Minister. The Minister provided essential guidance and directions to officials concerned for the prompt redressal of public grievances.  He also underscored the state government's unwavering dedication to the welfare of its citizens and highlighted the widespread satisfaction among all segments of society with the government's policies. At the event, residents from villages, including Fatehpur Niyamat Khan, Chaharwala, Nuhianwali, Bahia, Jodhpuriya, Chakkan, and others, presented their concerns to the Energy Minister.

Malhotra assumes charge as Chandigarh BJP chief

Chandigarh: Jatinder Pal Malhotra assumed the charge of BJP chief in the presence of outgoing president Arun Sood, Ex President Sanjay Tondon, Ex MP Satpal Jain and other party workers. Earlier on October 13, he was appointed as new BJP Chandigarh. Malhotra while speaking on the occasion, thanked PM Narinder Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Party National President JP Nadda and BL Santosh for reposing faith in an ordinary worker and making him as state President. He said BJP will win the coming election with a huge margin. He asked workers to follow the ideals of PM Modi in their work for the public, although following PM isn't that easy.

120 bikers carry out a bikers’ rally on ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ in city

Chandigarh: As many as 120 bikers carried out a bikers rally on ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ here on Sunday. Around 22-km long rally which was flagged-off from Max Hospital, Mohali reached Tribune Chowk, Chandigarh and then returned back to the hospital before moving through sectors 45, 34 and 36. During the rally, bikers carried placards on breast cancer awareness. En route, they also raised slogans to educate the public on breast cancer awareness by taking precautions and timely checkups in case of any doubt.

39 illegally clubbed bus permits cancelled: Punjab transport minister

Chandigarh: Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said his department has cancelled 39 illegally clubbed bus permits of several private bus operators in the state. Bhullar said the guidelines of the department state that bus permits can only be extended once from the destination, but private bus operators had extended these permits multiple times in an incorrect manner, according to an official statement.  Citing a high court order, Bhullar said the clubbed permit holders whose route extensions were done more than once, were ordered to be cancelled. These orders have been executed by cancelling the permits after hearing the permit holders' representations, the minister added.