Chandigarh, January 14 – The National Informatics Centre (NIC)-Haryana organized a regional workshop on ‘MedLEaPR’ (Medico Legal Examination and Post-Mortem Reporting) on January 14, 2026, at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy.

Representatives from 9 states and union territories, namely Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi attended the workshop.

The workshop was inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India. The inaugural session commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony, followed by the felicitation of dignitaries.

Hon’ble Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi, Justice Jagmohan Bansal, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Health, and Sh. Varindra Seth, DDG & State Coordinator, NIC Haryana were present on the occasion.

On the occasion, the dignitaries formally unveiled the Compendium on MedLEaPR, highlighting its significance as a comprehensive reference document aimed at medico-legal examination and post-mortem reporting practices through the MedLEaPR platform. The MedLEaPR mobile application was soft-launched by the Chief Guest, Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India.

Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, ACS, Health, Haryana, appreciated the initiative taken by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in implementing MedLEaPR and emphasized that suggestions and feedback received during the workshop will further strengthen and improve the platform, making medico-legal reporting more reliable, standardized and efficient.

Hon’ble Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court, highlighted that MedLEaPR streamlines medico-legal and post-mortem records, addressing delays, standardization and authenticity issues through secure digitization and integration. He expressed confidence that the launch of the MedLEaPR Compendium and Mobile Application, supported by ongoing training, will further enhance reliable and accountable medico-legal reporting.

Justice Rajesh Bindal highlighted the significance of the MedLEaPR system as a major reform in medico-legal and post-mortem reporting. He appreciated the technical support provided by NIC Haryana and emphasized that collaboration between judicial and technical experts was key to developing a robust, PAN-India digital solution at minimal cost.

State Nodal Officer of MedLEaPR from 9 States and UTs shared their implementation strategy, best practices, challenges and future way forward.

Sh. Sarbjeet Singh, Deputy Director General and State Informatics Officer (SIO), NIC Haryana, expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic participation of State Nodal Officers, NIC State Coordinators and Master Trainers of MedLEaPR in the workshop.

Chandigarh, January 14 – Haryana Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana directed officers to upgrade veterinary hospitals and dispensaries across the state where medical equipment and modern machines are required. He said these facilities should be equipped at the earliest with advanced infrastructure to ensure timely and effective treatment of animals. He also directed that new buildings should be constructed in place of old and dilapidated structures to improve the overall quality of animal husbandry services.

Sh. Rana was chairing the pre-budget consultation meeting of the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department at his office here today. Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, along with other senior officers, was present in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the expenditure status of the budget allocated to the department in the previous year’s general budget presented by the Finance Minister. He directed officers to ensure transparent and effective utilisation of the remaining budget within the prescribed time frame so that maximum benefits reach livestock farmers.

During the meeting, the Minister was informed that from the year 2020–21 till October 2025, grants amounting to about Rs. 390.31 crore have been provided to gaushalas in the state. An approval of Rs. 69.74 crore has also been given for the rehabilitation of stray cattle and development of related infrastructure, out of which Rs. 80.56 lakh has already been distributed as fodder subsidy for rehabilitated stray animals.

The Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister said that to provide employment opportunities to Scheduled Caste livestock farmers, special schemes are being implemented under which 20,032 beneficiaries have been covered so far. Similarly, under the sheep and goat rearing scheme, a subsidy of 90 percent is being provided for setting up a unit of 15 female and one male animal, benefiting 3,891 beneficiaries. To empower women beneficiaries, interest subsidy is being provided on bank loans taken for establishing dairy units with 20 to 50 milch animals. Besides this, a subsidy of 25 percent is being given for setting up dairy units with 2, 4, and 10 milch animals, under which 14,168 dairy units have been established so far, he added.

He said that for the conservation and promotion of indigenous cattle breeds such as Hariana, Sahiwal, and Belahi, incentives ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 per animal are being provided to farmers rearing high milk-yielding cows.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the animal husbandry sector is the backbone of the rural economy of the state and is playing an important role in increasing farmers’ income as well as generating new employment opportunities. He directed officers to ensure that the benefits of all schemes reach the last person in a transparent and time-bound manner and that the animal husbandry infrastructure is further strengthened.

Chandigarh, January 14 — The Haryana Right to Service (RTS) Commission has termed the practice of issuing electricity bills on an average basis for a long period and subsequently serving consumers with one-time excessively high bills in cases related to UHBVN as a serious case of administrative negligence.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, in a case from Bahadurgarh, the Commission found that the consumer either did not receive bills for a long time or was issued negative bills, which were not payable. Thereafter, an electricity bill of approximately Rs. 2.38 lakh was suddenly issued. Even after the complaint was lodged, the rectification was carried out in a phased and incomplete manner, exposing the irresponsible working of the concerned officials. The Commission also observed that the mandatory prior notice and minimum time limits prescribed under the Electricity Supply Code were not followed.

Exercising its penal powers under Section 17(1)(h) of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, the Commission ordered the imposition of a Rs. 5,000 fine on two CA officials responsible for preparing incorrect sundry entries and directed each of them to pay Rs. 1,000 as compensation to the consumer. In addition, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the SDO officials who approved the incorrect sundry and directed that their names be recorded in the Commission’s records.

The Commission further ordered that the consumer be paid additional compensation at the rate of Rs. 500 for each billing cycle wrongly issued since July 2022. This amount shall initially be paid by the corporation from its own funds and may later be recovered from the erring agency or officials.

In another case from Hisar district, electricity bills were issued on an average basis in two power accounts of a consumer from March 2020 to February 2024. Earlier, bills used to reflect a bi-monthly consumption of around 160 units, but later, one account suddenly showed consumption of approximately 45,000 units, resulting in a bill of more than Rs. 3 lakh, while the second account reflected consumption of about 20,000 units, leading to a bill of Rs. 98,000. The Commission termed this as imposing an excessive financial burden on the consumer and causing severe mental harassment.

The Commission also found that as per the provisions of the Electricity Supply Code, 2014, neither prior notice was given to the consumer nor the mandatory minimum period of 30 days for payment was allowed. The reasons for the excessive billing were also not clearly explained.

The Commission’s spokesperson stated that the Commission considered the Rs. 1,000 compensation per account awarded by the SGRA to be inadequate. Treating each wrongly issued bill as a separate case, the Commission directed that compensation be paid at the rate of Rs. 500 per incorrect bill for both accounts. This compensation shall initially be paid by DHBVN from its own funds and may subsequently be recovered from the erring agency or officials.

The Commission has directed the concerned officers to determine the exact number of wrongly issued bills in both accounts and to release the compensation at the earliest. The Managing Directors of both power distribution corporations have also been urged once again to formulate a clear policy to deal with such situations.

Chandigarh, January 14 –  Additional Secretary to Government, Haryana, Secretariat Establishment, Sh. Samwartak Singh, I.A.S. highlighted  the importance of millets (Shri Anna), stating that millets are not only rich in nutrition but also play a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Sh. Samwartak Singh was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the Millet Mela organised today at the CISF Camp premises of the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh.

He said that creating awareness among the general public about balanced and nutritious food through such events is the need of the hour, and the initiative taken by CISF in this direction is commendable.

During the programme, doctors from Dietician Department of PGI Chandigarh, Dr. Kumari Muskan and Dr. Angel Preet provided detailed information to the present officers, CISF personnel and their family members about the consumption of millets, their appropriate quantity and also emphasized on the health benefits of millets. The doctors explained that regular consumption of millets in balanced quantities helps in managing diabetes, heart disease and digestive disorders and is highly beneficial for overall health.

Various types of millet-based products and dishes were displayed at the Millet Mela, giving attendees an opportunity to understand their usage and importance.

Commandant, CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, Sh. Lalit Panwar, employees of Punjab and  Haryana Civil Secretariat, media persons, CISF personnel and their family members were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, December 14 – National hockey player Olympian Navneet Kaur met with Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij at his office in Chandigarh today. During the meeting, Sh.Vij expressed pride in Olympian Navneet Kaur, captain of the Hero Hockey India League champions SG Pipers from Ranchi and the Championship’s Best Player, and gave her his blessings.

Sh. Vij said that Haryana’s pride, Olympian Navneet Kaur, has created history with her outstanding performance in the Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. He expressed hope that she will continue to bring glory to the country in upcoming tournaments. Sh. Vij emphasized that the state government remains committed to promoting sports talent.

Notably, Navneet Kaur, vice-captain of the Indian women’s hockey team (from Shahbad), led SG Pipers to victory in the final as captain. The team won the gold medal in the championship held in Ranchi, where Navneet Kaur was honored not only as captain but also awarded the title of ‘Championship’s Best Player.’

Navneet Kaur’s performance serves as an inspiration for Haryana’s youth. Having represented the country at the Olympic level, she has proven through her hard work, leadership, and sporting skills that Haryana’s sports sector excels on the global stage.

CHANDIGARH, 14th January 2026:

In a significant push to accelerate planned urban development and broaden access to real estate opportunities, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian on Wednesday announced that the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) will auction 42 prime sites valued at ₹5,460 crore through an online process, marking the first mega auction of 2026 to be held from January 14 to February 11.

The auction, spanning residential plots, SCOs, mixed land-use sites, and land earmarked for hospitals and hotels, reflects the Bhagwant Mann Government’s strategy of rationalising property prices, enforcing complete transparency, and leveraging investor-friendly policies to ensure wider participation by homebuyers, entrepreneurs, and institutional investors alike.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian announced that 42 sites of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) have been offered for online auction, comprising residential plots, SCOs, mixed land use sites, group housing plots, as well as land earmarked for hospitals and hotels.

The Housing and Urban Development Minister said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is making sustained efforts for balanced and planned development of the state.” He added that investor-friendly policies of the Bhagwant Mann Government have generated strong interest in the real estate sector and infused fresh momentum into urban development activities.

Highlighting the positive response to earlier initiatives, the Housing and Urban Development Minister said that e-auctions conducted from time to time by development authorities under the Housing and Urban Development Department have received encouraging participation. “Carrying this process forward, GMADA has scheduled the first mega auction of the year 2026 from January 14, 2026 to February 11, 2026,” he said.

Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian informed that in line with decisions taken in the previous Cabinet meeting, prices of the properties offered in this auction have been rationalised to ensure that people from all sections of society can conveniently purchase property as per their requirements. “This step will help citizens realise their aspiration of owning a home or starting a business,” he said.

The Minister further stated that the selection of sites has been made keeping in view the needs of every segment of society so that buyers can choose properties aligned with their personal or commercial requirements. He added that the properties are located at prime urban locations and are well connected through multiple modes of transport, including the international airport, railway station, and major road networks.

Emphasising transparency, Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said, “The entire auction process will be conducted by GMADA with complete transparency.” He informed that details regarding eligibility for bidding, payment schedules, and comprehensive information along with terms and conditions are available on the auction portal puda.enivida.com. “After registration on the portal, bidders can participate in the auction,” he said, adding that for the convenience of bidders, GMADA has also launched a dedicated email ID invest.gmada@punjab.gov.in for all property-related queries.

Expressing confidence in the outcome, the Minister said that like previous successful auctions, this initiative is expected to yield positive results, contribute to the economic growth of the state, and enable GMADA to utilise the revenue generated to raise new benchmarks of development within its jurisdiction.

*Mohali emerges as North India’s fastest-growing investment hub as Invest Mohali 2026 auction opens new opportunities for inclusive, transparent urban development*

Punjab is entering a decisive phase of its economic and urban transformation, focused not merely on accelerating growth but on shaping a development model that is inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is pursuing sustained and focused efforts towards the all-round development of the state. Investor-friendly policies, transparent governance, and institutional reforms have resulted in visible momentum across multiple sectors, including a strong revival and expansion of the real estate and urban infrastructure sectors.

Over the last decade, Mohali has emerged as Punjab’s primary platform for technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and knowledge-driven services, supported by a strong institutional ecosystem and carefully planned urban infrastructure. The city ranks among India’s fastest-growing urban economies, recording approximately 10 percent Gross District Domestic Product growth between 2012 and 2021. This growth has been driven by a diversified economic base spanning IT, Global Capability Centres, electronics and semiconductors, healthcare, education, and professional services, providing long-term economic resilience and investment security.

Mohali currently employs nearly 50,000 to 60,000 professionals, with IT and GCC employment projected to almost double over the next five years, creating tens of thousands of high-quality jobs for Punjab’s youth. The city has also consolidated its position as a leading education hub in North India, producing over 40,000 graduates annually and hosting more than 27 engineering, medical, and management institutions, including ISB and IISER, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent for industry.

Complementing its economic strengths, Mohali offers a significant cost advantage over Tier-1 cities, with lower office rentals, competitive power tariffs, and reduced living costs, resulting in better employee retention. Ease of doing business has been strengthened through the Unified Single Window System covering more than 23 departments, enabling fast-tracked project approvals within 30 to 45 days. High-quality urban living, planned layouts, green cover, improved air quality, and strong regional connectivity further enhance the city’s attractiveness for residents and investors alike.

Mohali is increasingly emerging as India’s upcoming growth hub and well-being city, supported by major public and private sector investments. Fortis Healthcare is expanding its Mohali facility with an investment exceeding ₹900 crore, adding over 400 hospital beds and strengthening the city’s position as a regional centre for advanced healthcare and medical tourism. In the information technology sector, Infosys is developing a new campus in Mohali’s IT City with an investment of approximately ₹300 crore, expected to generate around 2,500 high-skilled jobs.

In advanced electronics, the Government of India has committed ₹4,500 crore for the modernisation and expansion of the Semi-Conductor Laboratory, alongside the expansion of Continental Device India Limited under the India Semiconductor Mission. These initiatives position Mohali as a national node for semiconductor research, development, and fabrication support. The hospitality sector is also witnessing rapid growth, with Indian Hotels Company Limited developing a 225-key Taj hotel and ITC Hotels investing ₹126 crore in a Welcome Hotel, strengthening Mohali’s capacity for business tourism, conferences, and MICE activities.

Chandigarh, January 14 – In a major boost for electricity consumers in Haryana, the state has achieved a significant milestone in the energy sector. Strengthening its power generation capacity, the Central Government has earmarked coal linkage for the new 800 MW expansion unit being set up at Khedar in Hisar district. This crucial earmarked will ensure uninterrupted, reliable, and high-quality electricity supply across Haryana, reinforcing the state’s commitment to energy security and consumer welfare.

Providing details, Haryana’s Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that coal linkage has been earmarked to Haryana under the Central Government’s SHAKTI Scheme for the new 800 MW unit being established as part of the expansion of the Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant at Khedar, Hisar. Under this arrangement, a new coal block will soon be allotted to the state, ensuring a regular and long-term supply of coal for the project.

The Energy Minister said that the earmaking of coal linkage will accelerate the implementation of this crucial project and eliminate any future disruptions in power generation due to fuel shortages. This will not only strengthen the state’s energy security but also effectively meet the growing demand for electricity.

He further said that the Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant at Khedar has already become the backbone of Haryana’s power system. The new 800 MW unit being set up as part of its expansion will significantly enhance the state’s overall power generation capacity. Once operational, the unit will provide adequate electricity to industrial areas, the agricultural sector and domestic consumers.

Sh. Anil Vij emphasized that the state government’s objective is to make Haryana self-reliant in the power sector so that consumers receive affordable, sustainable and uninterrupted electricity. The Central Government’s earmarking of coal linkage is a major achievement in this direction and will strengthen Haryana’s long-term energy planning.

Expressing confidence, the Energy Minister stated that this landmark project will not only further strengthen the state’s power supply system but will also act as a catalyst for employment generation, industrial expansion, and overall economic growth at the local level. He emphasized that the Haryana Government is firmly committed to reinforcing and modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure, and in the coming years, Haryana is set to emerge as a frontrunner among states in the energy sector.

CHANDIGARH /NEW DELHI, 10th January 2026:

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday urged the Union Government to extend immediate fiscal assistance and announce a special economic package for Punjab, stressing that the state has endured an extraordinarily difficult year marked first by heightened India–Pakistan border tensions and then by the worst floods witnessed in decades in 2025.

During a pre-Budget meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, the Punjab Finance Minister submitted a detailed memorandum laying out Punjab’s key financial requirements and policy demands for the Union Budget 2026–27.

Emphasising Punjab’s strategic importance, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the state, being the country’s first line of defence, suffered severe economic disruption due to prolonged security tensions along the international border, followed immediately by a devastating monsoon disaster that was officially declared a calamity of severe nature by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Explaining the scale of devastation, the Punjab Finance Minister stated that floods impacted more than 2,300 villages and affected nearly 20,000 families across the state. He informed Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman that comprehensive ground-level assessments have pegged the total damage at ₹12,905 crore. “To manage rehabilitation and reconstruction arising from such extraordinary circumstances, Punjab requires fiscal flexibility,” he said, formally requesting permission for a one-time additional borrowing limit of 1% of GSDP for 2025–26 under the FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) Act provisions applicable during natural disasters and national security emergencies.

Raising concerns related to national security, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underlined that recent developments along the international border have made it imperative to substantially upgrade Punjab’s security infrastructure. He sought special central assistance of ₹1,000 crore for modernization of the police force, strengthening emergency response systems, and deploying advanced anti-drone technology to effectively counter cross-border threats and narcotics trafficking. “As a border state bearing a disproportionate security burden, this support should be seen as cooperative federalism in action, not as a concession,” he said.

Turning to agriculture and rural infrastructure, the Punjab Finance Minister flagged the issue of withheld Rural Development Fund (RDF), urging the Centre to immediately release the pending RDF amount of ₹7,757 crore calculated up to June 2025. “These funds are critical for maintaining rural roads and infrastructure,” he said.

Stressing the urgent need to shift away from water-intensive crops, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema proposed a special budgetary allocation for paddy diversification, arguing that the current incentive is inadequate. He requested that the incentive be increased to ₹15,000 per acre to drive real behavioural change among farmers and safeguard groundwater resources.

On the issue of GST reforms, The Punjab Minister pointed out that Punjab has suffered a severe and continuing revenue shock following the implementation of GST 2.0. “Punjab is facing an annual revenue loss of nearly ₹6,000 crore, which amounts to around 44% of its own tax revenue,” he noted. The Minister strongly pressed for a predictable GST stabilization or compensation mechanism for states facing such structural revenue erosion, stating that fiscal sustainability of states cannot be compromised.

The Punjab Finance Minister also expressed strong opposition to the proposed changes to the MGNREGA framework, arguing that the new model dilutes the employment guarantee and transfers a significant financial burden to the states. He called for restoration of the original demand-driven structure and funding pattern of the scheme.

Raising concerns over public health financing, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema drew attention to the sharp reduction in cash allocation under the National Health Mission (NHM) for 2025–26, which he said was cut from the initially communicated ₹452.78 crore to ₹252 crore. He requested restoration of the original allocation to ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential health services across Punjab.

Concluding his submission, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said he hoped the Union Budget would reflect the true spirit of cooperative federalism by responding to Punjab’s unique challenges as a border state recovering simultaneously from security pressures and climate-induced disasters.

*The key demands are:*

*A. SDRF & GST:*

1. SDRF Relief: Exemption of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) balances from interest liability and permission to utilize accumulated funds.

2. GST Compensation: Introduction of a mechanism to compensate for the annual revenue loss of approx. ₹6,000 crore post-GST 2.0 reforms.

*B. Security & Policing:*

Special Assistance: A grant of ₹1,000 crore for police modernization, border security infrastructure, and anti-drone technology.

*C. Agriculture & Cooperatives:*

1. Paddy Diversification: Special budget allocation to increase farmer incentives from ₹7,500 to ₹15,000 per acre to reduce paddy cultivation.

2. RDF Release: Immediate release of pending Rural Development Fee (RDF) amounting to ₹7,757 crore.

3. Interest Subvention: Increase interest subvention on cooperative crop loans from 1.5% to 3%.

4. NABARD Refinance: Restore refinance to Rural Cooperative Banks to a minimum of 40% at concessional rates.

*D. Water Resources & Flood Management:*

1. PMKSY Support: Budgetary support of ₹1,053 crore for canal projects fed by the Sutlej River.

2. Flood Control: Operational control of BBMB reservoirs to be handed over to Punjab during the flood season.

3. Dam Dues: Release of pending shares from J&K for Ranjit Sagar Dam (₹297 crore) and Shahpurkandi Dam (₹665 crore).

4. JJM Funds: Release pending central share of ₹443 crore for the Jal Jeevan Mission.

*E. Rural Development, Health, and Employment:*

1. MGNREGA: Restoration of the original demand-driven mandate and funding model, opposing the proposed transition to the “Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission”.

2. NHM Allocation: Restoration of the National Health Mission cash allocation to ₹452.78 crore (currently reduced to ₹252 crore).

*F. Power Sector*

1. Coal Freight: Reinstatement of the 20% railway freight concession on coal transportation.

2. Coal Usage: Permission to use coal from the Pachhwara Central mine for private thermal plants (Talwandi & Nabha) to lower tariffs.

3. Trading Margin: Reduction of renewable energy trading margins from 7 paise to 2 paise / kWh.