Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana will organize a statewide ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ from September 17 to October 2. The fortnight-long programme aims to promote the spirit of service in society and advance developmental initiatives as a people’s movement.

Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting today to review arrangements for the campaign. He said the campaign will feature daily events across the state, with Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini presiding over the main event each day, while Ministers will lead similar programmes in all districts.

The Chief Secretary said the ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ embodies the spirit of collective responsibility and public service, aiming to create lasting positive impact across rural and urban areas of Haryana while celebrating Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s dedication to national service.

Sh Rastogi emphasized launching plastic-free campaigns and comprehensive cleanliness drives statewide, with active involvement of ex-servicemen. He directed all departments to meticulously plan and execute their scheduled events to ensure genuine public benefit. The campaign represents Haryana’s commitment to translating the Prime Minister’s vision of service into concrete action at the grassroots level.

Additional Chief Secretary, School Education Department, Sh. Vineet Garg informed that the Education Department will conduct essay writing, debates, painting, rangoli and street play competitions in schools and colleges. Students and teachers will also take pledges on cleanliness and drug de-addiction. The department will also organize a function of NSS volunteers where a prize distribution ceremony will be held during the fortnight.

Additional Chief Secretary, Sainik & Ardh Sainik Welfare Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar informed that 75 schools in the state shall be renamed after Haryana’s soldiers who laid down their lives for protecting the country, in consultation with the School Education Department.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Sh. Navdeep Virk said the department will chalk out the programe to hold competitions and fitness activities in rural and urban areas. Sports equipment shall also be distributed in villages. Additionally, startups will be promoted to encourage entrepreneurship and employment generation among youth.

The Health Department will organize medical check-up camps in health institutions across the state besides other programmes. Special cleanliness drives will also be undertaken at 75 hospitals and community health centres. The Women and Child Development Department will modernise and beautify 75 Anganwadi centres. Outstanding Anganwadi workers making notable contributions towards combating malnutrition will be recognised and encouraged.

It was informed that the Tourism and Archaeology Department has made a plan to organize student visits to 75 tourist/historical places besides running sanitation campaigns in at tourist spots, historical sites, lakes, parks, temples, mosques and gurdwaras.

The Rural Development and Panchayats Department plans to launch cleanliness drives in villages and also honour model villages excelling in cleanliness and development besides conducting other events while the Urban Local Bodies Department will run cleanliness campaigns in all establishments, plastic-free city drives, and sanitation programmes at public places in urban areas. The number of gram panchayats working to meet the parameters of 7-Star villages shall be increased during the campaign. Based on seven social parameters, each allocated a different colour star, the villages are analysed on their performance and given star-ratings under the 7-Star Rainbow scheme.

The Home Department will organise campaigns on women’s safety, road safety and cleanliness. Special cleanliness drives will be carried out in police stations and outposts, alongside awareness campaigns on traffic rules for the general public.

Commissioner & Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal said the department will screen a documentary film and organize an exhibition based on the life, vision and achievements of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.

Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang said during the ‘Sewa Pakhwada’, interviews will be conducted with 75 women sarpanches, 75 ‘Drone Didis’, members of self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, and young startup founders. Publicity of central and state government schemes will be undertaken through the ‘Haryana Diary’ programme, posters, hoardings, and social media campaigns.

Other departments, including Environment and Forests, Agriculture, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, etc., will also participate in the campaign. Senior officers of various departments were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana Jails Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is continuously working to promote skill development and self-reliance among prison inmates. As part of this initiative, 12 courses will be introduced in five jails of the state, including Gurugram District Jail. A diploma course in Computer Engineering will soon begin here, for which a training centre has already been set up.

On Saturday, during his visit to Gurugram, Dr. Sharma inspected the District Jail at Bhondsi, reviewed various arrangements, and also met with family members of inmates who had come to visit them. The minister said that the government is committed to ensuring adequate basic facilities and robust security arrangements in state prisons, while also preparing inmates to reintegrate into society smoothly after completing their sentences.

He informed that ITI-certified courses have been approved for five jails – Central Jail Ambala, District Jail Gurugram, Faridabad, Karnal, and Panipat. Inmates of Gurugram Jail will have the opportunity to pursue a three-year diploma course in Computer Engineering. For this, a training centre has been established within the jail premises in collaboration with ITI Indri (Nuh). So far, 29 inmates have registered for this diploma programme.

In addition, 25 inmates have registered for a one-year Plumbing course, 25 for a Welding course, and 25 for a Computer Applications course. Dr. Sharma also directed Jail Superintendent Naresh Goyal to publish a catalogue of wooden items being made by inmates so that their products can be promoted and reach a wider audience.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister, Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa said that the 41-kilometre-long bypass construction project for Hisar will not only ease the increasing traffic pressure in the city but will also pave the way for the city’s development as a metropolitan hub. He expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for approving the project.

The Minister stated that this bypass will begin from the Hisar-Rajgarh Road (NH-52), cross the Hisar-Delhi Road (NH-9), and extend up to the Hisar-Kaithal Road (NH-52). Built with modern technology, this bypass will seamlessly connect different parts of the city and make regional traffic faster and safer. The project has been designed keeping in view future requirements, said Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa.

He said that with the construction of this bypass, Hisar will get significant relief from traffic jams, saving both time and fuel for commuters.

The Minister further said that this bypass will not only benefit Hisar but also the surrounding regions, as it will boost industrial, commercial, and agricultural activities.

Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa said that the construction of this bypass will smoothen Hisar’s traffic flow and double the pace of the city’s development. Local residents and traders have also welcomed the Chief Minister’s decision, stating that the project will promote economic and social activities in Hisar and ensure the overall development of the region, he said.

The Cabinet Minister directed the concerned departments to complete all formalities related to the project at the earliest so that this initiative to make Hisar traffic-free can soon take shape.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana’s cities are set to get a cleaner and greener makeover as Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini  has recently launched the Haryana Shehar Swachhta Campaign – 2025. Under this initiative, the Urban Local Bodies Department has drawn up a detailed action plan. The state-wide drive will run until November 25, 2025, with the objective of ensuring a healthier urban environment, strengthening waste management, reducing plastic use, and spreading awareness about sanitation.

Divulging the details, a spokesperson of the Urban Local Bodies department said that cleanliness activities will be carried out in government and private offices, tourist destinations, and religious places. Also, repair of roads, drains, maintenance of street lights, beautification of roundabouts and proper signage on roads will be ensured during the drive. Besides this, 100 percent door-to-door garbage collection will be done as well as C&D waste dumping points, open areas and vacant plots will be cleaned.

To encourage public participation, students from schools and colleges will be sensitized about hygiene, while training programs will be held for members of Resident Welfare Associations and NGOs. Under the Green and Clean Haryana initiative, tree plantation drives will be undertaken in colonies, markets, schools, parks, and along roadsides. Dustbins will be installed in parks to prevent littering, and open gyms will be repaired and maintained. A “Safai Mitra Walkathon” will also be organized to promote community involvement.

The spokesperson said that special awareness drives will focus on enforcing the plastic ban. Dedicated centers will be set up in markets and mandis where citizens can deposit plastic waste in exchange for cloth bags and saplings. Street plays in malls and markets will further spread messages on cleanliness and environmental conservation.

As part of the campaign, stray cattle will be shifted safely to gaushalas and nandishalas to make urban areas free from stray animals. Community toilets will be kept clean. Special drives will be launched around festivals like Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali to clean roads, markets, and parks with community participation. This effort is not only aimed at enhancing the festive atmosphere but also at fostering a sense of shared responsibility towards hygiene and beautification.

The spokesperson urged citizens to actively take part in the Haryana Shehar Swachhta Campaign – 2025 and contribute to its success, reminding that cleanliness is the duty of every resident.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport & Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij today said since 2014, the State Government has provided financial assistance of Rs. 413 crore to gaushalas for the upkeep of stray cattle. Continuing this initiative under the Gaushala and Gaussadan Development Project, cheques worth Rs. 20.77 lakh were presented to Rambagh Gaushala Committee, Ambala Cantonment, and Rs. 3.11 lakh to Bhagwan Shri Parshuram Gaushala, Khatauli. Sh. Vij personally handed over the cheques to the representatives of the gaushalas.

Sh. Vij said the Haryana Government is committed to the upliftment of all sections of society. He urged citizens to voluntarily extend support to gaushalas as a gesture of respect towards ‘Gau Mata,’ so that no stray cattle are left wandering on the streets. “The government provides assistance from time to time for the functioning of gaushalas, but the participation of the general public is equally important,” he emphasized.

The Minister added that the State Government has increased the budget for running gaushalas and has also initiated the opening of new gaushalas with the objective of ensuring that no stray cattle roam on roads. He praised the service-oriented work of gaushala representatives in maintaining stray cattle and assured them of continued government support.

On this occasion, representatives of the gaushalas expressed their gratitude to Sh. Anil Vij and the State Government, noting that whenever they have presented any demand before the government, it has been readily accepted.

The programme was attended by SDM Sh. Vineesh Kumar, Sh. Jaswant Jain from Rambagh Gaushala Committee, Ambala Cantonment, and other dignitaries.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced that two battalions of the ‘Haryana Disaster Relief Force’ will be established to handle any emergency situation in the state and to assist people. He also said that the foundation stone of the upcoming Fire and Disaster Training Institute in Jind district will be laid soon.

The Chief Minister was reviewing the functioning of the Fire & Emergency Services and the Revenue & Disaster Management Department with officials today.

Sh. Saini said for the renewal of Fire Safety Certificates, the NOC will be granted automatically upon application. However, after renewal, officials will conduct random checks within 15 days. He instructed that accountability and time limits should be fixed at every level, and the Fire NOC should be linked with the CM Dashboard. He also directed strict action against officials/employees who keep NOC applications pending.

Purchase of Modern Firefighting Vehicles

The Chief Minister directed officials to purchase two fire engines equipped with advanced 101-meter technology soon. In addition, 13 hydraulic platform fire vehicles of different heights and 250 firefighting vehicles for block-level use will also be procured. The capacity of water pipes in fire engines will be increased up to 1,000 meters so that they can be effectively used in crowded areas during emergencies.

Training Institute to Work as per NDRF Standards

The Chief Minister instructed that the Fire and Disaster Training Institute in Jind should function as per NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) standards and provide training for dealing with disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods. He also directed officials to collect data of all swimmers in the state and create a dedicated portal.

59 New Fire Stations to be Opened

The Chief Minister said that as per the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines, mapping had been done for setting up new fire stations, and under this plan, 59 new fire stations will be opened in the state. He also directed officials to purchase 10 modern fire-fighting robots soon, which will be used initially on a pilot basis.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. Sumita Mishra, Principal Secretary to CM Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Director General of Fire Services Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi, Special Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Sh. Rahul Hooda, along with other senior officials of the department.

Chandigarh, August 30: Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari inaugurated CCTV cameras installed in Sector-29 and Kaimbwala, funded through his MP Local Area Development Scheme. These cameras will help strengthen law and order in the respective areas.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Tewari said that residents of Sector-29 (Ward No. 10) and Kaimbwala (Ward No. 1) had been demanding CCTV cameras due to the rising incidents of crime in these areas. Considering their concerns, he allocated funds from his parliamentary quota to facilitate the installation.

Addressing the media, Tewari emphasized his belief in the politics of development. He stated that he has been allocating funds for various development works across different localities. 

Taking a dig at the Municipal Corporation, he remarked that it is unfortunate that the financial condition has reached a nadir  over the past decade — an institution that once managed its expenses from the interest earned on fixed deposits is now reduced to distributing sweets over receiving a handout of ₹125 crore. 

Mr Tewari demanded a white paper on the finances of the Municipal Corporation from 2014 -2025 . He also stated that he would write to the C&AG to conduct a Performance Audit with regard to the 24X7 Mani Majra Water Supply Pilot project that has been an abysmal failure. 

Given that the project was funded through the Smart City Misson and 75 crores has been squandered on the project which is a  criminal waste of public money , Mr Tewari said that accountability of officers concerned must be fixed and heads must roll given that the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has now decided to abandon the Foreign funded 24X7 project that would have saddled a bankrupt corporation with a life time of insurmountable liabilities 

However, he clarified that he prioritizes collective responsibility for the city’s overall development.

On the occasion, Chandigarh Congress Committee President H.S. Lucky said that all significant development in Chandigarh has taken place under Congress regime. He added that the Congress Party believes in delivering results rather than making empty claims.

Among others Ward No. 1 Councillor Jaswinder Kaur, Former Youth Congress President Chandramukhi Sharma, ex Mayor Ravinder Pal Singh Pali, ex Mayor Surinder Singh, Block Congress President Goldy, Kuldeep Singh Kaimbwala, Dr. Jagpal Singh Jagga, Rajdeep Sidhu, Rupinder Singh Rupi.

CHANDIGARH, August 30:

 In a major breakthrough against organized crime amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has arrested a main shooter involved in Jeweller attack case, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

 The arrested accused has been identified as Jagroshan Singh, a resident of Naushera Pannuan in TarnTaran. The accused has no criminal background.

 As per the information, some unidentified persons opened fire at an owner of a jewellery shop in Zira, district Ferozepur, on August 14, 2025, at around 6 PM. The latter had sustained serious injuries in the attack.

 DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the shooters acted on the directions of foreign-based gangster Lakhbir Singh alias Landa. Further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to unearth the entire network, he said.

 Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban said that acting on reliable inputs, police teams from AGTF led by DSP AGTF Rajan Parminder arrested the accused Jagroashan from the Canal Bridge on Jhatra Road in Village Mansur Dewa in Zira.

 The ADGP said that Jagroshan is the third accused, who was the main shooter, arrested in this jeweller attack case. Earlier, two other accused persons, identified as Harjeet alias Jeeta and Sanmukh alias Sunny, had already been apprehended by the teams of the AGTF, he added.

 In this regard, a case FIR No. 87 dated 15.08.2025 under sections 109 and 309 (6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act had already been registered at Police Station Zira.

Chandigarh, August 30

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh celebrated National Sports Day with great enthusiasm to mark the birth anniversary of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand. The celebrations were organized across multiple locations by different departments of MCC including Horticulture, Fire, Engineering, and MOH Departments, along with active participation from Self Help Groups and local citizens.

At Fire Station, Sector 32, the Fire Department organized sports activities for staff, while the Horticulture Sub-Division No. 6 hosted events in Leisure Valley, Sector 10. In the Green Belt at Sector 30, a spirited Tug of War was held between two groups with 16 participants, followed by a 50-Metre Race in which 12 malis took part. Citizens and SHG members also joined in fun races, recreational activities, and friendly matches, making the occasion vibrant and inclusive.

While speaking about the pprogramme, MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS said that the celebration turned into a community festival, where Corporation staff and residents came together to promote the values of teamwork, fitness, and unity. The participation of Self Help Groups added further energy and diversity to the event, encouraging women and local communities to take part in sports and cultural activities.

He said that National Sports Day is not only a tribute to Major Dhyan Chand but also a reminder to adopt an active lifestyle. The Corporation reaffirmed its commitment to public engagement by organizing such activities regularly in parks, green belts, and community spaces across Chandigarh.

Chandigarh: In the Punjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA) elections, under the tagline “Give Change a Chance,” Team Batting for Change released its manifesto today at the Student Center.

Sharing details of the promises made in the manifesto during a press interaction, along with his team members, presidential candidate Dr. Praveen Goyal said that if elected, they would strive to raise the retirement age of university teachers from 60 to 65 years and extend re-employment up to 70 years as per UGC norms. He further promised to restore the Old Pension Scheme in line with recent Punjab Government notifications, revise the pay scale of Dental faculty, ensure timely implementation of promotions to Senior Professor as per UGC guidelines, enhance child-care leave, restore Ph.D. increments, provide seed grants for research to newly recruited faculty, establish transparent systems for the upkeep of residential quarters, empanel hospitals with cashless facilities, and bring infrastructural improvements across the campus.

The manifesto also pledged to hold regular GBMs and executive meetings to ensure accountability and communication, revive the PUTA newsletter, strongly advocate for UGC-FRP faculty, library staff, computer programmers, and CAS promotions, and introduce smart campus management initiatives, including smart cards, e-rickshaws, and traffic regulation within the university.

Notably, Team Batting for Change has fielded Dr. Praveen Goyal from UIET for President, Dr. Sarvnarinder Kaur from Biophysics as Vice-President, Dr. Suman Sumi from AC Joshi Library for Secretary, Prof. Vishal Sharma from Forensic Sciences for Joint Secretary, and Dr. Sonia B. Bhardwaj from the Dental Institute for Treasurer. This year, the PUTA elections are triangular, with three contestants for each post.

The team includes several teacher activists who have previously achieved significant milestones for the benefit of the teaching community. The group has pledged to restore transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness within PUTA, which, they argue, has lost its vibrancy and weakened as the collective voice of teachers. Highlighting the decline in democratic spirit, ineffective engagement, selective inaction, and lack of strategic advocacy, the team has called for a renewed focus on the rights and welfare of faculty members.

Team Batting for Change emphasized that their campaign is not about slogans but about practical solutions. They reiterated their commitment to fairness, equity, and dignity for every member of the teaching community while vowing to resist the culture of complacency and individualism.

The team members unanimously stated that PUTA belongs to all teachers, and its strength lies in their unity and participation, aiming to build an association that is transparent, vibrant, and truly representative of the community.

Dr. Praveen Goyal said he was contesting because many teachers approached him, expressing dissatisfaction that the previous PUTA team had grown complacent, failed to raise issues effectively, made decisions without engaging colleagues, adopted a selective approach, and misused the platform for personal benefit.

It is noteworthy that the PUTA elections will shape the direction of teachers’ advocacy and the academic environment in the coming year.