Chandigarh, 22 January 2025:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker, S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, participated in the 85th All India Presiding Officer’s Conference held in Patna, Bihar on January 21-22, 2025. During his visit, he also paid homage at the Stupa in Vaishali, a sacred site associated with Lord Buddha, which is also known as the birthplace of the world’s first Republic.

In his address at the conference, Speaker Sandhwan extended his congratulations to Shri Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, along with all the presiding officers from various states. He commended their collective efforts in enhancing the dignity of Indian democracy. Sandhwan emphasized that the Indian Constitution is not just a historical event but represents a continuous and interconnected guiding framework for modern democracy. He highlighted that it is not only the responsibility of the legislature, executive, and judiciary to uphold the Constitution but also the duty of every Indian citizen, given the long struggle for freedom behind it.

Further, Speaker Sandhwan expressed concern over the limited scope of current educational material in children’s syllabi, which, while essential, fails to provide an accurate representation of the functioning of Parliament and legislatures. He suggested that schoolchildren be encouraged to observe the actual proceedings of legislative bodies, thereby fostering greater understanding and curiosity about the democratic process. To this end, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha has started inviting students to observe House sessions, a move he described as highly positive for the future of young minds.

During his stay in Bihar, Speaker Sandhwan was warmly welcomed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Bihar Spokesperson Dr. Hem Narayan Vishwakarma and AAP leader Bablu Prakash, who presented him with a statue of Lord Buddha. In his remarks, Sandhwan expressed his pride in visiting Vaishali, a land of historical significance, being the site of the first Republic in the world. He called for the global promotion and preservation of this heritage.

Speaker Sandhwan also thanked Shri Nand Kishore Yadav, Speaker of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha, for the excellent arrangements made during his visit. He stressed the need for collective efforts to revive the importance of Vaishali and to promote India’s rich cultural heritage on the world stage.

Chandigarh, January 22:

Punjab Government is all set to send a second batch of 72 primary school teachers to Finland for training in March, announced Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, during his visit to the School of Eminence in Phase 11, SAS Nagar (Mohali), on Wednesday. The latter was accompanied by a group of experts from the University of Turku, Finland.

The School Education Minister informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with the University of Turku to facilitate the training of the second batch of 72 primary school teachers. The three week training program will consist of one week in Punjab, followed by two weeks in Finland.

S. Harjot Singh Bains warmly welcomed the group of experts includes Mr. Ari Kioski, Mr Joel, Ms. Mirjami Einola and Ms. Sari Isokytö-Sinjoi. During their visit, the Education Minister expressed appreciation for their collaboration and expertise, highlighting the importance of their role in elevating the standards of school education in the state.

The presence of these experts from Finland signifies a commitment to improving educational standards and sharing best practices between the Punjab and Finland, he said, while adding that their insights and guidance will be valuable in shaping the training curriculum and ensuring a successful exchange of knowledge.

The aim of this training program is to equip the teachers with effective primary school teaching techniques, S. Harjot Singh Bains said while adding that this initiative will help the teachers to gain valuable skills and methodologies that can enhance their teaching practices and improve student outcomes in the classroom. The program focuses on innovative teaching strategies that align with modern educational standards, ensuring that teachers are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of their students.

During the visit, National Awardee Art & Craft Teacher Gurpreet Singh Namdhari took his artistic skills to the next level by making guests perform a live painting of the Finland flag outlined by the map of the European country. The group of experts were mesmerised by the art & craft skills of the school students.

The Education Minister also felicitated the experts group with the paintings made by the school students. Director School Education Ms. Amaninder Kaur Brar, DEO Ginni Duggal, Principal of School of Eminence, phase 11 Lovish Chawla and other officials of the school department and staff of the School was present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, January 22, 2025 – The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has arrested a police Constable Kindar Singh, a gunman of SHO of police station Garhshankar, in Hoshiarpur district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 30000. In this case co-accused SHO Baljinder Singh Malhi escaped from the scene evading his arrest.

          Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the aforementioned police official on a complaint lodged by Hardeep Kaur, a resident of Nangal sub-division in Rupnagar district.

          He further informed that the said complaint has approached the VB complaining that the said accused has demanded Rs one lakh on behalf of SHO Inspector Baljinder Singh Malhi for not involving her brother in the narcotics case who along with others had been arrested in a quarrel by the police. She further informed that after her plea the police personnel has agreed to take Rs 50000 for this motive.

          The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary enquiry into this complaint a VB team from Hoshiarpur unit laid a trap during which the said police personnel was caught red handed while he was receiving a bribe of Rs 30000 from the complainant on behalf of SHO in the presence of two official witnesses. During this trap SHO Baljinder Singh Malhi escaped from the scene evading his arrest. In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against both the accused 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 said.

Chandigarh, January 22:

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini, said that under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, the state government has made continuous efforts over the past 10 years to eliminate gender discrimination, provide girls with proper educational opportunities, fulfill their aspirations, and ensure their rights. He highlighted that the nationwide Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, launched on January 22 in 2015 from the historic land of Panipat under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, has played a significant role in combating this social evil. Through unprecedented improvements in the state’s sex ratio over the last decade, the sex ratio has risen from 861 in 2014 to 910 today. The state government is making sustained and serious efforts to completely eradicate this social evil.

The Chief Minister was interacting with media persons here today.

In response to a question, Chief Minister explained that the state government is diligently working to further improve the sex ratio. Officials have been instructed to work with full commitment to completely eradicate this social evil at its root. In addition, during a recent review meeting of the Women and Child Development Department, it was decided to appoint women Sarpanches as ambassadors in their respective villages. This initiative aims to strengthen efforts for improving the sex ratio and promoting further progress.

Arvind Kejriwal abandoned Delhi and transformed his own house into Paris – Chief Minister

In response to a question about former Delhi Chief Minister Sh Arvind Kejriwal, Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the people of Delhi are highly disappointed with Arvind Kejriwal. He pointed out that Sh Kejriwal has repeatedly made false promises to the people, claiming to transform Delhi into a city like Paris over the last 10 years. However, instead of transforming Delhi, he has only succeeded in turning his own house into a Paris.

Kejriwal’s entirely involved in corruption

On being asked to comment on CAG’s report on the Rs 380 crore corruption in Delhi government’s health department, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that Sh Arvind Kejriwal is entirely involved in corruption. He accused Kejriwal of undermining the hopes and dreams of the Delhi people, saying that while Kejriwal has fulfilled his own aspirations, he has shattered the dreams he promised to the people. The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the Aam Aadmi Party will not win any seats in the upcoming election results on February 8.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, BJP is set to form a majority government in Delhi – Nayab Singh Saini

The Chief Minister said that the responsibility for 32 seats in the Delhi Assembly election has been entrusted to the workers of Haryana. He added that during the campaign, all of Haryana workers have appealed to the people of Delhi, emphasizing that the Aam Aadmi Party is not a solution but a disaster. He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the Bharatiya Janata Party is set to form a government with a decisive majority in Delhi.

Both Congress and Aam Aadmi Party mired in corruption – Chief Minister

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Congress and Aam Aadmi Party are two sides of the same coin. He pointed out that while leaders of both parties once used to criticize each other, today, driven by a hunger for power, they are supporting one another. He further said that both Congress and Aam Aadmi Party are mired in corruption, and their primary motive is not the welfare of the people, but their own self-interest.

Clean water will reach Delhi homes once BJP forms government – Chief Minister

The Chief Minister questioned Sh Arvind Kejriwal, stating that while he had promised to provide clean drinking water to the people of Delhi free of cost, neither did the Yamuna River get cleaned nor did the people receive access to clean water during his tenure. He added that the current situation in Delhi is such that residents are now forced to drink contaminated water. The Chief Minister further said that prior to 2014, during Congress rule, women in Haryana had to carry water pots for two kilometers. However, after the Bharatiya Janata Party government came to power in Haryana under the leadership of Sh Narendra Modi, the double-engine government ensured that clean water reached every household in the state. He assured the people of Delhi that once the BJP forms the government after February 8, clean water will be supplied to their homes.

In response to another question, the Chief Minister shared that the state government is engaging with the people through pre-budget consultations for the General Budget 2025-26. He mentioned that suggestions have been sought from various groups, including women, entrepreneurs, farmers, representatives, self-help groups, Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi, to ensure that the budget reflects the needs of all sections of society. A dedicated portal has also been created for the public to submit their suggestions. The Chief Minister assured that valuable suggestions from the people will be incorporated into the budget.

Media Secretary, Mr. Praveen Attrey was also present at the event.

Chandigarh, January 22

In a bid to promote solar energy and reduce electricity costs in Haryana, a project worth Rs. 36 crore to install rooftop solar power plants on 290 government buildings in Haryana will be executed in the state. The Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while presiding over a meeting of the High-Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC) held on wednesday approved the said project.

Meanwhile, in the meetings of the High-Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC), Departmental High-Powered Purchase Committee (DHPPC), and High-Powered Works Purchase Committee (HPWPC), contracts and purchases worth a total of Rs. 804 crore were approved. Through negotiations with various bidders, rates were finalized, resulting in savings of over Rs. 30 crore.

Cabinet Ministers, Sh. Vipul Goel, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, and Smt. Shruti Choudhry also remained present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is rapidly implementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The aim of this scheme is to provide affordable electricity to people by installing solar panels of up to 2 kW on rooftops. Consumers will use the electricity as per their need, and excess power will be sold to the grid, he said.

The Chief Minister further shared that under this scheme, the central government is providing a subsidy of Rs. 60,000, and the Haryana government is providing Rs. 50,000. Therefore, people should take full advantage of this scheme, he said.

Ensure complete disposal of legacy waste at Bandhwari landfill site-CM

In the meeting, an agency was finalized for the complete disposal of legacy waste at the Bandhwari landfill site in Gurugram district. The Chief Minister directed the officers concerned that the waste should be fully disposed of within the next 4 months. If this is not done, action will be taken against the concerned agency, and fines will be imposed, directed by the Chief Minister.

He said that cleanliness arrangements should be ensured in all cities and rural areas of Haryana. No piles of garbage should be visible anywhere.

Meanwhile, in the meeting approval was also given for the purchase of super sucker machines to ensure proper cleaning of sewers, costing Rs. 13 crore approximately. Additionally, the Chief Minister directed that advanced technology should be studied for sewer cleaning.

Ensure highest quality standards in infrastructure projects-CM

The Chief Minister directed the officers concerned that there will be no compromise on quality in infrastructure projects. He said that special attention should be given to the quality of every task. The Quality Assurance Authority should also be involved to inspect the quality of the projects. Each project should be completed in a timely manner. Any negligence will not be tolerated, he directed.

Infrastructure for Sports facilities in schools should be further strengthened

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the officers that demands for various sports should be sought from all schools, and infrastructure should be developed in schools according to those demands. He said that the government’s goal is to provide a sports-friendly environment to children from an early age and to nurture their sporting talents, so they can make the state and country proud at national and international levels.

Sadhaura CHC will be upgraded to a 50-Bed Hospital

In the meeting, approval was granted to upgrade the Sadhaura CHC in Yamunanagar district to a 50-bed hospital. This will incur an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 12.50 crore. Additionally, the construction work of the master sewer line from Sector- 99 to 115 in Gurugram was also approved. The work will be done at a cost of Rs. 39 crore.

Water supply and sewerage system projects approved

In the meeting, various development works, including the construction of a 12.50 MLD capacity STP for residential colonies in Thanesar Town, were approved. This will incur an estimated cost of Rs. 16 crore. Additionally, the purchase of 8 new pumps for the Shahbazpur Distributary in Mahendragarh district was also approved, with an estimated cost of Rs. 6 crore. This will provide significant benefits for irrigation in 20 villages. Furthermore, the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the Bhakhra Main Branch from RD 115000 to 169813 at a cost of Rs. 41 crore and the construction of a diaphragm wall downstream of the Hathnikund Barrage at a cost of approximately Rs. 146 crore were also approved.

In the meeting agendas of the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam were also approved including the construction of new 33 KV substations, the integration of transmission lines, and other related works. The estimated cost for these projects will be approximately Rs. 391 crore.

Additionally, the purchase of 7 mobile toilet vans for police personnel, especially female officers, on field duty, 35 vehicles for the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and 22 vehicles for the Economic and Statistical Affairs Department was also approved. The total expenditure for these purchases will be around Rs. 6.33 crore.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta and Director General, Supplies and Disposal Department, Sh. Pankaj and administrative secretaries of the concerned departments also remained present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, January 22

Haryana Chief Minister,Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has approved a proposal to increase the Messing Allowance for NCC cadets and Associate NCC officers (ANOs) of the state for NCC camps and other activities. The allowance has been raised from Rs.150 to Rs. 220 per person per day, with effect from May 22, 2024.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that the Messing allowance has been increased in respect of the NCC cadets and Associate NCC Officers (ANOs) who attended various NCC camps including sailing\cycling expeditions. Increasing the rates of messing allowance from Rs.150 to Rs. 220 per person per day will result in an annual financial implication of Rs.36.50 lakh for the state’s 25 percent share. 

The spokesperson further informed that Rohtak NCC Group Headquarters has 132 ANOs and 9,794 NCC cadets. Similarly the Ambala NCC Group Headquarters has 120 ANOs and 10,732 NCC cadets. 

CM approves Rs.479.27 lakh for development works in Bahadurgarh

The Chief Minister has given administrative approval of Rs. 479.27 lakh (estimated cost) under the ‘Mangal Nagar Development Scheme’ for laying of rising mains from the boosting station, Sector-29 to Sector-28, Bahadurgarh, and Sector Dividing Road 4/4A to Sector 35/36, Bahadurgarh. 

Chandigarh, January 22

Haryana Transport and Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij has said that a study is being done on installing automatic systems on the main roads of Haryana through which it will be known whether a particular vehicle is fit to run on the road or not. Apart from this, a survey of obsolete buses of Haryana is also being done. As natural resources like diesel and petrol are slowly depleting, the use of electric buses will be promoted in the state.

Sh. Vij was answering questions of mediapersons during his halt at Nangal Chaudhary today while returning after attending the meeting of Energy Ministers held in Jaipur yesterday. He said in the meeting, discussions and deliberations were held on promoting solar energy.

When asked on safe school vehicle rules being violated, the minister said recently action has been taken against a school in Kaithal by him. He called upon all school operators to work according to the rules related to school vehicles, otherwise action will be taken.

’Overloading of vehicles a concern’

Responding to a question on the problem of overloading of vehicles in the mining sector, Sh. Vij said, “It is true that overloading damages roads, people lose their lives, and this leads to theft and corruption. Recently, there was a meeting of all transport ministers of the country in Delhi, in which an idea came up that a gadget will be installed to monitor the weight of the vehicle. Everyone is concerned about overloading of vehicles.”

Sh. Vij said, “Recently a meeting was taken by Union Road and Transport Minister Sh. Nitin Gadkari. During that meeting, I told officials of the Transport Corporation that since you have such a big association, you should set rules for yourself on not driving overloaded vehicles and the duty hours of the staff should also be fixed. The Transport Corporation should make some system on its own, otherwise if the government makes it, it will strictly implement it.”

Approval given to purchase 550 buses: Vij

Responding to a question regarding the purchase of buses in the Haryana Roadways, he said, “Recently, approval was given in the High Power Purchase Committee meeting to purchase 550 buses. Apart from this, a survey of obsolete buses of Haryana is also being conducted.” On a question regarding electric buses, he said at present, electric buses are only available in cities but we want to promote electric buses because the natural resources like diesel and petrol are depleting.

’Vehicles without permit and number plates will not be allowed to run’

The minister said vehicles without permit and without number plates will not be allowed to run in Haryana and in this regard, he has issued necessary instructions. He has also called a meeting of all RTOs to discuss this issue.