Modi Govt’s India–US Trade Deal Threatens Punjab’s Farmers, Dairy Sector and Small Industries : Balbir Singh Sidhu Chandigarh 6 February ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Senior Congress leader from Punjab and former Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu today slammed the Modi government over the proposed India–US trade deal, calling it a serious threat to Punjab’s farming economy, dairy sector and small industries. Balbir Singh Sidhu said Punjab’s farmers are already under immense pressure due to rising costs and falling incomes, and opening Indian markets to subsidised U.S. agricultural imports will further depress crop prices and harm small and marginal farmers. He warned that such policies favour big corporations while ignoring ground realities in agrarian states like Punjab. Raising strong objections over dairy farming, Sidhu said dairy provides daily income to lakhs of rural families in Punjab. Any opening of the sector under the trade deal could lead to cheap milk powder and dairy impor...
CRAWFED Urges Preference for Chandigarh Residents in Treatment at PGIMER, Chandigarh
Chandigarh 6 February ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : A delegation from the Chandigarh Residents' Associations Welfare Federation (CRAWFED), led by its Chairman Hitesh Puri, met Pankaj Rai, IAS, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, Chandigarh, in a scheduled meeting today. The delegation presented a memorandum highlighting key issues for improving the healthcare system and patient care at the premier institution. CRAWFED strongly urged PGIMER to accord preference in treatment to residents of Chandigarh, as the institute utilizes significant resources from the city, including land, electricity, water, roads, and other infrastructure. Chandigarh residents, therefore, deserve prioritized access to services.
Among the key demands raised were:
- Reservation of at least **10%** of rooms and beds exclusively for Chandigarh residents.
- Introduction of a separate queue for OPD treatment to facilitate faster access for local residents.
CRAWFED also emphasized the need for enhanced facilities for patients who register online, including the deployment of additional doctors, paramedical staff, and health workers to reduce waiting times and ease the burden on patients. Additionally, the delegation brought to attention the difficulties faced by residents of Sector 11. Most visitors to PGIMER enter through the gate opposite Sector 11, leading to unauthorized parking on roads and blocking of house gates. CRAWFED requested the closure of entry from this particular gate to alleviate the inconvenience.
Pankaj Rai, IAS, discussed the issues in detail with the delegation and assured prompt consideration and resolution of the raised matters. The meeting was attended by following office bearer of the CRAWFED Mr. Umesh Ghai , Senior Vice chairmanand nominatedcouncilor, Rajesh Rai Vice chairman,other office bearers Amandeep Singh, IPS Singh, and Rajwinder Singh and nominated councillor Anil Masih. CRAWFED remains committed to advocating for the welfare and convenience of Chandigarh residents and looks forward to positive action from the authorities.
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