Chandigarh, September 17

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has said that the recent devastating floods have caused huge damage to farmers’ crops. Instead of providing relief to farmers in this difficult time, the government is entrapping them in the complications of the portal. In such a situation, it is the government’s responsibility to immediately take steps in the interest of farmers and provide proper compensation to the affected farmers at the earliest. 

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that farmers are complaining that the portal created for flood victims neither has timely internet access nor is it functioning properly. At many places, the portal was found to be non-functional, and despite September 17 being the last date, farmers were unable to register their crops. On September 15, the server remained down the entire day. Kumari Selja said it is extremely unfortunate that when farmers urgently need support and relief, the government is shirking its responsibility. Kumari Selja said that the portals launched by the state BJP government can only succeed if internet services are improved. Compared to cities, the condition of internet facilities in rural areas is very poor. Farmers keep making rounds of CSC centers from morning till evening, only to be told every time that the server is down or the internet is not working. MP Kumari Selja said that the government should not take any step that troubles farmers. Paddy has been the most affected crop due to the floods, and insurance companies are reluctant to provide compensation for it. The government should also take action in this regard. 

Kumari Selja demanded that the government itself conduct a girdawari (crop damage assessment) and evaluate the actual damage caused by floods, provide immediate compensation to farmers without delay, postpone recovery of affected farmers’ loans for one year, bear the interest of this period itself, and instead of entangling farmers in portal-related technical issues, deliver relief and assistance directly to them. Kumari Selja said that the floods have dealt a severe blow to farmers’ livelihoods, and it is the government’s duty to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety of farmers’ lives and future.

Chandigarh/Bhogpur (Jalandhar), September 17:

The Food, Civil Supplies Minister & Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today formally commenced the paddy procurement season at Bhogpur Dana Mandi in Jalandhar district, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to lift every Single grain farmers’ produce.

Reviewing the procurement arrangements, the Minister said the State Government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is determined to ensure smooth and hassle free procurement season for all the stakeholders.

Despite the challenges posed by recent floods, robust arrangements had been made across Punjab to ensure that farmers face no implications in selling their crops, added Mr. Kataruchak.

Addressing the media, Mr. Kataruchak noted that farmers’ welfare has always remained the top priority of the state during procurement seasons.

He informed that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy has been fixed at ₹2,389 per quintal, and the government has already secured Cash Credit Limits (CCL) worth ₹15,000 crore for September and ₹27,000 crore for October. He further said that adequate arrangements of bardana (gunny bags) have been made to avoid inconvenience to farmers.

This year, the target of 172 lakh MT paddy procurement was given to Punjab but arrangements have been made to procure nearly 190 lakh MT paddy.

The Minister assured that lifting and payment will go hand in hand, with prompt transfer of payments directly into farmers’ accounts. He directed officials of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Punjab Mandi Board, and District Administration to personally monitor operations in mandis to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The Punjab Mandi Board has operationalized 1822 Mandis/Purchase Centers to ensure smooth procurement besides ensuring the adequate arrangements with regard to electricity, clean drinking water and other amenities in the mandis.

During his visit, he also interacted with farmers Gurkirat Singh, Jaspal Singh, and Sukhraj Singh, who appreciated the swift procurement process in Bhogpur Dana Mandi. The Minister assured them that their payments would be made at the earliest. He also appealed to farmers to bring only fully dried paddy to the mandis, as higher moisture levels could hinder procurement.

Senior AAP leader Pawan Kumar Tinu, SDM Randeep Singh Heer, DFSC Harveen Kaur, and officials from various departments were also present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, September 17:

          In a major breakthrough against cross-border narco-terror networks amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a drug-free state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police has busted drug smuggling syndicate being operated by Moga-based Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga with the arrest of its key operative and recovered 7.1 kg heroin from his possession, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Yasin Mohammed (22), a resident of village Atwa in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh (UP), presently residing at Village Lalru in Mohali. The accused has criminal background with cases pertaining to Arms Act, NDPS Act, Theft and Snatching registered against him.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that accused Jagpreet Singh alias Jagga was in touch with Pak-based smugglers and he along with arrested accused Yasin Mohammed was running the network.

          The DGP said that a thorough investigation is currently underway to uncover the full nexus, including both backward and forward linkages of the network.

          Sharing operation details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that the police teams had received a reliable input that on instructions of accused Jagpreet, his associate picked up the heroin consignment— dropped via drone by Pak-based smugglers— from designated area in Ajnala sector. Acting swiftly police teams launched an intel-based operation and arrested suspect Yasin Mohammed from Wadali in Chheharta, when he was returning after retrieving the heroin consignment, he said.

          The CP said that preliminary investigation has revealed that after retrieval of contraband, arrested accused Yasin used to deliver it to Jagpreet, who further disseminated it to his linkages in Malwa region of Punjab. They both were together lodged in Ludhiana jail, he said.

          He said that further investigation is on. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 186 dated 15.09.2025 has been registered under sections 21C and 25 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Chheharta in Amritsar Commissionerate.

Chandigarh, September 17:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched ‘Mission Chardi Kala’- a global fundraising campaign to raise funds for the state Government’s rehabilitation efforts for 2025 Punjab flood victims

In a video message, the Chief Minister said that in the past days, the state witnessed a scene that our generations will never forget. He said that the floods didn’t just bring water rather it washed away millions of dreams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 2,300 villages submerged, more than 2 million people affected, five lakh acres of crops destroyed, 56 precious lives were lost and seven lakh people have become homeless.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that 3,200 government schools have been damaged, 19 colleges turned into rubble,1,400 clinics and hospitals have been ruined, 8,500 kilometers of roads have been destroyed and 2,500 bridges have collapsed. He said that According to initial estimates, the loss is around ₹13,800 crore, and the actual damage may be even greater. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the most horrifying tragedy in Punjab’s history adding that this is state’s biggest test too as every time Punjab has faced a crisis, we have never bowed down but we have stood tall, with strength and courage.

The Chief Minister said that even during this flood, he saw how the youth risked their lives to save others, how gurdwaras and temples opened their doors and served food to distressed people and how entire Punjab stood together like one big family, which is our greatest strength. He said that now it is time to move beyond relief and begin rehabilitation as our farmers need to sow their fields again, Our children need to return to school and Families need to rebuild their homes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the reason why the state government has launched Mission Chardi Kala, which means strength even in sorrow, hope even in darkness.

The Chief Minister appealed to every Punjabi, to every citizen of India, to industrialists, artists, charitable trusts, and to all Punjabi brothers and sisters across the world that today Punjab needs them. He gave them a clarion call to come together and hold Punjab’s hand in this time of need adding that all of them should open their hearts and support Punjab generously. Bhagwant Singh Mann promised that every single rupee of their contribution will be used with full honesty and transparency, solely for rehabilitation and rebuilding.

The Chief Minister urged the people that they should contribute by visiting www.rangla.punjab.gov.in. He expressed hope that together Punjabis will once again prove that Punjab never gives up and it always remains in Chardi Kala. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a special war room has also been set up in his office to directly oversee all activities related to Mission Chardi-Kala adding that he will monitor these efforts personally on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a video conference with the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to review the flood relief efforts. He directed the Deputy Commissioners to visit the flood relief camps and other affected areas daily to ensure that people do not face any kind of inconvenience. Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised them of Mission Chardi Kala and stated that every single penny collected under this mission will be spent on the rehabilitation of the flood-affected people.

On the occasion Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others were also present.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Under the guidance of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij, the Labour Department organized a ‘Shramik Samman evam Jagrukta Samaroh’ across the state on the auspicious occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. This programme was held simultaneously at a total of 146 labour squares located in all districts of the state, in which around 33,000 workers participated. A large number of workers from factories, shops, construction sites, and the unorganized sector were present.

A government spokesperson informed that the main objective of this programme was to make workers aware of their rights, safety provisions, and welfare schemes being run by the government, as well as to honour their contribution to society. On this occasion, workers were informed about their rights and safety provisions under labour laws. They were also given detailed information about various welfare schemes being run by the Labour Department.

He further said that to explain the information in a simple and effective way, specially prepared information brochures, posters, and banners were used. Through this, workers could easily understand the schemes in simple language. During the programme, sweets were distributed among all the workers as a mark of respect. Departmental officers, public representatives, social workers, and local distinguished guests were present at each venue. They appreciated the workers’ efforts and contributions and encouraged them to avail the benefits of welfare schemes.

On this occasion, speakers said that workers are the backbone of the state’s economic and industrial progress. It is through their hard work and dedication that industries, construction, transport, and trade flourish. The goal of the Labour Department is to ensure that every worker is aware of his rights, works in a safe environment, and can secure a better life for his family.

The workers also shared their problems and experiences, which the departmental officers discussed attentively and assured solutions.

This initiative of the Haryana Labour Department is not only an important step towards spreading awareness among the working class but also a symbol of honouring their contribution and enhancing the dignity of workers in society.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Haryana Environment and Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh said that from September 17 to October 2, a Special campaign will be carried out across the state, fully dedicated to promoting environmental protection and greenery.The aim of this campaign is to spread Mahatma Gandhi’s message of maintaining cleanliness to every citizen and to implement Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Sharing information in this regard, the Forest Minister said that the Haryana Forest Department has prepared a special action plan to make this campaign a great success. Under this plan, the slogan “Ek Ped Hazaron Sanson Ka Sahara, Aaj Lagao Kal Bachao” will be widely promoted. As part of this effort, ‘Namo Van’ or parks will be established at 75 locations across the state. These parks will serve as a unique gift from the people of Haryana to Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday. Through these forests and parks, Haryana will not only enhance greenery but will also provide a clean environment for future generations.

He further said that on September 25, on the occasion of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti activities like, cleanliness drive, awareness campaign etc. will be organised under the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” campaign. On this day, all Forest Department officers, and employees will also participate in this cleanliness drive at various public places, promoting the message of cleanliness in society.

Rao Narbir Singh said that to spread the message of importance of cleanliness and greenery to the general public, the department has prepared four special mobile vans. These vans will be deployed sequentially in all circles and districts of the state. In the North Circle, the campaign will run for three days each in Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, and Ambala districts. Similarly, in the Central Circle, the vans will be active for three days each in Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Rohtak, and Jhajjar. In the South Circle, programmes will be conducted for three days each in Faridabad, Nuh, and Rewari, and for two days each in Palwal, Gurugram, and Mahendragarh districts. In the West Circle, the campaign will run for three days each in Jind, Sirsa, and Bhiwani, and for two days each in Fatehabad, Hisar, and Charkhi Dadri districts.Through these vans, the general public will be motivated toward environmental protection and cleanliness.

Rao Narbir Singh appealed to the people of the state that every citizen must actively participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and treat the cleanliness initiative as a personal responsibility. He especially appealed to the youth and students to take part in environmental and cleanliness-related programmes during this Special campaign, inspiring their families, society, and the entire state.

During the Special campaign, the Forest Department will also organise slogan writing, painting competitions, and other cultural activities for school children to raise environmental and cleanliness awareness from childhood itself. He emphasised that if even small children in society start thinking and taking steps in this direction, not just Haryana but the entire country will surely become clean and green, he added.

Rao Narbir Singh further said that the Special campaign is not just a government formality but a call to every citizen’s responsibility. If everyone comes together to plant trees and make the pledge of cleanliness part of life, environmental protection will no longer be a distant dream but a near-future reality.

Chandigarh, September 17 – The Haryana Government has designated the Commissioners of Municipal Corporations of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Panchkula, and Hisar as ex-officio Additional Chief Executive Officers of their respective Metropolitan Development Authorities. An order in this regard was issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi. 

Additionally, the Commissioner of Municipal Corporation, Manesar, has been designated as ex-officio Additional Chief Executive Officer-II of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority with immediate effect.

The existing Additional Chief Executive Officers of the Metropolitan Development Authorities will continue to hold their present posts.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Turning his birthday into a moment of national service, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi launched a countrywide drive for women’s health and nutrition by unveiling the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ campaign and inaugurating the ‘8th Poshan Maah’ from Madhya Pradesh.

Meanwhile, in Haryana,  Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Sh. J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, launched the campaign  during a grand state-level ceremony organised in Rohtak on Wednesday, marking a major step towards strengthening healthcare and nutrition services for women, adolescent girls, and children.

This campaign has been termed a historic step towards strengthening healthcare and nutrition facilities for women, adolescent girls and children. It also marks significant progress in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of raising the quality of life for women and ushering in a new era of women-led development. The ‘8th Poshan Maah’ aims at spreading awareness about the importance of nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children under six years of age. 

Notably, at  the Rohtak ceremony, several initiatives were  also rolled out, including women’s health check-up camps, the fourth phase of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, and a Special Immunization Drive.  Sh. J.P. Nadda also symbolically launched  ‘Poshan Maah’ by feeding a child with a nutritious meal.

Furthermore, to highlight progress in improving gender balance, village sarpanches namely Renu from Samchana village, Saroj from Kharawar, and Kajal from Bhaini Surjan were honored for leading villages where the birth rate of girls has surpassed that of boys. Besides this, senior citizens above 70 years of age were provided Vay Vandana cards under the Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Beneficiaries of the scheme were also distributed Ayushman Cards on the occasion. Cancer survivors, who triumphed over the disease, were honored as ‘Cancer Champions.’ 

During the ceremony, Union Minister, Sh. J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also administered a pledge to the gathering, encouraging people to commit to organ donation and to adopt a balanced, nutritious diet. 

Co-operation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Health Minister, Kumari Arti Singh Rao, Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli, former minister, Sh. Manish Grover, and other distinguished guests also graced the event.

Chandigarh, September 17 – The “Swasth Nari – Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan” was launched on Wednesday to mark the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Sh J.P. Nadda inaugurated the exhibition in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak.

Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma,  Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao and Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Chaudhary were also present on the occasion.

Sh Nadda said that the campaign is aimed at ensuring protection, awareness, and improved healthcare for women and children. The campaign will run from September 17 to October 2, 2025.

*Women’s Health – Family Strength emerges as key focus at Exhibition*

The exhibition highlighted various health services and programs with inspiring messages such as “Healthy Mother, Safe Child – Foundation of a Strong Society.”

During the visit, Chief Guest Sh J.P. Nadda and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the TB-Free India Campaign.

*Special focus on Tuberculosis Eradication*

Dedicated panels on the Nikshay Poshan Yojana informed visitors that TB patients receive monthly nutritional assistance of Rs 1,000 directly into their bank accounts during treatment. Demonstrations were also given on verification and tracking facilities available through the TB Aarogya Sathi app and the Umang app.

*Women actively seek information on disease prevention and treatment*

The stalls provided detailed guidance on cancer screening, anemia control, thalassemia testing, high blood pressure, diabetes, and tuberculosis. Messages such as “You illuminate the happiness of your entire family – get TB treatment and support your loved ones” drew significant attention from visitors.

Posters related to the nutrition campaign were also displayed, highlighting key issues such as balanced diets for children, adolescents, and pregnant women, the importance of breastfeeding, and anemia prevention. In addition, informative posters, banners, and stalls set up by different departments showcased various schemes and initiatives focused on women’s and children’s health, nutrition, and awareness.

*A massive health check-up and blood donation camp organized*

The campaign underscored the importance of social participation along with health services. On September 17, a large-scale health check-up and blood donation camp was held, in which youth and voluntary organizations participated with great enthusiasm.

*Special Vaccination Campaign (VHSND)*

As part of the campaign, special vaccination camps will be organized from September 17 to October 2. These camps will cover children aged 0 to 16 years as well as pregnant women. In addition, routine immunizations will be emphasized to ensure universal vaccination coverage.

*Digital Health Initiatives*

A special highlight of the exhibition was a stall promoting the “I am a Digital Health Champion” photo frame and the ABHA Health ID card. Citizens were informed about the convenience of storing their health records on their mobile devices.

*Helplines and Health Services*

Health Department officials at the exhibition informed women that the Haryana Health Helpline 104 and the Nikshay Sampark Helpline 1800-11-6666 (toll-free) are available 24×7 to provide guidance and assistance on health-related issues.

On this occasion, former Minister Manish Kumar Grover, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Rohtak Ramavtar Valmiki, Additional Chief Secretary Health Department Sudhir Rajpal, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Language Department K Makarand Pandurang, Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta, MD National Health Mission RS Dhillon along with other officers and dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, September 17 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that cleanliness, drug de-addiction and a healthy living should now transform into a mass movement. With active public participation in this pledge, we can build a strong and prosperous nation.

The Chief Minister was addressing the youth during the Namo Marathon, held near Mansarovar Park in Rohtak on Wednesday morning, organized under the theme Drug-Free Haryana to commemorate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier in the morning, he personally participated in a cleanliness drive in Rohtak and planted a sapling in Mansarovar Park to spread the message of environmental protection.

On behalf of the people of Haryana, the Chief Minister extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. Addressing the youth, he said that today is a day of dedication, service and nation-building. The Prime Minister’s life journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary leadership is an inspiration for all of us. We are proud of such a dynamic personality for whom leadership is not a position but a symbol of service, sacrifice, and honesty. He further said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has achieved unprecedented progress in self-reliance, innovation and inclusive development, gaining a new identity on the global stage.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said that the double-engine government has undertaken remarkable initiatives such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and promotion of self-help groups, which have strengthened women’s role in society. He described the Namo Marathon as a significant step toward a drug-free society, aiming to channel the energy of the youth toward sports and fitness.

The Chief Minister also urged people to actively contribute to environmental conservation. Referring to the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, he said planting trees is not just an environmental step but a pledge to honour Mother Earth and safeguard the future of coming generations. Stressing the importance of cleanliness, he said that it is the responsibility of every citizen, not just sanitation workers. The Swachh Bharat Mission, initiated by Prime Minister today become a mass movement.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered the oath of drug de-addiction to the youth.

Former Minister Manish Grover, Rohtak Mayor Ram Avtar Valmiki and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.