Chairperson DPC Prabhjot Kaur Hands Over Sanction Letter of Rs 5 Lakh Grant to Gram Panchayat Kurara

O/o DPRO, SAS Nagar

Chairperson DPC Prabhjot Kaur Hands Over Sanction Letter of Rs 5 Lakh Grant to Gram Panchayat Kurara

SAS Nagar, October 5:

Chairperson, District Planning Committee (DPC), SAS Nagar, Er. Prabhjot Kaur today handed over a sanction letter of Rs 5 lakh to Gram Panchayat Kurara under the Untied Funds of District Planning Committees/District Specific Schemes for the financial year 2024–25.

The grant has been sanctioned for the repair of the SC Dharamshala and development of a park in the village. This initiative aims to strengthen local infrastructure and provide improved civic amenities to residents.

Chairperson Er. Prabhjot Kaur said that the Punjab Government is fully committed to the holistic and inclusive development of rural areas, ensuring that every village gets the necessary infrastructure support for community welfare. She added that transparency, accountability, and timely execution will be ensured in the utilization of funds.

She further handed over the sanction letter to the Gram Panchayat representatives to initiate the development works immediately.

Present on the occasion were Sarpanch Mukhtiar Singh (Block President, AAP), Gurpreet Singh (Coordinator, Nasha Mukti Morcha), Surinder Singh (Mataur), Advocate Amarjit Singh, and other respected members of the village community.

CISF’s Project Mann in collaboration with ‘MPower’ Offers Mental Health Support to over 75,000 Personnel

CISF’s Project Mann in collaboration with ‘MPower’ Offers Mental Health Support to over 75,000 Personnel

Counselling Services and Interventions Strengthen Morale Across the Force.

Today, the Chairperson of Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), Mrs. Neerja Birla and DG CISF Sh. RS Bhatti, IPS jointly reviewed the progress of Project Mann a mental health initiative for which CISF and ABET have signed an MoU in November 2024.

DG CISF appreciated the role of the ABET professionals in creating mental health awareness through awareness building, counselling, clinical interventions and training of CISF personnel. 

Project Mann has been able to help 75,181 CISF personnel and their families till date. ABET has also trained 1,726 CISF officers and sub-officers to identify and manage low-risk mental health issues and escalate serious cases to professionals. This two-tiered structure has made psychological support more accessible at the grassroots level.

Hyper sensitive units such IGI Airport, Parliament, Delhi Metro among others have had psychometric assessments of over 31,000 personnel for early identification in case of potential issues. The initiative has resulted in counselling and interventions in the case of depression, marital discord, financial stress among others. 

It is notable that the suicide rate of CISF has declined below the national average during the year 2024 and 2025 highlighting the impact of this initiative.

Considering the success and impact of Project Mann, DG CISF and Mrs. Neerja Birla has jointly decided to continue the support for the coming years. Highlighting the significance of this initiative DG CISF stated “Mental health is as mission-critical as physical fitness for our personnel. This initiative strengthens our internal support systems and ensures that our personnel remain emotionally resilient, focused and operationally ready”. 

Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson - Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, stated - “Our long-term partnership with CISF is a testament to what can be achieved when mental health is institutionalised. Over the past three years, Project Mann has supported more than 75,000 personnel with, psSychometric screening, counselling, peer engagement and a 24×7 helpline across CISF units nationwide. We appreciate CISF’s commitment to holistic well-being of integrating wellness protocols and care into daily system resulting in a 40% reduction in suicide incidents as a positive outcome.”

Sd---29.07.2025

DLSA Observes World No Tobacco Day in Coordination with Advocates at District Bar Room

DLSA Observes World No Tobacco Day in Coordination with Advocates at District Bar Room

SAS Nagar, May 31:

As per the instructions issued by the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar, District Legal Services Authority, SAS Nagar under the able leadership of Mr. Atul Kasana, District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, organized a seminar on ‘World No Tobacco Day’ at the District Bar Room in collaboration with District Bar Association in which lawyers and general public participated. 

    Mrs. Surabhi Prashar, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority informed that ‘No Tobacco Day’ is celebrated by the World Health Organization on 31st May every year since 1987. To prevent the negative effects of tobacco use on the human body, the government has imposed a ban on use of Tabacco on public places through law. 

     Mr. Gurpreet Singh, Project Manager, Generation Savior Association, while giving information about the harm caused by the use of tobacco and e-cigarettes, said that its' use increases the risk of developing dangerous diseases like cancer. He also administered an oath to the people present not using tobacco products.

Apart from this, ‘No Tobacco Day’ was also celebrated in various schools through the Legal Literacy Clubs established in the schools of the district and the students sensitised about the harm caused by tobacco.

Agriculture Minister Dhaliwal orders field officers to furnish assessment report of crop damage at the earliest

– A separate number for complaints of artificial fertilizers and pesticides will be launched soon

– Instructions to increase the cotton area, cotton seed will be available at 33 percent subsidy

Chandigarh, March 29:

          Punjab Agriculture Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has ordered all the field officers of the Agriculture Department to send the actual data of crops damaged due to rain in the past at the earliest. During a meeting with top officials of the Agriculture Department and Chief Agriculture Officers at Punjab Bhawan, Dhaliwal said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already announced that compensation for crop damage will be started around Baisakhi, so Chief Agriculture officers should present the real picture of the problem before the state government. He said that it should be ensured that the actual data is sent quickly without any recommendation and without causing trouble to the farmers.

          On this occasion, Dhaliwal, taking serious notice of fake fertilizers and fake pesticides, announced that soon a separate complaint number will be issued for the convenience of farmers, where they can file a complaint in this regard. He issued special instructions to the officials to resolve such complaints in a timely manner. He said that there will be no compromise on the quality of fertilizers and pesticides and the culprits will not be spared at any cost. He ordered the officials to sensitize the farmers to buy quality seeds recommended by Punjab Agricultural University which have the capacity to withstand natural calamities.

          Dhaliwal also gave special instructions to the officials for the upcoming wheat procurement season. He said that farmers should be encouraged not to burn stubble and also ensure that straw is used only for fodder. He also asked to organize awareness camps for farmers.

          He said that the Punjab government is making serious efforts to increase the area of cotton and the farmers of cotton belt will be given seeds at 33 percent subsidy. He asked the officials that maximum number of farmers should be encouraged to buy seeds on subsidy and cultivate cotton. He said that according to the announcement made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, irrigation water will be given to the farmers of cotton on time.

          Apart from this, the Minister of Agriculture instructed that maximum number of farmers should be encouraged to plant seeds of PR 126 variety of paddy which requires less time and less water. He said that the field officials should intensify their efforts from now to bring maximum area under PR 126 variety of paddy this year. He said that the authorities should select the areas which are more suitable for direct sowing of paddy and encourage the farmers there for direct sowing.

          On this occasion, he categorically asserted that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the corrupts said no corrupt or bribe-taking official will be spared at any cost. He said that the welfare of farmers should be the priority of all officials.

          Principal Secretary of Agriculture Department Sumer Singh Gurjar, Director Gurvinder Singh, Chief Agriculture Officers of all districts and other senior officials of the Head Office were present on this occasion.

Every farmer will get proper compensation for crop damage caused by rain and hailstorm: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh/Malout,

          The Punjab Government is striving to end unemployment and is giving all possible assistance to the unemployed to stand on their own feet. It was said by   Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Punjab Dr. Baljit Kaur, while inaugurating the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Punjabi Shoe Making Course at Valmiki Bhavan, Guru Ravidas Nagar, Malout.

          On this occasion while addressing the audience SDM Malout S. Kanwarjit Singh said that it is a very good initiative of the Punjab government, therefore the unemployed should take maximum advantage of this training course.

          Sarabjit Singh Gulati, Block President Karamjit Sharma, Satgurdev Singh Pappi from Doric Multimedia Pvt Ltd were present on this opening ceremony.

          On this occasion, Cabined Minister said that this course has been implemented by Punjab Skill Development Mission and Doric Multimedia Pvt. Ltd. Ludhiana and under this course free training will be given to the unemployed to promote the profession of shoes so that after receiving the training one can start his own business.

          The Cabinet Minister said that under this course, the person who will get training in making shoes will be given a certificate by the Punjab Skill Development Mission and on the basis of this certificate, the unemployed person will be able to get a loan from any bank or organization and start their own business.

          After this Dr. Baljit Kaur visited the unseasonal rain and hailstorm affected villages Danewala, Rathadi, Kingra and Malwala, Eena Khera and village Thehri and took stock of the damage.

           Talking to the farmers, she said that the Punjab Government is helping the needy to compensate for the damage caused by rain and storm and they will be compensated by the Government as soon as possible.

          On this occasion, she issued instructions to the top officials that without any delay, the crops damaged by rain and hail should be checked so that the farmers can be compensated immediately.

Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal hands over appointment letters to three clerks

Chandigarh,

                    Punjab Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal today handed over appointment letters to three candidates in technical wing of Rural development and Panchayat department. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, persistent efforts are being made to fulfill all the promises and guarantees that the Punjab government has made to the people of Punjab.

The three candidates who were given appointment letters are Ashu Rani, Seema Rani and Harvinder Singh. These candidates have been given the Clerk job in Group C and selected by SS board Punjab on regular basis.

BRIDGE GAP BETWEEN INDUSTRY REQUIREMENTS & SKILLED MANPOWER, SAYS AMAN ARORA

• Asks officials to come out with a comprehensive plan to impart training in the fields, which has high rate of employability

Chandigarh, March 27:

Cabinet Minister Mr Aman Arora on Monday asked Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training department officials to work more vigorously to make youth skillful to cater the needs of the industry and changing trends of the modern time.

He was chairing a meeting here after assuming the charge as Minister of Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training.

While reviewing the functioning of the department, Mr Aman Arora emphasised that skilful youth should be readily available to bridge the gap between industry requirements and skilled manpower. He also asked the officials to come out with a comprehensive plan to impart training in the fields, which is in the demand and has a high rate of employability, so that the youth won’t have to face hardships in getting job.

Giving a presentation, Secretary Employment Generation Skill, Development & Training Mr kumar Rahul and Director Employment Generation Ms Deepti Uppal apprised the Cabinet Minister that as many as 1,21,335 candidates have been facilitated by organising 2003 placement camps for private sector jobs. As many as 32,383 candidates have been imparted skill training and 799 camps organised in which 80329 candidates have been trained for self employment.

Ms Uppal further informed that five multi-skill development centres— in Amritsar, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana, are already imparting training in different courses to youth.

Director Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Major General J.S. Sandhu, Director Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute Major General Ajay H Chauhan, Director General C-PYTE Major General Rambir Singh Mann also apprised the Mr. Aman Arora about the functioning of these institutes.

Joint Director Employment Generation Ms. Sanjeeda Beri, General Manager Punjab Skill Development Mission, Punjab/PGRKAM Mr. Surinder Mohan and other officials of the department were also present in the meeting.

NAMBERDAR UNION DELEGATION CALLS ON PUNJAB VIDHAN SABHA SPEAKER

 Chandigarh,

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan met the representatives of the Punjab Namberdar Union and assured their demands to be sent to the concerned Minister for early resolution.

During the meeting at his official residence here, the Speaker said, the Punjab government was striving for the welfare of every section of the society, adding that the namberdars are the backbone of the democratic system, and they are recognized as key persons in every village & town and government offices.

The delegation led by state president Mr. Baljinder Singh Kili, while submitting the demand letter to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker, said that the previous dispensations have always neglected them and did nothing for the welfare of the namberdars. And now, they are full of hope that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led government will fulfil their demands, they said.

Speaker S. Sandhwan assured the delegation that their demands will be brought to the notice of the concerned Cabinet Minister for ensuring sympathetic consideration and early resolution.

Union Vice President Mr. Simarjit Brar, State General Secretary Mr. Dharminder Singh Khatran, District Jalandhar President Mr. Ashok Sandhu and General Secretary Mr. Surinder Pal Singh and other office-bearers were also present on this occasion.

PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER ORDERS STRICT IMPLEMENTATION OF PC-PNDT ACT TO IMPROVE SEX RATIO IN STATE

 Chandigarh, March 25:

           Health and Family Welfare Minister Punjab Dr Balbir Singh on Saturday instructed health authorities to take appropriate steps to improve sex ratio in the state and ordered strict compliance of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) act in the state.

          Following directions of the Cabinet Minister, Director Health Services (Family Welfare) Dr Ravinder Pal Kaur, who is also the designated Chairman of the State Appropriate Authority for implementation of the PC-PNDT act, constituted an inter-district team of the health officials. The team members were asked to carry out detailed inspections of all the ultrasound scan facilities in the Gurdaspur district, which is the worst performing district in terms of sex ratio. The ratio in the district stands at 887 compared to the overall state ratio of 926 as per Civil Registration System (CRS) Report of 2021-2022.

          Dr. Ravinder Pal kaur said that strict instructions are in place for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Health Workers to register a pregnancy within the first trimester, which greatly reduces the chance of any sex selection as the pregnant woman is tracked throughout her gestation period. 

          Underlining the positive outcomes of efforts by the Health Department, Dr Balbir Singh said ten districts in Punjab now have a higher sex ratio than the state average of 926, with districts SBS Nagar and Rupnagar top the list with a ratio of 948 and 946 respectively. “We will keep striving hard to improve the sex ratio across the state till the menace of female foeticide is completely eradicated from the state,” he said.

          Divulging more details, the Health Minister said a total of 1861 ultrasound scan centres are registered in the state and Department has been carrying out frequent decoy operations (sting operation) to ensure that no ultrasound scan centres are violating the PC-PNDT act, besides, inspections are being carried out by the district appropriate authorities. If any scan centre is found violating the provisions of PC-PNDT act, Punjab Government will immediately cancel the registration of that scan centre.

          Meanwhile, IEC activities are being carried out by the Health Department from time to time to change the behaviour and mindset of the people, so that they don’t have any prejudice against the girl child. Newborn girls in hospitals across Punjab are given gifts on occasion of Lohri and Navratras to celebrate their birth. This year too a state level Lohri function was organised in Patiala to celebrate the girl child. Seminars and awareness activities are also being conducted throughout the year.

CM calls upon people to come forward for realising dreams of Shaheed Bhagat Singh

Khatkar Kalan, March 23:

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday gave a clarion call to the people to extend fulsome support and cooperation to the state government for realising the dreams of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

          The Chief Minister, who paid floral tributes to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh here at his native village, said that this day reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by this great hero at the altar of motherland. He said that the martyrdom of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru and Shaheed Sukhdev will ever inspire us to rise against any form of injustice, tyranny and oppression. Bhagwant Mann said that it is the moral duty of all of us to wage war against all form of social maladies prevailing in the society.

          The Chief Minister said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for cherishing the aspirations of the great martyrs. He said that the state government is duty bound to ensure the progress of the state and prosperity of its people. Bhagwant Mann said that the day is not far away when due to concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab will soon emerge as a front runner state across the country.

          The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to cherish the aspirations of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and carve out a harmonious and egalitarian society. He said that the young hero of freedom struggle had sacrificed his life at a young age for emancipating the country from clutches of foreign imperialism.

PUNJAB GOVT. TO SPEND APPROXIMATELY RS 8 CRORE ON DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN DERABASSI DISTRICT MOHALI

Chandigarh, March 21:

          Local Punjab Government Minister Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that the Punjab government has decided to spend approximately Rs 8 crore on development works in DeraBassi at Mohali District.

          Giving more information in this regard, Minister for Local Government Dr. Inderbir Singh Nijjar said that the services of various posts such as labour, driver, electrician, Mali and other services will be hired for the maintenance of the dumping ground of Municipal Council DeraBassi and other works of DeraBassi, On which approximately Rs 1.86 crore will be spent.

          Similarly, Providing and laying interlocking tiles and repair of drains at ward no.1,2,3,4,5,6 and 15, repair work of tiles and drains at various places in Saraswati Vihar, repair of roads and streets Chambers at various places in the town will also be done.

          Apart from this, tiling work under over bridge to develop space for parking, Construction of Saini Dharamshala in ward no. 8, Construction of MRF Sheds at Dumping Point Derabassi, providing and laying drainage pipe near Gurdwara Sahib Mubarikpur, construction of street near Community Center Mubarikpur, the construction of ladies and gents bathroom near Community Center ward no.11 and many other works in the areas will be done. He said that approximately Rs.6.14 crore will be spent on all these development works.

          Cabinet Minister, Dr. Nijjar said that the local government department has already started the office process for these works. He also said that the large population of the area will get benefit from these development works.

            He has directed the officials to ensure transparency and quality in the development works to be carried out.

Harjot Singh Bains orders to send back science and mathematics lecturers to schools posted in offices

Decision taken in the interest of the Science subject students

Strict disciplinary action will also be taken against officials for calling teachers to offices on-duty: Education Minister

Chandigarh, March 21:

          Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday has ordered the immediate return of science and mathematics lecturers working in the state headquarters, district, block or other offices to schools.

          S. Bains also said that in future the lecturers of these subjects should also not be called on-duty for some kind of office work.

          S. Harjot Singh Bains said that strict disciplinary action will be taken against the officials who will call the lecturers of these subjects on duty for office work in future.

JAN MAAL LOK ADALAT’ TO BE HELD IN JALANDHAR POSTPONED, NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON: JIMPA

Chandigarh, March 19:

          Punjab Revenue Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa on Sunday informed that the Jan Mal Lok Adalat scheduled to be held in Jalandhar on March 20, has been postponed due to some important engagements of the administration. It has been put forward and the new date will be announced very soon on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he said.

          Jimpa said that the Punjab government is committed to provide hassle-free services and other facilities related to the revenue department to the people in a transparent and timely manner.

Athlete Akshdeep Singh wins Gold Medal in Asian Race Walking Championship

Sports Minister Meet Hayer congratulates him

Chandigarh, March 19:

          Indian athlete Akshdeep Singh won the Gold Medal in the 20 km walk event at the Asian Race Walking Championships at Nomi (Japan). Akshdeep Singh clocked timing of 1:20:57 to achieve this feat.

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer congratulated athlete Akshdeep Singh on this achievement. Congratulating Akshdeep Singh, his parents and his coaches, he attributed this achievement to hard work and guidance of coaches. He said that this was Akshdeep Singh’s first international competition and with this achievement, the enthusiasm for the big tournaments like Asian Games, World Championships and Olympic Games will be high. The Sports Minister wished Akshdeep Singh All the Best for a bright future.

          Notably, Akshdeep Singh, a resident of Kahnake (Barnala), recently qualified for the Paris Olympic Games-2024 by setting a new national record in the 20 km walk at the National Open Walking Championship at Ranchi. On behalf of the Chief Minister, the Sports Minister had given Rs.  5 lakh to Akshdeep Singh for the preparation of the Olympics.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker releases Souvenir of Indian Journalist Union

Chandigarh, March 19:

          Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan released the Souvenir of Indian Journalist Union here at Punjab Bhawan.

          Around 20 states’ journalists led by National President of Indian Journalists Union Srinivas Reddy, who reached Chandigarh to discuss the challenges to media fraternity and finding their appropriate solutions during two day meet, called on the Speaker.

          Appreciating the journalists facing challenges every day, S. Sandhwan said that journalists play important role in creating an equal and prosperous society. He assured the journalists that he always stands by those, who raise voice for free & fair journalism. Meanwhile, journalists from different states express gratitude towards the Punjab government and the people of the state for their support.

AMAN ARORA CONFERS DEGREES ON 200 GRADUATES, 50 POSTGRADUATES

• “Dream big, work hard,” says Punjab Employment Generation & Training Minister

Chandigarh, March 19:

          Punjab Employment Generation & Training and New & Renewable Energy Sources Minister Mr Aman Arora handed over degree certificates to 200 graduates and 50 postgraduates in the convocation ceremony of Quest Group of Institutions.

          Addressing the convocation ceremony at Law Bhawan, Sector 37, Chandigarh, Mr Aman Arora congratulated the students.

          “Sky is the limit so dream big, work hard to fulfil your dreams. Never ever give up and make constant efforts to accomplish your goals,” said the Cabinet Minister.

          Expressing the concern over brain drain through educational emigration, Mr. Aman Arora said that this trend leads to a significant loss of qualified human resources. Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been working strenuously to create employment opportunities to stop the brain drain from the state. As many as 26,797 appointment letters have been given to youth in a year by Punjab Government, he informed.

          Registrar IK Gujral Punjab Technical University Dr. SK Mishra, Chairman Quest Group Mr. DS Sekhon, Vice Chairman and Executive Director Mr H.P.S. Kanda, Vice Chairman & Head of International Affairs Mr J.P.S. Dhaliwal, Campus Director Dr Rajiv Mahajan and heads of various departments were also present in the ceremony.

MEGA VACCINATION DRIVE AGAINST LUMPY SKIN DISEASES: ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DEPARTMENT INOCULATES 18.50L CATTLE IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, March 19:

          With Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government has set a target of vaccinating 25 lakh cattle in the State for early protection of cattle from Lumpy Skin disease (LSD), Animal Husbandry Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar on Sunday said that the drive is going on in full swing. The mega vaccination campaign against Lumpy skin disease was started on February 15, 2023.

          The Cabinet Minister, in his press communique, informed that the department has already completed 75 percent of vaccination till date with more than 18,50,000 cattle being already vaccinated against the disease.

          He said that as many as 300 Veterinary Officers have been recruited recently and they have joined their duties. These newly recruited officers will enable us to complete the vaccination drive before the stipulated deadline of April 30, 2023, he added.

          He said that the department is in the process of recruiting another batch of 300 Veterinary officers along with 644 Veterinary Inspectors for the purpose of strengthening animal healthcare system of the state.

          Divulging more details, Principal Secretary Animal Husbandry Mr. Vikas Pratap said that  the government had airlifted 25 lakh doses of Goat Pox vaccine from Telangana State Veterinary Biological and Research Institute, Hyderabad. Keeping in mind the situation of last year, when state had suffered loss of livestock due to LSD spread from neighbouring states, the state government has made foolproof strategy to ensure that this disease could not affect cattle population in the state, he added.

          Mr. Vikas Pratap said that this vaccine is being administered at free of cost to the vulnerable cattle population and proper cold chain is being maintained, while administering vaccine at doorstep.

          He said that 773 teams of Animal Husbandry department were deployed for this purpose. Daily target of 40,000 doses of vaccine was fixed, which has been achieved successfully. He expressed satisfaction regarding ongoing vaccination drive. Nearly 1850,000 doses have been administered. He thanked the farmers of the state for cooperation during this vaccination drive.

Meet Hayer inaugurates All India Civil Services Cricket Tournament by taking to field himself

39 teams from States, UTs and Regional Sports Boards participating

SAS Nagar, March 12:

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Sunday inaugurated the All India Civil Services Cricket Tournament by taking to the field himself.

As many as 39 teams from different States, UTs and Regional Sports Boards across the country are participating in this tournament being conducted by the Sports Department, Punjab from March 12 to 19. These players are employees of their respective state and central government departments.

During the opening ceremony at the Sports Stadium in Sector 78, Meet Hayer formally inaugurated the tournament by hitting a shot with the bat. He was also introduced to the captains of all the teams. Speaking earlier, he welcomed the players of all the teams and wished them for better performance. He shared his memories of playing cricket from his childhood and said that he still plays cricket when he gets time.

Meet Hayer said that this time the budget of the sports department has been kept at Rs. 258 Cr which is more than 55 percent as compared to last year. This will give a big boost to the sports sector.

Earlier, Director Sports Amit Talwar welcomed the Chief Guest and all the teams and briefed about the tournament.

On this occasion, players from other states were very impressed by the martial art Gatka and Jugni Bhangra Academy’s folk dance Bhangra performances.

Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldy, District Planning Board Chairperson Prabhjot Kaur, ADC (General) Amaninder Kaur Brar and District Sports Officer Gurdeep Kaur.

TRIALS OF PUNJAB TEAMS FOR ALL INDIA SERVICES VOLLEYBALL AND ATHLETICS TOURNAMENTS ON 14TH MARCH

Chandigarh, March 12:

          Central Civil Services Cultural and Board are organizing the All India Services Volleyball (Men & Women) tournament from 22nd to 26th March 2023 at Central Stadium Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) and Athletics (Men & Women) tournament from 26th to 28th March 2023 at Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, Pune (Maharashtra).

          Trials for the selection of Volleyball and Athletics teams will be held at Polo ground Patiala on 14th March at 10 am.

          The spokesman of the sports department further informed that in these trials security services personnel/para-security organizations/central police organizations/police/RPF/CISF/BSF/ITBP and NSG etc., autonomous parties/undertakings/public sector Banks including central ministry run banks, excluding casual/daily workers, temporary office workers, newly recruited employees who have been in regular services for less than 6 months, Government employees (regular), government officials (regular) of different departments can participate only after receiving NoC from their departments. The cost of travel, accommodation and food in this tournament will be paid by the player personally.

ADC APPEALS PEOPLE TO UPDATE THEIR AADHAR DETAILS TO AVAIL BENEFIT OF WELFARE SCHEMES SMOOTHLY

 SAS NAGAR,
Additional Deputy Commissioner Amninder Kaur Brar today urged people to update their aadhar details in case they have not updated it during the last eight to ten years, prior to 2015.

Divulging the details, the additional deputy commissioner said that the Government of India has initiated an exercise to strengthen citizen’s Aadhaar by updating latest Proof of Identity(POI) and Proof of Address(POA) documents. Under this initiative, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced a new functionality of document update in Aadhaar through Document Update feature, she said.

Mrs. Brar further added that the document update feature is accessible online through myAadhaar portal or at any Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, thereby the citizens must opt these options to update their Aadhar details.

She mentioned that as per guidelines issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), all aadhar holders shall update their aadhar details with their mobile numbers, current proof of identity, and current proof of address. She further mentioned that the citizens can visit nearest sewa Kendras, and aadhar enrollment centers or can also get it done online through My Aadhaar portal and m.aadhaar mobile application.

 The ADC said that during the past decade, the unique 12-digit identification number (Aadhar Number) has emerged as a universally accepted proof of identity in the country, therefore keeping the documents updated in the aadhar helps in ease of living, better service delivery and enables accurate authentication. She stated that it is need of the hour that all of us should keep the aadhar details updated by filling in KYC forms adding that if there was not any significant change in the demographic details, even though applicants are required to update their proof of identity and proof of address. She also appealed to parents to get the aadhar details updated on their children aged between 5 and 15 years at the earliest.

 Mrs. Brar said that aadhar authentication is widely used in a large number of government schemes are financial services including banking and NBFC services thereby aadhar updating plays a crucial role to avail the benefit of these services in a smooth and hassle-free manner. The ADC also directed officials of various government departments to verify the Aadhar information of applicants before accepting it as proof of identity so as it would help identify fake/photoshopped Aadhar cards. During the meeting, Project Manager Raman Abrol also made a presentation about Aadhaar Card.

It is pertinent to mention here that aadhar services are available at all Sewa Kendras in SAS Nagar where people can avail these services between 9am to 5pm. Likewise, some banks and post offices are also providing these services.