Implementation Strategy Workshop of TRANSFORM Project for Transfat Elimination in Punjab and Chandigarh

Implementation Strategy Workshop of TRANSFORM Project for Transfat Elimination in Punjab and Chandigarh & Pre-Consultation Workshop SHIFT -Translate: Phase 3 under Healthy Oil SHIFT(Supporting Healthy oils & Fats to replace Trans fats)consortium 

Date: 8th September, 2026



Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death and accounts for nearly 32% of all deaths worldwide & three-quarters of these deaths are occurring in low- and middle-income countries like India. Heart attacks, represented in the Chandigarh NCD Registry as acute cardiac events, constitute a substantial component of the NCD burden in Chandigarh. Data from the Chandigarh NCD Registry for July 2018–December 2021 showed that acute cardiac events constituted 27.7% of all registered NCD cases among Chandigarh residents. Unhealthy dietary practices, including the consumption of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (trans fats), are among the key modifiable risk factors contributing to the burden of CVDs.The elimination of industrially produced trans fats from the food supply is recognized as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for reducing CVD-related morbidity and mortality. Since trans fats are not required for health and healthier alternatives are available, their elimination is an important public health priority. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has limited trans-fatty acids to not more than 2% by mass of the total oils and fats present in food products.

In response to this pressing public health challenge, the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, Chandigarh Administration, and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), India, is implementing the Healthy Futures with Trans Fatty Acid Reduction and State Optimization Reform Model (TRANSFORM) Project in Punjab and Chandigarh. This project aims to translate national and global commitments on trans-fat elimination into strengthened state-level implementation through improved regulatory capacity, laboratory systems, compliance assessment, monitoring, reporting and promotion of healthier oils. The project uses the CLEARS Framework, focusing on Capacity Building, Laboratory Strengthening, Enforcement of Trans-Fat Policies, Assessment of Compliance, Reporting of Compliance, and Support for Healthier Oils. Through these components, TRANSFORM seeks to strengthen the capacity of relevant stakeholders, improve trans-fat testing and surveillance, assess compliance with existing food safety standards, support enforcement and reporting mechanisms, and facilitate the transition towards healthier fats and oils.







As part of this initiative, PGIMER is organizing an  Implementation Strategy Workshop of the TRANSFORM project in Punjab and Chandigarh” on 8 September 2026 at the Advanced Eye Centre Auditorium, PGIMER, Chandigarh. The workshop will bring together representatives from food safety and regulatory authorities, government departments, laboratories, academia, research institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss the current status of trans-fat elimination and develop practical strategies for strengthening implementation in Punjab and Chandigarh.

In addition, PGIMERis implementingSHIFT Consortium—Supporting Healthy Oils & Fatsto Replace Trans Fats—established at PGIMER under the leadership of Prof. JS Thakuris now progressing towards its thirdphase, SHIFT Translate, with a focus on translating evidence and consensus into implementation,policy and practice. This workshop will also serve as a pre-consultation meeting under SHIFT, bringing together national stakeholders to share experiences, discuss key priorities and explore strategies for promoting the transition towards healthier oils in India. The deliberations from this meeting will provide important inputs for the National Consultation Meeting planned for later this year.

The workshop will include technical sessions on the TRANSFORM Project and trans-fat elimination, group discussions on data collection and laboratory strategies a panel discussion on trans fats and cardiovascular diseases, and the SHIFT Translate Pre-Consultation Workshop with national stakeholders.The technical programme will begin with an overview of the TRANSFORM Project and its scope of work, followed by discussions on experiences from trans-fat elimination initiatives in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and the current status and challenges of trans-fat testing in Punjab and Chandigarh. The workshop will further include group work focusing on data collection from Punjab and Chandigarh and development of a laboratory strategy for trans-fat testing, with participation from food safety authorities, scientific institutions, laboratories and technical experts. The group discussions will provide an opportunity to identify implementation gaps and develop actionable strategies for strengthening trans-fat monitoring and enforcement.

The Inaugural Session will be addressed by senior representatives from national and state-level institutions.Shri Kumar Rahul, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Punjab; Shri Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary-cum-Commissioner, Food Safety, Chandigarh; Ms. Kanwalpreet Brar, IAS, Commissioner, Food Safety (Food & Drug Administration), Punjab; Prof. Sanjeev Handa, Dean (Research), PGIMER, Chandigarh; Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and Dr. Swati Bharadwaj, Senior Technical Advisor, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) India, have been invited.The workshop will also feature a panel discussion on “Role of Trans Fats in Cardiovascular Disease and Strategies for their Prevention, Reduction and Elimination from the Food Supply.” The discussion will bring together experts from cardiology, nutrition, healthier oils, food safety, the edible oil sector and public health to deliberate on the health implications of trans fats and practical approaches for their prevention, reduction and elimination from the food supply.



The pre-consultation workshop brings together experts from leading national institutions and organizations with expertise in public health, nutrition, food technology, biomedical research, and food safety. The consortium members include Dr. Swati Bhardwaj, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), India; Dr. Ahamed Ibrahim, ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), Hyderabad; Dr. Usharani Dandamudi, CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru; Dr. Alka Rao, CSIR–Institute of Microbial Technology (CSIR-IMTech), Chandigarh; Dr. Rajni Chopra, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundli, Haryana and Dr. Virender Sardana, Baba Farid Group of Institutions, Bathinda The multidisciplinary consortium provides technical and scientific expertise to support evidence-based approaches for reducing and eliminating industrially produced trans-fatty acids from the food supply and strengthening healthy food systems.

Healthy Edible Oil Consortium (SHIFT) is transforming the edible oil landscape at National level and will promote implementation research model on trans-fat elimination for state of Punjab and Chandigarh administration.

 *Prof. JS Thakur* 

Professor, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health

Principal Investigator, TRANSFORM Project and SHIFT Consortium PGIMER, Chandigarh

 

Prof. Babita Ghai Elected IASP Councillor for Asia/Oceania and Australia

Prof. Babita Ghai Elected IASP Councillor for Asia/Oceania and Australia

Chandigarh, September

 2026: 

In a significant achievement for PGIMER, Chandigarh, and India, *Prof. Babita Ghai,* Professor of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care and Consultant In-Charge, Pain Clinic, PGIMER, has been elected as a Councillor of the International *Association for the Study of Pain* (IASP), representing Asia/Oceania and Australiafor a six-year term, following a rigorous and competitive election process.

IASP is the leading international organisation in the field of pain, with around 10,000 members worldwide. *Prof. Ghai* is the second Indian woman and the youngest Indian to be elected to the IASP Council.

 *Prof. Ghai* has been associated with IASP since 2004 and has served in several leadership roles, including the Global Advocacy Working Group, Presidential Task Force on Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment, Developing Countries/LMIC Working Group, Pain Education SIG, Acute Pain SIG and Pain Research Forum. 

 *With 27 years of post-MD experience, Prof. Ghai is the Course Coordinator of the Pain Medicine Fellowship at PGIMER.* She completed a Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship in Pain Management at Barts and The London NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, UK, in 2012. She has nearly 150 peer-reviewed publications, has led multiple funded research projects, delivered over 250 invited national and international lectures, and has been invited faculty at around 20 international conferences, including World Congresses on Pain.

A defining feature of her professional journey has been her commitment to taking healthcare beyond the hospital to underserved communities. She has organised numerous free health and pain-relief camps in rural and underserved areas, providing consultations, health screening, pain management and medicines, followed by community-based yoga programmes and referral for specialised care when required.

She has also developed an evidence-based yoga protocol for chronic low back pain and published an illustrated Back Care Booklet in Hindi, Punjabi and English, which has been distributed free of cost. *Her contribution to health education through Hindi was recognised with the National Hindi Award from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.* She has conducted extensive public awareness programmes through community organisations, FM radio and other public platforms and was also invited as a TEDx speaker on “Accessibility.”

She is currently conducting a DST KIRAN project where she is reached out to rural area and teaches Yoga to the chronic Low back pain patients. Her ICMR-funded community research on chronic low back pain has resulted in two large community studies examining its prevalence, disability and psychosocial and mental health impact, contributing valuable evidence for community healthcare planning.

Prof. Ghai’s contributions have been recognised through 16 national awards, including the President’s Appreciation Award of the Indian Society for the Study of Pain, and four international professional awards.

Her election to the IASP Council is a recognition not only of her contributions to pain medicine, education, research and advocacy, but also of PGIMER’s growing international leadership in pain care and academic medicine. Her work continues to strengthen the bridge between excellence in tertiary healthcare and compassionate, accessible care for the wider community.



 

International consultation of Policymakers of 27 countries at PGIMER Chandigarh

International consultation of Policymakers of 27 countries at PGIMER Chandigarh 

 

 A one-week Public Health Policy and Management Program for senior policymakers from 27 countries will be organised at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, from 9–14 September 2026.

The program is being organised by the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh,* with the participation of 50 senior-level healthcare professionals from Seychelles, Cambodia, Nigeria, Indonesia, Ghana, Tanzania, Iraq, Tunisia, Lebanon, Armenia, Argentina, Togo, Russia, Malawi, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Nepal, Kenya, Namibia, Tajikistan, Liberia, Egypt, Laos, Uzbekistan, Burkina Faso and Cameroon.* 

The program aims to strengthen the capacity of policymakers and senior health professionals in public health policy formulation, implementation, health-system management and evidence-informed decision-making. The learning is expected to support participants in designing and implementing effective health policies and programs in their respective countries, contributing towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Over the past decade, the program has emerged as an important platform for India’s global health diplomacy and South-South cooperation, having trained more than *1,800 healthcare professionals from 97 countries.* 

Speaking about the program, *Dr. Sonu Goel,* Program Director and Professor, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, said that the flagship program has been conducted for nearly a decade and has contributed to strengthening South-South development cooperation among 161 ITEC partner countries across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific, including Small Island Developing States.The program reflects India’s ethos of “ *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”-* the world is one family, by providing a platform for countries to share experiences, exchange knowledge and explore context-specific solutions to common public health challenges.

The academic program will feature sessions by distinguished faculty from PGIMER and other leading institutions, covering key aspects of public health policy, health-system strengthening, leadership, governance and management. *The program will also provide participants with an opportunity to observe Indian best practices through field visits and experiential learning* .As part of the field exposure, participants will visit the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh to understand the implementation of the Smart City concept and observe how public policies are translated into action at the local level. *They will also visit selected departments and centres at PGIMER to witness state-of-the-art healthcare and technology-enabled services, including tele-evidence, telemedicine and the Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO), among other facilities.* The program will employ innovative and participatory learning methodologies, including case-based learning, simulations, role plays, gamification, peer learning and experiential learning, enabling participants to connect policy concepts with real-world health-system practices.

A cultural and networking eventwill also be organised on 11 September 2026, providing participants with an informal platform to interact, share experiences and build professional networks for future collaboration and knowledge exchange.A key feature of the program will be the development of anAction Plan by each participant based on the learning gained during the program. The implementation of these plans will subsequently be followed up by the program organisers.The best-performing country report will be recognised and rewarded by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.



 

Deputy Commissioner issues directions to officials for smooth paddy procurement

Deputy Commissioner issues directions to officials for smooth paddy procurement

 *Paddy procurement to begin at three mandis in Panchkula district from October 1*

*Farmers should face no inconvenience during procurement: Deputy Commissioner*

*Officials directed to ensure all basic amenities for farmers at mandis*

 Panchkula, September 8: A meeting was held at the Mini Secretariat  under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Sh. Satpal Sharma to review preparations for the smooth conduct of the Kharif Procurement Season (KPS) 2026-27. During the meeting, preparations being made by various departments and procurement agencies for the procurement of paddy and other food grains were reviewed, and necessary directions were issued to the concerned officials.

 Procurement of paddy and other food grains for the Kharif Procurement Season 2026-27 is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2026. 

 In Panchkula district, procurement at the Panchkula, Barwala, and Raipurrani mandis will be carried out by state procurement agencies, including HAFED and the Haryana Warehousing Corporation. The Haryana Government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) at  Rs 2,461 per quintal for Grade-A paddy and Rs 2,441 per quintal for Common paddy.

 The Deputy Commissioner directed the secretaries and officials of the respective market committees to ensure the adequate availability of all basic amenities for farmers at the mandis, including drinking water, MSP display boards, toilets, and biometric weighing systems. He emphasized that there should be no shortcomings in the arrangements made for the convenience of farmers.

 He directed all procurement agencies to complete the necessary preparations well before the commencement of procurement and to assign duties to all buyers and procurement personnel in a timely manner. He also directed transporters to complete all required formalities and live portal-related procedures within the stipulated timeframe so that there are no hurdles in the lifting of procured crops.

 The Deputy Commissioner further directed millers to register promptly and complete all registration and agreement formalities with the concerned procurement agencies within the prescribed timeframe. He said that timely completion of all necessary formalities would ensure the smooth commencement of paddy procurement from October 1.

 He also directed officials to ensure the availability of an adequate number of moisture meters at every mandi  for accurate and transparent testing of moisture levels in paddy. The concerned officials were directed to ensure that there is no delay in making payments to farmers after procurement of their crops.

 The Deputy Commissioner reiterated that farmers should not face any difficulty during the procurement process. He directed all concerned departments and procurement agencies to work in close coordination to ensure that the procurement process is carried out in a smooth, transparent, and organized manner.

 The meeting was attended by Panchkula SDM Smt Mannat Rana, District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Sh Jatin Mittal, Barwala Market Committee Chairman Sh Deshraj Poswal, District Managers of HAFED and the Haryana Warehousing Corporation, representatives of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the Lead District Manager (LDM), millers, transporters, secretaries and chairpersons of market committees, the District Mandi Enforcement Officer (DMEO), and representatives of the Arhtiya  association.

A demolition drive carried out by the Office of the District Magistrate, U.T. Chandigarh

Chandigarh, September 8, 2026

A demolition drive was carried out today by the Office of the District Magistrate, U.T. Chandigarh, to remove unauthorized constructions and encroachments in Village Kaimbwala.

The demolition operation was ordered by Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, IAS, District Magistrate, U.T. Chandigarh. The operation commenced at 9:00 A.M. and was carried out under the supervision of the SDM (Central), U.T. Chandigarh, with the active participation of revenue, enforcement, police and civil defence personnel.

As part of the enforcement drive, encroachments spread over approximately 118 kanals of land (around 15 acres) were cleared. The action particularly covered boundary walls and encroachments in open areas adjoining farmhouses, thereby restoring the encroached land and ensure that the area remains free from unauthorized construction.

The demolition drive involved close coordination among the District Administration, Chandigarh Police and Civil Defence, ensuring that the operation was conducted in an orderly and effective manner.

Adequate police personnel, including lady constables, were deployed to maintain law and order and facilitate the smooth execution of the enforcement action in the presence of a DSP-rank officer.

The SDM (Central) monitored the entire operation and maintained continuous liaison with the police and field-level officials to ensure effective coordination and uninterrupted execution of the demolition drive.

The revenue and enforcement machinery was deployed extensively for the operation. Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars (Periphery), along with Kanungos, Patwaris and enforcement staff, were present at the site and carried out the field-level enforcement action. Three JCB machines were deployed for dismantling the unauthorized structures and removing the encroachments.

Personnel from Civil Defence, U.T. Chandigarh, also assisted the administration during the operation and extended necessary support to the field teams.

The District Magistrate’s Office has reiterated its commitment to taking firm and sustained action against violations in environmentally sensitive areas and to ensuring that the Sukhna Catchment Area remains protected from unauthorized construction and encroachment.

CHB to Organise Public Camp for Conversion of *Residential* Leasehold Properties into Freehold

CHB to Organise Public Camp for Conversion of *Residential* Leasehold Properties into Freehold

Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) is organising a public facilitation camp for allottees/owners of *residential* dwelling units and properties who wish to convert their leasehold properties into freehold.

The camp will be held from September 10 to 25, 2026, on all working days, except public holidays, from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Multipurpose Hall, 6th Floor, Chandigarh Housing Board, Sector 9-D, Chandigarh.

Allottees/owners are requested to attend the camp with a copy of the allotment letter/transfer deed, latest payment receipts, proof of identity and address, and other relevant documents required for processing their conversion cases.

They are also advised to check the applicable conversion charges and outstanding dues, if any, through the CHB portal at www.chbonline.in⁠ before attending the camp. This will facilitate the expeditious processing of their applications.

Public Money, Public Monitoring”: Mayor Saurabh Joshi Brings Citizens to the Centre of Chandigarh’s Development

Public Money, Public Monitoring”: Mayor Saurabh Joshi Brings Citizens to the Centre of Chandigarh’s Development

*Mayor launches Area-Level Residents’ Monitoring Initiative; citizens to keep a close watch on quality, cost and progress of civic works*

Chandigarh, September 8:

 In a significant move to strengthen transparency, accountability and people’s participation in civic development, Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi today launched an Area-Level Residents’ Monitoring Initiative, empowering citizens to directly monitor the quality and progress of development works in their respective areas.

Under the initiative, Area-Level Committees comprising eminent and technically experienced residents—including retired engineers, professors, doctors and other professionals—will regularly inspect ongoing development works and keep track of their execution.

The committees will monitor whether works are being carried out in accordance with the approved scope, specifications and allotted cost displayed by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh at the work sites. Any deficiency, deviation or delay noticed by the committee can be brought to the attention of the concerned officials for timely corrective action.

The initiative seeks to transform residents from merely being beneficiaries of development into active stakeholders in Chandigarh’s development process.

Taking the initiative forward, Mayor Saurabh Joshi today marked the commencement of the upgradation of Joggers Park in Sector 15 and repair and renovation of fountains in parks of Sectors 15 and 24. The newly constituted Area-Level Residents’ Committee will monitor the progress and quality of these works.

«“Development is done with public money, and citizens have every right to know what is being built, how much is being spent and whether the promised quality is being delivered. Our mantra is simple—Public Money, Public Monitoring. Citizens will now become partners in ensuring quality, transparency and timely execution of development works,” said Mayor Saurabh Joshi.»

He added that the Residents’ Committees would serve as an important bridge between citizens and the Municipal Corporation, strengthening trust and accountability at the grassroots level.

The development works are aimed at improving the condition, aesthetics and facilities of public parks and creating better recreational spaces for morning walkers, joggers, senior citizens, children and other residents.

The fountain renovation project covers two fountains in Sector 15, including the Floral Sculpture Garden, and two fountains in Sector 24, at an allotted cost of ₹26.93 lakh.

The project includes improvements to lighting and water systems through submersible lights, SS-304 fixtures, automatic colour-changing controllers, new control panels, nozzles, water-column nozzles, brass ball valves and durable piping. Necessary civil repairs and tile restoration will also be undertaken. The stipulated completion period is six months.

Area-Level Residents’ Monitoring Committee

Prof. Sunil Sharma — Head of Committee

Sh. Raj Kumar Sahdev — Co-Convener

Sh. Charanjeet — Co-Convener

Sh. Rajneesh Sharma — Member

Sh. Ramesh Kumar Sood — Member

Sh. Sanjeev Bansal — Member

Sh. Prithvi Sharma, Chief Engineer — Member

Sh. Jasjeet Singh Bhalla — Member

Sh. Gurpreet Singh Mokha — Member

Sh. Krishan — Member

Er. S.K. Gupta — Member

The committee will periodically inspect the works, assess progress against the displayed specifications and approved cost, interact with executing officials and communicate residents’ feedback wherever necessary.

The programme was attended by public representatives of Chandigarh and officers and officials of the Municipal Corporation.

Mayor Saurabh Joshi said the initiative would be progressively extended across Chandigarh as a citizen-centric monitoring mechanism for development works, making public participation an integral part of the city’s development model.