Chandigarh, May 10 – The general and by-elections for Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Municipal Committees, and Panchayati Raj Institutions were held across the state by the Haryana State Election Commission were conducted in a peaceful, fair and transparent manner. State Election Commissioner Mr. Devinder Singh Kalyan stated that the Commission had made all necessary arrangements to ensure the transparency, fairness and credibility of the electoral process.

State Election Commissioner Mr. Devinder Singh Kalyan inspected various polling stations in Panchkula during the election process, taking stock of the voting arrangements, security measures, and voter facilities. During the inspection, he instructed officials to ensure that the voting process was conducted in a completely fair, peaceful, and transparent manner and to ensure that every voter exercises their franchise without any inconvenience.

He further informed that under the Urban Local Body elections were held for the Municipal Corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat; the Municipal Council of Rewari; and the Municipal Committees of Dharuhera, Sampla, and Uklana. Additionally, by-elections for various wards across different urban local body areas in the state were also successfully concluded. Similarly, under the Panchayati Raj Institutions, general and by-elections were held in various districts for the posts of Zila Parishad members, Panchayat Samiti members, Sarpanches and Panches.

The State Election Commissioner stated that the Commission continuously monitored electoral process at every stage and the elections were successfully conducted through the efforts of the district administration, police administration, and concerned officials of the respective districts. During the polling, special arrangements were made at all polling stations regarding security, law and order, voter facilities and complete compliance with the Model Code of Conduct.

He added that with the objective of ensuring free and fair voting, special surveillance was maintained at sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations. Micro-observers were appointed and monitoring mechanisms were also set up at the polling stations. The State Election Commissioner stated that in order to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, necessary guidelines were issued regarding the verification of voter lists, the identification of eligible voters and the scrutiny of duplicate or suspicious entries. Complaints and objections received were resolved in accordance with the rules to ensure that the transparency and credibility of the election process was maintained.

For the convenience of voters, essential amenities—including drinking water, seating arrangements, ramps and wheelchairs were made available at all polling stations. Special arrangements were also put in place for senior citizens, voters with disabilities and women.

Expressing his gratitude to the voters of the state, the State Election Commissioner remarked that the active participation of voters is paramount to strengthening democracy. He noted that the citizens of the state have demonstrated their commitment to the democratic values by casting their votes in a peaceful and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Commending the officers, staff, police force, and personnel from other departments deployed for election duty, he stated that the successful conclusion of the electoral process was made possible through the cooperation and dedication of all involved.

He also thanked the media for their support, through which the instructions and messages of the State Election Commission were conveyed to the voters from time to time during the elections.

CHANDIGARH, 10 May 2026:

Punjab has overtaken Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to emerge as the country’s top performing state in primary and middle school education, with the latest NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog report placing Bhagwant Mann Government’s education reforms at the top of national rankings.

The report showed Punjab leading in foundational learning, digital infrastructure and school facilities, with the state recording higher scores than Kerala in language and mathematics while dramatically expanding smart classrooms, internet access and computer availability in government schools.

Congratulating in a video message, CM Bhagwant Mann said, “In consonance with the dictum ‘You reap what you sow’, the state has invested sincerely in education. The state government upgraded primary and middle school education, strengthened the system, introduced smart classrooms and provided advanced training to teachers. Today, the results of those efforts have started showing. The state government sowed well, so now it is reaping excellent results.”

Highlighting Punjab’s achievement in the NITI Aayog rankings, the Punjab CM stated, “NITI Aayog, one of the Government of India’s premier institutions, has released new figures showing that Punjab has surpassed Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi to secure the number one position in primary and middle school education. In Class 3 language performance, Punjab scored 82% while Kerala scored 75%. Likewise, in Class 3 mathematics, Punjab scored 78% while Kerala scored 70%, and in Class 9 mathematics Punjab scored 52% while Kerala scored 45%.”

Sharing details of Punjab’s digital education progress, he added, “Punjab is ahead of Haryana in digital education as well. In smart classrooms, Punjab secured 80.1% whereas Haryana was at 50.3%. In internet facilities in schools, Punjab is at 88.9% whereas Haryana is at 78.9%. In electricity facilities in schools, Punjab has an impressive 99.9%, while computer availability in schools stands at 99%. Earlier, Kerala held the top position, but now Punjab has claimed the number one rank with a huge margin.”

Congratulating stakeholders in the education sector, the Chief Minister said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate all the teachers, students and parents. I am extremely happy to receive these figures showing Punjab leading in the field of education. The survey results for Classes 3, 5 and 9 have placed Punjab at number one because this is the outcome of four years of continuous hard work. For the last four years, the state government has focused on teacher training, modern teaching methods and smart classrooms, and today Punjab stands at the top.”

Extending greetings to everyone associated with the sector, Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “I have specially sent this message to congratulate all the stakeholders. From my side, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all parents, teachers, the Education Minister, every member of the Punjab School Education Board and everyone associated with the education sector. Punjab becoming number one in education is the result of their collective efforts. Slowly but surely, Punjab will become number one in every sector and every field.” He reiterated that the Punjab Government will continue making every effort to make the state a frontrunner in every field.

SRI MUKTSAR SAHIB, 10th May 2026:

Amid thunderous slogans, roaring crowds and an overwhelming outpouring of affection during a Lok Milni at village Saahib Chand in the Gidderbaha constituency, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday received siropas, portraits and blessings from villagers who gathered in huge numbers to welcome him. Riding on massive public enthusiasm, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a fierce attack on divisive politics, declaring that Punjab’s peace, communal harmony and brotherhood would never be allowed to be disturbed for political gains.

Warning that anti-Punjab forces are trying to drag the state back into dark days through communal polarization, the Chief Minister asserted that Punjab’s soil can nurture everything except hatred and animosity, and said the people of the state would unitedly defeat every attempt to spread fear and division. Targeting the BJP over its “politics of creating divisions between communities”, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab celebrates every festival together and would firmly reject such agendas, while also asserting that the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026 would ensure that no sacrilege accused escapes punishment by exploiting loopholes in law.

Addressing the Lok Milni gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab’s spiritual and cultural legacy stands firmly against hatred and divisive politics, and warned that Punjabis must unite to defeat every attempt aimed at pushing the state back into dark days. He said Punjab is the sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown the path of mutual love, tolerance and harmony. “Punjab has a very fertile land and anything can germinate on it except hatred and animosity. The social bonding amongst people is already very strong and people should come together to further strengthen it,” he said.

The Chief Minister categorically said that it is high time Punjabis united to give a befitting reply to divisive forces inimical to the peace, amity and communal harmony of the state. “Those trying to disturb communal harmony are enemies of Punjab because they again want to push the state into black days,” he said.

Targeting the BJP, the Chief Minister said the saffron party had gained power in Maharashtra, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal through divisive politics, but would never succeed in Punjab because Punjabis celebrate every festival together. “Some political parties are trying to divide people in the name of religion. BJP’s politics revolves around creating divisions between communities and then frightening both sides for votes. Punjab must outrightly reject such forces because the state has already witnessed dark days in the past which derailed its development,” he said.

Speaking about his ongoing “Shukrana Yatra”, the Chief Minister said he had undertaken the yatra to thank the Almighty for bestowing upon him the opportunity to enact the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026. He said huge gatherings of devotees welcomed him with blessings, flowers and siropas throughout the journey for enacting and implementing strict laws to stop sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. “Despite intense heat, mothers, sisters and millions of people have gathered on the route. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for showering their blessings and support,” he said.

The Chief Minister said whenever incidents of sacrilege of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji took place, the psyche of millions of people was deeply hurt. He said there was always hope that culprits would be caught and punished, but loopholes in the law allowed them to escape punishment by declaring themselves mentally unstable. “Many times, culprits escaped the gallows by saying ‘my mind is disturbed’ or ‘he is mentally ill’, and they walked free,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

However, the Chief Minister questioned why someone claiming mental instability would specifically target Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji alone. “If someone is truly mentally unstable, then why does he only target Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji? Why does he not crash into a train engine or touch live electric wires? The truth is that such acts were often deliberate and orchestrated,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government had now plugged such loopholes through the new law by including a clause that even if someone is medically declared mentally unstable, their custodians, parents, guardians or caretakers would also face criminal charges. “There will be no bail for at least ten years and in severe cases punishment can extend up to life imprisonment,” he added.

The Chief Minister said the Almighty had blessed him with the wisdom and strength to bring this Bill after detailed consultations with legal experts. He said the Punjab Government had drafted the legislation carefully so that no future amendments or loopholes could weaken it.

Targeting the Badal family, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said they would never support this law because their own names were linked to sacrilege incidents. “People kept voting for them believing they carried the legacy of Baba Nanak, but they deliberately allowed Baba Nanak’s Bani to be insulted on the streets. They even ordered water cannons and bullets against peacefully protesting devotees. What else can be expected from them?” he asked.

The Chief Minister said ever since the law was passed, not a single Akali Dal leader was visible in Punjab because they had quietly left for foreign countries fearing their names would surface. “The Almighty does not bless dishonest people forever. These are the same people who once claimed they would rule Punjab for 25 years. Today they do not even have 25 candidates left to distribute election tickets because people have sent them into political oblivion,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

Lashing out at the Akalis, the Chief Minister said they were never sincere about bringing such a law while in power because their intentions were flawed. “The Akalis allowed sacrilege incidents to take place for political gains. They admitted their mistakes before Akal Takht Sahib but later denied them publicly. Those who can lie before the Takht can never be loyal to anyone,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann warned people to stay cautious of such leaders who only wanted political power to plunder Punjab. Coming down heavily on the BJP, he said violence, divisiveness and communal tension were a patent of the saffron party and an integral part of its politics. “BJP is trying to incite violence and fear in Punjab on the pattern of Bengal to win the ensuing polls, but its nefarious designs will never succeed in Punjab,” the Chief Minister said, reiterating the Punjab Government’s commitment to peace, unity and democratic values.

The Chief Minister said Punjab has always stood as a beacon of communal harmony and resilience, and any attempt to disturb its peace would be firmly resisted. “Violence is a brand of BJP’s politics and is aimed solely at garnering votes by creating terror and panic. This divisive politics is being pursued by BJP in every poll-bound state for electoral gains,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

He said now that the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act, 2026 had been passed, anti-Punjab forces would not be able to fulfil their nefarious designs. “Baffled by this, BJP is now resorting to acts aimed at disturbing Punjab’s hard-earned peace, but this will never be allowed,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister said he has always remained among people to seek feedback for framing development-oriented and citizen-centric policies, which has upset the opposition parties. “The entire opposition has joined hands against me with a clear-cut strategy to defame me by leveling false and irrational allegations. These forces are trying to sway people by creating fake and derogatory narratives, but people will teach them a lesson,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

The Chief Minister said the wise people of Punjab are fully aware of the dubious and treacherous character of opposition leaders and would certainly teach them a lesson. “These cheap theatrics can never deter me from serving the people of Punjab. I will continue to discharge this responsibility till my last breath,” he said.

Lashing out at the opposition, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these parties had no agenda against the Punjab Government because the Punjab Government had taken several key decisions for public welfare.

Taking a jibe at the Akali Dal’s “Punjab Bachao Yatra”, the Chief Minister said its real name was “Parivar Bachao Yatra”. “After looting Punjab for 15 years, they should explain from whom they are trying to save the state,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister said the Akalis had mercilessly plundered Punjab, bruised the psyche of Punjabis emotionally and patronised several mafias. “The Akali leadership can never be forgiven because generations of Punjab were destroyed as the drug trade flourished during their long era of misrule,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

The Chief Minister said the Akalis should be booked for the genocide of generations because the drug trade was patronised by them and flourished during their rule. “The hands of these leaders are drenched with the blood of millions of youth who fell prey to drugs supplied in the state in their official vehicles. Their sins are unpardonable and people can never forgive them for their long saga of misdeeds,” he added.

Coming down heavily on the Akali leadership, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said these were opportunistic leaders who changed colours and stances like chameleons according to political convenience. He said everyone knows the family was a stooge of the Britishers and was conferred the title of “Sir” for hobnobbing against patriots who fought for the country.

The Chief Minister said the family had hosted a dinner for General Dyer after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. “Not only this, they ensured General Dyer was bestowed siropa and forgiveness at Sri Harmandir Sahib. Jathedar Arood Singh, who granted the siropa, was the maternal grandfather of former Lok Sabha MP Simarjit Singh Mann,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

He said history cannot be erased and the dubious character of Badal’s ancestors is etched in history forever. “The hands of this family are drenched with the blood of patriots and their betrayal of nationalists can never be forgotten,” he added.

Training his guns against Congress, the Chief Minister said every Congress leader aspired to become Chief Minister and the party had more chief ministerial aspirants than ordinary workers. Taking a jibe at Congress leaders dreaming of returning to power, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Congress was a divided house that would collapse because of internal infighting.

He also attacked Congress over the attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, the 1984 riots and several anti-Sikh and anti-Punjab decisions, which he said could never be forgiven.

Highlighting welfare initiatives of the Punjab Government, the Chief Minister said public money was now being spent transparently on schools, hospitals, roads and development. He said 90% households were getting free electricity, more than 65,000 youth had received jobs without corruption, roads had improved and toll plazas had been shut, saving nearly ₹70 lakh daily.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said no freebie or concession card could permanently eradicate poverty, and only education had the power to pull people out of the vicious cycle of deprivation. “Education is the light that illuminates the world by dispelling darkness. That is why the Punjab Government is laying special thrust on education,” he said.

The Chief Minister said Punjab securing first position in foundational education ahead of Kerala in NITI Aayog’s 2026 report was a matter of immense pride and satisfaction.

Highlighting the health sector reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government had launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna under which health cards were being issued to all 65 lakh families in Punjab, entitling every family to free treatment up to ₹10 lakh. He said more than 30 lakh beneficiaries had already received health cards and 1.65 lakh people had availed free treatment under the scheme.

The Chief Minister urged people to take maximum benefit from the scheme and said for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers were receiving more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply during paddy season. He said farmers were now getting daytime electricity for irrigation, transforming their lives.

Talking about the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Government had started the scheme to provide ₹1000 per month to other categories women and ₹1500 per month to SC category women above 18 years of age. “This is not a political function but a platform to interact with people. Earlier governments came and went but never bothered about the wellbeing of the masses. They only played musical chairs while plundering Punjab’s wealth,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.

He said people eventually voted for the broom, resulting in the transformation of schools, hospitals and governance across Punjab.

The Chief Minister said Akali leaders were now begging for one more chance despite already getting five opportunities from the people earlier. “Instead of serving people, they looted Punjab and that is why people showed them the door. These parties only wait for their turn in power so they can plunder Punjab again,” he said.

Highlighting irrigation reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said it was a matter of immense pride that 68% canal water was now being used for irrigation and this would be increased to 85% by the coming paddy season. He said the Punjab Government had laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses across the state and released 21,000 cusecs of water to benefit farmers.

“This water is equal to the supply of two Bhakra canals. Recharge points have been created in canals and rivers due to which groundwater levels have increased by two to four metres. This decision is aimed at securing the wellbeing of future generations because Punjab exists because of water,” the Chief Minister added.

Chandigarh:

Senior IAS officer and Secretary, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Shashi Ranjan Kumar, who is also an acclaimed author, visited Chandigarh for a special signing event of his latest literary work, The Decline of Hindu Civilization.

During his visit, the UPSC Secretary held an engaging intellectual session with renowned author and mentor Munish Jindal. The duo engaged in a wide-ranging discussion covering the nuances of governance, historical perspectives, and the current socio-cultural fabric of society.

On this occasion, Munish Jindal presented a copy of his widely appreciated book, Sadda Punjab, to the UPSC Secretary. In a reciprocal gesture, Shashi Ranjan Kumar presented his book, The Decline of Hindu Civilization, which offers a thought-provoking narrative on the accomplishments of a civilization and its gradual descent into obscurity.

While appreciating the academic rigor of Munish Jindal’s work, Shashi Ranjan Kumar remarked that Sadda Punjab holds the potential to serve as a “Gazetteer of Punjab” for researchers, scholars, and students. He noted that the book provides an exhaustive and authentic understanding of the history, culture, and socio-political landscape of the state.

Expressing his gratitude for the encouragement, Munish Jindal stated that such interactions with distinguished personalities—who contribute significantly to both public administration and literature—are deeply motivating. He added that such exchanges provide an intellectually enriching perspective for young aspirants and readers across the region.

Chandigarh: A comprehensive Fire Mock Drill was successfully conducted on 08.05.2026 at the Tulsi Das Library, PGIMER, Chandigarh, as part of the ongoing Fire Safety Week being observed from 4th to 10th May 2026. The exercise was organized by the Fire Section, Security Department, PGIMER, Chandigarh, in close coordination with Chandigarh Fire Services to strengthen emergency preparedness and reinforce fire safety protocols across the institute.

The mock drill witnessed the active participation of 124 personnel drawn from various departments, including Fire and Security, Library, Hospital Administration, Electrical Wing, doctors, students, Chandigarh Fire Services, Chandigarh Police, and other concerned officers and officials.

The drill simulated a real-time fire emergency scenario and included activation of fire alarms, live fire response, firefighting demonstrations, evacuation procedures, rescue operations, assembly and head count of evacuated personnel, followed by a lecture and practical demonstration on fire safety measures and emergency response techniques.

The exercise aimed to assess the readiness of stakeholders, improve interdepartmental coordination, and sensitize participants about timely response during fire emergencies, thereby ensuring a safer institutional environment at PGIMER.

Chandigarh: The ‘Legal Services Clinic’ set up by the State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh in the office of the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Sector 30, Chandigarh was inaugurated today by Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court-cum-Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh.

Also present during the occasion were Hari Singh Grewal, District & Sessions Judge, Chandigarh-cum-Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh; Rajiv Tewari, Director Public Relations, Chandigarh; Akash Mittal, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Chandigarh Administration; judicial officers; panel advocates and para legal volunteers.

The inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening legal aid mechanisms and ensuring access to justice for all, particularly for those who may not have the means to seek legal representation independently.

During the occasion, the chief guest distributed labour cards to the construction workers. Labour cards make the workers eligible for various government welfare schemes.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Sethi said that the initiative aims to provide immediate legal aid and advice to litigants having matters pending before or to be filed before the Assistant Labour Commissioner. The clinic has been established to ensure that workers, employers and other stakeholders receive timely legal guidance and assistance, thereby facilitating access to justice and promoting efficient resolution of labour-related disputes.

He further stated that the State Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh remains committed to its mandate of providing free and competent legal services to eligible persons and continues to take proactive measures to bridge the gap between the legal system and the public.

The Legal Services Clinic will provide on-the-spot legal consultation, guidance regarding legal rights and remedies, and assistance in navigating legal procedures. The clinic will be manned by panel advocates and Para Legal Volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh.

One Para Legal Volunteer and two Panel Advocates have been deputed at this Legal Services Clinic to provide legal assistance, guidance, and support to the public regarding various legal issues and welfare schemes.

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the alarming conditions in government primary schools in Nuh district — one allegedly operating from a cattle shed –and initiated suo motu proceedings.

Acting on news reports published on May 6, the commission sought detailed reports from the authorities. The HHRC observed that the conditions highlighted in the reports were extremely grave and prima facie amounted to serious violations of children’s rights to education, health, and dignified living.

According to the facts placed before the Commission comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia, several Government Primary Schools in the FerozepurJhirka area of District Nuh are functioning without proper buildings. Government Primary School, village Kubda Bas, is reportedly operating from a cattle shed where approximately 29 boys and 33 girls from Balvatika to Class III are studying. After school hours, cows and buffaloes are tied in the same premises and cattle fodder is also stored there. Despite cleaning of the premises, foul smell persists, adversely affecting the health and learning environment of the children. It has further been reported that the school is functioning only due to temporary permission granted by a private landowner, reflecting a complete absence of permanent government infrastructure. The school is reportedly one among at least nineteen (19) schools in this Haryana district adjoining Gurugram that are functioning without buildings.

Similarly, Government Primary School, village Kalu Bas, is functioning in an open field where about 45 boys and 50 girls are being taught in front of blackboards tied to trees. During the monsoon season, the entire field becomes muddy, while in winters the children are forced to study in hostile extreme condition of cold making learning highly unsafe. The Commission observed that such conditions amount to a serious compromise with the safety and dignity of children. The Full Commission headed by Justice LalitBatra and comprising Members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia also expressed serious concern regarding acute shortage of teachers. Assistant Registrar of the Commission, PuneetArora, stated that all the concerned authorities have been directed to submit detailed reports on the points mentioned in the order at least one week prior to the next date of hearing on July 22 before the Haryana Human Rights Commission.

Mohali May 6: The I J Doda Foundation successfully organized a Climate Media Leadership Programme at Chandigarh University, aimed at promoting accurate and responsible reporting on climate issues in the media.

The programme was conducted under the Environment Education Programme with support from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and in association with the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology.

The one-day event witnessed active participation from journalism students, faculty members, and young media professionals. Sessions focused on data-driven reporting, understanding climate issues, and effectively communicating environmental concerns.

Held under the guidance of Satnam Singh Sandhu, the programme featured insights from experts including Dharminder Sharma IFS, Jonita Doda, and senior journalist Vijay Brar.

Experts highlighted Punjab’s pressing environmental challenges, including excessive groundwater depletion, rising air pollution levels (PM2.5), and polluted rivers impacting health and agriculture.

Jonita Doda emphasized that the way climate stories are reported directly influences public perception and policymaking, making responsible journalism crucial.