Chandigarh, July 25: Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Shri Manish Tewari dedicated a newly installed open-air gym at Leisure Valley, Sector 10, to the public. The facility was developed with a grant of approximately ₹5 lakh from his Members of Parliament Local Area Development fund.

Addressing the gathering, Tewari said he remains committed to promoting better health and a healthier lifestyle among citizens. He noted that the open-air gym would benefit people of all age groups, emphasizing that a healthy individual is better able to fulfill responsibilities towards both family and society. He also added that several other development projects are currently underway across the city.

Chandigarh Congress Committee President H.S. Lucky thanked MP Manish Tewari for fulfilling the long-pending demand of the residents of Sector 10. He said that good health is the right of every citizen and that the Congress Party has always stood for protecting the rights and welfare of the people.

Among those present on the occasion were included, S. Amarjit Singh Kahlon, Sandeep Varmani, Rajinder Kashyap, and a large number of local residents.

CHANDIGARH, July 25:

          In a major breakthrough against transnational organised crime amidst the ongoing Gangstran Te Vaar campaign launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab, in coordination with Overseas Fugitive Tracking and Extradition Cell (OFTEC) Punjab and Central Agencies, successfully secured the deportation of fugitive gangster Jobanjit Singh alias Joban Billa from Jakarta in Indonesia, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          The accused Joban Billa was detained in Indonesia on on July 20, 2026 and subsequently deported to India. He was taken into custody by the Punjab Police from Mumbai Airport and is being brought to Punjab for further investigation.

          “The operation marks the successful culmination of Operation Nomad Hunt—a six-month-long intelligence-led international manhunt involving sustained surveillance, strategic intelligence gathering and close coordination with national and international agencies,” said DGP Gaurav Yadav.

          The DGP said that accused Joban Billa has been wanted in multiple heinous criminal cases, including murder, attempt to murder, NDPS Act and Arms Act offences.

          As per the information, accused Joban Billa fled abroad on January 9, 2025, using a passport prepared on fake particulars of Gorakhpur resident. The passport was issued from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, on March 8, 2024.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that accused Joban Billa was evading arrest by operating across multiple countries. Joban was earlier hiding in United Arab Emirates (UAE) from where he travelled to Georgia and further from Georgia, he travelled to Indonesia.

          “Punjab Police had issued Red Corner Notice against accused Joban Billa and inputs regarding his fake passport and whereabouts were shared with central agencies at different intervals. In addition, five INTERPOL references were also issued,” he said, while adding that sustained and persistent efforts led to detention of accused in Indonesia.

           Pertinently, Operation Nomad Hunt has been executed under the close supervison of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban and led by Superintendent of Police (SP) AGTF/OFTEC Bikramjit Singh Brar.

          ADGP Promod Ban said that accused Joban Billa is wanted in four murder cases registered in Punjab including murder of Jarnail Singh at Village Sathiala Amritsar in May 2023, murder of Deepu Ajnala in January 2024, murder of 12-years-old boy Gursewak Singh in March 2025 and murder of Vicky Chugh in March 2025.

          Meanwhile, on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police has established OFTEC, headed by Inspector General of Police (IGP)  Ashish Choudhary, to reach out the criminals sitting abroad and expedite their extradition process to bring them back to Punjab to face legal action.

Chandigarh, July 25, 2026: Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon today hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive initiatives to restore public confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and strengthen the integrity of competitive examinations across the country. Tandon said, “The 

PM’s bold reforms to restore faith in competitive examinations is a welcome step.”

“The decision to establish fast-track courts for cases related to examination fraud sends a powerful message that there will be zero tolerance for those attempting to play with the future of our students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated that the interests of India’s youth remain at the heart of his governance,” Tandon said.He added that fast-track courts will ensure speedy prosecution of those involved in examination malpractices, this coupled with comprehensive reforms in the NTA, reflects the Prime Minister’s resolve to protect the future of India’s youth.

Tandon observed that honest students deserve an examination system that rewards merit alone.  “Every deserving candidate must compete on a level playing field without fear that dishonest elements will compromise the examination process. The reforms initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi are aimed precisely at creating such a robust, transparent and foolproof system,” he said.

Tandon urged students to remain focused on their preparations, assuring them that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to ensuring that merit, transparency and justice remain the guiding principles of every national-level examination.
Tandon noted that the Centre has acted with determination by initiating structural reforms, strengthening security protocols, improving accountability within the NTA and ensuring that those responsible for compromising examinations face swift legal consequences.

He further said that the government’s ongoing reforms including enhanced security mechanisms, institutional restructuring of the NTA, deployment of technology to improve transparency and measures to modernise the conduct of examinations will significantly strengthen the credibility of NEET-UG and all other national examinations conducted by the agency.

Chandigarh, July 25, 2026: Senior BJP leader and member of the party’s National Council Sanjay Tandon  reacting to the Education Minister’s resignation on the NEET issue said, “The Education Minister’s decision to resign shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to accountability, transparency and dignity of youth.” 
Tandon hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decisive initiatives to restore public confidence in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and strengthen the integrity of competitive examinations across the country. Tandon said, “The PM’s bold reforms to restore faith in competitive examinations is a welcome step.” 

“The decision to establish fast-track courts for cases related to examination fraud sends a powerful message that there will be zero tolerance for those attempting to play with the future of our students. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again demonstrated that the interests of India’s youth remain at the heart of his governance,” Tandon said.
He added that fast-track courts will ensure speedy prosecution of those involved in examination malpractices, this coupled with comprehensive reforms in the NTA, reflects the Prime Minister’s resolve to protect the future of India’s youth.
Tandon observed that honest students deserve an examination system that rewards merit alone.  “Every deserving candidate must compete on a level playing field without fear that dishonest elements will compromise the examination process. The reforms initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi are aimed precisely at creating such a robust, transparent and foolproof system,” he said.Tandon urged students to remain focused on their preparations, assuring them that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to ensuring that merit, transparency and justice remain the guiding principles of every national-level examination.
Tandon noted that the Centre has acted with determination by initiating structural reforms, strengthening security protocols, improving accountability within the NTA and ensuring that those responsible for compromising examinations face swift legal consequences.

He further said that the government’s ongoing reforms including enhanced security mechanisms, institutional restructuring of the NTA, deployment of technology to improve transparency and measures to modernise the conduct of examinations will significantly strengthen the credibility of NEET-UG and all other national examinations conducted by the agency.

Chandigarh

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh reacted to the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, stating that it marks a historic victory for the peaceful, democratic, and persistent struggle of students across the country. He said that in a democracy, the voice of the people and the rights of students cannot be suppressed indefinitely. The government’s eventual acceptance of accountability is the result of sustained public pressure and the students’ unwavering fight for truth and justice.

Rao Narendra Singh said that the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan is only the first step and does not, by itself, resolve the problems faced by students. He demanded that the Central Government conduct an impartial investigation into the irregularities in NEET, CBSE, and other competitive examinations, fix accountability for those responsible, take stringent action against the examination mafia, and ensure justice for all affected students.

He stated that the Congress Party has consistently fought for students’ rights, from the streets to Parliament. Students raised their voices with patience, discipline, and democratic determination, compelling the government to take this decision.

Rao Narendra Singh further said that Congress’ movement is not limited to the resignation of a single minister. The party’s objective is to build an education system that is transparent, credible, and accountable. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in the examination system, effective measures to curb corruption, and the establishment of a robust and transparent mechanism to prevent such incidents in the future. Congress will continue its struggle until every student receives justice and a fair examination system is guaranteed.

Quoting, “Defeat comes only when one accepts it; victory comes when one resolves to achieve it,” Rao Narendra Singh said that this victory is dedicated to the memory of the 21 sons and daughters who are no longer with us. It also belongs to the millions of young people across the country who ignited a new movement for accountability and reform in the education system. He added that this victory also reflects the determination and leadership of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who rose above politics to fight for the future of the nation’s youth through the “Students’ Echo” (Chhatron Ki Goonj) campaign, taking students’ concerns from the streets to Parliament and making them a national issue.

Rao Narendra Singh informed that the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has instructed all District Congress Committees (DCCs) to replace the previously planned candlelight marches and satyagrahas with “Victory Marches” at district headquarters today. These marches will be dedicated to the students’ struggle, the victory of democracy, and the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, whose persistent efforts compelled the government to become accountable.

He appealed to all District Congress Committees, frontal organisations, departments, cells, and Congress workers to participate in the Victory Marches in large numbers, stating that this is not merely a political programme but a celebration of the nation’s youth, the demand for educational reforms, and the triumph of democratic values.

CHANDIGARH: The 14th Saint Soldier Football Trophy concluded on a thrilling note at Saint Soldier International School, Sector 28-B, Chandigarh, after four days of exhilarating football, outstanding sportsmanship, and spirited competition. The much-awaited championship clash was played between St. John’s High School, Sector 26, and Saint Soldier International School, Sector 28. Both teams displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and determination, keeping the spectators engrossed throughout the match. The winner was eventually decided through a penalty shootout where St. John’s High School converted their first three spot-kicks through Tanish, Daksh, and Aryaveer. Jasgun scored for the host school. 

Chandigarh, 22 July 2026:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan today wrote demi official letter to Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi pertaining to ongoing erratic monsoon crisis in Rajasthan which has led to a severe drought-like situation affecting agriculture, crops and livestock across the state with particular distress reported from the semi-arid regions of Jaisalmer district & surrounding areas. As widely reported, the 2026 monsoon has been significantly delayed, resulting in one of the driest Junes in recent history across a large part of India.

He stated that Rajasthan, particularly the arid districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer have been hit disproportionately hard. Scanty rainfall over the past two years has led to acute fodder and water scarcity, threatening the survival of millions of livestock that depend on agriculture and animal husbandry for livelihoods. Jaisalmer normally sows across nearly 7,00,000 hectares during the kharif season, which reportedly fell to 1,00,000 hectares due to the sluggish progress of the monsoon. Livestock numbers are staggering in both districts, with many cattle already dying and villagers forced to abandon animals because they can not feed them. Pastoral communities and farmers are facing immense hardship due to the monsoon crisis.

He stressed that In desperation, Rajasthan’s farmers are approaching Punjab’s farmers to shelter their livestock temporarily for grazing and feeding. Historical precedents indicate that such migrations often occur during droughts. But now, such inter-state cattle movement may be misinterpreted as “cattle smuggling”, potentially exposing them to violent vigilantism or so called “mob lynching” incidents. This concern has gained national attention in recent years. This fear is paralysing humanitarian action. Farmers who want to help are holding back and livestock owners are trapped in a no-win situation- stay and watch their animals starve or leave them behind. Their cattle are not merely assets, they are central to identity, economy and survival in the desert.

The Central Government’s commendable initiatives for cow protection and conservation including schemes like the “Rashtriya Gokal Mission” and support for gaushalas have played a vital role in promoting indigenous cattle breeds and animal welfare across the country. Therefore, the Central Government must ensure the effective implementation of such schemes in coordination with the Rajasthan Government and the neighbouring state of Punjab. This will facilitate the timely delivery of relief and prevent any misinterpretation of livestock movement/migration as an illegal activity, thereby safeguarding livestock that form the backbone of the rural economy, he added.

Speaker Sandhwan requested the Central Government for personal attention to this urgent matter and look forward to immediate directives to the concerned ministers and administrations. A swift central intervention is crucial to prevent escalation of the crisis, protect vulnerable farming communities and maintain harmony.

Panchkula/Chandigarh.

In protest against the brutal and repressive action taken against peaceful demonstrators supporting the legitimate demands of students across the country, as well as the lathi-charge on protesters opposing examination paper leaks, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee on Wednesday laid siege to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) State Headquarters in Panchkula. The protest was also against the action taken against Indian National Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress MPs, party leaders, and students.

The protest was held under the guidance of Shri Sanjay Dutt, AICC In-charge for Haryana, and led by Rao Narendra Singh, President of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee. A large number of Congress leaders and workers participated in the demonstration. Raising slogans against the BJP government, the protesters condemned the injustice faced by students and the suppression of democratic rights. During the protest, the administration detained Congress leaders and workers and took them to the Moghi Nand Police Lines. The Congress leaders continued raising slogans inside the police premises.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Dutt said that instead of answering serious questions concerning the future of students, the Central Government has chosen the path of repression and arrests. He said that the lathi-charge on a peaceful movement is a direct assault on democratic values, which the Congress Party will never accept.

He demanded that:

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign immediately.

Parliament should immediately hold a discussion on the issue of paper leaks and examination irregularities.

All FIRs and criminal cases registered against students and protesters should be withdrawn without delay.

He asserted that Congress will continue its struggle for justice for students, a transparent examination system, and the protection of democratic rights.

HPCC President Rao Narendra Singh said that the BJP government is under the illusion that students’ voices can be silenced through lathi-charges, arrests, and repression. In reality, he said, the spark of this movement is set to grow into a nationwide wave of public anger.

He stated that the BJP will inevitably face the political consequences of its anti-people policies and actions. Public resentment among youth, students, and ordinary citizens is steadily increasing, and this democratic awakening will defeat the politics of arrogance and authoritarianism.

Rao Narendra Singh further said that the Congress Party will continue its struggle—from the streets to Parliament—to safeguard students’ rights, ensure a fair and transparent examination system, and protect democracy. He added that every repressive action by the BJP government would be met through democratic means.

Among those present during the protest were Chander Mohan, Aftab Ahmed, Bharat Bhushan Batra, Geeta Bhukkal, Parmveer Singh, Indu Raj Narwal, Chander Prakash, Balram Dangi, Jassi Petwad, Devender Hans, Gokul Setia, all MLAs, former MLAs Pradeep Chaudhary, Arjun Singh and Lahri Singh, Panchkula DCC President Sanjay Chauhan, Ambala Rural President Dushyant Chauhan, Ambala Urban President Pawan Aggarwal, Ambala Cantonment President Parvinder Pari, Yamunanagar Rural President Narpal Singh, Yamunanagar Urban President Devender Singh, Jind President Rishipal, Ravinder Rawal, office-bearers of frontal organisations and departments, and hundreds of Congress workers.

Chandigarh, July 22: The Haryana Government has approved a series of major initiatives to further strengthen child protection, healthcare and rehabilitation services under Mission Vatsalya. The State-Level Monitoring Committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, approved the proposal to extend Ayushman Bharat health coverage to all eligible children residing in these institutions. The committee also reviewed and approved measures to strengthen specialised healthcare, bridge education, vocational training, adoption services, sports activities, legal support, institutional infrastructure and inter-departmental coordination to ensure holistic care, protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable children across Haryana.

Chairing the meeting, the Chief Secretary said Mission Vatsalya is creating a comprehensive child protection ecosystem that integrates healthcare, education, counselling, rehabilitation, legal assistance and social reintegration for children in need of care and protection as well as children in conflict with law. He emphasised coordinated action among all stakeholder departments to ensure timely delivery of child welfare services.

To further strengthen healthcare services, the committee decided that Ayushman Bharat cards would be issued to all eligible children residing in Child Care Institutions, ensuring timely access to quality healthcare and financial protection for medical treatment. The committee also decided that specialised quarterly health check-ups under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) will be conducted in all Child Care Institutions, covering dental, ENT, skin and other specialised medical interventions. The Health Department was directed to ensure expeditious preparation of Medical Examination Reports (MERs) to facilitate timely adoption of children, particularly those with special needs.

The committee also emphasised timely issuance of Non-Claimant Certificates (NCCs) by the police and regular updating of child-related information on the Mission Vatsalya portal to expedite adoption procedures and improve monitoring of children requiring care and protection.

Recognising education as an essential pillar of rehabilitation, the committee reviewed measures to strengthen bridge education in Observation Homes, Special Homes and Places of Safety by ensuring the availability of qualified teachers. It also decided to expand skill development and vocational training programmes to equip children with employable skills and improve their future livelihood opportunities. Vocational courses, including CCTV repair and tailoring, are already being conducted for children in institutional care.

A key proposal discussed during the meeting was to collaborate with the State Institute of Mental Health, Haryana, for deploying psychologists in Child Care Institutions across the state. The committee also reviewed measures to strengthen the functioning of Special Juvenile Police Units (SJPUs) by ensuring continuity of trained Child Welfare Police Officers and improving support for tracing families of children belonging to other districts and states. It also stressed better coordination among the Home Department, Women and Child Development Department, Police and other agencies for effective implementation of child protection laws.

To strengthen rehabilitation and positive engagement of children in Child Care Institutions, structured and regular sports and physical activities shall also be organised to channelize their energy constructively and promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and emotional well-being.

Reviewing infrastructure development, the Chief Secretary took stock of the Integrated Child Care Complex being developed at Hisar, comprising an Observation Home, Special Home and Place of Safety with a capacity of 50 children in each unit. The committee also reviewed staffing requirements for the new complex and existing institutions to ensure quality care and efficient management.

The meeting further emphasised strengthening free legal aid for children in conflict with law and improving coordination between the Prosecution Department and District Child Protection Units to ensure timely legal assistance and better monitoring of POCSO cases across the state.

Commissioner & Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi informed that Haryana has established a robust institutional framework under Mission Vatsalya with 22 Child Welfare Committees, 22 Juvenile Justice Boards, 56 Child Care Institutions for Children in Need of Care and Protection and seven institutions for Children in Conflict with Law. The state has also organised 641 awareness camps on Mission Vatsalya and the POCSO Act till June 2026, benefiting 37,136 children through awareness programmes on child rights, legal safeguards, online safety and prevention of abuse.

Director, Women & Child Development Department, Dr. Priyanka Soni highlighted the progress of Haryana’s flagship child welfare initiatives, including the Harihar Policy, which provides employment, educational and financial support to eligible abandoned and surrendered children after they attain adulthood, and the Mukhya Mantri Bal Sewa Yojana, which continues to support children who lost parents or guardians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Chief Secretary reiterated the Haryana Government’s commitment to building a responsive, inclusive and child-centric protection system by strengthening healthcare, education, counselling, legal support, skill development and institutional infrastructure so that every vulnerable child receives the care, protection and opportunities needed for a secure and dignified future.

Chandigarh , July 22- The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has intensified flood mitigation works on Sheetla Mata Road by strengthening the drainage network and expediting restoration works to improve stormwater evacuation along one of the city’s most waterlogging-prone corridors.

Divulging more details in this regard, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  GMDA, Sh.  P.C. Meena said that the 900-metre-long surface drain from Sheetla Mata Mandir towards Bhagat Singh Chowk, located on the right-hand side in front of the temple, has been completely desilted and restored. The drain, which was heavily choked with silt, debris and other obstructions, has now been made fully functional. It has been connected with the master stormwater drain, enabling faster and more efficient discharge of rainwater.

He further said that the master stormwater drain on the left-hand side of the road leading towards Sheetla Mata Mandir was full of silt and completely blocked. It has been made operational after the removal of accumulated silt, debris and other blockages that were restricting the free flow of stormwater. To further strengthen the drainage network here, new road gullies are being constructed at identified locations to create additional inlet points, allowing rainwater from the carriageway to enter the drainage system directly for quicker runoff.

Sh. P.C. Meena added that the GMDA is also undertaking drainage strengthening works along the nearly 800-metre stretch between Atul Kataria Chowk and Sheetla Mata Mandir. Earlier cleaning of this section was hampered due to numerous unauthorised sewer connections from Rajeev Nagar and other nearby habitation, which has resulted in discharging sewage into the stormwater drain. Due to heavy silt deposit in the storm water drain, the carrying capacity of the master drain was substantially reduced . Now, GMDA teams are disconnecting these illegal sewer connections, carrying out desilting operations and restoring the surface drain to improve connectivity with the master stormwater drainage network and ensure efficient stormwater channelisation.

Talking about the measures being taken to minimise waterlogging along Sheetla Mata Road, he said that to provide immediate relief during the ongoing monsoon season, two tractor-mounted pump sets have been deployed at the site for rapid evacuation of accumulated rainwater and to prevent prolonged waterlogging. The remaining drainage restoration works are being taken up on priority and are expected to further improve the stormwater carrying capacity of the Sheetla Mata Road drainage network. This will help in solving the recurring waterlogging problem along this important road stretch.