Know Your Rights: Permanent Lok Adalat Offers Speedy and Accessible Justice

Chandigarh, 22 October 2026:An awareness programme on the Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services (PLA) was organised at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 43, Chandigarh, under the aegis of the Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services, U.T. Chandigarh.

The programme was addressed by Ms. Roonam Kaushik, Chairman(In-charge) and Ms. Surjeet Kaur, Member, Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services, U.T. Chandigarh, who sensitised students and staff about the role and functioning of the PLA.

The speakers explained that the Permanent Lok Adalat provides an accessible statutory forum for resolution of disputes relating to essential public utility services such as electricity, water, transport, telecommunication, insurance, sanitation and hospital/dispensary services.

The participants were informed that the PLA first endeavours to resolve disputes through conciliation and, where settlement is not possible, may decide the dispute on merits in accordance with law. The process provides an important avenue for citizens seeking speedy, economical and effective resolution of eligible public utility disputes, without the complexities of prolonged litigation.

It was also explained that an award of the Permanent Lok Adalat, subject to law, is final and binding on the parties and has the effect of a decree of a civil court.

The speakers urged the students and teachers to spread awareness among their families and communities so that citizens know where to turn when they face difficulties relating to essential public services.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation and interaction from the students and staff.

The message was clear: Know your rights, know your remedy—and seek timely justice.

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IODINE DEFICIENT DIET: CAUSE OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEVELOPMENT DELAY

Chandigarh, 22.101.2026:Today, three week long activities regarding Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) prevention day was concluded with the message that "it is time to introspect, sensitize and desensitize the citizens of our city beautiful to take forward as individual responsibility to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorders". The Director Health Services - cum- MD NHM Dr. Suman Singh was the chief guest. Dr. Ranjana Mehta PO NIDDCP apprised the gathering of various activities under taken by the IDD cell of UT Chandigarh & the achievements of the Programme. DHS addressed the gathering of Programme Officers, Medical Officers, Health Teachers in various Govt Schools of UT Chandigarh and Students.

IDDs is a major public health problem worldwide. It is confirmed that out of every five people in India resides in IDD Endemic Areas. It is estimated that 1.5 billion people in the world and over 200 million people are at risk of getting IDDs. India alone has more than 71 million people suffering from Goiter and other IDDs. Normal daily requirement of Iodine for an individual is 100 -150 micrograms and 200 micrograms for pregnant and lactating mothers and sources of Iodine include sea food, sea fish, sea weeds and cod liver oil. Small amount occur in milk, cereals and vegetables.

A number of physical and mental disorders result from iodine deficiency disorders and affect every stage of human life. There is increased risk of abortion, still birth, congenital abnormalities, increased perinatal mortality, mental retardation, deaf and dumb, paralysis, squint etc in fetal stage. In children there is neonatal Goiter, hypothyroidism, physical and mental growth retardation, lowering of IQ level, poor school grades and cretinism in extreme cases. Adults manifest with impaired function, lower productivity, goiter with its complications.

Health talks regarding adequate and optimal use of Iodized salt were imparted in Gynaecology and Pediatrics OPDs of GMSH -16 Chandigarh and sample of urine test for urinary Iodine Excretion in pregnant women were collected.

In last three weeks, Salt Testing to check level of iodization of salt was demonstrated in the Health & Wellness Centers under U.T., Health Department, Chandigarh.
In different Govt schools of Chandigarh lectures were imparted by RBSK doctors. Salt samples and urine samples were collected and tested in State IDD lab. Various competitions were organized by NIDDCP Cell, in different Govt. School of UT Chandigarh. A Nukkad Natak was performed by students of Government Model Senior Secondary School Sector 33 Chandigarh on the mass awareness regarding the various Iodine Deficiency Disorders and optimum utilisation of iodized salt. Prizes and certificates to the winners and participants of Nukkad Natak were awarded on the occasion.

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GRIID Celebrates Freshers’ Day with Enthusiasm, Promotes Message of Inclusion

Chandigarh, October 22, 2026: The Government Rehabilitation Institute for Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID), Chandigarh, celebrated Freshers’ Day with enthusiasm to welcome newly admitted first-year students of D.Ed., B.Ed. and M.Ed. Special Education (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) programmes.

The event provided an opportunity for new students to interact with their seniors, faculty members and fellow students, fostering friendship, togetherness and a sense of belonging.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. M. Karuppasamy, Head of the Department and Course Coordinator, emphasised the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive academic environment. He said that students at GRIID were not merely preparing to become special educators but also agents of social change who would contribute towards improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

He encouraged students to adopt empathy, compassion, innovation and professional commitment in their academic and professional journeys. He stressed that the true success of a special educator lies not only in academic achievements but also in making a meaningful difference in the lives of persons with disabilities and their families.

The celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from students. A highlight of the event was the selection of Mr. Pratham as Mr. Fresher and Ms. Raman as Ms. Fresher, both first-year students of the B.Ed. Special Education (IDD) programme.

The programme concluded with a message of promoting dignity, diversity and inclusion, reaffirming GRIID’s commitment to preparing competent, compassionate and socially responsible special educators.