Chandigarh, December 8 – The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved amendments to the Haryana State Prosecution Department Legal Service (Group A) Rules, 2013, paving the way for a strengthened and modernised prosecution cadre aligned with the requirements of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

In view of the new criminal laws enacted by the Parliament, the BNSS-2023 introduces several provisions related to Public Prosecutors and the Directorate of Prosecution at both State and District levels. To meet these statutory requirements, the State Government had earlier sanctioned 48 new posts, including 24 posts of Deputy Directors and 24 posts of Assistant Directors. These posts are essential for the creation and functioning of the Directorate of Prosecution as mandated under Section 20 of the BNSS, 2023.

In order to fill up these posts, the Haryana State Prosecution

Department Legal Services (Group A) Rules, 2013 have been amended for the purpose to prescribe the mode of recruitment, eligibility conditions, experience, etc.

With these amendments, the Haryana Prosecution Department is set to operate with a more robust, clearly structured and legally compliant framework, ensuring effective implementation of the BNSS-2023 and strengthening the administration of criminal justice in the state.

Chandigarh, December 8- In a major administrative reform aimed at ensuring faster, easier and more effective delivery of citizen services, 17 villages in six districts of Haryana will be reorganized aimed at ensuring better service delivery.

The State Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today accorded approval to a proposal regarding shifting of villages from one sub-tehsil/tehsil to another sub-tehsil/tehsil in districts Mahendergarh at Narnaul, Rewari, Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Sirsa and Jhajjar.

The move not only aims to provide better access to citizen services and to bring about administrative efficiency but will also ensure synergy across different levels of the governance and better delivery of services. The State Re-organization Committee has approved and recommended transfer of the villages from one sub-tehsil/tehsil to another sub-tehsil/tehsil in these districts in its 3 different meetings.

The Deputy Commissioners of Districts Mahendergarh at Narnaul, Rewari, Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Sirsa and Jhajjar have submitted a report recommending the shifting of 1  village of District Mahendergarh at Narnaul, 1 village of Rewari, 3 villages of Yamunanagar, some area of Faridabad, 9 villages of Sirsa and 3 villages of District Jhajjar in view  of the geographic contiguity and administrative convenience.

Sr. No.	Village	Tehsil/Sub-Tehsil	Proposed Tehsil/Sub-Tehsil
1	Mandola	Satnali	Mahendragarh
2	Bareli Kalan	Palhawas	Rewari
3	Gundiyana	Radaur	Saraswati Nagar
4	Rupoli	Radaur	Saraswati Nagar
5	Chaharwala	Saraswati Nagar	Byaspur
6	Sector 15, 15A,16A	Badhkhal	Faridabad
7	Sector 21A, 21B	Faridabad	Badhkal
8	Ranga	Kalanwali	Sirsa
9	Lehngewala	Kalanwali	Sirsa
10	Mattad	Kalanwali	Sirsa
11	Alikan	Kalanwali	Sirsa
12	Malikpura	Kalanwali	Dabwali
13	Kingra	Kalanwali	Dabwali
14	Naurang	Kalanwali	Dabwali
15	Banwala	Kalanwali	Dabwali/Gauriwala
16	Mithri	Kalanwali	Dabwali
17	Bilochpura	Matanhail	Jhajjar
18	Bhindawas	Matanhail	Jhajjar
19	Shahjahanpur	Matanhail	Jhajjar

Chandigarh, December 7: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini urged scientists to take science beyond the walls of laboratories and ensure that its benefits reach the last person in society. He said that science brings true prosperity only when knowledge helps a farmer increase crop yield, when research cures a patient’s illness, and when innovation empowers an entrepreneur.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest on the second day of the four-day 11th India International Science Festival, being held in Sector-5, Panchkula.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Students’ Science and Technology Village at the event, describing it as the “New Nalanda” of modern India. On this occasion, he also visited the science exhibition and showed keen interest in the latest technologies in the fields of science and innovation.

Youth, students, and scientists represent the generation that will transform India into a developed nation

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that science is not just a career but a medium for nation-building. Interacting with youth, students, and scientists, he said that they are the generation that will shape India into a developed nation. He urged all scientists, research institutions, industry partners, the start-up community, and young innovators to work together to create a science-based development model that provides a better quality of life to every citizen, gives India global leadership, and ensures a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the planet.

Haryana honored to host the Science Festival for the second time

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh for giving Haryana the opportunity to host this major science festival for the second time. He said that more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad are taking part in this four-day ‘Science Mahakumbh’. The Chief Minister said he was pleased that special attention has been given to the youth particularly from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the northern and western states so that every region of the country can move forward together on the path of scientific progress.

This science festival is a significant step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation

Referring to the Science Festival, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that it is a confluence of science, innovation, start-up energy, future technologies, and the aspirations of a New India. He said that the theme of this year’s festival, ‘Science for Prosperity for a Self-Reliant India’, is extremely relevant. He said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed nation by 2047, and under his leadership, the country is progressing at an unprecedented pace in the field of science and technology. India has emerged as one of the leading nations in lunar, solar, and space research, as well as in areas such as quantum technology, deep-tech, AI, drones, and biotechnology. He said that this Science Festival is also a concrete step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation.

Science is not limited to laboratories but touches every sphere of life

The Chief Minister said that events like the India International Science Festival send a clear message that science is not confined to laboratories. It is present in the fields, in factories, and in our villages. Science is in our mobile phones, healthcare services, education, and governance—in every sphere of life. Today, science forms the foundation of policy-making, and new technology is the driving engine of development. He added that another key objective of this festival is to showcase India’s scientific excellence on the world stage under the able leadership of the Prime Minister.

The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana, despite being an agrarian state, is rapidly emerging as a center of science, education, and innovation. The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies.

He said that cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula, and Hisar are becoming major IT and R&D hubs in the country. Gurugram has already established itself as a leading center for IT, AI, and cyber technology. High-tech research and innovation centers have been set up in Faridabad and Panchkula, while cities such as Karnal, Hisar, and Rohtak are emerging as important hubs for agricultural technology and climate services. Recently, the Mahabharata-based Anubhav Kendra developed in Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, has opened a new chapter in science tourism.

He further said that universities and technical institutions in Haryana are conducting cutting-edge research in drones, biotechnology, machine learning, robotics, environmental science, and space studies. Farmers in Haryana are also increasingly adopting sensor-based irrigation and practicing climate-smart agriculture.

The Government aims to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development

The Chief Minister said that their goal is to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development. To foster students’ interest in science, a Science Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is being implemented in schools. Under this scheme, 1,500 students studying science in Classes 11 and 12 receive a scholarship of Rs 1,000 per month. Undergraduate students receive Rs 4,000 per month, while postgraduate students receive Rs 6,000 per month.

In addition, a separate scheme has been introduced to honor students who win medals or participate in the International Science Olympiad, under which cash prizes of up to Rs 5 lakh are awarded. Similarly, gold medal winners of the Junior Science Olympiad are given cash prizes of up to Rs 2.5 lakh.

The Government is also encouraging young scientists

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is also encouraging young scientists. For this purpose, two eminent scientists above the age of 40 are honored each year with the ‘Haryana Vigyan Ratna’ award, while two distinguished scientists from the state below the age of 40 are conferred the ‘Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna’ award annually.

Present on the occasion were Secretary DBT Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Joint Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Sh D.S. Pandian, National Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, General Secretary Sh Vivekananda Pai, Director IITM Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Executive Director of the Indian National Science Academy Dr. Brijesh Pandey, Scientists from Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Jagveer Singh and Dr. Vinu Valsala, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Praveen Atrey, scientists, representatives of Indian science institutions, Industry representatives, researchers, start-ups, and students.

CHANDIGARH, December 7:

          In a significant step towards addressing a deep wound in the Sikh religious conscience and fulfilling a long-pending demand for justice, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against sixteen individuals in connection with the missing of 328 ‘Saroops’ (holy scriptures) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

          In this regard, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan said that Punjab Government will not tolerate sacrilege of any religion and our government will not spare anybody who will commit this type of heinous crime. Guru Sahib ji has guided us to protect all the religion across the globe, he said.

          Bhai Baldev Singh Vadala commended the Punjab Government for getting a first information report (FIR) registered against the culprits who committed sacrilege of 328 Pawan “Saroops” of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He urged Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan to pass law in Punjab Vidhan Sabha to ensure Capital punishment who commits this type of sacrilege so that no one could dare to commit such crime in future and set a strong example for society.

          Those booked have been identified as Dr Roop Singh, Manjit Singh, Gurbachan Singh, Satinder Singh, Nishan Singh, Paramjit Singh, Gurmukh Singh, Jujhar Singh, Baaj Singh, Dalbir Singh, Kamaljit Singh, Kulwant Singh, Jaspreet Singh, Gurbachan Singh, Satinder Singh and Amarjit Singh.

          The FIR has been registered under sections 295 (injuring or defiling a place of worship or sacred object with intent to insult a religion), 295-A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 465 (forgery) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Police Station Division-C Amritsar Commissionerate.

          The development follows a prolonged inquiry into mismanagement and record-keeping discrepancies at the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan, the publishing house of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) in Amritsar.

Chandigarh, December 7: 

To review corrective measures and monitor progress of restoration of road work at sector 27-D, senior officers of the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh including Sh. C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer accompanied by SE (B&R), and the concerned Executive Engineer inspected the affected stretches today. It was noted that the defects were linked to past deficiencies, and rectification work is currently in progress strictly as per NITTTR’s technical recommendations.

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh is undertaking comprehensive repair and recarpeting work on the V-6 roads of Sector 27-D, with a firm commitment to quality, safety, and long-term durability.

According to official record, the work commenced in mid-November this year, following the need to address elevated road levels caused by repeated bituminous layering over the years. To restore proper levels and ensure a stable base, scarifying of the existing surface was initiated before laying a fresh bituminous layer.

During execution, engineers observed cracks and surface deterioration at multiple stretches across the sector. Considering the seriousness of the issue, MCC immediately sought the expertise of the quality consultant, NITTTR, to conduct a detailed technical assessment. Prof. A.K. Duggal from NITTTR visited the site on 19.11.2025 and carried out an intensive examination at critical locations. The expert analysis confirmed that subsurface sinking had occurred due to slush formation beneath the road, arising from weak sub-base conditions.

NITTTR submitted its detailed report on 24.11.2025, identifying low bearing capacity of the sub-base as the primary cause, further aggravated by the movement of heavy machinery, including loaded tippers during scarifying, continuous compaction activities, and earlier road-cut repair operations.

The Chief Engineer, MCC issued strict directions to complete the work with the required specifications, maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring timely completion.

MCC reaffirmed its commitment to minimizing inconvenience to residents and delivering durable, high-quality road infrastructure across the city.

Chandigarh:

Jannayak Janta Party National President Dr Ajay Singh Chautala sharply criticized both the BJP and Congress, stating that Congress was responsible for enabling the formation of the BJP government in Haryana. Addressing a massive crowd at JJP’s 8th Foundation Day rally in Julana, he said that Congress leaders themselves colluded with the BJP, sinking their own party, and now the BJP is busy exploiting the state.

Dr. Chautala said Haryana today is witnessing a “jungle raj” where incidents of theft, robbery, loot, and murder have become routine. He expressed concern that even girls are no longer safe in educational institutions. Questioning the government’s claims, he said, “If this is the state of law and order, who will guarantee the safety of Haryana’s people ?”

Ajay Singh Chautala accused the BJP government of being anti-farmer, saying that farmers are not even recovering the cost of cultivation. He highlighted that thousands of acres remain waterlogged without relief, and the government has failed to even drain the water in many regions. He alleged a massive rice procurement scam worth thousands of crores in which farmers were cheated through low purchase prices.

He further said that despite spending crores on the recent visit of the Prime Minister to Haryana, “the Prime Minister did not announce even a single rupee for the state’s development.”

Former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, addressing the vast gathering, said that aligning with the BJP was necessary in 2019 for JJP’s survival and for ensuring development in the state. He recalled that when JJP was in power, the doors of Chandigarh were open for the common man 24×7, but today people are being pushed away instead of being heard.

He pointed to stagnation in fields and the piling up of cotton, rice, and millet trolleys in mandis as signs of administrative collapse.

He said that during the coalition era, old-age pension increased every year, but after JJP left the government, not even a single rupee has been added—rather, thousands of elderly citizens have been removed from the scheme. Similarly, the Lado Lakshmi Yojana was misused as an election gimmick, later burdened with unnecessary conditions to exclude beneficiaries.

He accused the BJP of making ration cards in bulk before elections and then canceling lakhs of BPL cards afterward.

Dushyant Chautala further slammed the government, saying mismanagement in sports is causing the deaths of players, while youth seeking jobs abroad are also losing their lives. He said the government is planning to employ PhD holders as peons, and questioned why—despite Haryana bringing 40% of India’s international medals—events like the Commonwealth Games are being hosted in Gujarat.

He alleged that although Haryana leads in industrialization, maximum subsidies are being offered to Gujarat.

He remarked, “The Chief Minister may belong to Haryana, but the remote control is in Gujarat.”

He warned that BJP is again trying to repeat the agenda that shattered social harmony in 2016. Referring to recent controversial statements by BJP MPs and MLAs comparing Haryana’s people to animals, he said the ruling party wants to create social unrest.

Criticizing the police administration, he said the DGP sees Thars and Bullets as a threat, but fails to recognize the rising number of murders in the state. He accused the government of intentionally assigning teachers to BLO duties with the hidden motive of weakening government schools, sarcastically saying, “Why not convert the School Education Department into the Election Commission then?”

State President Brij Sharma said people from every section of society are unhappy with the present government, and urged every JJP worker to reach every household and village to ensure victory in the next elections.

Youth President Digvijay Singh Chautala attacked the government on unemployment, saying that while the CM promises 50 lakh jobs by 2047, the reality is that even temporary jobs are scarce today.

Senior leaders paid tributes to Jan Nayak Chaudhary Devi Lal and remembered former Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala. When former MLA Naina Chautala arrived on stage, thousands of women stood up to thank her for securing reservations for women in Panchayats and for ration depots.

Senior JJP leader Dr. K.C. Bangad urged workers to take a pledge from this historic Julana rally to form a JJP government in 2029, and work tirelessly toward achieving that goal.

Prominent leaders including Rajendra Litani, Phoolwati, former MLA Amarjeet Dhanda, Rajdeep Phogat, Ramesh Khatak, Mohsin Chaudhary, Dinesh Dagar (Delhi), Bachchan Singh Gurjar (Gujarat), Sandeep Nyauli (Punjab), Mahendra Chaudhary (UP), along with district and block presidents, office bearers, and thousands of workers were present.

Chandigarh, December 7, 2025: The 175th Birth Anniversary celebrations of the founder of Dev Samaj, Bhagwan Dev Atma, being organized at Dev Samaj Head Office, Sector 36-B, Chandigarh have concluded. The celebrations were held over four-days.

During the ‘Mahotsav’, a ‘Mahasabha’ was addressed by Dr Agnese Dhillon, Secretary, Dev Samaj, on ‘New Directions of Spiritual Development and Bhagwan Devatma’. Dr Dhillon in her discourse said that Bhagwan Dev Atma founded a science‑based ‘spiritual belief system’, Dev Samaj. She said that in the teachings of Dev Samaj there is no place for superstitions and outdated practices.

She further stated that Bhagwan Dev Atma taught humanity to renounce many social evils and adopt a noble, selfless lifestyle. She emphasized, “By embracing Bhagwan Dev Atma’s teachings in our lives, we can make this world a better place for future generations.”

To commemorate the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Dev Atma, a Blood Donation Camp was also organized in collaboration with PGIMER Chandigarh. The camp was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Shri Ajay Kumar Pandey, IPS, ADGP, Punjab Police. Present with him on the occasion were Prof. Vipin Kaushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER Chandigarh, Dr. Sucheta Sachdeva, Additional Professor, Department of Transfusion Medicine, PGIMER Chandigarh, and Shri Jaspal Bhullar, in‑charge, District Crime Cell, Chandigarh Police, who was the Guest of Honor.

In the camp, staff and volunteers from Dev Samaj educational institutions, Dev Samaj devotees, members of Sukh Foundation, & many others participated. 100 units of blood were collected.

Daily discourses on social ethics and moral culture were held during the Mahotsav. Other activities that took place included ‘Bhajan Gayan’, ‘Sangeet Sandhya’, Quiz Competition and a Play by students too. Dev Samaj Modern School, New Delhi, presented a splendid drama titled ‘Karvat’, based on the positive transformations that occur in human life through the teachings of Bhagwan Dev Atma.

A discourse on ‘Importance of Dev Dharma for Humanity’ by Shriman Jagdish Chand Ji Bhardwaj was also held. In his address, Shriman Jagdish highlighted the importance of Dev Dharma for the welfare of all humanity, saying that a person should stay away from the race of material desires and avoid causing pain or suffering to anyone. He also specially mentioned the achievements of the former Secretary of Dev Samaj, late Shriman Nirmal Singh Dhillon, and his tireless service toward the progress of Dev Samaj.

A Sabha by Dr. Ramesh Chand Ji Garg on ‘Why Every Human Needs a Divine Soul- Bhagwan Devatma’ was also organised. In his discourse, he said that despite relentless struggles in his divine journey, Bhagwan Dev Atma continuously inspired people to walk on the path of righteousness.

Shriman Maanvinder Singh Ji Mangat, Chief Administrative Officer, Dev Samaj presented a brief report on the progress and development of Dev Samaj.

The Mahotsav concluded with ‘Bhajans’, prayers and a pledge to follow the ideals and principles laid down by Bhagwan Dev Atma

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 7:

 In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a Pak-backed cross-border arms smuggling module with the arrest of one operative and recovered five sophisticated pistols from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

 The arrested person has been identified as Sandeep Singh, a resident of village Khalra in Tarn Taran. The recovered weapons include four .30 bore pistols along with magazines and one 9MM pistol along with magazine. Police teams have also impounded his Royal Enfield (Bullet) Motorcycle, being used for transporting the consignments.

 DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused, along with wanted associate Saifli Singh, had been retrieving weapon consignments on the directions of a Pak-based handler and supplying them to criminals and gangsters in Punjab. The latter has been using drones to drop the contrabands from across the border, he added.

 Sharing operation details, the DGP said that CI Amritsar had received a specific intelligence about retrieval of a huge consignment of illegal weapons from Indo-Pak border area falling near village Khalra. Acting swiftly, police team of CI-Amritsar intercepted the above suspect Sandeep Singh from near Village Thatha in Tarn Taran, when he was going to further deliver the consignment to some party and recovered the illegal weapons from his possession, he said.

 In this regard, a case FIR No. 72 dated 06-12-2025 has been registered under sections 25 and 25(1)(a) of the Arms Act and section 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station State Special Operation Cell, Amritsar.

CHANDIGARH, December 7:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 281st day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 204 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 71 drug smugglers after registration of 52 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 39,580 in 281 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 834 grams heroin, 1.5 kg opium, 281 intoxicant pills and Rs 20,920 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 700 police personnel, under the supervision of 47 gazetted officers have conducted 204 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 224 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 38 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, December 7:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday gave a clarion call to the Punjabi diaspora in Seoul to act as Ambassadors of the state for inspiring the Korean companies to invest in the state, which has now emerged as most preferable investment destination in the globe.

During an interactive community programme with the vibrant Punjabi diaspora in Seoul during his visit to South Korea,  the Chief Minister said that due to industrial friendly policies of the state government investors are already making beeline to invest in Punjab adding that Punjabis in Seoul should further help the state to attract investments by becoming its brand ambassadors. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a Punjabi is a born entrepreneur and every one of us must make efforts to put state on high orbit of industrial growth trajectory.  Striking an emotional chord with the Punjabis, he said that the state government is already providing conducive conditions to industry in the state adding that it is now their turn to serve their motherland.

The Chief Minister said that this will open new vistas of employment for youth besides giving major push to the industrial development of the state thereby carving out a Rangla Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that Punjabis are global citizens who have carved a niche for themselves in every corner of the world adding that the qualities of hard work, innovation and energy are imbued in their blood. 

The Chief Minister commended the community for their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural commitment, and contributions in strengthening people-to-people and business-to-business linkages. He also urged the m to play an active role in guiding Korean companies to consider Punjab as a preferred investment destination. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann also solicited their fulsome support and cooperation to help create greater opportunities for employment, innovation, and technology collaboration in the state.

The Chief Minister said that his vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making, and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors. He said that Punjab’s approach is based on partnership and working closely with industry, by understanding their needs and ensuring that the government becomes an enabler of growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that Punjab has strengthened its infrastructure, expanded its industrial capacity and opened new avenues for investment.

The Chief Minister also showcased the state’s governance and regulatory reforms, including the FastTrack Punjab single-window system offering 173 services, auto-deemed approvals, PAN-based business identifiers, and amendments to the Punjab Right to Business Act enabling time-bound in-principle approvals. He also highlighted Punjab’s industrial infrastructure adding that over Rs 1.4 lakh crore of on ground investments which have already been facilitated through Invest Punjab. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his vision is simple and clear to make Punjab a preferred destination for global industry by offering stability in policy, speed in decision-making, and a governance system that respects the time and trust of investors.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s approach is based on partnership and working closely with industry, by understanding their needs and ensure that government acts as a catalyst of growth. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab has strengthened its infrastructure, expanded its industrial capacity and opened new avenues for investment. He said that partnership between government and industry is key to success and the state government firmly believes that industrial growth can only be achieved when we work as equal partners.

Meanwhile, the diaspora warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing pride in Punjab’s global outreach and sharing their continued efforts to promote Punjabi culture among Koreans through celebrations of festivals, language, cuisine, and traditions.

The diaspora expressed optimism that the visit will open a new chapter in Punjab–South Korea relations, paving the way for enduring partnerships and mutually beneficial outcomes across industry, technology, and cultural exchange.

Managing Director of Aran International, Chodda Akash expressed interest in exploring investments in Punjab’s food processing sector. Dr. (Prof.) Lakhvinder Singh, an eminent scholar, also welcomed the Chief Minister’s initiative to organise an investment roadshow in South Korea, particularly to attract investments in the defence and aerospace sectors. Chairperson of the Punjabi Association in Korea, Meenakshi Pawar acknowledged that after a long interval, a high-level representative from the Government of Punjab had visited South Korea, and emphasised that this renewed engagement opens new prospects for long-term cooperation.

Earlier, the Chief Minister began his South Korea Leg of International Investment Outreach, after a highly productive Japan visit. Bhagwant Singh Mann held a detailed briefing session with the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea Gourangalal Das. During the meeting, he outlined the Government of Punjab’s vision to foster deeper economic and technological collaboration, particularly in high potential sectors such as food processing, agri-tech, renewable energy, manufacturing, defence, aerospace, and urban infrastructure.  Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted Punjab’s evolving industrial ecosystem, progressive policies, and competitive advantages that position the state as a strategic gateway to North India.

On Monday, the Punjab delegation will embark on a packed day of high-level engagements, beginning with meetings with major Korean companies, including Daewoo E&C, GS E&C, and Nongshim, to explore opportunities in construction engineering, infrastructure development, and advanced food processing. The Chief Minister will then participate in a Roundtable on Ease of Doing Business in Punjab, attended by leading legal firms, financial investors, advisory groups, and business associations, aimed at providing Korean stakeholders a clear understanding of Punjab’s governance reforms, transparency mechanisms, and facilitation framework for investors.

This will be followed by a visit to Pangyo Techno Valley, South Korea’s premier innovation and technology cluster, where the delegation will study best practices in R&D, start-up ecosystems, and high-tech industrial development. The day will conclude with a focused engagement with the Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA) to explore collaborations in defence manufacturing, aerospace technologies, and future-ready industrial capabilities suited for Punjab.