Chandigarh, October 24: Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the historic land of Rakhigarhi represents India’s ancient civilisation, knowledge, skills and rich cultural heritage. The archaeological remains discovered here provide insights into human life and an advanced urban system dating back thousands of years. Preserving this heritage and bringing its historical significance to national and international attention is the collective responsibility of all, he said.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar was addressing an international conference organised as part of the International Rakhigarhi Festival at Rakhigarhi village in the Hansi district on Saturday.

Welcoming historians, archaeologists, academicians, administrative officers and other dignitaries from across the country, as well as those participating from abroad through video conferencing, he said such events provide experts with an opportunity to share their research and experiences. This helps promote a broader understanding of Rakhigarhi’s historical significance and spread awareness about its heritage.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar further said that Haryana’s identity is rooted not only in agriculture, sports and the contribution of its soldiers to the service of the nation, but also in its rich folk culture and historical heritage. The state’s ragini traditions, folk songs, traditional cuisine and rural lifestyle reflect its distinctive cultural identity. Rakhigarhi is an important part of this heritage, and continuous efforts should be made to establish its recognition at the national and international levels.

He urged young people to remain connected to their cultural roots while advancing in modern education, science, technology and innovation. He said students should visit historical sites such as Rakhigarhi so that they can better understand the history they study in books through archaeological evidence.

At the international conference, CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Chairman of the Haryana Traders Welfare Board Sh. Rajesh Thakral, Chairman of the Haryana Warehousing Corporation Sh. Ramkishan, archaeologist Dr. Kuldeep Agnihotri and several other scholars shared their views and highlighted the significance of Rakhigarhi.

Earlier, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar visited the exhibition stalls set up by various departments and industries.

Assembly Deputy Speaker Sh. Krishan Lal Middha Also Visits the Festival

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Sh. Krishan Lal Middha also attended the International Rakhigarhi Festival. During his visit, he explored an exhibition featuring ancient artefacts of the Harappan civilisation recovered during excavations at Rakhigarhi. He also visited stalls set up by various departments, self-help groups and entrepreneurs to learn about the products and activities on display.

Interacting with stall operators, he said the attractive exhibition of indigenous products at the festival was playing an important role in realising Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting the adoption of indigenous products. Such events provide a valuable platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs and self-help groups to promote and sell their products.

CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti Also Shares His Views

OSD to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, said the state government was working in a planned manner to establish Rakhigarhi on the global tourism map and develop it as a major centre for ancient civilisation and heritage tourism.

Rakhigarhi is an important archaeological site of the Harappan civilisation, and special attention is being given to its conservation, expansion of basic infrastructure and tourism development to enhance its historical and cultural recognition at the national and international levels.

He said the seven-day International Rakhigarhi Festival was being organised with the objective of bringing history, archaeology, art, culture and public participation together on a common platform.

Former Deccan University Vice-Chancellor Appreciates the Festival

Former Vice-Chancellor of Deccan University and renowned archaeologist Dr. Vasant Shinde appreciated the organisation of the International Rakhigarhi Festival while addressing a press conference at Rakhigarhi during the event.

He said the Saraswati-Sindhu civilisation was among the world’s oldest civilisations, with evidence suggesting that it dates back approximately 8,000 years. From the early development of urban life to social organisation and cultural traditions, this civilisation has made a significant contribution to human history.

He added that several aspects of the lifestyle and traditions of the people of the Harappan civilisation continue to be reflected in society even today.

Chandigarh, October 24: The High-Powered Works Purchase Committee (HPWPC), chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, approved development works with a total negotiated value of ₹219.91 crore during its meeting held in Chandigarh today. Through negotiations, the state government achieved savings of ₹18.81 crore against the quoted amount of ₹233.68 crore, ensuring economical utilisation of public funds. Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goel was also present in the meeting.

The approved Urban Local Bodies projects cover municipal solid waste management, road construction and repair, water supply, sewerage, drainage, street lighting, green belts, parks and other urban infrastructure across the state. Of the 13 Agendas presented in the meeting, 11 were passed while two were deferred.

The committee approved ₹18.70 crore for processing daily generated municipal solid waste in the Narnaul cluster, covering Narnaul, Mahendragarh, Kanina, Nangal Chaudhary and Ateli Mandi. The municipal solid waste processing project in Gurugram was approved at a negotiated cost of ₹38.79 crore, while a similar project at Partapgarh village in Faridabad was approved for ₹17.14 crore.

The committee also approved project for shifting of milk dairies in Hisar. It also approved a project for the upgradation, repair and maintenance of green belts and parks, including parks in newly approved colonies and parks for persons with special abilities.

A banquet hall in Ward No. 20 of Municipal Corporation Panipat was approved at a cost of ₹17.94 crore. The construction of a model road from Agra Chowk to the end of Shardhanand Park on both sides in Palwal was approved at ₹9.28 crore.

The committee also approved construction of an office building for Municipal Corporation Faridabad at Ballabgarh. Works for the augmentation of water supply, sewerage, drainage and street lighting in Sihi village, Ward No. 39, Faridabad, were approved at ₹17.77 crore. Similar works in Bhudena village, Ward No. 35, Faridabad, were approved at ₹13.85 crore.

The rebuilding and repair of road carpeting in Sirsa city, where roads had been dug up for laying a stormwater drainage system, was approved at a negotiated cost of ₹13.29 crore.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the quality of development works and their timely completion are the top priorities of the state government. He directed the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure that all projects are completed within the stipulated time frame without compromising on quality.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Yash Pal, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Shimla: “Osteoporosis can affect a person’s mobility and independence, particularly when fractures involve the hip, spine or wrist. Recognizing risk factors and taking steps to protect bone health can help reduce the impact of the condition.”
Dr. Tarandeep Singh Gill, director–orthopaedics & joint replacement at Max Hospital, Mohali said, “Osteoporosis occurs when bones become less dense and structurally weaker, making them more likely to break. While bone density naturally changes with age, osteoporosis involves a greater loss of bone strength than expected.”
The risk of osteoporosis increases with age, particularly after menopause in women. However, it can affect both men and women, Dr Gill informed.

“Other factors that may increase the risk include; previous fractures following minor trauma, family history of osteoporosis or hip fractures, low body weight, lack of physical activity, inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may also increase the risk.”

Talking about improving bone health, Dr. Gill, said that bone health is influenced by nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle and overall health. Some measures that can support healthy bones include: consuming adequate calcium and vitamin D as advised by a healthcare professional, taking part in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening activities, maintaining a healthy body weight and taking steps to prevent falls, particularly among older adults
Although ageing is an important risk factor, osteoporosis should not be considered an unavoidable part of growing older. Bone health deserves attention throughout life, particularly when risk factors are present.
Early assessment can help identify people at increased risk and provide an opportunity to take appropriate measures to protect bone strength, said Dr. Gill

Chandigarh:

“Donor families display extraordinary courage when, amid profound grief, they decide to give others the gift of life. Their sacrifice is the foundation of this movement, and we must acknowledge them with the deepest gratitude,” said Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh, while addressing as Chief Guest at the CONTINUUM – The Continuity of Life as Chief Guest. The CME-cum-training programme was organised by ROTTO North in association with the Department of Hospital Administration at the APC Auditorium, PGIMER, today.

Paying heartfelt tribute to donor families, Prof. Lal highlighted the importance of coordinated teamwork among clinicians, nursing officers and transplant coordinators in advancing transplantation services. Emphasising the need to transform organ donation into a wider societal movement, Director PGIMER said, “We must take this movement beyond hospital walls and engage communities, including villages and panchayats, to build greater awareness and encourage organ donation.”

Prof. Lal further observed that transplant coordinators are indispensable to the donation process and that strong collaboration among healthcare teams has been central to PGIMER’s achievements in transplantation. He called for sustained efforts to strengthen awareness and ensure that the generosity of donor families translates into more lives saved.

Prof. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, Chandigarh, as Guest of Honour on the occasion emphasised that organ donation must be treated as a collective institutional responsibility rather than the task of any single department. Highlighting the complexities of deceased organ donation, Prof. Ashok Kumar said, “Timely identification of potential donors, brain-stem death certification, seamless interdepartmental coordination and sensitive communication with grieving families are critical to a successful donation pathway. A systematic approach and collective efforts are essential to improve donor conversion and strengthen the donation process.”

Reinforcing the programme’s focus on translating knowledge into action, Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, said, “Through CONTINUUM, we aim to strengthen the preparedness of resident doctors and nursing officers and translate knowledge into action. We envision monthly training programmes to foster continuous learning and build a sustainable culture of deceased organ donation at PGIMER.”

A key highlight of the programme was the felicitation of the family of Surinder Kaur, a young organ donor, in recognition of their courageous decision to give others the gift of life amid profound personal grief. Their presence served as a poignant reminder that organ donation can transform loss into hope and offer a second chance to patients awaiting transplantation.

Sharing the family’s sentiments, Jaspal Singh, Surinder Kaur’s uncle, said, “Losing a loved one is an irreplaceable loss, but knowing that her organs could help others live has given our grief a deeper meaning. We hope her gift inspires more families to choose organ donation and allows their loved ones’ lives to continue through others.”

Adding a deeply moving cultural dimension, students from the Institute for the Blind presented a special tribute dedicated to organ donation, conveying a powerful message of empathy, humanity and the enduring impact of giving life to others. The performance brought together the spirit of service and the message that the gift of life transcends barriers.

The programme also witnessed the unveiling of a training compendium on organ donation, marking an important step towards structured learning and capacity-building among healthcare professionals.

The event was attended by heads of departments, senior faculty members, resident doctors, nursing officers and other hospital staff, reflecting the multidisciplinary commitment essential to strengthening donor identification, certification, and coordination and transplantation outcomes.

The inaugural session was followed by scientific sessions featuring experts from PGIMER’s clinical and academic departments, covering critical aspects of deceased organ donation and transplantation.

Prof. Rajesh Chhabra, Head, Department of Neurosurgery, spoke on Prognostication and Potential Donor Identification, while Prof. Ashish Sharma, Head, Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, addressed From Donor to Recipient: Evolution, Allocation and Transplantation. Prof. Y.S. Bansal, Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, discussed the Medico-Legal and Ethical Aspects of organ donation, and Prof. Kajal Jain, Head, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, delivered a session on Donor Optimisation.

Dr. Aastha Takkar Kapila, Additional Professor, Department of Neurology, discussed Brain-Stem Death: Diagnosis and Certification, highlighting a crucial component of the deceased organ donation pathway.

The session on Organ Donation and Transplantation in India was delivered by Dr. Vijay Tadia, Nodal Officer, ROTTO North, and Transplant Coordinators Dr. Navdeep Bansal and Dr. Parul Gupta, addressed Hospital Donation Pathway and Workflow and Creating an Enabling Environment for Organ Donation: The Resident’s Role and respectively.

Expressing gratitude on the occasion, Ms. Saryu D. Madra, Consultant (IEC/Media), ROTTO North, PGIMER, said, “Organ donation is not merely a medical process; it is a profound expression of humanity that transforms grief into hope and gives others a second chance at life. Through collective commitment, awareness and compassion, we can ensure that the legacy of every donor continues to live on through the lives they help save.”

The programme was smoothly conducted by Dr. Kamaljeet Deswal and Dr. Parul Gupta who served as Masters of Ceremony, ensuring a seamless flow of proceedings.

The ROTTO North team played a key role in coordinating and facilitating CONTINUUM, bringing together clinical experts, transplant coordinators and frontline healthcare professionals to strengthen knowledge, collaboration and preparedness for deceased organ donation.

Chandigarh:

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan on Friday reviewed the preparations for the Janpratinidhi Sammelan at a meeting with officials of the Haryana Government and the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. The conference will be held on November 2 at Indradhanush Auditorium in Panchkula. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural session, while Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh will grace the concluding session as the Chief Guest. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, along with all serving and former MLAs of the state, will attend the conference.

The meeting, held at the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, discussed arrangements at the venue, hospitality for guests and participants, registration, reception, traffic management and publicity, among other logistical aspects.

Harvinder Kalyan said the conference was being organised to raise public awareness about constitutional values and strengthen the parliamentary system and democratic values.

It may be noted that the Haryana Vidhan Sabha will launch Constitution Fortnight on November 2. Various programmes focusing on the Constitution, parliamentary system and democratic traditions will be organised in collaboration with the Lok Sabha. The Public Representatives’ Conference is an important part of this initiative.

IAS officer Mukul Kumar, Haryana Government nodal officer Yogesh Kumar, Vidhan Sabha Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Dahiya, Speaker’s Advisor Ram Narayan Yadav and several other senior officials were present at the meeting.

Chandigarh, October 23 – Haryana’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking resulted in property attachments worth ₹19.52 crore and 6,824 arrests from January to September 2026. These details were highlighted at the 14th state-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today.

The Chief Secretary reviewed enforcement progress and measures to strengthen prosecution, financial investigation and rehabilitation. The meeting also reviewed departmental action under the National Roadmap on Narcotics Control, 2026–29, and follow-up measures arising from the previous state-level NCORD meeting.

ADGP, Haryana State Narcotic Control Bureau (HSNCB), Sh. Sanjay Kumar informed that the value of attached property increased nearly 230%, from ₹5.92 crore in January–September 2025 to ₹19.52 crore in the same period of 2026. The number of individuals whose property was attached rose by 108.97%, from 78 to 163.

These figures highlight Haryana’s increased focus on identifying and targeting financial assets linked to drug trafficking. The state has set a property-attachment target of ₹30 crore by December 2026, with properties worth ₹15.09 crore currently under consideration by the Competent Authority in Delhi.

The ADGP informed that enforcement activity increased during the nine-month period. FIRs registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act rose by 39.93%, from 2,722 to 3,809. Arrests increased by 26.53%, from 5,393 to 6,824, while cases involving commercial quantities rose by 9.83%, from 346 to 380.

Heroin seizures nearly doubled, increasing by 96.16% from 43.176 kg to 84.695 kg. Opium recoveries rose by 82.69%, from 235.550 kg to 430.3 kg. Cocaine seizures increased by 194.47% to approximately 2.96 kg, while MD/MDMA recoveries rose by 235.51% to approximately 1.76 kg.

The review noted improved prosecution outcomes alongside increased enforcement. The conviction rate rose from 53.33% to 58.34%, a gain of 5.01 percentage points and a relative increase of 9.39%.

To strengthen the handling of key cases, 50 NDPS cases have been identified for close monitoring with the Directorate of Prosecution. One case resulted in a conviction with 14 years’ imprisonment and a ₹2 lakh fine.

Officials reported that 12 drug cartels have been identified across Haryana and operations to dismantle them are underway. Authorities have identified 29 fugitives. Two Blue Corner Notices and one Red Corner Notice have been issued, and the matter has been taken up with the Narcotics Control Bureau in Delhi. Districts have been directed to initiate lookout notices and passport revocation proceedings.

Since 2022, 163 habitual drug offenders have been placed under preventive detention. District-wise targets have been set to achieve the state’s goal of 70 preventive detentions during January 2026 to March 2027.

The review addressed measures to improve the quality and reach of investigations. A specialised investigation and financial investigation cell has been established at Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau headquarters. Four training courses have trained 139 police personnel, and instructions requiring financial investigation in all commercial-quantity cases have been reiterated.

A dedicated cell to address drug-related activity involving the darknet, cryptocurrency, and social media is being developed at HSNCB. A cyber expert has served as a consultant since July 2026.

Station House Officers, police post in-charges, and patrolling personnel have been briefed on identifying clandestine synthetic drug laboratories. The Narcotics Control Bureau’s Red Flag Indicators have been displayed at police stations and Superintendent of Police offices to assist detection.

A joint meeting of HSNCB, the Narcotics Control Bureau, and the Excise and Taxation Department on October 13 agreed to prepare a standard operating procedure for precursor-chemical monitoring. Details of firms holding URNs have been shared and verified by the Excise and Taxation Department.

The FDA has prepared a draft procedure for inspecting CCTV systems in chemist shops and verifying the retrieval of footage. The draft Haryana Anti-Narcotics Reward Policy, 2026, covering informers and enforcement personnel, has been forwarded to the Director General of Police for approval.

The meeting also reviewed proposals to improve treatment and rehabilitation. These include bringing all 127 de-addiction centres in Haryana under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, registration framework;

Proposals for additional scientific manpower and notification of service rules for Group C staff in the forensic NDPS division were discussed to strengthen laboratory capacity and support timely submission of drug examination reports to trial courts.

Additional Chief Secretaries (ACS), Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Dr. G Anupama, Sh. AK Singh, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Administration and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a structured system for depositing and managing tax receipts, including the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST). The arrangement aims to improve the monitoring and reconciliation of tax collections and provide a more organised process for managing government receipts. The MoU was signed by Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner-cum-Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Chandigarh, on behalf of the Chandigarh Administration, and Sivakumar Bose, Chief General Manager, Department of Government and Bank Accounts, RBI. Officials from the Excise and Taxation Department and the RBI were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh:

Today morning, a Commemoration Parade was organized at the Ground of Police Station, Sector-17 Chandigarh in the memory of Police martyrs. Every year, 21st October is the day of remembrance of the martyred companions who laid down their lives during obligation of their duties. Central Police Organizations and State Police observe this day in the form of Martyrdom Day.

Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS, Director General of Police, UT, Chandigarh along with other police officers paid homageto their departed colleagues at the Martyrs Memorial Site. The family members of the slain martyrs were present on this occasion. Last year from 1st September 2025 to 31^stAugust 2026 total 154 Police Officers and Police Personnel from paramilitary police forces and police organizations have set exemplary example before their colleagues by sacrificing their lives during duty. At the end a two-minute silence prayer was held in memory of martyrs of Chandigarh police.

This year the number of Officers and Jawans who laid down their lives during duty is as under:-

Andhra Pradesh (01), Arunachal Pardesh (01), Assam (06), Bihar (12), Chattisgarh (06), Gujrat (02), Haryana (04), Jharkhand (03), Kerala (01), Karnatka (05) Madhya Pardesh (09), Maharashtra (02), Manipur (01), Punjab (02), Rajasthan (05),  Tamil Nadu (06), Telangana (04), Uttar Pardesh (06), Uttarkhand (01), West Bangal (05), Delhi (03), Jammu & Kashmir (09), Assam Rifles (06),  BSF (25), CISF (04), CRPF (02), FS, CD & HG (01), RPF (08),  SSB (05) ITBP (09). The history of commemoration day traces back to October 21, 1959, when a police party of the Indian police force was deployedtodefend national frontiers inthe Ladakh region. The same was attacked by Chinese troops hidden by forming ambush in hills and 10CRPF jawans were killed. Since then,this day is celebratedas Martyrdom Day at Central Police Organizations and Police Forces in remembrance of countless sacrifice of martyr companions.

Tribute to 10 Martyrs of Chandigarh Police

        Chandigarh Police since its inception in the year 1966, is being striving very hard to provide an efficient, law abiding and responsive law enforcement machinery.  In this attempt our 10 fellow policemen Insp. Jagjit Singh, Insp. Sucha Singh, SI Amarjit Singh, ASI Amarjit Singh, ASI Lalu Ram, ASI Amin Chand, Head Constable Sukhjinder Singh, Constable Shamsher Singh, Constable Sukhdarshan Singh and HGV Rajesh Kumar have laid down their lives while discharging their duties. Remembering the brave souls on the occasion, the highlights of sacrifice made by the slain martyrs in the line of duty is as under:

Late Jagjit Singh, Inspector joined Chandigarh Police as ASI on May 6, 1972.  While posted as SHO/PS-39, on 17 July, 1988, he led a raid at a residence in sector-45, where some terrorists, armed with sophisticated weapons, were taking shelter.  Exhibiting exemplary courage and leadership, he broke open the door and rushed inside the house.  In this encounter three terrorists were killed.  Insp. Jagjit Singh also received fatal bullet injuries and was martyred on the spot.

Late Amarjit Singh, ASI joined Chandigarh Police on July 26, 1976.  On December 8, 1989, while he was posted in the Police Post-36, he was ambushed and martyred on the patrolling duty near village Kajheri by two terrorists riding a motorcycle.

Late Lalu Ram, ASI joined as a constable in Punjab Police on 29 June, 1976 and joined Chandigarh Police on deputation on 30 May, 1978.  On August 29, 1991, while he was posted as PSO to SSP/Chandigarh, some terrorists laid an explosive trap which blasted the SSP’s car.  ASI Lalu Ram was martyred on the spot.

Late Amin Chand, ASI joined the Chandigarh Police as constable on June 4^th, 1981.  He was martyred on August 29, 1991 in a bomb blast by some terrorists, while he was posted as driver with then SSP, Sh. SS Saini.

Amarjit Singh, SI joined Punjab Police as Constable on 25.05.1973 and joined Chandigarh Police on deputation.  On February 25, 1992, SI Amarjit Singh along with other police officials was escorting under trial terrorists to PGI, Chandigarh for their treatment, some unidentified attacked the police party. Late SI Amarjit Singh bravely fought the terrorist till he martyr.

Late Sucha Singh, Inspector joined Chandigarh Police as Constable on April 30, 1976.  While posted in the traffic wing of the Chandigarh Police, he was on the night checking duty in the area of sub-division central on the night intervening of June 8/9, 2013.  During checking he questioned one suspicious couple sitting near the district court, sector-17, Chandigarh.  During the process, the accused stabbed him multiple times due to which he was martyred. Inspector Sucha Singh sacrificed his life valiantly so that others could live safely.

Late Sukhjinder Singh, Head Constable joined ChandigarhPolice as Constable on 15.03.2005. While posted in PO & Summon staff of the Chandigarh Police, he was departure for execution of Summon/warrants in Distt. Aamritsar (Pb) and met with accident near Village Dheriwal, Town-Kharchia and get serious injuries.  Later on, he lost his life in January 2025.

Late Shamsher Singh, Constable joined Chandigarh Police as constable on 21.04.1986. While posted in Police Station, Sector-11, Chandigarh and after performed his duty when he reached his home, he was shoot by the militants and he laid down his life in service of the nation on 25.01.1991.

Late Sukhdarshan Singh, Constable joined Chandigarh Police as constable on10.05.2010.  While posted in Police Station-31, Chandigarh he was on the night checking duty at Zirakpur Barrier alongwith Vol. Sukhdarshan on 13.03.2025, when a high speed car rammed into the naka. He alongwith Home Guard Volunteer Rajesh Kumar was martyred in line of duty.

Late Rajesh Kumar, HGV, joined as a volunteer in Chandigarh Home Guard on09.03.2000.While posted in Police Station-31, Chandigarh he was on the night checking duty at Zirakpur Barrier along with Constable Sukhdarshan on 13.03.2025, when a high speed car rammed into the naka. He along with Constable Sukhdarshan was martyred in line of duty.

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said the State Government stands firmly with power employees and will strongly represent their case before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) against HERC’s decision to grant a private company a licence to supply electricity in Gurugram and Nuh.
He said the Government is ready to engage lawyers trusted by the power unions to pursue the case. Reiterating that the Government’s doors are always open for dialogue, he appealed to the unions to defer their strike in the public interest.
The Chief Minister was chairing a key review meeting with Administrative Secretaries at the Haryana Civil Secretariat to assess arrangements for the three-day statewide strike called by the Haryana Power Employees and Engineers Joint Struggle Front.
The Chief Minister said that the Government, along with the power unions, has opposed HERC’s decision to allow a private company to supply electricity in Gurugram and Nuh from the outset. In keeping with the demand of the power employee unions, the Government has decided to challenge the decision before APTEL. He reiterated that the Government stands firmly with power employees on this issue and its doors are always open for talks. He told the unions that, if they so wished, the Government was prepared to pursue the case through lawyers of their choice. The Chief Minister appealed to the power unions to defer the strike in the public interest.
The Chief Minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the public does not face any inconvenience during the three-day statewide strike called by the Power Employees and Engineers Joint Struggle Front. He said that all departments must work proactively to prevent any disruption during the strike and ensure that no power installation is damaged. He also directed that drones be deployed to monitor sensitive installations.
He said that adequate police personnel should be deployed in all districts as required to prevent antisocial elements from creating disturbances under the cover of the strike. He added that Deputy Commissioners could also enlist technical staff working in different departments, employees working in industries and final-year students of polytechnic colleges and ITIs to help maintain smooth power supply. However, they must be provided with safety kits before being assigned work, and all safety measures must be followed.

Saini directed all Deputy Commissioners to constitute district-level committees to submit regular reports to the high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary in Chandigarh. Deputy Commissioners should remain in contact with headquarters through hotline numbers, while separate control room numbers should be publicised to receive complaints from the public.
The Chief Minister said that disturbances under the cover of the power employee unions’ strike would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Strict legal action would be taken against any antisocial element attempting to damage a power station or power grid, as such acts would amount to a waste of public money, which the Government would not tolerate.