No more queues for visitor passes at Secretariats; Punjab launches e-pass facility

Chandigarh: To enhance citizen convenience, the Punjab Government on Tuesday digitized the issuance of visitor passes for Civil Secretariat-I and II in Chandigarh. Informing, the state Governance Reforms Minister Aman Arora said that the move will eliminate the need for citizens and government officials to wait in queues for physical passes by streamlining visitor pass application process. The Minister said that citizens and government officials can conveniently apply for visitor passes online via Connect portal — connect.punjab.gov.in or at the Reception Counter of PCS-1 and PCS-2. Applicants can also track status of their applications and view their pass history in real-time.

Punjab SEC lifts Model Code of Conduct

Chandigarh: An official spokesperson of the Punjab State Election Commission on Tuesday said that the Model Code of Conduct, enforced from December 8, 2024, following the announcement of election schedule for General/Bye Elections to various municipalities in the State of Punjab, now ceases to be in operation in the revenue estates of the concerned Municipalities in the State with immediate effect, with the conclusion of Elections Schedule.

Punjab Gov greets people on Christmas

Chandigarh: Punjab Governor and UT-Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday wished everyone in Punjab and Chandigarh a joyous and blessed Christmas. Kataria, in his message, said: “Christmas is a time to celebrate the values of love, compassion, and selflessness, as taught by Jesus Christ. His teachings of kindness, forgiveness, and service to humanity inspire us to strive for a better, harmonious world…The spirit of Christmas encourages us to foster unity, share joy with those in need, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood within our communities. Let us embrace this festive season as an opportunity to promote peace and goodwill among all.”

Punjab Govt focusing on health care for elderly

Chandigarh: Punjab government is running ‘Our Elderly, Our Pride’ campaign, under which the department officials will be going door-to-door to collect health-related information about the elderly. The Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that it is essential to conduct health surveys to ensure the well-being of elderly and improve their quality of life. She emphasized that the Government's primary goal is to honour the elderly and make their lives more fulfilling. “Anganwadi supervisors would visit each household to collect data through the M-Seva mobile app. This app will display details of pensioners, including their name, age, village, phone number, and health information,” she said.

Shocking to see CM holidaying in Australia during days of Shaheedi fortnight: SAD

Chandigarh:  Lashing out at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for holidaying in Australia during days of Shaheedi fortnight of four Sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh ji, the SAD on Tuesday asserted that even though the farmer agitation was going on since almost one year, the Chief Minister was least bothered to get the issue resolved. SAD chief spokesman Arshdeep Singh Kler said that it was shocking to note that Mann had opted to enjoy new year partied at a time when Punjabis were quietly observing Shaheedi fortnight by paying tributes to four Sahibzade of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib ji who were martyred during the month of Poh. “It is shameful for the Chief Minister that he did not even bother to talk to farmers and get their grievances resolved by talking to the Prime Minister but instead gave political statements that the Centre was not bothered about farmers,” he added.

Alok Mittal takes charge as DG, Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau
Panchkula: Alok Mittal on Tuesday took charge as Director General of Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau at its Headquarters in Panchkula. After assuming charge, he inspected the bureau's office, gathered information about the official and staff work processes, and provided necessary guidelines. Mittal outlined his priorities, stating that the formation of the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau aims to make the state corruption-free. “To achieve this goal, we must all work as an effective and efficient team,” he added. Mittal emphasized that it is essential for every officer and employee in the bureau to have clarity about their work. The clearer the understanding of one's work, the better and more effective the work process will be. The bureau will adopt a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. No negligence in this matter will be tolerated, he added.

Hooda accuses BJP of insulting Constitution, Ambedkar

Rohtak: Senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Tuesday led the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Samman March in Rohtak and alleged that the BJP government and its leaders are constantly insulting the Constitution and its maker, Dr BR Ambedkar. The protest march, attended by Congress MLAs and workers, submitted a memorandum to the district authorities, condemning Shah’s remark as derogatory. Talking to reporters, Former Chief Minister Hooda emphasised that the nation will not tolerate such insults, citing the Congress party’s role in creating the Constitution under Ambedkar’s leadership. The participants included Bharat Bhushan Batra from Rohtak, Shakuntala Khatak from Kalanaur (reserved) and Balram Singh Dangi from Meham.