Chandigarh:

With a significant number of Punjabis stranded amid the escalating Middle East conflict, NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh on Tuesday met Union Civil Aviation Minister K R Naidu and sought immediate launch of rescue flights, operation of special aircraft and a cap on “exploitative” airfares to ensure their safe and swift return. “There is an urgent need to resume flights and operate special evacuation services. Our people cannot be left stranded in this crisis,” he asserted.

Highlighting the hardships being faced by the Punjabi diaspora due to the ongoing conflict and regional instability in the Middle East, Dr Ravjot Singh stated, “A significant portion of Punjab’s population resides and works in various Middle Eastern countries. The cancellation of numerous scheduled flights has left many of our NRI brothers and sisters stranded, while their families back home are in deep distress.”

He urged the Union Minister to coordinate with airlines to restore operations on all safe corridors and operate special aircraft to clear the backlog of passengers. “Many essential routes have been suspended, creating a massive backlog of travellers. There is an urgent need to resume flights and operate special evacuation or relief flights for those stuck in high tension zones or those needing to return home for emergencies,” he said.

Raising the issue of rising ticket prices, Dr Ravjot Singh added, “It has been observed that due to the reduced frequency of flights, several airlines have increased their fares to exploitative levels. I request you to implement a price cap on these routes to prevent the financial exploitation of citizens during this crisis.”

Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Punjab minister revealed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also had a telephonic conversation with K R Naidu during the meeting and urged that the state government be allowed to arrange special flights to bring Punjabis back home safely without delay. “The Chief Minister has conveyed deep concern over the situation and requested that Punjab be permitted to arrange special flights, if required, to ensure the safe evacuation of our people,” he said.

Dr Ravjot Singh further stated that the Union Civil Aviation Minister has assured that the concerns raised by the Punjab Government will be considered on priority. “The Union Government is already working on the matter as Indian citizens from several states are stranded in Gulf countries,” he added.

The NRI Affairs Minister also visited the facilitation centre set up by the Punjab Government at IGI Airport to ensure all necessary assistance for Punjabis returning from Gulf countries.

The minister shared, “The Punjab Government has already announced a 24×7 helpline to assist stranded Punjabis. Families can call 0172 2260042, 0172 2260043 or send a WhatsApp message to +91 94787 79112 for immediate support. A high level team headed by ADGP R K Jaiswal has also been constituted to monitor the situation.”

He asserted that the state government is making every possible effort to ensure the safe return of Punjabis. “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, we are fully committed to extending every support to our people in this hour of crisis,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Dr Ravjot Singh convened a video conference with Deputy Commissioners of all districts across Punjab and directed them to prominently display district level helpline numbers to assist Punjabis stranded abroad. “All inquiries received at the district level regarding stranded Punjabis must be handled with utmost responsibility, diligence and sincerity to ensure timely and effective support,” he directed.

Principal Resident Commissioner, Punjab Bhawan, New Delhi, Dr S Karuna Raju was also present during the meeting.

Chandigarh,  March 3

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the demise of  renowned former Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court Vijender Jain. His unwavering dedication towards Judiciary will always inspire us and remain in our heart.

Speaker Sandhwan  deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he prayed to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.

Chandigarh, March 2

Reaffirming the State’s long-term development roadmap, Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, on Monday presented the 12th consecutive State Budget of the government during the ongoing session of State Vidhan Sabha.  While presenting  the State budget  2026-27, the Chief  Minister reiterated  his government’s firm commitment to transform Haryana into a one trillion dollar economy by 2047.

Describing the 2026–27 Budget as far more than a statement of income and expenditure, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said it is a comprehensive vision document aimed at building a “Viksit Haryana” in alignment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi India is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s leading economies, and Haryana, inspired by the same resolve and momentum, is moving ahead to scale new heights of development.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the target of making Haryana a one trillion dollar economy by 2047 has been formally set, and the Haryana Vision Document–2047 will serve as the guiding framework in this direction. He emphasized that the Budget has been prepared through extensive public consultation. Meetings held across the State with various sections of society yielded 2,199 suggestions, while nearly 12,400 suggestions were received through an AI chatbot. Of these, approximately 5,000 suggestions have been incorporated into the Budget proposals. He asserted that this is truly a Budget shaped by the people of Haryana.

While presenting the financial proposals, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini placed five key points before the House, stating that their impact would extend beyond the current fiscal year and remain visible in State Budgets up to 2031. Referring to the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission, he said Haryana’s share in central taxes for the period 2026 to 2031 has been increased to 1.361 per cent, reflecting a historic growth of 24.52 per cent over the previous period. He further shared that this is the highest increase among all 28 States in the country and termed it a strong testament to the effectiveness of the double-engine government, highlighting the direct benefits of coordinated policies between the Centre and the State.

He further elaborated that Haryana’s share in central taxes stood at 1.075 per cent during 2005–10 and declined to 1.048 per cent during 2010–15, when the State ranked 20th nationally in terms of growth. During 2015–20, the share rose to 1.084 per cent, improving the State’s ranking to 17th. As per the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission, the share further increased to 1.093 per cent during 2021–26. Now, under the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendations, the share will rise significantly to 1.361 per cent for 2026–31, marking the highest growth among all States.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further explained that when viewed in the context of the 2026–27 Budget, the rise in central tax share becomes even more significant. In 2005–06, out of Haryana’s total revenue of Rs. 13,853 crore, the State received Rs. 1,201 crore from central taxes, accounting for only 8.7 per cent of total revenue. In 2014–15, despite total revenue increasing to Rs. 40,799 crore, the share from central taxes remained at 8.7 per cent, amounting to Rs. 3,548 crore. By 2024–25, the share from central taxes had increased to 13.2 per cent of total revenue, and in the current year it is projected to rise further to 14.2 per cent.

Highlighting major externally aided initiatives, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini informed that under the Haryana Clean Air Project, the World Bank has approved financial assistance of Rs. 2,716 crore. He added that approval of Rs. 5,715 crore for Water Secure Haryana and Rs. 474 crore for the Haryana AI Mission is expected from the World Bank shortly. In addition, a provision of Rs. 1,837.65 crore has been made under the “Foresight Annex” initiative for four departments to make them future-ready.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also announced that in line with the objectives of the Haryana Vision Document–2047, all forthcoming State Budgets will be gender-responsive and focused on senior citizens, ensuring inclusive and balanced development. He reiterated that the 2026–27 Budget reflects Haryana’s aspiration to align with India’s rise as a leading global economy and represents a decisive step towards achieving the goal of a one trillion dollar State economy by 2047.

Shimla, February 28, 2026: Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, has said that approximately 55 million smart prepaid meters have been installed across the country under the Restructured Distribution Area Scheme (RDSS). In 2023, the central government launched this scheme with an outlay of ₹3,03,758 crore for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

It’s worth noting that smart meters are also being installed in Himachal Pradesh under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a central government scheme.

The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited began installing smart meters in Shimla and Dharamshala in 2019 under the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS). The project planned to install a total of 151,740 smart meters, of which 118,581 were proposed in Shimla and 33,159 in Dharamshala. The project was completed in 2022-23. 

Now, under the RDSS, all 28 lakh meters are to be gradually replaced with smart meters, and to date, approximately  8 lakh smart meters have been installed in Himachal Pradesh.

Shri Shripad Yesonak stated that the central government’s objective in launching this scheme is to reduce technical and commercial losses in the power system, improve the financial health of DISCOMS , eliminate the average cost of supply-average revenue realized (ACSARR) gap, and improve billing accuracy. This initiative aims to replace conventional meters with  20 crore prepaid smart meters. He further stated that this initiative aims to modernize the distribution sector.

The scheme aims to install  2 crore smart meters to improve revenue and operational efficiency. He stated that smart metering is one of the most transformative components of this reform agenda. He explained that smart meters enable real-time energy accounting, accurate billing, reduced human intervention, and greater consumer empowerment. Prepaid functionality reduces financial pressure on distribution companies and lowers power costs. Minister Shripad Yesonak stated that smart meters provide high-resolution data, which is essential for using AI to predict demand and manage dynamic electricity load patterns, with the growing demand for rooftop solar and electric vehicles.

To date, more than 55 million meters have been installed in the country. States like Bihar and Maharashtra are leading the way, while others like Odisha have made slower progress. He noted that former Union Energy Minister R.K. Singh had previously emphasized the need to make smart prepaid meters mandatory within three years to eliminate the hand-billed payment system. The Energy Ministry emphasizes that this change will transform the electricity sector from a reactive to a productive, smart network in every state, including the hilly states of India. He emphasized the need to increase the use of technology to manage electricity loads.

Panchkula, February 28, 2026: Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO), Purshottam Das Rungta Charitable Trust organised a community kitchen or ‘ann bhandara’  in Panchkula’s Industrial Area Phase-1,  with great devotion and service. Food was distributed to the needy and passersby on this occasion.

Trust Founder Amitabh Rungta said, “Serving food through Anna Bhandara is a symbol of true righteousness.  Serving humanity is a very noble endeavour. 

When we feed a needy person or passerby with love and respect, it is not just charity, but a practical manifestation of compassion, empathy, and equality. All human beings are equal, and feeding someone is the greatest act of charity.”
Trust members actively participated in organizing the ‘ann bhandara’ and made a significant contribution to its success.

Chandigarh, February 28: Senior 

BJP leader Sanjay Tandon has thanked the Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria for enhancing the monthly honorarium of ‘nambardaars’ in the Union Territory.
In a press release issued after meeting the Governor at Lok Bhavan in the evening, Tandon said this was a long pending demand of the ‘nambardaars’ and he had been following it up with the Governor from time to time. He was thankful to the Governor for adopting  a positive stance on this issue.

Chandigarh, February 28 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that development works in the Ladwa Assembly constituency are being carried out at a rapid pace. Various projects worth crores of rupees are underway in both rural and urban areas of the constituency. Once these works are completed, the people of the area will receive better facilities and services.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering on Saturday after inaugurating the beautification of Saraswati Chowk in Babain, Kurukshetra. During the visit, he listened to the problems of local residents and issued directions to officers for their resolution.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Memorial is being constructed on nearly five acres of land in Umri, Kurukshetra. The Rakshi River is being paved, and road construction work is being carried out in Ladwa city. Similarly, a Government Veterinary Polyclinic has been established in Biholi. A sports stadium has been prepared for players in the village Dhanora Jatan. The beautification of Aggarsain Chowk at Ramkundi in Ladwa has also been completed.

The Chief Minister said that under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, a total amount of Rs.15,448 crore has been provided to farmers as claims so far. To compensate for crop losses, Rs.116 crore 15 lakh 57 thousand has been released to 53,821 farmers. This includes Rs.35 crore 29 lakh for bajra, Rs.27 crore 43 lakh for cotton, Rs. 22 crore 91 lakh for paddy, and Rs. 14 crore 10 lakh for guar crops.

Farmers’ welfare at the core of our policies

The Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that farmers’ welfare remains at the center of government policies. In the 2024 Sankalp Patra, the government had resolved to procure all 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). After the government was formally constituted on October 17, 2024, a notification was issued on December 19 to ensure procurement of 24 crops at MSP.

He said that today Haryana is the only state in the country where 24 crops are being procured at MSP. Over the last 12 seasons, Rs.1 lakh 64 thousand crore has been directly deposited into the bank accounts of 12 lakh farmers for crop procurement. In addition, over the past 11 years, Rs.15,457 crore has been given to farmers as compensation for crop damage. Under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana’, Rs.7,233 crore has been transferred into the accounts of farmers.

The Chief Minister further said that the present government has discontinued Abianaa (irrigation water tax) that had been in place since the British era. A new law has been enacted to protect farmers from those who manufacture and sell fake fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides. Under this law, there is a provision of up to five years’ imprisonment for offenders.

Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Vishram Kumar Meena, Superintendent of Police Nitish, Sh. Agarwal, District President, Sh. Tijender Singh Goldy, Sh. Jai Bhagwan Sharma DD, Chairman, Market Committee Sh. Jaswinder Jassi, and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, February 28

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited Ambala Cantonment on Saturday to inquire about the well-being of Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij and conveyed his heartfelt wishes for his speedy recovery.

Chandigarh, February 28 – Taking a historic step towards ensuring the health and secure future of daughters in Haryana, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign from Ladwa.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign from Ajmer. The Chief Minister virtually attended the Prime Minister’s program before commencing the state program.

The Chief Minister said that this initiative is a continuation of “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” resolution launched by the Prime Minister in 2015 from Panipat and it is dedicated to the health, safety, and empowerment of daughters.

On this occasion, 40 girls were administered the HPV vaccine. The state government has set a target to ensure that every eligible girl across the state will get vaccinated within the next three months. The vaccine will be administered as a single dose to adolescent girls who have completed 14 years of age and are below 15 years. The vaccine is based on scientific research. It is safe and has been successfully used in more than 160 countries.

The Chief Minister stated that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India and is primarily caused by HPV. This vaccine acts as a safety shield, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer in the future.

He also urged the parents to step forward without hesitation to secure their daughters’ health.  The Health Department has made all necessary medical arrangements.

The Chief Minister clarified that while this vaccine costs thousands of rupees in the private sector, however the Haryana government is providing it completely free of cost to every eligible girl. This is an important initiative towards social justice and equal opportunity.

He further stated that vaccination registration will be done on the U-WIN portal, and each girl will be issued a digital HPV vaccination certificate to ensure transparency and proper digital record-keeping.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also informed that various steps have been taken to strengthen health services in the state. He said that the number of medical colleges in the state has increased to 17, with 3 more currently under construction. Free dialysis facilities are being provided to kidney patients in district hospitals and medical colleges. Hemophilia and thalassemia patients are being given a monthly pension of Rs 3,000, while persons with disabilities are receiving Rs 3,200 per month pension.

The Chief Minister said that a healthy daughter becomes and empowered woman, and an empowered woman builds a strong society and nation. He reaffirmed that the government is fully committed to safeguarding the health of every daughter in the state.

Addressing the gathering, State Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao said that the state government is dedicated to the welfare of daughters. He noted that various welfare schemes are being implemented to ensure every woman in Haryana is empowered, healthy, and prosperous. She said that today’s vaccination campaign will prove effective in protecting daughters from diseases.

Former Minister Subhash Sudha, senior officials of the Health Department, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, parents, and a large number of students were present on this occasion.