Punjab Cong in-charge Devendra Yadav pays tributes in Amritsar

Amritsar: Devendra Yadav, the recently appointed in-charge of Punjab Congress, paid a tribute at Sri Harimandir Sahib Gurudwara, Durgiana Mandir, and Bhagwan Valmiki Teerath in Amritsar on Monday.
Accompanied by Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), and other senior party leaders, the delegation sought blessings from the Guru and becoming a part of the Sangat. "This visit is a testament to Punjab Congress’ deep reverence for the sacred shrines and reflects the party's commitment to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Punjab," a statement issued by the party said.

 
Punjab and  Haryana continue to reel under cold conditions

Chandigarh: Cold weather conditions on Monday continued to persist in Punjab and Haryana, with the morning fog reducing visibility levels at many places. Gurdaspur in Punjab reeled under biting chill, recording a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) weather bulletin. Chandigarh recorded a low of 7.4 degrees Celsius. In Punjab, Bathinda, Patiala, Ludhiana, Pathankot, also experienced a cold night, recording respective minimums of 5.6 degrees Celsius, 6.1 degrees Celsius, 6 degrees Celsius and 6.7 degrees Celsius. In Haryana, piercing cold swept Rohtak, which recorded a low of 6.7 degrees Celsius, the bulletin said. Ambala, Narnaul, Karnal and Hisar recorded respective minimums of 6 degrees Celsius, 7 degrees Celsius, 7.7 degrees Celsius and 8.4 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, fog this morning reduced visibility levels at many places in the two states. During the past several days, a blanket of fog was seen enveloping many places in both states during morning hours.

UT Adviser inspects Night Shelters, Raen Baseras

Chandigarh: To evaluate the conditions of homeless people, Nitin Yadav, Adviser to the Administrator, inspected Night Shelters/Raen Baseras at GMSH 32 and ISBT 43 in Chandigarh. During his visit, the Adviser engaged with the persons staying at these night shelters and inspected the facilities and general upkeep of the shelters. Recognizing the drop in temperature in Chandigarh, he instructed officials to augment the number of heaters at these locations. The Adviser emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate bedding, water, first aid kits, and the deployment of security guards. In response to the increased demand at GMSH 16 and PGIMER, the Adviser appealed to the public to seek shelter in other available night shelters, which are equally equipped with all essential amenities.

Haryana allocates Rs 3.96 crore to 496 beneficiaries for house repairs

Chandigarh: Haryana Government has allocated over Rs 3.96 crore to 496 beneficiaries under the Dr BR Ambedkar Awas Navinikarn Yojna, spanning from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. This initiative is designed to offer financial aid to underprivileged families in the state for house repairs. A spokesperson said that citizens interested in availing the government's financial assistance for house repairs can check their eligibility criteria and apply online. Applicants can also submit their applications online through the ‘Saral Haryana’ portal. The SEWA department provides Rs 80,000 financial assistance for house repairs to BPL families under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Awas Navinikarn Yojna. This amount is given as a lump sum and is transferred directly to the beneficiary's registered and Aadhaar-linked bank account. All BPL families are eligible for this scheme.

Mobile phones costing about Rs. 28 crores being distributed to Anganwadi workers, supervisors in Hry

Chandigarh: Haryana Minister of Women and Child Development Kamlesh Dhanda, said that the mobile phones are being distributed to Anganwadi workers, supervisors, and CDPOs (Child Development Project Officers) at an estimated cost of around Rs. 28 crore. In a program held at grain market in Kaithal, the state minister distributed mobile phones to Anganwadi workers. The Minister of State said that mobile phones have been provided to 1270 Anganwadi workers, 49 supervisors and 7 Women and Child Development Project Officers in Kaithal district. Minister further stated that approximately 25,962 Anganwadi workers, 1016 supervisors, and 148 CDPOs across the 22 districts of the state will be provided with mobile phones, totalling a cost of Rs. 28 crore. In Kaithal district, 1326 mobile phones were distributed.

Air services to commence from Hisar Airport by April this year

Chandigarh: Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala on Monday said that air services will commence from Hisar Airport to various important cities in the country by April of this year. An MoU with the company is set to be signed soon. After meeting with the officials, the Deputy Chief Minister, who is also holding the portfolio of Civil Aviation Department said that the air connectivity in the state will operate on the concept of "State VGF (Viable Gap Funding)," ensuring that passengers do not incur extra fares. Initially, air travel will commence, with plans to deploy a 70-seater aircraft from Hisar Airport to connect routes like Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Kullu. The routes will undergo a review after the first 90 days, and based on passenger demand, flights will be expanded to include destinations such as Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ambala.

Water Supply Minister Jimpa visits Talwara Surface Water Project

Chandigarh: Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Minister Bram Shanker Jimpa visited Talwara Surface Water Project. This project will provide clean and drinkable water to 197 villages of Talwara, Hajipur, Bhunga and Dasuya blocks and is scheduled to be completed by next year. Through this project, a pipeline of about 231 km long is to be laid from Shah Canal Barrage. Jimpa said that the total cost of this project is Rs. 258.73 crore. After the completion of this project, the drinking water problem of the people of Kandi area will be solved.  Jimpa also issued directions for timely completion of the project and instructed that the work should be of high standard.