Chandigarh July 4: Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Sh Manohar Lal, attended the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies held in Manesar, Gurugram on Friday as the Chief Guest.

 In his address, the Minister emphasized the crucial role such conferences play in capacity building for urban governance. He said that this is the first time a conference of urban local body representatives has been organized on such a large scale, marking a significant milestone. He further advocated for the regular organization of similar events across the country, highlighting the importance of utilizing online platforms to ensure broader participation. “Wider engagement will empower more people to contribute and help transform the face of our cities,” he said.

Sh Manohar Lal stated that, similar to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, urban local bodies should also conduct formal House sessions, chaired by a person elected in the manner of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. This, he said, would help establish a more transparent and accountable system of governance.  The Minister urged public representatives from across the country to actively contribute to strengthening urban local bodies. He also encouraged the implementation of best practices showcased during the conference, especially by those urban bodies that demonstrated exemplary work, to further improve the quality of life and infrastructure in cities.

Urban Development should go hand-in-hand with environmental protection

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal emphasized that urban development must go hand in hand with environmental protection.

He stated that while pursuing progressive initiatives, it is essential to keep environmental sustainability at the forefront. The Minister highlighted the need to improve traffic systems and simultaneously plan for e-mobility solutions. He noted that while metro rail services began in India in 2002 much later than in the United States, where metros have existed for over 150 years, India has made remarkable progress. Today, metro networks span 1,000 kilometers across 21 cities, which is comparable to the extent of metro systems in the U.S. He added that there are plans to expand this network even further in the future.

Cities to be rebuilt through the Urban Challenge Fund

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal stated that cities will be redeveloped through the Central Government’s Urban Challenge Fund, under which Rs 1 lakh crore will be allocated.

He emphasized that to improve urban living conditions; best practices from leading cities around the world are being adopted. As part of this effort, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has recently been signed with Spain to facilitate the exchange of successful urban development models between the two countries. The Minister highlighted that urbanization in India is accelerating rapidly. In response, both governments and municipal bodies must increase their pace of action. He stressed the need for proper workforce training and the efficient use of time and resources to meet future challenges. Citing data, he said that urbanization in India was at 20 percent in 1970, has risen to 36 percent today, and is projected to reach 50 percent by 2047.

Need to raise awareness among common citizens

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal stated that while efforts are being made to sensitize public representatives through such events, it is equally important to raise awareness among common citizens.

He emphasized that an informed and aware public leads to greater transparency in the system, resulting in more effective and efficient development work. The Minister also underlined the need for making urban local bodies self-reliant. He said that while these bodies receive a fixed amount of funding from the central and state governments, achieving true self-reliance must go hand-in-hand with ensuring transparency and accountability in their functioning.

Focus on capacity and skill building

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of skill development for employees and officers working in municipal bodies. He encouraged the use of the iGOT Karmayogi platform (https://www.igotkarmayogi.gov.in) for continuous learning and capacity building. So far, 21 states have signed MoUs to adopt the platform. With over 2,000 courses available, individuals can access a wide range of online training modules to enhance their skills and improve performance in their respective roles.

On this occasion, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Sh Harivansh, Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Sh Kailash Vijayvargiya, Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh, Secretary General Rajya Sabha Sh P.C. Modi, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, July 4 – The Haryana Government today announced a significant enhancement to the casual leave policy for its female contractual employees. In an order issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, it is stated that female contractual employees, including those deployed through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited, will now be entitled to two days of additional casual leave per month, subject  to a maximum of 22 days in a calendar year, more than double the previous limit of 10 days.

This new provision is in addition to the existing 10 days of medical leave provided annually. The revision applies to all female contractual employees working under Outsourcing Policy Part-II and those engaged through HKRNL, the notification added.

All administrative secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors/chief administrators/CEOs of boards/corporations/public undertakings, divisional commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), and Registrars of all universities in Haryana have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these new instructions.

Chandigarh, July 4 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said natural farming is the need of the hour and Haryana has taken an initiative to promote it. The inclination of farmers towards this farming is also increasing continuously. Natural farming will not only reduce environmental pollution, there will also be availability of good and nutritious food. The use of NPK fertilizers will be increased by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in farming. He said the transplantation of paddy has almost been completed and now the consumption of DAP and urea fertilizers will increase in the crop. Therefore, the officials should ensure that there is no shortage of fertilizers. Black marketing of urea and DAP fertilizers should be stopped.

The Agriculture Minister was presiding over a review meeting with the officials of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department at his residence here today. The minister directed the officials to keep a record of DAP and urea fertilizers and also make arrangements so that Haryana’s fertilizers do not go to other states.

He said if someone does black marketing of fertilizers, sells fake medicines and seeds, then action should be taken against him. If the dealer is forcibly selling any other product along with fertilizer to the farmers, then action should be taken against him. Officials should keep a record of fertilizer sales every day and try to immediately resolve the problems faced by the farmers.

He said the process of getting crop insurance has started under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Farmers should be made aware to get their crops insured. If any company is not doing insurance, then a report should also be prepared for this, so that farmers do not face any problem.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Director of Agriculture Department Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik and several other officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, July 4:

To enhance the safety and security of residents in Bapu Dham Colony, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Shri Manish Tewari today inaugurated 51 CCTV cameras installed through a ₹5 lakh grant from his MPLAD fund.

The inauguration event saw the presence of Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky along with several senior leaders and local representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tewari emphasized that ensuring the safety and improving the living standards of his constituents remains a top priority. He reiterated his commitment to providing necessary funding for CCTV surveillance and other development works in various parts of the city, based on need.

“There will be no shortage of funds when it comes to the development of Chandigarh,” he assured.

H.S. Lucky thanked Shri Manish Tewari for his consistent efforts and said, “Development is not about words, it’s about work — and MP Tewari has proven that through action.”

Prominent attendees included, Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty, Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta, Rajiv Modgil, Harmel Kesari, Krishan Pradhan, Krishan Kumar Lara, Rajdeep Sidhu DCC President, Suman Lata Vaid, Rano Devi, Mohammad Suleman, Amrit Lal Kala, Yaqi Kalia, Dawood Ahmed, Haji Yamas, Ashu Vaid, Ajay Sharma, Wasim Mir, and Mohammad Imran, among others.

Chandigarh, July 4

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has issued a stern warning to all individuals, traders, and commercial establishments found violating the single-use plastic ban in the city. Chandigarh MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, while reviewing the enforcement of the ban, directed the concerned officers of MCC for formation of a special task force to trace and dismantle the supply chain of banned plastic carry bags entering Chandigarh.

The Commissioner emphasized that zero tolerance will be shown towards violators, particularly repeat offenders. He warned that strict legal action will be taken, which may include heavy penalties, seizure of goods, and in severe cases, temporary or permanent closure of the establishment.

As part of the Plastic Mukt Chandigarh campaign, rigorous enforcement drives have been conducted since the ban came into effect on June 18, 2025. So far 520 challans have been issued, 123 Kg banned plastic carry bags have been confiscated besides selling 423 kg compostable bags.

The Commissioner said that MCC enforcement teams are inspecting sensitive areas such as Apni Mandis, grocery shops, street vendors, and markets on a daily basis.

Commissioner Kumar reiterated that single-use plastic items, including bags, straws, and disposable cutlery, are strictly prohibited due to their harmful impact on the environment and public health. He urged citizens and businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives such as cloth and compostable bags.

The Commissioner appeals to the public to cooperate in making Chandigarh plastic-free. MCC will not hesitate to take stringent action against those undermining the city’s environmental efforts, he said.

Chandigarh, July 4, 2025: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Baljit Singh, Junior Engineer (JE), posted at the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Sub-station, Kandhala Jattan in Hoshiarpur district red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB stated that the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a resident of village Sikri, in Hoshiarpur district.

“The complainant has approached the VB alleging that the aforementioned JE has demanded Rs 20000 in lieu of installing a new transformer in his village to rectify the power supply load. Upon the complainant’s request, the JE agreed to accept Rs 15000 bribe”, he said.

The spokesperson further added that following verification of the complaint, a vigilance team from Jalandhar range laid a trap during which the above said accused has been caught red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the said JE at VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he added.

CHANDIGARH, July 4:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 125 days, Punjab Police on Friday arrested 101 drug smugglers and recovered 2.3 kg heroin, 520 grams opium and Rs 8270 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 20,410 in just 125 days.

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

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

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 79 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 392 locations across the state leading to the registration of 79 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 417 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 49 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, July 4, 2025 –

 In a continuous crackdown on corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Friday arrested Deepak Setia, an Accountant posted at the Municipal Council, Dhanoula in District Barnala) while he was accepting a bribe of Rs. 11,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint made a contractor and resident of Dhanoula town. 

He further added that the complainant has approached the VB alleging that the accused had demanded a bribe of Rs 11000 in exchange for facilitating the clearance of his pending payment cheque worth Rs. 2,21,402.

The spokesperson informed that after verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap and caught Deepak Setia red-handed while accepting the bribe of Rs 11000 from the complainant in the presence of government witnesses. The bribe amount was recovered on the spot.

In this regard a case has been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act against the said accused at VB police station Patiala range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case was under process, he said.

*”This arrest underscores our zero-tolerance policy against corruption. We are committed to rooting out malpractice at all levels and ensuring accountability in public service,”* said a senior Vigilance official. Further investigation in the matter is underway. 

The Vigilance Bureau has urged citizens to report any instances of corruption through its helpline, assuring strict action against offenders.

Chandigarh, July 4:

Promoting entrepreneurship culture among the youth in the state, the Punjab Government is all set to host a first Business Blasters Expo at IIT Ropar, where students from government schools in classes 11th and 12th will showcase their innovative ventures and participate in thrilling Shark Tank-style pitch sessions before a distinguished panel of renowned investors, entrepreneurs and incubators, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

Addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, on Friday evening, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the expo would enable funding, incubation and industry partnerships for scalable student ventures, besides inspiring stakeholders to support school-based entrepreneurship.

The Education Minister stated that around 40 teams will showcase their products at the expo tomorrow (Saturday). Teams of 11th and 12th grade students of government schools developed 18,492 business ideas.

The state government has provided Rs 16000 seed funding each to over 7000 teams to develop and launch their business ideas under the guidance of teachers and expert mentors. The main objective of the expo is to identify market opportunities for the students and engage them with real customers to earn revenue and profit.

The Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s Business Blaster initiative empowered students with practical, team-based learning, fostering essential skills in communication, problem-solving and financial management through real-world business experiences, he added.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that many ventures developed by the students are already generating revenue and expanding operations.

Meanwhile, he also introduced four teams to the media while showing their innovative products during the press conference. A team of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Roopnagar made product “Creative Girls”- a resin-based coasters, keychains and candle moulds. The team has already sold over 250 units sold.

Similarly, Government Senior Secondary School, Pathankot team made an “e-Motion Bike”— a Rechargeable electric bicycle. The energy efficient bike designed for urban last-mile mobility.

Government Senior Secondary School, Bathinda team made “Herbal Shine”: Chemical-free herbal shampoo using traditional ingredients. The team has already sold 80 units and received a positive customer feedback.

While, Government Senior Secondary School, Ferozepur team created “Defend-X Stick”

Self-defence stick with LED, shock points and concealed blade. The product is devised targeting women, senior citizens, etc as their potential buyers. Government Sr. Sec. School, Moga teams developed BB Choco Dreams:  Handmade, preservative-free chocolates. The teams has already earned profit of over Rs 4,000.

S. Bains emphasised that India can grow only if there is business and economic growth, and Punjab Govt is cultivating entrepreneurship mindset right from the schools.