INDIA PRESS AGENCY-- WHY FOURTH PILLAR'S QUESTIONS --JAG MOHAN THAKEN
https://ipanewspack.com/from-indore-to-punjab-media-questions-irk-governments/
Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Women Health: Will Punjab Be a Path Setter? Jag Mohan Thaken
Women
Health: Will Punjab Be a Path Setter?
Jag Mohan
Thaken
HindustanTimes on its web portal reported an incident, on Oct 15, 2025, which makes
everyone shudder and reflects how the humanity has dipped into a deep well of
poisonous inhuman water.
“A
27-year-old woman was allegedly forced to give birth on the roadside in Palwal (Haryana)
on Sunday afternoon after the doctors at the local government hospital refused
to attend to her without a fresh ultrasound report, her family and police said
on Tuesday, adding that the baby was declared dead soon after.
Hospital
staff allegedly told the woman’s family that she could not be admitted for
delivery until they produced a new ultrasonography report, despite the family
showing one that was a week old. With no ambulance available, the woman’s
husband placed her on a motorcycle and drove to a private diagnostic centre
nearby, according to the family’s complaint filed with the police. Ultimately the
baby had to breath his last.”
Another
example of shameless behaviour of Haryana government hospital staff:
NDTV.com
in its updated news on Jan 10, 2024, reports, “A woman gave birth to a baby on
a vegetable cart on the premises of the government-run district hospital in
Haryana's Ambala yesterday after the doctors allegedly refused to pay attention
to her husband's repeated requests for help. The baby was born out of doors on
one this winter's coldest evenings. The man -- a resident of Dappar, a city in
Punjab's Mohali district-- had been running from pillar to post after managing
to bring his pregnant wife to the hospital. But no one was ready even to bring
a stretcher for her, he said.”
Such
examples are not limited to the boundaries of any state.
RajasthanNDTV, on Jul 02, 2025, posted on its web portal, “Pregnant woman gave birth to
a child on the road in Karauli (Rajasthan): A shameful incident involving the
health department has come to light in Karauli. A woman gave birth to a child
on the road outside the district's Community Health Center (CHC). The CHC was
locked due to the absence of doctors and medical staff. The pregnant woman's
family members made her sit on the road. Later in the afternoon, the woman,
writhing in pain, gave birth.”
However,
on January 5,2026, Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has directed
officials to ensure that special emphasis is laid on strengthening the state’s
healthcare infrastructure in the upcoming general budget. She said that, based
on GIS mapping, it must be ensured that no region of the state remains deprived
of health institutions and that all citizens receive equitable and quality
healthcare services.
The
Minister reiterated that the Haryana Government is fully committed to the
health of the common people and that every possible step will be taken to
provide accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services across the
state.
Now
question arises, despite a developed state and having a double engine
government of the same party for the last 11 years, both in state and centre, and
as being claimed the Haryana Government is fully committed, then why it has not
succeeded yet in providing an accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare
services across the state? Aren’t the incidents of Oct 15, 2025 and Jan 10,
2024 a stigma on the face of BJP-led state government?
Amid such
disturbing news, Punjab has claimed to have developed an Oasis in the Women Health
Sector. Let us see what do they claim?
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr.
Balbir Singh, on January 4, 2026, claimed that in a major stride toward
safeguarding the health of future generations, the Punjab Government has
successfully decentralized maternal healthcare, with Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs)
emerging as the new lifeline for expectant mothers. Within just four months of
launching a specialized, protocol-driven pregnancy care model, the state has
recorded a massive surge in service utilization, with nearly 20,000 pregnant
women visiting these clinics every month.
Sharing the success of the initiative, the Minister
Dr. Balbir Singh revealed that the program has already provided free ultrasound
services to over 10,000 women through a unique referral system. By empanelling
nearly 500 private diagnostic centres, the government has ensured that women
can access scans—which usually cost between ₹800 and ₹2,000—entirely free of
charge. This intervention alone has saved Punjab’s families an estimated ₹1
crore in out-of-pocket expenses in a short span of 120 days.
Official data shows that less than 70 percent
of pregnant women in Punjab had received their first ante-natal check-up and
fewer than 60 percent had completed the recommended four check-ups, while the
state’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 90 per one lakh live births, higher
than the national average. These figures underlined the urgent need for a
comprehensive, accessible pregnancy care model across the state.
The
Minister stated that Punjab witnesses nearly 4.3 lakh pregnancies every year,
making early detection, regular monitoring, and timely referral critical for
safeguarding the health of mothers and infants. Over the last three years, the
Mann government has established 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have emerged as
the backbone of Punjab’s primary healthcare system, recording over 4.6 crore
OPD visits and treating nearly 70,000 patients daily. Leveraging this
infrastructure, the government launched an expanded, protocol-driven pregnancy
care model through AACs around four months ago.
Under this reform, all essential ante-natal
check-ups are now available at Aam Aadmi Clinics themselves. These include
routine and critical tests such as HIV and syphilis screening, complete blood
tests, sugar, thyroid, hepatitis, fatal heart rate, cholesterol and haemoglobin
assessments. Where ultrasounds are required, AAC doctors issue referral slips
enabling pregnant women to access free ultrasound services.
Importantly, around 5,000 women are being
identified monthly as high-risk pregnancies, allowing for continuous tracking,
focused support, and timely referral to higher medical facilities for
specialist care.
The
Minister revealed that the reform has also significantly improved the patient
experience. Women can now complete most pregnancy-related tests close to their
homes, avoid long travel and queues at major hospitals, receive consultations
within minutes, and access ultrasound services without any financial burden.
From the first ante-natal visit to post-natal follow-up, the initiative
strengthens the entire pregnancy care pathway by integrating technology,
standardised clinical protocols, referral systems and community-level support.
On this momentous achievement, Health Minister
Dr Balbir Singh said the initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment
to maternal and child health. “Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister
Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is building a healthcare system that ensures every
mother receives quality care close to home. With 4.3 lakh pregnancies annually,
the expansion of pregnancy care services at Aam Aadmi Clinics is a
transformative step and sets a new benchmark for primary healthcare in India,”
he said.
The government maintains that the initiative
is one of Punjab’s most significant investments in maternal and child health in
recent years, aimed at ensuring that no woman is left behind due to geography,
income constraints or lack of awareness, while steadily improving health
outcomes for mothers and newborns across the state.
The
Health Minister said that under the Diagnostic Initiative, X-ray and ultrasound
facilities are being provided at all secondary healthcare facilities or
empanelled diagnostic centres at nominal government fixed rates. To bridge the
human resource gap, he said that 3,620 health professionals have been recruited
over the last three years, including specialists, medical officers, nurses, and
frontline workers. Special initiatives such as re-employment of specialists up
to 65 years and hiring on empanelment basis are further boosting specialist
availability, he added.
While
highlighting the government’s commitment towards women-centric welfare policies,
the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab, Dr.
Baljit Kaur, stated on December 29,2025 that the state Government continues to
take people-centric initiatives to ensure the welfare of women and strengthen
maternal and child health security. In this direction, the Punjab Government
has disbursed financial assistance worth ₹26.06 crore to pregnant women and
lactating mothers during the current financial year.
Dr.
Baljit Kaur emphasized that the scheme is not limited to financial assistance
alone, but is a significant step towards strengthening maternal health,
nutrition, and newborn care. She reiterated that the Punjab Government is
committed to ensuring that no mother is deprived of essential healthcare
services due to financial constraints, and that every child receives a safe and
healthy start to life.
Providing
further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under the scheme, financial
assistance of ₹5,000 is provided on the birth of the first child, which is
released in two instalments—₹3,000 as the first instalment and ₹2,000 as the
second instalment.
She added
that on the birth of the second child, if the child is a girl, financial
assistance of ₹6,000 is provided in a single instalment. The Minister
emphasized that the entire amount is transferred directly into the
beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure
transparency and timely support.
The
Cabinet Minister informed that so far, 69,110 pregnant and lactating women have
benefitted from the scheme during the current financial year. She further
stated that the Punjab Government has set a target to cover 1.14 lakh
beneficiary women during the financial year 2025–26 under this scheme.
Reaffirming
the government’s resolve, she said that the Punjab Government remains fully
committed to the welfare of women and children, and ensuring that the benefits
of government schemes reach every eligible beneficiary remains the top
priority.
====================
Tuesday, 30 December 2025
Monday, 29 December 2025
Honouring the Punjab Boy, Sharvan Singh, is Honouring the Mankind, Velour and Patriotism Jag Mohan Thaken
Honouring the Punjab Boy, Sharvan Singh, is
Honouring the Mankind, Velour and Patriotism
Jag Mohan Thaken
History repeats itself; but a few are fortunate to
get the recognition. The spiritual world, especially the Sikh world, is proud
of the act of kindness, humility and service to mankind exemplified by Bhai
Kanhaiya Ji, who is widely known for his water seva during Sri Guru Gobind
Singh Maharaj Ji's time in the battlefield. Once again in the History, a
10-year-old Sikh boy, Sharvan Singh, resident of a village hardly 2 kilometres
from India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Ferozepur District, has earned national
recognition for his act of compassion, exceptional courage and sense of patriotism
by serving ‘Milk-Lassi and Water’ to the Military Persons deployed near his
village during operation Sindoor.
Akal Takht’s former Jathedar, Giani Harpreet Singh
in a tweet on 26th December, 2025, said, “Even on the battlefield,
the spirit of selfless service and fearless courage, as exemplified by Bhai
Kanhaiya Ji and Sikh history, has always continued to inspire our younger
generations.
During the war-like situation with Pakistan,
10-year-old Sharvan Singh from Firozpur, Punjab, displayed remarkable selfless
service by providing tea, water, and ice to our soldiers. In recognition of
this noble act, he has been honoured with the ‘National Child Award’ by the
Honourable President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu. I commend Sharvan Singh
and, while appreciating his spirit of service, courage, and humanity, appeal to
the people of Punjab to connect their children with the teachings of Sikh history—values
of service, compassion, and bravery”.
While presenting the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal
Puraskar to Sharvan Singh and other children for their exceptional achievements
in the fields of Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art &
Culture and Science & Technology at a ceremony held in New Delhi on
December 26, 2025, on the occasion of ‘Veer
Baal Diwas’, the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, said that about
320 years ago, Guru Gobind Singh Ji—the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith and
revered by all Indians—and his four sons made supreme sacrifices while fighting
in support of truth and justice. She said that the bravery of the two youngest
Sahibzadas, is honoured and respected both in India and abroad. She remembered
with reverence the great child heroes who laid down their lives with pride for
truth and justice.
Terror of Mughal Rulers was on such a dreadful,
scary, spooky and fearsome pitch that after the martyrdom of the younger
Sahibzadas and Mata Ji, when no one dared to perform their last rites due to
fear of the tyrannical government, Diwan Todar Mal Ji bought land by laying
gold ashrafis and cremated the holy bodies of the Sahibzadas and Mata Ji. In
this way, Diwan Todar Mal Ji became the hero of Saka Sirhind, due to this
unique act, his name was recorded among the respected personalities of the Sikh
Panth. Still the people bow to the good-hearted personality of Diwan Todar Mal
Ji, who had immense devotion towards the Guru Ghar.
It is pertinent to mention here that Sikhism is the
religion which always keeps humanity as its serving motto. It had not only
given the religious Gurus, who preached equality without any discrimination of
caste and creed, service to humanity, compassion and a deep sense of spirituality, but
also gave the brave heroes, who martyred their lives for protection of
religious freedom and the rights of the oppressed. History can never forget the
unparalleled, supreme and extraordinary sacrifice of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru
Teg Bahadur Ji, Mata Gujri Ji and the younger Sahibzadas -- Baba Zorawar Singh
Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. The brave heroes like Sardar Bhagat Singh, Sardar Udham
Singh and others, who fought against the tyranny of the English rulers for the
sake of the country, are and will also remain the lighthouse for the present
and coming generations.
Bravery, humanity, kindness and
fearless actions are the main elements in Sikhism. Presently
also these elements can be noticed even in the children of the sect. The story
of Ten-year-old Shravan Singh, amidst the risks associated with war during
Operation Sindoor, who regularly delivered water, milk, and lassi to the Indian
soldiers stationed at the border near his home, reflects the ‘Bravery,
Humanity, Kindness and Fearless actions’.
President Murmu said that the greatness of a
country is certain when its children are filled with patriotism and high
ideals. Ten-year-old Shravan Singh, amidst the risks associated with war during
Operation Sindoor, regularly delivered water, milk, and lassi to the Indian
soldiers stationed at the border near his home.
Smt.
Murmu was happy to note that the
children have showcased their exceptional talent in various fields such as
bravery, art and culture, environment, innovation, science and technology,
social service, and sports. She said that it is because of talented children
such as the seven-year-old Vaka Lakshmi Pragnika that India is considered a
chess powerhouse on the world stage. Ajay Raj and Mohammed Sidan P, who saved
the lives of others with their bravery and intelligence, deserve all the praise
they receive. Nine-year-old daughter Vyoma Priya and eleven-year-old brave son
Kamlesh Kumar lost their lives while saving the lives of others with their
courage.
Whereas,
the differently-abled daughter Shivani Hosuru Uppara has achieved extraordinary
accomplishments in the world of sports, overcoming economic and physical
limitations. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has made a name for himself in the highly
competitive and talent-filled world of cricket and has set many records. She
expressed confidence that brave and talented children like them will continue
to do good work and make India's future bright.
Why Veer
Baal Diwas?
On the
occasion of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 9th January 2022,
the Prime Minister, Narender Modi, had announced that 26th December would be
observed as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’, to commemorate the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba
Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji,
whose unparalleled sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, while addressing the national programme marking ‘Veer Baal
Diwas’ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, emphasized that on this day, the nation
remembers the brave Sahibzadas, who are the pride of India and represent the
pinnacle of indomitable courage and valour. PM Modi stated that these
Sahibzadas broke the boundaries of age and stage, standing like a rock against
the cruel Mughal empire, shaking the very existence of religious fanaticism and
terror.
The Prime
Minister stated that every year children who achieve remarkable feats in
different fields for the nation are honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya
Bal Puraskar (PMRBP), and this year too, 20 children from across the country
have received the award.
Underlining
that Veer Bal Diwas is a day filled with emotion and reverence, Modi remembered
Sahibzada Ajit Singh Ji, Sahibzada Jujhar Singh Ji, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji,
and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, who at a very young age had to confront the
greatest power of their time. He emphasized that their struggle was between the
fundamental ideas of India and religious fanaticism, between truth and
falsehood, with one side led by 10th Guru Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and the
other by the cruel rule of Aurangzeb. The Prime Minister noted that although
the Sahibzadas were very young, Aurangzeb was determined to break the morale of
Indians to force conversions, and thus targeted them. He stressed that
Aurangzeb and his commanders forgot that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was no ordinary
man but the embodiment of penance and sacrifice, and the Sahibzadas inherited
this legacy. He declared that despite the entire Mughal empire’s might, not one
of the four Sahibzadas wavered.
Voices Against Naming the Day as ‘Veer Baal Diwas’
Some
voices, though with feeble frequency, are being raised to rename the ‘Veer Baal
Diwas’ as “Sahibzada’s' Balidan Diwas”, to commemorate the exemplary martyrdom of Sahibzadas.
Aman
Arora, State President of the Aam Aadmi Party and Cabinet Minister in the
Punjab Government, on stated that the observance of ‘Sahibzadas' Balidan Diwas’
would be a more appropriate and dignified tribute to the unparalleled martyrdom
of the Chhote Sahibzadas than the term Veer Bal Diwas, as it resonates more
profoundly with the deep-rooted sentiments of the Sikh Sangat.
Delhi
Akali chief Paramjit Singh Sarna has said the demand to rename ‘Veer Bal Diwas’
as ‘Sahibzadey Shahadat Diwas’ was grounded in historical accuracy, ethical
reasoning, and the party’s stated position going back several years.
Emphasizing
on his point, Sarna said that the phrase ‘Veer Bal’, while emotionally
evocative, was broad and imprecise, and risked obscuring the specific
historical event being marked. “This is not a general observance of childhood
courage. It commemorates a recorded shaheedi in which the Sahibzadey were
bricked alive for refusing to renounce their faith. The term ‘Sahibzadey
Shahadat Diwas’ conveys that reality directly, without dilution.”
==========
Sunday, 28 December 2025
FTA with New Zealand: Will it Afflict the Interests of Indian Apple Growers? Jag Mohan Thaken
FTA with New Zealand: Will it Afflict the Interests of Indian Apple Growers?
Jag Mohan Thaken
https://thegroundpost.blogspot.com/2025/12/fta-with-new-zealand-will-it-afflict.html
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