33rd International Public Health Management Development Program Inaugurated at PGIMER, Chandigarh

 

 *33rd International Public Health Management Development Program Inaugurated at PGIMER, Chandigarh* 

PGIMER flagship ITEC Leadership program celebrates decennial milestone

 *Global health leaders gather at PGIMER for the landmark 10-year milestone of IPHMDP* 

 *The 33rd International Public Health Management Development Program (IPHMDP) was inaugurated at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Mr. Viraj Singh, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in the presence of 43 clinical and public health professionals from 20 countries.* The inauguration marked the decennial celebration of the globally recognized flagship program that has trained nearly 1,700 healthcare professionals, administrators, and public health leaders from 97 countries in 10 years, emerging as an important platform for India’s public health diplomacy, South-South cooperation, and global knowledge exchange.

Addressing the gathering, *Prof. Vivek Lal,* Director, PGIMER Chandigarh, championed the pivotal role of IPHMDP in reflecting India’s inclusive and context-specific approach towards public health leadership training. This decade-long success of this unique initiative has strengthened PGIMER’s contribution towards international academic engagement, understanding, and global health cooperation, Prof Lal added. He underscored that the initiative embodies India’s philosophy of “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” — the world is one family.

 *Mr. Viraj Singh,* Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, stated that PGIMER is the only medical institute in India entrusted with conducting leadership and management program for health care professionals under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) framework of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. He recognized IPHMDP at the helm of India's Sustainable Capacity-building initiatives that lend self-sufficiency to the participating nations thereby expanding the stature of India as a global soft power in public health and socio-economic development cooperation. He appreciated the program’s role in fostering institutional linkages, peer learning,and enduring international goodwill.

Speaking on the occasion, *Prof. Sonu Goel* , Program Director, IPHMDP, highlighted that the initiative has created a vibrant global network of “IPHMDP ambassadors” connected through shared learning, collaboration, and a collective commitment towards improving health systems in their respective countries through replication of best practices. Over the last 10 years, the program has evolved into an internationally acclaimed model of public health leadership training, positioning PGIMER Chandigarh as a global beacon of excellence in international public health capacity building and leadership development, Prof. Goel said.

As the program enters its 33rd edition, IPHMDP continues to advance the common vision of advancing global health through developing connections between countries.

 

MCC cracks down on encroachments across city; 64 challans issued in major enforcement drives

*MCC cracks down on encroachments across city; 64 challans issued in major enforcement drives*

*Chandigarh, May 20:-* Continuing its strict action against illegal encroachments and unauthorized occupation of public spaces, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today carried out intensive anti-encroachment drives in various parts of the city including Burail, Sector 40/41 markets and Bank Square Sector 17.

 During the special enforcement operations, a total of 64 challans were issued against violators for causing obstruction and inconvenience in public areas.

The drives were conducted by the Enforcement Wing of MC Chandigarh with the objective of ensuring smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicles, maintaining cleanliness and preventing illegal occupation of roads, market corridors and other public spaces.

In Burail, MCC teams along with the Engineering Wing conducted a special drive near the Motor Market and Kabari shops situated on Phirni Road. The action was initiated against illegal dumping of scrap material and unserviceable vehicles on public roads and vacant spaces.

During the drive, encroachments were removed and 22 challans were issued against violators. MC officials stated that such illegal dumping and encroachments were creating traffic congestion, damaging public infrastructure and causing inconvenience to commuters and local residents.

In another last-night enforcement drive conducted in Sector 40 and Sector 41 markets under the supervision of Joint Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Gupta, the enforcement teams cleared market corridors and removed goods and articles placed illegally outside shops. A total of 27 challans were issued during the operation against shopkeepers found violating civic norms.

Similarly, at Bank Square Sector 17, MC teams removed illegal fruit vendors and unauthorized roti/rice vendors occupying public spaces and obstructing pedestrian movement. During the drive, 15 challans were issued against violators.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh reiterated that anti-encroachment drives will continue regularly in different parts of the city to keep roads, markets and public places clean, accessible and free from unauthorized occupation.

Appealing to shopkeepers, vendors and residents, the MC urged all stakeholders to avoid encroaching upon public spaces and cooperate with the Corporation in maintaining cleanliness, public convenience and civic discipline across the city.

MCC launches special drive to remove Non-Biodegradable Waste from Dadumajra dumping sit

*MCC launches special drive to remove Non-Biodegradable Waste from Dadumajra dumping site*

*Chandigarh, May 20:-* Acting in compliance with the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today launched a special drive for removal of non-biodegradable material from the dumping site at Dadumajra. The intensive drive will continue from 20th May to 23rd May, 2026.

MC Chief Engineer Sh. Sanjay Arora personally initiated the process of collection and removal of non-biodegradable waste material at the dumping site. The drive witnessed active participation of officials and staff from various wings of the Municipal Corporation, including Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, SDEs and Safaimitras from the Public Health Wing, Horticulture Wing, Sanitation Department and B&R Wing.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Engineer informed that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh to clear the entire dumping site of all non-biodegradable material.

He further stated that after segregation and removal from the dump site, the collected non-biodegradable waste is being transported to the dry waste processing plant for its scientific processing and environmentally safe disposal.

Sh. Sanjay Arora emphasized that MCC is committed towards scientific waste management and ensuring environmental sustainability in the city. He added that the Corporation is making all-out efforts to improve the condition of the Dadumajra dumping site through systematic waste segregation, disposal and remediation measures.

The Chief Engineer also appreciated the efforts of field staff and Safaimitras engaged in the drive and directed all concerned officers to ensure smooth and timely completion of the special operation.

Joint Commissioner, Panchkula Municipal Corporation Mrs. Simarjit Kaur, conducts surprise inspection of Sectors 9, 15, and 19*

*Joint Commissioner, Panchkula Municipal Corporation Mrs. Simarjit Kaur, conducts surprise inspection of Sectors 9, 15, and 19*

*Reviews sanitation arrangements, secondary collection points, and garbage vulnerable points (GVPs)*

*Issues directions for repair and maintenance of roads and streets*

*Inspects special plastic collection boxes installed at Municipal Corporation Office*

Panchkula, May 20: Mrs. Simarjit Kaur, Joint Commissioner of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation, conducted a surprise inspection of Sectors 9, 15, and 19 today. During the visit, she reviewed sanitation systems, secondary collection points, and Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs).

While inspecting roads and internal streets, she directed the concerned officials to ensure prompt repair of damaged roads and street infrastructure. Emphasising improved sanitation standards, she instructed Assistant Sanitary Inspectors (ASIs) and sanitation staff to ensure regular and timely cleaning of all designated points to prevent any accumulation of waste or filth.

During the inspection, Simarjit Kaur also reviewed the special collection boxes installed at the Municipal Corporation office under the “Zero Waste” and “Plastic-Free Panchkula” initiatives. These boxes have been placed within the office premises to encourage officials, employees, and visitors to deposit used plastic bottles and other plastic waste, supporting proper collection, recycling, and environmentally responsible disposal.

On this occasion, she also observed decorative green installations made from old tyres, along with well-maintained plantation arrangements across the inspected sites. The Joint Commissioner directed officials to further strengthen recycling and waste management initiatives alongside routine cleanliness efforts in the city, with the aim of enhancing environmental conservation.

Simarjit Kaur stated that keeping Panchkula clean, green, and pollution-free remains the primary objective of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation. She instructed all officials and employees to carry out their duties with full dedication and responsibility. She also appealed to citizens to cooperate with the Municipal Corporation in maintaining cleanliness and to dispose of waste only at designated collection points.

 One of the waste collection bins installed on the premises was fabricated by Arjun and donated to the Corporation by the Meshaan Foundation, as part of ongoing support for cleanliness and waste management initiatives.

Registration for participation in the e-auction of new registration series “CH01DE”,

Chandigarh, May 20, 2026:

It is informed for the general public/residents of Chandigarh that the registration for participation in the e-auction of new registration series “CH01DE”, along with re-auction of leftover fancy/special registration numbers of series “CH01DD”, “CH01DC”, “CH01DB” and “CH01DA”, will commence from May 22, 2026 (10:00 AM) and continue till May 29, 2026 (05:00 PM). The e-bidding process will be conducted from May 30, 2026 (10:00 AM) to June 1, 2026 (05:00 PM).

Vehicle owners can register themselves on the National Transport website at  vahan.parivahan.gov.in/fancy. The link is also available on the Chandigarh Administration, Transport Department website at  chdtransport.gov.in. After registration, applicants will receive a Unique Acknowledgement Number (UAN).

Only vehicle owners who have purchased vehicles with a Chandigarh address shall be eligible to participate in the e-auction. Sale Letter (Form No. 21), UID (Aadhaar Card) and Chandigarh address proof are mandatory documents for participation.

After registration on the National Transport website or through the Chandigarh Administration, Transport Department website, the vehicle owner shall deposit the registration fee for participation in the e-auction along with the reserve amount of the desired special/fancy registration number at the office of the Registering & Licensing Authority, Near Municipal Corporation Building, Sector 17, Chandigarh, through Demand Draft in favour of “Registering & Licensing Authority, U.T., Chandigarh”, payable at Chandigarh.

Details regarding registration fee, reserve price of special numbers, leftover registration numbers of series “CH01DD”, “CH01DC”, “CH01DB” and “CH01DA”, procedure for online auction, and terms & conditions are available on the Transport Department website.

For any further information or queries, the public may contact at 0172-2700341 or visit the Inquiry Counter at the office of the Registering & Licensing Authority, Chandigarh (U.T.).

Chief Secretary Reviews Public Transport Services and Road Safety Measures in Chandigarh

 Chief Secretary Reviews Public Transport Services and Road Safety Measures in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, May 14, 2026:

Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, today reviewed the functioning of the Transport Department, Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) and State Transport Authority (STA), with emphasis on strengthening public transport services, expansion of the e-bus fleet and improving road safety mechanisms in the city.

Present during the meeting were Sh. Diprava Lakra, IAS, Secretary Transport, Chandigarh Administration along with Joint Secretary-cum Director Transport, Secretary STA UT Chandigarh and GM, CTU.

During the meeting, it was informed that 397 buses are presently operational within Chandigarh city, while 269 buses are operating on inter-state routes. It was also apprised that 139 e-buses are currently operational and 41 additional e-buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme are expected to be inducted by June 2026.

It was further informed that procurement of 328 additional e-buses for Chandigarh has been initiated through CESL under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. The Chief Secretary directed the department to ensure advance planning and timely infrastructure readiness for smooth operation of the expanded e-bus fleet.