Chandigarh, May 28:

Ravinder Hans today officially assumed the charge as Member Director of the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation.

On this occasion, Inderbir Singh Nijjar, MLA from Amritsar South; Gurdeep Singh Lakhna, Chairman, Punjab State Warehousing Corporation; Sunny Ahluwalia, Chairman, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board; along with several other prominent dignitaries, were present.

Expressing heartfelt gratitude to Aam Aadmi Party Convener Shri Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann.  Ravinder Hans assured that he would work with utmost sincerity, honesty, and responsibility for the welfare, economic upliftment, and social advancement of the Scheduled Castes community.

He stated that the very objective behind the establishment of the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation was to provide employment, self-employment opportunities, and financial assistance to the members of Scheduled Castes, thereby empowering them and making them self-reliant.

It is worth mentioning that through this corporation, loans at low-interest rates, subsidies, and employment schemes are provided for small and medium-scale industries and commercial ventures. The government is making continuous efforts to ensure equal opportunities for Scheduled Castes youth in the fields of education, healthcare, and employment.

Ravinder Hans also announced that he would make every possible effort with full dedication and enthusiasm to realize Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of a ‘Rangla Punjab’.

CHANDIGARH, May 28:

          In line with the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to supporting the families of Punjab Police personnel, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav inaugurated the newly upgraded crèche at Punjab Police Headquarters (PPHQ) here on Wednesday.

          “Today, inaugurated the newly upgraded crèche at Punjab Police  Headquarters, Chandigarh— a heartfelt step toward supporting the backbone of our force: our families,” the DGP posted on his X (formally Twitter) handle.

          The DGP was accompanied by Special DGP Welfare Ishwar Singh, ADGP Traffic AS Rai, ADGP Provisioning G Nageswara Rao, IGP Headquarters Sukhchain Singh Gill, DIG Administration Alka Meena, AIG Surendera Lamba and AIG Saumya Mishra.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the newly established crèche, located on the ground floor of Punjab Police Headquarters, can now accommodate 40 children, from 6 months to 10 years of age, and is managed by a dedicated all-women staff with valuable support from the UT Administration. It reflects our commitment to building a more supportive, inclusive, and family-friendly work environment, he added.

          “To every officer and staff member — your service is deeply valued, and your family is our family,” he said.

          Sharing more details, Special DGP Ishwar Singh said that the facility is designed to provide a secure, engaging, and educational environment for children, underscoring the department’s dedication to fostering a family-friendly work culture. The crèche will allow officers to perform their duties with greater peace of mind, he said.

          The Special DGP said that presently, 35 children of police personnel posted at PPHQ and Mini Secretariat, Punjab, are enrolled in the facility.

          Meanwhile, the initiative is part of a broader effort to establish supportive infrastructure for police families, with similar crèches operational in Intelligence Headquarters (SAS Nagar), Commissionerates of Jalandhar and Ludhiana, and SSP offices in districts including Amritsar Rural, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Barnala and Ferozepur.

Chandigarh, May 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed concerns and misconceptions surrounding the state’s land pooling policy during an extensive interaction with the people during his ‘AAP Sarkar, Aapke Duwar’ Program in Patiala. With an emphasis on transparency, inclusivity, and the welfare of the people, CM Mann reassured the public that the government is not acquiring land forcibly but is, instead, seeking the consent and input of farmers and landowners for sustainable urban development projects.

Refuting rumors spread by opposition parties to further their own propaganda against this transparent and public friendly scheme, CM Mann said, “Some are creating baseless panic that the government plans to forcibly acquire your land. I am here today to clarify that we are not taking away anyone’s land without their agreement. We are here to seek your advice, ensure your participation, and bring development to your doorstep.”

Highlighting previous practices under past governments, he exposed the opaque manner in which land acquisitions were conducted, “Earlier, leaders like Sukhbir Badal approved plans, then shared them with their favourite few, the result was massive profiteering by a few, while farmers and common people were left to suffer. Those days are gone now. We are committed to transparency and fairness.”

What is Land Pooling?

CM Mann explained the fundamentals of the land pooling policy, which provides significant benefits to landowners.

Voluntary Participation: Landowners can choose whether or not to participate. Those who do not wish to give their land can continue using it for farming or other purposes.

Guaranteed Returns: For every acre contributed, landowners receive: Residential Plot of 1,000 square yards in developed urban areas and Commercial Space of 200 square yards for shops or showrooms. These plots and spaces, once developed, will have significantly higher market value.

No Additional Costs: All development costs, including roads, drainage, electricity, and water supply infrastructure, will be borne by the government.

“For instance, if your land is worth ₹1 crore per acre today, the developed property you receive in return will be worth ₹3-4 crore. You can keep the property, rent it for consistent income, or sell it at your discretion,” CM Mann elaborated.

The Chief Minister also addressed the rampant issue of unapproved colonies in Punjab, a legacy of poor planning and corruption under previous administrations:

“Illegal colonies mushroomed across Punjab, leaving residents without basic amenities like sewage, electricity, or potable water. Builders and developers made profits and abandoned people. Our government is determined to regulate and redevelop these colonies, ensuring every resident gets access to modern facilities.”

CM Mann stressed the importance of bringing modern urban planning to rural Punjab, “Our villages deserve the same quality of life as cities. Planned development will ensure proper sewage, parks, electricity, and clean water. This is not just about infrastructure; it’s about giving our rural population the dignity they deserve.”

The Chief Minister strongly criticized opposition parties for spreading fear and misinformation, “Half of these leaders, who now claim to stand with the people, are builders themselves. They are friends with land mafia and were responsible for selling off Punjab’s lands to their associates at throwaway prices. They fear our policies because they bring accountability and remove corruption from the system.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also cited an example of Akali leader Manpreet Ayali, highlighting his personal stake in opposing the land pooling policy. Mann said, “Manpreet Ayali fears this policy because it brings transparency and accountability, which would end his cozy deals in real estate. Such people are spreading baseless rumors to protect their own businesses, not the interests of the farmers. They thrive on chaos and corruption, but their days of exploiting Punjab’s resources are over.”

The Chief Minister assured that all agreements under the land pooling policy would be made directly between the government and the landowners, ensuring legal protections and eliminating any chance of exploitation.

“I am here to listen to you and seek your suggestions. Together, we can create a Punjab where every individual prospers and every village shines,” CM Mann concluded, urging citizens to work with the government to make Punjab a model state for development.

Chandigarh, May 28 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday mourned the sad demise of veteran Akali leader and former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who passed away at a private hospital in Mohali this evening. He was 89 and is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.

In his condolence message, the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the senior Akali leader and former Union Minister, acknowledging his relentless efforts for the welfare of the people.

Extending his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, relatives, and friends, the Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to family members for bearing this irreparable loss.

Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has offered free land in Panchkula for setting up both a temporary and permanent campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar. In a letter to Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah, the Chief Minister urged for speedy approval of the project.

According to the letter, the Haryana government had previously requested permission from the Union Home Ministry on November 15, 2022, through a demi-official letter for setting up NFSU campuses in Panchkula. The request was forwarded to NFSU, Gandhinagar, which then formed a committee. The committee inspected the proposed land in Panchkula on August and submitted its report to the Union Home Ministry.

CM, Sh. Nayab Saini emphasized in his letter that the Haryana government is ready to provide the land for this project free of cost and requested the Union Home Ministry to grant approval at the earliest. He highlighted that the initiative would not only boost forensic science education in Haryana but also create new opportunities for the state’s youth.

Dr. Sumita Misra informed that the state is rigorously working towards becoming the 1st State to fully implement the provisions of New Criminal Laws by issuing necessary notifications, guidelines, instructions, SOPs, boosting infrastructure and capacity of human resources of all the stakeholder departments i.e. Police, Prisons, Prosecution and Judiciary.

Commenting on the project, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra stated, “The establishment of the National Forensic Sciences University will be a significant step for Haryana’s students, especially in the context of new criminal laws Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This institution will provide students with education in modern forensic techniques and judicial sciences, enabling them to contribute effectively to law enforcement and judicial processes.”

She further informed that State Government is focusing on Modernization of equipments, capacity building and infrastructure development. In this regard, State Government has sanctioned additional 17 MFSUs, 9 Toxicology Divisions and also sanctioned a sum of Rs.  68.70 Crore for the purchase of modern equipments for FSL Since the implementation of new criminal laws, FSL Haryana has seen a rise in sanctioned posts from 351 to 599 (70.7%) and in posted officials from 167 to 342 (104.8%), with 257 newly created posts under recruitment, along with major technical upgrades collectively transforming the state’s forensic capacity and efficiency. 

The State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is speeding up DNA and forensic reports, particularly for sensitive cases. Some districts have shown outstanding results i.e Faridabad, Karnal, Dabwali, and Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, and Rewari have performed well, with conviction rates of over 75%,  she added.

Chandigarh, May 28- The Haryana Government has appointed Link Officers of 8 departments with the objective of ensuring smooth functioning of the concerned departments in the absence of Administrative Secretaries due to leave, training, tour, election duty or transfer or retirement or any other reason.

According to a letter issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in the case of Medical Education and Research Department, Administrative Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department has been appointed as Link Officer-1, Administrative Secretary of Higher Education Department has been appointed as Link Officer-2 and Administrative Secretary of School Education Department has been appointed as Link Officer-3.

In the case of Higher Education Department, Administrative Secretary of School Education Department has been appointed as Link Officer-1, Administrative Secretary of Medical Education and Research Department has been appointed as Link Officer-2 and Administrative Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department has been appointed as Link Officer-3.

In the case of School Education Department, Administrative Secretary of Higher Education Department has been appointed as Link Officer-1, Administrative Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department has been appointed as Link Officer-2 and Administrative Secretary of Medical Education and Research Department has been appointed as Link Officer-3.

In the case of AYUSH Department, Administrative Secretary of Women and Child Development Department has been appointed as Link Officer-1, Administrative Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department has been appointed as Link Officer-2 and Administrative Secretary of Sports Department has been appointed as Link Officer-3.

In the case of Women and Child Development Department, Administrative Secretary of AYUSH Department has been appointed as Link Officer-1, Administrative Secretary of Sports Department has been appointed as Link Officer-2 and Administrative Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department has been appointed as Link Officer-3.

In the case of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department, Administrative Secretary of Sports Department has been appointed as Link Officer-1, Administrative Secretary of AYUSH Department has been appointed as Link Officer-2 and Administrative Secretary of Women and Child Development Department has been appointed as Link Officer-3.

In the case of Sports Department, the Administrative Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department has been appointed as Link Officer-1, Administrative Secretary of Women and Child Development Department has been appointed as Link Officer-2 and Administrative Secretary of AYUSH Department has been appointed as Link Officer-3.

Chandigarh, May 28 – The Haryana Government is set to conduct a major state-wide Civil Defence exercise, named “Operation Shield,” on May 29, across all 22 districts to enhance the state’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM, this comprehensive drill is being organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, to simulate critical incidents such as air raids, drone attacks, and other wartime scenarios in the light of current national security concerns.

Disclosing this here today, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra,  stated that the exercise aims to test existing emergency mechanisms, improve coordination between the civil administration, defence forces, and local communities, and identify areas that need to be strengthened, thus  ensuring  swift and effective response during any crisis.

She further stated that, the drill will involve the large-scale mobilization of Civil Defence Wardens, registered volunteers, and youth organizations including the National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), and Bharat Scouts & Guides to assist in simulated emergency scenarios. Key components include drills responding to aerial threats such as air raids and swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), activation of air raid sirens, and testing of control room communication hotlines established with the Indian Air Force. Additionally, a controlled blackout of 15 minutes will be observed from 8:00 PM to 8:15 PM near vital installations, with exception of essential emergency services such as hospitals, fire stations, and police stations.

Dr. Misra highlighted that the exercise aligns with the Incident Response System (IRS), which Haryana officially notified on January 28, 2025, under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, providing a structured framework for effective emergency response. She directed all Deputy Commissioners, who are also Chairpersons of District Disaster Management Authorities, along with Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, to ensure meticulous planning and execution of the exercise in their jurisdictions. They have been instructed to submit detailed Action Taken Reports to the Commandant General, Home Guards, and Director, Civil Defence, Haryana, which will be compiled for state-level review and forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The above mock exercises are scheduled for May 29 between 5 PM to 9 PM and should not be the cause of alarm for the citizen.

Chandigarh, May 28 – In a concerted effort to rejuvenate the Yamuna River and strengthen pollution control initiatives, Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting to assess the progress of ongoing and planned projects in the Yamuna catchment area.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for rigorous oversight, directing officials to review the status of all Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) projects biweekly to ensure timely progress. To bolster pollution control measures, a Task Force has been established under the Chairmanship of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB). This Task Force, comprising representatives from key departments including Industries, Public Health Engineering Department, Irrigation, Urban Local Bodies, HSVP, FMDA, and GMDA will suggest additional strategies for curbing pollution. The Member Secretary of the HSPCB will act as Member Secretary of the Task Force.

Officials reported that Haryana has a well-established sewage treatment framework in the Yamuna catchment area. Currently, 90 STPs with a combined capacity of 1518 million liters per day (MLD) are operational. Additionally, 17 CETPs with a capacity of 184.5 MLD are effectively managing industrial effluent, significantly contributing to environmental conservation.

*Ongoing and Proposed STP Projects Signal Strong Progress*

To further enhance sewage treatment capabilities, the state is actively pursuing multiple initiatives. Three new STPs with a combined capacity of 29 MLD are under construction and slated for completion by March 31, 2026. Seven existing STPs, with a capacity of 213 MLD, are undergoing upgradation to improve efficiency. Looking ahead, 10 new STPs with a total capacity of 587 MLD have been proposed under various departments. Notable projects include 100 MLD STPs at Dhanwapur, Behrampur, and Sector-107 in Gurugram (under GMDA); 45 MLD and 20 MLD plants at Badshahpur and Mirzapur in Faridabad (under FMDA); and additional facilities at Radaur Road in Yamunanagar (77 MLD), Rohtak (60 MLD), and Sonipat (30 MLD).

Expansion and Upgradation of CETPs Gain Momentum

The meeting also underscored the need to bolster industrial effluent treatment infrastructure. Two CETPs at Kutana and Barhi, with a combined capacity of 19 MLD, have been prioritized for immediate upgradation. Additionally, eight new CETPs with a total capacity of 146 MLD have been proposed by HSIIDC and PHED to address the rising industrial discharge. A key project includes a 50 MLD CETP at Partapgarh, Faridabad, with a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of ₹824 crore already prepared. Other CETPs in areas like Mirzapur, Badshahpur, and various sectors in Gurugram are advancing through the planning phase.

It was informed in the meeting that a joint team comprising members from HSPCB, PHED, Irrigation, and HSIIDC will conduct inspections within the next 10 days to ensure compliance and address violations.

Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests & Wildlife Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Town & Country Planning and Urban Estates Department, Sh. AK Singh, Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department. Sh. Vikas Gupta, Commissioner & Secretary, Public Health Engineering, Mohammed Shayin, HSPCB Member Secretary Sh. Pradeep Kumar and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) member Sh. Bhupender Chauhan has appealed all candidates applying online to be very careful during the application process and to follow all guidelines issued by the commission. He said that candidates must first read the detailed notification issued by the commission. This will help them clearly understand the eligibility criteria, important dates, and the step-by-step application process.

Before starting the online application, candidates should keep all the necessary documents ready in the prescribed format. These include educational certificates, category certificates, a recent passport-size color photograph, and a scanned copy of their signature. Personal and academic details should be filled in accurately, and important information like date of birth, parents’ names, and marks must be double-checked.

He said that applications should be submitted only through the official HSSC website (http://onetimeregn.haryana.gov.in). It is mandatory to upload a clear, recent color photograph and a neat signature. Selecting the wrong category, uploading the signature instead of the photo, or submitting documents in the wrong format. These errors can lead to the application being rejected. Apart from this, candidates should only use valid and active mobile numbers and email ID, because all further information will be received through these means only.

He further said that while filling out the form, candidates should use the ‘Save’ and ‘Next’ options to prevent data loss due to technical issues. Entering Aadhaar card details and uploading its copy is mandatory. Before final submission, candidates must review all the entered information carefully to ensure its accuracy, he added.

Sh. Chauhan advised not to use someone else’s mobile number or email ID, not to upload old or black-and-white photos, and to avoid submitting multiple applications under any circumstances, as this will lead to automatic cancellation. 

He said that by saying that waiting until the last date is another common mistake. Heavy traffic on the server can cause delays or errors in submission. Therefore, candidates should apply well in advance and carefully follow all guidelines issued by the commission to complete their application successfully.

Chandigarh, May 28 –  Director General, Haryana Technical Education, Sh. Prabhjot Singh, visited the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali and met with its Executive Director, Prof. Ashwani Parrek. The two discussed potential collaboration opportunities in the field of agri-food biotechnology, particularly focusing on research and training for students and faculty.

As part of this effort, an exposure visit to NABI Mohali was organised on May 26 and 27 for a group of 58 MSc/BTech biotechnology students and one research scholar from Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (DCRUST), Murthal (Sonepat). The delegation was led by Associate Professor Dr. Aditi Arya.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that the visit aimed to expose students to cutting-edge research in agricultural and food biotechnology, allowing them to interact with scientists and explore advanced laboratory facilities. During the visit, students were introduced to high-performance computing, chromatography systems, and tissue culture techniques, which helped them understand real-world applications of biotechnology. Students found the experience insightful and inspiring, as it provided them with practical exposure beyond classroom learning.

National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) is the first Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, established in India on February 18, 2010 by the Department of Biotechnology, government of India. Students who visited the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali had a valuable learning experience.

The spokesperson said that this visit will enhance the knowledge and understanding regarding the latest advancements in technology and research in the field of Agriculture Biotechnology and Food and Nutritional Biotechnology. It also aimed at fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration between the NABI Mohali and the university.  Additional Director, Sh. Anil Kumar Sehrawat, and Joint Director, Sh. Balwan Singh coordinated the exposure visit from the Directorate of Technical Education Haryana, Panchkula. Dr. Amit Kumar Rai, Scientist – D and Dr. Sanjana Negi, Scientist – C have coordinated the visit on behalf of NABI Mohali.

The spokesperson said that the department of Technical Education, Haryana has taken various initiatives under the guidance of Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education, Haryana, Sh.Vineet Garg and Director General Technical Education, Sh. Prabhjot Singh  for providing quality education and improvement in employability for the students. The Department of Technical Education has organised the exposure visit for teaching faculty from government Polytechnics and government Engineering colleges at IIT Delhi.

The spokesperson said Haryana Higher Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda had flagged off the first delegates of 60 teaching faculty from government Polytechnics and government Engineering colleges for an exposure visit to IIT Delhi on February 10, 2025. More than 380 teaching faculty members including Principal, Vice Principal-cum-Training and Placement Officers, Head of Departments, Senior Lecturers, Lecturers, form government Polytechnics and Associate Professor, Training and Placement Officer and Assistant Professors from government Engineering colleges visited IIT Delhi in a phased manner from government Polytechnics and SIETs during Feb/Mar/April 2025. The exposure visit aimed to provide participants deep insights into IIT Delhi’s cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and academic excellence.

The spokesperson said that Department of Technical Education, Haryana has also arranged the exposure visit at Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL) Mohali for 24 students of Electronics and Communication Engineering and Electrical Engineering and three faculty members from State Institute of Engineering and Technology at Panniwala Mota (Sirsa), Nilokheri (Karnal) and Zainabad (Rewari) on April 24, 2025. SCL is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

The spokesperson said that department is also in the process of such visits and signing the MoU with various reputed organizations such as CSIR- Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, Chandigarh, ISRO Ahmedabad Campus, STPI – Software Technology Park of India, Gurugram and CSIR-IMTECH, Chandigarh.