Chandigarh, December 3 – The Haryana Government has clarified that no instructions have been issued by the Government or any department to stop development works or to withhold payments to contractors during special investigations conducted by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has issued a letter in this regard to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Managing Directors of Boards and Corporations, and Registrars of Universities.

The letter clearly states that as per the Government’s instructions dated May 12, 2015, the Technical Wing of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau selects works for special investigation based on the list of ongoing works received from various departments, boards, and corporations, complaints, preliminary reports, or directions from the competent authority.

It has come to the notice of the Government that some officers and engineers of certain departments are stopping works or withholding payments by telling senior officials, district administration, public representatives, and the general public that the matter is under investigation by the Vigilance Department or that a special investigation is being carried out by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Such statements are completely misleading and against the rules.

The Government has categorically stated that no such instructions have ever been issued. Execution of development works and payment for completed or ongoing works is the responsibility of the concerned department and must continue as per the terms of the contract and prescribed rules. Decisions in such matters will be taken at the level of the concerned Administrative Secretary.

All related departments and officers have been directed to strictly comply with these instructions. The Government has also cautioned that any violation in this regard will be viewed seriously and necessary action will be taken.

Chandigarh, December 3 – Haryana has intensified its ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna River, with the latest review held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today. The review meeting highlighted improvements in wastewater treatment, industrial compliance, and sewerage infrastructure. The Board informed that out of the 1511.55 MLD of wastewater flowing through the 11 major drains that ultimately join the Yamuna, nearly 1000 MLD is already being treated, demonstrating the State’s strong commitment to river rejuvenation. Regular water quality monitoring is being carried out in all drains to ensure that pollution levels continue to decline.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed to form separate committees for each drain, having members from all the departments concerned with the Divisional Commissioner as its chairman. The committee will hold meeting every 10 days (thrice a month) and submit reports to Chairman, Haryana Pollution Control Board.

The meeting was informed that the State has undertaken a major expansion of sewage treatment capacity in the Yamuna catchment. At present, Haryana has 90 Sewage Treatment Plants with a combined capacity of 1518 MLD, along with four STPs of 107 MLD under construction, expected to be completed by March 2027. Nine additional STPs of 227 MLD capacity are under upgradation, and nine new plants of 510 MLD have been proposed to further strengthen the treatment network. Industrial wastewater management has similarly improved, with 17 Common Effluent Treatment Plants of 184.5 MLD already operational, two CETPs undergoing upgradation, and eight new CETPs of 146 MLD capacity proposed. Almost all major industries in the region are now connected to CETPs or have installed individual Effluent Treatment Plants, ensuring near-complete compliance with environmental norms.

Drain-wise action plans presented during the meeting showed steady progress across all major drains, including Dhanaura Escape, Drain No. 2, Drain No. 6, Mungeshpur Drain, KCB Drain, Drain No. 8, Leg I, Leg II, Leg III, Budhiya Nala and Gaunchi Drain. Large-scale sewer tapping operations have been initiated to prevent untreated effluent from flowing into the river, while several new STPs—such as the 77 MLD plant at Yamuna Nagar, the 60 MLD plant proposed at Rohtak, and the 100 MLD plant planned in Gurugram—are expected to further reduce pollution load in the coming years. Upgradation work on major STPs in Rohtak, Faridabad and Gurugram is also progressing steadily.

The State has also achieved near-completion of its sewerage network in the 34 towns falling within the Yamuna catchment area. Out of a total proposed 1632 kilometres of sewer line, 1626.6 kilometres have already been laid, and the remaining stretch of 5.4 kilometres in Faridabad is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2025. In addition to improving treatment capacity, Haryana is emphasising the reuse of treated wastewater. Three irrigation projects using treated water have already been completed, and six more such projects are currently in progress, which will help reduce dependence on fresh water sources.

Chandigarh, December 3 –  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, today inaugurated the Home Department Dashboard, a comprehensive digital platform that promises to revolutionize law enforcement, emergency response, and public safety management across the state.

Describing the initiative as an important milestone, the Chief Minister said the new system will enable senior officers to access real-time information from police, fire, ambulance, prison and other critical wings on a single interface. This, he noted, will improve coordination, enhance efficiency and support faster decision-making across the Home Department.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini congratulated the Home Secretary & other senior officers and the technical team for this innovative initiative.

The integrated platform brings together key systems such as the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), Dial-112 emergency response, e-Prison, e-Challan, Forensic Science Laboratory and allied platforms. Chief Minster further directed officers to integrate e-Summon and e-Challan with the dashboard.

Chief Minister commended the live monitoring of all 20 prisons of Haryana in real time through dashboard. This will enable officers to plan inmate transfers, expansion requirements, and decongestion measures. The Chief Minister said such real-time visibility will support more informed and timely administrative actions.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra apprised that between July 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025, the Dashboard recorded 1,78,038 FIRs, of which 1,32,790 cases have been disposed of, reflecting a 74.58% disposal rate. In emergency response, the police now average a response time of 11 minutes 54 seconds, with dispatch occurring within 7 minutes 36 seconds. Ambulance services are reaching citizens in 23 minutes 49 seconds on average, contributing to quicker medical assistance and improved outcomes, she added.

Dr. Sumita Misra, said that the Dashboard will soon be extended to all Heads of Departments under the Home Department and the Administration of Justice. Plans are also underway to integrate the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) to enable seamless data flow between police, prosecution, judiciary, prisons and forensics.

Dr. Misra stated that the platform will facilitate performance-based ranking of police stations, strengthening accountability and encouraging continual improvement. This will also be powered by real-time data from all 24 Police Districts and 413 Police Stations, the Dashboard aims to serve as a comprehensive decision-support system for monitoring crime trends, improving departmental coordination and enhancing public safety across the state.

Chandigarh, December 3 – Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that the primary objective of the State Government is to strengthen the infrastructure of government schools and provide students with a better, safe and modern learning environment. In this direction, the government is not only emphasizing smart education in schools but is also rapidly implementing several welfare schemes for the benefit of students.

The Education Minister was presiding over a review meeting with departmental officers at Shiksha Sadan, Panchkula  here today. He said  that in the last five years, around 26,000 smart class boards have been provided in all government schools across the state, enabling students to become technologically empowered. Along with this, scholarship schemes are being made more effective so that students belonging to economically weaker sections can continue their education without any hindrance.

He informed that for the convenience of students, dual desks are being arranged in government schools of the state to ensure that children do not face any discomfort while studying. He directed officers to issue the schedule for online teacher transfers at the earliest.

During the meeting, it was informed that students are served milk, kheer, pinnis and other nutritious items in mid day meals. In addition, to ensure food quality, samples are tested through laboratories approved by the Government of India.

The Minister directed officers to expedite the construction work of government school buildings so that no student faces inconvenience during studies. He emphasized that regular inspection of schools is extremely important. Officers should visit government schools from time to time, identify shortcomings and take immediate action to rectify them.

The Education Minister said that teachers must ensure timely conduct of classes. He further directed that all pending matters related to ACP and medical claims be resolved on priority and at the earliest so that employees do not face unnecessary difficulties.

The Minister said that the State Government is committed to ensuring that Haryana’s government schools are equipped with modern facilities, rich resources and a quality learning environment. The government’s objective is that every child in Haryana moves towards a brighter future with a strong foundation and high-quality education.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, School Education, Sh. Vineet Garg, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh.  Raj Nehru, Director General, Elementary Education, Sh. Vivek Aggarwal and other senior officers.

Chandigarh, December 3 – Two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed today by the Quality Assurance Authority (QAA), Haryana in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. These MoUs were signed with the Quality Council of India (QCI), Delhi, and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

The MoUs were signed by Sh. Rajiv Arora, Chairperson, Quality Assurance Authority, Haryana, and Sh. Chakravarthy T. Kannan, Secretary General, QCI, Delhi. NABL Chairman Dr. Sandeep Shah was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said these MoUs will not only enhance technical efficiency and quality management systems in Haryana but will also significantly improve the reliability, safety, and durability of public construction works.

He added that the MoU signed with NABL will make the State’s agriculture and mandi system more scientific and modern. He directed the concerned departments to prioritize the establishment of NABL-accredited labs in mandis using NABL’s technical expertise so that farmers can have immediate access to scientific testing facilities. The Chief Minister said the installation of advanced moisture-measuring machines in mandis will enable farmers to get accurate and quick assessments of crop quality, making the procurement process more transparent and reliable.

The Chief Minister stated that Haryana is witnessing rapid expansion of roads, bridges, buildings, urban infrastructure, and other public construction works. In such a scenario, the government’s top priority is to ensure that every project is completed as per high-quality and scientific standards. He said through these MoUs, engineers, technical experts, and construction agencies will benefit from modern technologies and advanced quality systems, thereby increasing both the speed and precision of project execution.

Under the MoU signed with Indian Quality Assurance, Delhi, comprehensive technical training will be provided to the State’s engineers, site supervisors, and contractors. This training will focus on modern tools and technologies such as BIM, GIS, drone technology, and digital construction management. Expert guidance will also be provided on safety standards, environmentally friendly construction practices, waste management, and pollution control. This will enhance the technical capacity of departments and lead to significant improvements in DPR preparation, design verification, and site supervision.

The MoU signed with NABL aims to make the State’s laboratory testing system more reliable and transparent. NABL-accredited laboratories operate on national and international standards. As a result, test reports for government projects in Haryana will now be more scientifically accurate and trustworthy. This agreement will strengthen departmental monitoring capabilities, reduce errors in testing, and support timely completion of projects. It will also make the State’s laboratory ecosystem more robust, transparent, and accountable.

It is noteworthy that this initiative by the State Government is a major step towards making public construction works and laboratory testing standards more technically advanced and globally aligned in Haryana.

On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, and other senior officials were present.

Chandigarh, December 3 – Haryana’s mission to expand global employment opportunities for its youth received a major boost today, as the Board of Directors of the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) cleared a series of transformative proposals at its 12th board meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi. The meeting underscored the state’s growing focus on world-class skilling, job creation, and workforce modernization, setting an ambitious tone for 2026.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed that the database of all HKRNL deploys be seamlessly linked with Aadhaar to ensure greater transparency, accuracy and efficiency in the system.

In a significant step towards building a globally competitive workforce, the Board approved the Foreign Language Support & Reimbursement Scheme (FLSRS). The scheme aims to enhance overseas employability by reimbursing training and certification fees for foreign languages such as German, Japanese, and Italian.

The initiative aligns with the state government’s Budget Speech 2023–24, which emphasized preparing Haryana’s youth for overseas placements. As global mobility increasingly hinges on language proficiency, officials said the scheme would help create a ready pool of certified candidates who can be deployed as soon as international job requirements arise. HKRNL, now a registered Recruitment Agency receiving overseas manpower demands, sees the scheme as critical to meeting international industry expectations.

How the FLSRS Scheme Will Work

Under the FLSRS pilot phase, 100 candidates will be selected to receive reimbursement for foreign language training and certification exams. The process will begin with online registration, where applicants will submit documents such as proof of enrollment, Aadhaar card, age verification, and bank details. Once registered, candidates will undergo certified language training either online or offline, and they may pursue multiple levels of a single foreign language.

Future-Ready Haryana

The decisions taken in HKRNL’s 12th Board meeting highlight the state’s ambition to prepare a globally skilled workforce capable of contributing to international industries and partnerships. By prioritizing foreign language training, industry-linked skilling, and administrative modernization, Haryana is positioning its youth for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Chandigarh , December  3- Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has issued comprehensive revised and consolidated instructions regarding resignation from government service and submission of applications for subsequent appointments, marking a significant reform in administrative procedures. The notification No. 22/188/2024-2HR-III issued by the Human Resources Department (HR-III Branch) on December 03, 2025, supersedes all previous instructions on the subject and introduces employee-friendly measures while maintaining administrative efficiency.

In a major departure from earlier practices that caused inordinate delays and harmed the interests of in-service candidates, the Haryana Government has discontinued the mandatory requirement of obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) for government employees seeking subsequent appointments. With effect from March 08, 2018, any government employee who has not executed a bond with the State Government may directly forward his application for subsequent appointment to Haryana Recruiting Agencies (Haryana Public Service Commission, Haryana Staff Selection Commission, etc.) without obtaining NOC from the appointing authority. However, the incumbent must inform his Head of Office and send a copy to the Appointing Authority before the last date of submission of application.

This progressive step eliminates bureaucratic delays that previously prevented deserving candidates from timely participation in recruitment processes. The reform recognizes that delays in obtaining NOC often resulted in candidates missing crucial application deadlines, thereby denying them career advancement opportunities.

Introduction of ‘Technical Resignation’ Concept

A groundbreaking provision of ‘Technical Resignation’ has been introduced for the first time in Haryana’s administrative framework. Technical Resignation is an intimation in writing submitted by a temporary government employee due to administrative reasons with the intention to join service of subsequent appointment on selection from open market through Recruiting Agencies or by way of transfer/absorption in a new Department/Organization within Haryana Government. The most significant aspect is that such technical resignation is acceptable without any one month’s notice or salary in lieu thereof, provided the employee has not executed any bond with the State Government and his conduct is not under investigation.

This provision facilitates smooth transitions for employees moving between departments while serving the State Government, eliminating unnecessary financial burdens and administrative complications.

Detailed Provisions for Different Categories of Employees

For Employees Who Have Executed Bonds:

Government employees who have executed bonds with the State Government (such as doctors, professors, engineers, etc.) must obtain NOC before the last date of submission of application for subsequent appointment. However, where the subsequent appointment is within Haryana Government and the incumbent is ready to make the existing bond applicable for the remaining period in the new Department/Organization, a conditional NOC may be issued under intimation to the concerned Recruiting Agency.

When technical resignation is submitted by a bonded employee on subsequent appointment to a post within Haryana Government, the same may be accepted subject to conditions that: (a) application was submitted through proper channel, (b) subsequent appointment is within Haryana Government and not in any other State/Central Government, and (c) the bond already executed shall remain in force up to the date of original period, with necessary provision in the appointment letter by the new Department..

For Temporary Government Employees:

On subsequent appointment of a temporary government employee from open market through a Recruiting Agency to a new post within the same or any other Department/Organization under Haryana Government, he will have to submit technical resignation from service irrespective of whether he applied with or without obtaining NOC. However, the provision of one month’s notice or depositing salary in lieu thereof shall be applicable where the application was to be submitted with NOC but the same was submitted without obtaining such certificate.

For Permanent Government Employees:

On subsequent appointment of a permanent government employee in any Department/Organization under Haryana Government, he will be relieved from service on his request and his lien will be retained in the previous Department as per applicable rules. On successful completion of probation period, he must inform the previous Department whether he wants to return or remain in the new Department. Further action regarding retention or termination of his lien will be taken by the appointing authority as per provisions in Note 1 below Rule 29 of Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules.

Applications for Appointments Outside Haryana Government

A government employee who wants to submit application for subsequent appointment to UPSC, Staff Selection Commission, or any other Recruiting Agency under Government of India or any other State Government (not under Haryana Government) must obtain NOC from the appointing authority before submission of application as per requirement of the concerned Recruiting Agency.

In case of subsequent appointment of a permanent government employee in any other Government where application was submitted after obtaining NOC, he will be relieved from service on his request and his lien will be retained as per rules. If NOC was not obtained before submission of application, he will have to resign from service with one month’s notice and his lien will not be retained.

Advance Copy Submission to Recruiting Agencies

Where application is to be submitted through proper channel, the government employee concerned may send advance copy of application form with all relevant documents and fee to the concerned Recruiting Agency before the closing date. The Recruiting Agency shall consider the advance copy and allow the candidate to appear in written examination/interview etc. subject to NOC from the Appointing Authority before or after the closing date.

Strict Timelines to Protect Employee Interests

To prevent bureaucratic delays that harm employee interests, strict timelines have been prescribed. Where the Appointing Authority is not the immediate superior of the government employee, application shall be submitted to the Head of Office who must ensure it reaches the Appointing Authority within one week. In case of delay, strict disciplinary action will be taken against the dealing official/officer. All Heads of Departments shall entrust the work of monitoring application forms or issue of NOC to the Establishment Branch which shall be responsible for any delay.

One Month’s Notice Requirement

A government employee of any group working on regular basis (permanent/temporary) who intends to resign from service due to family circumstances or any other reason must submit one month’s notice or deposit salary in lieu thereof. The salary for this purpose includes Basic Pay, Special Pay in lieu of higher time scale, Dearness Pay, Personal Pay, Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and any other emoluments classed as pay by competent authority. For the purpose of one month, the period of 30 days will be treated equal to a month.

The government employee will continue to be in government service until his resignation is accepted and is relieved of his duties. It is not open to a government employee to relinquish the charge after depositing one month’s salary or otherwise on his own.

Circumstances Where Notice Not Required

One month’s notice of resignation or salary in lieu thereof is not required in the following circumstances:

1.       Where a government employee submitted application for appointment when he was not in service in any Department/Organization under Haryana Government, and subsequently on his appointment within Haryana Government or any other Government, no notice or salary deposit is required.

2.       Where application for subsequent appointment can be submitted without obtaining NOC for a post in any Department/Organization under Haryana Government as per these instructions.

3.       On absorption/appointment by transfer of a temporary government employee from one Department/Organization to another with the approval of appointing authority.

In such circumstances, the incumbent will submit technical resignation which may be accepted by the appointing authority provided he has not executed any bond or his conduct is not under investigation.

Self-Declaration Requirements

To ensure transparency and integrity, candidates already in service must enclose a self-declaration with the application form stating that they are not facing any disciplinary/judicial proceedings or vigilance inquiry. Additionally, if the record of an employee who has directly forwarded his application contains adverse remarks about integrity or any disciplinary proceedings are pending against him, it must be informed by the Appointing Authority to the concerned Recruiting Agency.

Recruiting Agencies are directed to seek self-declaration from government employees who submit applications directly for any subsequent appointment to the effect that they are not facing any disciplinary or judicial proceedings or vigilance inquiry.

Leave During Notice Period

A government employee who has submitted one month’s notice of resignation may avail casual leave or any other leave of the kind due subject to prior approval of the competent authority and not beyond the date of resignation. The notice period will not be extended.

For resignation from service while on leave already sanctioned by the competent authority, one month’s notice may be submitted or salary in lieu thereof may be deposited by the government employee. There is no need to rejoin service for the purpose of acceptance of resignation. However, this provision is not applicable to cases where Government has already incurred expenditure for higher education or training of a government employee, or who has executed a bond for a fixed term, or where conduct of a government employee is under investigation.

Withdrawal of Resignation

Where application for withdrawal of notice of resignation is submitted by a government employee before the due date of resignation, the same may be allowed by the appointing authority irrespective of the fact that the resignation has already been accepted or not. If the request for withdrawal is to be rejected, the grounds for rejection should be duly recorded by the appointing authority and suitably intimated to the concerned government employee.

Re-appointment After Resignation

Re-appointment after resignation or withdrawal of notice after the due date of resignation shall not be admissible. However, it may be considered in very exceptional circumstances with the approval of Chief Secretary to Government, Haryana (in Human Resources Department) subject to specific conditions:

1.       The resignation was tendered for compelling reasons which did not involve any reflection on integrity, efficiency, or conduct, and the request for withdrawal has been made as a result of material change in circumstances.

2.       The resignation was not tendered with a view to join private commercial company wholly or substantially owned or controlled by Government.

3.       The intervening period between the date resignation became effective and the date of application for re-appointment should not be more than 90 days.

4.       None has been appointed against the post vacated after acceptance of resignation.

5.       Approval of HPSC or HSSC has been obtained if the post held was of direct recruitment quota.

6.       The benefit of past service towards seniority, pay, leave, pension shall not be admissible as resignation from service entails forfeiture of past service.

Where technical resignation was submitted by a government employee to join subsequent appointment in another Department/Organization but he was not allowed to join due to stay on merit list by the Court, or was terminated from service after joining due to revision of merit list or similar reasons pertaining to selection on merit, the case may be forwarded to the Chief Secretary for consideration. In such cases, the period of break between two spells may be treated as dies non or otherwise decision will be taken by the Chief Secretary.

Action by Appointing Authority

It is not in the interest of Government to retain an unwilling person in government service. Therefore, whenever a government employee submits notice of resignation, decision should be taken at the earliest by the appointing authority, except where: (a) the employee has been appointed on work of importance and it would take time to make alternate arrangements, or (b) the employee is under suspension or disciplinary/judicial proceedings are pending or contemplated.

Non-acceptance of resignation within the prescribed period may create complications for the concerned government employee. Prompt action should be taken as soon as notice of resignation is received and efforts should be made to convey acceptance or non-acceptance within the stipulated period. If notice is to be rejected, reasons should be conveyed to the concerned government employee.

Date of Acceptance of Resignation

Where there is delay in acceptance of resignation up to the date of resignation due to one reason or another, the same may be accepted from the date of issue of order and not with retrospective effect. The government employee will continue to be in government service until his resignation is accepted and he is relieved of duties. Where nothing is due against the Department/Organization and he has been allowed to relinquish charge after the due date of resignation, the date of acceptance shall be with retrospective effect.

Benefit of Past Service

On subsequent appointment from one post to another within the same or any other Department/Organization under the State Government, where benefit of past service towards pay fixation, pension and/or death-cum-retirement gratuity and leave is admissible under Haryana Civil Services Rules subject to submission of application through proper channel, the same shall now be admissible where the application for subsequent appointment has been allowed to be submitted without obtaining any NOC under these instructions, or the incumbent was not in service when application was submitted.

In such cases, the condition of through proper channel or NOC shall be ignored for the purpose of grant of benefit of past service admissible under Haryana Civil Services Rules. In other cases where application was to be submitted with NOC or through proper channel under these instructions, the benefit of past service shall not be admissible if application is submitted directly by the government employee.

All cases pertaining to benefit of past service towards pay fixation, pension and/or death-cum-retirement gratuity and leave will be examined under rules/instructions issued by Finance Department and finalized by Administrative Department in consultation with Finance Department.

Resignation by Government Employee Contesting Elections

A government employee who wants to contest elections, namely Member of Panchayat, Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committee/Council Election, Member of State Legislative Assembly or Parliament, must resign from service. After the election, he will not be re-appointed to his original service irrespective of whether he loses or wins the election. If he wants to enter into government service, he will have to submit application as an ordinary applicant for a new job. On subsequent appointment afresh in the same or any other Department through Recruiting Agency or otherwise, he will not be entitled to benefit of past service for any purpose.

Chandigarh, December 3 – The 8th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The meeting approved several important proposals aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation and enhancing protection measures across the state.

While presiding over the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to place special focus on reinforcing wildlife conservation and ensuring robust security mechanisms to protect and preserve the state’s wildlife. Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh and MLAs, Sh. Randhir Panihar and Sh. Tejpal Tanwar were also present.

The Chief Minister appreciated the ongoing efforts of the department and emphasized timely implementation of conservation-related programmes to safeguard Haryana’s rich biodiversity.

A detailed presentation was given on the various activities and progress of the department, covering conservation initiatives, habitat improvement works, wildlife protection measures, promotion of eco-tourism, reduction of human-wildlife conflict, and research-based habitat management.

It was informed in the meeting that in August, the foundation stone for a waterbody, biodiversity park, and eco-tourism centre was laid in the Saraswati Conservation Reserve. Additionally, in November, a forest named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was established in Kalesar National Park, along with the inauguration of the Safari Gate and Kalesar Safari. Further, more than 3 lakh saplings were planted during the financial year 2025–26.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta; and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Dec 3 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed officials to establish Milk Producers’ Societies in villages to enhance income opportunities for economically weaker families. He said that widows, self-help groups, and Antyodaya families should be given priority in these societies.

The Chief Minister was chairing a meeting to review the progress of the budget announcements of Cooperation Department on Wednesday.

Nayab Singh Saini said that arrangements must be made to ensure the timely disbursement of incentives to societies under the Chief Minister’s Milk Producer Incentive Scheme. He said that Cooperation Department and the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department to coordinate and develop schemes that offer maximum benefits to livestock farmers. He added that the government aims to create sustainable income sources for poor families and strengthen the rural economy.

He further directed officials to explore new options for selling additional milk-based products at Vita booths to boost milk consumption. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to take proactive measures to make all cooperative sugar mills in the state profitable.

During the meeting, it was informed that, as per the budget announcement, milk collection centers have been set up in three blocks and milk chilling centers in two districts during the current financial year. In addition, the process of establishing a mustard oil mill and a sunflower oil mill by HAFED is underway.

Reviewing other announcements, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned officials to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe and ensure effective on-ground implementation.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Arun Kumar Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary of Cooperation Department, Vijendra Kumar; Commissioner and Secretary of Finance Department, Mohammad Shayin; Managing Director of Haryana State Cooperative Sugar Mills Federation, Shakti Singh; Managing Director of Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation, Rohit Yadav and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, December 3

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced that the state Finance Department has granted its approval to the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department’s proposal for the drafting of ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025.’

Announcing this pivotal decision in a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Act marks a significant step towards urban greening and environmental conservation, ensuring the state’s legislative commitment to tree preservation. He emphasised that the draft legislation, which proposes stringent measures and heavy fines for unauthorised felling of trees, will strengthen the state’s efforts to combat environmental degradation.

“We have thoroughly reviewed the proposal for ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025. Not only does it formalise our commitment to protecting urban greenery, but the Forest Department has also confirmed that its implementation will not place any additional financial burden on the state exchequer”, said Cheema.

Highlighting the financial aspect of the Bill, the Finance Minister said that the Act is designed to generate funds through penalties and fines. “These funds will be strategically channelled back into urban areas specifically for greening projects, creating a self-sustaining mechanism for environmental maintenance and development across Punjab”, he added.

Reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s commitment to enacting effective legislation for tree preservation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the swift approval of the draft Bill underscores the state government’s dedication to upholding its environmental and legal obligations. He said that the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025, will now undergo the necessary legislative process, paving the way for its presentation before the Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly.