Aman Arora lauds doctors fraternity for advancing healthcare innovation in Punjab

Inaugurates two-day 'ENT Surgical Conclave'

Robotic-Aided Surgery takes center stage at Conclave

Renowned otolaryngologists and 200 delegates from across the country attend the conclave

Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, March 8:Punjab Cabinet Minister and the state president of Aam Aadmi Party Mr Aman Arora, on Saturday, inaugurated two-day ENT Surgical Conclave-2025 organised by the Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery at Fortis Hospital, Mohali. The conclave highlighted the latest advancements in Robotic-Aided surgery for the treatment of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) disorders and head & neck cancer surgeries.

While addressing on the occasion, the Chief Guest Mr. Aman Arora lauded the medical fraternity, especially ENT specialists for their dedication to advancing healthcare in Punjab.

"This conclave represents the kind of innovation and knowledge-sharing that is essential for our healthcare system to progress. Our doctors are the backbone of our healthcare infrastructure and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government is committed to supporting such initiatives that enhance medical expertise and ultimately benefit our citizens", said the Cabinet Minister, adding that the advancements in Robotic-Aided surgery being discussed here today will significantly improve the quality of health care.

Conceptualized by Dr. Ashok Gupta, Director, Head, ENT, Fortis Hospital Mohali, the surgical conclave was organized in collaboration with the All-India Rhinology Society and the Punjab Medical Council. The event witnessed the presence of renowned otolaryngologists and welcomed more than 200 delegates, including junior and senior residents from various medical colleges across the country.

Talking about the conclave, Dr. Ashok Gupta said, "The conclave focused on the latest advancements in otorhinolaryngology and the use of robot-aided surgery in the treatment of ENT disorders and head & neck cancer surgeries." The conclave also showcased Live Surgery sessions, one-to-one interaction with the operating faculty, panel discussions, poster presentations and a quiz.

Echoing a similar view, Dr. Anuragini Gupta, Consultant ENT, said, "The aim of organizing the conference was to train ENT specialist doctors to revolutionize and learn the latest advancements in otorhinolaryngology."

Padmashree awardee Prof. (Dr.) JM Hans, Dr. Neha Sharma, Dr. Rishav Kumar, Dr. KR Meghanadh, Dr. Rajiniganth MG, Dr. Mohnish Grover and Dr. Gaurav Gupta were also present on the occasion.

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₹3,708.57 Crore Pension Disbursed to 22.64 Lakh Elderly Beneficiaries Till January: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Government Allocates ₹4,000 Crore for Old Age Pension Scheme for the Current Financial Year

Chandigarh, March 8:The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has disbursed ₹3,708.57 crore in pension to elderly beneficiaries till January 2025. This information was shared by Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is committed to the welfare of every section of society. She informed that Punjab has a total of 34.09 lakh beneficiaries from various categories, including elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, widows, destitute women, and dependent children.

The Cabinet Minister further highlighted that Punjab has 22.64 lakh elderly beneficiaries who have received pension payments amounting to ₹3,708.57 crore till January 2025.

She also mentioned that the state government has allocated a total budget of ₹5,924.50 crore for old age pensions and other financial assistance schemes. Out of this, ₹4,000 crore has been earmarked for old age pensions for the current financial year.

Dr. Baljit Kaur directed officials to ensure that any pending pension funds are disbursed to beneficiaries within the stipulated time. She warned that any negligence in pension distribution would not be tolerated, and strict action would be taken against officials or employees found responsible for any lapses.

Reiterating the Punjab government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the elderly are a matter of pride for the state. She instructed officials to ensure that pension payments to senior citizens are made within the prescribed timeframe without any delays.

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GURDASPUR’S MADHAV COMMISSIONED INTO ARTILLERY REGIMENT OF INDIAN ARMY AS LIEUTENANT

•Aman Arora wishes the officer all the best at the service of Nation

• 170 cadets from MRSAFPI commissioned into Armed Forces so far

Chandigarh, March 8:Adding a yet another feather in the cap of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), Cadet Madhav Sharma was commissioned into the Indian Army's Artillery Regiment as Lieutenant at the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) passing out parade took place in Chennai, on Saturday. The passing out parade was reviewed by Lieutenant General Johnson P Mathew, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff.

Sharing this information here today, Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora extended heartiest congratulations to Madhav for brighter future ahead in the service of Nation.

He said that Lieutenant Madhav Sharma, the cadet of 8th Course at MRSAFPI, is son of Smt. Gopi Ranjan, the Headmistress of Government High School, Jogi Cheema, and late Sh. Hatinder Sharma of Gurdaspur. Before joining the Officers' Training Academy, the newly commissioned officer, earlier, had a stint as a security assistant with the IB at Amritsar.

With the commissioning of the Madhav Sharma, the total number of cadets commissioned as officers from MRSAFPI has reached 170, he added.

Director MRSAFPI Major General Ajay H Chauhan, VSM (Retd) said that two cadets of the Institute would be joining the SSC Tech-64 Course at OTA, Gaya later this month. After the 14 cadets who joined the undergraduate training academies in the month of December 2024, there are 32 cadets of the Institute who have cleared their SSB Interviews and are awaiting their joining letters for the courses commencing in June 2025. The Institute has achieved a record of sorts with 26 cadets clearing their SSB out of 34 who cleared the NDA Written examination in September 2024.

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Punjab's 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' gains momentum: Over 1000 Drug Peddlers arrested, 700 cases registered in 8 days, says Aman Arora

JAIL SUPERINTENDENT AMONG FIVE JAIL OFFICIALS AND TWO INMATES OF HOSHIARPUR CENTRAL JAIL BOOKED ON CHARGES OF DRUG TRAFFICKING

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

CHANDIGARH, March 8:Amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of the Punjab Police has registered a first information report (FIR) against five jail officials including the Jail Superintendent and two inmates of the Hoshiarpur Central Jail on charges of drug trafficking and criminal conspiracy.

The development came following the report received from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Prisons revealing connivance of certain jail officers with inmates in facilitating the drug smuggler lodged inside Hoshiarpur Central Jail for carrying out drug trafficking.

Divulging details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) ANTF Nilabh Kishore said that the FIR has been registered following an inquiry into an organised drug smuggling operation within the prison. The inquiry indicated that the inmates were involved in drug smuggling, which was facilitated by the corrupt actions of jail officials, who are accused of using their positions to allow the flow of illegal narcotics, severely undermining the security and integrity of the correctional facility, he added.

The ADGP said that an FIR has been registered under sections 21, 22, 29 and 59(2) of the NDPS act at at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar. A search was carried out simultaneously at 10 different places on Saturday morning, he said, while adding that further investigation is on and more arrests and actions are anticipated as authorities continue to uncover the full extent of the smuggling nexus.

Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the matter in detail.

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ CONTINUES ON DAY 8 AS PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 130 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 516 RAIDS

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— DAY LONG OPERATION LEADS TO REGISTRATION OF 85 FIRs, RECOVERY OF 3KG HEROIN, 9KG OPIUM, ₹5.39L DRUG MONEY

— POLICE TEAMS IN SIX DISTRICTS ALSO CHECK 672 PHARMACEUTICAL SHOPS

— OVER 250 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 107 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 602 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, March 8:Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the eighth day, Punjab Police on Saturday conducted raids at 516 locations leading to the arrest of 130 drug smugglers after registration of 85 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 1050 in just eight days.

Police teams have also recovered 3.04 kg heroin, 9.3 kg opium, 6673 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 5.39 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state in coming three months. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1700 police personnel, under the supervision of 107 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 602 suspicious persons during the day long operation

He said that Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced four persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 151 awareness events across the state on Saturday as part of Prevention.

Meanwhile, Police teams have also conducted checking at as many as 672 pharmaceutical shops in six districts including Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Patiala Sangrur and SAS Nagar to ensure that they are not selling intoxicant tablets or any other habit-forming drugs, and are adhering to the prescribed norms and regulations regarding the sale of medicines.

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National Lok Adalat Held Across Punjab: Over 3.85 Lakh Cases Taken Up by 394 Benches

Lok Adalat: A Step Towards Amicable Dispute Resolution

Chandigarh, March 8:In a significant step towards reducing pendency in courts, the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, under the guidance of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Executive Chairman of the State Authority, organized a National Lok Adalat across Punjab today. A total of 394 Lok Adalat benches were constituted, taking up around 3,85,189 cases for settlement.

On this occasion, Sh. Manjinder Singh, Member Secretary, Punjab State Legal Services Authority, visited the Court Complex in Fazilka to inspect the Lok Adalat proceedings. Addressing the media, he highlighted the benefits of Lok Adalats, emphasizing that they help litigants save time and money while ensuring a win-win resolution for all parties involved.

He further informed that the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, has launched a Free Legal Aid Helpline—15100, available round the clock across Punjab to assist the public with free legal services.

Reiterating the commitment of the Punjab State Legal Services Authority, he assured that maximum disputes will continue to be resolved through Lok Adalats in the future.

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NANDED MURDER CASE: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS ANOTHER OPERATIVE OF BKI TERROR MODULE FROM DELHI AIRPORT

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— PUNJAB POLICE’S STRATEGIC EFFORTS ENSURED SACHINDEEP’S ARREST AT AIRPORT AFTER HE FLED TO THAILAND, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ACCUSED TAKEN INTO POLICE CUSTODY FOR FURTHER QUESTIONING.: AIG SSOC DR SIMRAT KAUR

CHANDIGARH, March 8:In yet another major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has arrested another operative, identified as Sachindeep Singh alias Sachin of village Dialpura in Ajnala, Amritsar, of the banned terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) for his involvement in Nanded murder case.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav informed that the arrest has been made by the team of State Special Operation Cell, SAS Nagar, at IGI Airport, New Delhi. “In a bid to escape the law, accused Sachindeep fled to Thailand, attempting to evade arrest. However, Punjab Police’s strategic efforts ensured his arrest at Delhi International Airport,” he said.

The development came in less than two weeks after Punjab Police has arrested two operatives— Jagdish Singh alias Jagga and his accomplice Shubhdeep Singh alias Shubh— of the BKI module in connection with the Nanded murder case and recovered two .32 bore pistols along with five cartridges from their possession.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that accused Sachindeep played a crucial role in BKI’s terror network, providing safe shelters, logistical support, and financial assistance to operatives working under the command of Pak-based terrorist Harwinder Singh Rinda and USA-based BKI operative Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passian. Further investigation is on and more arrests are likely in this case, he added.

Sharing more details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar Dr Simrat Kaur said that upon learning that his name had surfaced during the investigation, accused Sachindeep fled to Thailand in an attempt to escape capture. However, Punjab Police swiftly issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against him, which led to his detention at Delhi International Airport upon his return to India, she said.

The AIG said that the accused has now been taken into police custody for further questioning.

In this regard, a case FIR no 1 dated 21.02.2025 has been registered under section 25(1) B of the Arms act and sections 249 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC, SAS Nagar.

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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: TWO MORE ILLEGAL HOUSES OF DRUG SMUGGLERS RAZED IN FAZILKA AND SAS NAGAR

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

CHANDIGARH/FAZILKA/SAS NAGAR, March 8:Continuing its action against drug mafia amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police with the help of local administration on Saturday, has demolished buildings of the illegally constructed houses of two drug peddlers in Fazilka and SAS Nagar districts.

In Fazilka, a bulldozer was used to raze the house of a drug smuggler identified as Bohar Singh in Seed Farm village. On this occasion, SSP Varinder Singh Brar the accused Bohar Singh, whose house was demolished, has been facing 21 criminal cases under the NDPS act.

SSP Brar further warned that anyone who amasses wealth through drug trafficking will either have their property seized or demolished.

Similarly, in SAS Nagar, the District Police, in collaboration with Municipal Council Kharar, have demolished unauthorised structures built on encroached Panchayat Land (Now part of Kharar MC) in Jandpur village of the district, by the family of drug traffickers. The structures were illegally occupied by drug traffickers, having multiple FIRs under various sections including three under NDPS and one under Excise act.

SSP SAS Nagar Deepak Pareek said that the demolition was conducted on the request of the MC Kharar, which sought police assistance to remove the illegal encroachments. According to official records, the accused and his family members have seven FIRs including three NDPS Act cases, between the tenure of 1999 to 2014, he added.

He said that the drive was carried out by MC officials and it was ensured that the demolition would be carried out smoothly, with sufficient personnel deployed to prevent any disturbances.

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PS Health Orders Civil Surgeons to immediately address concerns flagged in Patient Feedback Survey

Resolve all pending claims under the Ayushman Bharat - Mukh Mantri Sehet Bima Yojana within one week, PS directs officials

Chandigarh, March 8:Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul convened a crucial review meeting with Civil Surgeons and Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) of district hospitals to enhance healthcare services across Punjab.

The meeting held here today, focused on addressing concerns highlighted by a recent Patient Feedback Survey and ensuring efficient delivery of medical services.

The survey, conducted by the Punjab Development Commission in collaboration with the Health Department from January to mid-February, assessed key aspects of patient experience, including cleanliness, waiting times, doctor interaction, and medicine availability.

Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul conducted a thorough review of the survey findings, issuing strict directives to officials responsible for facilities falling short of established standards. He emphasized zero tolerance for negligence in providing quality healthcare and mandated the prominent display of the centralized public grievance number 104 in all hospital OPDs.

"Our priority is to ensure every citizen receives timely and quality healthcare," stated Kumar Rahul. "We will take stringent action against any officer failing to uphold these standards."

SMOs were instructed to resolve all pending claims under the Ayushman Bharat - Mukh Mantri Sehet Bima Yojana within one week. In line with the "Yudh - Nashian Virudh" campaign, Civil Surgeons were directed to streamline the functioning of all OOATs, de-addiction centers, and rehabilitation facilities.

Special Secretary Health Ghanshyam Thori emphasized the need to expand coverage of the Nikshay Poshan Yojna under the 100 Days TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and to complete NCD screenings for the 30+ population by March 31.

Civil Surgeons and SMOs received training on the Punjab Transparency in Public Rules-2022 to enhance procurement efficiency.

The meeting also included discussions with Punjab Development Commission member Anurag Kundu and senior health officials, including Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director Health Services (Family Welfare) Dr. Jasminder, and Director (ESI) Dr. Jaspreet Kaur and other senior officials from the PHSC and DHS office.

The Punjab Health Department remains committed to leveraging patient feedback and implementing strategic measures to ensure the delivery of accessible, efficient, and quality healthcare services to all citizens.

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PUNJAB POLICE CONDUCTS SEARCH OPERATION AT 262 BUS STANDS ACROSS STATE

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE AS PER VISION OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— PUNJAB POLICE DETAINS 175 PERSONS FOR QUESTIONING; ALSO REGISTERS TWO CRIMINAL CASES

— OVER 400 POLICE TEAMS FRISK 3868 PERSONS AT 262 BUS STANDS ACROSS STATE, SAYS SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

— POLICE TEAMS ALSO CHECK VEHICLES STATIONED AT AND AROUND BUS STANDS; 14 VEHICLES IMPOUNDED, 208 CHALLANED

CHANDIGARH, March 9: In order to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Holi festival as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Sunday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at as many as 262 Bus Stands across the state.

The operation was carried out on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav in all the 28 Police districts.

Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

He said that police teams with the assistance of sniffer dogs frisked people arriving and departing at Bus Stands, he said, while adding that teams have also rounded up suspicious people for verification. “We had strictly instructed all the Police Personnel to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner while frisking them during the course of this operation,” he added.

The Special DGP said that as many as 400 police parties, involving over 3000 Police Personnel, were deputed under the supervision of 121 gazetted rank officers across the state to look for suspicious persons at different bus stands in the state while ensuring minimum inconvenience to the general public.

Around 3868 people were checked during the operation conducted at around 262 bus stands in the state, he said, while adding that police teams have rounded up 175 persons for questioning. Police teams have also registered two criminal cases during the operation and recovered 100 grams heroin, he added.

He said that during the operation, police teams have also conducted checking of vehicles stationed at and around the bus stands. As many as 208 vehicles were challaned and 14 vehicles have been impounded by the teams, he added.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla reiterated that such operations would continue to ensure peace and harmony in the border state.