Chandigarh, January 15

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today announced the establishment of a Research Chair in the name of the great freedom fighter and member of Constituent Assembly Pandit Shriram Sharma at Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. In addition, the Chief Minister said that a University/Institution would be named after Pandit Shriram Sharma to honor his immense contribution to the nation.

He announced that the state government will also observe his birth anniversary, on October 1 every year. On this occasion, essay, poem writing, and speech competitions will be held in schools and colleges across the state, encouraging students to learn about and reflect on his life and legacy.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced the installation of a 30-feet tall national flag at the site of Pandit Shriram Sharma’s statue, along with a beautification project for the location. Regarding the two other demands made by the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch—writing his saga of valor at the Pandit Shriram Sharma Metro Station in Bahadurgarh and including his biography in the school curriculum—the Chief Minister said that these requests would be forwarded to the relevant departments for fulfillment. He also announced a discretionary grant of Rs 21 lakh for the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Samiti, further supporting the continued promotion of his ideals and values.

The Chief Minister made these announcements while unveiling the statue of Pandit Shriram Sharma at a function organized at Pandit Shriram Sharma Park site in Rohtak today. He paid rich tributes to the great freedom fighter, highlighting his significant role in India’s freedom struggle, making of constitution and his contributions to nation-building post-independence.

Describing Pandit Shriram Sharma as a true patriot, respected politician, social reformer and Gandhian, the Chief Minister said that as a Member of the Constituent Assembly, he played an important part in strengthening the democratic framework of the country.

The Chief Minister said that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, the Prime Minister has called for remembering and honouring the great personalities who played pivotal roles in its creation. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar gave the Constitution to the country and Pandit Shriram Sharma also made a notable contribution to this monumental work. Deeply influenced by the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, Pandit Shriram Sharma participated in all five Satyagraha movements during India’s struggle for independence and was imprisoned multiple times for his efforts, he added.

In January 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, Pandit Shriram Sharma boldly uprooted the British flag in Jhajjar and hoisted the tricolor, leading to his arrest and brutal torture by the British police. Undeterred by the mistreatment, he remained resolute in his cause. In 1923, he also launched a weekly Urdu newspaper, Haryana Tilak, to inspire and ignite the spirit of the freedom struggle among the people.

The Chief Minister said that Pandit Shriram Sharma served on many prestigious positions in Joint Punjab as well as in Haryana after 1966. In 1965, Pandit Sharma was appointed Chairman of the Haryana Development Committee by the joint Punjab Government. During his tenure, the committee produced a report in 1966, which highlighted the significant discrimination Haryana faced not only in terms of development but also in political participation and employment opportunities. This report played a crucial role in strengthening the demand for the creation of a separate Haryana state.

*Bahadurgarh Metro Station named after Pandit Shriram Sharma*

The government has honoured Pandit Shriram Sharma by naming the Bahadurgarh Metro Station after him. In addition, monthly Samman Pension provided to freedom fighters and their dependents has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000. This pension is currently being given to 289 beneficiaries across the state, he added.

The Chief Minister also urged the youth to work towards preserving the dignity of culture and fostering the unity and integrity of the nation, following the path laid out by Pandit Shriram Sharma.

*Under Prime Minister’s leadership, BJP will again form the government in 2029*

He expressed gratitude to the people for electing the government for a third consecutive term in the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, he said that the BJP would again form the government in 2029. He also said that the state’s ‘non-stop’ development would continue without discrimination. He reassured the people that they need not worry under the present government, highlighting that 25,000 jobs have been provided to the youth purely on a merit basis, without any favoritism or corruption. The Chief Minister further stated that Haryana would reach new heights in terms of development and play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

*Pandit Shriram Sharma dedicated his efforts to the service of the entire nation –  Dr. Arvind Sharma*

Speaking on this occasion, Haryana Cooperation and  Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, paid tributes to the great freedom fighter Pandit Shriram Sharma, acknowledging his tireless work for the nation. He fought for the country’s independence along with Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Dr. Arvind Sharma also said that the old Rohtak district has produced many hardworking leaders and the freedom fighters. This region, he emphasized, is a land of martyrs, heroes, freedom  fighters and brave souls who made significant contributions to the country’s freedom struggle. Even after independence, this area has continued to uphold the values of  independence. He said that just as Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi is working for the development of the nation, in the same way Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini is also engaged in the all-round development of the state.

Expressing his gratitude to the people, Dr. Sharma said that the public had endorsed the schemes of both the central and state governments, and with their support, the BJP government was elected for the third consecutive term in Haryana. On this occasion, the Minister also announced a discretionary grant of Rs 11 lakh to the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Samiti.

Former Minister Sh Manish Grover, MLA Sh Om Parkash Yadav, President of Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Dr Ashok Dixit, family members of the Pandit Shriram Sharma and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

Patiala, January 15

          Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday dedicated the first of its kind boutique and heritage hotel Ran Baas- Palace constructed at Quilla Mubarak here in the royal city to the people.

The Chief Minister said that this aesthetically designed hotel has been built on PPP mode and will set a new benchmark in comfort, hospitality and elegance. He envisioned that magnificent hotel will be a favourite place for destination weddings and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this Hotel will give a big boost to the tourism sector in the state in general and the royal city of Patiala in particular.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the tourists will have a comfortable stay in the Hotel and they will enjoy the warm hospitality of the state during their visit. He said that this hotel will give further impetus to tourism in the royal city by providing a comprehensive and holistic wedding destination, in addition to its current status as a hub for religious tourism. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that besides grandeur this hotel is a reflection of the glorious cultural heritage of the state.

The Chief Minister expressed the state government’s unwavering commitment to making Punjab a leading tourist destination in the country through such projects. He said that day one after assuming charge of office it is his dream to showcase hidden aspects of vibrant and blessed Punjab to people across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that from day one his government is working tirelessly to enhance the income of the state exchequer adding that this is a step in this direction only.

The Chief Minister said that geographically Punjab is blessed land adding that the state government intends to take the tourism sector to a new zenith. He said that areas around Chohal Dam, Ranjit Sagar Dam, Shahpur Kandi Dam  and Kandi areas of the state are being developed as ideal tourist destinations for attracting the tourists from across the globe. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is a huge potential for developing these areas as a tourist destination for which all out efforts are being made.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has land even in other states like Goa, Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mcleodganj (Himachal Pradesh) and others which will be developed in coming days. He said that earlier the previous state governments used to sell the prime properties of the state to their close friends but now a reverse trend is being witnessed as the state government is developing these sites. Citing an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has created history by purchasing Goindwal power plant owned by a private company GVK Power adding that for the first time this reverse trend has started that the government has purchased any private power plant whereas in the past the state governments used to sell their assets to the favorite individuals at ‘throw away’ prices.

The Chief Minister said that this is the first heritage hotel of the state adding that more such projects will be developed in the state by optimally utilizing the historic buildings of the state. He said that Punjab has a lot of scenic beauty in the state which can be duly utilized by the film industry and others adding that the state government is working tirelessly on this mission. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for giving major fillip to the tourism sector in the state. 

The Chief Minister said that the state government will construct a heritage street at the native village of Shaheed-e-Aazam Bhagat Singh to showcase the glorious contribution of Punjab and Punjabis in the national freedom struggle. He said that this 850 metre long heritage street will be constructed from the existing Museum to the ancestral house at Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this street will showcase the glorious contribution of the state in the national freedom struggle thereby inspiring the youth to work zealously for the country.

The Chief Minister said that anyone has the right to form political parties in the state and the country but it is upto people to decide its fate. He said that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will never germinate here at any cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance.

The Chief Minister said that located within Patiala’s 18th-century Qila Mubarak complex, Ran Baas- the Palace is a celebration of rich legacy, royal heritage, and bountiful culture of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Ran Baas offers 35 suites, a range of dining and wellness amenities and curated immersive experiences for the modern travelers. He said that the palace and the larger fort, boasts of an enduring, eclectic legacy steeped in royal culture from the celebratory traditions of Patiala to the architectural character of the palace itself.

The Chief Minister said that this hotel has lent its own layer to this rich history, bringing experiences and services to the tourists. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the majestic fort is a key landmark in India’s history and a remarkable example of the synthesis between late Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. He expressed his appreciation for the remarkable addition to Punjab’s hospitality landscape, recognizing its potential to position Patiala as a tourist destination.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that this prestigious project will drive tourism, create opportunities for local businesses and showcasing Patiala’s rich cultural identity and heritage to attract global travellers, contributing to the region’s economic growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the hotel has been restored as Punjab’s first luxury palace hotel, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary luxury. He said that the palace blends the old with the new, merging late Mughal, Rajput, Sikh, and Colonial styles while preserving the architectural integrity of Punjab’s rich heritage.

The Chief Minister said that spread across three floors, it will offer an array of modern amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in addition to offering opulent accommodations, Ran Baas- the Palace provides a range of exhibition and baithak spaces, perfect for adding a touch of royal grandeur to private events and celebrations. He said that located near key tourist attractions, religious sites, and popular daily excursions, the hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the city.

The Chief Minister said that the dedication of this hotel reflects a significant milestone in Punjab government’s commitment to preserve the glorious cultural heritage of the state. He said that due to its marvelous location, opulence and excellent rail, air and road connectivity this hotel will become a treasured destination for tourists.

Chandigarh, January 15

In a path-breaking move to empower the state’s young women, Punjab Government has trained as many as 265 girls for Army, CAPF and Punjab Police for the first time through Centre for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth (C-PYTE) camps across the state, informed Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Mr. Aman Arora, who was chairing 5th Governing Council meeting of the C-PYTE, here at his office, on Wednesday.

Highlighting another major decision, he said that the state would soon open a C-PYTE camp exclusively for girls aspiring to join the armed forces at village Theh Kanjla in Kapurthala district and the camp will be run entirely by the women staff. An additional C-PYTE camp will also be established in Pathankot district to enable the state’s youth for employment into the Police, Armed Forces and CAPF. Currently, Punjab has 14 C-PYTE camps across the state.

Mr. Aman Arora directed the concerned officials to complete the work of under-construction three new camps situated at village Asal Uttar (Tarn Taran), village Kheri (Sangrur) and Borewal (Mansa) within stipulated time.  

Principal Secretary Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Ms. Jaspreet Talwar apprised the Cabinet Minister that as many as 2,58,760 youth have been trained totally free of cost through these C-PYTE camps, of which, 1,15,649 have been employed. Apart from training for uniformed forces, the youth are also being trained for alternative employment to enhance their employability. She informed that at least 150 youth will be trained as Drone Pilot, 300 youth as Security Guard and 150 as JCB/Crane Operators this year.

Director General of C-PYTE Major General Rambir Singh Mann informed that the staff of C-PYTE camps have been working assiduously to instil values including national integration, discipline, social concern in the youth to make them better citizens, besides training and guiding them to find job in the armed forces, police, para-military forces and other industries.

Secretary Industry Mr. DPS Kharbanda, IGP (HQs) Mr. Sukhchain Singh Gill, Special Secretary Personnel Ms. Gauri Prashar Joshi, Director Rural Development & Panchayats Mr. Paramjit Singh, MD PESCO Major General Harmandeep Singh, Additional Director (Admin) Information and Public Relations Mr. Sundeep Garha, Deputy Principal Secretary to CM Mr. Yash Pal Sharma and senior officials of other departments were also present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, January 15

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing war against drugs waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Tarn Taran Police has busted a Pak-backed drug trafficking cartel with the arrest of a kingpin and seized 5 kg heroin from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Rashpal Singh, a resident of Village Bhai Ladhu, Tarn Taran. Apart from recovering heroin, police teams have also impounded his motorcycle.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused person was in direct contact with multiple Pakistan-based smugglers and had been receiving consignments of drugs from across the border. Probe revealed that the Pak-based smugglers were exploiting drones to ferry drugs across the border, he added..

          The DGP said that further investigations are going on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana said that acting on reliable information, a police team under the supervision of SP (D) Ajayraj Singh, DSP (D) Rajinder Minhas and DSP Sarbjit Singh Bajwa led by CIA Staff in-charge Inspector Amandeep Singh, conducted a targeted operation and apprehended Rashpal Singh in the area of Village Bhai Ladhu and recovered 5 kg heroin from his possession.

          The SSP said that efforts are being made to uncover the entire network of suppliers, dealers, and buyers, as well as to ascertain the total quantity of drugs purchased by the arrested individual so far.

          A case under FIR No. 06 dated January 15, 2025, has been registered under sections 21(c) of the NDPS Act at Sadar Patti Police Station, Tarn Taran.

Chandigarh, January 15, 2025

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, on Wednesday has apprehended Harsimratjit Singh, posted as Patwari in revenue Circle Chogawan, Amritsar district while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 20000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by Sarmel Singh, a resident of village Kohala, in tehsil Lopoke, Amritsar.

He further informed that the complainant has approached the VB and alleged in his complaint that the accused had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 for correction in the revenue records which were intentionally distorted in Jambandi of 2019-2020 with an intention to demand bribe from him.

The spokesperson added that after a preliminary enquiry into this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the said accused was caught red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000 in the presence of two official witnesses. 

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

Chandigarh, January 15:

Punjab Information and Public Relations Department today organized third religious congregation and Guru Ka Langar dedicated to the birth anniversary of the Tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and for the universal welfare, on the advent of the new year.

During the event, which was held with profound devotion and religious fervour at Gurdwara Sahib, Punjab Civil Secretariat-1 here, Gurdwara Sahib Sector-11’s Granthi Bhai Kashmir Singh recitated path of Sri Sukhmani Sahib. Subsequently, the renowned preacher Bhai Gurmeet Singh Shant performed soul-stirring Gurbani Kirtan in the Basant ragas.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister and AAP State President Mr. Aman Arora, Lok Sabha Member Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Chief Minister’s OSD (Media) Mr. Adil Azmi, Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Mr. Anurag Verma, Secretary General Administration Mrs. Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, PUNSUP MD Mrs. Sonali Giri, Director IPR Mr. Vimal Kumar Setia, ADGP (Traffic) Mr. Amardeep Singh Rai, IG (Hqrs) Mr. Sukhchain Singh Gill, Additional Director PR Mr. Sandeep Singh Garha, Chief Minister’s Deputy Principal Secretary Mr. Jagnoor Singh Grewal along with staff from the Information and Public Relations Department and Punjab Civil Secretariat.

Following the spiritual activities, the sangat partook langar. The event saw extensive participation from the journalist community, staff from various departments of Punjab Civil Secretariat-1, Punjab Civil Secretariat-2 and Punjab Legislative Assembly as well as retired DIPR officers. Gurdwara Sahib Shahpur Sector-38, Kamal Sound Dhuri and CISF also paid their contribution in the successful conduct of the event.

Chandigarh, January 11

Expressing concern over the continuous deaths of youth due to drugs, Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said BJP has turned Haryana into a hub of drugs, opium, chitta, heroin, brown sugar, smack, hashish, ganja, cocaine, bhang and sulpha. “Ever since BJP has come to power in the state, drug dealers are fearlessly expanding their empire. Their network has now reached every village, street and locality of the state. From youth to women and young children, everyone is losing their lives to this,” he stated.

Hooda said Haryana was known for its pure food, energetic youth, young men and sportsmen, but BJP has made it ‘Udta Haryana’ in the name of drugs. “A report was presented in the Rajya Sabha in December 2023 by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment itself. According to this, 16.51 percent of the drug addicts in Haryana use opium and its drugs, even heroin and chitta. 11% people use ganja, bhang and hashish for intoxication. 5 percent people also use narcotic drugs taken for sleep and people also use cocaine in large quantities,” he said.

He also said the Union Ministry has also admitted that now the teenagers of Haryana are also getting trapped in the clutches of drugs like cannabis, ganja, hashish, opium, heroine and cocaine. Not only this, a large number of teenagers are also being pushed into the business of drug smuggling.

“The extent to which drug addiction has increased under the protection of the government can be gauged from the fact that in the last 5 years, about 15 lakh people from different districts of the state have reached the OPDs and de-addiction centers of government hospitals. However, this figure can be many times bigger because lakhs of people trapped in the quagmire of drug addiction do not come forward for treatment and ruin their lives,” he added.

Hooda said the connivance of the government, poor law and order along with the increasing unemployment in the state is also a big reason for the increasing drug addiction. “The youth frustrated by unemployment are getting trapped in the clutches of drugs and crime and are ruining their future. The BJP, sitting in power, is constantly making policies which increase unemployment, crime and drug addiction in the state,” he added.

With the government remaining a mute spectator, Hooda has appealed to the parents and the aware people of the state to be vigilant against the increasing drug addiction. “Parents should take special care of their children and youth. They should talk to family members on sensitive issues like drug addiction and make everyone aware of its dangers. They must keep an eye on the activities around you and your children and do not hesitate to raise your voice against it. Congress is committed to fight this issue from the streets to the Vidhan Sabha,” he said.