Latest news with #SadakSurakhyaForce
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Plea in HC alleges scam in buying 144 SUVs for Punjab's highway patrol
Chandigarh: A public interest litigation (PIL) filed in the Punjab and Haryana high court has alleged large-scale financial irregularities in the purchase of 144 Toyota Hilux vehicles by the Punjab govt in Dec 2023 for its 'Sadak Surakhya Force'. The case was listed for hearing on Thursday, but it did not come up for hearing. It is now expected to be heard on Friday. The petitioner, Ludhiana resident Satnam Singh Dhawan, compared the price at which these vehicles were purchased by the state govt from the manufacturer directly with the price at which such vehicles were available in the market with the dealers during Dec 2023. The petitioner claimed that he found the price at which the state of Punjab purchased these vehicles directly from the manufacturer cost the exchequer an amount to the tune of Rs 10.7 lakh for every such vehicle. He claimed that in other words, for purchasing 144 vehicles, the state paid a minimum of Rs 15.44 crore extra, even if the bulk discount was not available. "Although the financial loss to the state must be, if investigated, much more, in case the bulk discount on the purchase of such a huge quantity of vehicles directly from the manufacturer is available. Thus, it is clear that the middlemen/concerned officer who are party to the purchase of the aforesaid Toyota Hilux vehicles have embezzled a part of the funds meant for purchasing the 144 vehicles," the petition mentioned. The petitioner also claimed to have submitted representations to the director, CBI, seeking investigation but he had not received any response. 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 s ilver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
04-08-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Punjab to get 200 more Aam Aadmi clinics soon: CM Mann
Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced that the state government will open 200 new Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) across the state, taking the total number of such healthcare facilities to 1,081. CM Bhagwant Mann and health minister Balbir Singh at an event in Chandigarh on Sunday. (HT) Addressing the gathering during a function to inaugurate a WhatsApp chatbot for AACs, Mann said these clinics cater to nearly 70,000 patients daily, and this initiative will prove beneficial for the patients. 'It's a historic day in the healthcare sector of the state as a total of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state have been connected to a WhatsApp chatbot,' Mann said. Mann said the initiative is expected to bring revolutionary changes in healthcare services, as approximately 90% of Punjabis own a smartphone, and they can now be directly reached through WhatsApp. 'Patients will receive complete health-related information via WhatsApp, and doctors' prescription slips will be accessible through the chatbot,' said Mann. Diagnostic test reports will also be shared, and patients will receive reminders about their next consultation dates from the doctor, he said. Regular WhatsApp updates will be provided on care for elderly people with diabetes or blood pressure, pregnant women, and newborns, Mann said. 'It will eliminate the need for patients to physically store prescriptions or medications, as they can access the information anytime on the messaging platform,' the CM said. Mann said patients can instantly share their reports with family members or consult another doctor through WhatsApp. The chief minister said the health department will also maintain a digital database of patients, their ailments, and treatments. Mann said that Punjab will soon launch 200 more Aam Aadmi Clinics to ensure quality healthcare services for all. The Punjab government is committed to providing free medical treatment to every citizen. It is also the first state in the country to implement the 'Mukhya Mantri Sehat Yojana', which provides medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh per family,' Mann said, adding that it is the duty of governments to provide quality health services free of cost, and that they are fulfilling this responsibility with dedication. Stating that the Punjab government is making significant efforts to turn the state into a medical hub, he informed that approval has been given for the establishment of four new medical colleges in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Sangrur, and Nawanshahr. Mann also highlighted several 'pro-people' decisions that his government has taken to win people's trust in government institutions. The CM said that during his tenure as a member of parliament, data indicated that over 5,000 lives were lost annually in road accidents in Punjab. He said the formation of the Sadak Surakhya Force or Road Safety Force has led to a 48% reduction in such deaths, setting an example for other states as well, adding that the force consists of specially recruited and trained personnel, including women, and is equipped with 144 modern vehicles. Health minister Dr Balbir Singh, chief secretary KAP Sinha, health secretary Kumar Rahul, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Punjab sees sharp spike in traffic violations: Overspeeding challans rise 500%, drunk driving Up 430% in 5 months
CHANDIGARH: Punjab has recorded a five-fold increase in overspeeding challans and a four-fold jump in drunk driving penalties across the state in five months. Official data from the traffic wing of Punjab Police shows 16,428 challans issued for overspeeding between Jan 1 and May 31, a nearly 500% increase from the 2,745 recorded during the same period in 2024. Drunk driving challans also soared by 430%, from 776 to 4,115 in the corresponding periods. The police have issued at least 109 overspeeding and 17 drunk driving challans daily. A S Rai, ADGP, traffic and road safety, said, "Overspeeding and drunken driving are two major factors behind maximum accidents. To check them, the best strategy is to act tough against violators." He added that CM Bhagwant Mann directed a special focus on these areas, leading to investments in new and repaired alcometers to enhance enforcement. The traffic and road safety wing has bolstered its arsenal, procuring 12 additional laser speed guns to supplement the existing 28, which will soon be distributed to districts for improved traffic management, according to an official. Also, 400 new breath alcohol analysers (alcometers) are being purchased to augment the 669 already in use, strengthening the fight against drunk driving, the official added. The official said the enforcement would further increase as the automatic online challan system for overspeeding through laser speed guns mounted on Sadak Surakhya Force's interceptor vehicles on highways was set to become functional soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The modalities for the system were being worked out and would be in place shortly, the official added. The AAP-led govt launched the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) in Jan last year, making Punjab the first state with such a dedicated force to assist road accident victims and transport them to trauma centres. Comprising 129 vehicles, including 116 Toyota Hilux vehicles with advanced gadgetry, the SSF has already shown major results. Official figures from the traffic and road safety wing indicate a 47% decrease in road accident deaths in 2024 compared to 2023, falling from 2,161 to 1,143. District police chiefs are also actively involved in the crackdown. Pathankot SSP Diljinder Singh highlighted the strategic deployment of laser technology-based speed radars on NH 44 and roads leading to popular tourist destinations like Chamba and Dalhousie. Similarly, Hoshiarpur SSP Sandeep Kumar Malik said that curbing overspeeding and drunk driving is crucial alongside infrastructural improvements to prevent accidents. Beyond speeding and drunk driving, challans for mobile phone usage while driving also increased by 25% this year, with 5,643 challans issued between Jan 1 and May 31, compared to 4,510 in the same period last year. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Two motorcyclists killed in vehicle pile-up in Ferozepur
Two people were killed in a pile-up involving a truck, a car and a motorcycle near Hamad village, 25km from Ferozepur, towards Fazilka on Monday. The names of the victims have been identified as Shiva, son of Kashmir Lal, a resident of Guru Har Sahai village, and Gurpreet, son of Baldev Singh, a resident of Waddi Kaniawali area. Police teams from the Sadak Surakhya Force (SSF) and Lakho Ke Behram police station reached the spot and took custody of the bodies. 'We have initiated an investigation. The truck driver has been arrested,' police added. Eyewitnesses said the truck and the Maruti Baleno collided, after which the car driver lost control and crashed into the motorcycle. Police said three men were riding the motorcycle and two of them died on the spot, while the third was rushed to the civil hospital in Ferozepur, where his condition is stated to be stable. The car driver also sustained injuries and has been hospitalised.
