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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
AAP govt will transform roads leading to all religious sites: Harbhajan Singh ETO
Days after the Sikh clergy at Akal Takht directed the state government to address the condition of the roads leading to historic gurdwaras associated with Guru Teg Bahadur in view of his 350th martyrdom day, cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Saturday announced that roads leading to all religious sites will be transformed. Cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO (centre) with AAP leaders at the party's event in Baba Bakala, Amritsar. (HT) While addressing a political conference organised by the ruling AAP on the occasion of Rakhar Punya, a Sikh festival commemorating the discovery of Guru Teg Bahadur as the ninth Sikh Guru by Baba Makhan Shah Lubana, the minister said the AAP government had fulfilled almost all guarantees that were promised to the people before the elections. Except him, no big face of the ruling AAP turned up at the event, despite chief minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal being in Tarn Taran district. Referring to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, ETO invited the 'sangat' to participate in these programmes, and announced that before September 5, the memorial of Bhai Jaita at Anandpur Sahib, built at a cost of around ₹20 crore, will be inaugurated to formally commence these events. The minister declared that the infrastructure of villages and towns blessed by Guru Teg Bahadur's presence will be transformed. He added that in just three and a half years, the Bhagwant Mann government had accomplished as much work as previous governments could not in 75 years. He highlighted the provision of 600 units of free electricity to every household, major improvements in the power sector, uninterrupted eight-hour daytime electricity supply to farmers and the purchase of a thermal plant from the private sector by the Punjab government. Referring to the 'corrupt coal purchasing practices' of previous governments for their personal gain, he said, 'We have stopped that racket and begun using our own coal mines, which has brought significant economic benefits to the power department. Today, the power department is earning profits of over ₹2,500 crore.' He further announced that soon the chief minister will provide medical insurance worth ₹10 lakh to every household, which will permanently remove the burden of medicine expenses from common people's pockets. Speaking about the war against drugs, the minister said so far, ministers, MLAs, constituency in-charges and other party leaders had visited over 7,000 villages and towns to spread the message against drugs.


Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Under oppn fire, AAP big guns skip Baba Bakala meet
Baba Bakala: Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party 's national convener Arvind Kejriwal were notably absent from the party's state-level political conference held on the occasion of Rakkhar Punya in the historic town of Baba Bakala on Saturday. Interestingly, both leaders were present in nearby Tarn Taran, approximately 40 kilometres away, for the launch of an anti-drone system. In their absence, cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO addressed the gathering. Although the media was invited to cover the event in Baba Bakala, no official explanation was initially provided for the absence of the top leaders. When asked, party representatives said their schedule changed the previous night. However, it is widely believed that the low turnout at the event may have influenced their decision to skip the function. While addressing the gathering, ETO extended greetings on behalf of Mann, Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and party president Aman Arora. He said Mann will soon launch a scheme to provide medical insurance worth Rs 10 lakh to every household, which will permanently relieve the common people from the burden of medical expenses. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: New Container Houses (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search Ads Search Now Undo Speaking about the anti-drug campaign, ETO said so far, ministers, MLAs, constituency in-charges, and other party leaders have visited over 7,000 villages and towns, spreading awareness against drug abuse door-to-door. As a result, more than 4,000 panchayats have given written declarations stating that they will not support drug peddlers. Referring to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the minister extended an invitation to the wider sangat to actively participate in the commemorative events. He announced that the formal inauguration of the function will begin with the opening of a memorial dedicated to Bhai Jaita Ji, being constructed in Anandpur Sahib at a cost of approximately Rs 20 crore, before Sept 5. The towns and villages blessed by the footsteps of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji will be transformed and developed accordingly. BOX: United in dissent Punjab needs a change in governance: Akali Waris Punjab De While addressing a well attended gathering, leaders of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) raised several pressing issues, including land pooling, law and order concerns, incidents of sacrilege, and the continued detention of Sikh political prisoners (Bandhi Singhs). Tarsem Singh, father of jailed MP Amritpal Singh, questioned the state govt's actions regarding land acquisition. He asked how the govt could acquire farmers' land without their consent and without offering fair compensation. He also criticised the imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) on an elected MP, calling it undemocratic. "Punjab needs a change in governance. The overwhelming support and turnout at our events clearly show that the people are demanding change," Tarsem Singh said. He said the party intends to contest the Tarn Taran by-elections and is in discussions with Bibi Paramjit Kaur Khalra, despite her current refusal to contest. Sarabjit Singh Khalsa, MP from Faridkot and son of Beant Singh — one of the assassins of former PM Indira Gandhi — also strongly voiced support for the farmers opposing the land pooling scheme. He reaffirmed his party's stance against the govt's policies. He honoured the father of Gurpreet Kaur, a resident of Khadoor Sahib, who was allegedly barred from appearing in the judicial services exam due to wearing Sikh religious symbols (Kakkars). Khalsa further accused the Punjab police of allegedly coercing Amritpal Singh's aides into signing false statements. He cited an incident involving Bhagwant Singh alias Pradhan Mantri Bajeke, who claimed in a court complex that he was forced to sign documents stating that Amritpal was involved in drug use. BOX: SAD to launch 'Jameen Bachao - Punjab Bachao' Addressing the gathering on the occasion of Rakkhar Punya at the historical town of Baba Bakala, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal assured Punjabis that once they form a SAD govt in the state, it would return all land acquired by the AAP back to the farmers on the same pattern in which it returned land acquired for the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal to the farmers in 2016 and bar outsiders to purchase land in Punjab. "We are very clear. We can sacrifice our life but will not allow even one inch of land to be forcibly acquired from the farmers. It is for this reason that we are launching the 'Jameen Bachao - Punjab Bachao Morcha' from Sept 1, which will witness an indefinite march every day from Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib in Mohali to the nearby New "Sheesh Mahal" where AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal has taken up residence."said he. Sukhbir said that unlike the erstwhile SAD govts, which gave adequate compensation for land acquisition for important projects, AAP is intent on grabbing fertile farmland for peanuts and handing it over to builders from Delhi as part of a Rs 30,000 crore underhand deal. He said farmers across 65,000 acres of land, which was being acquired, were already facing problems with all registry and even change of land use processes being stopped. "Once we form the govt in 2027, we will ban outsiders from purchasing land in Punjab. We will also ensure that govt jobs are given to Punjabis only and that all new companies recruit as much as 80 per cent Punjabi employees," he also announced that the Atta-daal and Shagun schemes would be restarted and that old age pension would be hiked. eom Box Cong leaders call for unity ahead of 2027 polls At a Congress rally, state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and former deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Amritsar MP Gurjit Singh Aujla were prominent among others who addressed the gathering. Leaders strongly criticised the govt over the alleged deteriorating law and order situation and the controversial land pooling policy. Randhawa emphasised the need for unity in preparation for the 2027 elections. He announced that starting August 21, immediately after the Parliament session ends, the party will launch a village-to-village campaign to raise awareness against the land pooling policy. He alleged that AAP is preparing to exploit Punjab through land pooling scheme. He said that the loss of AAP in Delhi was not just a rejection of the party but a clear sign of the public's growing distrust in Arvind Kejriwal, who, according to him, has been making promises based on falsehoods. He warned that a similar situation is unfolding in Punjab, and the people of the state will not tolerate it. Randhawa predicted that the AAP would face a resounding defeat in the 2027 assembly elections. He also raised concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab, including the rise in serious crimes such as murders. Warring alleged that Punjab is currently facing a breakdown in law and order, farmers are distressed, and traders are dissatisfied. He appealed to all Congress leaders to work together in unity. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. 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The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Railway Hospital gets advanced medical equipment to improve patient care
In a boost to healthcare services for railway employees and their families, Divisional Railway Manager Lalit Bohra and Jyotsna Bohra, president of the East Coast Railway Women's Welfare Organisation, inaugurated an Ethylene Oxide Steriliser and an Advanced Laser machine for the physiotherapy unit at the Divisional Railway Hospital on Thursday. The new equipment is a significant addition to the hospital's operation theatre. The ETO sterilisation sterilises a wide range of medical instruments, linen, and other materials that are sensitive to heat or moisture. The ETO uses a chemical process to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi at lower temperatures, making it ideal for sterilising items made of plastic, rubber, and certain medical devices that could get damaged by high heat. The Advanced Laser machine is a state-of-the-art equipment and is designed to provide targeted pain relief, promote tissue healing, and accelerate recovery for patients with various musculoskeletal conditions. It will aid in pain management, reduce inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and stimulate cellular regeneration, thereby improving the quality of care and rehabilitation outcomes for patients. Mr. Lalit Bohra said that the introduction of these advanced medical technologies would provide safe, effective, and modern healthcare to railway employees and their families. Chief Medical Officer Dr. D Sarath Babu, ADRM (infra) E Santharam and other officers and staff were present.


The Print
02-06-2025
- The Print
GST inspector held in Haryana's Palwal while accepting bribe: Anti-Corruption Bureau
Faridabad (Hry), Jun 2 (PTI) The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Faridabad arrested a female GST inspector of the office of the Palwal district excise and taxation commissioner on Monday while she was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 in lieu of issuing a GST number to a complainant, an official said. According to a statement issued by the ACB, accused Sumitra was also arrested in Panipat in 2022 while accepting a bribe of Rs 2 lakh, along with co-accused ETO Roshan Lal. A senior ACB officer said in the Panipat case, a chargesheet was filed against both the accused in July 2022 and the matter is still sub-judice.


Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Amritsar hooch tragedy: Two suppliers held from Delhi as toll rises to 23
Amritsar : Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested two accused from New Delhi's Model Town in connection with the sale of spurious liquor that claimed 23 lives in villages of Majitha sub-division in Amritsar district over the past two days. The Amritsar rural police arrested Ravinder Jain and his son Rishabh Jain from the national capital for supplying raw material to one of the main accused, Sahib Singh. Punjab director general of police Gaurav Yadav posted on X: 'One of the main accused, Sahib Singh, was in contact with Rishabh Jain, as revealed through his WhatsApp chat history. It is suspected that Sahib Singh received methanol consignment from Jain, which was used to manufacture the spurious liquor in Punjab. An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Excise Act, and investigations are underway to uncover other linkages in this illegal network'. Later, addressing a press conference, DIG (border range) Satinder Singh said: 'So far, 18 persons have been nominated in this case and 16 accused have been arrested. Delhi-based father-son duo cannot be spared as they are selling a chemical which could claim anybody's life. They are considered a major part of the entire racket. Sahib Singh paid ₹35,000 to Jain to purchase a 600-litre consignment of methanol which was to be used to prepare spurious liquor.' Till Tuesday, 21 deaths were reported, but two more victims succumbed on Wednesday, taking the toll to 23. Both the deceased belonged to Bhangwan village. Most of the victims were daily-wagers from Bhangali, Patalpuri, Marari Kalan, Talwandi Khumman, Karnala, Bhangwan and Threawal villages. Husband of Ninder Kaur, who used to sell the illicit liquor and is one of the accused in the case, also died after consuming spurious liquor, said the DIG. 10 accused sent to 2-day police remand Ten accused, who were arrested on Tuesday, were produced in a local court and were sent to two-day police remand, said officials. A police probe revealed that methanol — a chemical used in industrial products —was procured in bulk online to prepare the toxic brew. Methanol is a light, colourless organic chemical compound which is poisonous when ingested and is illegally added to alcoholic beverages as a cheaper alternative to ethanol, which is the normal consumable alcohol. Four officials, including Majitha deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and the local excise and taxation officer (ETO), were placed under suspension on Tuesday for negligence. Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday met the victim families and announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased and said that the state government would bear the expense of education of the children of the victims. Two cases have already been registered at Majitha and Kathunangal police stations in Amritsar rural under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 103 (murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and relevant sections of the Excise Act and the SC/ST Act.