Face2News/Chandigarh
Advocate Harpreet Sandhu and Mrs. Pooja Gupta on Tuesday assumed charge as the new State Information Commissioners of Punjab in the presence of Punjab Chief Information Commissioner Shri Inderpal Singh Dhanna, State Information Commissioners Dr. Bhupinder Singh, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal and Virinderjit Singh Billing.
The swearing-in ceremony was held earlier at Punjab Raj Bhawan where Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office to both the Commissioners.
Advocate Harpreet Sandhu, a distinguished lawyer, environmentalist, nature artist and author previously served as the Additional Advocate General for Punjab. He has also served as the Chairman of Punjab Infotech and is globally recognized for his work in legal studies.
Advocate Sandhu is the author of several books on legal comparative studies and holds a Practice Diploma in International Human Rights and Criminal Procedure from the College of Law of England and Wales. His contributions to the legal field have earned him immense respect, and he has represented India as an Ambassador of Goodwill to France under the RI GSE Program.
Speaking on his appointment, Advocate Harpreet Sandhu said, "I thank the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, for entrusting me with this important responsibility. I am committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of public administration and I will work diligently to serve the people of Punjab."
Mrs. Pooja Gupta, a prominent social worker and educationist also took charge as State Information Commissioner. Reflecting on her new role, she shared, "I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Punjab Government for appointing me to this position. I look forward to working with transparency, fairness and dedication to strengthen the Right to Information framework in Punjab and ensure better access to information for all."
Both State Information Commissioners expressed their unwavering commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability and public trust in the governance of Punjab, ensuring that the public has greater access to information and that the Right to Information Act is upheld with integrity. The family members of both the commissioners were also present at the event.
PUNJAB BREAKS GROUND WITH MEGA SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
•Mega SMC Meeting at over 19K Government Schools paves way for improved school infrastructure & student well-being, says Harjot Bains
•Meeting focused on cleanliness & hygiene in schools: Education Minister
•CM Mann led Punjab Govt committed to making Punjab’s education system the best in the country
Chandigarh, February 11:
To promote democratic school governance system in the state, Punjab School Education Department on Tuesday held a Mega School Management Committee (SMC) meeting in all the 19,110 government schools across the state, allowing parents of the pupils and community representatives to play a direct role in school decision-making.
Disclosing this here today, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that this time, the Mega SMC meeting was focused on cleanliness and hygiene in school campuses. SMC members and parents conducted rounds of their respective schools to evaluate sanitation conditions, identify areas needing improvement, and suggest local solutions. Additionally, they also discussed beautification efforts and long-term maintenance plans aimed at creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment for students in schools.
The School Education Minister said that the idea of “School da Badlaav, SMC de Naal” was at the heart of today’s discussions, emphasising that school transformation is only possible through collective effort. Parents and SMC members actively engaged in discussions and brainstormed on improving school infrastructure, student well-being, and academic progress.
S. Harjot Singh Bains commended the school heads and staff for successfully conducting the Mega SMC meeting, while reaffirming Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to making Punjab’s education system the best in the country.
He stated that today’s Mega SMC meeting will play a crucial role in further transforming school governance, leading to improvements in various aspects of the educational environment. This initiative aims to enhance collaboration between parents, community members, and school staff, ultimately helping to achieve the overarching goals of a more effective and inclusive education system in Punjab. By fostering a culture of collective responsibility and active participation, the meeting will bring positive changes that benefit students.
The School Education Minister emphasised that the department will continue in its efforts to strengthen community engagement and participatory school governance, which ensures that every child in Punjab receives a quality education in a well-maintained and supportive environment, fostering an atmosphere where students can thrive academically and socially.
Meanwhile, Panchayat members, district officials, and department representatives across Punjab visited schools to observe the meetings and assess on-ground participation. After the meeting, a SMC Member from School of Eminence, Banur shared, “after attending today’s discussion made me realise that we, as parents, have the power to bring positive change to our children’s schools. It is encouraging to see such initiatives that involve us directly.”
Tourism takes center stage in Punjab : Sond
- Punjab to host Patiala Heritage Festival from Feb 13 to 16
Chandigarh, February 11:
Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is undergoing a remarkable transformation in tourism and cultural preservation. Tourism Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond highlighted that in 2024, the state government dedicated appox. Rs. 73 crore to the restoration, modernization, and preservation of historical and cultural monuments. This significant investment has led to the revival of key heritage sites and the launch of various projects aimed at boosting tourism.
As Punjab steps into 2025, its fairs and festivals are set to be celebrated on a grander scale, drawing tourists from across the globe. The year began with vibrant events such as the Basant Mela in Ferozepur and the iconic Rural Olympics in Kila Raipur. Up next, the Patiala Heritage Festival scheduled from February 13 to February 16, will add to the festive fervor. The Patiala district administration, in collaboration with the Tourism Department, has curated an exciting lineup of events, including heritage walks, a food festival, music evenings, an aero show, a nature walk, a flower show, and even a fashion walk. These celebrations not only honor Punjab’s rich traditions but also position the state as a top tourist destination.
Minister Sond emphasized that under CM Mann’s dynamic leadership, Punjab is reclaiming its stature as a premier travel hotspot. The government’s commitment to heritage restoration and tourism expansion has brought forth a series of transformative initiatives that showcase Punjab’s deep-rooted history, vibrant culture, and spiritual legacy.
The Rs. 73 crore appox. investment in 2024 has already yielded remarkable results, breathing new life into historical landmarks such as the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum at Khatkar Kalan and the Saragarhi Museum in Ferozepur. The Sarai Lashkari Khan in Khanna has also undergone extensive renovation. Adding to Punjab’s cultural splendor, the Bhagwan Valmiki Ji Panorama was inaugurated with grandeur, while the permanent light and sound show at Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Summer Palace in Amritsar became a breathtaking highlight of the Rangla Punjab Festival.
The state government has also taken a crucial step in preserving Sikh heritage by initiating the restoration of Jahaz Haveli, the historic residence of Dewan Todar Mall in Fatehgarh Sahib. “Dewan Todar Mall holds immense significance in Sikh history, and it is our collective duty to safeguard his legacy,” Sond remarked.
Punjab’s dedication to cultural and rural tourism has not gone unnoticed on the national stage. In a testament to its efforts, Nawanpind Sardaran in Gurdaspur was crowned India’s Best Tourism Village (2023), while Hansali Farmstay in Fatehgarh Sahib secured top honors in the Agri-Tourism category in 2024.
With a perfect blend of heritage revival, cultural celebrations, and modern tourism strategies, Punjab is on a path to reclaim its glory as the land of legends, festivals, and timeless traditions.
Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Administers Oath to Advocate Harpreet Sandhu & Pooja Gupta as State Information Commissioners
Chandigarh, February 11
The Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, today administered the oath of office to Advocate Harpreet Sandhu and Mrs. Pooja Gupta as the State Information Commissioners of the Punjab State Right to Information Commission at the Punjab Raj Bhavan here.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Punjab Chief Secretary Shri KAP Sinha. The event was attended by Punjab Chief Information Commissioner Shri Inderpal Singh Dhanna, State Information Commissioner Dr. Bhupinder Singh, Sandeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Virinderjit Singh Billing, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Governance Reforms and Public Grievances Sh. Vikas Pratap, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Transport D K Tiwari, Principal Secretary to Hon'ble Governor Sh. Vivek Partap Singh, MD Markfed and Director Governance Reforms Mr. Girish Dayalan, ADGP Ishwar Singh, Prominent Indian agriculture economist Sardara Singh Johal, Vice Chancellor Punjab Agricultural University Satbir Singh Gosal and other senior officials.
Advocate Harpreet Sandhu , a prominent lawyer, previously served as the Additional Advocate General for Punjab. He is also the former Chairman of Punjab Infotech and has made significant contributions in the field of legal studies.
Mrs. Pooja Gupta is a distinguished social worker and educationist. Her academic excellence and dedication to societal betterment have earned her immense respect across the region.
Notably, the appointment of Advocate Harpreet Sandhu and Mrs. Pooja Gupta was officially notified by the Punjab Government on January 27, 2025. Their appointments will contribute to enhancing transparency and strengthening the functioning of the State Right to Information Commission.