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VOOZH | about |
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VOOZH | about |
Raakhi Jagga is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Ludhiana. With over two decades of experience, she is a leading voice on the socio-economic and political pulse of Punjab, particularly the Malwa region. Professional Background Specialization: She is widely known for her extensive on-ground coverage of agrarian distress, the 1971 war history, and the industrial challenges of Ludhiana (often called the Manchester of India). Key Coverage Areas: She has been at the forefront of reporting on the Farmer Protests, the impact of drug addiction on Punjabi youth, and the intricacies of the state's rural governance (Zila Parishads and Panchayats). Reporting Style: Her work often bridges the gap between high-level policy (like the MGNREGA or central farm laws) and their raw, grassroots impact on farmers and small-scale industrialists. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her reporting in late 2025 has focused heavily on rural elections, administrative controversies, and environmental policy: 1. Rural Governance & Politics "Punjab Zila Parishad polls: How candidates are placed and funding sources" (Dec 11, 2025): A comprehensive "Explained" piece breaking down the mechanics and financial structures of the 2025 rural body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailed reporting on the AAP's dominance in the recent local polls. "Before criticising VB-G RAM G, explain Punjab's MGNREGS work days" (Dec 19, 2025): Covering the political back-and-forth between the BJP and the AAP regarding the state’s employment guarantee performance. 2. Education & Labor Protests "Why experienced teachers in Punjab are protesting against govt-mandated bridge course" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on the friction between the state government and veteran educators over new training mandates. "Punjab government cancels recruitment drive for psychologists" (Dec 21, 2025): Investigating the abrupt cancellation of a recruitment drive in favor of outsourcing. 3. Agriculture & Industry "Anti-stubble-burning move backfires: Paddy waste left to rot in Fatehgarh Sahib" (Oct 24, 2025): An investigative report on the failure of supply chains intended to move stubble to biomass power plants. "Punjab farmers forced to buy other products with subsidised urea" (Oct 16, 2025): Detailing the persistent issue of "tagging," where farmers are coerced into buying unwanted products to get essential fertilizers. "Diwali 2025: Amid date confusion, here’s when industries will celebrate" (Oct 18, 2025): A localized report on how Ludhiana's massive industrial sector navigates holiday calendar discrepancies. 4. Crime & High-Profile Incidents "Ex-Punjab IPS officer IG Amar Singh Chahal shoots himself after cyber fraud" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering the tragic fallout of a massive ₹8.10 crore cyber fraud targeting a retired high-ranking...
April 17, 2026 09:58 IST
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann recently said letters have been issued to deputy commissioners (DCs) of border districts -- Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, and Ferozepur to conduct surveys and assess how close the fencing can be moved to the International Border.
Fri, Apr 17, 2026April 15, 2026 17:37 IST
With the proposed reservation, Punjab could see a threefold increase in the number of women legislators, fundamentally altering the political landscape.
Wed, Apr 15, 2026April 15, 2026 13:54 IST
There was a catch though: the bicycle market was dominated by British brands such as Raleigh and Hercules, which, on account of being imported, were expensive.
Wed, Apr 15, 2026April 14, 2026 09:53 IST
Speaker appeals to Khalsa to come down the BSNL tower
Wed, Apr 15, 2026April 13, 2026 16:33 IST
With the 2027 Assembly election in view, the decision to take up an issue directly impacting Punjab farmers is being seen by observers as an attempt to build goodwill beyond state boundaries.
Mon, Apr 13, 2026April 12, 2026 17:48 IST
Till now, bodies of 13 people belonging to Punjab and Haryana have been recovered.
Sun, Apr 12, 2026April 11, 2026 17:02 IST
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visited Jagraon and expressed his condolences, meeting the bereaved families at their homes.
Sun, Apr 12, 2026April 11, 2026 15:11 IST
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha will hold a special session on April 13, wherein a stricter anti-sacrilege law is expected to be introduced.
Sat, Apr 11, 2026April 09, 2026 17:56 IST
Leaders of the two parties are not only switching sides among themselves, even the SAD factions are seeing an influx and outflow of leaders
Thu, Apr 09, 2026April 08, 2026 15:40 IST
Punjab wheat harvest faces disruption as intermittent rain, hailstorms and gusty winds flatten standing crops, prompting farmers to rush harvesting while awaiting delayed girdawri for damage assessment.
Wed, Apr 08, 2026April 08, 2026 13:02 IST
The Association of Trade and Industrial Undertakings said exporters are grappling with widespread logistical challenges due to disruptions in cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Wed, Apr 08, 2026April 07, 2026 10:21 IST
Meanwhile, Mann callled on people to boycott SAD leaders, saying those responsible for "beadbi" (sacrilege) of a religious text and "atrocities" against people must be held accountable.
Tue, Apr 07, 2026April 07, 2026 09:44 IST
The Indian Express tried contacting Harjeet Singh, DIG Bathinda range but he wasn't available for comments.
Tue, Apr 07, 2026April 04, 2026 11:02 IST
Punjab MMSBY scheme has been rejected by over 55,000 government employees, who cite low treatment package rates and concerns over existing medical reimbursement benefits.
Sat, Apr 04, 2026April 02, 2026 17:01 IST
Last month, the Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir Police picked up 2 men from Sherwani Kot village. Officials have yet to release a statement on the detention.
Thu, Apr 02, 2026April 01, 2026 15:33 IST
Reflecting on his political journey, senior Supreme Court advocate and human rights activist Harvinder Singh Phoolka said his decision to join AAP in 2014 was a ‘mistake’.
Wed, Apr 01, 2026April 01, 2026 11:28 IST
Phoolka is the latest in a long line of Sikh leaders to join the BJP in Punjab. This calibrated push aims to fill the vacuum left by a weakened Akali Dal.
Wed, Apr 01, 2026March 31, 2026 12:31 IST
The strike by nearly 1,500 nurses from government hospitals, demanding the restoration of the Rs 4,600 grade pay, entered its sixth day on Tuesday.
Tue, Mar 31, 2026March 29, 2026 14:03 IST
During his long political career, Lal Singh held several key portfolios in successive Congress governments. He was first inducted into the Cabinet in 1992 by the then CM Beant Singh and was given the Food and Supplies portfolio.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026March 28, 2026 19:27 IST
The SAD lost the chairperson post due to cross-voting within its own ranks and failed to secure the vice-chairperson position despite backing the winning Congress candidate.
Sun, Mar 29, 2026March 27, 2026 17:27 IST
Despite the government invoking ESMA, the protesting nurses remain firm on continuing the strike.
Fri, Mar 27, 2026March 26, 2026 13:46 IST
The protest, spearheaded by the United Nurses Association of Punjab, centres on the long-pending demand for the implementation of Level 7 of the Central pay scale with a grade pay of Rs 4,600.
Thu, Mar 26, 2026March 25, 2026 16:58 IST
It began with a Rs 5 lakh loan that ballooned into a Rs 17 lakh nightmare. Discover the tragic story of Jaswinder and Jaskaran Singh, two brothers whose struggle with farm debt ended in a double suicide.
Wed, Mar 25, 2026March 25, 2026 05:25 IST
Case of culpable homicide registered against owner, partner of a drug de-addiction centre in Rori tehsil, after 4 inmates sent out to “pick a patient” die in accident
Wed, Mar 25, 2026March 24, 2026 15:00 IST
The price of premium almonds has risen sharply, while the bicycle industry announces a price increase due to the worsening fuel crisis.
Tue, Mar 24, 2026
