Chandigarh, August 15 —On the occasion of 79th Independence  Day, 18 officials from 13 Government ITIs were  honoured for their outstanding efforts in promoting and implementing the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) in the state. The felicitations took place during Independence Day celebrations held on Friday  across the state.

Sharing more details in this regard, an official  spokesperson said that the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, seeks to provide internship opportunities to one crore youth in top 500 companies over a period of five years. The scheme, implemented through an online portal http://www.pminternship.mca.gov.in. Candidates aged between 21 and 24 years, who have passed High School, Higher Secondary School, possess a certificate from an ITI, hold a diploma from a Polytechnic Institute, or are graduates with degrees such as Ba, B.Sc, B.Com, BCA, BBA, B.Pharma, etc. are eligible for this scheme.  Interns receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 for a year, along with a one-time grant of Rs. 6,000 for incidental expenses.

The spokesperson said that Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India had launched the first pilot round of this scheme in the month of October 2024 which was completed in December 2024. The second pilot round was started February 2025 and the joining of candidates of second pilot round is going on. Till now, 450 plus candidates of Haryana have joined the internship in various companies under this scheme. Skill Development & Industrial Training Department Haryana has been declared as Nodal Department for implementation of this scheme in Haryana State.

In order to motivate the Officers and Officials working to promote and implement this scheme, 18 officials of 13 Government ITIs, who have done tremendous efforts in mobilization and motivation of the candidates for taking the benefit of the PMIS scheme, felicitated by the Chief Guest on the occasion of Independence Day celebration in their respective districts.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini while expressing his best wishes to these 18 officials, said that, the Officers and Officials working with dedication in promotion and implementation of Government Schemes will also be felicitated in the near future. 

Chandigarh, August 15 – Marking the 79th Independence Day, an ‘At Home’ programme was organised on Friday at Haryana Raj Bhavan. On the occasion, Haryana Governor,  Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini extended greetings to the people of the state. The Governor’s wife, Smt. Mitra Ghosh, and the Chief Minister’s wife, Smt. Suman Saini, were also present.

The event, held in the Raj Bhavan auditorium, featured patriotic songs and commenced and concluded with the National Song.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Development and Panchayats Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, Co-operation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana and Rajya Sabha MP, Smt. Rekha Sharma and MLA, Sh. Jagmohan Anand were also present.

Chief Secretary, Sh.  Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation and Administration of Justice Departments, Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Fisheries Department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department, Dr. G. Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary,  Town & Country Planning and Urban Estates Department, Sh. A.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar,  Director General of Police, Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department,  Dr. Amit Agrawal, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar,  Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh. K. M Pandurang, Secretary to the Governor, Sh. Dusmanta Kumar Behera; and other senior administrative officers and dignitaries also remained present.

Chandigarh, August 15 – Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, today hoisted the National Flag at his official residence in Chandigarh to mark the 79th Independence Day.

Greeting the people of the state, the Chief Secretary emphasised the significance of the day, stating, “Independence Day is a celebration of our freedom and a tribute to the countless patriots whose sacrifices made it possible. It is our solemn duty to uphold the principles of unity, integrity, and democracy that they cherished.”

Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department, Sh. C.G. Rajini Kaanthan, Special Secretary, Personnel, Training and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Special Secretary, Monitoring and Coordination, Dr. Priyanka Soni, Special Secretary, Secretariat Establishment, Sh. Samwartak Singh Khangwal, staff of the Haryana Civil Secretariat and other officials were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh,  August 15 —  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini participated in the state-level Independence Day celebrations in Rohtak on Friday, unfurling the tricolour and calling on citizens to turn Atmanirbhar Bharat into a ‘Jan Andolan’ (people’s movement).

Extending greetings on the 79th Independence Day, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini noted that India has risen to become the world’s fourth-largest economy and, under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi must now aspire to claim the top position. This goal, he stressed, can be realised only by turning the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision into a nationwide movement.

He urged people to adopt the spirit of Vocal for Local and Local for Global, encouraging industrialists, investors, scientists, and technicians to harness their skills in the service of national self-reliance.

The Chief Minister inspected the parade, took the salute, and paid homage to martyrs at the Shaheedi Smarak. Families of freedom fighters were also honoured during the ceremony, which drew a large gathering of residents and officers.

The Chief Minister saluted the soldiers guarding India’s borders and paid homage to all known and unknown martyrs. Calling Independence Day a festival of the entire nation, he said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has once again painted the country in the colours of patriotism. Post-Independence, Haryana’s soldiers displayed exemplary courage in the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, as well as the Kargil conflict. We must stand by the families and dependents of those who laid down their lives for the motherland, he said.

He shared that the present state government has increased the pension for freedom fighters and their widows to Rs. 40,000 per month, enhanced ex-gratia for war martyrs’ families to Rs 1 crore, and provided government jobs to 410 dependents.

Breaking Colonial Shackles

The Chief Minister hailed the repeal of three colonial-era criminal laws after 70 years, noting these were designed to punish and control Indians. Outdated provisions have been removed, reflecting a modern legal framework. He cited recent military operations, including Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, as evidence of India’s indigenous technological and military strength, saluting the valour of the armed forces.

Haryana to Play Key Role in Viksit Bharat Sankalp

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana would play a key role in achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. Haryana remains a leader in foodgrain contribution, manufacturing every second car on Indian roads and 52 percent of the country’s tractors.

10.5 years of Governance: Transparency and Reform

Highlighting his government’s tenure, the Chief Minister said Haryana has freed citizens from discriminatory systems, rooted out corruption, and adopted a new e-governance model linking schemes to the Parivar Pehchan Patra. Over 100 government services have been digitised, ensuring transparency. The state is known nationally for merit-based recruitment, online transfers, educated panchayats, and the Antyodaya mission.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has given 30,000 youth jobs on merit only in this term, eliminating the age-old ‘Parchi Kharchi’ practice. A total of 1.80 lakh jobs have been provided in 10.5 years. The Common Eligibility Test has been conducted successfully, and legal safeguards have been introduced for Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam employees, including DA, annual increments, and overseas job opportunities for 5,000 youth, he said.

He said that Law and order remain the top priority, and strict directions have been issued to the Police department to act swiftly on complaints. Emergency response time averages just over seven minutes. We will free Haryana from crime and criminals; no one breaking the law will be spared, he assured.

Farmer Welfare at the Core

The Chief Minister said that all crops are now procured at MSP, with Rs. 1.48 lakh crore transferred directly to 12 lakh farmers. Compensation worth Rs. 15,465 crore has been paid for crop losses in 10.5 years. The British-era abiyaana levy has been abolished, and the Agriculture Land Lease Act introduced to rebuild trust between landlords and tenant farmers. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, nearly Rs. 7,000 crore has been credited directly to farmers’ accounts.

Social Justice and Welfare

The Chief Minister while highlighting the measures taken for social justices and welfare said that bifurcating SC reservation to benefit the most deprived, raising the OBC creamy layer income limit to Rs. 8 lakh, granting OBC-B reservation in panchayats and urban local bodies, allotting land in 1700 villages to the Prajapati community, providing Vivah Shagun of up to Rs. 71,000 under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, and constructing houses for the poor under PMAY and the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana are some of the key initiatives taken for social welfare. Besides this, he said that social security pensions have been raised to Rs. 3,000 per month, with benefits extended to 10 new disability categories, he said.

Healthcare Expansion

The Chief Minister said that under the Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu scheme, free treatment has been provided to 22 lakh beneficiaries. Free dialysis is available for kidney patients in all government hospitals and medical colleges. Every district will have a medical college; 15 are functional and 9 are under construction.

The government is also building state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. In line with the Prime Minister’s Fit India–Hit India vision, gyms are being set up in every village. So far, 250 indoor gyms have been opened in rural areas across 19 districts for Rs. 50 crore.

Women’s Empowerment

The Chief Minister said that initiatives include the Lado Sakhi scheme, training women in drone operations, allotting one-third of ration depots to women, operating Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteens and Vita outlets through women, and ensuring 50 percent representation in panchayati raj institutions. Thirty of the 80 new colleges opened in the state are for girls, who receive free education up to post-graduation, he said.

Industrial and Urban Development

The Chief Minister said that the state has simplified processes, offering over 150 investor services online with approvals in 12 days. In 10.5 years, 7.66 lakh MSMEs have created jobs for 39 lakh people, he informed.

At present, under the Mhara Gaon, Jagmag Gaon Yojana, 5,895 villages in the state are receiving round-the-clock electricity. Every rural household now has access to functional household tap water, he said.

The Chief Minister further shared that in 2014–15, Rs. 1,693 crore was allocated for urban development works; in the 2025–26 budget, this allocation has been increased to Rs. 5,666 crore. Since October 2014, 2,147 unauthorised colonies have been regularised, and a Metropolitan Development Authority has been set up to drive the growth of major cities.

Infrastructure Push

The Chief Minister said that twenty-one new national highways have been declared, with 13 completed. Air services have started from Maharaja Agrasen Airport, and work has begun on the Rs. 6,230 crore Rithala-Kundli Metro Corridor. Every area now has schools and a college within a 20-kilometre radius, and MSME clusters are being set up at the block level.

Haryana Redefining Prosperity; Future to be an Example of Growth and Development

The Chief Minister said the last decade has been marked by inclusive growth, harmony, tolerance, and transformative changes that have made life simpler, safer, and more convenient. He assured that Haryana’s future will also stand as an example of development, progress, and prosperity. On this sacred occasion, let us pledge to work tirelessly, guided by our great cultural traditions and high moral values, to build a Developed India and a Developed Haryana, he said.

The celebrations featured vibrant, patriotic performances by school children. The Chief Minister felicitated officers, employees, and artists in recognition of their exemplary contributions and captivating cultural presentations.

Chandigarh / 15th, August.

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister and Member of Parliament from Sirsa Kumari Selja greeted the nation on Independence Day and said that the right to vote is the soul of our democracy. On this occasion she said we must all pledge to remain united in brotherhood and to defend democratic values and the Constitution. 

In a statement released to the media MP Kumari Selja said that today we are celebrating the anniversary of our country’s independence. This freedom was not given to us as a gift; countless heroes and heroines made sacrifices and laid down their lives for it. Independence was not only liberation from foreign rule but also a resolve that every citizen of India should enjoy equal rights and exercise the rights granted by the Constitution without fear.

Kumari Selja said that the right to vote is the soul of our democracy, but it is painful that this right is being attacked through vote theft. Vote theft is a betrayal of our democracy, our Constitution and the sacrifices of our martyrs. Kumari Selja said that in the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge are fighting this battle resolutely so that we remain secure and the sanctity of every single vote is protected. On this occasion she urged everyone to take a pledge to remain united in brotherhood and to protect democratic values and the Constitution.

Chandigarh, August 15: On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, a grand celebration was organized at the headquarters of the Haryana Human Rights Commission. The event commenced with the National Flag Hoisting by Commission Chairman Justice LalitBatra.

Cultural Vibrance Marks the Celebration

Following the flag hoisting, a vibrant cultural program was held. Commission Member Mr.Kuldip Jain mesmerized the audience with his soulful patriotic songs. Women officers presented a graceful group dance, while male officers added enthusiasm with a spirited group song performance.

Chairperson’s Address – Haryana’s Role in Freedom Struggle and the Significance of Human Rights

In his inspiring speech, Justice LalitBatra emphasized that Independence Day is not merely a celebration but a reminder of our duties. Highlighting Haryana’s contribution to the freedom struggle, he said:

• Epicenter of 1857 Revolt – Ambala, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Hisar, and Gurugram were among the key centers of the uprising against British rule.
• Land of Martyrs – Heroes like Rao Tula Ram and Nahar Singh laid down their lives for the motherland.
• Participation in Major Movements – Farmers and youth of Haryana played an active role in the Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movements.
• Military Contribution – Despite having only 2% of India’s population, Haryana contributes 11% of the Indian Armed Forces.
  He further stated that freedom and human rights are interlinked. The independence we achieved in 1947 granted us the right to live without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or language. The Commission strives to ensure that every citizen enjoys a life of dignity and security.

Commitment and Responsibilities

Justice Batra urged all officials and employees to take the following pledges:

• Strengthen the Commission further.
• Organize more programs to spread human rights awareness.
• Use technology and transparency for swift grievance redressal.

Commission’s Remarkable Initiatives

The Chairperson also highlighted several significant interventions made by the Commission this year, including:

• Immediate action on medical negligence involving a newborn in Nuh hospital.
• Suomotu action to ensure safety in dilapidated school buildings in Hisar.
• Proactive steps to protect senior citizens’ rights.
• Directives to Gurugram authorities to provide safe drinking water.
• Interventions for park restoration and eco-friendly cremation grounds.
• Presentation at the National Conference on Women Prisoners’ Rights.
• Corrective measures in cases of severe negligence at SIRTAR.
• Strict action on inhumane practices in unsafe buildings and schools.
• Penalty imposed on police officers for stripping a differently-abled person.
• Regular inspections to improve facilities in jails, old-age homes, and child care institutions.
• Upgradation of infrastructure to enhance efficiency and capacity of Commission staff.
  “These initiatives are not just about resolving issues but creating a society where justice, equality, and human dignity prevail,” Justice Batra said.

Vote of Thanks

The event concluded with Dr.PuneetArora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer, informing that Member Mr. Deep Bhatia expressed gratitude to Chaiperson Justice LalitBatra, Member Mr.Kuldeep Jain, Smt. PoonamLalitBatra, Secretary Mr.Jaybir Singh Arya (IAS), Registrar Mr.VarinderShahi, DSP Smt. Tanya Singh, DSP ShriSant Kumar and all officers, police personnel, and staff members for making the program a grand success.

Chandigarh, August 14 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that in our pursuit of modernity and development, we must not exploit nature but instead strive to live in harmony with it. Since 2014, approximately 18 crore saplings have been planted across the state.

Speaking at a public event organized under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in village Baland, district Rohtak, the Chief Minister informed that 1.80 crore saplings have already been planted in the first phase of the campaign, which was initiated by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. The second phase now aims to plant an additional 2.10 crore saplings.

*Campaign 2.0 Launched from the Aravalli Hills*

Highlighting the government’s efforts to expand forest cover in Haryana, Sh. Saini shared that the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign was launched from the Aravalli region. Plantation drives have also been carried out under Van Mahotsav in areas such as Morni, Kalesar, Siosar, and the Jungle Safari in Gurugram. As part of the ongoing efforts, 5,100 aplings were planted in Baland village alone. The Chief Minister also mentioned the innovative Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, under which trees that are over 75 years old are being honored with a pension of Rs3,000 per year for their maintenance.

Mr. Saini called upon all citizens to take collective responsibility for protecting the environment. He urged families to actively participate in the tree plantation campaign and turn it into a mass movement. Children should be connected with nature from an early age so they grow up with a deep respect for trees and the environment, he said.

He appealed to every family to make a habit of planting and nurturing a sapling on every happy occasion, such as birthdays and family celebrations, and contribute meaningfully to making Haryana greener.

On this occasion, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badauli and other dignitaries were also present.

Chandigarh, August 14 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that we must accelerate industrial development in the state to realize the vision of “Viksit Haryana – Viksit Bharat.”

With the hard work of entrepreneurs, Haryana has today transformed from an agriculture-dominated state into a prosperous industrial hub. Haryana holds a top position in terms of per capita income and employment.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister chaired a meeting of entrepreneurs at the Circuit House in Rohtak. He said that to prepare skilled youth as per industry demands, the government has established a Skill University in Karnal. He urged entrepreneurs to fully cooperate with the government so that youth can be trained in line with industry needs. By doing so, the state government aims to provide maximum employment to the youth. Skill training is being provided through ITIs and polytechnics.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is allotting plots to entrepreneurs through auctions with complete transparency. He assured entrepreneurs that their genuine demands will be met.

The Chief Minister said that the state’s entrepreneurs have built a reputation in various specialized industries. He added that the state government is working to advance Haryana in line with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India. With everyone’s cooperation, Haryana can become the most developed state in the country even before 2047. Due to the state government’s policies, entrepreneurs from Delhi are also coming to set up industries in Haryana. On the lines of IMT Manesar, 10 new Industrial Model Townships will be developed across the state. To further boost industrial growth, an “Ease of Doing Business” ecosystem has been created. As a result of government incentives, Haryana has become the first choice for investors from across the country and abroad.

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Centre has been set up in the state. To provide faster and digital industrial approvals, more than 230 online services are available through a single online portal under the Single Roof Clearance System. The single-window portal is being strengthened and made more investment-friendly by using modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain. To develop new industries in the state, a new land bank of 10,000 acres will be created through e-Bhoomi.

*CM’s office open 24×7 for the public*

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that he has always worked to resolve people’s grievances. Even during his tenure as an MP, his doors remained open 24 hours for the public, and now too, the grievances of citizens visiting the Chief Minister’s office are being resolved round the clock.

Chandigarh, August 14 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has called for observing August 14, a day before Independence Day, as Vibhajan Vibhishika Smiriti  Diwas. He said that during the partition of India, lakhs of families endured immense suffering, including displacement, atrocities, and separation from their loved ones. He added that the partition was orchestrated by certain individuals for their political gain.

Chief Minister said that the Congress Party ruled the country for nearly 55 years, and is now attempting to mislead the public by raising baseless concerns  alleging EVM tampering, vote theft, and threats to the Constitution. He asserted that it was during Congress’s rule that vote manipulation and multiple scams took place. He said that the people of India are now more aware and have rejected the Congress Party. The citizens will no longer fall for their misleading narratives.

*Rahul Gandhi’s statements are harmful to the nation and society, He needs treatment*

The Chief Minister strongly criticized opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that he needs to seek treatment. He said Rahul Gandhi’s statements are not only irresponsible but are also harming the country and society at large. The Chief Minister accused Rahul Gandhi of insulting India’s constitutional institutions and undermining the spirit of democracy. He further said that Rahul Gandhi has even questioned the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces, who have consistently demonstrated courage by eliminating terrorism across the border through various successful operations. He added that the Congress party is spreading a web of lies, but this conspiracy will not last long. It is ironic that Congress leaders themselves are involved in vote theft, and the current leadership of the party is a cause for concern, he added.

Chandigarh, August 14- In a decisive move to dismantle organised begging rackets and protect vulnerable children from exploitation, the Haryana State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (HSCPCR) has rolled out a state-backed rescue and rehabilitation initiative under the Union Government’s SMILE scheme (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise).

A State-level Inter-Departmental Meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development Department (WCD), Haryana, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, brought together top police, child protection, health, labour, and social welfare officers to target the root causes of child begging and create a clear roadmap for its eradication.

He said that child begging is not an isolated act of poverty in many cases, it is a criminally organised industry where children are forced into the streets by cartels, traffickers, or even relatives for monetary gain. It strips children of education, exposes them to abuse, and traps them in lifelong cycles of vulnerability.

The Panchkula Pilot — Three Phases to Break the Cycle:

The first phase is mapping the Problem; Joint mapping of begging hotspots — traffic lights, religious places, and markets — by District Administration, WCD, and NGOs, Headcount of child beggars and identification of orphans, abandoned children, or those without family support. Second phase    is Swift Rescue and Protection; District Task Force to rescue children in immediate need of shelter, Cases to be presented before the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) for legal protection, and Social Investigation Reports prepared under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, leading to personalised rehabilitation plans and, in third phase Long-Term Rehabilitation and Tracking; it will focus on preventing re-victimisation and trafficking, Regular monitoring of rehabilitated children and education, skills training, and family reintegration wherever possible. The meeting recognised that begging in many urban centres operates under well-structured rackets, exploiting children as income sources. The pilot aims not just to remove children from the streets but to dismantle these criminal networks through police action, intelligence sharing, and coordinated follow-up.

Sh. Sudhir Rajpal said that child begging is an exploitation of innocence and a violation of basic human rights. Haryana is committed to breaking this vicious cycle through rescue, rehabilitation, and strict action against those who profit from it. He further said that a follow-up meeting will be held in 15 days to assess progress, review the first rescue operations, and finalise strategies for scaling the model across the state.

DCP Crime and Traffic, Panchkula, Sh. Manpreet Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula, Smt. Nisha and other officers remained present during the meeting.