Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh

HSIIDC’s Efforts Yield Results; Industrial Development Accelerates in Haryana

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Chandigarh, June 10: The efforts of the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) have borne fruit, giving a fresh impetus to industrial development across the state. While numerous companies are choosing Haryana as their preferred destination for establishing manufacturing units, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹1.10 lakh crore have been signed, boosting investment and creating thousands of employment opportunities for the youth.

This was stated during a meeting chaired by Arun Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Co-Chairman of HSIIDC, where several important decisions were taken. Discussions were held on land allotments and proposals submitted by various industrial groups, which were subsequently approved. The EEC approved the allotment of more than 36 acres of land in the industrial estates of Sohna, Bawal, Barhi and Dhatheda.

He said that the Haryana Government recently organized the Gurugram Investment Summit, which saw participation from leading industrial groups from India and abroad. These companies expressed their willingness to invest in Haryana. Within just one week, HSIIDC allotted industrial land to seven major companies, demonstrating the state’s commitment to efficient and responsive governance.

The approved projects are expected to bring investments worth ₹1,315.70 crore and generate more than 5,000 employment opportunities. These include Trontek Electronics Limited’s mega investment of ₹790 crore, Orient Fashion Exporters’ investment of ₹51.50 crore, Bollhoff Fastenings’ investment of ₹116.06 crore, Maccor Industries’ investment of ₹45.47 crore, Paras Polymers’ investment of ₹170 crore, Richaco Exports’ investment of ₹92.97 crore, along with several other industrial projects.

He said that Haryana is providing investors with a transparent, efficient and dependable industrial ecosystem. The completion of land allotment procedures within days of the investment summit is proof that the concept of “Speed of Doing Business” in Haryana is not merely a policy announcement but an integral part of its administrative functioning.

Expressing confidence, he said that these investments would further strengthen Haryana’s industrial competitiveness and reinforce the state’s position as one of India’s leading manufacturing and technology hubs.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; Pankaj Yadav, Principal Secretary, Cooperation Department; Ashima Brar, Commissioner and Secretary, Excise and Taxation Department; Dr. Yash Garg, Director General, Industries and Commerce Department; Dr. Amit Khatri, Director, Urban Estates Haryana; Mukul Kumar, Director, Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana; and Sushil Sarwan, Managing Director, Haryana Financial Corporation.

Chandigarh

CPA Conference Sets New Benchmark in Hospitality and Organisation, Guests Impressed by Haryana’s Spirit of Service and Hospitality

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Chandigarh, June 10: The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II Conference, held on June 8–9 under the aegis of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, set a new benchmark for grand organisation and excellent hospitality.

For this, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan wrote letters expressing special gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Chairman Sh. Harivansh, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for enhancing the dignity of the conference. The Speaker also thanked presiding officers and representatives from all five states of the North Zone and various state legislative assemblies who participated in the conference. Sh. Kalyan said that all participants contributed meaningfully to democratic dialogue through constructive discussions. Deliberations were held on future challenges, exploring pathways to realise the vision of “Viksit Bharat–2047”. Speakers emphasized that legislators play a crucial role in achieving this vision, while an aware society is equally essential.

The two-day conference saw participation from presiding and deputy presiding officers and representatives from 13 legislative assemblies, including five North Zone states, with around 40 participants presenting their views on the designated theme. They particularly appreciated Haryana’s hospitality tradition, referencing the state song line “Atithi Devo Bhava, yahan seva dharm nibhana”.

The Speaker said that during the inaugural session, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha appeared as a “mini India”, where representatives from different states and parties were seen seated together. Participants highly appreciated this arrangement.

At the conclusion of the conference, four written resolutions were adopted, while an informal resolution appreciating the excellent hospitality and well-organised arrangements was also passed by voice vote in favour of Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan.

On Wednesday, the Speaker remained engaged in personally seeing off the guests with respect. He had deployed liaison officers for assistance to each guest and personally ensured that everyone’s needs were taken care of. He also expressed special gratitude to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government, and all departments involved. He said that the tireless efforts and dedication of Haryana Government officials and Vidhan Sabha staff made the event grand and successful. He also thanked the media, stating that journalists played a constructive role in bringing the conference deliberations to the public, thereby strengthening faith in constitutional values.

Box: Wall of Memory Becomes Centre of Attraction

A “Wall of Memory” was set up near the main conference hall, where public representatives from different states shared their remarks in a unique way. Participants described the platform as an extraordinary learning experience and an unparalleled expression of democratic values. They called it a commendable initiative and a great experience, also describing it as a well-organised platform for meaningful reflection on the future. A large number of participants shared their experiences here.

Parliamentary Research and Innovation Centre

On the first day of the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla inaugurated the “Parliamentary Research and Innovation Centre”. This centre will provide legislators, committee chairpersons, and members with fact-based research, analysis, and reference material. It will support effective functioning of legislative and parliamentary work and promote awareness of best parliamentary and legislative practices.

Democracy Gallery

On the first day, the “Democracy Gallery” was also inaugurated within the Assembly premises. Its objective is to familiarize citizens, especially students and youth, with the Indian Constitution, democratic values, and the functioning of the legislature. The gallery presents the role of the Assembly, legislative procedures, and the importance of democratic institutions in a simple and engaging manner.

Environment Protection Initiative

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for judicious use of resources and reduced fuel consumption, transportation arrangements for delegates and officials were made using e-buses on selected routes during the conference. This initiative not only reduced petroleum consumption but also resulted in significant savings in transport costs through shared mobility. A large number of presiding officers, including the Governor and Chief Minister, travelled in these e-buses.

Theatrical Presentation

On Monday, after the inaugural session, a special theatrical performance titled “Samvidhan Ke Nayak” based on constitutional values was staged at Tagore Theatre, Sector-18. A specially written script was prepared for the play to promote awareness of constitutional ideals, values, and civic duties. The performance was presented by artists of Ras Kala Manch. It was attended by Governors of both states, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Chief Minister, Vidhan Sabha Speaker, ministers and members.

Chandigarh

Workers should actively participate in the voter list revision campaign: Rao Narender Singh

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An important meeting of BLA-1 members, senior Congress leaders, and party workers of the Narnaul Assembly constituency was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narender Singh.

The meeting discussed in detail the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Campaign of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission and formulated a strategy for its effective monitoring and implementation at the organizational level.

Addressing the gathering, Rao Narendra Singh said that a clean, accurate, and error-free voter list is essential for strengthening democracy. He urged party office-bearers and workers to visit households and encourage citizens to verify their names in the electoral rolls and get necessary corrections made. He added that the Congress Party remains fully committed to safeguarding democratic values and ensuring the voting rights of every eligible citizen.

Satbir Jhukiya, President of the Mahendragarh District Congress Committee, said that responsibilities are being assigned to party workers at the block and booth levels to ensure that no eligible voter is left out during the revision process. He affirmed that the organization would extend full cooperation in making the campaign successful.

Vinay Yadav, SIR Observer and retired IAS officer, said that the voter list is the foundation of democracy, and ensuring its transparency and accuracy is a collective responsibility of all political parties and citizens. He also appealed to young people to actively participate in the campaign.

Krishna Rao, BLA-1 from Narnaul, emphasized the need for special awareness drives in rural areas so that people are properly informed about the procedures for adding, deleting, and correcting names in the voter list. He said that Congress workers would play an active role in this effort.

Congress leader Arun Sarraf stated that every eligible citizen must be included in the electoral rolls for a strong democracy. He said that party workers would reach out to people at the booth level, help resolve their concerns, and contribute to making the electoral process more effective.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on strengthening the organization, upcoming programs, and various public-interest issues.

Several senior Congress leaders, office-bearers, and party workers from the district were present on the occasion.

Chandigarh

Dignitaries deliberate on ‘Role of an aware society and representatives of the people in facing future challenges and realising the goal of Viksit Bharat–2047’

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Chandigarh, June 9 – Speakers, Deputy Speakers and legislators from various State Legislatures, along with the Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, participated in the technical session of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II (North Zone) Conference organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha in Chandigarh. The speakers deliberated extensively on the theme ‘Role of an aware society and representatives of the people in facing future challenges and realising the goal of Viksit Bharat–2047’.

Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Sh. Harivansh, Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker, Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Speakers from various State Legislatures and several Members of Legislative Assemblies were present.

Welcoming the delegates, Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan expressed hope that all participants would gain new experiences and valuable insights from the technical session and play a meaningful role in the nation’s development.

Speaking on the occasion, Speaker, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Sh. Narendra Singh Tomar said that the deliberations held during the conference organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha would yield valuable outcomes that would prove to be milestones in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047. Describing India’s unity in diversity as the nation’s greatest strength, he said that everyone is working collectively to strengthen democracy, which is why India is counted among the world’s leading nations today.

Sh.Tomar said that after celebrating the Amrit Mahotsav the nation is now preparing for its centenary year. He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the present generation to leave behind a prosperous and empowered India for future generations. He called upon everyone to remain economically, socially and civically aware to fulfil Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s Vision 2047.

Speaker, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Sh. Vasudev Devnani appreciated the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker for selecting the theme, “Role of an aware society and representatives of the people in facing future challenges and realising the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat–2047’” He said that holistic national development can be achieved only when social harmony, environmental sustainability, technology and parliamentary democracy advance together. He emphassised that the responsibility of citizens does not end with electing legislators; rather, they must also support policymakers in formulating development-oriented policies. Emphasising the spirit of “Nation First”, he urged everyone to move forward collectively. He also encouraged legislators to stay updated with emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and cybercrime.

Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather said that India is progressing as a global leader in development and that efforts must be intensified to accelerate this growth so that citizens become more prosperous and empowered. He encouraged young legislators to focus not only on modern technology but also on research and innovation.

Speaker, Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Sh. Satish Mahana, in his address, urged legislators to work continuously for public welfare. He expressed satisfaction that people are increasingly discussing economic issues, describing it as a positive sign of a progressive nation. He also advised public representatives to maintain their credibility so that people can approach them freely with their concerns.

Speaker, Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Sh.  Kuldeep Singh Pathania said that India can become a developed nation only when all states progress equally. He added that the true objective of the conference would be achieved only when legislators discharge their responsibilities with honesty and dedication.

Several legislators and delegates from the Legislative Assemblies of North Zone states were also present during the conference.

Chandigarh

Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon Leads Delegation to UT Administrator; Preparations of 2027 Asian Roller Skating Championship Discussed

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Chandigarh, June 9: Senior BJP leader and  Chairman, Standing Committee of Administrator’s Advisory Council on Sports Management, ⁠Chandigarh Administration –  Sanjay Tandon, led a high-level delegation comprising senior office bearers of the Roller Skating Federation of India (RSFI) and the Chandigarh Roller Skating Association (CRSA) to meet UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. The delegation discussed preparations for the prestigious 21st Asian Roller Skating Championship, which is scheduled to be hosted in Chandigarh in 2027, with the Administrator.

The delegation included Tulsiram Agarwal, President of the Roller Skating Federation of India and Arun Walia, President of the Chandigarh Roller Skating Association, along with other representatives.

Sanjay Tandon emphasized that hosting the Asian Roller Skating Championship would be a matter of pride for Chandigarh and will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the city’s sporting infrastructure and organizational capabilities on the international stage. He noted that the event would further strengthen Chandigarh’s reputation as a leading sports hub and inspire greater participation in sports among young athletes.

During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Administrator (UT) of the extensive preparations required for hosting a major international sporting event of this scale. Detailed discussions were held on the upgradation of existing skating facilities, venue readiness, athlete accommodation and amenities, and other infrastructure and logistical requirements necessary to successfully conduct the championship.

The Administrator listened to the delegation’s suggestions and requirements in detail and responded positively to the issues raised. Recognizing the importance of timely planning and execution, the UT Administrator scheduled a meeting with officials of the Sports Department to review the proposals and facilitate coordinated action on the various infrastructure and administrative requirements.

The delegation expressed confidence that with the support of the administration and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders, Chandigarh would be fully prepared to host the championship successfully and set new benchmarks in the organization of international sporting events.

Tandon thanked the Governor for his positive response and commitment towards ensuring that all necessary preparations are completed well in advance of the 2027 Asian Roller Skating Championship.

Chandigarh, Punjab

World Bicycle Day 2026 Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm under ‘Fit India Movement’ at CGC University, Mohali

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Mohali,  08 June  

 CGC University, Mohali, in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), celebrated ‘World Bicycle Day 2026’ with immense fervor and enthusiasm. The event was organized under the ‘Fit India Movement’, a flagship campaign of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, inspired by the vision of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

More than 500 cyclists, including university students, faculty members, staff, sports enthusiasts, and local residents, actively participated in this special bicycle rally. The primary objective of the rally was to promote physical fitness, a healthy lifestyle, environmental conservation, and a sense of community through cycling.

The grand bicycle rally was officially flagged off by Sardar Rajinder Singh (Senior Olympic Gold Medalist, Indian Hockey Legend, Arjuna Awardee-1997, Dronacharya Awardee-2003, former National Coach of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, and current Technical Lead/Director, RoundGlass Sports Hockey). His esteemed presence filled the participants with great energy and motivation.

Shailender Kumar, Regional Director of the Sports Authority of India, graced the occasion as the ‘Guest of Honor’. He highly appreciated the exemplary efforts of CGC University, Mohali, in promoting fitness and social engagement among the youth.

Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries highlighted the importance of cycling, stating that it is not only an economical and effective means of staying physically fit but also plays a vital role in creating a pollution-free environment. They urged everyone to unite in building a healthier society.

During the event, the participating cyclists were also encouraged to become members of the ‘Namo Fit India Cycling Club’. The club aims to create a nationwide network of cycling enthusiasts to foster a culture of a healthy lifestyle in every corner of the country.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Arsh Dhaliwal, Managing Director of CGC University, said, “The successful organization of World Bicycle Day 2026 reflects CGC University’s unwavering commitment to the holistic development of students, social responsibility, and national campaigns. Through such impactful initiatives, the university will continue to promote fitness, environmental sustainability, and nation-building values to contribute toward a stronger and healthier India.”

Chandigarh, Haryana

Role of Democratic Institutions Crucial in Achieving the Goal of Viksit Bharat-2047: Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh

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Chandigarh, June 8

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region Zone-II Conference commenced in Chandigarh on Monday. The conference, which will continue till June 10, is being attended by Speakers and Deputy Speakers of Legislative Assemblies, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and officials of various legislatures from different states. During the conference, discussions will be held on parliamentary traditions, democratic processes, the role of public representatives, and various contemporary issues related to public welfare.

The inaugural session began with the National Song, the National Anthem, and the State Song. This was followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp. On the occasion, a special documentary film titled “Haryana 1966–2025” was screened, showcasing the state’s development journey and achievements. Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan welcomed and felicitated the distinguished guests present on the dais.

Among those present were Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, and other distinguished guests.

Addressing the inaugural session, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Sh. Harivansh emphasized the important role of an aware society and public representatives in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He appreciated the visionary initiative of Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla, under which CPA India has been divided into nine zones for the first time, making parliamentary dialogue more active, regular and organized.

Harivansh said that the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047 can be achieved only through balanced and inclusive development across all regions of the country. He noted that the northern states have a special contribution to make toward this objective. Punjab and Haryana together contribute nearly one-fourth of the country’s wheat production, making them strong pillars of national food security. Despite accounting for only 1.3 percent of India’s geographical area, Haryana contributes 3.6 percent to the national GDP.

He particularly appreciated the Haryana Government’s target of transforming the state into a one-trillion-dollar economy and the establishment of the country’s first Department of Future, backed by a fund of Rs 2,000 crore to promote innovation.

Referring to future technological and environmental challenges, the Deputy Chairman said that public representatives must rise above immediate political concerns and focus on long-term national priorities. He stated that society and legislators must work together to address emerging challenges such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security, climate change, crop residue management, water scarcity, and rapid urbanization through evidence-based policymaking and continuous engagement with experts.

He said that Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir are playing a significant role in realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. These regions have made notable contributions in agriculture, industry, services, infrastructure, education, healthcare, tourism, and sports.

Harivansh said that over the past decade, India has achieved unprecedented progress in digital technology, space research, startups, healthcare, and education. Digital Public Infrastructure, Aadhaar, UPI, and Direct Benefit Transfer systems have brought new dimensions to good governance, transparency, and service delivery. Today, India is establishing a strong presence among the world’s leading economies and emerging as a reliable and capable partner on the global stage.

He expressed confidence that the conference would pave the way for practical and far-reaching recommendations to further strengthen democratic governance and enhance the effectiveness of public representatives.

An Informed Society and Public Representatives Are the Foundation of Viksit Bharat: Harvinder Kalyan

Addressing the inaugural session, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said that an aware society and public representatives have a vital role in addressing future challenges and achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat-2047. While an informed society lays the foundation of a strong democracy, public representatives translate societal aspirations into policies and welfare-oriented decisions.

He said that India is the world’s largest democracy, and there is a need to make democratic institutions more effective, transparent, and accountable. He appreciated the efforts being made under the leadership of Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla to connect legislatures across the country through a common parliamentary platform, promote digital transformation, and facilitate the exchange of best parliamentary practices.

Harvinder Kalyan stated that the Haryana Vidhan Sabha is continuously working towards legislative strengthening, capacity building, and constitutional awareness. With the support of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, various training programmes and workshops have been organized for legislators, officials, employees, committee chairpersons, and media representatives. Youth Parliaments and youth conferences are also being organized to connect young people with democratic processes.

He informed that the formation of subject committees related to environment, women empowerment, and youth affairs is an important step toward making the Assembly more capable of addressing future challenges.

Welcoming the Presiding Officers, Deputy Speakers, legislators, and parliamentary officials from various states, Harvinder Kalyan said that this regional platform, comprising Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi, will significantly contribute to strengthening democratic values, exchanging parliamentary experiences, and enhancing the role of public representatives.

He expressed confidence that the various sessions and deliberations during the conference would prove beneficial for participants and generate new ideas and experiences for strengthening democratic institutions.

Democratic Dialogue Will Energize the Resolve of Viksit Bharat: Mahipal Dhanda

On the occasion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mahipal Dhanda said that dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences among democratic institutions constitute the greatest strength of good governance and nation-building. He expressed confidence that the discussions, suggestions, and experiences shared during the conference would further enrich parliamentary traditions and provide new direction and energy to the national resolve of Viksit Bharat-2047.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Resolve Of ‘Viksit Bharat’ Is A National Pledge In Which Everyone Must Cooperate: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

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Chandigarh

Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla today stated that the resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) is a national pledge that requires the active cooperation of every citizen and institution in the country. He emphasized that to realize this vision, it is imperative that our policies, schemes, programmes and budgetary provisions bring transformative changes to the life of the last person in society. He noted that we must accelerate social change, strengthen moral values, and guide society in a progressive direction. In this regard, he highlighted that legislators have a pivotal role to play, as they are the most effective drivers of grassroots change through localized policies and public welfare initiatives.

 Om Birla shared these remarks while inaugurating the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region Zone-II (North Zone) Conference at the Haryana Legislative Assembly in Chandigarh. The event was attended by Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Sh. Harivansh, Chief Minister of Haryana Nayab Singh Saini, Speaker of Haryana Legislative Assembly Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs of Haryana Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, along with other ministers of Haryana Government and Members of the Legislative Assembly.

 Describing the 21st century as highly crucial, Birla observed that the global landscape is undergoing major shifts and the world is navigating various geopolitical tensions. Even during such challenging times, India is consistently moving forward on the strength of its long-term policies and plans, backed by good governance and a stable, strong, and robust legal framework. He added that while closely studying global trends in developed nations, India has introduced necessary and pragmatic changes from time to time, tailored to its own social and economic conditions. Today, the entire world looks toward India with renewed hope and immense possibilities; therefore, this is the time for collective efforts and comprehensive participation. 

The Lok Sabha Speaker called for a massive mass movement (Janandolan) across the country, so that every citizen feels a sense of personal contribution toward building a developed India. Expressing confidence, he said that when the participation of every individual is ensured, India’s collective strength—especially its youth power—will become so formidable that we will accomplish the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ well before the target year of 2047. In this context, he mentioned that while India’s growing population was once viewed as a challenge, today that very youth demographic has become its greatest strength. To leverage this, the youth must be equipped with skill development, quality education, and a mindset for innovation. He also proposed that the policies and laws formulated in our legislatures must resonate with the aspirations and requirements of the new generation.

Underlining the importance of public participation in a parliamentary democracy, Birla remarked that regular public discourse and meaningful debates should instill confidence among citizens that the House belongs to them and that their elected representatives are their true voice. Consequently, the discussions, policies, and laws framed within the Houses must always be driven by national interest and accompanied by enhanced public engagement. He asserted that greater public participation leads to deeper and more widespread social transformation. The more citizens connect with democratic institutions, the faster the dream of a developed India will be realized. He emphasized that whether it is a Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, Zila Parishad, Municipality, State Legislative Assembly, or the Lok Sabha—increased public participation brings forth new ideas, diverse perspectives, and constructive suggestions, giving fresh momentum to the pace of development.

 Birla further noted that the more transparent and robust a state’s legal framework is, the faster that state progresses. Regions with clear policies, just laws, and stable, strong governance naturally attract higher investments. Investors consistently choose destinations where they have complete confidence in the continuity of policy and law; hence, maintaining this stability is a profound responsibility. He expressed hope that during the proceedings of this two-day conference, there would be substantive and result-oriented discussions on vital topics such as the ‘Resolve of Viksit Bharat’, ‘Public Participation’, ‘Mass Movements’, and ‘Collective Responsibility’.

 The inaugural session of this two-day CPA India Region Zone-II (North Zone) Conference saw the participation of Presiding Officers from the legislatures of 12 states. Apart from the Presiding Officers of the CPA Zone-II member states—Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Delhi—the conference also witnessed active participation from the Presiding Officers of other states, including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, and West Bengal. Detailed deliberations are being held across various plenary sessions on the theme, ‘Role of an Aware Society and Representatives of the People in Facing Future Challenges and Realizing the Goal of Viksit Bharat–2047’.

 Prior to the formal inauguration of the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla also inaugurated the newly established Parliamentary Research and Information Center (PRIC) at the Haryana Legislative Assembly building, which is set to significantly enhance the quality of legislative work.

On the first day of the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla also paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Haryana, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, at the Raj Bhavan, where they discussed various contemporary issues. 

The transportation for all delegates at this conference has been arranged via e-buses. Following the conclusion of the inaugural session, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla departed with the delegates in an e-bus.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Constitution is the Soul of Democracy: CM Nayab Singh Saini

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Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Constitution is the soul of democracy, and every citizen has a responsibility to fulfill their duties towards the nation by listening to the voice of this conscience.

He was addressing the audience after watching the play “Samvidhan Ke Nayak” staged at Tagore Theatre during the cultural evening organized as part of the Zone-II Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), India Region under the aegis of the Haryana Legislative Assembly. The play was presented with the support of the Haryana Art and Culture Department and Ras Kala Manch.

On this occasion, Haryana Governor  Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria also appreciated the message of the play and the performances of the artists.

Praising the vivid acting and inspiring presentation, the Chief Minister said that just as Lord Hanuman in the Ramayana was reminded of his immense strength, the artists and writer of this play have similarly reminded the audience of their responsibilities towards the Constitution. He said such plays play a significant role in guiding society towards culture, patriotism, and national values.

During the event, the script of the play was also formally released.

Among those present on the occasion were Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Haryana Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Krishan Lal Middha, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, along with Speakers and Deputy Speakers of various State Assemblies, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and officials of legislative bodies.

Chandigarh, Punjab

BJP imposed anti-farmer laws, Akalis misused religion, Congress failed Punjab; people have chosen honest governance: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

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ROPAR, 8th June 2026:

Addressing a Lok Milni programme among residents of Badwa village in Rupnagar (Ropar) on Monday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the people of Punjab had decisively rejected the politics of loot, privilege and deception in 2022 by voting out seven former Chief Ministers and their families and placing their faith in an honest government. Taking aim at the Congress, BJP and Akalis, he said these parties have no development agenda for Punjab and remain interested only in power and vested interests. He asserted that while opposition leaders are unable to digest Punjab’s progress under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government, every rupee of taxpayers’ money is now being spent on public welfare rather than on luxuries for those in power.

The Chief Minister also said that the BJP imposed anti-farmer laws, the Akalis misused religion for political gains, and the renewed Akali-BJP alliance is merely an opportunistic attempt to regain power, which the people of Punjab will firmly reject.

Addressing the gathering on Monday, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Aam Aadmi Party is giving nightmares to leaders of traditional political parties who have misused power for their vested interests for decades. More than 700 farmers were martyred during the agitation against the anti-farmer laws imposed by the BJP. It is a fact that the BJP has always treated Punjab unfairly and today these parties are attempting to divide people in the name of religion for political gains.”

Taking a strong swipe at the renewed alliance between the Shiromani Akali Dal and BJP, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the alliance would prove politically disastrous for both parties because it is based neither on ideology nor on any commitment towards public welfare. He said, “This alliance is aimed solely at grabbing power in Punjab. Leaders of both parties have repeatedly spoken against each other and hurled accusations at one another. The people of Punjab are asking with what face they will now seek votes together. The people will not be misled by such political theatrics and will teach them a befitting lesson in the coming days.”

Highlighting the work of his government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has dedicated his sweat and toil to ensuring the all-round development of Punjab and that every passing day is witnessing new pro-people initiatives aimed at improving the lives of citizens. He said, “Unlike my predecessors, I have never taken even a single penny from the public exchequer. Rather, I have ensured that every rupee belonging to taxpayers is spent judiciously for public welfare. As the son and brother of the people of Punjab, I have focused on sharing their hardships and solving their problems instead of living a life of luxury.”

The Chief Minister said that no previous ruler had ever reached out to people in such a direct manner to understand their difficulties and resolve them with dedication. He said that earlier governments remained confined within the walls of palatial residences and rarely interacted with ordinary citizens. “Those arrogant politicians remained disconnected from the people and today they are baffled by every initiative of the Punjab Government. On the other hand, I remain among the people, seeking feedback and framing development-oriented and citizen-centric policies that are accelerating Punjab’s progress,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that his government’s continuous efforts for Punjab’s development have left opposition leaders frustrated. “They cannot digest the fact that the welfare of common people and the progress of Punjab are now the government’s top priorities. Their constant criticism only reflects their desperation. I may not have experience in looting public wealth, but I certainly know how to share the pain of ordinary people and resolve their issues. I am working with complete dedication for the prosperity of Punjab and its people, and that is what troubles the opposition,” he added.

Criticising previous governments, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that regions blessed with immense natural beauty and abundant resources were neglected for years because successive governments failed to harness their potential. He said that for decades only two political formations alternated in power while exploiting the sentiments of people and looting the resources of the state.

“The people of Punjab now have an alternative in the ‘jhaadu’(AAP’s electoral symbol), which has cleansed the political system of the state. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the people rejected seven former Chief Ministers and their families and entrusted power to an honest government. That historic mandate has played a pivotal role in transforming Punjab and making it a frontrunner among Indian states,” he said.

Highlighting the achievements of the AAP Government in the irrigation sector, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab utilised 96% of available canal water this year through an improved irrigation system, significantly benefiting farmers. He said that water that earlier went waste is now being productively utilised across agricultural areas. The Chief Minister said, “The AAP Government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses across the state to ensure irrigation facilities reach every corner of Punjab. Around 21,000 cusecs of water have been released through these pipelines and watercourses, helping farmers meet their irrigation requirements. This quantity of water is equivalent to the supply of two Bhakra canals and will immensely benefit farmers.”

He further said that recharge points have been developed in canals and rivers to improve groundwater levels. “As a result, the groundwater table has risen by two to four metres in several areas. This demonstrates how taxpayers’ money is being utilised responsibly and returned to people through development projects, schools, hospitals, roads and other welfare initiatives,” he added.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP Government has also closed toll plazas, saving people nearly ₹70 lakh every day. He reiterated that public money is being spent solely for public welfare and not for the benefit of a select few.

Highlighting healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that nearly 1,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been established across Punjab, where 107 medicines and 47 diagnostic tests are being provided free of cost. He said that no previous government in the last 75 years had bothered to provide such healthcare facilities to ordinary citizens. “These clinics have strengthened people’s faith in government healthcare institutions. Around 75,000 people visit these clinics every day for treatment, demonstrating the trust people have developed in this initiative,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that every penny from the state exchequer is being utilised for the welfare of Punjab’s people. He stated that more than 90 per cent of households in the state are receiving free electricity and that farmers are now receiving daytime power supply, a long-standing demand that had remained unfulfilled for decades. “At a time when valuable national assets are being handed over to select corporate interests at throwaway prices, Punjab has created history by purchasing a private thermal plant and naming it after Sri Guru Amardass Ji. This reflects our commitment to strengthening public assets rather than weakening them,” he said.

Speaking about women’s welfare, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna under which women above 18 years of age from all other  categories receive ₹1,000 per month while women from the Scheduled Caste category receive ₹1,500 per month. “For ordinary families, especially poor households, ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 is a significant amount. More importantly, this assistance represents respect and dignity for mothers and daughters. The smiles on the faces of women benefiting from this scheme provide immense satisfaction,” he said.

Highlighting educational reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that teachers and principals from government schools are being sent abroad for specialised training to enhance their professional skills and improve classroom teaching standards. He said that Punjab has achieved the top rank in the National Achievement Survey conducted by the Government of India, surpassing even Kerala.

The Chief Minister said, “Students in government schools are now receiving specialised coaching for competitive examinations such as Armed Forces preparation, NEET, JEE, CLAT and NIFT. I am delighted to share that nearly 300 students from Schools of Eminence and other government schools have qualified for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and NEET examinations. These achievements demonstrate the remarkable transformation taking place in Punjab’s education sector.”

He said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers are receiving electricity during daytime hours for irrigation, which has transformed agricultural operations and improved farmers’ quality of life.

Drawing a comparison with the BJP government in Delhi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that while Punjab is continuously expanding welfare initiatives for common people, similar programmes have been discontinued elsewhere after governments changed. “These parties have always opposed policies aimed at benefiting ordinary citizens and remain reluctant to implement people-centric programmes,” he said.

Speaking about healthcare coverage, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first scheme of its kind in the country to provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. “It is a matter of immense pride that Punjab is the first state in India to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. This scheme has significantly reduced the financial burden on families while ensuring access to quality healthcare services. More than ₹650 crore worth of free treatment has already been availed by beneficiaries,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, farmers have been provided more than eight hours of uninterrupted power supply to agricultural tube wells during the paddy season. He reiterated that every rupee from the public exchequer is being spent for public welfare and development.

Highlighting infrastructure development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government has launched a massive programme for the repair and upgradation of link roads across the state. He said that Punjab has approximately 43,000 kilometres of link roads and that a comprehensive project has been launched to repair and modernise them. “The AAP Government has taken another historic decision. Along with repairing these roads, their maintenance will also be ensured for the next five years. This will guarantee better connectivity and improve transportation facilities for rural and urban residents alike,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the AAP Government has also launched the country’s first dedicated Sadak Surakhiya Force to improve road safety and save precious lives on state and national highways. “Specially trained and newly recruited personnel, including women, have been deployed as part of this force. A total of 1,597 personnel supported by 144 fully equipped vehicles are working across Punjab’s highways. Since the launch of the force in February last year, road accident fatalities have declined by 48.10%,” he said.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force has been deployed across 4,200 kilometres of accident-prone highways and functions both as a rapid response mechanism and as a deterrent against traffic violations. “Even Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has appreciated this initiative on the floor of Parliament,” he added.

Speaking about the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Almighty had bestowed upon him the opportunity to serve humanity through this historic legislation. He said, “Under this law, anyone found guilty of ‘beadbi’ (sacrilege) can face imprisonment ranging from ten years to life imprisonment along with a fine of ₹50 lakh. If the offender fails to pay the fine, their property can be sold. The purpose of this law is to ensure that future generations understand the serious consequences of hurting people’s sentiments by disrespecting Sri Guru Sahib Ji.”

Expressing hope that the legislation would act as a strong deterrent against beadbi, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji occupies a sacred place in the hearts of Sikhs and that it is the responsibility of the government to protect its sanctity. “Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is like a father to every Sikh. It is our collective duty to ensure its respect and sanctity. If the government does not take responsibility in this regard, nobody else will. The Akalis misused religion for their political interests and the people have not forgotten that. We are fortunate to have been entrusted with the responsibility of passing this historic legislation, which will help prevent such incidents in the future,” he added.