Chandigarh, July 22: Haryana Transport Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that the present state government is committed to encouraging pollution-free transportation and is therefore keen on promoting electric vehicles (EVs) across the state. He added that challenges such as charging infrastructure, which people are currently facing in adopting EVs, will be resolved soon. He further said that if EV companies propose any schemes or plans—like a full-package scheme—for promoting EV sales and infrastructure development, the government will actively consider and implement it.

Sh. Vij was presiding over a meeting in Chandigarh with representatives from leading electric vehicle manufacturers across India, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai Motors, MG Motors, and Kia Motors. Present in the meeting were Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department, Sh. T.L. Satyaprakash, Transport Commissioner, Sh. Atul Dwivedi and other senior transport officers.

EV companies should focus on infrastructure expansion like Charging Station etc. – Vij

During the meeting, Sh. Vij told the automaker representatives that the government wants to boost EV adoption in Haryana and expects that an adequate number of charging stations should be available on roads, national highways, and state highways. He also said that companies must ensure charging infrastructure so that their EVs can run smoothly on the roads.

Referring to a recent meeting held by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Sh. Nitin Gadkari, Sh. Vij said that he had suggested to the central government that people often travel long distances in personal vehicles and should have access to quality rest stops along the journey, offering toilets, refreshments, and seating facilities including charging stations, which are generally lacking at petrol pumps. He urged companies to develop such facilities to support EV adoption, making them more attractive and convenient for users.

The State Government will provide full support to promote EVs in Haryana – Vij

Sh. Vij urged the company representatives that selling EVs should not be the only goal; rather, developing supporting infrastructure should also be a core objective. This will ensure that users do not face difficulties in owning and operating EVs. He reassured the companies that the Haryana Government will extend full cooperation in promoting electric vehicles. If the companies suggest comprehensive schemes (full-package schemes) for setting up EV infrastructure as well as boosting vehicle sales, the government will review and implement those suggestions.

Compare the Cost of Electric Vehicles with Conventional Petrol and Diesel Vehicles – Vij

During the meeting, Sh. Vij advised representatives to compare the operating costs of EVs with those of petrol and diesel vehicles to promote the financial benefits of EVs and help users make informed decisions. He suggested that EV companies conduct technical studies to plan infrastructure development and choose Haryana as a pilot project location, assuring complete support from the state. He said that if EV consumers in Haryana get proper infrastructure like charging stations, it will create a win-win situation for both users and manufacturers—benefitting consumers while supporting company growth.

After the meeting, Sh. Vij took test drives of several electric vehicles, including BE-6 from Mahindra & Mahindra, Harrier EV from Tata Motors, M-9 from MG Motors, Creta EV from Hyundai. He also sat in the Kia EV6, reviewed the features of each vehicle, and shared his suggestions with company representatives.

Sh. Yash Sehgal (Tata Motors), Sh. Animesh Kumar (Hyundai), Sh. Robin Kumar Das and Ms. Pamela Tikku (Mahindra & Mahindra), Sh. Abhishek Mishra and Sh. Varun Sood (MG Motors) and Sh. Kapil Bindal (Kia Motors) along with other representatives and senior officers.

Chandigarh, July 22 – Under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) is continuously working to make the city cleaner and better planned. To tackle waterlogging during the monsoon, the Authority has completed the cleaning of city drains, which has ensured that residents have not faced any waterlogging issues this season.

PMDA CEO Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang informed that the Chief Minister had issued clear instructions for the cleaning of drains across the state before the monsoon season in various meetings. Acting on these instructions, the PMDA conducted a major campaign to clean stormwater drains, including the open drain from BEL factory through the industrial area up to Parshuram (Amartex) Chowk.

In addition, blockages were removed from two major drains (from MDC to Rajiv Indira Colony and from Sector-1 to Industrial Area Phase-1) to ensure proper drainage. Roadside drains are also being cleaned regularly to prevent water accumulation.

He further added that since the formation of PMDA, works like road repairs, cleaning of monsoon drains, maintenance of green belts and parks, and operation of STPs/WTPs have been carried out regularly. After April 1, 2024, PMDA has acquired assets from the Haryana Urban Development Authority and the Municipal Corporation, Panchkula, thereby accelerating its work.

Beautification and Upgradation of Parks

He said that 11 major parks and 19 green belts transferred from HSVP are being upgraded. Works like installation of fountains, open gyms, and walking paths are being done at a cost of  Rs 13.13 crore. Redevelopment work of Herbal Park in Sector 26 has also begun.

Rs 251.17 crore approved projects and Rs 446.28 crore projects in the pipeline

The CEO informed that keeping in mind the city’s basic needs, projects worth Rs 251.17 crore have been approved by PMDA. Many of these have completed tendering, and some have already been allotted. Additionally, 7 projects worth Rs 446.28 crore are in the pipeline, including a Rs 173 crore shooting range in Sector 32, a 10 MLD STP in Rajiv Indira Colony at Rs 36 crore, STPs in Sector-5C MDC and Sector-7 costing Rs 28.50 crore and Rs 28.78 crore respectively, upgradation of Rajiv Gandhi Park, construction of Atal Park, and establishment of an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) worth Rs 150 crore.

Revamp of Roads

Out of 47.29 km of outer roads under PMDA, Rs 31.92 crore has been sanctioned for special repair of 32 roads covering 25.54 km. Work on 28 roads (21.72 km) is complete, while repair of 4 roads (3.82 km) is in progress. This has led to significant improvement in traffic movement and safety.

Work is also underway in collaboration with Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, to make traffic junctions safer and more organized. In the first phase, a road starting from Sector 6/7 on the Chandigarh-Kalka highway, passing through Sectors 5, 8, 9, 10, and 4/11, and connecting to Zirakpur-Shimla highway has had its DPR prepared.

Modernization of Rainwater Drainage System

Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang said that a consultant has been appointed to prepare a master plan for the city’s entire rainwater drainage system to address flooding and waterlogging. PMDA is not only working to make Panchkula a leader in cleanliness but also determined to transform it into a modern and well-equipped urban centre.

Chandigarh, July 22 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to promptly share information regarding all sensitive examination centres with the Home Department in view of the CET examination scheduled for July 26 and 27. This will enable timely suspension of internet services in the concerned areas, if required, and help ensure that the examination is conducted in a completely peaceful and fair manner.

The Chief Minister was chariring a meetin to review the arrangements made by various departments regarding the upcoming CET examination here today.

While reviewing the preparations, he said that this is the first time the CET examination is being conducted on such a large scale by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC). Therefore, all DCs and SPs must complete all necessary arrangements well in advance to avoid any inconvenience to candidates. He also instructed that videography of the entire process, from the storage of question papers to their arrival at the examination centres, must be ensured across all districts to maintain transparency and security.

He further said that stringent measures should be taken to prevent the presence of any anti-social elements around examination centres. In addition, social media should be closely monitored to ensure that any attempt to spread rumours or misinformation related to the examination can be promptly identified and prevented.

*Adequate bus arrangements must be made on Teej festival – Chief Minister*

The Chief Minister said that while ensuring sufficient availability of buses during the CET examination, the Transport Department should also make adequate arrangements for public transport in view of the upcoming Teej festival. This will help ensure that citizens across the state do not face any inconvenience.

He also appealed to the general public to avoid unnecessary travel on July 26 and 27, the days of the CET examination, in order to maintain a smooth and uninterrupted traffic system, thereby facilitating hassle-free movement for the candidates.

*Guardians of female candidates should get free travel facility – Chief Minister*

The Chief Minister further instructed the district administration to make special arrangements in districts from where buses have to travel more than 100 kilometers to reach the examination centres. He also directed to keep reserve buses ready to handle any emergency situations. In addition, the Chief Minister said that Dial-112 emergency response services should be integrated into the transport arrangements for both examination days to ensure timely assistance, if required. All candidates should be facilitated to reach their examination centres at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. He also directed that guardians accompanying female candidates should be provided free travel facility in buses on the day of the examination.

*All preparations in place for successful conduct of CET exam – Chief Secretary*

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi informed that all necessary arrangements have been completed by the state government to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the CET examination scheduled for July 26 and 27. He directed that no officer or employee should be granted leave on either day of the examination. All concerned officials and staff must keep their mobile phones switched on to ensure they can be contacted promptly whenever required.

*Proper arrangements must be ensured for the safety of female candidates – Dr. Sumita Mishra*

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Mishra said that Section 163 should be enforced to ensure the successful conduct of the examination, and various activities have been prohibited in the designated areas around all examination centres. She directed that adequate number of duty magistrates must be deployed and police verification of all service providers should be done. Dr. Mishra also instructed the Police Department to ensure that all coaching centres and photostat shops located near examination centres remain closed on both days of the exam. Entry to the examination centres must be strictly restricted to individuals possessing valid identity cards. She further stressed that proper arrangements must be made for the safety and essential facilities of female candidates to ensure a secure and comfortable environment.

*Duty should not be allowed to carry mobile phones or digital devices to examination centres – DGP*

Director General of Police, Sh Shatrujeet Kapur said that to prevent any disturbances such as paper leaks or impersonation during the examination, all Superintendents of Police must ensure that staff of private schools are not allowed to enter the school premises on the day of the examination. No officer or employee deployed on duty at examination centres should be permitted to carry mobile phones or any other digital devices inside the premises. In addition, public gatherings should be strictly prohibited within a 500-meter radius of all examination centres. He instructed the police force to remain fully alert and work with utmost diligence to ensure the examination is conducted in a peaceful, fair, and secure manner.

It was informed during the meeting that approximately 13.48 lakh candidates will appear in the CET examination this time. A total of 1338 examination centres have been set up across the state.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Sh Sudhir Rajpal, Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department, Sh T.L. Satyaprakash, CID Chief, Sh Saurabh Singh and other senior officers were also present at the meeting. All Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police participated in the meeting through virtual mode.

Chandigarh, July 21:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday finalised the series of events to be organised by the state government for commemorating the 350th martyrdom day of ninth Sikh Master Sri Guru Teg Bahadur ji across the state.

Chairing a meeting to review the arrangements for the event, the Chief Minister said that on the historic occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Day of the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (Protector of India), Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government will organize grand and historic events. He said that from November 19 to November 25, 2025, a series of events will be organized with deep reverence and respect across the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these historic events will primarily take place on the sacred land of Sri Anandpur Sahib under the auspices of the state government.

The Chief Minister said that to commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Sahib, four grand yatras will begin from different corners of Punjab and converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib. He said that the first yatra will start on November 21 from the historic land of Srinagar (Jammu-Kashmir) and pass through Pathankot and Hoshiarpur to reach Sri Anandpur Sahib. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that second Yatra will start from Gurdaspur and travel through Baba Bakala, Sri Amritsar Sahib, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar, eventually reaching Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that third yatra will start from Ferozepur, pass through Moga and Ludhiana to proceed toward Sri Anandpur Sahib. He said that the fourth yatra will also start from Firozpur and will pass through Faridkot, Bathinda, Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, and Patiala, and conclude at Sri Anandpur Sahib. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to perpetuate the life and philosophy of Guru Sahib, massive light and sound shows along with poetry sessions based on Guru Sahib’s life and sacrifice will be organized in all 23 districts of Punjab.

The Chief Minister further said that special seminars and symposiums focused on the life, vision, and martyrdom of Guru Sahib will be held across all educational institutions in the state. Sharing the highlights of the main events at Sri Anandpur Sahib, he said that Sri Akhand Path Sahib will begin on November 23, 2025, and conclude on November 25, 2025, with deep devotion. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that three-day series of events will include an Interfaith Conference, promoting the message of harmony among different religions.

The Chief Minister said that every evening will witness a grand Kirtan Darbar, with renowned Raagi Jathas performing Gurbani Kirtan. In the same manner, he said that traditional martial arts (Gatka) will be performed by Nihang Singhs, showcasing the Khalsa martial heritage. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that special arrangements for Pilgrims and Beautification of Cities during the commemorative functions.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that extensive arrangements, in terms of construction of road, building repainting, and beautiful lighting throughout Sri Anandpur Sahib, will be made to welcome and accommodate lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad.He further said that special directives will be issued to the concerned departments for the preservation, restoration, and renovation of all sacred sites associated with Guru Sahib. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the motive is to ensure that the glorious heritage of the great Guru Sahib is perpetuated to the future generations.

On the occasion Cabinet Ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Harbhajan Singh ETO, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr Ravi Bhagat, Advisor Cultural Affairs Deepak Bali and others were also present.

Chandigarh, July 21 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday emphasized the need for stronger ties with the United Kingdom in key sectors such as textiles, horticulture, education, light engineering, sports, bicycle manufacturing, defence, and more.

During a meeting with British Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett at his official residence this evening, the Chief Minister highlighted the age-old relationship between Punjab and the UK, noting the significant contribution of the Punjabi diaspora to the UK’s economy. He underscored the importance of developing more ambitious and comprehensive agreements, particularly in the aforementioned sectors. Bhagwant Singh Mann advocated for the establishment of a structured communication mechanism between the Government of Punjab and the United Kingdom.

The Chief Minister said that such a framework would facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, thereby promoting growth and prosperity on both sides. He said that There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Punjab and the UK particularly in these sectors of mutual importance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that regular and direct communication in these fields will be mutually beneficial.

Raising a pressing concern, the Chief Minister drew attention to the exploitation of young people by unscrupulous visa agents who take advantage of their aspirations. He pointed out that these agents often make false promises and employ illegal methods, leading to severe financial and emotional losses for families. Bhagwant Singh Mann also sought further help from the British high commission to check this menace effectively by formulating joint strategy especially by awakening the people about right channel for visa.

Meanwhile, British Deputy High Commissioner Caroline Rowett praised the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led state government for its firm stance against drug abuse and  commended the Chief Minister for his groundbreaking initiatives to promote sports across the state. She expressed optimism that the upcoming free trade agreement between India and the UK will prove beneficial for both Punjab and the UK. She also said that the British High Commission’s ‘Visa Fraud Ton Bacho’ campaign and its WhatsApp chatbot, provides reliable information on safe and legal pathways to the UK adding that the Punjab government and UK can further motivate the  people to have direct access to accurate guidance for visa related information.