Mumbai / New Delhi / 21st, December.

The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja said that in the name of so-called reforms, the Modi government has destroyed the very soul of MNREGA, the world’s largest employment guarantee scheme. This amounts to snatching the right to work from the poor and is a direct attack on Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of Gram Swaraj. Addressing a press conference on Sunday at the Regional Congress Office in Mumbai, Kumari Selja said the MNREGA is not merely a scheme, but has been the economic lifeline of crores of rural families. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, this scheme provided support to rural India. However, since 2014, the Central Government has systematically weakened MNREGA through continuous budget cuts, delays in wage payments, cancellation of job cards, and Aadhaar-based conditionalities, as a result of which workers are now able to get barely 50–55 days of work in a year. 

Kumari Selja said the new framework is dismantling the constitutional character of MNREGA and converting it into a centrally controlled, conditional scheme. Earlier, it was a legal right of workers; now it is being made dependent on administrative discretion. This also constitutes a serious attack on the federal structure, as the Centre retains control while imposing an additional financial burden on the states. Kumari Selja alleged that by taking away the powers of Gram Sabhas and Panchayats, the system is being placed under excessive centralized digital control, which will ignore local needs and the real demands of the poor. Ending the demand-driven nature of MNREGA and replacing it with a budget-capped system is akin to abolishing the right to rural employment. She said this is an insult to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and an open conspiracy against the rural poor. 

The MP said until now MNREGA was a guarantee based on rights derived from Article 21 of the Constitution. MNREGA was earlier fully funded by the Central Government, but now the Modi government wants to shift a burden of around ₹50,000 crore or more onto the states, potentially forcing them to bear nearly 40 percent of the expenditure. The Congress Party will oppose this anti-people, anti-worker, and anti-federal decision on every platform-from the streets to Parliament.

:-It is Sonia Gandhi’s vision that guaranteed work to the labouring class:-Kumari Selja

The MP Kumari Selja said that a historic scheme like MNREGA gives the country’s labourers and poor the right to live with dignity. She said the passage of MNREGA in Parliament was driven by Sonia Gandhi’s far-sighted vision, while Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government implemented it effectively and ensured that it reached every household. Selja said the MNREGA did not give alms to the poor, but a legal right to work, and became the most successful employment guarantee scheme for rural India. Selja said the poverty cannot be eliminated merely by transferring money into bank accounts. Today, the BJP government is weakening MNREGA and snatching the livelihoods of the poor, which is outright injustice and an anti-worker policy.

Chandigarh, December 21:

With a view to ensure the increase in forest cover in the State as well as leaving a clean and green environment for the future generations, the Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department under the guidance of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak initiated a score of path breaking initiatives during 2025.

The novel measures include developing 8 Forest & Nature Awareness Parks. Four of these parks are being developed in Pathankot, 2 in Patiala and 1 each in Amritsar and Hoshiarpur under the Greening Punjab Mission.

The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department under the tutelage of Cabinet Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak is working on war footing with regard to the completion of these projects. In Pathankot, Environment Parks are coming up at Village Gharota (0.50 Hectare), Kataruchak (0.75 Hectare), Panchayat land at Haibat Pindi (0.60 Hectare) and ITI Bamiyal. Likewise, the environment parks are in the process of being developed in Patiala at two spots including Baron Minor. In Amritsar, environment park is coming up at village Jagdev Kalan Pul while a Van Chetna Park is underway at Bassi Purani in Hoshiarpur.

As regarding the park at Haibat Pind, the work concerning nature trail with interlocking tiles has been completed while the installation of play equipments and the open air shelters (Gazebo) is currently underway. At Gharota also, the work concerning nature trail with interlocking tiles has been completed while the installation of play equipments and the open air shelters (Gazebo) is currently underway. In Village Kataruchak, the work to install nature trail with interlocking tiles and the play equipments installation is continuing at a very rapid pace.

It has been the sincere endeavour of the State Government to ensure maximum possible green cover as well as undertake measures to protect the environment for the sake of posterity. In this regard, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department, Punjab, drafted ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025’ with the aim to maintain green cover, ensuring ecological balance and preventing the pollution of environment besides conserving the soil.

The Act would be extendable to all the urban areas of Punjab. As per the act, the limits of a Nagar Council, Municipal Corporation, Notified Area Committee, Town Area Committee or any Urban Development Authority/Body. It also has the provision of a Tree Officer which means an Executive Officer in the urban local bodies in Punjab or any other officer so notified by the State Government.

Besides, the fencing work was completed at the Chhatbir Zoo at a cost of Rs. 1.33 Crores and the upgradation of facilities apart from beautification was also done.

CHANDIGARH, December 21

In the annual year-ender report of the Finance Department, the Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday showcased a year of robust fiscal management, unprecedented infrastructure investment, and landmark digital reforms. He emphasized that the department of Finance is no longer just a “distributor of funds” but a “driver of innovation”.

Highlighting the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s “people-first” approach, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the priority remains ensuring the state exchequer serves the common man directly.  “Whether it is the Rs 968 crore released for crop loss compensation to our farmers who faced severe floods this year or the loan waiver for 4,650 beneficiaries under the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCFC) loan waiver program, we are committed to providing a safety net for every Punjabi. We have even reduced the cost of doorstep delivery of government services from Rs 120 to just Rs 50, with the government absorbing the remaining cost to ease the burden on citizens.”

Referring to the free 600 units power to domestic consumers for every two month bill cycle, the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state government is not only providing free power to more than 90 percent households but has also cleared all payments related to power subsidy up to September 2025, including pending dues. He said that the 6th Punjab Pay Commission was implemented from July 1, 2021, and the government is committed to clearing the outstanding dues of Rs 14,191 crore left unpaid by the previous government. The government has already started releasing arrears as per the structured liquidation plan in FY 2025-26, benefiting 6 lakh employees and pensioners, Cheema added.

Revealing the initiatives taken to bolster grassroots development, the Finance Minister said that the state government has released Rs 292 crore under the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, ensuring every constituency receives Rs 2.5 crore to address immediate local needs. He said that the year 2025 marked a massive surge in connectivity and sports infrastructure. “A mammoth project to construct 2,832 km of Plan Roads and 7,767 km of Link Roads is underway at a cost of Rs 5,338 crore. The Mandi Board is executing the construction of 12,361 km of new rural link roads with an investment of Rs 4,275 crore, and Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for developing world-class playgrounds across the state to foster a culture of fitness and sports”, he added.

Stressing on the AAP Government’s focus areas of Education and Health, the Finance Minister said that in a significant move for the education sector, the state government concluded negotiations for the World Bank-supported POISE programme (Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration In School Education Operation). He said that with a total outlay of Rs 2,520 crore (70:30 cost-sharing with the State), this five-year initiative aims to revolutionize learning outcomes and governance in school education.  He said that the state soon to provide an insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to approximately 65 lakh families under Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 600 crore this fiscal year.

Lauding the Finance Department for leading the nation in FinTech,  the Finance Minister said that the department has undergone a digital metamorphosis through the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), introducing several “Good Practices” that enhance transparency and efficiency. He said that Punjab became a pioneer in implementing the SNA-SPARSH fund flow mechanism. He said that the state had earned an incentive of Rs 450 crore in FY 24-25 and is eyeing another Rs 350 crore this fiscal year by optimizing cash liquidity and reducing unutilized funds.

“A dedicated Pensioner Sewa Portal (PSP) now allows pensioners to track their cases, submit life certificates, and lodge grievances online, ensuring “Ease of Living” for senior citizens. Moving away from slow manual processes, the new Audit Management System (AMS) portal allows for real-time tracking of audit memos and reports, ensuring accountability at the highest administrative levels. By shifting to electronic vouchers for all bills across Punjab, the government has significantly reduced stationary and logistical costs while streamlining the accounting process with the Accountant General (AG)”, said the Finance Minister while adding that for the first time, the Punjab Treasury Rules (PTR) have been completely overhauled to incorporate modern FinTech and IT applications, with the new rules set to be published shortly.

Concluding the year-ender, the Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the state has successfully balanced grassroots development with cutting-edge financial technology. “Through the automation of deposit works in the Forest and Works departments and the introduction of a non-treasury accounting system, we have plugged leakages and ensured that every rupee is accounted for. We enter 2026 with a stronger balance sheet and a clearer vision for a prosperous Punjab,” the Minister added.

Chandigarh, December 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has urged the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers by integrating their local skills with modern technology. He said that the Haryana Government is fully committed to promoting youth entrepreneurship and is providing support through initiatives such as the Mudra Scheme, Stand-Up India, and special subsidies for the MSME sector. He said that youth-led development of swadeshi technology will not only encourage new enterprises but also contribute significantly towards making India a global leader.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Swadeshi Mahotsav-2025 in Panchkula today.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that in the current startup era, the concept of Swadeshi is no longer limited to traditional products. Today, it is also being promoted in modern sectors such as technology, software, defense equipment, and semiconductors. He said that Haryana currently has over 12 lakh registered MSMEs, providing employment to approximately 65000 people.

Each block’s unique product to be recognized and promoted as Brand India nationally and internationally

He further elaborated that the state government is consistently working towards developing local manufacturing in line with global standards. Under this initiative, the “Padma” scheme has been launched to recognize and promote the distinctive products of each block. The aim is to establish Ambala’s scientific instruments, Panipat’s handlooms, and Rewari’s brass craft as Brand India, not only nationally but also globally.

He said that the “Haryana State Startup Policy-2022” has been implemented with the objective of creating a youth force capable of generating employment in the state. As a result, Haryana currently ranks seventh in the country in terms of the number of startups. At present, there are over 9,500 recognized startups operating in the state. He further informed that a Rs 2,000 crore Fund of Funds is being established to provide financial support to startups, enabling young entrepreneurs to pursue their innovative ideas without financial constraints.

Swadeshi gets new direction under PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India- Nayab Singh Saini

The Chief Minister stated that Swadeshi has been at the heart of India’s freedom movement, with Mahatma Gandhi using it as a means to promote self-reliance. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, Swadeshi is taking a new direction with the vision of a self-reliant India.

He highlighted that India has become the fourth largest economy in the world and is on track to reach the third position soon. The Prime Minister has set a target of a $5 trillion economy by 2030, which can be achieved only when village artisans, self-help group members, and micro-entrepreneurs actively participate in the country’s development journey. The Chief Minister emphasized that when a woman engages in sewing, dairy, or handicraft activities, she not only secures her livelihood but also contributes to shaping the future of society.

More than 65,000 self-help groups have been empowered in Haryana

The Chief Minister informed that more than 65,000 self-help groups have been empowered in Haryana so far, with millions of women members actively participating. He called for promoting the use of swadeshi products and urged citizens to adopt the pledge of a plastic-free India and a garbage-free Haryana.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the stalls showcasing swadeshi products at the Swadeshi Mahotsav-2025. He offered prayers at the Bharat Mata Temple and performed Yajna rituals, praying for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state. On this occasion, a pledge was also taken to adopt five swadeshi products and renounce five foreign items.

Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, former Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha Gian Chand Gupta, Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, co-organizer of Swadeshi Jagran Manch Satish Kumar, District President Ajay Mittal, and other dignitaries including Banto Kataria, Om Prakash Devinagar, Krishna Lamba, Rajesh Goyal, Gurinder Bhatti, Puneet Khanna as well as numerous Swadeshi Jagran Manch workers were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, December 20-  Preparations for the state-level Veer Bal Diwas programme, scheduled to be held on December 26  at Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU), Sirsa, were reviewed on Saturday. OSD to Chief Minister, Dr. Prabhleen Singh held detailed discussions with district administration officers and prominent representatives to finalise the programme framework.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Virender Sehrawat, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Deepak Saharan, along with other administrative officers and dignitaries of the district. The complete outline of the programme was discussed in detail. Officers were directed to organise the state-level ceremony in a dignified, well-coordinated, and disciplined manner so that the historic significance and message of Veer Bal Diwas reach the public effectively.

Dr. Prabhleen Singh said that Veer Bal Diwas is not merely a ceremonial event, but an opportunity to inspire the younger generation with values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. He directed all departments to discharge their responsibilities in close coordination, adding that it is a collective duty to honourably present the supreme sacrifice of the four Sahibzadas.

After the meeting, officers and dignitaries inspected the multipurpose hall at CDLU, the proposed venue for the programme. During the inspection, detailed discussions were held with concerned departments regarding stage arrangements, seating capacity, security measures, traffic management, cleanliness, and other essential facilities.

Chandigarh, December 20- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini said that the land registration process in all tehsils across the state has been made completely online, significantly reducing the scope for corruption. Buyers can now apply for registration online from their homes. Tehsildars are required to complete registrations within a fixed time frame. If a registration is not completed on time, the concerned tehsildar must submit a written explanation to the government. If the explanation is found unsatisfactory, disciplinary action will be initiated and the responsibility will be transferred to a senior officer, he said.

The Chief Minister was addressing Dhanyawadi Rally and Jan Samvad programmes in Budha and Bapdi villages of the Ladwa Assembly constituency in Kurukshetra district on Saturday. After the programme, he personally listened to villagers’ complaints and directed officers on the spot to resolve them. He also announced grants of Rs. 21 lakh each for development works in both villages.

In Budha village, the Chief Minister approved 17 demands put forward by the sarpanch. In Bapdi village, he announced that all demands raised by the sarpanch would be forwarded to the concerned departments for implementation, and sanctioned Rs. 32.27 lakh for a drinking water pipeline.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister assured that there would be no shortage of funds for development works in the Ladwa Assembly constituency. He urged citizens to take full advantage of government welfare schemes and said that people would no longer need to visit Chandigarh for redressal of their issues, as officers have been clearly directed to resolve public grievances locally.

He further said that the monthly old-age honorarium has been increased by Rs. 200 to Rs. 3,200, the highest among all states. Senior citizens above 70 years of age are also being provided free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh annually under the Ayushman scheme. In addition, under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme, women are being given Rs. 2,100 per month to promote their empowerment.

Chandigarh, December 20:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to the welfare of every section of society and to inclusive development. In this spirit, the Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today held a meeting with representatives of blind unions of Punjab and listened seriously to their issues and demands.

During the meeting held at Punjab Bhawan, Dr. Baljit Kaur assured the blind unions that all their genuine demands would be addressed on a priority basis. She directed the concerned officers to initiate immediate action to fill the vacant posts reserved under the Divyang (Persons with Disabilities) quota at the earliest.

The Minister clarified that demands which can be resolved at the departmental level will be implemented without delay, while those requiring decisions at the government level will be taken up comprehensively with the government for appropriate action.

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to empower persons with disabilities, promote their self-reliance, and integrate them into the mainstream of society. The meeting concluded in a cordial and positive atmosphere.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department, Vikas Pratap; Director Dr. Sheena Aggarwal; Joint Secretary Anand Sagar Sharma; Deputy Director Amarjit Singh Bhullar; Ravinder Singh Rahi, and other senior officers of the department were specially present.

Chandigarh, December 20:

Punjab Revenue Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian on Saturday said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government is firmly committed to building a transparent, responsive and people-friendly revenue system across Punjab. He said that with this clear focus, the state government has launched a structured and time-bound programme during 2025 for the construction and inauguration of Tehsil and Sub-Tehsil buildings to improve ease of access to essential services.

The Revenue Minister said that keeping public convenience at the centre, several Sub-Division and Tehsil complexes have already been completed and made operational. He informed that during the year 2025, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the SDM Complex at Dudhan Sadhan in district Patiala on June 9, 2025. Subsequently, SDM Complexes at Ahmedgarh and Amargarh in district Malerkotla were inaugurated on July 18, 2025. Similarly, the SDM Complex at Batala in district Gurdaspur was inaugurated on November 8, 2025. These initiatives, the Cabinet Minister said, are enabling citizens to access revenue and allied services closer to their homes in a smooth and dignified manner.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said that all newly constructed revenue buildings are being developed with modern amenities, public facilitation spaces and proper record management infrastructure. He added that services related to land records, registration and mutations are being streamlined to minimise delays and reduce repeated visits to government offices. The Mann government is working with a clear intent to lower public inconvenience and ensure that the revenue administration remains farmer-friendly and citizen-oriented, he added.

The Revenue Minister further said that to address long-standing difficulties faced by residents of several villages who earlier had to travel long distances for revenue services, rationalisation of jurisdictional boundaries has been undertaken during 2025. Village Namol has been shifted from Sub-Tehsil Cheema to the jurisdiction of Sub-Division Sunam Udham Singh Wala in district Sangrur. Similarly, villages Mahru, Tiwana and Tasalpur have been moved from Sub-Division and Tehsil Dudhan Sadhan in district Patiala to Sub-Tehsil Ghanaur of the same district.

He said that eight villages namely Manakpur, Khera Gajju, Urna, Changera, Ucha Khera, Gurditpura, Haditpura and Laihlan of Sub-Division and Tehsil Rajpura in district Patiala have been transferred to Sub-Tehsil Banur under Tehsil and district SAS Nagar Mohali. Besides this, a new Sub-Tehsil Ludhiana (North) has been created during 2025 by including seven villages from Tehsil Ludhiana (East) and two villages from Tehsil Ludhiana (West), namely Mahal Bagaat, Salem Tabri, Phamra, Tarf Sekhewal, Tarf Pirubanda, Tarf Burrha, Tarf Noor Bhaini, Tarf Karabara and Haibowal Kalan, further strengthening service delivery in urban and semi-urban areas.