Ambala: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Friday urged the government to handle the situation at the historic Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib in Ambala with impartiality and sensitive manner. He stated that this is a sensitive matter which should be resolved through mutual dialogue, restraint, and goodwill, rather than through the use of police force, lathi-charges, or legal cases. Hooda remarked that this government often fails to act with promptness and seriousness, instead allowing law-and-order issues to take on caste or communal overtones. He alleged that the confrontation at the Gurudwara was deliberately allowed to drag on, and the government took unilateral action without grasping the gravity of the situation.

“Many members of the Sikh Sangat (congregation) and police personnel were injured during the protests, and reports of damage to vehicles also emerged. However, instead of escalating this conflict further, the BJP government should now withdraw the cases registered against the Sikh Sangat, members of the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, and farmers,” he stated.

Regarding the tragic incident where a person was crushed under a vehicle, the administration failed to take legal action against the vehicle’s occupant and the driver at the time. “Instead of engaging in a detailed, face-to-face dialogue with the protesters, force was used against them. Consequently, the issue continued to escalate, creating a tense atmosphere stretching from Haryana to Punjab,” he added.

Hooda noted that the Congress party had established a separate Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee for Haryana to prevent conflicts within Gurudwaras and to restore trust among the Sikh Sangat. This move had resolved various disputes and put an end to incidents of confrontation within the Gurudwaras.

Chandigarh, August 14

Under the leadership Justice Deepak Sibal, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Haryana State Legal Services Authority (HALSA), a State-wide Mega Tree Plantation Drive undertaken by this Authority, in collaboration with the Forest Department, Haryana, concluded successfully with the plantation of an impressive 15,17,985 trees across the State. The plantation drive was launched on the occasion of World Environment Day by Justice Deepak Sibal with the objective of promoting environmental conservation and strengthening public participation in the protection of the environment. The campaign had initially envisaged plantation of approximately 15 lakh trees across Haryana during the monsoon season. The target was not only achieved but surpassed, with 15,17,985 trees planted across the State.

Justice Sibal emphasized the vital importance of environmental conservation and highlighted the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in creating a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come. He underscored that the success of a plantation drive cannot be measured merely by the number of saplings planted; rather, their protection, maintenance and nurturing are equally essential to ensure their healthy growth and long-term survival.  It was further emphasized that the plantation targets fixed by the District Legal Services Authorities should be realistic, achievable and commensurate with the availability of adequate arrangements for the protection, maintenance and regular care of the planted saplings, so as to ensure that the plantation efforts translate into sustainable and lasting environmental benefits.

Under the initiative, all the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) of Haryana undertook plantation activities in Court Complexes, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centres, Judicial Residential Complexes and other suitable public places, in coordination with the Forest Department and other stakeholders. Emphasis was laid on planting indigenous, medicinal, fruit-bearing and shade-giving species, along with ensuring proper care, protection and maintenance of the saplings for their long-term survival.

The successful completion of the drive reflects the concerted efforts of the DLSAs, judicial officers, staff, Forest Department officials, volunteers and other stakeholders who contributed towards making the campaign a State-wide environmental movement.

The achievement of planting 15,17,985 trees across Haryana marks a significant milestone in HALSA’s commitment towards environmental protection and demonstrates the potential of coordinated institutional efforts in addressing issues of ecological sustainability and public welfare.

Chandigarh

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narender Singh launched a scathing attack on the BJP government over the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN), alleging that the corporation, which was established in the name of providing employment to youth, dignity to employees and freedom from the contract system, has today become a means of temporary employment, insecurity and exploitation.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Rao Narender Singh said that after the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam was established in 2021 and began functioning in 2022, the government made tall claims. The government had promised “equal pay for equal work,” an end to the contract system and better facilities for employees, but the ground reality is completely different.
He said that in its 2024 election manifesto, the government claimed to provide around 1.20 lakh jobs, but the actual employment figures raise serious questions over these claims. By February 2026, around 14.63 lakh youth had registered with HKRN, while only 1.13 lakh people had been deployed. Of these, 97,051 were employees who were already working. Therefore, the actual number of new jobs being created is extremely low compared with the employment figures being projected by the government.

Rao Narender Singh said that the number of new deployments was only 7,367 in 2024, 1,034 in 2025 and just 66 so far in 2026. These figures clearly show that despite millions of registered youth, the government has completely failed to provide employment. He said that presenting the limited deployments in departments such as Public Health, Education and Health as large-scale employment generation is nothing more than misleading the youth.

HKRN office to be gheraoed on August 19
Rao Narender Singh announced that a massive dharna and protest would be held on August 19, 2026, outside the HKRN office in Sector 6, Chandigarh, near the Printing Press, under the ‘Yuvaon Ki Goonj’ campaign. Former minister Ashok Arora will be the convenor of the programme. Senior Congress leaders, MPs, MLAs, district and block presidents, along with a large number of employees and unemployed youth, will participate in the protest.
He said that just as Rahul Gandhi has strongly raised the voice of students and youth across the country, Haryana Congress will also continue its struggle for employment, dignity and social security for the state’s youth—from the streets to the Assembly. He also appealed to the media to give due prominence to this important issue concerning youth and employees.

Giving TGT appointments and then removing teachers is playing with the future of youth – Rao Narender Singh

Rao Narender Singh raised the issue of the recruitment of TGT teachers and said that if there was any error in the recruitment process conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission, the candidates cannot be held responsible for it. Giving candidates appointments first and subsequently cancelling those appointments and removing them is completely unjust.
He said the government must clarify why thousands of candidates are being punished if the mistake occurred at the administrative level. The government should intervene immediately and ensure justice for the affected teachers.

Crime reports every morning; government has failed on law and order: Rao Narender Singh
The Pradesh Congress President also attacked the government over the law-and-order situation in Haryana. He said that frequent reports of crime have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the people of the state. News of murders, violence and other serious criminal incidents is emerging almost every day.
He said the government must take concrete and effective steps to improve law and order, because ensuring that people can live in a safe environment is the first responsibility of any government.

Government must disclose how much has been collected through the 1% service charge and where it was spent: Aditya Surjewala

MLA Aditya Surjewala questioned the HKRN figures, saying that despite 14.63 lakh youth registering by February 2026, only 1.13 lakh people had been deployed. Even among them, 97,051 were already working employees. He said presenting the government’s claim of 1.20 lakh jobs as new employment is an attempt to conceal the reality.
He said HKRN employees are given only a “Deployment Letter” instead of permanent appointment letters. Employees work on contracts for years while remaining under constant threat of losing their jobs. Despite performing equal work, they do not receive the same security and facilities as permanent employees.

Aditya Surjewala asked the government how much money had been collected department-wise through the 1% service charge being charged from employees since 2022 and where it had been spent. He demanded that the government make a department-wise white paper public.

Remove the five-year condition and provide immediate job security to HKRN employees: Aditya Surjewala

He said that the Job Security of Service Bill was passed in November 2024, and at that time he had proposed an amendment to remove the condition requiring five years of service. A large number of temporary employees were regularised during the Congress government’s tenure. HKRN employees should also be provided job security on the same lines.
He said the government has repeatedly made tall claims about job security, but by May 2026, not a single HKRN employee had received the actual benefit of Job Security. He asked the government why the benefit had not reached employees if the law had already been enacted.
BJP dug a mountain and produced just one portal—and even that is hanging
Aditya Surjewala took a dig at the government’s online process, saying employees were initially asked to get their documents and papers verified in their respective departments. Later, the government created a portal, but its condition is such that the server is down in some places, login does not work in others, and OTPs are not being received elsewhere.
He said, “The BJP government is an expert at creating portals, but has completely failed to provide jobs to youth and security to employees. There is a saying—‘The mountain laboured and brought forth a mouse.’ But the BJP government dug a mountain and produced just one portal—and even that is hanging!”
He said HKRN employees do not need a cosmetic online process but respectable wages, permanent employment and genuine job security.
Congress’s key demands
Congress leaders demanded that the government:
End the contract system and implement a permanent employment system.
Issue permanent appointment letters instead of deployment letters.
Conduct regular recruitment against sanctioned posts and create permanent positions.
Release a department-wise white paper on the 1% service charge collected since 2022.
Regularise employees who have been working for a long period.
Make a transparent recruitment calendar, merit list and waiting list available online.
Ensure social security benefits including EPF, ESI, gratuity, accident insurance and health insurance.
Conduct an independent audit of “equal pay for equal work.”
End wage disparities and stop arbitrary termination.
Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narender Singh said that under the guidance of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the fight for the rights of HKRN employees and unemployed youth would continue through the ‘Yuvaon Ki Goonj’ campaign.

During the press conference, former Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana and Panchkula MLA Chander Mohan, Panchkula District Congress Committee President Sanjay Chauhan, former MLA Lahri Singh and Haryana Kisan Congress Department President Dharamvir Singh, among other leaders and workers, were present.

Chandigarh

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has directed Pradesh Congress Committees and District Congress Committees to organise a massive district-level march and Satyagraha on the evening of August 14 in protest against the alleged “purification” carried out with Gangajal at the site of a Congress rally in Haldwani. Preparations have also begun in Haryana to organise the programme on a large scale.

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narender Singh said that the Haldwani incident is not merely an insult to Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, but also an attack on the Constitution of India and the dignity of crores of Indians. He said that declaring a place “impure” and then carrying out its “purification” on the basis of a person’s caste or social identity is extremely unfortunate and shameful.

Rao Narender Singh said that the Congress Party has always fought for the constitutional values of equality, fraternity, social justice and human dignity. He said there is no place in the country for the mindset of untouchability, discrimination and social division. Congress will continue to raise its voice against such regressive thinking through democratic and peaceful means.

He said that, as per the directions of the AICC, every District Congress Committee will organise a massive march and Satyagraha in its respective area on the evening of August 14. The march will proceed to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi or Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, where Congress workers will register their protest against the discriminatory mindset and express solidarity with Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge.

Maximum participation will be ensured in every district – In-charge Sanjay Dutt

Haryana Congress In-charge Sanjay Dutt said that active participation will be ensured from the Pradesh Congress Committee, District and Block Congress Committees, frontal organisations, departments and cells, elected representatives, senior leaders and Congress workers at all levels.

He said that the Congress march and Satyagraha will send a clear message to the country that neither the Congress Party nor the people of India will accept any attempt to undermine the rights to equality and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution.

Sanjay Dutt said that the maximum possible number of Congress workers would participate in the programme in every district and register their protest in a peaceful and democratic manner. He called upon the District and Block Congress Committees to complete preparations for the programme on priority.

He said that the Connect Centre and Control Room would coordinate with the AICC and the Pradesh Congress Committee and continuously monitor and follow up on the effective implementation of the programme in every district.

Sanjay Dutt said that the Congress Party’s position is clear: the Constitution of India guarantees every citizen equal dignity, respect and rights. A mindset that discriminates on the basis of caste, social identity or any other ground is contrary to the fundamental spirit of the Constitution. Congress will continue to fight firmly at every level to protect this fundamental spirit.

MALERKOTLA; 12th August 2026:

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today inaugurated a new five-storey government school building for girls in Malerkotla, declaring it as a special Independence Day gift for the daughters of Punjab. He said the ₹6.39-crore project was completed for ₹6.34 crore, saving ₹5.25 lakh from the government exchequer, while equipping students with modern facilities including libraries, smart classrooms, common rooms and washrooms.

The new building will bring quality education closer to girls from Malerkotla and surrounding villages, as Punjab’s education model delivers results with 882 government-school students clearing NEET and 361 clearing JEE, while more than 15,000 girls are being provided dedicated bus services to ensure that distance does not interrupt their education. At the same time, 118 Schools of Eminence are being established to expand quality education for children from poor families.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that unlike previous governments that merely painted school buildings in the name of Smart Schools, the present government is building an education system that is producing results and has taken Punjab to No. 1 in the country in education. He also warned that the BJP would attempt to spread hatred in Punjab ahead of the elections, urging people not to fall for such provocations.

Sharing a few snippets after inaugurating the school, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today, inaugurated the new five-storey government school for girls in Malerkotla. The project was completed at a cost of ₹6.34 crore, saving ₹5.25 lakh from the government exchequer. This is a special gift for our daughters on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. Through our sustained efforts, Punjab today ranks first in the country in education. The success of 882 students from government schools in NEET and 361 students in JEE is a major example of this transformation. To ensure that girls continue their education without interruption, special bus services are being provided to more than 15,000 girl students. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Addressing a large gathering after inaugurating the building,  CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The new school would provide students with modern educational facilities while also highlighting the Punjab Government’s achievements in education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure and women’s welfare.”

Speaking about Malerkotla’s historical significance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I am fortunate to be here in the historic town of Malerkotla, which is a land of unity and love. Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular can never repay the noble gesture made by the Nawab of Malerkotla, who raised his voice against the execution of the Chotta Sahibzadas at Sirhind. The state government is duty-bound to develop this historic town, and I am honoured to dedicate this newly constructed school building here.”

Expressing gratitude to the people for attending despite the scorching heat, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The huge gathering of people gives confidence to the state government to serve them with greater zeal. Today is a joyous occasion as this new school building is being dedicated to the people. This school will enhance facilities for our students and impart quality education, which is the main focus of the state government.”

Recalling the condition of the school during his tenure as an MP, the Chief Minister said, “When I was an MP, this school used to run in two shifts during winters. Taking the wards back home was difficult and the building was completely unsafe. We have now completed the construction of this building at a cost of ₹6.34 crore, saving ₹5.25 lakh against the approved cost of ₹6.39 crore. The money saved can be utilised for other development works in the school, including RO systems, water filters, smart classrooms and other facilities.”

Describing the new building as a gift for the daughters of Malerkotla, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This school is dedicated to our daughters on the 80th Independence Day. The five-storey building covers an area of 54,000 square feet and will have libraries, washrooms and all the modern facilities required for a good school. Students from Malerkotla and nearby villages will now be able to access quality education closer to their homes.”

Highlighting Punjab’s transformation in education, the Chief Minister stated, “When I took oath of office in 2022, Punjab was at number 27 in education. Today, Punjab is number one. We have surpassed Kerala and other states, and this is the result of strenuous efforts by the state government, including teacher training programmes, Schools of Eminence and other initiatives.”

Pointing to the performance of government-school students, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In 2021, only 80 government-school students had cleared the coveted NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examination. In 2026, this number increased nearly 11 times to 882. This is the difference between our governance and those who never bothered about schools and education.”

Speaking about the changing importance of education, he said, “The time has come when people will be considered wealthy not by the money they possess or the showrooms they own, but by the educational qualifications of their children. We are working to ensure that children from ordinary families get the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.”

Highlighting the government’s initiative to regulate private-school fees, the Chief Minister said, “In the recently concluded Vidhan Sabha session, the state government brought a law benefiting more than 32 lakh students in 7,800 private schools across Punjab. These schools have been directed not to increase their fees by more than five percent in a year.”

Speaking about parent participation in government schools, he said, “For the first time in the history of Punjab, Parent-Teacher Meetings were organised in government schools across the state, with more than 24 lakh parents participating. This reflects the Government’s commitment to involving parents in the education of their children.”

Highlighting healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have opened 1,090 Aam Aadmi Clinics across Punjab to revamp the healthcare system, and more than 5 crore people have benefited from these clinics. In another major initiative for the residents of this historic town, the state government will soon open Nawab Sher Khan Medical College in Malerkotla. Along with providing quality treatment, the medical college will generate employment opportunities for the youth of the area.”

Talking about infrastructure development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is constructing more than 43,000 kilometres of rural link roads across Punjab to facilitate the people. We are also making tireless efforts to make Punjab drug-free, and the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has already broken the backbone of the drug menace.”

Speaking about Punjab’s sporting legacy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab is set to script a historic chapter in Indian hockey as the state is preparing to host the prestigious Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time ever in October this year. This event will further strengthen Punjab’s identity as the cradle of Indian hockey and inspire a new generation of youth to take to sports. Punjab has always been the nursery of hockey, and hosting such an international tournament on our soil will inspire our youth to connect with the sports fields.”

Attributing Punjab’s progress to the AAP government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is happening because an honest government is at the helm of affairs in the state with a positive and progressive outlook. Unlike Congress, where leaders are always fighting with each other for power, our Government is focused on Punjab’s development. The people of Malerkotla also witnessed the same kind of theatrics during the Congress party’s meeting here.”

Highlighting progress in agriculture and irrigation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab is witnessing overall progress and prosperity in every sphere, benefiting every section of society. Unlike in the past, our farmers are now getting power during the daytime, which has reduced their ordeal. When I assumed office, only 22 percent of canal water was being used in the state. Today, this has increased to 88 percent.”

Talking about employment and investment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has provided more than 69,000 government jobs to the youth completely on the basis of merit, without any recommendation or corruption. Due to our concerted efforts, major industrial giants from across the world are making a beeline to invest in Punjab. Japanese steel giant Aichi has invested ₹1,100 crore in the state, while Tata Steel has established its second-biggest steel plant in Punjab near Ludhiana after Jamshedpur.”

Highlighting the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The ambitious scheme provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. People have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹937 crore, significantly easing their financial burden while ensuring access to quality healthcare.”

Speaking about the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, the Chief Minister stated, “For the first time, we have launched the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which all women of Punjab above 18 years of age are eligible for benefits. SC women receive ₹1,500 per month, while every woman from Punjab receives ₹1,000 per month. The total target is more than one crore women, and 72.13 lakh beneficiaries are already receiving the benefits. The scheme is benefiting more than 97 percent of women, making it one of the most comprehensive women-centric social protection initiatives in the country.”

Speaking on the need to protect Punjab’s communal harmony, the Chief Minister said, “People must beware of fissiparous forces that want to divide Punjabis on communal lines to attain political power. Punjab is a very fertile land where every seed can grow, but the seed of hatred cannot grow here because our bond of communal harmony is very strong. The BJP’s strategy is to make people fight and riot because this is their bread and butter. But the people of Punjab will never allow these nefarious designs to succeed.”

Highlighting Punjab’s tradition of brotherhood, he said, “Punjab is a land of religious harmony and freedom. People here celebrate festivals together and stand with each other in good and bad times. Punjabis have very strong social bonds, and divisive forces cannot break this unity. The nefarious designs of the BJP will never succeed in Punjab.”

Talking about the work being done by the state government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our Government is opening new schools and hospitals, constructing roads and making every effort for the well-being of society. Congress and Akalis, however, remain concerned only about themselves and their families and have little concern for Punjab and Punjabis.”

Taking potshots at the Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Badal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Sukhbir Singh Badal should stop living in a fool’s paradise. The days are gone when these parties used to play musical chairs and wait for their turn in power. They safeguarded each other’s interests while in power, due to which their misdeeds were never exposed.”

He affirmed, “Now the people have elected AAP, and the broom is cleansing the political system of Punjab. Sukhbir may never get another turn in power, but the time will certainly come when his entire family will be in jail for their misdeeds. The sins of the Badal family are unpardonable, and the people will never forgive them for the crimes committed against Punjab and its people.”

CHANDIGARH/FEROZEPUR/BATHINDA, August 12:

          Continuing his whirlwind tour for the third consecutive day to review preparations for the upcoming Independence Day-2026 as mandated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday directed officers to maintain heightened vigilance as he visited Ferozepur and Bathinda to chair comprehensive Range-Level Law and Order Review Meetings.

          “I’ve directed officers/officials to maintain heightened vigilance through strengthened patrolling, enhanced surveillance, preventive policing, effective crowd management, and a swift, coordinated response to any emerging challenge,” he said.

          In Ferozepur, DGP Gaurav Yadav reviewed the security preparedness of Ferozepur and Faridkot Ranges, with a focused assessment of the districts of Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Moga.

          As part of ground-level verification, the DGP also personally checked the Hi-tech Naka at Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur.

          After completing security reviews of Ferozepur and Faridkot Ranges, the DGP visited Bathinda and chaired a comprehensive security review meeting with officers of Bathinda Range. The review was focused on the Independence Day policing plan, visible and effective deployment, security at celebration venues and public congregation points, and preparedness for every eventuality, he said.

          Marking a significant boost to technical policing, DGP Gaurav Yadav also inaugurated the renovated state-of-the-art Integrated Command and Control Centre (I3C) of Bathinda Police built at a cost of ₹2.75 crores.

          The upgraded facility integrates emergency response to 112 calls, city-wide CCTV surveillance featuring 282 cameras at 59 strategic locations, wireless connectivity, video analytics, and real-time crime monitoring data, he said, while adding that the new centre will boost police technical capability in Bathinda and act as a force multiplier.

          Reaffirming the commitment of Punjab Police to ensure a safe and secure Independence Day celebration, the DGP emphasised proactive, people-centric policing to ensure that citizens celebrate national day across the state with confidence, pride, and a strong sense of security.

          The review meetings were attended by key officials including IGP Faridkot Range Nilambari Jagdale, DIG Bathinda Range Harjeet Singh, DIG Ferozepur Range Snehdeep Sharma, SSP Mansa Bhagirath Meena, SSP Bathinda Dr Jyoti Yadav, SSP Moga Sartaj Chahal, SSP Sangrur Ravjot Grewal, SSP Tarn Taran Surendra Lamba, SSP Sri Muktsar Sahib Abhimanyu Rana, SSP Ferozepur Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, SSP Fazilka Gagan Ajit Singh, SSP Faridkot Gurbans Singh and Staff Officer to DGP Punjab Rishabh Bhola.

Chandigarh, August 12- Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed the officers regarding the preparation of a special action plan to complete basic infrastructure facilities, including electricity and water supply, in the Global City being developed in Gurugram within the next three months. He also directed officers to prepare an action plan for developing a world-class iconic tower in the Global City.

The Chief Minister gave these directions while chairing the fourth meeting to review the State Pragati Portal  on Wednesday. He further directed that an action plan for the expansion of the Pinjore airstrip must be prepared.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that once the Global City is completed, it will provide not only modern basic infrastructure but also greater employment opportunities for the youth. The Global City is being developed over 1,000 acres at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore, and 80 per cent of the physical progress work has already been completed. The remaining work will be completed by December this year, he said.

The Chief Minister said the Global City is being developed as a smart and well-planned urban centre. Along with educational and healthcare institutions, it will have malls, theatres, luxury hotels, community centres, marriage palaces and other facilities. A Namo Bharat Metro train will also operate in the city, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He said a dedicated water treatment plant and a green lake will also be developed, while work will be undertaken to connect the city with the Dwarka Expressway to ensure smooth and convenient connectivity.

Train services at Nangal Chaudhary Logistics Hub to commence from August 23

The Chief Minister said that the Integrated Multi-Modal Logistics Hub has been developed at Nangal Chaudhary. Work relating to electricity, irrigation, roads, external rail siding and the internal rail yard has been completed.

He said an internal in-motion weighbridge is also being installed at the logistics hub, which will be completed within the next six months. The Chief Minister will welcome the special train that will operate on this facility on August 23.

The Chief Minister said extensive infrastructure is being developed at the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Hisar. The Industrial Manufacturing Cluster will house a Skill Development Centre, Convention Centre and Exhibition Hall, Logistics Park and Multi-Speciality Hospital, besides facilities for defence and aerospace, agro-food processing, garment and textile industries and other industrial units.

He said facilities, including water supply for the airport and a 220-kV power substation, are being developed at the IMC. Work is also underway to construct the boundary wall around 1,578 acres of land in the first phase of the airport project.

100-room five-star hotel to come up at Yadavindra Gardens, an Adventure Park to be developed at Tikkar Tal

The Chief Minister said that under Swadesh Scheme 2, Yadavindra Gardens in Panchkula will be further developed as an employment-generating and tourism destination.

He said that, in addition to the renovation of the Gardens, a high-end integrated wedding, convention, and hospitality destination will be developed there. A 100-room hotel will also be constructed, while the Pinjore airstrip will be expanded.

He further said that an Adventure Park will be developed at Tikkar Tal, while the existing Adventure Park at Thapli will also be further developed.

Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh. K. M. Pandurang, Special Secretary, Monitoring and Coordination, Smt. Priyanka Soni, Managing Director, HSIDC, Sh. Sushil Sarwan, Director, Tourism, Sh. Parth Gupta, along with other senior officers, also attended the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 12: Hariyali Teej was celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour at the Chandigarh residence of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, ‘Sant Kabir Kutir’. On the auspicious occasion during the month of Sawan, the entire Chief Minister’s residence was filled with the vibrant colours of Haryanvi culture, the melodious strains of folk songs and the aroma of traditional delicacies.

The celebrations formally commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Guests arriving from across the state were given a warm welcome at the entrance amid the beats of dhols and nagadas and traditional folk songs. The entire premises was beautifully decorated with colourful swings, marigold flowers and traditional Haryanvi rural handicrafts.

Several prominent women from the fields of politics, social service and administration attended the special cultural gathering. Smt. Anita Kataria, wife of the Governor of Punjab; Smt. Mitra Ghosh, wife of the Governor of Haryana; and Smt. Suman Saini, wife of the Chief Minister of Haryana and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Council for Child Welfare, were prominently present at the event.

Women and guests from across Haryana also attended the celebrations, including Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry; MLAs Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Smt. Savitri Jindal, Smt. Renu Bala and Shelly Chaudhary; BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta; Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes Smt. Banto Kataria; and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women Smt. Meena Parmar, among other distinguished women.

The guests and women thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Sawan swings installed in the premises of the Chief Minister’s residence. Amid the pleasant monsoon season, women enjoyed swinging high on the peengs and sang traditional Teej folk songs. Women also performed Haryanvi folk dances, bringing the rich cultural heritage of Haryana alive and creating a festive atmosphere.

A major attraction of the Teej celebrations was Haryana’s traditional cuisine. Special delicacies associated with the festival were prepared at the Chief Minister’s residence, and guests relished traditional dishes including ghevar, suhali, gulgule and shakkarpare.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the guests present at the event and to the people of the state on the occasion of Teej. In his warm address, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of Teej and said that Teej is not merely a cultural festival, but a celebration of greenery, joy and the rich traditions of our society, as greenery is nature’s true adornment.

Emphasising the importance of strengthening relationships, he said that just as the deeper the colour of mehendi on our hands, the stronger should be the trust in our social harmony and family relationships.

The Chief Minister laid special emphasis on the bright future and empowerment of daughters and made an emotional appeal to society to educate and encourage them to move forward. In his heartfelt message, he said that just as the swings rise higher during Teej, the dreams of our daughters and their aspirations should soar even higher.

He said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had launched the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign from the land of Panipat. It was a national resolve to change the mindset of society. Haryana transformed this resolve into a mass movement. He said he was proud that today, the daughters of Haryana are bringing glory to the Tricolour and the state in every field—from sports arenas to scientific laboratories, from the armed forces to administration, and from agriculture to startups. He said this was evident from their achievements in the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow recently.

The Chief Minister said that the state government views women as a powerful force for nation-building. Therefore, several schemes are being implemented to make women economically self-reliant. To further strengthen their financial independence, the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana in Haryana provides eligible women with monthly assistance of Rs. 2,100, offering them a foundation of dignity and social security. So far, around 10 lakh women have been provided assistance amounting to Rs. 2,042.31 crore. Initiatives such as ‘Har Ghar-Har Grihini’ also provide relief to household budgets. Under this scheme, eligible women are provided LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 per month.

Smt. Suman Saini, wife of the Chief Minister and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Council for Child Welfare, extended her greetings to everyone on the occasion of Teej. She said that Teej is not merely a festival but a celebration of Haryana’s rich cultural heritage, love for nature and respect for women’s empowerment. Such events play an important role in connecting the younger generation with its roots and folk traditions.

At the conclusion of the event, kothli was also presented to all the women. The grand celebration concluded with prayers and wishes for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the state.

Panchkula: In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Haryana, the Haryana State Information Commission will launch a massive statewide capacity-building programme for nearly 25,000 State Public Information Officers (SPIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs), including approximately 6,300 Sarpanches functioning as SPIOs at the village level, commencing from Wednesday.

The year-long programme forms the centrepiece of a comprehensive package of administrative, technological and institutional reforms being undertaken by the Commission to make the RTI mechanism faster, more transparent, accessible and citizen-centric. Announcing the initiatives at a curtain raiser event held at Commission’s office, Chief Information Commissioner TVSN Prasad said the Commission was undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its functioning so that the RTI mechanism becomes more responsive to citizens and cases are disposed of with greater speed, efficiency and consistency.

Mega training programme for 25,000 SPIOs and FAAs

The Commission is embarking upon one of the most comprehensive RTI capacity-building programmes undertaken in the State, with the objective of training nearly 25,000 SPIOs and FAAs over approximately one year. Significantly, the programme will also cover around 6,300 Sarpanches, who function as SPIOs at the village level. The programme will commence on August 12, 2026, and will combine online and offline modes of training to bring virtually the entire SPIO and FAA machinery of Haryana within a structured capacity-building framework.

The Chief Information Commissioner said the objective of the programme was not merely to acquaint officers with the technical provisions of the RTI Act, but to develop a deeper understanding of the spirit, purpose and citizen-centric philosophy of the legislation.

“The real objective of the RTI Act is to facilitate the flow of information to citizens. A culture of information-sharing has to replace a culture of information-denial. Our effort is to ensure that SPIOs understand not merely what information can be denied, but, more importantly, what information can and should be provided,” said Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad.

Strengthening the First Appellate Authority

The Commission has identified the functioning of the First Appellate Authority as a crucial area requiring focused attention. The training programme will specifically seek to strengthen the first appellate mechanism so that grievances are effectively addressed at the departmental level itself, thereby reducing avoidable litigation and pendency before the State Information Commission.

The Commission has observed that, in a number of cases, First Appellate Authorities have not been exercising their statutory powers to the extent envisaged under the RTI Act. The training will therefore focus on the role, responsibilities and adjudicatory functions of FAAs, including the need to pass appropriate and reasoned orders in accordance with the statutory framework.

Similarly, SPIOs will be trained in preparing reasoned, legally sustainable and citizen-oriented responses, rather than relying upon routine or standardised replies. The Commission believes that a stronger first appellate mechanism and better-quality responses by SPIOs will reduce unnecessary litigation and substantially improve the overall efficiency of the RTI framework.

Training in collaboration with ASCI and HIPA

For the programme, the Commission has collaborated with the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, and the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA). The Commission will also seek expert assistance from renowned law schools. Experts and experienced resource persons will conduct training sessions covering the practical and legal nuances of the RTI Act. The programme will employ both online and offline modes and is envisaged as one of the most comprehensive RTI training programmes of its kind, with the objective of creating a more informed, responsive and accountable information-disclosure machinery across the State.

100% hybrid hearings to accelerate disposal of RTI cases

Another major reform will be the adoption of 100 per cent hybrid mode of hearing of RTI cases. The facility will enable appellants and respondents to participate in hearings without necessarily having to travel to the Commission’s office.

“This will be a major relief for litigants, particularly citizens who otherwise have to travel long distances merely to participate in a hearing. At the same time, it will enable the Commission to utilise its time and resources more efficiently and facilitate expeditious disposal of cases,” said Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad.

The Commission has also initiated measures to ensure that all records required for effective adjudication are made available by the SPIOs while attending hearings online from their respective offices. This is expected to substantially reduce avoidable delays and unnecessary adjournments.

Central Registration Unit on the pattern of the High Courts

As part of the institutional restructuring, the Commission has introduced a Central Registration Unit (CRU) on the pattern of the registration system followed by the  High Courts.

Under the new system, cases will undergo structured registration and scrutiny, followed by marking at the Registrar level. The initiative is intended to bring greater uniformity and efficiency in the registration, listing and allocation of cases.

The Commission has also moved away from the earlier practice of generally distributing departments among individual Information Commissioners. Under the revised system, Information Commissioners will handle multiple departments, facilitating a more balanced and efficient distribution of cases.

Second appeals and complaints to go online

Taking another major step towards digital accessibility, the Commission will soon introduce e-filing of second appeals and complaints through its web portal.

At present, the online facility is available for RTI applications and First Appeals. The proposed system will extend this digital facility to the next stage of the RTI adjudicatory process, enabling citizens to approach the Commission electronically without the need for physical filing.

‘Live Link’ for priority hearing

Another citizen-centric feature proposed on the Commission’s web portal is a “Live Link” through which litigants will be able to indicate their requirement for a priority hearing by selecting an available date and time.

The facility is intended to provide urgent consideration in appropriate cases while bringing the process of seeking priority hearing within a structured and transparent digital framework.

Improvement in procedure adopted while hearing appeals

The Commission has also streamlined its hearing procedure. Cause lists for every Bench are uploaded on the Commission’s website, and appeals are being heard in a structured, stage-wise manner. The process envisages an initial hearing, including urgent mentions wherever required, followed by notice to respondents for written and oral submissions, as appropriate, and thereafter arguments, final hearing and decision. All decisions are uploaded on the Commission’s website, thereby facilitating public access to the Commission’s adjudicatory work.

Commission moves towards paperless functioning

The Commission has also taken a decisive step towards paperless functioning. As part of the initiative, the entire record of the Commission is being digitised. The move will facilitate electronic access to case records, improve record management and significantly reduce the possibility of files or documents being misplaced. The system is being developed on the lines of paperless practices increasingly being adopted by the Hon’ble High Courts and other judicial institutions.

Quarterly journal and ‘Important Cases Bulletin’

In another initiative aimed at improving transparency and disseminating the Commission’s jurisprudence, the Commission proposes to introduce a quarterly journal along with an “Important Cases Bulletin” on its web portal. The portal will provide access to important decisions passed by the Commission, enabling citizens, public authorities, SPIOs, FAAs, legal practitioners and other stakeholders to understand the evolving interpretation and application of the RTI Act in Haryana. The initiative will also promote consistency and awareness among public authorities by making significant decisions readily accessible.

“Reforming the system, not merely processing cases”

Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad said the initiatives were part of a larger effort to transform the Commission from a case-processing institution into a more accessible, technology-driven and citizen-centric adjudicatory institution.

“The success of the RTI Act cannot be measured merely by the number of cases disposed of. It has to be measured by how effectively information reaches the citizen. Our endeavour is therefore to reform the entire chain, from the filing of an RTI application and the functioning of the SPIO and FAA to the hearing, adjudication and dissemination of the Commission’s decisions,” he said.

The event was attended by Information Commissioners Sh. Amarjit Singh, Sh. Karamvir Saini, Smt. Neeta Khera, Sh. Sanjay Madaan and Sh. Ajay Sura.

The Chief Information Commissioner thanked his colleague Commissioners, the entire team of the State Information Commission, departments of the Government and, importantly, stakeholders from the public at large for their collaborative efforts.

He also expressed the Commission’s appreciation to members of the media for joining the effort to improve the services of the Commission to the citizens of Haryana and to position the RTI Act as an effective instrument for strengthening transparency, accountability and ease of living.