Chandigarh, October 24, 2025 :

 Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Friday organised a soulful Gurbani Shabad Kirtan at his ancestral residence in village Sandhwan, district Faridkot, where he honoured the Ragis, Granthis and Pathi Singhs who performed Kirtan with deep reverence. On this sacred occasion, he presented robes of honour (Siropas) to them as a mark of gratitude for their spiritual service to the Sikh Panth and the community.

Among the distinguished guests was Bhai Amandeep Singh, one of the ‘Panj Pyare’ from Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo, who lauded Speaker Sandhwan’s significant efforts to rectify the errors in the recently republished Mahan Kosh by Punjabi University, Patiala. He said that the corrective steps taken by the Speaker reflect his deep respect for Sikh heritage and scholarly authenticity. Bhai Amandeep Singh further appreciated Sandhwan’s dedicated supervision of the conservation and restoration work at the historic Haveli of Diwan Todar Mal at Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, a site that holds immense reverence in Sikh history for its association with supreme sacrifice and faith.

He also commended the Speaker’s initiatives to outline the 350th centenary observance of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji and his consistent efforts to propagate the universal message of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, the message of seva, compassion and humanity beyond caste, creed and religion. On the occasion, Jathedar Baba Kulwant Singh Chanakya offered ardaas before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and expressed gratitude for divine blessings.

In his address, Speaker Sandhwan emphasised the need for institutional responsibility within the Sikh religious administration, particularly the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and other global Gurdwara management bodies, to ensure that Ragis, Granthis and Pathi Singhs receive fair and dignified remuneration. He said that these individuals, who dedicate their lives to preserving and spreading the message of Gurbani, must be financially supported so they can provide for their children, care for their parents and meet their family’s needs with honour.

Sandhwan announced that he would soon submit a written representation to the Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib urging him to consider issuing suitable directions to fix a minimum salary structure for Ragis, Granthis and Pathi Singhs across all Gurdwaras. He said he would also meet the Jathedar personally to pursue this cause of collective concern for the Panth.

Expressing his humility before the Sangat, the Speaker said that his home and family would always remain open to serve devotees and scholars engaged in promoting Sikh principles and community welfare. His family members, Mata Gurmail Kaur, Bibi Gurpreet Kaur Sandhwan, Bibi Paramjit Kaur, and Advocate Birinder Singh, along with several Panthic leaders and representatives of various organisations, also participated in the event, which concluded with a collective prayer for peace, unity and Chardi Kala of the Sikh Panth.

Chandigarh, October 25

The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Member of Parliament from Sirsa, Kumari Selja has said that while the BJP government in the state talks about Vikas Raj, in reality, Haryana is witnessing “Jungle Raj. Officials are not listening to the government, and government officials are not listening to the public. Criminals have no fear of the police uniform, and incidents such as murder, loot, robbery, kidnapping, and rape are taking place openly across the state. Kumari Selja said the root cause behind most crimes is the flourishing drug trade, which continues unchecked. People are dying daily due to drug abuse, and in Sirsa, drug traffickers are destroying the lives of young people.

In a statement released to the media, MP Kumari Selja said that the government in Haryana is not functioning; it is asleep. As per the Social Progress Index (SPI) report of the Central Government, Haryana is listed among the most unsafe states in India. Crime in the state is increasing rapidly, and criminals act fearlessly. Kumari Selja accused the state government of neglecting crime control, saying that there is no longer any control of the government over the police, allowing criminals to act with impunity. Whenever the public raises its voice, the Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs claim that crime is under control and that anyone breaking the law will not be spared. However, the ground reality is the opposite murders, loots, robberies, kidnappings, and rapes are happening openly every day. Kumari Selja cited a recent shocking incident in Kharkhoda (Sonipat), where a father and son were shot dead in broad daylight with twelve bullets, while the police were seen doing nothing more than their usual post-incident formalities. Kumari Selja said that a large number of people are going missing across the state a very alarming trend. Between January and March this year alone, 4,100 people went missing in Haryana, and over 1,000 people were kidnapped. Cases of murder and culpable homicide have shown a startling increase compared to previous years. These figures, she said, are clear evidence of the total collapse of the public safety system under the BJP government. 

Kumari Selja said that these are only the cases officially registered in police stations; a large number of cases never even reach the police or get recorded. Referring to last year’s Social Progress Index report, Selja pointed out that the Central Government itself ranked Haryana as the most unsafe state in the country. According to NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data, Haryana ranks number one in crimes against women and children, including rape, kidnapping, and robbery. Kumari Selja said that the data reveals that three to four murders occur in the state every day, four to five women are raped daily, around a dozen kidnappings, and nearly 100 cases of theft, loot, robbery, and extortion take place every single day. Kumari Selja said that districts such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Hisar, Karnal, Sonipat, Rohtak, and Panipat have emerged as high-crime zones, with a significant rise in criminal cases being recorded.

Chandigarh, October 24

The French Institute in India, in collaboration with the Alliance Française network, is set to present a captivating cine-concert — Paris qui dort, a 1924 French silent film reborn with an electrifying live score by acclaimed French drummer and composer Stéphane Scharlé.

The performance will take place on Sunday at Café Théâtre, Alliance Française, Sector 36, Chandigarh at 5 PM. Entry is free and open to all.

We are thrilled to welcome Stéphane Scharlé and this poetic revival of Paris qui dort as the first event in our newly refurbished theatre. As the new director of the Alliance Française of Chandigarh, I am particularly proud to reopen this space to the city’s audiences and to celebrate French creativity in such a meaningful way”, said, Fiona Guerra, Director, Alliance Française de Chandigarh

Having performed over 500 concerts across 40 countries, Scharlé now brings Tricity audiences a deeply immersive experience, one where cinema, sound, and imagination collide.

This unique event blends classic cinema with modern rhythm, reviving René Clair’s visionary film where Paris freezes under a mysterious ray. Scharlé, founder of the jazz collective OZMA, reimagines this century-old masterpiece using his self-invented Augmented Drum, merging percussion, loops, and electronic textures to create a mesmerising soundscape.

The Chandigarh performance is part of Scharlé’s India Tour presented by Compagnie Tangram, with support from the French Institute in India and the Alliance Française network, bringing audiences an immersive journey where cinema, sound, and imagination intertwine.

Chandigarh, 24 October 2025:

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Cabinet Ministers Sanjeev Arora and Gurmeet Singh Khudian paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Revanth Reddy of Telangana. During the meeting, the ministers formally extended an invitation to the Chief Minister to participate in the upcoming commemorative events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, organized by the Government of Punjab.

The event is scheduled to take place from 20th November at Anandpur Sahib, a historic city of great spiritual and cultural importance in Sikh tradition. The ministers highlighted the importance of this occasion as a symbol of sacrifice, spiritual strength, and unity, emphasizing its significance in promoting harmony and understanding across different communities.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister expressed his appreciation for the invitation and conveyed his consideration and intent to participate in the event.

Additionally, during the meeting, the Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the ministers engaged in detailed discussions on their respective state’s health and education systems. They exchanged insights, best practices, and explored avenues for further improve these sectors in Telangana and Punjab. The conversations reflected a shared commitment towards enhancing public welfare and fostering cooperative development initiatives.

The meeting underscored the importance of cultural and social ties between the two states, emphasizing the shared values of sacrifice, service, and progress.

Chandigarh, October 24

The Ministers of the Punjab Cabinet, on Friday, called on the Chief Ministers of various states to formally extend invitations for the upcoming events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, being organised by the Government of Punjab.

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, along with Deepak Bali, Advisor to the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to invite him to attend the commemorative events.

In a separate engagement, Cabinet Minister Dr Balbir Singh and Hardeep Singh Mundian met with Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to extend an invitation for him to attend the functions being organised to mark the 350th Shahidi Purab of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Furthermore, the Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Saund called on the Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, to invite her to the events marking the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

The meetings are part of the Punjab Government’s initiative to ensure wide participation in the historic events being organised in Punjab to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of ‘Hind Di Chadar’ Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Ninth Sikh Guru.

Chandigarh, October 24:

The Finance & Contract Committee of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has approved permission for setting up temporary stalls for three days during the upcoming Gurpurab Celebration. The decision aims to facilitate the smooth conduct of religious festivities and provide necessary amenities to devotees and visitors while ensuring proper regulation and cleanliness in the area.

This significant decision was taken during the Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) meeting held today under the chairpersonship of Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor, MCC. The meeting was attended by MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS,  Sh. Pardeep Kumar, IAS, Special Commissioner, committee members Sh. Gurpreet Singh, Sh. Saurabh Joshi, Smt. Suman Devi, Smt. Poonam, Sh. Jasmanpreet Singh and other senior officers of MCC.

The Committee also disused and accorded approval to the following agenda items:

·        Procurement of one new Sawraj Mazda (Water Tanker) in place of old condemned water tanker to provide water supply service in the area of Maninmajra including village Kishangarh at an estimated cost of Rs. 23.63 lacs.

·        Providing and laying of 450mm (18”) i/d RCC NP-2 SWD line along with construction of machine hole & road gully chambers for proper disposal of rain water at various locations of Sector 48, Chandigarh at an estimated cost of Rs. 27.97 lacs.

·        Strengthening of existing SWD line for smooth disposal of rain water at H. No. 223, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238 & 239 of Judges House Sector 16, Chandigarh at an estimated cost of Rs. 38.15 lacs.

·        Rough cost estimate for installation of CCTV Cameras in IDLE Truck parking, Sector 26, Chandigarh at an estimated cost of Rs. 17.44 lacs.

·        The F&CC of MCC has approved the organization of Chhath Puja celebration at the Pond, Green Belt Part-I, Indira Colony Manimajra, Chandigarh. Earlier, the General House of MCC had already passed an agenda for organizing Chhath Puja at Sundar Nagar, Mauli Jagran, Chandigarh. Accordingly, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh will conduct Chhath Puja celebration at two locations this year to facilitate devotees in different parts of the city.

Chandigarh, October 24

Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Friday instructed the officials to speed up the work of road projects and complete the projects before November 15, 2025 in wake of Martyrdom Day celebrations.

In a press briefing issued here, the Cabinet Minister said that the Chandigarh Circle of the Public Works Department has finalized a comprehensive plan for the upgrading and maintenance of key roads and lighting infrastructure in Shri Anandpur Sahib, coinciding with the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. The total estimated grant for the planned works and associated maintenance activities amounts to approximately ₹24.51 Crore .

Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the plan includes the upgrading of vital roads such as the Sri Anandpur Sahib to Dashmesh Academy Road, internal city roads and the route from Sri Anandpur Sahib to Sri Naina Devi Road, among others. A major component involves the improvement of road surfaces, bridges and connected lanes with an estimated cost of ₹23 crore. An additional ₹77.58 lacs has been allocated for special repair and maintenance works.

The Cabinet Minister further said that repair works covering strategic road stretches and electrical maintenance of road lighting have also been prioritized. Regular and special repairs, replacement of damaged electrical poles, installation of LED lighting and the upgrade of aluminum and copper wiring are part of the initiative, addressing both functional efficiency and safety.

Harbhajan Singh ETO informed that total sanctioned amount for these works stands at ₹24.51 crores. The department reaffirms its commitment to ensuring top-quality infrastructure to facilitate smooth travel for pilgrims and residents as well as to enhance the overall environment during this historic commemoration.

Chandigarh, October 24 – The Haryana Government today announced an enhancement in the rates of Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) payable to its employees and pensioners/family pensioners. Those drawing their pay and pension/family pension as per the 7th Pay/Pension Commission Structure will now receive DA and DR at the rate of 58 percent, increased from the existing 55 percent of the basic pay and pension/family pension, with effect from 1st July, 2025.

According to the letter issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who is also holding the charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, the enhanced rate of DA and DR shall be paid with the pay and pension/family pension for the month of October, 2025, while the arrears for the months of July to September, 2025 shall be paid in November, 2025.

The payment on account of DA and DR involving fractions of fifty paise and above shall be rounded off to the next higher rupee, and fractions of less than fifty paise shall be ignored.

Chandigarh, October 24 – Haryana is taking significant steps to establish itself as a leading hub for electronics manufacturing by actively seeking to attract investments under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) of the Government of India. The state will soon announce a slew of incentives under its Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) Policy, which aims to offer a wide range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to attract investment. In this direction, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting today to review strategies for setting up electronic component manufacturing plants in the state and to accelerate the growth of the electronics component manufacturing ecosystem.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that the core objective of the state’s initiative is to attract major investments, create employment opportunities and strengthen Haryana’s integration into the global electronics value chain. He noted that while India’s domestic electronic production has witnessed impressive growth—rising at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% since FY15— the design and component manufacturing ecosystem remains at a nascent stage.

Currently, Haryana contributes about 2.9% (USD 0.8 billion) to India’s total electronics exports and supports around 1.3 million jobs in the sector. Sh. Rastogi underlined that Haryana has immense potential to expand this contribution through targeted policy support, strategic investor engagement, and the creation of enabling infrastructure such as the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at IMT Sohna.

Under the draft new Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) Policy, incentives offered include reimbursement of capital and operational expenditures, including expenditure incurred for green energy projects, technology acquisition etc., support for capacity building and support for development of research and development and innovation facilities.

Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal informed that the Government of India’s ECMS provides multiple incentive options, including turnover-linked and capital investment-based benefits ranging between 1% and 25%. To complement these, Haryana is also exploring the provision of additional top-up incentives similar to those offered by other progressive states such as Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, thereby enhancing the state’s competitiveness in attracting ECMS-approved investors.

The Chief Secretary directed the Industries and Commerce Department to prepare a detailed plan in this regard and undertake proactive investor outreach. As part of this exercise, one-on-one meetings will be held with 11 applicants who have already shown interest in establishing ECMS-approved manufacturing units in Haryana by November 10. In addition, outreach efforts will target 50 other companies that are yet to finalize their project locations.

To ensure smooth coordination and investor facilitation, the state government will appoint dedicated relationship managers for each potential investor. These officers will provide end-to-end assistance, including land identification, regulatory clearances, coordination with departments, and incentive processing.

Sh. Rastogi emphasized that Haryana’s approach would be both facilitative and competitive, ensuring that investors find a conducive ecosystem to set up advanced electronic component manufacturing facilities.

Additional Chief Secretary, Citizen Resources Information Department, Smt. G. Anupama, Director General, Industries & Commerce, Sh. Yash Garg, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, October 24 – The sacred land of Haryana witnessed a historic and spiritual moment today as the “Charan Suhave Guru Charan Yatra”, carrying the Holy Joda Sahib of Sarbansdani Dasam Patshah Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji, was accorded a grand welcome in Faridabad. This unique confluence of faith, devotion, and unity was visible in every corner of the city.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini attended the welcome ceremony. The Chief Minister received the “Charan Suhave Guru Charan Yatra” at Sri Guru Darbar Sahib Gurudwara in NIT-5, Faridabad. Sh Nayab Singh Saini also welcomed Union Minister Sardar Hardeep Singh Puri, who was accompanying the Yatra, on his arrival in Haryana. He honoured the Sant Sangat and the Panj Pyaras (the five beloved ones) who greeted the Yatra by presenting them with turbans at Sri Guru Darbar Sahib Gurudwara. Before the Yatra’s departure, the Chief Minister bowed his head at the Gurudwara and listened to the ardaas. He then had darshan of the holy Joda Sahib. Earlier, Sardar Ravinder Singh Rana, member of the Haryana Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, Sardar Inder Jeet Singh, head of Sri Guru Darbar Sahib Gurudwara, and representatives of the Sikh community welcomed and honoured the Chief Minister.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that Faridabad was the first stop of this great pilgrimage, which began in Delhi and would conclude at Takht Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib in Bihar. This city, known as the gateway to Delhi, has now been sanctified by the dust of the Guru’s feet. Any place touched by the Guru’s holy feet becomes a pilgrimage site, and today, Faridabad has become a sacred destination for lakhs of devotees. He expressed his gratitude to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and the organizers of this pilgrimage for their efforts in organizing this spiritual journey.

Guru Gobind Singh Ji: A Symbol of Sacrifice, Valor, and Justice

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that today, with the arrival of this sacred Joda Sahib, the divine brilliance, sacrifice, and devotion of Dasmesh Pita, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, have come alive among us. He sacrificed everything for the protection of faith, the nation, and humanity. Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji gave his life in the struggle against Mughal oppression. To fight injustice, he transformed ordinary individual into the Khalsa — a force dedicated to upholding righteousness and protecting the weak. This holy Joda Sahib reminds us of his great pledge, “Sawa lakh se ek ladaun, tabe Gobind Singh naam kahaun.” This vow was not merely about battle, but about self-respect, courage, and justice — values that remain the guiding principles of life for every Indian even today. He added that Guru Gobind Singh Ji made the supreme sacrifice of his four sons so that the sons and daughters of this nation could live in safety and dignity.

Mata Sahib Kaur Ji: An Embodiment of Compassion and Strength

The Chief Minister said that this Yatra also carries the sacred Joda Sahib of Mata Sahib Kaur Ji. Mata Sahib Kaur Ji holds the revered title of the Mother of the Khalsa Panth. When Guru Ji established the Khalsa Panth, he asked Mata Sahib Kaur Ji to add sugar crystals (patashas) to the Amrit (nectar) to ensure that the followers of the Khalsa would possess both bravery and sweetness and compassion.

“Charan Suhave” Yatra, a spiritual bridge from Delhi to Patna Sahib

Nayab Singh Saini said that this ‘Charan Suhave’ Yatra is creating a cultural and spiritual bridge between Delhi, the capital of India, and Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is fully committed to following the path shown by the Gurus and preserving their legacy of sacrifice. The Government has celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the 550th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, and the 350th birth anniversary of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji in a grand and dignified manner. In addition, the Government has donated the land where Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji meditated for 40 days to Gurudwara Shri Chilla Sahib in Sirsa.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government will commemorate the 350th shahidi diwas of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji with reverence and devotion across Haryana. From November 1 to November 24, four yatras will be organized throughout the state, culminating on November 25 at the sacred city of Kurukshetra — a site sanctified by the presence of the Gurus over time. The Government has prepared a comprehensive action plan for this purpose.

He further stated that the Government passed a resolution during the monsoon session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly to provide government employment to one member of each of the 121 families who lost a relative in the 1984 riots. This decision, also approved by the Cabinet, stands as a testament to the State’s respect and compassion for the Sikh community. He added that this Yatra, while reminding us of the great

tradition, also reinforces India’s timeless values of unity, courage, and compassion.

Present on the occasion were former Minister and MLA Mool Chand Sharma, Seema Trikha, Bawal MLA Dr. Krishan Kumar, Media Advisor to Chief Minister Rajiv Jaitley, Faridabad Mayor Praveen Batra Joshi and other dignitaries.