Chandigarh, April 18:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of every section of society, with special emphasis on the well-being of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. Continuous and concrete efforts are being undertaken to address their concerns and strengthen their working conditions. This was stated by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

On Saturday at Punjab Bhawan,  Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur, in the presence of Director, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Ms. Shena Aggarwal, and Deputy Director Ms. Sumandeep Kaur, interacted with Anganwadi Workers and Helpers. She said that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are an integral part of the department and are playing a crucial role in delivering government schemes to children, women and families at the grassroots level. She assured that all genuine demands of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers would be considered sympathetically and resolved expeditiously.

During the meeting, the demands raised by the Anganwadi Workers and Helpers were heard attentively by Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. She directed the concerned officials to ensure prompt and effective resolution of the issues being faced by them.

The Minister further stated that the demands requiring consideration at the government level will be placed before the newly constituted Sub-Committee and taken up for resolution on priority.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further highlighted that Anganwadi Workers and Helpers are playing a significant role in strengthening child health, nutrition and early childhood education, while also creating awareness among mothers. She added that their door-to-door outreach in both rural and urban areas is contributing significantly towards building a strong and healthy society.

The Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government remains committed to enhancing the dignity and welfare of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, and appropriate decisions will continue to be taken in future, as required.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, April 18:

          In a major blow to narco-terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) Amritsar unit of Counter Intelligence wing has busted a cross-border drug smuggling module with the arrest of two accused and recovered 64.62 kg Heroin from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Sarwan Singh alias Gujjar, a resident of village Awan Wasau in Amritsar and Shamsher Singh alias Shera, a resident of village Dial Rangar in Amritsar. Apart from recovering the big haul of heroin, the police team has also impounded their Maruti Swift car, which they were using to smuggle narcotics.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed links of this module with Pakistan-based smugglers and Portugal-based handler.

          “The links of this cross-border trafficking ring are also established with network of notorious Pakistan-based smuggler Moosa, whose name had cropped-up in 532-kg heroin recovery case,” he said. Pertinently, Indian Customs officials had made largest recovery of 532 kg heroin at the Integrated Check Post (ICP) Attari in 2019.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case to trace the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, AIG SSOC Amritsar Sukhminder Singh Mann said that a reliable input was received regarding suspects Sarwan Singh and Shamsher Singh having retrieved consignment of heroin deliveres through drone from across the border a few days back.

          He said that the input further revealed that on the instructions of their handlers, the duo were enroute to deliver the consignment to another party. Acting swiftly, the SSOC Amritsar unit team intercepted them near Mahal Bypass in Amritsar, and recovered 64.62 kg heroin from their possession, he added

          The AIG said that the arrested accused persons were promised huge payback by their handlers. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days as the investigation progresses.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 23 dated 17.04.2026 under sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and sections 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, has been registered at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

Chandigarh:

The Haryana Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has demonstrated remarkable efficiency by achieving significant success in the disposal of pending cases during the first quarter of 2026. Strengthening the scientific investigation system, the FSL has not only reduced the backlog of cases but has also made the investigation process faster, more transparent, and more effective. According to the available data, the number of pending cases, which stood at 16,040 on January 1, 2026, has decreased to 14,863 by March 31, 2026. This reflects an approximate reduction of 8 percent, which is the result of the FSL’s well-planned strategy, improved coordination, and continuous efforts. Such a large-scale reduction in backlog is a clear indication of improvement in the state’s forensic system and highlights the institution’s priority towards timely disposal of cases.*

‘Scientific Investigation Will Strengthen the Foundation of Justice: Ajay Singhal, Director General of Police, Haryana’
On this occasion, Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal stated that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, forensic science has become the cornerstone of modern and effective policing. Haryana Police is giving top priority to evidence-based investigation and is extensively using new technologies and modern equipment. This enhancement in FSL capacity will make the investigation process faster, more transparent, and more reliable, ensuring that strong and accurate evidence is presented before the courts in every case. He said that timely forensic reports, especially in heinous cases, provide a decisive edge to police investigations and play a crucial role in presenting strong cases in courts. He further emphasized that the goal is to make the investigation system in Haryana fully scientific and evidence-based so that the process of securing convictions becomes more effective and public confidence in the justice system is further strengthened.*

‘Historic Performance by Haryana FSL: Technological Empowerment and Faster Investigations Give New Momentum to Crime Control’
The Haryana Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has achieved unprecedented accomplishments in the first quarter of 2026 (January–March), further strengthening the state’s crime investigation system. Through the integration of advanced technologies, expansion of human resources, and speedy disposal of cases, the FSL has proved that scientific investigation is the backbone of modern policing. During this period, special emphasis was placed on strengthening human resources. Approval for 63 new posts is expected to further enhance the institution’s efficiency. These include scientific officers and technical staff who will play a crucial role in ensuring more accurate and reliable investigation of complex cases. The recruitment process is also being expedited on priority so that these posts can be filled at the earliest and the laboratory’s full capacity can be utilized.*

‘Advanced Technology and Mobile Forensic Vans Bring Revolutionary Speed to Investigations, Strengthening Evidence-Based Action’
In the field of technological upgradation, the FSL has made significant investments by procuring advanced equipment worth approximately ₹3.28 crore. These instruments are enabling unprecedented speed and accuracy in areas such as DNA analysis, narcotics testing, cyber forensics, and digital evidence analysis. Additionally, equipment worth ₹68.7 lakh has been inducted specifically for the investigation of cyber and digital crimes, making it more effective to tackle emerging crime challenges. Furthermore, the state government has approved 11 advanced mobile forensic vans, which will facilitate on-site evidence collection and preliminary analysis. This initiative will not only improve the quality of investigations but also ensure preservation and timely analysis of evidence, thereby helping in building strong cases against criminals. These efforts by Haryana FSL are proving to be a milestone in strengthening law and order in the state. Scientific, evidence-based investigation is not only enabling firm action against criminals but also helping in increasing the conviction rate in courts.

New Delhi, April 16: Newly elected Member of Parliament from Haryana, Sanjay Bhatia, took oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The oath was administered by Vice President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C.P. Radhakrishnan. Bhatia took the oath in Hindi.

Elected to Lok Sabha in 2019
Born on July 29, 1967, in Panipat, Sanjay Bhatia began his political journey during his student years with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His active political career started in the late 1980s when he became Mandal General Secretary in 1987 and later served as Mandal President in 1989.

In 2001, he was appointed Chairman of the Municipal Council. From 2015 to 2021, he served as the State General Secretary of BJP Haryana. He also held the position of Chairman of the Haryana Khadi and Village Industries Board, contributing significantly to rural development and self-employment initiatives.

His major political breakthrough came in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, when he contested for the first time from the Karnal parliamentary constituency and secured a landslide victory on a BJP ticket. He recorded the highest margin of victory in Haryana’s 53-year history, reflecting his strong grassroots connect and dedication to public service. In 2024, he stepped aside from the seat in line with the party’s decision and took on key organizational responsibilities, including playing an important role in the Haryana Assembly elections.

Campaigning Until a Day Before Son’s Wedding
Sanjay Bhatia is widely regarded for his commitment to the party. Notably, he was actively campaigning in the West Bengal elections until just a day before his son’s wedding on February 15, 2026. He returned home late on February 13, attended the ring ceremony on February 14, and participated in the wedding on February 15. He resumed campaigning in West Bengal on February 16.

On the day of his oath-taking as a Rajya Sabha MP, he arrived in Delhi from West Bengal in the morning and, after the ceremony, returned to West Bengal the same afternoon—underscoring his dedication to party responsibilities.

Chandigarh, April 18 – In view of the shortage of bitumen and its rising prices due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has approved the use of imported bitumen for the next six months to ensure that road construction and maintenance works are not affected.

The Chief Minister was chairing a review meeting of departments related to road construction and maintenance at the Haryana Civil Secretariat today. He reviewed the progress of road construction works undertaken during the financial year 2025–26 and discussed targets for the financial year 2026–27, issuing necessary directions to the officials.

During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of road-related works being carried out by departments including PWD (B&R), Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Zila Parishad/Panchayati Raj, Haryana Urban Development Authority, HSIIDC, Urban Local Bodies, and agencies such as PMDA, GMDA and SMDA.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that while the price of bitumen was ₹46,402 per metric tonne on February 28, it rose sharply to ₹76,152 per metric tonne on April 1. Additionally, IOCL has indicated that the supply of bitumen has been impacted by nearly 50 percent. In such circumstances, the Central Government has permitted the use of imported bitumen. Acting on this, the Chief Minister approved its use in Haryana for six months so that road construction and repair works continue uninterrupted.

The Chief Minister stated that well-maintained roads are essential for public convenience and directed all concerned departments to ensure prompt filling of potholes and undertake repair works using patchwork machines across all districts. He noted that while PWD (B&R) is already using such machines, other departments may coordinate with PWD to utilize them effectively. He emphasized that inconvenience caused to the public due to damaged roads will not be tolerated and directed all departments to submit monthly progress reports regularly.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further directed that all complaints regarding damaged roads received on the ‘Mhari Sadak’ mobile app be addressed on priority. He instructed that in cases where maintenance responsibility lies with the construction agency, the concerned companies must be directed to carry out repair works at the earliest.

The Chief Minister also stressed that the targets set for road construction in the financial year 2025–26 should be achieved promptly so that the targets for 2026–27 are met on time. He informed that a target of constructing and repairing 63,170 kilometres of roads has been set for the current financial year through various departments. He further directed that in case of any technical issues in granting administrative approval for roads under Zila Parishads, the concerned Deputy Commissioners should be authorized to approve them.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini observed that there is often variation in the quality of road construction across departments and directed all departments to adhere to the standards prescribed by PWD (B&R). He also instructed that all ongoing construction and repair works be completed before the onset of the monsoon.

Directing immediate repair of damaged roads in urban sectors, the Chief Minister said that ambiguity regarding departmental responsibility for roads in urban areas must be removed. He instructed the formation of a committee of officials to address this issue effectively. He also advised the development of select smart roads in urban areas to enhance both city aesthetics and public convenience.

Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretaries Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Sh. A.K. Singh, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, and with other senior officials were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, April 18 – To promote the ongoing self-enumeration process under Census-2027, Haryana’s Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh completed his self-enumeration online in Gurugram by entering his details on the official portal. He also encouraged citizens to make use of this facility.

He stated that the self-enumeration system provides a simple and convenient option for citizens to fill in their information from home. It not only saves time but also ensures transparency as the data is directly entered into the system.

He further said that every household should complete this process by April 30 so that the census exercise can proceed smoothly.

Sh. Rao Narbir Singh emphasized that the census is not merely a collection of data but a strong foundation for planning the development of the country and the state. Accurate and complete information enables the government to formulate effective policies and schemes.

He appealed to citizens to act responsibly, actively participate in the process, and motivate others to do the same.

The Cabinet Minister informed that citizens can log in to the official portal using mobile number-based OTP verification and fill in all required details in a step-by-step manner. After completing the process, it is important to safely retain the self-enumeration ID generated, which will need to be shown to enumerators later.

Chandigarh, April 18 – Member of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission, Sh. Bhupender Chauhan, addressed a press conference in Panchkula today and shared detailed information regarding the arrangements for the Physical Measurement Test (PMT). He informed that the test will be conducted at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium.

Sh. Bhupender Chauhan stated that the PMT will commence at 6:30 AM. Initially, around 700 candidates will be called daily, which will later be increased to 1,500 candidates per day. He clarified that the Commission plans to call 1,500 to 2,000 candidates daily, and if required, this number may be increased up to 3,000 candidates per day. The entire process is expected to take approximately 60 to 80 days.

The Commission has made arrangements for a waiting and rest area near the stadium gate for candidates and their accompanying family members. Facilities for baggage deposit have also been provided. After entry into the stadium, candidates will undergo strict checking followed by document verification. Subsequently, biometric authentication will be carried out, and candidates will be assigned a serial number before being sent to the main hall. At the entrance of the main hall, chest numbers will be allotted and biometric verification will be conducted again.

After completing all formalities, candidates will undergo measurement in the main hall where 21 modern digital machines have been installed to measure height and chest parameters. In case any candidate is not satisfied with the measurement, they can immediately file an appeal and undergo re-measurement.

Special arrangements have also been made for Sikh candidates, wherein their measurement will be conducted in accordance with religious norms by representatives of the Sikh community on designated machines. Additionally, special buses will operate from Zirakpur starting at 5:00 AM to facilitate transportation of candidates to the stadium.

Sh. Bhupender Chauhan appealed to candidates to refrain from consuming any kind of energy boosters or medication before the PMT, as it may be harmful to their health. Special arrangements are also being made for pregnant women and other female candidates. He assured that the Commission is committed to conducting the entire process in a transparent and candidate-friendly manner.

Chandigarh, April 18 – Haryana State Election Commissioner Sh. Devinder Singh Kalyan has directed strict enforcement of the Haryana Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1989, in view of the Model Code of Conduct in force for Municipal and Panchayati Raj Institution elections.

He stated that it has come to the notice of the Commission that several candidates and political parties are illegally putting up posters and banners on public and private properties and defacing walls with writings, which is a violation of the law and adversely affects the aesthetic appeal of the State.

He clarified that under Sections 3 and 3-A of the Act, defacing any property visible in public places by writing or marking with ink, chalk, paint, or any other material is strictly prohibited. Similarly, putting up posters, banners, or flex boards on government buildings, electric poles, bus stands, public places, or statues, as well as affixing publicity material on public transport, especially State Transport buses, is completely banned. Such acts fall under the category of cognizable offences.

The Commissioner stated that in such cases, the cost incurred in removing illegal publicity material and restoring the property to its original condition will be recovered from the concerned candidate or political party. If such activities are carried out in favour of a candidate, the candidate will be held responsible unless they can prove that it was done without their knowledge or consent.

He directed that candidates should display publicity material only at designated locations identified by Executive Officers/Secretaries in urban areas and BDPOs/Panchayat Officers in rural areas. Property owners who have not permitted advertisements on their walls may lodge complaints with the concerned observer or Deputy Commissioner.

The Commission has instructed the local administration to ensure that any illegal material is removed within 24 hours of receiving a complaint.

Sh. Devinder Singh Kalyan emphasized that while participation in democracy is essential, it should not come at the cost of damage to public property. He appealed to all candidates to follow the Model Code of Conduct and cooperate in ensuring clean and fair elections. Flying squads have also been authorized to take immediate action in such cases.

For any complaints, citizens may contact the Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, Returning Officer, or any other authorized officer.

Chandigarh, April 18 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has issued strict directions to ensure transparency and accountability in the ESI healthcare system, stating that negligence or corruption at any level will not be tolerated.

The Chief Minister was chairing a review meeting of ESI Healthcare Haryana at the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Saturday.

Expressing serious concern over issues related to the ESI Hospital in Panipat, the Chief Minister directed officials to immediately initiate action to de-panel six private hospitals. Acting on these directions, the department has issued notices to the concerned hospitals.

These hospitals were found to have made excessive referrals during the period 2020–21 to 2023–24, and discrepancies were detected in doctors’ signatures on referral forms. In connection with the case, three employees of the Panipat ESI Hospital have been suspended with immediate effect. Additionally, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against five Medical Superintendents.

The Chief Minister directed that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) be entrusted with conducting a fair and thorough investigation into the matter. He further instructed that records of 133 other private hospitals empanelled under ESI across the state be examined by the ACB to detect any irregularities in a timely manner.

He also directed officials to enhance the capacity of the Panipat ESI Hospital from 75 beds to 100 beds and to expand its operation theatre. Similarly, directions were issued to upgrade the Jagadhri ESI Hospital from 80 to 100 beds and to increase the capacity of the Hisar ESI dispensary from 12 to 50 beds. He emphasized that all hospitals should be equipped with modern medical technology.

The Chief Minister instructed that the construction of two 100-bedded ESI hospitals in Bawal and Bahadurgarh be completed at the earliest, stating that these facilities will significantly improve healthcare services for workers and the general public. He further stated that there should be no shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in the ESI healthcare system and directed that recruitment processes be expedited as required.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister said that transparency, accountability, and quality healthcare services remain top priorities, and any laxity in this regard will not be tolerated.

Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary, Labour Department, Sh. Rajiv Ranjan, and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, April 18 – The Haryana Government will launch an e-auction portal to enable farmers to sell agroforestry trees grown on their fields, such as eucalyptus and poplar, through the Haryana Forest Development Corporation (HFDC). This initiative is expected to help farmers secure better prices by eliminating intermediaries. The decision was taken in the 146th meeting of the Board of Directors of HFDC.

The meeting was chaired by Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Department and Chairman of HFDC.

During the meeting, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Managing Director, K. C. Meena, presented the proposal. As per the plan, farmers willing to use the HFDC e-auction portal will submit an application to the concerned General Manager. Subsequently, field offices of the Corporation will assess and mark the standing trees and determine a reserve price based on their volume. Farmers will also have the option to set their own reserve price.

The tree volume details will then be uploaded on the e-auction portal. After the auction, the bid amount will be communicated to the farmer, and if the farmer agrees to the price, HFDC will charge only a 5 percent service fee. The remaining amount will be transferred directly to the farmer’s bank account through online mode. The scheme will also be open to institutions, for which a service fee of 10 percent will be applicable.

Sh. Sudhir Rajpal stated that the objective of the government is to ensure that farmers receive the maximum value for their produce. Through this e-auction system, farmers and institutions are expected to benefit from better price discovery, elimination of middlemen, increased transparency, and access to a wider pool of buyers. He added that HFDC has framed comprehensive rules to safeguard the financial interests of farmers and institutions.

He further said that this system is likely to increase farmers’ income by up to 25 percent.