Chandigarh, February 13 – The government has invited online applications from eligible students for post matric scholarship scheme. The eligible students are advised to ensure their registration for the academic session 2025–26 under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme by February 28, 2026 in maximum numbers. Under this scheme, scholarships are provided to students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes to enable them to pursue higher education so that they are not deprived of educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

An official spokesperson informed that efforts will be made to ensure maximum registration of eligible students on the National Scholarship Portal so that Scheduled Caste and Backward Class students, who have passed Class 10 and are pursuing higher education in government or private educational institutions, can avail the benefits of the scheme. Online applications have been invited for Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes, Denotified Tribe students under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme (PM Yashasvi Component-2).

He further stated that as per government instructions, it has been made mandatory that the applications of students registering under the scheme will be verified by the Nodal Officer of the concerned institution. Thereafter, the District Nodal Officer and the City Magistrate will verify the applications, following which the State Nodal Officer of the concerned departments will transfer the scholarship amount directly into the bank accounts of the registered students.

He added that with the objective of ensuring that the full benefit reaches eligible students, greater transparency has been introduced in the implementation of the scheme, and now the entire benefit will be provided to eligible students only through the online process.

He informed that the student must belong to the Scheduled Caste category for PMS-SC and to the Other Backward Class or Denotified Tribe category for PM-YASASVI Component-2. The annual family income of the student should not exceed Rs. 2,50,000.

He further stated that the student must be a resident of Haryana, and eligible students for the academic year 2025–26 may submit fresh applications on the NSP through the portal https://scholarships.gov.in/  by February 28, 2026.

Chandigarh, February 13 – Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the government has created a conducive environment for sports and sportspersons. As a result, Haryana’s athletes are performing excellently not only at the national level but also at the international level. He expressed confidence that Haryana players will deliver strong performances at the Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2030 and will repeat this success in the upcoming Olympics. He said that interest in sports is growing in every household and among the youth, making Haryana a leading sporting state in the country.

Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said this while attending a grand Kabaddi tournament held on the occasion of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti in village Mahra, Gohana Assembly constituency as the Chief Guest.

While addressing the gathering he said that since 2014, Haryana has made remarkable progress in several sectors. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also appreciated Haryana’s sports policy and the capability of its players, and other states are now adopting similar policies.

Dr. Sharma said that out of the 126 athletes who represented the country in the Tokyo Olympics, 32 were from Haryana. Of the seven medals won by India, Haryana athletes contributed significantly by winning one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Similarly, in the 2024 Olympics, Haryana players won five out of the six medals secured by the country. Over the last 11 years, around 16,500 players have been awarded cash prizes worth Rs.700 crore, and 231 talented sportspersons have been given government jobs. Athletes are being provided with better training facilities and an encouraging environment for international competitions so they can continue to bring pride to the state and the nation, he added.

Dr. Sharma also inaugurated several development projects worth Rs. 40 lakh in village Mahra and laid the foundation stone of a Brahmin Chaupal to be built at a cost of Rs.12 lakh. He also announced the construction of a boundary wall and shed for the village sports academy.

Chandigarh, February 13: In a significant move to enhance transparency and efficiency in employee data management, the Haryana Government has issued detailed instructions to streamline processes related to OTP generation and employee data on the Security of Service Portal.

A letter in this regard, issued by the Chief Secretary’s Office, has directed all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Managing Directors, Divisional Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict compliance with updated guidelines for uploading accurate data of eligible contractual employees on the HKRNL and Treasuries & Accounts (T&A) databases.

The initiative aims to resolve technical issues that were affecting OTP generation for certain contractual employees. As per the official communication, OTP-related issues were largely linked to incorrect mobile numbers, discrepancies in family ID details, or salary not being drawn from the designated contractual head of account. Departments have now been instructed to verify and certify employee details to enable smooth authentication and service validation.

To ensure accountability and accuracy, concerned authorities including Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been made responsible for issuing formal certification in cases where discrepancies arise. This certification will confirm the authenticity of contractual employment, mode of engagement, and proper salary disbursement under the appropriate head of account.

The government has also reiterated that the responsibility for managing employee data rests with the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) and the Treasuries & Accounts Department. Verified data will be transmitted to the Haryana Knowledge Corporation Limited (HKCL) to ensure seamless integration and uninterrupted functioning of the Security of Service Portal.

In addition, departments have been advised to promptly rectify cases where offices or DDOs are not appearing in the portal’s drop-down menu to avoid operational delays.

These measures will significantly improve the accuracy of employee records, enhance digital governance standards, and ensure timely delivery of services to eligible contractual employees across the State. The instructions have been circulated for immediate implementation across all departments and subordinate offices.

Chandigarh, February 13 – Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma today paid a courtesy call on Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Sh. Amit Shah at his office in New Delhi during the ongoing Lok Sabha session.

During the visit, Dr. Sharma shared details about the various steps being taken to strengthen the cooperative sector in Haryana under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. He said the Haryana Government is continuously working towards strengthening the rural economy and promoting the cooperatives.

The meeting included meaningful discussions on strengthening the cooperative sector, empowering institutional structures, promoting transparency and good governance, and ensuring the overall development of farmers and the rural economy.

Dr. Arvind Sharma expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Sh. Amit Shah for his visionary guidance and valuable suggestions.

Chandigarh:

AAP National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda launched a sharp attack on Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, saying that the hard-earned money of Haryana’s people is being used in attempts to buy MLAs in Punjab. He called it a direct attack on democracy and a betrayal of public trust.

Dhanda said that Haryana is currently struggling with serious issues such as unemployment, poor law and order, broken roads, rising drug menace, and neglect of sportspersons. Players have not received their diet allowance for nine months. Pensions of the elderly are being cut. Schemes for women are facing reductions. Youth are wandering in search of jobs. Despite all this, the Chief Minister is not concerned about these issues and is instead busy in political conspiracies.

He said that if the Haryana government has so much money and energy, it should be used to improve governance in the state rather than trying to break MLAs in Punjab. It is shameful that taxpayers’ money is allegedly being spent to destabilize democracy.

Dhanda added that, on the other hand, under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, the AAP government in Punjab has provided more than 62,000 government jobs in just four years without recommendation or corruption. Governance is being run on transparency and honesty, which is why the BJP is rattled and resorting to conspiracies.

He said that AAP MLAs are not for sale. They are dedicated workers inspired by the ideology of Arvind Kejriwal and cannot be lured by money or positions. Unlike BJP and Congress, AAP does not indulge in politics of deals and bargaining for power.

Dhanda warned Chief Minister Nayab Singh to answer the people of Haryana: when players are practicing on empty stomachs, youth are struggling for employment, and the elderly are worried about pensions, why is his priority political conspiracies in Punjab? The public is watching and will respond at the right time.

The Aam Aadmi Party has made it clear that the politics of buying and selling democracy will not be allowed to succeed at any cost. The Haryana government should spend its remaining tenure serving the people rather than attempting to destabilize democratically elected governments.

CHANDIGARH, 13th February 2026:

The Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday held its second meeting to finalise an extensive, year-long roadmap for commemorating the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, with a clear resolve to elevate the celebrations to a global scale and carry the Guru’s message of equality, humanity and devotion to every corner of the state and beyond.

During the meeting, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Advisor to the Tourism Department Deepak Bali and special invitee Pawan Tinu held detailed deliberations on the month-wise organisation of programmes, ensuring a balanced blend of spiritual reverence, educational outreach and social welfare initiatives.

Highlighting the spiritual dimension of the celebrations, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Our goal is to celebrate this historic occasion on a scale that reflects the profound impact of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings on society. We are committed to ensuring that every citizen, especially our youth, connects with the message of ‘Begampura’—a society free from sorrow and discrimination.”

The committee decided to organise four major Shobha Yatras originating from Varanasi, Faridkot, Jammu and Bathinda, which will converge at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, the revered tap asthan of Guru ji. It was also resolved to facilitate a Tirath Yatra for pilgrims from different parts of Punjab to visit the Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Janam Sathan Mandir at Seer Govardanpur, Varanasi, enabling devotees to pay obeisance at the sacred birthplace.

To ensure that Guru Ji’s philosophy reaches the younger generation in a meaningful manner, the sub-committee approved seminars on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji in schools, colleges and universities across the state. The roadmap also includes innovative outreach through drone shows in every district and the screening of documentary films in villages, using modern technology and visual media to strengthen awareness and engagement.

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and social service, the committee discussed launching a massive plantation drive involving 6.5 lakh saplings per district dedicated to the 650th anniversary. Statewide blood donation camps, marathons, cycle rallies and grand Kirtan Samagams will also be organised to promote community bonding and physical well-being as part of the year-long commemorations.

Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Punjab and Secretary Tourism Kumar Amit, Director Tourism Sanjeev Tiwari, and Deputy Director Tourism Yashpal Sharma were also present in the meeting.

The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has undertaken extensive technological and administrative measures to ensure the smooth, transparent and foolproof conduct of the upcoming board examinations across the state.

Dr. Amarpal Singh, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Punjab School Education Board, stated that this year PSEB has introduced an advanced digital tracking system through the newly launched MATQ App, designed to monitor the secure movement of question papers. The app tracks the transportation of confidential question papers from the PSEB headquarters to designated banks for safe custody and subsequently to the concerned examination centers. Photographic evidence is mandatorily uploaded at the time of handing over and receiving the sealed packets. The app captures GPS coordinates and automatically matches them with pre-saved authorized locations, ensuring complete accountability and eliminating the possibility of any discrepancy. The Chairman also stated that a Control Room to solve the grievances is being established at Head Office, to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations.

To enhance convenience for students, roll number slips have been issued with clearly mapped examination centers, enabling candidates to easily locate their respective venues well in advance.

In order to maintain strict secrecy and discipline, observers will be appointed for crucial examinations on the same day. Additionally, more than 300 flying squads have been constituted across Punjab to curb the menace of unfair means and ensure a fair examination environment.

For greater transparency, answer sheets will be distributed in a controlled manner at examination centers. Further strengthening confidentiality, PSEB is introducing barcoding of answer sheets, which will conceal the identity of candidates during evaluation and ensure unbiased marking.

Dr. Amarpal Singh further informed that in a significant reform aimed at fair assessment, practical examinations are being conducted through external examiners for the first time. The practical exams, scheduled from February 2 to February 12, are progressing smoothly across the state.

The Board has established approximately 2,366 examination centers to facilitate candidates. This year, around 2,77,316 students will appear in Class 8 examinations, 2,72,560 students in Class 10, and 2,68,794 students in Class 12. The Class 8 and Class 12 board examinations will commence on February 17, while the Class 10 examinations will begin on March 6.

With these comprehensive technological interventions and strict monitoring mechanisms, PSEB aims to uphold the highest standards of transparency, security and fairness in the conduct of the 2026 Board examinations.

Chandigarh, February 11 – Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that villagers of Talwandi Rana in Hisar district will soon be provided an accessible, smooth and safe road connectivity to Hisar city. In this regard, he chaired an important meeting at his office in the Secretariat with senior officers from the Haryana Civil Aviation Department, Public Works Department, Forest Department and other departments. Prominent villagers from Talwandi Rana were also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, discussions were held on projects undertaken so far by the government, changes in traffic arrangements after the construction of Hisar Airport, and the difficulties being faced by the villagers of Talwandi Rana. The villagers demanded a smooth and direct road to Hisar.

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that the convenience of villagers is the government’s top priority. The government is fully committed to find a solution with seriousness and sensitivity so that the residents of Talwandi Rana do not face any inconvenience. He emphasised that along with development works, the state government is also giving full attention to the basic needs of the people.

Officers of the Haryana Civil Aviation Department provided information on potential route options near the airport and informed about the future expansion plans for Hisar Airport. Meanwhile, Officers of the Public Works Department (PWD) shared various technical and practical suggestions related to road construction. Detailed discussions were held on available government land near Talwandi Rana, forest land, airport land, Dhansu Road, land near the Rajwaha and other possible routes so that a safe, durable and long-term solution can be selected.

The Cabinet Minister directed that a joint committee be formed under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, to submit a report after considering all aspects. The committee will explore practical and sustainable options while keeping land availability, technical feasibility and future requirements in mind. Representatives of the villagers, along with officers from the Revenue Department, Forest Department, Public Works Department and other concerned departments, will be part of the committee to ensure a transparent and consensus-based decision-making process.

Sh.Ranbir Gangwa further said that this project is not just about building a road, but an important step towards the overall development of the region. Better road connectivity will boost education, healthcare, trade and agricultural activities and create new opportunities for the youth. He also directed officers to prepare a time-bound plan and start the work at the earliest.

The Minister said that the government will certainly reach a solution and provide the villagers of Talwandi Rana with a better, safe and permanent road option as per their demand. The government will work with full commitment to maintain a balance between development and public convenience.

Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Civil Aviation, Smt P. Amneet Kumar, former Chairman, Sh.Randhir Singh Dhiru, Advocate, O.P. Kohli from Talwandi Rana Road Bachao Sangharsh Samiti and officers from various departments were present during the meeting.

Chandigarh,

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh has strongly condemned the state government’s decision to determine eligibility for old-age pension on the basis of children’s income. He termed it a completely insensitive, anti-people and anti-elderly policy that strikes at the dignity of senior citizens.
Rao Narendra Singh said,
“Old-age pension is not a government’s charity, but a constitutional and moral right of the elderly. This scheme was introduced to ensure respect and a life of dignity for senior citizens. Today, the government is trying to stop or reduce parents’ pension on the basis of their children’s income—this is not only inhuman, but also a symbol of social injustice, erosion of family values, and an insult to the elderly.”
He further said that in the present times, considering an annual income of ₹3–4 lakh as a sign of prosperity is laughable. When inflation is soaring, medical expenses are burdensome, and it has become difficult to meet basic household needs, depriving even such families of pension exposes the government’s anti-people mindset.
The Pradesh Congress President alleged that the government is deliberately implementing such harsh, impractical and arbitrary criteria so that thousands and lakhs of elderly people can be deprived of this right. This policy, instead of making senior citizens self-reliant, forces them to depend on their children, whereas the reality is that many elderly people live alone, their children live far away, or family support is unavailable.
Rao Narendra Singh has demanded that the Haryana government immediately withdraw this anti-people condition and ensure old-age pension for all eligible senior citizens without any discrimination, so that their dignity and rights are protected.
He clearly warned that if the government does not roll back this decision, the Haryana Congress will launch an agitation at every level—from the streets to the Assembly—to protect the respect, dignity and rights of the elderly. The party will stand shoulder to shoulder with senior citizens in this fight.