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Chandigarh

Need to remain vigilant, follow all Covid safety guidelines: Arti Singh Rao

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Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has urged the public and healthcare officials to remain vigilant and proactive regarding COVID-19. She emphasized that the health and safety of every citizen is the government’s top priority. Timely action and strict adherence to preventive measures can significantly curb the spread of the virus, and there is no need to panic.

In this regard, the Haryana Health Department has issued an advisory to all Civil Surgeons regarding COVID-19. They have been directed to establish dedicated Flu Corners at health facilities to provide early screening and treatment. Hospitals across the state are being instructed to ensure readiness with adequate beds, including isolation beds, oxygen supply, essential antibiotics, PPE kits, N-95 masks, and necessary testing supplies.

Arti Singh Rao said refresher training sessions for healthcare staff will be organized to reinforce knowledge on COVID-19 signs, symptoms, management, and updated guidelines. The public is being encouraged to adopt appropriate COVID-19 behaviour, including maintaining respiratory and hand hygiene, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, practicing social distancing, avoiding spitting in public places, wearing masks in crowded environments, and frequent handwashing.

District surveillance units have been instructed to closely monitor home-isolated cases, particularly high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those who have comorbidities. Meetings with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) are also being convened to strengthen preparedness at the district level.

Arti Singh Rao appealed to all citizens to stay vigilant and follow the safety protocols. She said, “Let’s stay informed and follow safety protocols.” The Health Department has instructed all civil surgeons, district surveillance units, and health facilities to implement these measures immediately and ensure daily reporting through the established channels.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Cleanliness campaign to gain momentum in Haryana- Chief Minister launches real-time tracking portal and mobile app for monitoring door-to-door garbage collection

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Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday launched a real-time tracking portal and mobile app of door-to-door garbage collection vehicles to further accelerate the cleanliness drive and bring more transparency to the Urban Local Bodies Department. With this digital initiative, accurate information about vehicles and manpower involved in garbage collection in municipal corporations, municipalities, and municipal councils will be available online based on live location. Every citizen will be able to track garbage collection vehicles operating in their area. This move will also ensure regular garbage pickup from every household. Currently, 37 ULBs are live on this portal.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister chaired an important meeting with District Municipal Commissioners (DMCs) and  Commissioners Municipal Corporation (CMCs) on Wednesday. Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel was also present. Various ongoing projects under the Urban Local Bodies Department were reviewed during the meeting.

Issuing strict directives on legacy waste in cities, the Chief Minister emphasized that special attention should be paid to cleanliness. No heaps of garbage should be visible in any city. The government’s goal is to make cities clean. Therefore, all officials must work responsibly. Cleanliness is our first priority, he said.

Road repairs to be completed by June 15

Issuing directions regarding the strengthening of roads in local bodies, the Chief Minister said that road improvement works must be completed within the stipulated time. No potholes should be present on any road. Concerned officers should monitor the repair works. Accelerate the pace of road repair and re-carpeting, and complete all renovation work by June 15, directed the Chief Minister.

He further directed that officers from the headquarters must visit local bodies where new sanitation tenders have been issued and submit a report on the status and progress of the work within the next 7 days. Additionally, action should be taken against the agency and contractors based on performance.

Recognition for best-performing local bodies and sanitation agencies

The Chief Minister directed all officers to ensure attendance of all sanitation workers is taken regularly. He said that local bodies performing exceptionally well in cleanliness will be recognized and awarded. Sanitation agencies and contractors ensuring proper sanitation will also be honored. To ensure safety in cities, CCTV cameras must be installed at major entry and exit points. This will also help  in reducing criminal activities, he said.

Drain cleaning to be a top priority

Reviewing the progress of drain cleaning, the Chief Minister directed that clear deadlines be set and pending work be completed without delay. All drains under the jurisdiction of local bodies must be cleaned by June 15. Officials must prioritize drain cleaning ahead of the monsoon season.

Mandatory safety checks before sewer cleaning

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed concern over fatalities during sewer cleaning. He directed that safety checks must be mandatory before sewer cleaning to ensure there is no presence of harmful gases or chemicals that could endanger  sanitation workers who clean sewers. He stressed the need for strict steps to improve the system.

Tagging and management of stray cattle

While reviewing stray cattle management, the Chief Minister directed that abandoned cattle be sent to gaushalas or nandishalas and be tagged to ensure all related data is available with the department. People should be made aware not to abandon animals on the roads. Individuals repeatedly abandoning cattle should be identified and strict action must be taken. The goal is to make all cities free of stray animals.

It was informed during the meeting that a State Level Committee is being formed for the relocation of stray cattle to gaushalas and nandishalas. The committee will include the Chairman of the Gau Seva Aayog, officials from Urban Local Bodies, Panchayat and Animal Husbandry Departments, and representatives from concerned gaushalas.

Resolve issues promptly in Samadhan Shivir so no citizen returns dissatisfied

Reviewing the progress of Samadhan Shivirs, the Chief Minister directed concerned officers to ensure that citizen issues are resolved quickly and no citizen returns dissatisfied. Clear reasons must be provided for rejection of complaints.

The Chief Minister suggested that where municipal bodies are performing excellently in areas like sanitation, water management, and road strengthening, mayors, district council chairpersons, and councilors should go on study tours with officers. Best practices from other cities will be implemented in Haryana to benefit the public.

All officers should work with a spirit of public service: Chief Secretary

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said all local bodies must set revenue targets for the financial year and make dedicated efforts to achieve them. Open auctions should be conducted for advertisement sites in all bodies, and illegal hoardings, if any, must be removed. He emphasized that municipal administration represents the government’s face, and all officers must actively engage and work with a sense of public service.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department Sh. Vikas Gupta, Director General Sh. Pankaj, OSD to Chief Minister Sh. Raj Nehru, and other officers also attended the meeting.

Chandigarh

Haryana Agriculture Minister praises PM Modi and Union Minister Chouhan for MSP increase on Kharif Crops

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Chandigarh, May 28 : Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture Minister Sh Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the Union Cabinet’s decision to approve a significant increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the marketing season 2025-26. He stated that this decision reflects the Central Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and the strengthening of India’s agriculture sector.

          In a statement issued here, Sh Rana said that the increase in MSP will provide adequate financial security to farmers in Haryana and across the country. He added that this decision stands as a testament to the Modi Government’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation for our hardworking farmers.

          He stated that the Haryana Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, is dedicated to the welfare of the state’s farmers, with Haryana being the only state in the country to provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all notified crops.

          He said that the increased MSP, coupled with a robust procurement mechanism, will strengthen Haryana’s agricultural economy. He added that this is a transformational step toward doubling farmers’ income.

Chandigarh, Haryana

11th International Yoga Day: A Grand State-Level Celebration to be organized in Kurukshetra on June 21

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Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a grand state-level event will be organized in Kurukshetra on June 21 to mark the 11th International Yoga Day. Approximately one lakh participants will participate in the celebrations. Renowned Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev will also grace the occasion with his presence.

The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference shortly after presiding over a meeting held today to finalize preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations, along with officials from the AYUSH Department and other concerned departments.

He said that with the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day has been celebrated globally on June 21 each year since 2015. The Prime Minister’s proposal at the United Nations was supported by 177 countries and today entire world has embraced yoga.

The Chief Minister informed that the final preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day function were reviewed and finalized during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere where the entire state is engaged in yoga. “Yoga is an ancient tradition of our country. It is not just a form of physical exercise, but a holistic way of life. It has given us a path to health awareness,” he said. He also encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routine and contribute to building a ‘Healthy India.’

In addition to the state-level function, district-level events will be organized across all districts. Furthermore, block-level programs will be conducted in all 121 blocks of the state. The AYUSH department has prepared a detailed blueprint for these events.

The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

Training programmes to be organized across the state

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that in the lead-up to International Yoga Day, various programmes including Yoga Marathons and the Yoga Jagran Yatra will be conducted alongside dedicated training sessions. These initiatives aim to engage all sections of society from schoolchildren to the general public. The programmes will run from today until June 21. He said that Swachhata programme will also be integrated into the yoga activities.

The Chief Minister said that three-day yoga training programmes will be organized in all schools, colleges, and universities across the state. Similar training sessions will also be held for ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, government employees, and other public representatives.

”Yoga -Yukt Haryana – Nasha-Mukt Haryana” to be launched on International Yoga Day

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that on the occasion of International Yoga Day, the state will launch the initiative “Yoga Yukt Haryana – Nasha Mukt Haryana”, in alignment with the vision of Swasth Bharat – Swasth Haryana. The campaign aims to eliminate drug addiction from society through the positive influence of yoga. As part of the celebrations, 10 lakh saplings will be planted across the state, reinforcing a commitment to environmental protection through the concept of “Green Yoga.” He also informed that a dedicated portal has been launched for registration, with a target to engage 10 lakh people in the event.

The Chief Minister urged citizens to celebrate Yoga Day as a Yoga Mahotsav by practicing yoga in parks, stadiums, rooftops, or any open space, and to spread the message of health and well-being globally. He emphasized the state government’s resolve to take yoga to every household and make Haryana a yoga-empowered state.

In response to a query about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the Chief Minister said that there is no need for panic. Health Department is fully prepared to handle the situation.

Additional Chief Secretary of AYUSH Department Sudhir Rajpal, Chairman of Haryana Yoga Aayog Dr. Jaideep Arya, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages Department K. Makarand Pandurang, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Atrey were also present.

Chandigarh

Haryana CM expresses gratitude to the Prime Minister for increasing the MSP of Kharif crops

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Chandigarh, May 28- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi for yet again taking another farmer-friendly decision of increasing the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26.

         This decision is another step towards the commitment of the government to double the income of the farmers, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in a statement issued here today.

         Divulging more details in this regard an official spokesperson said that the MSP of paddy (common) has been increased from existing Rs 2300 per quintal to Rs 2369 per quintal, which is 81 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14, while the MSP of A-grade paddy has been increased from existing Rs 2320 per quintal to Rs 2389 per quintal which is 78 per cent higher than year 2013-14.

         The MSP of moong dal has been increased from Rs 8682 per quintal to Rs 8768 per quintal, which is 95 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

         The spokesman said that the MSP of Bajra has been increased from Rs 2625 per quintal to Rs 2775 per quintal, which is 122 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of Ragi has been increased from Rs 4290 per quintal to Rs 4886 per quintal, which is 226 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. Similarly MSP of Maize has been increased from Rs 2225 per quintal to Rs 2400 per quintal, which is 83 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. MSP of Tur/Arhar has been increased from Rs 7550 per quintal to Rs 8000 per quintal, which is 86 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

         The MSP of Urad has been increased from Rs 7400 per quintal to Rs 7800 per quintal, which is 81 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. Similarly, the MSP of groundnut has been increased from Rs 6783 per quintal to Rs 7263 per quintal, which is 82 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of sunflower has been increased from Rs 7280  per quintal to Rs 7721 per quintal, which is 109 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of soybean has been increased from Rs 4892 per quintal to Rs 5328 per quintal, which is 108 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. MSP of cotton (medium staple) has been increased from Rs. 7121 per quintal to Rs. 7710 per quintal, which is 108 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. MSP of cotton (long staple) has been increased from Rs. 7521 per quintal to Rs.8110 per quintal, which is 103 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

The MSP of Jowar Hybrid has been increased from Rs.  3371 to Rs. 3699, which is 147 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of Jowar Maldandi has been increased from Rs. 3421 to Rs. 3749, which is 147 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

The MSP of Sesamum (Til) has been increased from Rs. 9267 to Rs. 9846, which is 119 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.  The MSP of Nigerseed (Ramtil) has been increased from Rs. 8717 to Rs. 9537, which is 172 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

         The spokesperson further informed that for the last several years, the Central Government has declared the Minimum Support Price for both Rabi and Kharif crops before the sowing season starts. With this step of the government, the farmers have the option of sowing the crop which can be more profitable.

Chandigarh, Punjab

THREE DRUG TRAFFICKERS HELD WITH 521-GRAMS HEROIN, FOUR SOPHISTICATED PISTOLS FROM AMRITSAR

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CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 28:

          In a major crackdown on narco-illegal-arms smuggling networks amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Border Range Amritsar has arrested three drug traffickers linked to cross-border smuggling and recovered 521 grams of heroin and four sophisticated .30 bore Px5 storm pistols along with seven magazines and 55 live cartridges, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Maninderjit Singh (26) of village Badowal in Gurdaspur, Peter (22) and Lovejit Singh alias Raja (21) of Dharamkot Randhawa in Gurdaspur. Apart from recovering heroin and weapons, police teams have also impounded their two motorcycles, which they were using to deliver consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were in touch with Europe and Pakistan-based drug smugglers, and were receiving narco and weapon consignments from across the border via drones.

          He said that ANTF is actively pursuing both forward and backward linkages to dismantle the entire network. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, said the DGP.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) ANTF Nilabh Kishore said that ANTF Border Range Amritsar team had received credible inputs about the trio’s involvement in retrieving narcotics and weapons from across the border. Acting swiftly on the inputs, police teams led by Superintendent of Police (SP) ANTF Border Range Amritsar Gurpreet Singh launched an intelligence-led operation and apprehended accused persons from near Shankar Dhaba on Attari Road in Amritsar, he said.

          In this regard, a case FIR No 141 dated 27.05.2025 has been registered under sections 21-C, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh

MC Chandigarh Conducts Special Enforcement Drive at Sector 26 Mandi

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Chandigarh, May 28: In a joint operation with the Marketing Committee and Mandi Board, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today carried out a special enforcement drive at Sector 26 Mandi. The drive was conducted following the directions of MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, to ensure better regulation and maintenance of cleanliness and order within the mandi premises.

During the drive, the MCC enforcement team issued 18 challans to violators for various offenses including unauthorized dumping of waste, encroachments, and non-compliance with Govt rules. The team acted swiftly and firmly to address these violations, aiming to improve the overall hygiene and functioning of the mandi.

The enforcement team also issued strong warnings to regular offenders, cautioning them of strict legal action if violations persist. The MCC reiterated its commitment to maintaining cleanliness and civic discipline in all public and commercial spaces of the city.

Such drives will continue regularly to ensure the enforcement of municipal regulations and to promote responsible behavior among traders and vendors.

Chandigarh

VIGILANCE BUREAU ARRESTS ASSISTANT TOWN PLANNER TAKING RS 10,000 BRIBE

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Chandigarh May 28, 2025 –

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Charanjit Singh, posted at Nagar Council, Gurdaspur, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a local architect.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said the arrest was made following a complainant, from an Architect, who is resident of village Anandpur, tehsil Dinanagar, Gurdaspur district.

He further stated that the complainant had applied for an NOC for his project in Gurdaspur city and file was initially cleared by the Building Inspector and Draughtsman but was later sent to the above said ATP for final approval. The complainant alleged that the accused deliberately raised unnecessary objections and demanded Rs 10,000 to clear the file.

The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the ATP Charanjit Singh was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe of Rs 10,000 in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the said accused at VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. The case is under investigation and the accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow, he said.

Chandigarh, Punjab

From Nabha Jailbreak to Narco Empire: Akali Dal has a long history of lawlessness and chaos: CM Mann

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Chandigarh, May 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia, accusing him of hypocrisy and attempting to mislead the public through baseless propaganda. Addressing the media, Mann dismantled Majithia’s recent claims while highlighting Akali Dal’s dubious record during its tenure.

CM Mann slammed Bikram Majithia for politicising a recent tragic incident in Amritsar where a poor man lost his life while attempting to dispose of a live explosive device. Mann said, “Majithia questions law and order. But who is he to speak? During your regime, an SHO was shot while trying to protect the honour of his daughter, and slogans of ‘Majithia Zindabad’ were raised. Have you forgotten this?”

Mann reminded people of the Nabha Jailbreak incident during the Akali regime and questioned the accountability of leaders like Majithia. He emphasized how Akali leaders enabled drug mafias and gangsters, flooding Punjab with drugs and crime. “Whenever drug smugglers or mafias are caught, their connections inevitably lead back to Akali leaders,” Mann said.

Mann said, “Majithia represents a legacy where the poor were jailed for standing up, while the powerful looted Punjab without consequence.” He added, “The Akali Dal built an empire of corruption, allowing unchecked gangsters and smugglers to thrive. Now, they try to posture as saviors of Punjab. The people will no longer buy into their lies.”

CM Mann drew a stark contrast between the governance models of the AAP and Akali Dal. “Unlike Majithia, who thinks only of his personal benefits, my government is committed to policies that prioritize Punjab’s common people. We will never sign off on any policy that harms Punjab or its people,” Mann declared.

Exposing Majithia’s Double Standards

Mann also lashed out at Majithia’s hypocrisy in calling for law and order reforms. “Under Badals and Majithia’s leadership, Akali Dal became a symbol of lawlessness and greed. They are responsible for throwing Punjab into the quagmire of drugs and crime,” Mann stated.

CM Mann contrasted his personal property with the opulence of Akali leaders. “Every election, I have declared my assets. My wealth has consistently reduced because I serve Punjab, not myself. Can Majithia say the same?” Mann challenged.

Mann also delivered a strong warning to corrupt leaders: “Those who exploit the poor and rob Punjab will face justice. No amount of wealth can shield you from the consequences of your actions. Remember, the prayers of the poor and honest always reach God, and their curses are unstoppable.”

Concluding his remarks, CM Mann urged the people of Punjab to reject the Akali Dal’s false narratives and to support honest governance. “The Akali Dal is a relic of a corrupt past. They’ve had their chances and squandered them. It’s time for Punjab to move forward with transparency and development,” Mann affirmed.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Drive against corruption : VB arrests ASI red handed taking Rs 15,000 bribe

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Chandigarh May 28, 2025 –

Continuing its relentless drive against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Kuldeep Singh, posted at Police Station, Haryana in Hoshiarpur district, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said the arrest was made following a complaint filed by Robin Kumar, village Ghugyal, district Hoshiarpur. The complainant has approached the VB alleging that a police case was registered against him in the above said police station and investigation of the case was assigned to ASI Kuldeep Singh. However, before registering this FIR, ASI Kuldeep Singh, allegedly acting in connivance with the opposing party, had registered a counter-case against the said complainant, his mother and other family members. Afterwards, ASI Kuldeep Singh threatened the complainant to pay Rs 50,000 otherwise he would falsely implicate his mother in a case involving the theft of a gold chain.

The complainant informed that upon his persistent requests the amount of bribe was negotiated to Rs 30,000 and the ASI had taken Rs 10,000 as a first instalment. As per the complaint, the accused ASI has demanded the balance amount of Rs 20000 and received Rs 5,000 as second instalment. The complainant has recorded the conversation while demanding the remaining amount of illegal gratification on his mobile phone.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team led a trap during which the ASI Kuldip Singh was apprehended red- handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000 in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.