Chandigarh:

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Member of Parliament from Sirsa,
Kumari Selja expressed strong displeasure over the Haryana government’s inactivity and bureaucratic arbitrariness regarding the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat/Chirayu scheme. She said that the purpose of this scheme was to provide free and quality healthcare services to the underprivileged sections of the country. However, due to government negligence, bureaucracy has crippled the scheme, depriving the public of its benefits. If this scheme is to be saved, the Prime Minister or the Union Health Minister should intervene directly, as the situation regarding payments between the government and private hospital operators is becoming critical.

In a statement released to the media Kumari Selja said that the Haryana government adopted the scheme under the name Chirayu, but what is currently happening is a direct assault on the public’s health rights. Under this scheme, eligible persons are issued Ayushman cards, which allow them to receive free treatment at listed private hospitals. The government makes payments directly to the hospitals. However, despite praising the scheme at every platform, the government does not pay attention to its implementation. The bureaucracy is acting arbitrarily and has crippled the scheme. Patients and their caregivers, deprived of benefits, are cursing the government bitterly because it is not paying private hospital operators. Even when payments are made, they are done with heavy deductions. As a result, private hospitals are now reluctant to provide treatment under this scheme. Payments to private hospitals are delayed by 3-6 months, while as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), payments should be made within 15 days with provisions for interest on delays.

Kumari Selja said the government has refused to pay interest and payments are only made when hospitals threaten to withdraw from the scheme. Unjustified deductions, unnecessary objections, and years-old pending claims are being rejected as false claims. Recently, five popular packages were removed from the private sector, although adequate arrangements for these services are not available in public hospitals. Even after spending Rs. 1300 crore in the financial year 2023-24 and Rs. 1800 crore in 2024-25, the budget for 2025-26 has been drastically reduced to only Rs. 700 crore, despite including citizens aged 70 and above. The MP said Haryana’s bureaucracy is determined to fail this scheme. The participation of private hospitals is the backbone of this scheme, and by harassing them, the scheme is being rendered inactive.

Kumari Selja demanded that the government immediately increase the Ayushman Bharat/Chirayu scheme’s 2025-26 budget to a minimum of Rs. 2000 crore, conduct a high-level inquiry into the delays and deductions in payments, establish transparent dialogue with private hospitals, restore the removed packages, implement the MoU guarantee for interest payments on delays, and that the Prime Minister and Union Health Minister intervene directly to save the scheme. She urged the government to stop deceiving the public. The MP questioned whether this scheme has now become just an election slogan. Kumari Selja asked why the government announced inclusion of the 70+ age group if it cannot increase the budget, calling it a betrayal of the public.

Chandigarh, July 9 – Taking a big step towards ensuring timely services to its citizens, the state government has amended the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014. Now, if the designated officer or grievance redressal authority does not decide on the application or appeal within the stipulated time period, the Right to Service Commission will be able to take suo motu cognizance in such cases. If undue delay is found in the disposal of the application or appeal, the Commission will be able to pass appropriate orders.

According to a notification issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, a new provision has been added replacing Rule 9 of the Haryana Right to Service Rules, 2014. These rules will be called ‘Haryana Right to Service (Amendment) Rules, 2025’.

If before the application for availing any notified service, the matter concerned is pending before any Court or the Revisional Authority of the concerned Department, then the Commission shall not exercise its powers under section 17 of the Act against the designated officer or the First or Second Grievance Redressal Authority until a final decision is given by the Court or the Revisional Authority.

Chandigarh, July 7 – Haryana’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao organized a public hearing at her official residence in Chandigarh on Monday. During this, hundreds of people from various districts of the state put forth their problems and demands before the minister. Arti Singh Rao listened to each complainant seriously and directed the concerned departments to take immediate action.

Most of the complaints in the public hearing were related to health services, absence of doctors, supply of medicines, and personal medical assistance. The minister redressed many complaints on the spot and gave clear instructions to the officials that no officer or employee should be negligent in public interest works.

Arti Singh Rao said listening to the problems of the public and resolving them quickly is the priority of our government. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, we are committed to providing a transparent, responsive, and accountable administration, she said.

She also made it clear that strict action will be taken against those officers or employees who will obstruct public welfare schemes.

After the public hearing, the minister also held a review meeting with senior officials of the Health Department and issued necessary guidelines to increase the quality of health services at the grassroots level.

Chandigarh July 7: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, while paying rich tributes to Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara, announced that the state government will beautify Baba Lakhi Shah Bawdi located in Ishargarh village of district Kurukshetra. In addition, a community center will be constructed in his name in the village, and a statue of Baba Lakhi Shah will be installed.  For this, he announced to give Rs 31 lakh and Rs 11 lakh each on behalf of Cabinet Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar and Kumari Aarti Singh Rao. He also announced that, with the consent of the community, one chowk (roundabout) and one road in the state will be named after Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara. Additionally, a community center will be constructed in his name.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini made these announcements while addressing the state-level function organized at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir here today on the occasion of Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara Jayanti. On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid floral tribute to the portrait of Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara and offered his respects. He assured  that he will never let the honour and respect given to him by the Vanjara community by making him wear the turban diminish and will always work to increase this honour.

Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara: A unique example of devotion and courage

While extending heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara Jayanti, the Chief Minister said that Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara was a great sacrificer, a true devotee, and a brave warrior who etched an immortal saga in history through his sacrifice. He stated that when we speak of India’s rich culture, diversity, and tradition of sacrifice, the memory of many great heroes comes to mind – those who gave everything to protect the nation and religion. Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara was one such hero. He was a devoted Sikh who set an extraordinary example of Guru Bhakti and courage, one that will be remembered for generations.

The Vanjara community, a resilient, hardworking, and dignified community

The Chief Minister said that the sacrifices of Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara are written in golden letters in Sikh history. He bravely fought against the Mughals and made extraordinary sacrifices to protect the religion. This is believed to be the first recorded incident in Indian history where more than 112 members of a single family were martyred. He added that the Vanjara community is a resilient, hardworking, and self-respecting community that has not only contributed significantly to the country’s economy through trade and commerce but has also played a vital role in national defense.

Government actively spreading the message of saints and great personalities to the people

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that great men do not belong to any one religion or caste, they belong to all of humanity. It is our collective responsibility to preserve and honor their legacy. In this spirit, the government is working to spread the teachings and messages of saints and great personalities through the Sant-Mahapurush Vichar Samman and Prasar Yojana. He added that, to uphold the ideals of equality promoted by these great figures, the government has introduced several welfare schemes aimed at improving the standard of living for the poorest sections of society. The Vanjara community is also benefiting from these initiatives.

The government has worked to bring homeless nomadic castes into the mainstream of society

He said that the government is committed to uplifting the most marginalized and deprived sections of society. As part of this effort, Parivar Pehchan Patra has been issued to families from nomadic castes to help bring them into the mainstream. Through these Parivar Pehchan Patras, they are now receiving the full benefits of various government schemes and services. He said that the government has worked to bring the nomadic castes, which were homeless for decades, into the mainstream of society by settling them in one place. He further mentioned that plots have been allotted to poor nomadic families who applied in cities like Karnal, Palwal, and Rohtak. Additionally, under the ‘Mukhyamantri Shahri Awas Yojana’, the process of allotting plots to poor urban families has begun. In the first phase of this scheme, land has been identified in 14 towns and cities, and allotment letters have been issued to 15,256 poor families.

The Chief Minister also stated that under the ‘Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana’, 4,532 people who had not received possession of their 100-square-yard plots have now been given ownership rights and financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each. Furthermore, under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojna, financial aid of Rs 80,000 is being provided to BPL families from Scheduled Castes for home repairs. A total of Rs 416 crore has been distributed to 76,985 beneficiaries under this scheme.

13 lakh LPG connections provided to women from poor families under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that the PM Surya Ghar Yojana has been launched in the state with the aim of freeing 2 lakh poor families from electricity bills by the year 2027. So far, free solar panels have been installed in the homes of over 18,000 beneficiaries. In addition, under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, 13 lakh LPG connections have been provided to women from economically weaker families. Under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana, 17.51 lakh families are receiving gas cylinders at a subsidized rate of Rs 500 every month. He further said that under the Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu Yojana, poor families are receiving free medical treatment worth up to Rs 5 lakh. So far, more than 20 lakh individuals have benefited, with free treatment worth Rs 2,745 crore provided. Moreover, under the Mukhyamantri Vivaah Shagun Yojana, financial assistance of up to Rs 71,000 is given as shagun for the marriage of daughters from poor families.

Need to embrace the teachings of Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara in our lives

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara taught us an important lesson that history is shaped not only by the sword but also through selfless acts of sacrifice, courage, and service to society. He emphasized that as we work towards building a Developed India–Developed Haryana under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, it is essential for all of us to incorporate the teachings and values of great personalities like Baba Lakhi Shah Vanjara into our lives.

Earlier, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar remarked that the Vanjara community is known for its hard work and bravery, and through these qualities, it has created a unique identity. He added that the state government, following the principle of Antyodaya, has launched several public welfare schemes aimed at uplifting the poor, ensuring that every eligible individual directly benefits from these initiatives.

On this occasion, Health and Family Welfare Minister Kumari Aarti Singh Rao, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Badoli, State In-Charge Sh Satish Punia, General Secretary (Org.) Sh Phanindra Nath Sharma, OSD to the Chief Minister Sh Bharat Bhushan Bharti, President, Vanjara Samaj Sh Jasmer Vanjara, Subedar Major Kishori Lal, and several other distinguished guests were present.

Chandigarh, July 7- Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister, Sh.  Ranbir Gangwa said that there should be no compromise in the quality of development works. He said that strict action must be taken against anyone found using substandard construction material. Officers must address public grievances at their own level promptly so that fewer complaints reach the Grievance Redressal Committee, said the Cabinet Minister.

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said this while chairing the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee meeting held in Karnal on Monday.

The Minister  heard 18 complaints listed on the committee’s agenda, of which 8 were resolved on the spot, while directions have been given to resolve the remaining 10 cases at the earliest and present the reports with complete facts in the next meeting.

Interacting with the media after the meeting, he said that under the leadership of Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, youth are being given jobs based on transparency and merit. He expressed gratitude to Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, stating that during his tenure as Chief Minister, systemic reforms were brought, ensuring government jobs are now accessible without parchi-kharchi.

He added that BJP has formed the government in Haryana for the third time, and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini immediately after taking oath, provided 25,000 government jobs to youth.

The Cabinet Minister further stated that the cleaning of drains and sewer lines is being done through the respective departments. Responding to a question on the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) canal issue,  he said that the Supreme Court’s decision is in Haryana’s favor. He reiterated that as Southern Haryana faces water scarcity, Punjab should comply with the court’s directive and ensure water supply.

He also asserted that there is no place for crime or criminals in Haryana. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has issued strict directions to the police department to curb criminal incidents and ensure law and order is maintained.

Indri MLA and Chief Whip, Sh. Ram Kumar Kashyap, Nilokheri MLA Bhagwandas Kabirpanthi,  Karnal Mayor, Smt. Renu Bala Gupta, senior officers, and newly nominated members of the committee also attended  the meeting.

SAS Nagar (Mohali), July 7:

In a path breaking initiative, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal on Monday dedicated an ultra modern 15 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) worth Rs 145.26 crore to the people.

Interacting with the media persons after dedicating the plant, the Chief Minister said that latest technology has been used in setting up of this plant which will be further replicated in the other parts of the state soon. He said that the motive is to save the precious water of the state by ensuring optimum utilisation of the waste water also. Citing the example of Singapore, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the country is using micro filter technology to make the rain water drinkable.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making similar efforts to save the water of Punjab for the coming generations. He said that as water, air and land had no votes so the traditional leaders had ignored them and no heed was paid towards these major issues concerning the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to this massive pollution and degradation of these natural resources took place thereby causing an irreparable loss to the society.

However, the Chief Minister said that after the formation of the AAP government in the state steps have been taken to save the environment, rejuvenate the canal system and take other exemplary steps for the well being of society.  He said that similar efforts are being made to ensure that the water is treated with the best ever available technology to save it for coming generations. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as prevention is better than cure so such steps are being taken to ensure that this precious natural resource is saved.

Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving to save the environment of the state. He said that the state government will leave no stone unturned for this noble cause adding that the people of state should support the state government by planting more and more trees.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government is taking benefit of the vision  of farsighted leader Arvind Kejriwal,  who has already proved mettle by giving good governance in the national capital. He said that Punjab is being immensely benefited from the expertise of Kejriwal, who has taken several path breaking initiatives in Delhi. Bhagwant Singh Mann also congratulated the officers for smooth execution of this project which will prove to be a milestone for carving out a progressive Punjab.   

Meanwhile, senior AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that a 15 MGD (Million Gallons per Day) capacity Sewage Treatment Plant is being inaugurated today here at Sector-83 in Mohali. He said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has upgraded this project at a total cost of ₹145.26 crore. Arvind Kejriwal said that the plant previously had a capacity of 10 MGD, which has now been upgraded to 15 MGD.

Arvind Kejriwal announced that a major facelift will be given to the state in the coming few months on a Mission mode. He said that in order to give impetus to development of cities a complete roadmap has been prepared. Arvind Kejriwal said that starting from this December, the state government will ensure water supply, sewerage facility, cleanliness, roads, lights and STP in 166 cities of Punjab.

Arvind Kejriwal said that this plant has been upgraded using Advanced Nutrient Removal Technology adding that in addition to the 15 MGD Sewage Treatment Plant, a 5 MGD capacity Ultra Filtration Tertiary Treatment Plant has also been established. He said that this is Punjab’s first Ultra Filtration Plant and the treated water from this plant will be used for various purposes such as irrigation, road cleaning, toilet flushing, and other municipal uses. Arvind Kejriwal said that the use of treated water will reduce dependence on fresh water, thereby helping in the conservation of underground water resources.

Arvind Kejriwal said that to reduce electricity consumption, a 1 MW (megawatt) capacity solar power plant has also been installed at the site.  He said that keeping in view the projected population growth and urban development in Mohali over the next 20 years, GMADA (Greater Mohali Area Development Authority) has established this sewage treatment plant using a scientific approach. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government will continue more such endeavors for the well being of the people of Punjab and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Chandigarh, July 7:

Punjab Mines & Geology Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today asked the officials of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to expedite environment clearance procedures following the liberalization of the mining sector under the new Mining Policy.

The Cabinet Minister stressed that with landowners now empowered to apply for Environment Clearances (EC) directly to SEIAA, all applications must be processed on priority basis with comprehensive support to ensure minimum processing time.

Sh. Goyal was presiding over comprehensive workshop at MGSIPA, during which extensive discussions were held regarding various procedural bottlenecks encountered by the department in obtaining Environment Clearances. SEIAA members were briefed about the significant delays hampering the EC acquisition process. The authority acknowledged these concerns and provided firm assurance of expeditious resolution along with complete cooperation in streamlining the clearance mechanism.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders including Additional Chief Secretary Mines & Geology Mrs. Jaspreet Talwar, Director Mines & Geology Mr. Abhijit Kaplish, District Mining Officers, members of State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Coordinator Centre of Excellence IIT Ropar and other relevant officials to address critical issues pertaining to Environment Clearances and District Survey Reports.

The workshop facilitated constructive dialogue between all stakeholders, resulting in identification of practical solutions to enhance operational efficiency. SEIAA members meticulously documented all raised issues and committed to implementing corrective measures at the earliest to ensure seamless processing of applications.

In a stern directive to ensure round-the-clock vigilance against illegal mining activities, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal warns all the District Mining Officers (DMOs) and field officials that mobile phones of all officials must remain switched on throughout the night to enable immediate action against illegal mining operations and ensure 24×7 redressal of public grievances.

“Any official found with switched-off mobile phones will face strict disciplinary action. The fight against illegal mining requires constant vigilance and public grievances demand immediate attention regardless of the hour,” said the Cabinet Minister, stressing zero tolerance for negligence in duty.

The Minister further directed that all public representations must be addressed strictly as per established norms without any delay, ensuring transparent and accountable governance in the mining sector.

On this occasion, Chief Engineer (Drainage-cum- Mining) Mr. Hardeep Singh Mehandiratta and other officials were present.

CHANDIGARH, July 7:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 128 days, Punjab Police on Monday arrested 110 drug smugglers and recovered 3.8 kg heroin, 5 kg opium and 906 kg poppy husk from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 20,878 in just 128 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 108 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 425 locations across the state leading to the registration of 78 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 475 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 54 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.