Bank Pension From 1993 Agreement to Supreme Court

By Maninder Singh Bhatia on Bank Pension Updating

​The issue of pension updation for bank employees and pensioners is neither new nor a recently emerged matter. Its roots trace back to the historic Memorandum of Settlement dated October 29, 1993. This agreement was executed between the management of 58 banks—represented by the Indian Banks' Association (IBA)—and the bank employees' unions. A Supreme Court judgment also explicitly records the reference to this agreement and its Clause 12.​

The primary objective of this agreement was to introduce a pension scheme for bank employees. Under this settlement, pension was implemented as a second retirement benefit with an effective date of November 1, 1993. Provisions were also made regarding the pension rate, qualifying service, Dearness Relief, commutation, and other terms.

​However, the most crucial aspect of this agreement is Clause 12. It stated that provisions should be made in the pension scheme for the "updating" of pension, alongside other terms, and that these provisions should align with those prevailing in the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

​Furthermore, the 1993 agreement specified that Dearness Relief for pensioners should follow the Dearness Allowance formula in effect at the RBI. This clearly demonstrates that the RBI pension model served as a vital reference point for the architects of the bank pension framework at that time.

​Subsequently, the Bank Employees' Pension Regulations were framed in 1995. From this point onward, the legal interpretation of pension updation grew increasingly complex. Later, Regulation 35(1) was amended in 2002, stating that basic pension and, wherever applicable, additional pension "shall be updated" as per the formula provided in Appendix-I.

​This became the main point of legal contention between pensioners and bank management/the government. Pensioners argued that if the 1993 agreement envisioned pension updation on the lines of the RBI and the 2002 amendment used mandatory phrasing like "shall be updated," the benefits ought to extend broadly to all pensioners. On the other hand, differing judicial opinions emerged across various court levels regarding its legal interpretation and scope.​

Writer M S Bhatia

Against this backdrop, the M.C. Singla case has gained significant prominence and is currently sub-judice before the Supreme Court. During the hearing on July 22, 2026, the Supreme Court specifically noted the argument that updation under the amended Regulation 35(1) of 2002 should apply to all employees, pointing out that this updation was omitted in calculating the annual pension of retired employees. The Court directed PNB to file an additional affidavit along with supporting documents, while also calling for relevant records spanning the 7th to 12th Bipartite Settlements.

​As of September 2026, the matter remains pending before the Supreme Court. The case was listed on September 9, but the hearing could not take place; according to information released by pensioner associations, efforts are underway to have it re-listed for the next hearing. Therefore, it would be premature to claim that the Supreme Court has delivered any final verdict in favor of pension updation.

​To fully understand this entire matter, the document of October 29, 1993, serves as a crucial historical piece of evidence. It clearly shows that "updating" was not excluded during the formulation of the pension scheme, but was explicitly incorporated into Clause 12 of the settlement.

​Today, with massive structural shifts in bank salary and pension calculations, the vital question for thousands of veteran pensioners is whether their pensions should also be updated periodically. The definitive legal answer now rests with the pending proceedings in the Supreme Court.

​Hence, the 1993 agreement is not merely a founding document for bank pensions, but a foundational pillar of the ongoing legal discourse on pension updation.

​(The author is a former banker, trade unionist, and social activist.)

Dr. Sandeep Puri New Medical Director at RG Hospitals

AK Shalu On Sunday 6th September 2026 at 19:23 Dr. Sandeep Puri Now S Medical Director 

Dr. Puri is the former Principal of DMCH Ludhiana

Ludhiana>Punjab Screen Bureau Desk>>6th September 2026>

Veteran physician brings over three decades of experience in medicine, medical education and hospital administration

Renowned physician, medical academician and administrator Dr. Sandeep Puri has taken charge as the Medical Director of RG Hospitals, Ludhiana. With over three decades of experience in clinical medicine, medical education, research and hospital administration, Dr. Puri brings extensive expertise to his new role.

Dr. Puri is the former Principal of Dayanand Medical College & Hospital (DMCH), Ludhiana. An alumnus of DMCH, he completed his MD in Medicine from the institution and joined its faculty in 1992.

During his distinguished career at DMCH, he served as Medical Superintendent from 2001 to 2014, Head of the Department of Medicine from 2005 to 2014, and Principal from December 2014 to February 2024.

Dr. Puri has made significant contributions to medical education and research. He has 64 research publications to his credit and has led seven multinational clinical trials. He also served as the Editor of API Medicine Update 2014 and was the Organizing Chairman of APICON 2014 and IACMCON 2015.

In 2002, he received specialized training in Rheumatology at AIIMS, New Delhi.

For his contributions to medical education, research and healthcare, Dr. Puri has received several prestigious honours, including Fellowships of ICP, IACM and IMMSA, membership of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), the Rabindranath Tagore Oration at APICON 2017, and the Best Teacher Award at DMCH.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Puri has also been actively involved in social initiatives, particularly promoting voluntary blood donation. He has himself donated blood more than 90 times.

Welcoming Dr. Puri to RG Hospitals, the hospital management said that his extensive clinical, academic and administrative experience would further strengthen the institution's focus on quality patient care, clinical excellence and ethical medical practices.

The management expressed confidence that Dr. Puri's experience and leadership would contribute significantly to strengthening the hospital's healthcare services and further enhancing the quality of care provided to patients.

National Conclave on BioE³ Highlights India’s Path

KKS on 31st August 2026 at 6:12 PM Regarding ‘GREEN FORGE’ inaugurated at BRIC-NABI

Path Towards Industry-Ready Biomanufacturing

‘GREEN FORGE’ inaugurated at BRIC-NABI; focus on scaling innovations, strengthening industry partnerships and building India’s domestic biomanufacturing capabilities

MoUs with Various Industries to Drive Partnerships and Scale Up BioE³ Biomanufacturing Innovations

SAS Nagar, Mohali): 31st August, 2026: (K.Kalyani Singh//Punjab Screen India Desk):: 

The National Conclave on “BioE³ (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment): Enabling Scales for Industry-Ready Biomanufacturing” was held today at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council–National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (BRIC-NABI), Mohali, marking two years of the transformative BioE³ Policy. The Conclave brought together policymakers, scientists, academic institutions, industry leaders, startups and other stakeholders to deliberate on strengthening India’s biotechnology ecosystem and accelerating the translation and scale-up of scientific innovations into industry-ready biomanufacturing solutions. The programme focused on the role of biotechnology in advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat, with discussions spanning agriculture, healthcare, sustainability, carbon capture and utilisation, bio-based products and emerging technologies.

The Conclave was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Director General, Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), and Chairman, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), also graced the occasion. The event was held in the esteemed presence of Prof. Ashwani Pareek, Executive Director, BRIC-NABI, Mohali, Dr. Sangita M. Kasture, Head, Biomanufacturing Directorate, DBT, along with Dr. Dhananjay K. Tiwari, Managing Director, BIRAC. 

A major highlight of the Conclave was the inauguration of “GREEN FORGE – Shaping the Crops of Tomorrow”, showcasing the potential of controlled-environment technologies, biotechnology and advanced research approaches for developing next-generation agricultural solutions.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Rajesh S. Gokhale highlighted India’s transition towards a new era of biotechnology, where biological systems are increasingly integrated with Artificial Intelligence, automation, sensors, robotics and advanced manufacturing. He explained that this convergence can enable programmable biomanufacturing, smart biofactories, AI-powered biofoundries, precision therapeutics, climate-smart agriculture and circular bioeconomy platformsThe Conclave further focused on strengthening public–private partnerships for scaling innovations under BioE³. The discussions emphasised the importance of creating mechanisms that can bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment and enable promising technologies to reach industrial scale. The D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE³ initiative also recognised young innovators, with Certificates of Merit awarded to 36 winning teams from the December 2025–April 2026 cycle, while 28 winning solutions from the January–March 2026 cycle received prizes of ₹1 lakh each. The students also interacted with the Hon’ble Minister, sharing insights into their winning innovations under D.E.S.I.G.N. for BioE3 and discussing their ideas for advancing biotechnology-led solutions. The programme also witnessed the launch and announcement of an Interactive Platform for Biofoundry and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Flagship Project on Bio-SAF and Bio-SMART under the India–HE programmes.

In his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh congratulated BRIC-NABI for hosting the Conclave and expressed confidence that the Institute would emerge as a torchbearer of India’s biotechnology revolution. He highlighted the potential of GREEN FORGE to recreate precisely controlled environmental conditions, including light, humidity and temperature, for advanced agricultural research, and noted that integrating such capabilities with Artificial Intelligence could further accelerate innovation in agriculture and allied sciences. He also appreciated the participation of young innovators, describing their enthusiasm and innovative work as a strong promise for the emergence of a new India.

The Conclave also provided an opportunity to showcase BRIC-NABI’s advanced research and infrastructure through a visit to the Param Smriti SuperComputing Facility, DBT SPEEDY-SEEDS and Biofoundry (Agri-Food Bio-Mug). The visit provided participants with an overview of the Institute’s capabilities in advanced computing, agricultural research and biomanufacturing infrastructure.

The deliberations reaffirmed the importance of connecting research, innovation, entrepreneurship, industry and policy to build a robust and scalable biomanufacturing ecosystem. The programme closed with valuable recommendations from the dignitaries, setting a clear direction for strengthening collaborations and accelerating the scale-up of biomanufacturing innovations.

Poet Prof. Kapoor’s Book Launched at SCD Govt College

BB Goel on 23rd February 2026 at 05:28 PM Regarding Book Release

 Prof. Ashok Kapoor, an 80-year-old alumnus of SCD 

Ludhiana: 23rd February 2026: (Brij Bhushan Goel//Punjab Screen Desk)::

A profound anthology of poems titled Sallies of Surreal Shades by Prof. Ashok Kapoor, an 80-year-old alumnus of SCD Government College, was released on campus today. The event brought together his former classmates, students, and faculty.

Principal Gursharanjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the college’s pride in alumni like Prof. Kapoor, whose work inspires current students. Distinguished attendees included alumni Prof. Sagar Chand Jain, Harish Kaura, Manjula Jain, Prof. Rajinder Jain, Navdeep Singh, O.P. Verma, Manpreet Singh, Prof. Vijay Asdhir, and Brij Bhushan Goyal, Organizing Secretary of the Alumni Association.

Faculty members such as Prof. Amita Thamman (HOD, PG English), Prof. Harmit Kaur, Prof. Preeti, Prof. Gurjit, Prof. Atinder Pandey, Prof. Suraj Kumar, Prof. Sarika, and Prof. Geetanjli Pabreja also marked their presence.

Dr. Satish K. Kapoor, former British Council Scholar and author of the book’s foreword, praised Prof. Kapoor’s poetry for its energy and its ability to connect readers with nature and inner awakening. Prof. Kapoor recited his poem Memories of College Days and donated ₹20,000 for purchasing competition books for students.

Brij Bhushan Goyal emphasized the learning students can gain from Prof. Kapoor’s creative work, while Prof. P.K. Sharma stressed the importance of blending generations in celebrating creativity.

The ceremony was a vibrant tribute to literary passion and alumni contribution.

Closure of Katra Medical College is unfortunate—IDPD

 Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 9:09 PM  Regarding National Medical Commission Medical College Katra

Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) takes serious notice

Action taken under communal pressure - Honorable President should intervene

Ludhiana: 8th January 2026: (Media Link-K K Singh//Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) expresses its strongest protest and deep anguish over the decision of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to shut down the Medical College at Katra. This decision is arbitrary, unjust, and deeply troubling, and it strikes at the very foundations of merit, constitutional values, and institutional autonomy.

The medical college at Katra was granted permission last year to admit 50 students, and admissions were carried out strictly on the basis of merit, following all existing rules and procedures. Out of these 50 students, 42 students admitted on merit belonged to the Muslim community. This fact, and this fact alone, appears to have triggered a politically motivated agitation by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, who have openly argued that since the college is run by the Mata Vaishno Devi Trust, admissions should be restricted to students from the Hindu community.

IDPD categorically states that this argument is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and legally untenable. The Katra Medical College does not enjoy minority status, and therefore any agitation or demand based on religious exclusion is illegal and violative of the Constitution of India. Admissions based on merit, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, are the cornerstone of a democratic and secular education system.

The National Medical Commission is a constitutional, autonomous regulatory body, expected to function independently, guided by law, ethics, and public interest. Its apparent succumbing to sectarian and political pressure in this matter is extremely unfortunate and raises serious questions about the erosion of institutional autonomy. Such capitulation sets a dangerous precedent and may have grave long-term repercussions for medical education, social harmony, and the rule of law across the country.

By closing the medical college, the NMC has not only punished students who were admitted fairly and lawfully, but has also sent a chilling message that merit can be overridden by communal considerations. This is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.

The undersigned office bearers of IDPD:

Dr. S. S. Sudan, Patron, IDPD

Dr. Arun Mitra, President, IDPD

Dr. Shakeel Ur Rahman, General Secretary, IDPD

Dr. G. M. Malik, Senior Vice President, IDPD & Former President, J&K IDPD

Dr. Mohammed Latif, President, IDPD Jammu & Kashmir

strongly demand that the decision to close the Katra Medical College be immediately revoked and that the college be allowed to function without discrimination or political interference.

IDPD also makes an earnest and urgent appeal to Madam Droupadi Murmu, the Hon’ble President of India, to intervene without delay, uphold constitutional morality, protect the rights of students, and ensure that the medical college at Katra is reopened and allowed to operate in accordance with law.

Education cannot be communalised.

Merit cannot be punished.

Constitutional institutions must not surrender to sectarian pressure.

Punjab Agricultural University

PAU on Monday 1st December 2025 at 4:49 PM

PAU Agri-Engineers celebrates Diamond Jubilee  Alumni Meet Moments 2025 

Ludhiana: 1st December 2025: (Media Link-KK Singh//Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Alumni Association of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized its grand annual alumni meet in which approximately 250 alumni, residing in various corners of India and abroad, participated alongwith with their families. Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, inaugurated the grand event. Former Deans of the College, Dr SD Khepar, Dr SK Sondhi, Dr PK Gupta, Prof VK Sehgal, Dr Jaskarn Singh Mahal, Dr Ashok Kumar and Dr HS Sidhu also graced this grand occasion. Besides, Prof Manjeet Singh Chinnan, Prof of Emeritus, University of Georgia, USA and Visiting Professor PAU alongwith his Diamond Jubilee batch mates, attended the alumni meet. Former presidents of the Alumni Association were among the distinguished guests present on the occasion. Alumni from batch L-1965 and L-1975 attended the meet in good numbers to celebrate their diamond and golden jubilees, respectively.

The main attraction of the Diamond Jubilee Alumni was the homecoming of the special Diamond Jubilee Baton. This baton, released during Moments 2024, was carried by the alumni across the countries like United States, Canada, Australia, and to many corners of India. Later the Diamond Jubilee Alumni Directory- ALMANAC 2025 and Alumni Newsletter ‘The Agrineer’ were released.

Dr Gosal lauded the achievements and contributions of the alumni from the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the institution's reputation and success. He remarked that the alumni served as the University’s most valuable ambassadors, carrying forward its legacy of innovation, integrity, and academic excellence into diverse sectors. He encouraged the alumni to remain closely connected with the institution, contribute their expertise, and actively participate in initiatives, aimed at promoting sustainability, and technological advancement for the benefit of farmers and society at large.

The Chief Patron of the Alumni Association and Dean COAET, Dr Manjeet Singh, extended heartfelt congratulations to the alumni for their immense contributions and professional excellence in the field of agricultural engineering within India and abroad. Established in 1964, the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology has produced approximately 2,900 agrineers who have excelled as academicians, researchers, administrators, and entrepreneurs across diverse fields, he added. Further, he shared that the College has taken many new initiatives during the last year which included launch of a new School of Digital Innovations for Smart Agriculture (S-DISA), and that it was leading in the integration of cutting-edge tools viz., AI, drones, IoT sensors, robotics and GIS, into every facet of agriculture. The College has also established a Ministry-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) to train rural youth in UAV operations, he informed. Recently an Agro-processing Complex including a jaggery processing unit has also been established to showcase on-farm processing and packaging of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, jaggery, he added.

Dr Preetinder Kaur, President of Alumni Association, welcomed the esteemed gathering and shared that the Association has gained remarkable momentum through the collective and wholehearted participation of the alumni. She also highlighted that the Association has recently started AA - MS Chinnan Travel grant for students and faculty and Sukhdeep Singh-Jasjeet Kaur Academic Improvement Award for students with generous support of alumni.

Vibrant fun and cultural extravaganza was conducted by Dr Gurnaz Singh Gill along with Dr Preeti Birwal and Dr Maninder Kaur. The alumni also participated in the photo booth session, fun activities and ‘University Geri on tractor-trolley’ with full excitement and vigour.

Dr Vishal Bector, Chief Editor, coordinated the felicitation ceremony and Dr Sandhya, Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.

Citizens demand increase in allocation to health budget

 Dr. AKM on Thursday 27th November 2025 at 5:13 PM

Privatization of State Health care add to impoverishment-IDPD

Ludhiana: 27th November 2025: (Media Link-K K Singh//Punjab Screen Desk)::

Low priority in the spending on health by the government is forcing the population to shelve money from their pocket to catastrophic level. Most of the families have to either sell their assets or borrow for health services. This was said by speakers at an interactive session on the ‘Present Health Scenario in Punjab - The Way Forward’ organised jointly by the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD), PAU Employees Union and PAU Pensioners and Retirees Welfare Association. Dr  Arun Mitra president IDPD while initiating the discussion said that India is among the lowest spenders on public health in the world. The NITI Aayog has admitted that the Out of Pocket expenditure on health is pushing  7% population into poverty every year. Our poor ranking of 102 out of 123 in the Global Hunger Index is a cause of concern as a poorly nourished person is more vulnerable to fall sick. Government has failed to meet even its own figures to increase public Health spending to 2.5% of the GDP even though the as per the World Health organisation (WHO) norms it should be 6% of the GDP towards health. Our spending hovers around less than 2%. Peace meal approach to health, more stress on insurance based health care and entry of corporate sector in a big way in the health care ‘business’ has not solved the health needs of the people.

Dr. Indervir Singh Gill member of the central council of IDPD cautioned that Punjab is among the top out of pocket spending (OOP) states on health. Over OOP is 57% against the national average of around 40%. Large number of vacancies of doctors and other health staff are lying vacant. There are only 50 percent general medical officers and specialist doctors both against the sanctioned posts in the state sector to serve the population of more than 3 crore people in the state. Allocation to health in the budget is less than 2%. Our health bending per the State's GDP is only 0.7% against the recommended 2.5% by the Niti Aayog. Now lately the government is planning to privatise the civil hospitals through PPP mode and also to open the new medical colleges in the PPP mode. This will further push the low income group people to impoverishment. This plan should be immediately revoked he said.

As per the government plan the upcoming medical colleges in Sangrur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar will now be opened under the PPP (Public Private Partnership) model through the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB), and tenders for the same have already been floated. This will make the medical education in the state more expensive. Whereas the annual tuition fee in the government  run colleges is about 1.8 lakh per year the private colleges are charging  up to  12 Lakh per year.

It has been observed across the world that countries where the government itself provides healthcare services have far better health indicators compared to those where healthcare is delivered through the private sector or insurance companies. Therefore, instead of moving toward privatization, the Punjab Government should increase the health budget and directly ensure healthcare services for the people. D P Maur, President PAU Pensioners and Retirees Association said that the senior citizens who have no income of their own are the worst sufferers. M S Bhatia, General Secretary AITUC Ludhiana said that the government is diluting the ESI which will have serious implication on workers’ health.  Dr Pragya Sharma, compeered the proceedings. Baldev Singh Walia, President PAU Employees Union thanked the participants.  Several participants who gave their inputs include Dr Param Saini, Dr Gurveer Singh,  Dr Suraj Dhillon, Dr Ankush Kumar.

German Prof Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin's Talk at PAU

Received from PAU on 27th October 2025 at12:26 PM Regarding A Talk  By Professor Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin

“Life in a Nutshell: Biotic and Abiotic Chemistry........!

Ludhiana: 27th October 2025: (Media Link Ravinder//Punjab Screen Desk)::

The Department of Chemistry, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a guest lecture on “Life in a Nutshell: Biotic and Abiotic Chemistry of Natural Complex Systems in Food, Health and Environment.” The session began with the welcome of distinguished speaker Professor Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, Director of Research, Unit Analytical Bio Geo Chemistry, Helmholtz Munich, Germany; and Dr Ashok Kumar Malik, Professor, Former Head of Punjabi University, Patiala, by Dr Kiran Bains, Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities (COBS&H).

Prof Philippe delivered an insightful and thought-provoking lecture. He discussed his studies related to analytical chemistry and metabolomics that are important for nutritional and health related issues.  He combined different spectroscopic studies with theoretical modelling techniques that illustrated chemical complexity and diversity of bioactive metabolites. He also cited examples from interfaces in biomes and abiomes of chemical systems across life, after-life, and pre-life stages.

Dr Bains, in her presidential remarks, appreciated the significance of the lecture and motivated the students and the faculty to excel in their field. She also encouraged future academic collaborations for basic and applied research.

Dr Neena Singla, Coordinator of Research, COBS&H, delivered a formal welcome address and highlighted research activities of the college.

Dr Manpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Chemistry, introduced the distinguished speaker, Dr Phillipe who is a science advisory board member of many prestigious European institutes and holds robust research experience as a team member of NASA and JAXA missions.  

The faculty of the Department of Chemistry later had an interactive session with Dr Phillips and Dr Malik and discussed possibilities of collaborative future research.

Life Time Achievement Award to Padam Shri O S Pahwa

Email From Brij Bhushan Goyal on Monday 13th Oct 2025 at 4:32 PM Regarding Onkar Singh Pahwa 

Pahwa’s entrepreneurial journey instills confidence in every youth

Ludhiana: 13th October2025: (*Brij Bhushan Goyal//Punjab Screen)::

Alumni Association of SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana has hailed honoring of Padam Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa by his alma mater where he graduated in the year 1973 with the Life Time Achievement Award, a rare honor. The college got this prestigious opportunity of honoring him at the Zonal Youth and Heritage Festival being held here where teams with their teachers from 24 colleges of Punjab were present. Principal Dr. Gursharan Jit Singh Sandhu said that this was a proud moment for the college as Pahwa’s entrepreneurial journey instills confidence in every youth.

The other befitting honor for Pahwa is his figuring on the title page of the prestigious literary magazine of the college The Sutlej for the year 2024-2025  which was released on the occasion. Pahwa in his address to students felt gratitude for the college which has groomed him. He invoked students to startup ventures saying every first step is small. He was all praise for illustrious teachers. 

The ceremony was attended by another industry stalwart Surinder Singh Bhogal, a mid-1960s alumni besides many other alumni. O P Verma, K B Singh, Brij Bhushan Goyal, P D Gupta, Navdeep Singh, Gurmit Singh, Geetanjli Pabreja, Dr Sajla Kalra, Harish Kaura, Gurmit Singh, Ashok Dhir,    Dr Vikas Loomba, Dalbir Singh Mouli, Paramjit Chander, Dr Sourabh (All alumni) and former college principals praised college’s alumni bonds. Goyal informed that Pahwa has already given sizeable help in his philanthropic pursuits for the college.

 *Brij Bhushan Goyal is Organizing Secretary, Alumni Association, SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana 

Free Camp by Holistic Homeopathic Clinic

Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:06 AM, Regarding Medical Camp

Camp in Behrampur (Gurdaspur) Benefited Public

Behrampur: (District Gurdaspur): (Gurdaspur Screen):

To increase health awareness among the public, Holistic Homeopathic Clinic Mukerian, in collaboration with Grazitti Interactive IT Company, Panchkula, organized a free homeopathic medical camp. The camp was held at Radha Krishna Mandir, Behrampur.

During the camp, a team of experienced doctors and health workers, led by Dr. Aman Pathania and Dr. Deepak Thakur, examined over 100 patients and provided them with free homeopathic medicines. Patients were also provided with detailed information on lifestyle, diet, and mental health.

Dr. Aman Pathania stated that homeopathy is a natural and safe method that balances the body from within. Meanwhile, Dr. Deepak Thakur explained that such camps are proving helpful in making healthcare accessible in rural areas and motivating people to seek appropriate treatment.

The camp was organized and managed by Pawan Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Pandit Ajay Shastri, and Subhash Chandra Ji. They stated that such efforts facilitate access to healthcare in rural areas.

Local residents thanked the team of doctors and expressed their gratitude for such camps. The organizers stated that similar camps will be held in other nearby areas in the coming months.

Surprises Galore In Twenty First Century

Received From B B Goyal Ludhiana on 26th September 2025 at 6:13 PM

Guest Article by *Prof PK Sharma

Ludhiana: 26th September 2025: (Media Link Ravinder//Punjab Screen Desk):: 

Brij Bhushan Goya is very known for his creative works, articles and reports etc. Today he sent an special article by *Prof PK Sharma.

Every era, time and century brims indeed with its own varied hues,innovations and distinctive contours."Change is the law of nature"is a time tested and popular saying,why not it be so with the present century too unfolding many of its queer surprises on the world scene in sharp comparison to the past ones?

Ruminating over the nuances of twenty first century, one stark reality of life haunts off and on that nothing is hard and fast in life.It reminds of William Shakespeare's famous play"Macbeth" in which at the very outset of the drama three witches chant,"Fair is foul and foul is fair" making it very candidly clear that words,concepts and definitions go on changing their connotations with the passage of time.In today's foxy a world, no one knows and is certain when "fair" turns "foul" and "foul" turns"fair"within the twinkling of an eye.

Never ever imagined that things will undergo bizarre an alteration in the present century so swiftly in all the four directions north,east,west and south of the globe.A bird's eye view ironically bears testimony to this fact that there are sharp contrasts and contradictions tangible on the today's world scene studying quite raptly the yore too.

First of all, the word DEMOCRACY comes to my mind.The famous quote of Abraham Lincoln erstwhile US President in his1863 Gettysburg address claimed it as"government of the people,by the people,for the people,shall not perish." Democracy in India drummed as the"mother of democracy" virtually is now "government of the few,by the few, for the few." The word people evaporates because of a yawning gap between the rich and the poor and inequalities unabated at various levels in "We the people of India...." pointing out evidently towards the same where A1 and A2 in terms of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi in addition to the Supremo reign supreme,not at all the people of India. 

Democracy is treated these days so whimsically and instinctively in India as a fiefdom as the Lok Sabha has been pulling on sans the post of Deputy Speaker for the past over six years.Mr.Jagdeep Dhankhar Vice-President  of India-cum- Chairman Rajya Sabha on July,21 conducts too cheerfully the proceedings of the House of Elders on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon session but by the evening either he quits his office mysteriously on health grounds in reality or made to do so  unceremoniously after completing half of his term deemed to be the blue eyed boy of "the powers that be".What a new norm of democracy did take everybody by surprise in June,2024 when the BJP's parliamentary party did not dare to convene a meeting to elect its leader in Lok Sabha but instead it was the National Democratic Alliance which completed this ritual of electing NDA leader to offer the Supremo a hassle free and safe passage to be sworn in for the third time as the Executive Head of the nation.Israel too is having democracy only in the name as PM Benjamin Netanyahu is calling the shots ruling the roost turning out to be a symbol of the devilish dance of destruction, devastation,displacement and death- only and ultimately the people and mankind the casualty.

An active journalist of more than four decades, journalism for me then in past century and now in the present one deserves deep peep into as well as a sharp analytical look.Journalism as I have comprehended so far, implies digging out truth but is it so in the letter and the spirit in India now?The spot reporting, human interest stories,first page editorials and exclusive symbolic photojournalism by and large seem to be the casualties, bidden a go bye these days also from the style sheet of journals and electronic media.The print and electronic press barring few exceptions have a penchant for concentrating and focussing unduly on the duo of ruling party "supremos" more, overlooking the opposition party bigwigs off and on.

The September 17 editions of various TV channels, English and Hindi dailies did abound with many birthday stories, ads and snaps of the supremo very unusually almost on most of the pages, making no photojournalism sense when nation on the whole had been passing through very odd, trying and tough times in wake of the fierce fury of floods in the states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Bihar,Jammu Kashmir and Haryana.On  keen observation,it was found that a reputed 150 year old English daily carried eleven photographs of the "supremo" in its 12 page edition on this particular day making a mockery of photo journalism. Quite often in routine too,some dailies display at least half a dozen snaps of the "supremo" offering too much space in one edition on a given single day whereas the enough space if so saved can be utilised optimally for either disseminating some other important information or more exclusive stories.

The "Number One"and "Number Two" of the nation still do not entertain any difference between the ruling party and opposition suffering from paradoxes in abundance though in the driving seat for more than eleven years. Both do not feel shy of blaming Congress for all the ills and blemishes in the nation to sustain in power for long.Recently in a poll rally in Purnia of Bihar, the Supremo made Congress Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal scapegoat for protecting the infiltrators in Bihar posing a grave threat to India on many accounts forgetting that it is PM and Home Minister's duty to arrest this problem staring the nation in the face as both are holding the reigns of power for more than eleven years .Come polls anywhere in the nation,far flung-futile issues never ever bothered or cared,are in the forefront and vogue  pressed as the poll campaign stuff to befool the masses !

The word "peace" too has assumed very startling semiotics in the present day world.Some of the five Veto Powers too have been resorting to amusing antics. The Russian President Vladimir Putin whose country is involved in long drawn a war with Ukraine strangely proposed himself for mediation of ceasefire between Israel and Palestine forces.US President Donald Trump has been yearning for Nobel Peace Prize on account of claiming time and again mediation in seven peace missions including the cease fire between Pakistan and India claimed almost forty five times but not dittoed by India, who at one time did not refrain from attacking Iran on one or the other pretext,then Russia and Ukraine stance too did not please Trump who did strive in vain to put a full stop to their war despite his repeated efforts in this regard.The big powers of the world wish to sell modern dreadful weapons of war just to the developing nations but at the same time yearn for Nobel Peace Prize decoration too,how paradoxical a wish !

All in all,the nineteenth and twentieth centuries did leave their remarkable as well dismal footprints on the sands of time but the twenty first century has so far been replete with its dreadful,awe-inspiring and traumatic times be it Gujarat Riots, Corona Catastrophe,Coup In Afghanistan,Change Of Guard In Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, Russia Ukraine War,Indo-Pakistan Conflicts on borders,Sino-Indian Skirmishes,Israel-Palestine  Tug of War Still In Progress, Manipur Mayhem With Climatic Dangers looming large playing havoc over the world scene.The world in the 20th Century becoming a global village owing to technological advances and revolution is standing on the brink of grave impending dangers and disasters swayed by hollow,petty egos and arrogant mindsets at the international level hence peace,amity and harmony alluding the world badly.

*Prof PK Sharma Freelance Journalist & Associate Professor of English(Retired) has been an alumnus of SCD Govt. College, Ludhiana

CPI Demands Chandigarh Be Handed Over to Punjab

Received from CPI 25th National Congress on 24th September at 5:25 pm

This resolution was moved by the Punjab leader Baldev Singh Nihalgarh

At the 25th Congress of the CPI, a resolution was passed declaring that Chandigarh is the capital of Punjab and should be given to Punjab. This resolution was moved by the Punjab leader Baldev Singh Nihalgarh.

The leaders pointed out that Chandigarh was built by displacing Punjabi villages to serve as the capital of Punjab, and therefore the Punjabi people’s demand that Chandigarh be handed over to Punjab is both rightful and just.

Alongside this, the demand was also raised that Punjabi be granted the status of the official language in the capital of Punjab and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Punjabi Bachao Manch is already running a campaign in favour of Punjabi, in which senior Party leader Comrade Devi Dayal Sharma and other leaders are participating.

CPI pays homage to Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Received from CPI 25th National Congress on 24th September at 5:20 pm

Also demands that Chandigarh be given to Punjab

CPI passes political and economic resolutions

Chandigarh: 24th September 2025: (Punjab Screen Desk Team)::

While holding its 25th Congress at Chandigarh, the Communist Party of India remembers and pays homage to the ninth (9th) Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, in the 350th year of his martyrdom. The great Guru Sahib taught us and humanity how to fight against injustice and tyranny. He taught us that we should neither be afraid of anyone, nor should we make anyone afraid of us. Guru Sahib was an epitome of courage and bravery, as well as a great scholar. He stands out as one of the greatest champions of human rights. His humanism embraced the whole of mankind. His teachings teach us the lessons of universal brotherhood, equality and justice. His supreme sacrifice is unmatched in the annals of human history, and learning from his teachings, the Communist Party of India reaffirms its commitment to fight against injustice and for the rights of the oppressed and the toiling masses of the country. We remember the great Guru Sahib and bow our heads in his memory.

On the third day of the 25th Congress of the Communist Party of India (CPI), important resolutions were passed concerning current Indian politics, the industrial sector, MGNREGA, Dalit issues, and Punjab, Punjabi language and Punjabi identity.

In the context of Punjab, senior Communist leader of Punjab, Hardev Arshi, moved a resolution of homage on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Party leaders described Guru Ji’s martyrdom as unparalleled. The Party stated that the great Guru Sahib taught us, and indeed the whole of humanity, to fight against injustice and tyranny. He taught us that we must neither succumb to fear nor instill fear in others.

The Party hailed Guru Sahib as an embodiment of faith, courage, and bravery, while also highlighting his profound wisdom. The Party declared him a great champion of human rights and said that he taught us the values of harmony and social equality. The Party further described Guru Sahib’s martyrdom as one of the greatest events in the history of humanity and resolved to walk upon his teachings, learn from them, and fight for the rights of the oppressed.

In another resolution, the Party said that the federal structure of the country is under threat and that the economy of the states is suffering heavy damage. The 16th Finance Commission has further reduced the states’ share of revenue, while the cesses imposed by the Central Government have risen to 23.4 per cent, of which the states receive no share. The Party called for public mobilisation in defence of federalism, together with Left and democratic forces.

Through two other resolutions, the Party opposed the privatisation of the defence production industry and the increasing privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Similarly, the Party opposed the expansion of the power sector, terming it anti-people and anti-worker. Expressing support for the employees of the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Department, who have been on strike for 295 days, the Party strongly opposed privatisation policies.

The Party described the MGNREGA scheme as a major measure of social security and demanded the provision of 200 days of employment per year with a daily wage of ₹800.

Condemning the atrocities against Dalits, the Party noted that such crimes have risen sharply over the last ten years. With the support of statistics, the Party held BJP policies responsible for this increase. Reference was made to many such crimes, including Hathras. Subsequently, the Party presented its political report, which was unanimously adopted.

Today’s debates saw participation from the Party’s leading figures including D. Raja, Amarjeet Kaur, Palab Sen Gupta, Hardev Arshi, K. Srinivas Reddy and others.

In the evening’s cultural programme, artists from IPTA Punjab, IPTA Chandigarh, and the Punjabi Folk Dance Academy presented Punjabi folk dances—Luddi and Bhangra. Through their performances, the artists depicted various aspects of Punjab’s cultural life. Alongside the performances, the poetry of Gurnam Kanwar lent a in revolutionary spirit to the evening.

Dipankar called upon the entire nation to fight against SIR

Received From Kanwaljeet Singh on Sunday 7th Sep 2025 at 16:59 PM Regarding AIPF Seminar 

There is a conspiracy to rob the right to vote through SIR  

Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya explained each and every Point

Chandigarh: 7th September 2025: (Media Link 32//The Comrade Screen Desk)::

All India People's Forum (AIPF) organized a seminar on the topic "Attack on the election process through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted in Bihar" as part of the speech series dedicated to Comrade Swapan Mukherjee. CPI (ML) Liberation National General Secretary Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya participated in it as the keynote speaker. The program was presided over by Comrade Mangat Ram Pasla, Prof. Kuldeep Singh of GND University and the stage was conducted by Comrade Kanwaljit Singh.

Dipankar called upon the entire nation to fight against SIR on the topic "Attack on the election process through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being conducted in Bihar" as part of the speech series dedicated to Comrade Swapan Mukherjee. CPI (ML) Liberation National General Secretary Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya participated in it as the keynote speaker. The program was presided over by Comrade Mangat Ram Pasla, Prof. Kuldeep Singh of GND University and the stage was conducted by Comrade Kanwaljit Singh.

Comrade Dipankar Bhattacharya, speaking on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) conducted in Bihar, said that through this, the process of snatching our rights is beginning. He said that when a delegation of opposition parties met the Election Commission of India in this regard, the Election Commission spoke like a spokesperson of the BJP. The Election Commission speaks only what Modi says. He said that about 65 lakh voters are being removed from the voter list before the elections in Bihar. Comrade Dipankar said that votes were stolen in Maharashtra earlier. He said that vote thieves must be removed from power, otherwise they will snatch away the citizenship and voting rights given by the Constitution from the poor and minorities. He said that the entire country should support those who are fighting against SIR in Bihar today.

On this occasion, Mangat Ram Pasla while addressing said that the BJP's central government has captured the constitutional institutions. Today the BJP wants to take the country back in history and enslave the Dalits again. He said that a 'pol-khol' campaign will be launched in Punjab also against this dangerous conspiracy.

On this occasion, senior comrade Inderjit Singh Grewal, national member of Samyukta Kisan Morcha Prasottam Sharma, state president of Punjab Kisan Union Rulda Singh Mansa, Professor Lailan Baghel of Punjab University, Ajayb Singh Tiwana, Advocate Vipin Kumar, comrade Lal Bahadur etc. also addressed the gathering. 

On this occasion, Puneet and Prince kept the atmosphere alive with their songs. Student organization AISA from Punjab University also participated enthusiastically.