Chandigarh/ Sri Anandpur Sahib, July 22

In a first-of-it’s-kind initiative, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, on Tuesday, held a “Dialogue with Teachers” at Virasat-e-Khalsa, Sri Anandpur Sahib to gather firsthand feedback from teachers to further enhance the quality and standards of education in the state government schools.

During the special dialogue with National and State Award-winning teachers, as well as educators trained from Singapore, Finland and Ahmedabad, S. Bains attentively noted their suggestions to further improve the standards of education and school infrastructure. MLA Advocate Dinesh Chadha was also present on the occasion.

Congratulating the teachers for Punjab securing the top spot in the national education survey, Mr. Bains said the purpose of this initiative is to gather feedback from National and State Awardees, internationally trained educators, principals, headmasters, BPEOs (Block Primary Education Officers), center head teachers, nodal officers of various programs, and school campus managers on ongoing reforms and potential improvements in government schools.

He mentioned that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state government has launched the concepts of “School of Eminence,” “School of Happiness,” and “School of Brilliance” to uplift the education system and shape the future of students in government schools.

The Education Minister highlighted that arrangements have been made to train principals, headmasters, and teachers from government schools in leadership and management skills at international standards from institutions in Singapore, Finland, and IIM Ahmedabad.

Mr. Bains emphasized that the Education Department is like a family to him. He stated that this is the first time under the Aam Aadmi Party government that teachers are receiving training in internationally renowned institutions like Singapore, Finland, and Ahmedabad to modernize the education system.

He proudly mentioned that students from government schools witnessed the launch of Chandrayaan-3, and have excelled in exams like JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. He also noted the development of AstroTurf grounds, shooting ranges, swimming pools in government schools, and the creation of ultra-modern schools under the “School of Eminence” model, rivaling convent schools.

Thousands of schools have completed their boundary walls, and new laboratories and libraries have been established. Campus managers and security guards have been deployed in schools — all these measures were initiated based on teachers’ suggestions. He described “Dialogue with Teachers” as a unique platform where the administration listens to teachers’ valuable input rather than just speaking to them. Similar events held in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali), Fatehgarh Sahib, and Fazilka have proven to be very successful.

Mr. Bains stated that today, the true image of Punjab’s reformed education system is clearly visible in every government school. He congratulated teachers and school heads and encouraged them to work even harder.

Expressing confidence, the Education Minister said that Punjab’s education sector is going through a significant transformation due to the relentless efforts of its teachers, yielding excellent results for government schools and giving further impetus to government reforms. He declared that the Punjab government is strengthening the infrastructure of government schools and the state is surely emerging as a role model across the country. Mr. Bains asserted that no previous political party ever took such serious steps for educational reforms.

On this occasion, principals, teachers, award-winning educators, and those trained in Singapore, Finland, and Ahmedabad—who are now playing key roles in transforming Punjab’s education system—expressed their gratitude for being given such a platform by the Punjab government to share ideas for improvement.

MLA Advocate Dinesh Kumar Chadha of Rupnagar shed light on how the educational revolution has transformed the face of Punjab’s government schools. During the dialogue, teachers thanked the Education Minister for providing school uniforms, interactive panels, Wi-Fi, digital classrooms, libraries, timely textbooks, boundary walls, and all other essential facilities.

They also promised that in future competitive exams, government school students would achieve even greater success. Senior officials from the Education Department were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, July 22 – Under the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao, the weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana was held under the chairmanship of Director General Health Services (DGHS), Sh. Manish Bansal here today. The meeting focused on intensifying efforts to curb illegal abortions and further improve the state’s sex ratio under the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign.

The meeting highlighted the recent success of government initiatives. In the preceding week (July 14 to 21, 2025) Haryana’s sex ratio improved to 917, up from 860 in the corresponding week last year. If calculated from January 1 to July 21, the state’s sex ratio registered a 2-point improvement at 904 this year, up from 902 in the corresponding period last year.

The DGHS emphasized the need for stringent enforcement against illegal abortions, instructing officials to take strict punitive measures, including revoking the licences of doctors found complicit. He said the state is implementing reverse tracking of all Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) and abortion cases beyond 12 weeks, particularly where women already have one or more daughters. So far, 690 reverse trackings have been completed across Haryana, with the highest number reported from Ambala. This has led to the registration of total 18 FIRs in suspected cases, with 13 more FIRs currently in process. Show-cause notices have been issued to several private hospitals and clinics suspected of malpractice, as well as to Medical Officers, ASHAs, ANMs, and SAHELIS associated with the concerned pregnant women.

DGHS (P) Sh. Kuldeep Singh held detailed discussions with all CMOs and senior health officials, instructing them to ensure that reverse tracking is completed within 24 hours of receiving information regarding abortion cases. He also sought MTP case data for the past three months from all CMOs and emphasized coordination with gynecologists at OPD centres to effectively track abortion cases. He added that police support should be sought in case of any law and order issues during enforcement actions.

The Task Force took strong exception to negligence found in some districts and decided to chargesheet officers who failed to undertake reverse tracking. It mandated that all CMOs and PNDT officials carry out field raids extensively and ensure there is no laxity in implementation. Officials were also instructed to report any Pre-implantation Genetic Testing (PIGT) conducted in their districts within five days of receiving such a request, to monitor and prevent any gender-based misuse.

Senior officers from various departments were present at the meeting to review progress and coordinate inter-departmental efforts.

Chandigarh, July 22 – Kurukshetra is set to become a major centre for spiritual tourism in Haryana. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has approved the formation of a high-level monitoring committee for the construction of a Guru Ravidas Museum and Bhawan on 5 acres and a Sikh Museum on 3 acres at Umri in Kurukshetra.

Sharing information in this regard, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the Department of Archaeology and Museums, in collaboration with the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), will jointly oversee the development of both museums. The committee will be headed by the Principal Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department and will include the Director, Archaeology and Museums, Deputy Commissioner, Kurukshetra, OSD to Chief Minister, Dr. Prabhleen Singh, Deputy Director, Archaeology and Museum Department, Dr. Banani Bhattacharya, Executive Engineer, HSVP Ambala, subject experts, and Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that Haryana is set to establish the country’s first immersive spiritual and tourism site in Kurukshetra based on the inclusive and egalitarian teachings of Guru Ravidas. He said that a grand statue of Guru Ravidas will be installed in this museum, around which an open-air theater will be built for discourses, exhibitions and community programmes. A modern auditorium is also planned for cultural events, seminars, lectures, and community gatherings. It will also feature a serene and spiritually uplifting space for meditation, a Guru Ravidas Library and Research Centre, a Gurbani Hall, a museum, and digital galleries that promote universal messages of love, humility, and peace, he added.

He further said that, similarly the Sikh Museum will reflect the vision, teachings, and contributions of the Sikh Gurus. This museum will serve as a national and international cultural centre for celebrating Sikh heritage, promoting education, research, and tourism. Special emphasis will be given to key moments in Sikh history, the Guru periods, and their association with Haryana. Authentic and verified historical information from the time of Guru Nanak Dev to Guru Gobind Singh and beyond will be documented and presented with academic accuracy and cultural sensitivity. He said that traditional and contemporary mediums like murals, dioramas, digital art, holography, laser shows and interactive installations would be promoted to effectively narrate the historical stories to the visitors.

Chandigarh, July 22-  The Haryana Government has initiated preparations for the upcoming Kharif procurement season 2025-26. Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, shared that the Central Government has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Kharif crops such as paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, arhar (tur), moong, urad, groundnut, soybean, sesame, and niger seeds (black sesame) for the 2025-26 season.

He said that the state government has already opened procurement centers and mandis for the purchase of these crops, 246 for paddy, 22 for jowar, 92 for bajra, 19 for maize, 22 for arhar, 38 for moong, 10 for urad, 7 for groundnut, 7 for soybean, 27 for sesame, and 2 for niger seeds/black sesame.

The Minister of State added that the Central Government has fixed the following Minimum Support Prices (per quintal) for the crops, Rs. 2369 for Paddy (Common), Rs. 2389 for Paddy (Grade A), Rs. 3699 Jowar (Hybrid), Rs. 3749 for Jowar (Maldandi), Rs. 2775 for Bajra, Rs. 2400 for Maize, Rs. 8000 for Arhar (Tur), Rs. 8768 for Moong, Rs. 7800 for Urad, Rs. 7263 for Groundnut, Rs. 5328 for Soybean, Rs. 9846 for Sesame, and Rs. 9537 for Niger Seeds / Black Sesame.

Chandigarh, July 22 – Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has issued a directive to all Administrative Secretaries in the state, urging them to take immediate and proactive steps in support of the nationwide ‘Mediation For the Nation’ campaign.

This 90-day drive, running from July to September 2025, has been launched jointly by the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) and the Supreme Court’s Mediation and Conciliation Project Committee (MCPC). The objective of the campaign is to reduce the pendency of cases in Taluka Courts, District Courts, and High Courts across the country through timely and effective mediation.

As part of this initiative, a high-level meeting was convened recently by the Mediation and Conciliation Committee of the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretaries of Haryana and Punjab, the Home Secretary of UT Chandigarh, the Advocates General of both states, and the Standing Counsel of UT Chandigarh. Several key decisions were taken during the meeting to streamline the identification and referral of appropriate cases for mediation.

The Director of the Mediation and Conciliation Centre of the Punjab & Haryana High Court will provide concerned departments with a list of pending cases, particularly those related to land acquisition and service matters. Departments whose matters are pending before the High Court have been instructed to review this list and identify cases with a high potential for resolution through mediation. Additionally, matters involving the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), especially under the HUID category, will also be considered for mediation. All departments have been directed to study the Haryana Government’s Litigation Policy and consult with the Advocate General to identify cases that can be effectively resolved through alternative dispute resolution. Departments have been instructed to submit the final vetted list of mediation-worthy cases to the Director, Mediation and Conciliation Centre by July 25, 2025.

These lists must also be shared with the Chief Secretary’s Office and the Administration of Justice Department for further necessary action. To ensure timely coordination and compliance, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Administration of Justice Department has been assigned the responsibility to oversee departmental progress. The Director of the Mediation and Conciliation Centre has also been requested to initiate all required follow-up actions.

Chandigarh, July 22- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister,  Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, has  strongly dismissed reports regarding fertilizer shortage in the state, asserting that there is no shortage of essential fertilizers like Urea and DAP during the Kharif 2025 season.

Responding to a media report that claimed shortage of fertilizers, the Minister termed the report misleading and clarified that the state government, with support from the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has ensured timely and adequate supply of fertilizers to farmers. He further said that the figures mentioned in the report pertain to the Rabi season, whereas the current allocation of DAP is meant for the Kharif season.

The Agriculture Minister informed that as per official records, Haryana requires a total of 10.07 lakh metric tonnes of Urea for the Kharif 2025 season. From April 1 to July 19, the estimated demand was 5.91 lakh metric tonnes. During this period, the central government supplied 8.54 lakh metric tonnes of Urea, out of which 7.5 lakh metric tonnes have already been sold to farmers. Currently, 1.04 lakh metric tonnes of Urea are in stock across the state, and an additional 16,307 metric tonnes will arrive soon, making the total available quantity approximately 1.20 lakh metric tonnes.

Regarding DAP, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana further clarified the state requires 2.83 lakh metric tonnes during the Kharif season. Between April 1 and July 19, the demand was 1.37 lakh metric tonnes. So far, 1.46 lakh metric tonnes of DAP have been supplied, of which 1.10 lakh metric tonnes have been sold. At present, 36,000 metric tonnes are in stock, and 5,467 metric tonnes will be arriving soon, bringing the total available DAP to around 41,000 metric tonnes.

Strict Action Against Black Marketing and Hoarding

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana stated that the government has intensified monitoring and enforcement actions to curb black marketing, hoarding, adulteration, and illegal tagging of fertilizers. As of now, 1,974 inspections have been conducted across the state. These actions have resulted in the registration of 8 FIRs, suspension of licenses of 26 dealers, cancellation of 1 license, and issuance of 96 show-cause notices.

Minister calls for Responsible Purchase by Farmers

The Agriculture Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to providing quality fertilizers to farmers in a timely manner and at fair prices. He said that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a transparent and regulated fertilizer distribution system. He also appealed to farmers to purchase fertilizers only as per their requirement for the current Kharif season and avoid stockpiling for the upcoming Rabi season, as this could create an artificial shortage for others.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana reiterated that there is no shortage of fertilizers in any district, and supplies are being made as per demand. With the current stock and robust monitoring systems in place, the state is fully prepared for the remainder of the Kharif season.

Chandigarh, July 22 – Haryana is set to receive ₹150 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme 2025–26 to strengthen road safety infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms across the state. A high-level review meeting was chaired today by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi to strategize the state’s action plan for accessing and effectively utilizing these central funds.

The ₹150 crore incentive will be linked to five key milestones: Installation of electronic enforcement devices at identified locations, integration of these devices with Traffic Control Rooms (TCRs), generation of e-challans through electronic systems, efficient disposal of e-challans, and a measurable reduction in fatalities on State Highways and Major District Roads.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Transport Department to prepare a comprehensive project proposal for submission to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. He emphasized that the proposal should focus on promoting road safety through stricter compliance with traffic regulations, enhanced digital enforcement, and improved public awareness campaigns.

Sh. Rastogi also underscored the importance of strong inter-departmental coordination, particularly among the Transport, Police, Urban Local Bodies, and Public Works Departments, to ensure timely and effective execution of the identified milestones. Senior officials from various departments participated in the meeting and discussed the way forward for this important safety initiative.

Chandigarh, July 22 – In a major relief to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers across the state, the Haryana Government has decided to cancel cases registered against them during their agitation.

A government spokesperson informed that Anganwadi workers and helpers had staged protests during 2021–22, during which police cases were filed in districts such as Gurugram, Charkhi Dadri, and Karnal.

Representatives of the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Union had repeatedly submitted requests for the cancellation of these cases. Taking a sympathetic view of the matter, the state government has now decided to cancel all such cases.

Chandigarh, July 22 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the State-level Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas will be celebrated in Faridabad on August 14 this year, in memory of the known and unknown individuals who lost their lives during the country’s partition. He described the event as historic and said that people from all sections of society across the state will participate in large numbers.

Sh Saini made these remarks while addressing a meeting held here today regarding the organization of the Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas. He further added that, ahead of the state-level event, Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas programs will be organized at various locations throughout the state over a fortnight.

Youth should draw inspiration from the sacrifices of their ancestors

He said that the state-level Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas will be organized jointly by the Haryana Government and Panchnad Trust, where rich tributes will be paid to the ancestors who lost their lives during the horrors of Partition. He urged people to bring their sons and daughters to the event so they can learn about their ancestors’ sacrifices and draw inspiration from them.

He also appealed to Panchnad Trust to document the memoirs of elders who witnessed the tragedy of Partition and preserve them as part of history, so that the younger generation can understand how their forebears endured these terrible ordeal stories that still send shivers down the spine today.

Prime Minister announces celebration of Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, recognizing the partition of India as the greatest tragedy of the 20th century, announced the celebration of ‘Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas’ while inaugurating the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on August 15, 2021. This day is dedicated to honoring the memory of those who lost their lives during the partition. Since then, ‘Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas’ has been observed annually on August14.

He said that when India gained independence in 1947, the country was simultaneously divided. This came at a heavy cost. Our nation was split, millions of people on both sides were displaced, and hundreds of thousands lost their lives in riots. Horrific atrocities were committed against mothers and sisters. Even today, the soul of humanity shudders at the memory of those scenes. He added that countless innocent lives were lost in that bloodshed. If we feel such deep pain reflecting on this tragedy, then we can only imagine the unimaginable suffering endured by those who lived through it.

After Partition, they contributed significantly to the prosperity of wherever they settled

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that this Smriti Diwas honors the memory of our ancestors who lost their lives during the Partition. He expressed pride in those sons of Mother India who feared no one, resisted all greed, and endured immense hardships for their country, religion, and self-respect. Moreover, wherever they settled, they made significant contributions to the prosperity and well-being of those regions. Through their hard work, they played a vital role in driving economic growth and development in their new homes.

Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas conveys a message of brotherhood

He said that this Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas also gives us the message of brotherhood. This day will keep reminding us that when the threads of social unity break, the country also breaks. Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi had announced to celebrate this day with the aim that every Indian should learn a lesson from history and dedicate himself to the unity of the nation for a golden future. The Chief Minister appealed on this occasion and said that today everyone should take a pledge to strengthen love, affection and brotherhood in the society.

Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Krishna Lal Middha, said that our ancestors endured unimaginable suffering during the partition of the country. He expressed deep sadness that from independence until 2014, their sacrifices were largely overlooked. However, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi recognized their pain and announced the celebration of Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas in their honor. Since 2022, the state government has been commemorating Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas annually as part of this initiative.

BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Kaushik said that many families endured immense tragedy during the Partition. He emphasized that our ancestors suffered greatly to protect their religion, and it is our responsibility to educate the younger generation about these sacrifices.

Mahamandaleshwar Swami Dharmdev Ji Maharaj said that Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini is working dedicatedly for the bright future of Haryana’s 2.80 crore citizens. He stated that the state-level Vibhajan Vibhishika Samriti Diwas, to be held in Faridabad on August 14, will be a historic event. Swami Dharmdev Ji Maharaj also suggested that information about the Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas programs should be shared with students in educational institutions, so that they too become aware of this important part of history.

On this occasion, MLA Sh Vinod Bhayana, Sh Ghanshyam Das Arora, former minister and President of Panchnad Trust Haryana, Sh Subhash Sudha, Smt Seema Trikha, Sh Manish Grover, Sh Shashipal Mehta, former chairman Sh Jagdish Chopra, OSD to the Chief Minister Sh BB Bharti, and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, July 22– Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana while issuing a stern warning to private licensed dealers involved in the illegal sale of urea and DAP said that if found guilty during inspections, their licenses will be cancelled and FIRs will be registered as per the law. He also cautioned agriculture department officers  that if anyone is found complicit in facilitating illegal sales of urea and DAP, strict action will be taken against them as well.

The Minister  gave these directions  while  reviewing the status of urea and DAP availability across the state through video conferencing from Chandigarh on Tuesday. He also held detailed discussions with the  Deputy Directors of Agriculture (DDA) from all districts and assessed the ground situation in detail.

The Agriculture Minister emphasized that the state government is committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the government will not allow the sale of fake fertilizers, pesticides, or seeds under any circumstances. The state will also ensure there is no shortage of fertilizers.

He directed the department  officers to closely monitor sellers of urea and DAP apart from PACS and conduct regular inspections. He directed them to verify sales and stock records, and take strict action in case of any discrepancies. He also called for immediate action upon receiving complaints of illegal urea sales by some industrial units.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana stated that although there is no shortage of urea and DAP in the state, certain opposition members are spreading misleading information about scarcity. He explained that due to timely rains, farmers began sowing crops earlier than usual this year, which led to a rise in demand for urea and DAP ahead of schedule. Some farmers have also started stockpiling for the Rabi season, further increasing the need for fertilizers. He informed that compared to last year, 1.30 lakh metric tonnes more fertilizer has been distributed this year, said the Minister. 

He once again appealed to farmers not to start storing fertilizers for the Rabi season in advance, assuring them that the state government will provide the required quantity at the appropriate time.