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Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Former MLA Virsa Valtoha seeks action against Punjab minister Baljit Kaur for visiting Dera Sacha Sauda centre
Seeking action against Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur for violating the Sikh code of conduct, former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha shared a video on Tuesday in which she is seen visiting a centre of the Dera Sacha Sauda headed by rape-murder convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. The video, originally uploaded by a social media account by the name 'Team Dr Baljit Kaur', shows the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader bowing her head and offering prayers at the Dera. Pictures of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim are also seen in the video. The caption accompanying the clip reads, 'Marked attendance at Dera Sacha Sauda', along with a religious slogan associated with the sect. Dr Baljit Kaur holds the portfolios of social security, women and child development, social justice, and minorities' empowerment in the Punjab Cabinet. Sharing the footage, Valtoha said, 'Punjab Cabinet Minister from the Aam Aadmi Party and Malout MLA Dr Baljit Kaur recently visited Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa, where she bowed in reverence and marked her presence. This act is a clear violation of the edict (hukamnama) issued by Sri Akal Takht Sahib.' The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader added, 'In accordance with Sikh traditions and the Sikh code of conduct (maryada), appropriate religious action should be taken against Dr Baljit Kaur.' Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is currently serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples. He is also an accused in the 2015 sacrilege case in Punjab. Following a series of controversies, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, the highest temporal seat of Sikh authority, had formally excommunicated the Dera in 2007. While the sect maintained influence in some political circles, open political support for the Dera significantly declined after the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal)'s defeat in the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections—a campaign in which the Dera had openly backed the party.
Hans India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Punjab ministers assess preparedness in forward areas
Chandigarh: Punjab Cabinet Ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Baljit Kaur on Saturday visited Fazilka to assess the civil administration preparedness and to interact with locals in forward areas along the International Border, but the Indian forces are in a "high state" of operational readiness. During the visit, the ministers held a meeting with the district administration and reviewed arrangements at the local Civil Hospital. They also visited city markets to meet residents and provide reassurance of the government's continued support. Minister Sond said the government stood firmly with the people of border areas during these testing times. He said all necessary support is being extended to the armed forces as well. Civil authorities enforced blackouts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Bathinda, Muktsar, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Moga districts and issued a series of advisories asking people to exercise caution against the backdrop of the heightened hostilities. Reviewing the administration's preparedness, the minister assured residents of Fazilka need not panic, as all arrangements have been made to ensure their safety and convenience. The ministers also inspected the Civil Hospital and confirmed that adequate beds and essential medicines are available as per requirements. Accompanying minister Baljit Kaur reiterated the government's commitment to the people and urged residents not to fall prey to fear or anxiety. She reviewed the functioning of the blood bank, civil services, and healthcare facilities during the visit. While reviewing the civil preparedness, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu said essential commodities are stocked as per requirement, and there are no reports of black marketing or hoarding. Multiple enemy-armed drones were spotted flying over Khasa Cantonment in Amritsar, and they were instantly engaged and destroyed by air defence units, according to the Indian Army. "Pakistan's blatant escalation with drone strikes and other munitions continues along our western borders. In one such incident, today at approximately 5 am, multiple enemy armed drones were spotted flying over Khasa Cantt, Amritsar," the Additional Directorate General of Public Information wrote on X. "The hostile drones were instantly engaged and destroyed by our air defence units," it said. "Pakistan's blatant attempt to violate India's sovereignty and endanger civilians is unacceptable. The Indian Army will thwart enemy designs,' it added. Civil administration officials said Jalandhar, Ferozepur, and Pathankot cities also saw explosions on the night of May 10. Missile debris was also found at Mand Maur village near Kartarpur. The debris was also found at Rampur Khalian village near Phagwara, where an eight-foot-deep crater was created in the fields. Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Himanshu Aggarwal, in a message, said, "Jalandhar was on red alert all night. Many objects were seen and neutralised by the armed forces. Stay calm and stay inside as much as you can." The state government has deputed 10 Cabinet ministers to review the preparedness of hospitals, fire stations, and essential services in border districts.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Standing as pillar of support in challenging times: Punjab ministers assure border residents
Chandigarh, Several Punjab ministers on Saturday visited border areas to assess the preparedness of the civil administration and interacted with residents to boost their morale amid a sharp upturn in the military conflict between India and Pakistan. Punjab cabinet ministers Tarunpreet Singh Sond and Baljit Kaur visited Fazilka. During their visit, they also held a meeting with the district administration and reviewed arrangements at the local civil hospital. They also visited the city markets to meet citizens and provide reassurance of the government's continued support. Sond emphasised that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, stands firmly with the people of border areas during these testing times. Punjab shares a 532-km border with Pakistan. According to an official statement, Sond stated that all necessary support is being extended to the armed forces as well. Reviewing the civil administration's preparedness, the minister assured that residents of Fazilka need not panic, as all arrangements have been made to ensure their safety and convenience. The ministers also inspected the Civil Hospital and confirmed that adequate beds and essential medicines are available as per requirements. Minister Sond noted that teams from the civil, police, and health departments are working round-the-clock to monitor the situation and serve the public effectively. Baljit Kaur reiterated the government's commitment to the people and urged citizens not to fall prey to fear or anxiety. She reviewed the functioning of the blood bank, civil services, and healthcare facilities during the visit. Both ministers toured the local markets and interacted with shopkeepers and local residents, encouraging them to stay calm and assured. They emphasised that the government is fully prepared to handle any situation and stands united with the people. The residents expressed satisfaction with the administration's efforts and pledged their support to the nation's security forces. Meanwhile, Ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Hardeep Singh Mundian visited the Ferozepur district. They also visited the local hospital to meet the people injured in Friday evening's incident in village Khai Pheme Ki. They also assured them and their families the every possible assistance from the state government and wished them a speedy recovery. In Ferozepur, three members of a family were injured on Friday night after a crashing projectile from a Pakistani drone destroyed by the Indian air defence system landed at their house at Khai Pheme Ke village, setting the structure and a car on fire. Meanwhile, the cabinet ministers held discussions with hospital officials and doctors, and civil and police authorities, to assess the situation and provide necessary directions. They emphasised the need for advance preparations, including stocking essential medicines and ensuring sufficient medical facilities to respond effectively in emergencies. Khudian and Mundian urged Ferozpur residents to follow government and district administration instructions to ensure their safety during this situation. Prioritising national and public safety, they emphasised the importance of adhering to advisories and safety guidelines issued by authorities. Specifically, they stressed the need to strictly follow blackout instructions to prevent untoward incidents. Reaffirming the Punjab's unwavering support for the nation and its security forces, they assured that the state government and district administration are committed to ensuring the safety of residents amidst the challenging situation.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjab reserves 33% government jobs for women: Dr Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh: In a step towards women empowerment and gender equality, the Punjab govt has framed and implemented 'The Punjab Civil Services (Reservation of Posts for Women) Rules'.Under the rules, 33% reservation is provisioned for women candidates across all categories for appointments to Group A, B, C, and D posts in the govt departments, as well as in the boards and corporations operating within Baljit Kaur, minister for social security, women and child development, Punjab, while expressing her gratitude towards chief minister Bhagwant Mann for the decision, said the "landmark initiative is a testament to the Punjab govt's unwavering commitment to fostering a gender-neutral, inclusive, and equitable society".The reservation policy is designed to ensure greater participation of women in public administration and decision-making roles, thereby strengthening the social and administrative fabric of the state, she minister said the Punjab govt had made it a top priority to provide more opportunities for the women in govt services. This major decision not only ensures fair representation for women but also reflects the govt's clear vision of building a progressive and vibrant 'Rangla Punjab'.Dr Baljit Kaur emphasised that empowering women in governance was a vital step towards achieving holistic growth and a prosperous future for the further said with this proactive measure, the Punjab govt reiterated its resolve to provide equal opportunities and fair representation to women in governance and public services, paving the way for a more balanced and progressive administrative 120966621 413 |
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Punjabi University contract professors intensify protest demanding seventh Pay Commission implementation
Patiala : Punjabi University 's contract assistant professors ramped up their protest on Friday here, staging a large demonstration at the vice-chancellor's office, demanding the implementation of the seventh Pay Commission . They also presented a memorandum to Punjab's social justice, empowerment, and minorities minister, Dr Baljit Kaur, who was at an event on the campus. The minister acknowledged the legitimacy of the professors' demands and assured them that the state govt would fulfil those. She directed V-C Karamjit Singh to address the issue. Despite this, the university registrar rejected the demands, offering little explanation, defying both the minister's and the V-C's support for the teachers' cause. Baljinder Singh, a representative from the Punjabi University Contract Teachers' Association (Pucta), said: "The regular, ad-hoc, and guest members of the faculty get paid under University Grants Commission's 2018 guidelines, which include the seventh Pay Commission. However, contract assistant professors are still paid based on the sixth Pay Commission's recommendations." He pointed out that all members of the faculty, including contractal staff, at Panjab University in Chandigarh are paid under the seventh Pay Commission. With 150-odd highly qualified contractual professors working across the Patiala university's main campus, affiliated colleges, and neighbourhood campuses, the association has also pushed for regularisation of their employment. "Until then, at the very least, we demand the implementation of the seventh Pay Commission," Baljinder Singh added. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] - 2025 Top Trending Search - Local network access Esseps Learn More Undo Tensions escalated when campus security blocked the protesters when they tried to meet the V-C again. The situation intensified when the professors surrounded the V-C's vehicle as he attempted to leave, leading to a second meeting invitation. Following this, the V-C forwarded the proposal to the Punjab finance department for approval, with a promise of resolution within 10 days. Pucta president Taranjit Kaur affirmed that the protest would continue until contract teachers received salaries under the seventh Pay Commission. MSID:: 120623538 413 |
