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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Ongoing drive rescuing child beggars also prioritises rehabilitation: Punjab minister
Chandigarh, Punjab Minister Baljit Kaur on Friday said that the ongoing drive to rescue child beggars in the state also focuses on their scientific identification, rehabilitation, and long-term integration into society. Ongoing drive rescuing child beggars also prioritises rehabilitation: Punjab minister The Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister informed that the project, launched nine months ago, has now been relaunched in an upgraded and intensified format as Jiwanjyot 2.0. "The revamped project includes social investigation reports, DNA testing, psychological counselling, and strict legal follow-up," she said here. In the last week alone, around 170 child beggars were rescued from various locations across the state. Kaur highlighted that 125 coordinated rescue raids were conducted in major cities, resulting in the rescue of these children. Among them, 80 children were identified and reunited with their parents after thorough verification and counselling to ensure they are not coerced back into begging. However, 88 children whose parents or guardians could not be traced were placed in secure, government-run childcare institutions where they would receive nutrition, education, emotional support, and medical assistance in accordance with the Juvenile Justice Act. Kaur also mentioned that 25 social investigation reports have been prepared to better understand the backgrounds, vulnerabilities, and needs of the rescued children. In the case of 16 children, their DNA identification is being undertaken. 13 samples have been collected and sent to authorised labs for parentage confirmation. Among the rescued children, 10 are from other states, and the minister assured that necessary coordination is underway to facilitate their safe repatriation in consultation with the relevant state governments. "Project Jiwanjot is not just about pulling children off the streets; it's about rebuilding their futures," Kaur stated, adding that many of these children have now been admitted to schools and linked with welfare schemes, and follow-up monitoring is underway. Issuing a stern warning to parents or guardians found forcing children into begging, Kaur asserted that such individuals will be declared "unfit guardians" under the law, and legal action will be initiated. She also reiterated the government's firm stance against organised gangs or traffickers exploiting minors, promising strict police action under relevant IPC provisions. To address the issue holistically, Kaur announced that the Punjab Government will soon establish Aasra Centres for adult beggars in major cities, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Mohali and Bathinda. These centres will provide shelter, counselling and skill training to ensure adult beggars are not forced to push children into street begging. Kaur appealed to the public to call the Child Helpline if they see a child begging anywhere in Punjab, noting that timely reporting can change a child's life. Recently, the state government directed all deputy commissioners to conduct DNA tests for children found begging alongside adults on the streets to verify their relationships and address the issue of child begging. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
India Today
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Dance, music at Punjab government's Guru Tegh Bahadur event, top Sikh body fumes
An event organised by the Punjab government to commemorate Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, in Srinagar has ran into a controversy as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) raised serious objections, alleging it violated Sikh religious event, held on July 24 at Tagore Hall and organised by the Punjab Government's Language Department in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, featured Gurbani and Sufi music. However, controversy erupted when attendees were seen dancing to a Punjabi song performed by singer Bir the act a "grave violation of Sikh religious conduct (Gurmat Maryada)," SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami said the event disrespected the sanctity of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom. "Sikh martyrdom anniversaries are solemn, spiritual occasions that must align strictly with Sikh traditions—marked by Shabad Kirtan, Gurbani recitation, Gurmat Vichar, and sewa—not entertainment," Dhami further slammed the Bhagwant Mann government for organising religious commemorations without consulting Sikh institutions, stressing that such events should be led by bodies like the SGPC (the highest authority for Sikh religious affairs), which understand the religious and cultural sensitivities involved."The incident reinforces why the SGPC opposes government-led religious events," he said, demanding a public apology from the state government and urging that future events strictly follow Sikh emphasised that Sikh Gurpurbs and commemorative occasions are spiritual in nature and not meant for casual celebration."They include holy activities such as Shabad Kirtan, Gurmat Vichar, Gurbani recitation, community service and sewa. Activities such as dancing and singing performances are not only violations of Sikh principles but also disrespectful to the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur," he marks the second time in a week that the SGPC has objected to a Punjab Government initiative. Earlier, it raised concerns over the upcoming November celebrations of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's martyrdom, which include a government-organised yatra from Monday, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the event would be held from November 19 to 25, with a yatra to be flagged off by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The SGPC has opposed the plan, citing lack of coordination and government interference in Sikh religious affairs.- Ends IN THIS STORY#Punjab
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Direct affront to Sikhism': Punjab Govt's musical event on Guru Teg Bahadar's martyrdom anniversary in Srinagar sparks row
An event organised by the Punjab Government to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadar, the ninth Sikh guru, in Srinagar on Thursday evening has sparked controversy as Sikh bodies said the musical programme went against Sikh religious values. A section of social media users also raised strong objections to the entertainment programme hosted by the government's Language Department (Bhasha Vibhag) that saw the audience grooving to the tunes of singer Bir Singh. They questioned the decision to organise entertainment performances in the name of Guru Teg Bahadar, and asked why government funds were used for cultural events rather than solemn remembrance. The issue comes amid ongoing tensions between the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Punjab Government regarding the organisation of events related to the martyrdom centenary. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Friday strongly condemned the nature of the programme. 'The event held by the Punjab Government's Language Department goes against the sanctity of the Guru's supreme sacrifice. It is a direct affront to Sikh religious values and the philosophy of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar,' he said in a statement. Dhami stated that the event misrepresented the solemnity of the occasion and that Sikh traditions must be followed when marking such historical events. He added that Sikh Gurpurbs and martyrdom anniversaries are spiritual occasions that involve Gurbani recitation, Kirtan, and community service. 'Singing and dancing violate Sikh principles,' he pointed out. Dhami also urged the Punjab Government to apologise publicly and issue clear guidelines to prevent recurrence. He reiterated SGPC's stand that only Sikh institutions are supposed to organise the anniversary events of Sikh gurus. The Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) on Friday stated that cultural performances, including singing and dancing at the event, amount to sacrilege and demanded a public apology from Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, who is in charge of the Language Department, for the act, which amounted to making a mockery of the Guru's supreme sacrifice. 'How is it appropriate to organise such dance and music in memory of the Guru? If this is not sacrilege, then what is it? The Aam Aadmi Party government must explain what connection these performances have with the life, martyrdom, and sacred Gurbani of Sri Guru Teg Bahadar Ji,' the party said in its statement. Former MLA Virsa Singh Valtoha of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) also slammed the event, stating, 'Bir Singh is a good singer, but songs and dancing during a martyrdom centenary go against Sikh principles. We appeal to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib to take action according to Sikh religious conduct.' However, Harpreet Kaur, Joint Director of the Bhasha Vibhag, said that she had no information about who planned the format of this event. 'I am not aware of the event. The event was planned when I was on leave,' she said.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Calls grow for national recognition of Komagata Maru ship as ‘Guru Nanak Jahaz'
Akal Takht Acting Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj and Rajya Sabha member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal have demanded the Centre and the Punjab Government declare July 23 Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day to honour the participants of the 1914 voyage led by Baba Gurdit Singh, also known as Komagata Maru. In a message issued from Amritsar on the 111th anniversary of the forced return of the ship from Canada, Gargajj said, 'I call upon all Sikh institutions, the Government of India, and the Punjab Government to declare July 23 as 'Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day'.' Gargajj said this would recognise Baba Gurdit Singh's 'major struggle against racism and in defense of human rights'. Gargajj emphasised that Baba Gurdit Singh had named the ship Guru Nanak Jahaz, not Komagata Maru, a fact documented in the leader's autobiographical book. 'It is regrettable that history books in India continue to use the colonial name, ignoring the fact that Baba Gurdit Singh renamed the ship Guru Nanak Jahaz,' he said. 'This journey was deeply spiritual, with Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the Nishan Sahib on board.' Gargajj further noted that the Canadian cities of Surrey and Vancouver had already designated July 23 as Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day. 'India must do the same,' he added. Separately, in New Delhi, MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal submitted a request to the deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha seeking national recognition for the date. He wrote, 'We request that July 23rd be observed annually at the national level to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs aboard the Guru Nanak Jahaz.' Seechewal noted that the ship had sailed from Hong Kong to Canada carrying 376 passengers, mostly Sikhs, and that the Canadian authorities denied them entry, forcing the ship to return on July 23, 1914. Upon its return to India, British forces opened fire on the passengers at Budge Budge Ghat in Kolkata, killing 19 and sentencing others to penal colonies. Seechewal cited works by Baba Gurdit Singh and historian Dr Gurdev Singh Sidhu, both of which identify the ship as Guru Nanak Jahaz. 'The name holds cultural and religious importance,' he wrote, urging Parliament to pass a motion to honour the legacy of the ship and its passengers. Both leaders called for the ship's history to be taught accurately in Indian schools and universities, and for the name Guru Nanak Jahaz to replace Komagata Maru in textbooks and public discourse. Raj Singh Bhandal, who leads the Guru Nanak Jahaz Heritage Society, has been at the forefront of the campaign in Canada and is extending the efforts to India. 'Names are very important in history,' Bhandal said. 'The ship's name was changed many times, and it was named Guru Nanak Jahaz after Baba Gurdit Singh bought it.' According to Bhandal, the journey was not just about immigration but was inspired by the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev. 'The inspiration behind the fight that Baba Gurdit Singh and others led against the British was Guru Nanak Dev Ji. We hope that the Indian government will make this correction that would help the coming generations understand history better,' he said.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Punjab's ‘Green Tractor Programme': CCP may take suo motu notice of exclusion of imported tractors
ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is likely to take suo motu notice of the exclusion of certain categories of imported tractor models from the Punjab government's upcoming 'Green Tractor Programme,' a move that could potentially violate Pakistan's competition laws by limiting market access and reducing consumer choice. Sources confirmed Business Recorder that the CCP is legally empowered to check any move restricting competition in Pakistani market or abuse of domestic position as well as restricted choices to the consumers. According to reliable sources, the Government of Punjab has approved PC-1 for the provision of 9,500 subsidised tractors (ranging from 75 to 125 horsepower) to farmers during the fiscal year 2025-26 under the 'Chief Minister's Programme for Provision of High-Powered Tractors.' A pre-qualification meeting of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers was also held recently. Punjab launches green tractor distribution scheme under wheat initiative However, stakeholders have raised concerns that the scheme selectively includes only locally manufactured tractors in the 50–65 HP category, while excluding imported models of similar specifications. The basis for this exclusion remains unclear and may amount to discriminatory treatment in violation of Section 3 and Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010, which prohibit abuse of dominant position and restrictive agreements, respectively. According to the Punjab Government's Portal, 'The Green Tractor Scheme' gives farmers a subsidy of Rs0.1 million per tractor. Through balloting, the scheme will provide 9,500 tractors to farmers at subsidised prices. Farmers can choose tractors with 50 to 85 horsepower, all manufactured in the country. Locally manufactured tractors and any other local tractor manufactures, Kisan Bhai can get these tractors by just selecting in the online available registration form, according to the Punjab Government's Portal. Sources note that imported tractors—especially those in the 50–65 HP range—often feature advanced fuel-saving technology and other competitive advantages. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
