54.98% voting recorded in Jalandhar West bypolls
Jalandhar: District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal on Thursday informed that 54.98 percent voter turnout was recorded in the bypoll of Jalandhar West assembly constituency on July 10 (Wednesday). Dr Aggarwal stated that the bypoll was conducted peacefully with no incidents of violence during the voting process. He further informed that the counting of votes would be scheduled for July 13, starting at 8 am at Lyallpur Khalsa College for Women. He also extended his gratitude to all voters, election staff, and security forces for ensuring the smooth and successful completion of the entire polling procedure in the constituency.
Cong to launch 'Hry Maange Hisab' campaign against BJP Govt on Jul 15
Chandigarh: Haryana Congress on Thursday presented a ‘chargesheet’ against the BJP Government, targeting it on issues such as unemployment and law and order, stating that it will launch ‘Haryana Maange Hisab Abhiyan’ on July 15. The campaign will highlight failures of the BJP-led State Government before the people, said the former Chief Minister and leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda. “Through this, we will not only convey failures of BJP government and the announcements of Congress to the public, but suggestions are also to be collected from the public for the party's manifesto. When the party forms the government, the problems of the people can be solved effectively,” he said. An important meeting of the party has been called in Sonipat on July 14 to prepare a roadmap for implementing this campaign.
Punjab explores further opportunities for litchi export to UK
Chandigarh: Following the successful maiden export of Punjab’s litchi to England, United Kingdom Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett on Thursday called upon Punjab Horticulture Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra to discuss strategies for future litchi consignments and sharing and promoting agro-allied technologies. During the high-level meeting regarding expanding Punjab’s agricultural export potential and fostering international collaborations, Rowett expressed keen interest in the litchi export program and assured the development of a roadmap for future collaborations between Punjab and the UK. Jouramajra informed that the next big shipment of litchi from the State will be exported to England soon.
HP conferred with best state in Food Processing Award-2024
Shimla: Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan on Thursday informed that Himachal Pradesh has been awarded the “Best State in Food Processing Award-2024” for its outstanding work in introducing innovative programs in the food processing sector. He said that these initiatives have significantly impacted the lives of millions of farmers and the rural population of the state. The award was presented by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari at the “Agriculture Leadership Conclave” organized by the “Agriculture Today Group” in New Delhi on July 10. Lauding the efforts of the Industries Department, Chauhan said that food processing was a priority sector for the department as it provides value addition and positively impacts the rural economy.
Punjab Govt seeks applications for recruitment of SC panel chairperson
Chandigarh: Punjab Government’s Department of Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities has invited applications, until August 6, 2024, for the recruitment of the chairperson for the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission (PSSCC). The Minister in-charge Dr Baljit Kaur said that applicants should be at least at the rank of Principal Secretary and should not be over 65 years of age to be eligible for the post. Interested candidates can submit their applications to the office of the Director, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Department until August 6, 2024. Applications received after the specified date or those that are incomplete will not be entertained.
Punjab Women Commission to Conduct Statewide Visits to Women Cells Soon
Chandigarh: Punjab State Commission for Women chairperson Raj Lali Gill on Thursday announced plans for a statewide visit to women cells across Punjab. The announcement came during her visit to the Mohali’s Phase-8 Women Cell where she had detailed discussions with the staff of the women cell about various cases and complaints being handled. She also collected data on daily reports and interacted with complainants waiting outside the cell. Gill announced that the statewide visits will commence soon, with inspections and interactions planned with key personnel at each women cell. The Commission aims to foster transparency and accountability in its efforts to protect and empower women in the state.
Minister issues directives on animal carcass disposal sites
Chandigarh: To address public health, sanitation, and proper land utilization in rural Punjab, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Thursday issued stringent directives for managing animal carcass disposal sites (hadda-rodi) across the state’s villages. Bhullar, chairing a high-level meeting, instructed the officials of all regional offices of the Panchayat Department to conduct a comprehensive survey within a month to identify and mark designated sites for animal carcass disposal in villages under their jurisdiction, and submit a detailed report to his office promptly. He pointed that at many designated disposal sites were either left unused or encroached upon, leading animal herders to discard carcasses near roadsides, canals, and residential areas — not only creating foul odours and discomfort for residents but also poses significant public health risks and safety hazards from stray dogs attracted to these sites.
Residential sports wings trials from Jul 15 to 17
Chandigarh: Punjab Education Department is conducting trials for residential sports wings running in various schools from July 15 to 17, 2024. Sharing details, the state School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Thursday said that selected players will get free accommodation, education, and a daily allowance in tune of Rs 200. Trials will be held for various sporting events including basketball, hockey, football, boxing, judo, kabaddi, shooting, swimming, and weightlifting, across different age categories (U-14, U-17, and U-19). Bains said that it will be mandatory for the selected players to stay in the sports wing. Aspiring players must attend the trials with their parents or guardians, original certificates, and photographs. Eligibility criteria include age and academic qualifications, and no direct participation from outside states is allowed.
PWD Minister reviews progress on NHs
Chandigarh: Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday reviewed the ongoing work on national highways being executed in the State, wherein he assessed the progress of various projects, including the construction of greenfield expressways, upgradation of existing roads, and infrastructure development. He emphasized the importance of timely completion and quality of work, ensuring the safety and convenience of commuters. The Minister also directed the PWD, MoRTH and NHAI officials to prioritize the completion of critical projects, address public grievances, and maintain close coordination with local authorities. Issues impacting the highway related projects were discussed in great detail.