Chandigarh:

The Senior Congress leader and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja said that the continuous delay in the Chautala–Dabwali–Panipat–Meerut National Highway (NH-709) project, which was announced in 2021, is extremely unfortunate. At the time of its announcement, it was said this important highway would be completed by October 2026, but the current situation is that even its Detailed Project Report (DPR) has not yet received final approval.

Kumari Selja said this project is not limited to road construction alone, but is an important development corridor that directly connects the border regions of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan with Uttar Pradesh. Completion of this highway would strengthen regional connectivity, ease transportation, and give a new direction to the overall economic development of the area. She said that farmers from Sri Ganganagar, Abohar, Chautala, Dabwali, Sirsa, Fatehabad, and surrounding areas were expected to benefit greatly from this project. Faster, cheaper, and smoother transportation of agricultural produce such as cotton, wheat, mustard, and other crops to markets and industrial centers would have been possible, reducing farmers’ costs and ensuring better prices for their produce. However, due to the delay in the project, farmers are still facing the same old difficulties.

Kumari Selja said the NH-709 is equally important for industries. This highway would have facilitated easy movement of raw materials and finished goods, encouraged new industrial investments, and created employment opportunities for local youth. Several industrial areas, including Panipat, Hisar, and Sirsa, were to benefit directly, but the project currently remains stalled. Kumari Selja questioned why there is such a delay in decision-making when lakhs of rupees have already been spent on preparing the DPR and it has been pending with the central government for the last two years. Such procrastination in important development-related projects raises serious questions about the government’s working style.

Kumari Selja demanded that the central government immediately approve the DPR of the NH-709 Chautala–Dabwali–Panipat–Meerut project, announce a clear and practical timeline for construction, and implement the announcement made in 2021 at the earliest. She said that this highway is directly linked to increasing farmers’ income, expansion of industries, and overall development of border areas, and keeping it pending any longer is against public interest.

Chandigarh, January 3 — Haryana Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, said that the core objective of the Skill Development  and Industrial Training Department  is not limited to providing training alone, but to ensure that trained youth secure dignified employment. He emphasized that ensuring job opportunities for youth after completing training from ITIs and other institutions is a collective responsibility of the government and the department, and this responsibility is being carried out in a systematic manner.

The Minister was chairing a review meeting at Panchkula, with the Vice Chancellors and Registrars  of  Universities and officers associated with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Sh. Gaurav Gautam directed that officers posted at the headquarters be assigned responsibility for individual districts. These officers will visit ITIs at the ground level to assess the structural fitness of buildings and prepare reports on dilapidated structures, enabling the construction of new buildings where required. He said that the  Haryana Skill Development  and Industrial Training Department

is also providing overseas placement opportunities to youth, and efforts in this direction should be further intensified so that the state’s youth can showcase their talent at the international level. He directed  that overseas placement schemes be widely publicized to ensure maximum participation by youth.

The Minister also directed that regular reviews be conducted of actual placement data received from companies participating in Rozgar Melas  across the state. He directed the  officers to complete academic, administrative, and infrastructure-related works on priority to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the Haryana Skill Department’s mission.

The Minister further directed that all key schemes, including the Saksham Yuva Yojana, flagship schemes, and the Guru–Shishya Scheme, be completed within stipulated timelines. Praising the Dual Training System, the Minister said that it provides youth with both training and practical experience, which significantly enhances their employability.

Principal Secretary , Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department, Sh. Rajeev Ranjan,  CEO, Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Ltd, Sh. Amit Khatri, Director General,  Director General, Skill Development & Industrial Training Department, Dr. Vivek Aggarwal , Vice Chancellor,  Shri. Vishwakarma Skill University, Palwal, Sh. Dinesh Kumar, along with other senior officers.

Chandigarh, January 3:   Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has consistently placed youth at the core of its policies and implemented numerous youth-centric schemes. He added that over the past decade, the Central and State governments have accomplished what previous governments could not achieve even in several decades.

The Chief Minister was addressing the Prernadaayi Samvad Karyakram (inspiring interaction programme) held with the Haryana state delegation participating in the 29th National Youth Festival-2026, in Panchkula as the chief guest. Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh Gaurav Gautam, was also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Chief Minister boosted the morale of the 64 young participants of the National Youth Festival–2026, interacted with them, posed for a group photograph, and flagged off the delegation. The delegation will represent Haryana at the National Youth Festival–2026 to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from January 9 to January 12, where they will participate in various competitions, including group dance, debate, painting, Young Leaders’ Dialogue, Hack for Social Cause, and Design for Viksit Bharat.

After flagging off the delegation, the Chief Minister interacted with the youth and said that the flag is not merely a piece of cloth, but a symbol of the values inherited from our ancestors, our brave culture, and the indomitable courage of the youth. He added that it carries the trust that the entire state has placed in them. He further said that National Youth Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Saint Swami Vivekananda, who was youthful not only in age but also in his thinking, mindset, ideas, and actions.

He said that the future of any nation is shaped by the strength of its youth. When young people are energetic, educated, self-confident, and devoted to the nation, no goal remains unattainable. The youth of Haryana have always been hardworking, disciplined, and patriotic, which is why they are playing a leading role today in every field, including the armed forces, sports, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Likewise, Haryana’s rich folk culture-its dances, music, art, and traditions reflect simplicity, strength, and warmth. When these are showcased at the National Youth Festival, the entire country will witness the true soul of Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized that youth empowerment is the key to building a strong India, and that the nation’s youth must play a pivotal role if India is to emerge as a global leader. He added that it is the result of the Prime Minister’s efforts that India has today become the world’s fourth-largest economy. The Prime Minister’s vision is to make India a developed nation and the world’s largest economy by 2047.

Referring to Haryana, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the present State Government has consistently worked to recognize and nurture the talent of the youth and has formulated a comprehensive youth policy. He recalled that during the Assembly elections, he had promised that immediately upon assuming office, the light of government employment would reach the homes of 24,000 young people. He said this promise was treated as a sacred commitment, and accordingly, on October 17, 2024, along with the formation of the Cabinet, appointment letters for Group C posts were handed over to 24,000 youth.

He said that the government has not confined its efforts to providing only government jobs, but has also taken care of youth employed through the Haryana Kaushal Razgor Nigam. Their future has been secured through the enactment of a law. As a result, these young employees will now receive benefits such as dearness allowance and annual increments, similar to regular employees, enabling them to lead their lives with dignity and self-respect.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over incidents of young people going abroad through illegal means, commonly referred to as the “donkey route.” He said that to put an end to such fraud and the activities of illegal agents, the State Government passed a historic Bill in the Legislative Assembly on March 26, 2025, which has now been enacted into law. This will ensure transparency in the functioning of travel agents and hold those involved in fraudulent practices accountable. He emphasized that the government wants the youth to go abroad, but with dignity, safety, and security. In this direction, 1.14 lakh young people have also been provided with skill training to help them establish themselves in global markets.

Earlier, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh Gaurav Gautam, said that a total of 64 participants from Haryana, representing various fields and districts, will showcase their talent and skills at the national level. He expressed confidence that the youth of Haryana will create a distinct identity for the state across the country. He added that today’s youth are not only custodians of rich traditions but also pioneers of innovation. Through startups, they are generating employment, and in the field of sports, they are hoisting the tricolour at the international level.

On this occasion, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Gian Chand Gupta, State Vice President Banto Kataria, District President Ajay Mittal, Principal Secretary of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Ranjan, Director Vivek Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma, Media Secretary to Chief Minister Sh Praveen Atrey along with participants and a large number of young people, were present.

Chandigarh, January 3: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, today visited Western Command at Chandimandir Military Station. He was received and briefed by Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Army Commander, Western Command.

The visit commenced with a tour of the Western Command Museum, where the Chief Minister was apprised of the Command’s rich history, major campaigns, gallantry and evolving military traditions, offering a comprehensive insight into its operational legacy.

During a detailed briefing and interaction with senior military leadership, the Chief Minister was informed about Western Command’s key achievements, including successes under Operation Sindoor and humanitarian assistance rendered during Floods. Ongoing recruitment rallies, youth outreach initiatives, logistics support systems, modernisation efforts and induction of new technologies were also highlighted.

 Veteran welfare initiatives, including the Senior Veterans’ Home, were covered as part of the briefing, underscoring the Indian Army’s people-centric approach and its enduring commitment to the care, dignity and well-being of veterans and their families.

Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of Western Command during Operation Sindoor and humanitarian assistance. He assured full support of the Haryana Government in addressing various issues related to the ex-servicemen.

The visit concluded with a brief one-to-one interaction between the Chief Minister and the Army Commander, reaffirming strong civil–military synergy and a shared commitment towards national security, youth empowerment and veterans’ welfare.

Chandigarh, December 3:

Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat released the Diary and Table Calendar for the year 2026 of the Defence Services Welfare Department at Chandigarh.

The Minister informed that the Diary and Table Calendar have been specially designed to provide important information and departmental contact details at one place for the convenience of families of ex-servicemen and their dependents.

He said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working with full commitment for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. He added that the Defence Services Welfare Department is continuously taking effective initiatives to ensure the convenience, welfare, and honour of the defence community.

Additional Chief Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Shri J.M. Balamurugan; Director Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd); and OSD Col. Jarnail Singh (Retd) were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, January 3.
Translating the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for a “Drug-Free Haryana” into concrete action, Haryana Police and the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau carried out the most comprehensive, stringent, and multi-dimensional anti-drug campaign ever witnessed in the state during 2025. The campaign went far beyond routine seizures and arrests, targeting the illegal assets, financial lifelines, organized syndicates, and supply chains of drug traffickers. In line with government policy, enforcement, financial investigation, judicial action, technical surveillance, and public participation were strengthened simultaneously to strike at both demand and supply.

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DGP Ajay Singhal Congratulates the Force, Sets the Roadmap Ahead

On the occasion, Director General of Police Ajay Singhal congratulated Haryana Police, HSNCB, district police units, field formations, intelligence wings, prosecution teams, and all officers and personnel associated with the Drug-Free Haryana campaign. He stated that this achievement is the outcome of collective dedication, professional excellence, and seamless coordination. Motivating the force for the future, the DGP emphasized that the fight against drug trafficking must continue in a sustained, strategic, and even more effective manner. Reaffirming zero tolerance, he said Haryana Police will not only bring traffickers to justice but will also remain fully committed to achieving a drug-free society.

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Statewide Enforcement Breaks the Backbone of Drug Networks

The scale and intensity of action taken across Haryana in 2025 clearly reflect the resolve of the police. During the year, 3,738 cases were registered under the NDPS Act, leading to the arrest of 6,801 drug traffickers. Of these, 457 cases involved commercial quantity, 2,620 involved intermediate quantity, and 661 related to small quantity. These figures underline that enforcement was not confined to petty offenders but decisively targeted major traffickers and organized networks.

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Record Seizure of Narcotic Substances

Based on special operations, technical surveillance, and credible intelligence, massive quantities of narcotics were seized in 2025. Recoveries included approximately 55 kg of heroin, over 220 kg of charas, 240 grams of cocaine, more than 6,257 kg of ganja, around 291 kg of opium, and 18,039 kg of poppy husk. In addition, cracking down on pharmaceutical drug abuse, police seized over 5.30 lakh tablets, 4,493 bottles, 1.16 lakh capsules, and 7,644 injections—demonstrating firm control over both traditional and synthetic drug trafficking.

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“Yellow Claw” on Illegal Properties: Direct Strike at the Financial Core

To send an unequivocal message that crime-generated wealth has no sanctuary in Haryana, authorities undertook strict action against illegal constructions and assets. Between 2022 and 2025, 119 illegal properties belonging to 107 notorious traffickers were demolished. In 2025 alone, assets worth ₹13.59 crore—both movable and immovable—belonging to 143 accused were seized or frozen. Additionally, 76 habitual offenders were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act, delivering a crippling blow to organized drug networks.

Chandigarh, January 3:

Punjab Defence Services Welfare Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat released the Diary and Table Calendar for the year 2026 of the Defence Services Welfare Department at Chandigarh.

The Minister informed that the Diary and Table Calendar have been specially designed to provide important information and departmental contact details at one place for the convenience of families of ex-servicemen and their dependents.

He said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is working with full commitment for the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. He added that the Defence Services Welfare Department is continuously taking effective initiatives to ensure the convenience, welfare, and honour of the defence community.

Additional Chief Secretary, Defence Services Welfare Department, Shri J.M. Balamurugan; Director Brigadier Bhupinder Singh Dhillon (Retd); and OSD Col. Jarnail Singh (Retd) were also present on the occasion.

New Delhi, January 3

Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma met Nitin Nabin, National Executive President of the Bharatiya Janata Party, at the party headquarters in New Delhi today.

During the meeting, Sharma extended his greetings to Nitin Nabin on assuming the new responsibility and conveyed his best wishes for a healthy, successful, and meaningful tenure. As a gesture of goodwill, sacred prasad of Shri Tirupati Balaji was also offered.

The interaction included a constructive exchange on contemporary public and organisational issues. Nitin Nabin’s extensive organisational experience and leadership perspective were noted as valuable contributions to the broader public discourse.