On the occasion of International Yoga Day, the state of Punjab created a new history this year and set an example for the whole of India. On the 11th International Yoga Day held on June 21, mass yoga sessions were organized simultaneously in all the blocks, villages and urban areas of 23 districts of Punjab. With this grand event, Punjab became the first state in the country where Yoga Day was celebrated on such a grand scale.
The participation of citizens in this state-level event was very encouraging. Thousands of people from different age groups participated in the yoga sessions and not only demonstrated their awareness towards health but also resolved to make yoga a part of their lifestyle. The program saw active participation from every section of the society including administrative officers, public representatives, senior citizens and students.
The role of ‘CM’s Yogashala’ was very important in this event. The district coordinators and trainers of the organization conducted the programs organized across the state and contributed significantly in connecting the public with Yoga. The program was successfully completed due to the dedicated efforts and effective coordination by the trainers at the district level.
CM’s Yogashala not only provided technical support but also conducted a comprehensive awareness campaign in all the districts, so that a large number of people could join this campaign.
It is worth mentioning that 4,709 yoga classes are being actively conducted in Punjab daily and more than 2,15,000 people are participating in these free yoga classes daily.
Since the inception of the scheme, more than 5 lakh citizens have benefited from this initiative.
CM’s Yogashala has so far reached 1,196 villages, due to which awareness about Yoga is increasing in rural areas as well.
The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is firmly committed to the protection of children and is adopting a sensitive yet stringent approach to eliminate the grave social evil of child begging. In a major step in this direction, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur announced that amendments will be made to the Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act (1971). These amendments will introduce stricter punishments and heavy penalties against racketeers, guardians, or parents found forcing children to beg at traffic lights and public intersections.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government, in coordination with the police and district administrations, has decided to form special teams to identify and act against those operating child begging rackets in cities and towns across the state. These teams will rescue children and provide them with proper medical care, education, and shelter under various government schemes aimed at their rehabilitation.
The Cabinet Minister has directed officials that if any person, parent, or guardian is caught forcing a child to beg, strict legal action will be taken against them under the Juvenile Justice Act, and such individuals will face severe punishment.
Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that since July 2024, ‘Project Jeevanjot’ has been running under the Juvenile Justice Act across all districts of the state, under which 286 children have been rescued so far. These rescued children are being provided with comprehensive care, safety, and welfare services.
Further elaborating, the Minister said that within this year, a pilot project titled ‘Project Smile’ will be launched in five major cities of Punjab — Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar, and Bathinda. Under this initiative, street and market-dwelling child beggars will be identified, and their DNA tests will be conducted to ascertain their family ties, enabling authorities to check incidents of child trafficking and human trade.
The Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister has also issued directions to all Deputy Commissioners to declare their respective districts as ‘Beggar-Free’ and ensure regular monitoring in this regard.
Concluding her remarks, Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment that “every child’s future must be safe and secure, and creating a child beggar-free Punjab is our foremost priority.” She also appealed to the public to actively cooperate with the government in eradicating the social evil of begging and help build a bright, secure future for the children of the state.
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption, has arrested Jatinder Pal Piplani, a recovery agent attached with the Punjab Gramin Bank, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. 50000 as a second instalment.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the arrest has been made following a complaint lodged by a resident of Chheharta in Amritsar.
He further added that the complainant has approached the VB and informed that the Punjab Gramin Bank had declared his property a non-performing asset due to default in payment of house loan and recovery file was assigned to the accused recovery agent for recovery of the pending loan amount. The accused had threatened the complainant that he along with police party would forcefully took possession of his house and demanded a bribe of Rs 2,00,000 on behalf of Bank Manager for settling the case in his favour. The complainant added that the said agent had already taken Rs 50,000 as a first instalment and now pressurising him to pay the remaining amount of Rs 1,50,000 for the Bank Manager.
The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the said Recovery Agent was arrested red handed while he was accepting Rs 50000 as a second instalment of bribe from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard, a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the aforementioned accused at the VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow and the role of Bank Manager would be verified during further investigation of this case, he said.
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 112 days, Punjab Police on Saturday arrested 117 drug smugglers and recovered 7.5 kg heroin, 500 grams opium and Rs 39,640 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 18,524 in just 112 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 200 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 87 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 481 locations across the state leading to the registration of 84 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 501 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 74 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.
CHANDIGARH, June 21: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has urged the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to help in tracing the missing Indians who are stranded in Russia and have reportedly been forced into the Russia-Ukraine War.
Many of them have lost their lives also, he said, adding, while they had gone in search of work, they were forced to become mercenaries.
Warring disclosed that about 126 Indian citizens from different parts of the country including Punjab were duped by the travel agents with a promise of work permit in Russia.
He said, after paying huge money to the travel agents to the tune of lakhs of rupees these people landed at the battlefront. He disclosed that about 12 such Indians have died while many others are missing.
Warring revealed that some of the victims’ relatives had travelled to Russia on their own spending huge money but to no avail.
The PCC president said that all these people had gone there in search of jobs and not to become mercenaries to fight some other country’s war.
He pointed out, the way government of India was helping evacuate people and students from war torn Iran and Israel, it must make similar efforts to trace and bring back Indians stranded in Russia.
Warring noted that India and Russia have great friendly relations and hoped that the external affairs ministry will use its good offices in Russia to trace the missing Indians and bring them back.
The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh carried out a major anti-encroachment drive in Sector 26 (Transport Area) and Sector 34 (Furniture Market) today.
Following the directions of Municipal Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, enforcement teams carried out encroachment drive in Sector 26, 30 and illegal juggies and temporary structures were removed, along with eight three-wheelers. Rehris found outside the designated vending zones were also cleared. Simultaneously, in Sector 34, 25 challans were issued to shopkeepers for corridor encroachments.
A total of 85 challans were issued during the drive in both sectors. The action aimed to ensure public convenience, safety, and to maintain the city’s aesthetic appeal.
Municipal Corporation Chandigarh reiterates its commitment to keeping the city clean, organized, and encroachment-free. Regular drives will continue in various sectors to discourage illegal occupation of public spaces.
In order to enhance the security in jails, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday gave approval for filling 500 posts of various cadres in the jail staff.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Council of Ministers in its meeting held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat I.
Divulging the details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that, the Cabinet also gave its concurrence to recruit 500 vacant posts of Assistant Superintendents, Warder and Matron under direct recruitment quota in the Jails Department, Punjab. This recruitment will include 29 Assistant Superintendents, 451 Warder and 20 Matron, which will be done by Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board, thereby helping to beef up the security in the jails. This move will act as a catalyst in further streamlining the functioning of the jails besides helping in making them safe and secure.
APPROVES COMPREHENSIVE POLICY FOR FRAGMENTATION AND SUB DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL PLOTS
The Cabinet also approved a comprehensive policy for the fragmentation and sub-division of industrial plots in PSIEC-managed industrial estates to enhance land use efficiency. This policy caters to the demands of industrialists and plot owners as well as of prominent industry associations, including the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mohali Chamber of Industry & IT, and Mohali Industrial Association. It addresses the need for smaller industrial plots, particularly for the IT and service sectors, to promote efficient land use, attract investments and establish a structured, transparent mechanism for plot fragmentation and sub-division.
The policy facilitates the optimization of land usage, boosts operational efficiency, and supports project expansion by addressing long-standing demands from industrial stakeholders. It applies to freehold plots of 1,000 square yards or larger, with subdivided plots maintaining a minimum size of 400 square yards. A fee of 5% of the current reserve price of the original plot will be charged, reduced to 50% for family members or legal heirs of a deceased allottee.
This policy includes a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline its implementation. This landmark decision reflects the Government’s commitment to
foster a business-friendly environment and support Punjab’s industrial ecosystem. The policy is poised to drive economic growth by providing greater flexibility to stakeholders while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
EX POST FACTO APPROVAL FOR CONSTITUTION OF HIGH POWERED CABINET SUB COMMITTEE
The Cabinet also gave Ex-post facto approval for the constitution of the High-Powered Cabinet Sub Committee to intensify the ‘War on Drugs’ program of the State of Punjab. This move will further help in day to day scrutiny of the ongoing war against drugs thereby making Punjab free from the menace of drugs and wean away the youth of state from this scourge.
GIVES NOD TO FRAME PUNJAB FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (VALIDITY OF FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE) RULES, 2025
The Cabinet also gave nod for Framing of Punjab Fire and Emergency Services (Validity of Fire Safety Certificate) Rules, 2025. This will enable the state Government to prescribe the period of Fire Safety Certificate in the case of buildings or premises, including those of specified risk categories through a notification.
PUNJAB FACTORY RULES, 1952 AMENDED FOR EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
The Cabinet also gave approval to Amend Rule 2A, Rule 3A, Rule 4 and Rule 102 of Punjab Factory Rules, 1952 for facilitating Ease of Doing Business. This will enable Self certification plans of the factories by any civil/structural/ mechanical engineer with 5 years of experience or Masters Degree with 2 years experience subject to verification by the department. Structural stability certificate by any civil/structural engineer with 5 years of experience or Masters Degree with 2 years experience will also be allowed subject to verification by the department. Likewise, Women workers will be allowed to work in the manufacturing of pottery and ceramics, and the process of extracting vegetable oil which is banned presently.
CONSENT TO AMEND THE PUNJAB LABOUR WELFARE FUND ACT 1965
The Cabinet also gave consent to Amend the Punjab Labour Welfare Fund Act 1965. Several provisions of the Act are no longer in line with present-day needs. So, various provisions of the Act have been amended to secure the interests of the Labour by making the Fund more realistic and progressive. This fund will safeguard the interests of the labour thereby enabling them to live life with dignity and pride.
GREEN SIGNAL FOR UP-DATION OF PUNJAB FINANCIAL RULES VOLUME I AND VOLUME-II
The Cabinet also gave its green signal for Up-dation of Punjab Financial Rules Volume I and Volume-II as these Rules were framed in the year 1984. As, since then, a lot of changes have been made by way of instructions issued by the Department of Finance, so, there was a need to incorporate them in rules to avoid litigation and confusion.
*NOD TO AMEND SECTION 29(3) OF THE PRTPD ACT*
*In a landmark decision reflecting visionary leadership, the Hon’ble Chief Minister has proactively decided to delegate the Chairmanship of all Urban Development Authorities to the Chief Secretary. This bold reform is aimed at strengthening decentralised governance, speeding up decision-making, and empowering the administrative setup to act swiftly on ground-level issues.*
*Previously, these authorities had inconsistent structures. Now, the Cabinet has approved a uniform framework across all 8 authorities, with Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners included as members—ensuring that local matters are resolved efficiently at the authority level itself.*
*The decision is based on a comprehensive review of national models, where such bodies are headed by IAS officers or Ministers—not Chief Ministers—as seen in Ahmedabad, NOIDA, Kanpur, Bangalore, and others. By delegating routine matters, the Hon’ble CM has ensured that strategic oversight remains focused on larger state priorities, while operational decisions are handled promptly.*
*Additionally, the Cabinet approved a long-pending update of the Punjab Financial Rules (Vol I & II), last revised in 1984. The updated rules will codify past instructions, reduce legal ambiguity, and streamline financial governance.*
*Together, these reforms demonstrate clear, bold leadership committed to systemic efficiency, decentralisation, and faster execution.
Chandigarh, June 21 – The Haryana Civil Secretariat hosted a Yoga Diwas programme at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh, to celebrate the 11th International Yoga Day. Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event saw enthusiastic participation from officers and employees across various state government departments, highlighting a growing awareness of the importance of physical and mental well-being.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Rastogi extended his heartfelt wishes on International Yoga Day and commended all participants for their collective effort in following the Common Yoga Protocol.He emphasized that yoga is not just a physical activity, but a holistic discipline that fosters balance between body, mind, and spirit. “If each of us dedicates even a small amount of time daily to yoga and walking, it will significantly boost our fitness, focus, and energy levels. This, in turn, enhances both personal well-being and professional efficiency,” he stated.
Rastogi urged officers and employees to incorporate yoga into their daily routines and encouraged them to inspire others—both in their workplaces and communities—to adopt a healthy lifestyle. He added, “Yoga not only strengthens the body but also cultivates mental clarity, emotional stability, and resilience.”
The programme featured a guided session led by expert instructors from the Haryana AYUSH Department. They demonstrated various yogasanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation practices. The instructors also explained the benefits of each asana, highlighting their contribution to physical strength, flexibility, and inner calm. Additionally, participants listened to the International Yoga Day addresses by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
Among the dignitaries present were Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture, K. Makarand Pandurang; Special Secretary, Personnel, Training and Parliamentary Affairs, Aditya Dahiya; Special Secretary, Monitoring & Coordination, Dr. Priyanka Soni; Additional Director (Admn.), Information Public Relation & Languages, Varsha Khangwal; Special Secretary, Secretariat Establishment, Sh. Samwartak Singh Khangwal, and senior officers from various other departments.
Chandigarh, June 21 — The 11th International Yoga Day was celebrated across Haryana with great enthusiasm and held special significance this year. While over 1 lakh people gathered at the sacred Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra for the state-level event, sending a powerful message to the world through collective yoga practice, nearly 20 lakh participants joined yoga sessions held across 22 districts and 121 blocks of the state.
The state-level function was graced by Haryana Governor, Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, AYUSH and Health Minister, Kumari Arti Singh Rao, MP, Sh. Naveen Jindal, and renowned Ayurvedacharya, Sh. Balkrishna and other dignitaries. Notably, Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev led the yoga session. The live broadcast of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s address from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, was watched by all participants.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced that a Yoga Writer Incentive Scheme will be launched to promote yoga research in universities, with outstanding authors to be honored annually. Additionally, 100 new Yoga evam Vyayamshalas will be established this financial year. Currently, there are 883 vyayamshalas already operating in the state. An international meditation hall will also be built at Shri Krishna AYUSH University in Kurukshetra, he announced.
The Chief Minister further announced the introduction of a credit-based evaluation system for assessing students’ yoga performance in all government schools. A uniform yoga curriculum will also soon be implemented in all universities and colleges of Haryana.
He stated that yoga and naturopathy subjects will be recognized under the AYUSH, starting this year, with government registration of practitioners also commencing.
The Chief Minister also announced that experienced coaches will be appointed to strengthen yoga as a sport at the national level and to train athletes for international competitions. Recruitment for 40 yoga instructors in the sports department will begin shortly.
He announced that from today, a 5-minute ‘Yoga Break’ will be introduced in all government offices of Haryana to provide a stress-free work environment for employees.
PM Narendra Modi Re-established Yoga as India’s Identity on the Global Stage- CM
Extending greetings on the 11th International Yoga Day from the land of Kurukshetra, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the entire world is now embracing yoga, thanks to the efforts of saints, sages, and especially our visionary Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister has restored yoga—India’s ancient legacy—to the international stage and inspired millions with the slogan, “Khelega Bharat, toh Khilega Bharat; Yoga ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz,” which has become a source of motivation for many.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to Yog Guru Swami Ramdev, noting that he has connected individuals worldwide with ancient yoga practices, thus giving yoga a global identity.
He emphasized that this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” signifies that yoga is not just for individual well-being but for the welfare of all humanity.
International Yoga Day Celebrated Like a Festival; Entire Haryana Immersed in Yoga
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini shared that activities related to Yoga Day began in Haryana as early as May 27, 25 days before the International Yoga Day. Various programmes were organized across the state, involving officers, employees, the general public, and religious and social organizations, transforming Yoga Day into a grand celebration. Today, both Kurukshetra and all of Haryana have been immersed in yoga.
Yoga is Not Just Exercise, but a Complete Science of Living
The Chief Minister noted that yoga is not merely a form of exercise but a complete science for living a healthy, happy, and peaceful life. Yoga is an art of living, which is why it is said: ‘Do yoga daily, stay healthy always.’ We should all incorporate yoga into our daily routines, he said.
Yoga is the Foundation of Life, Devotion, Nature, and Culture — Swami Ramdev
On this occasion, Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev stated that yoga is the foundation of life, devotion, nature, and culture. He recalled how Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had strongly advocated for International Yoga Day in his very first address to the United Nations General Assembly. As a result, in 2014, the UN passed a historic resolution declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day, with 177 countries supporting the proposal at that time. Today, more than 200 countries are embracing yoga, making this ancient practice a global way of life.
Swami Ramdev also emphasized the Prime Minister’s vision of development with heritage, prosperity with culture, and yoga as national duty.
He praised the Haryana government, under Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership, for launching many welfare initiatives and connecting lakhs of people to yoga through numerous events.
During the programme, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini released three booklets published by Patanjali Yogpeeth on Swami Ramdev’s life and yoga journey, as well as a Yoga Protocol booklet prepared by the Haryana Yog Aayog. A video message from Geeta Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj was also played during the event.
Former Minister, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Chairman, Haryana Yog Aayog, Dr. Jaideep Arya, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and AYUSH Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Director General, AYUSH, Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and other dignitaries, were also present at the event.
Chandigarh, June 19 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij today gave directives to relevant officials while hearing grievances of residents from Ambala Cantonment at his residence in Ambala Cantt.
A young woman from Ambala Cantonment submitted a complaint to Minister Vij, stating that a young man living near her home had shared her mobile number along with obscene messages on social media. She alleged that this act was done deliberately to defame her. Sh. Vij immediately directed DSP Ramesh Kumar, who was present on the spot, to register a case and take strict action against the accused.
Similarly, A woman from Vashisht Nagar also complained to Sh. Vij that she had made a deal to sell her ancestral property, but has not yet received Rs. 16 lakh, which was her share. Vij directed DSP, Ambala Cantt to investigate the matter. Now, in a similar case, a man from the Ambala Cantonment Sadar area complained about being duped in the name of sending his son abroad. He stated that a travel agent from Kurukshetra promised to send his son abroad and took Rs.5.10 lakh, but neither sent his son nor returned the money. Sh. Vij instructed the police to take action in this case as well.
*Sh.Vij directs police to increase patrolling in Housing Board area*
Sh. Vij also directed that to increased police patrolling in the Housing Board area of Ambala. Residents of the area complained to him about anti-social elements loitering in the area and a recent increase in thefts. Acting on their complaint, the minister directed DSP Cantt to take appropriate action.
*PWD union submits memorandum to Minister Anil Vij*
The PWD Mechanical Workers’ Union submitted a memorandum of demands to Sh. Anil Vij today. The union raised multiple demands in the form of a detailed memorandum. Meanwhile, several other complaints were also raised by the people in front of Energy Minister, on which Sh. Vij instructed the relevant departments officials to take action in each case. On this occasion, Municipal Council Vice President Lalta Prasad, DSP Ramesh Kumar and officials from various departments were also present.
