Chandigarh-May 02, 2026: Taking suo-motu cognizance of an extremely sensitive matter, the Haryana Human Rights Commission has issued comprehensive directions to the State’s health and administrative machinery to ensure the protection of the dignity of the deceased and the rights of their families.

The matter was registered as a suomotu case by the Full Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, based on a news report published on January 30, 2026, titled “Woman dies in hospital, cash-strapped kin take body home on cart.” The report highlighted that a 35-year-old woman, Anuradha, died during treatment at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital, Faridabad, and due to financial constraints, her family had to transport her body home on a motorized cart. This incident not only shook public conscience but also raised serious questions about the State’s responsibilities.

In its order dated February 02, 2026, the Commission observed that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution extends beyond mere existence and includes the right to dignity even after death. The Commission noted that the incident reflects a broader systemic deficiency, where economically weaker sections are unable to access essential services even after death.

The Commission directed the State Government to formulate a comprehensive policy for free transportation of deceased persons for poor families, on the lines of free ambulance services provided to pregnant women.

During the hearing held on April 04, 2026, the Full Commission reviewed reports received from various authorities. It was informed that a free hearse vehicle is available at Civil Hospital, Faridabad through the Red Cross Society; however, due to lack of awareness and procedural knowledge, the family could not avail the service.

The Full Commission, headed by JusticeLalitBatra, expressed serious concern over the matter and issued the following important directions:

• Hospital staff must be sensitized, particularly towards poor and illiterate individuals, and extend full assistance in availing hearse services.
• Contact details of hearse services must be prominently displayed in all government health institutions for easy public access.
• At least one functional hearse vehicle must be ensured in every district and stationed within hospital premises for immediate use in emergencies.

As per the report received, 12 out of 14 deep freezers at Civil Hospital, Faridabad are functional, while two are under repair. A proposal to establish a modern cold room for preservation of bodies is also under consideration.

The Commission also emphasized the need for police security outside mortuaries to prevent any illegal activities, tampering of evidence, or other untoward incidents. The Health Department and Police Department have been directed to coordinate and make necessary arrangements in this regard.

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has sought detailed reports from all Civil Surgeons across the State, specifying whether hearse services are available in their respective districts and whether such services are operational within hospital premises.

Assistant Registrar Dr.PuneetArora informed that the concerned authorities have been directed to submit detailed reports on all the above aspects at least one week prior to the next date of hearing, i.e., August 13, 2026.

The Commission’s order clearly underscores that in a welfare state, it is unacceptable for the dignity of a citizen after death to depend upon their economic condition. Upholding the dignity of the deceased is both a constitutional and moral obligation of the State.

Chandigarh, May 1— The Haryana Government has dismissed Rajesh Sangwan, Controller Finance and Accounts, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, in connection with a financial scam. The action has been taken under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India.

A government spokesperson informed that Rajesh Sangwan was arrested on March 14, 2026, by the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau in a case registered under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The investigation has revealed serious charges including misuse of government funds, criminal conspiracy, and fraud.

The probe has uncovered that the case involves a well-planned, multi-layered financial scam, wherein government procedures were manipulated and public funds were diverted through fraudulent banking transactions into accounts and entities linked to the accused and his associates. This scam has caused significant financial loss to the state.

The spokesperson further stated that, considering the gravity of the case, the state government has handed over the detailed investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Taking cognizance of the available evidence and the seriousness of the allegations, Rajesh Sangwan has been dismissed from service under Article 311(2)(b) of the Constitution of India.

Chandigarh, April 30:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working rapidly for the overall development of the state. In pursuance of this objective, Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat  today held an important meeting with officials of the Defence Services Welfare Department at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, regarding the early commencement of restoration work of the historic Sainik School Kapurthala building.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Sumer Singh Gurjar, Director Brig. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd.) and Group Captain and Principal, Sainik School Kapurthala, I. Manoj Menon, were present.

During the meeting, officials briefed the Minister in detail about the present condition of the Sainik School Kapurthala building, the restoration plan, and the progress of the project. Administrative issues related to the school and budget matters were also discussed.

During the meeting, Minister Mohinder Bhagat directed the officials to immediately prepare a comprehensive plan for the restoration of the historic Sainik School Kapurthala building. He said that a detailed list of the required funds should be prepared and submitted at the earliest.

The Minister further stated that no shortage of funds required for the restoration of the school would be allowed. He directed that coordinated action be initiated with the Public Works Department for the project. He also warned that strict action would be taken against officials showing negligence or causing unnecessary delays in the work.

Officials present in the meeting assured the Minister that all works would be completed within the stipulated time and the required action would be initiated immediately.

Chandigarh, April 30, 2026:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), in line with the zero tolerance policy adopted by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government, has apprehended Patwari Harmanjeet Singh posted at revenue office Kattu Sub-tehsil Dhanaula district Barnala for accepting a bribe Rs. 4000/-.

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 village Kattu district Barnala on the Chief Minister’s Anti Corruption Action Line portal.

He said that the complainant had taken a loan against his cultivable land from Punjab Gramin Bank and repaid his entire loan to the bank. In this regard, Complainant alleged that accused Patwari demanded bribe of Rs. 5000/- in lieu of making entry in land record regarding clearance of Bank loan. Complainant had recorded entire conversation of demanding bribe.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against  the accused at VB Police Station Patiala. Further investigation into this case is underway, he added.

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 30:

In a major relief for thousands of students, the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has opened online registration process for a Special Mercy Chance for those who could not clear their Class 10th or 12th board examinations in the last 16 years. Eligible candidates can apply on the PSEB website till May 25, 2026.

Sharing the details, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains said that the move is dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. It aims to give a fresh opportunity to students who could not pass their Class 10th or 12th board exams between 2010 and 2025 to complete their schooling and improve career prospects.

Elaborating on the eligibility criteria, S. Bains said that the special chance covers candidates who appeared for Class 10th or 12th exams between March 2010 & March 2025 and have exhausted all reappear or compartment chances, or wish to improve their performance. It also includes candidates who appeared between March 2010 and March 2026 and were declared failed, provided they have passed at least one main subject. The chance further extends to students from the Open School stream for Classes 10th and 12th.

The online application form and detailed instructions are available on the official PSEB website www.pseb.ac.in, he informed.

This Special Mercy Chance will prove to be a golden opportunity for students who wish to complete their unfinished education and give new direction to their future, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated, while adding that the state Govt is opening doors of hope for thousands of young Punjabis.

SATAUJ (SANGRUR); 30th April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday called upon people across the state to actively participate in Census 2027 by completing their self-enumeration and registering Punjabi as their mother tongue, emphasising that crucial policy decisions on Punjab’s socio-economic development depend on accurate census data.

Completing his own self-enumeration at his native village Satauj through the official online Census portal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann set the tone for a citizen-led, technology-driven census process. He said, “Several key decisions related to the socio-economic development of Punjab depend on census data. It is crucial that people come forward and register Punjabi as their mother tongue to ensure accurate representation.”

Launching the first phase of Census 2027, titled “House Listing and Housing Census”, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the Bhagwant Mann Government’s push toward digital inclusion. He stated, “By completing my self-enumeration through the official online portal, I want to demonstrate that this process is simple, accessible, and citizen-centric. This is an important initiative to encourage people to actively participate in the digital census process.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged residents across Punjab to embrace this technology-driven exercise and contribute actively. He said, “My participation is meant to set an example so that people across the state provide accurate and timely information. I appeal to all residents to make maximum use of the self-enumeration facility available from April 30 to May 14 and contribute toward building a comprehensive and reliable national database.”

Emphasising the importance of reliable data, he stated, “A robust database is essential for effective planning and policy formulation. Accurate census data forms the backbone of governance, ensuring that welfare schemes, infrastructure development, and equitable distribution of resources reach every section of society.”

Highlighting the benefits of digital enumeration, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Self-enumeration is a key feature of Census 2027, allowing individuals to conveniently fill in their demographic and socio-economic details online. This initiative enhances transparency, improves efficiency, and ensures greater accuracy of data.”

He further added, “The digital approach reduces dependence on manual processes, enables faster data collection, and strengthens the integrity of the national database.”

Outlining the next phase, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The first phase of Census 2027 will also include door-to-door surveys from May 15 to June 13, 2026. During this period, 33 questions related to housing conditions, amenities, and assets will be asked, and every household will be counted to ensure that no family is left out of this important national exercise.”

SANGRUR; 30th April 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday dedicated an ultra-modern Community Health Centre in Sangrur, marking a major expansion of rural healthcare infrastructure that will benefit residents of 85 villages. Equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, the 30-bed hospital in Kauharia village stands as a long-overdue intervention, coming nearly 80 years after Independence.

Highlighting how earlier governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted to a few, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that his government is reversing this legacy by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.

Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In order to impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the Community Health Centre at village Kauhrian.” He added, “This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of ₹13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds.” Highlighting its historical significance, he said, “After nearly 80 years of Independence, people of Kauharia village are celebrating getting their first 30-bed hospital.” Tracing its evolution, he noted, “This Community Health Centre was originally established in 1962 as a Primary Health Centre.”

Detailing the infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The new Community Health Centre will have four OPDs (Outpatient Departments), one emergency block, two labour operation theatres, one minor operation theatre and two major operation theatres.” He further stated, “It will also have a nursing station, two general wards, one ultrasound room, one laboratory, one X-ray room, three doctor consultation rooms and other essential facilities.”

Highlighting its impact, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The new CHC will directly benefit the village population of 4,100 people.” He added, “Additionally, it will serve as a boon for 85 surrounding villages, providing healthcare services to around 35,000 people.”

Emphasising round-the-clock care, the Chief Minister said, “The centre will have 24×7 emergency healthcare services and doctors will be available for surgeries and treatment of serious illnesses.” He further noted, “The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children’s diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided.”

Underlining affordability, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Patients will receive free X-ray, ECG and blood test facilities, and medicines will also be provided free of cost.” He added, “Cashless treatment will be available under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna at this CHC.”

Pointing to the government’s broader vision, he said, “This hospital should have been built years ago, but previous governments remained confined to their own families.” He added, “Our government will continue to return public money to people in the form of schools, libraries, hospitals and roads in villages.”

Expanding on specialised care, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Treatment for dental diseases will also be provided by a specialist dental doctor.” He further stated, “For de-addiction treatment, an OOAT Centre (Opioid Agonist Therapy Centre) will provide medicines and treatment for drug addiction patients.”

Reinforcing the government’s commitment, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Previous governments kept the Dirba region backward; Bhagwant Mann Government has enhanced its dignity by providing a medical college and hospital.”

Highlighting the focus on universal healthcare, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to the health of every Punjabi; allocating ₹2,000 crore for health insurance is the biggest proof.”