Chandigarh:

Haryana is progressing at a rapid pace under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The policies of the State Government under his leadership are based on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas’. The Government has launched many beneficial schemes for the elderly, women, farmers, youth and the poor. Welfare of every section has been ensured by providing old age pension, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Mukhyamantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana and Kisan Samman Nidhi along with employment opportunities. State is progressing at a rapid pace due to the transparent policies of the government and corruption-free administration.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Saini, the State Government has given new impetus to development. His Government has taken effective steps for the development of all sections of the society. With the formation of the Government under Chief Minister Saini, the promise of providing free dialysis facility to kidney patients was fulfilled. Along with this, under the Har Ghar Grihini Yojana, 15 lakh families in the State are being given cylinders for Rs 500. All eligible families whose annual income is less than Rs 1.80 lakh are linked to this scheme and given cylinders for Rs 500. Recently, the government has released Rs 18.56 crore as gas cylinder refill subsidy under the Har Ghar–Har Grihini Yojana. The amount was credited directly into the bank accounts of 6,08,842 women beneficiaries. Under this scheme, eligible women are assured a gas cylinder every month at a subsidised cost of Rs. 500. The subsidy released pertains to the month of October 2025, and the subsidy amounts for November and December 2025 will be released shortly.

His Government has given plots to eligible families as per its Sankalp Patra. Apart from this, ownership rights of land to lease holders have been given. The people whose houses have been built on panchayat land for more than 20 years have been given ownership rights of these houses.

The Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi mobile application, launched on  September 25,  2025 on the occasion of the 109th birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, has seen encouraging participation, with 9,98,650 women applying through the app by December 31,  2025 out of which 8,63,918 were found eligible. As part of its focused efforts on women empowerment, the Government has recently released the third installment of the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana. A total of Rs. 441 crore has been disbursed so far in three installments to eligible girls and women under the scheme. Earlier, only families with an annual income of up to Rs. 1 lakh were eligible; this threshold has now been increased to Rs. 1.80 lakh, enabling more daughters and sisters to benefit. Eligibility has also been extended to mothers whose children study in government schools and have secured more than 80 percent marks in Class 10 or 12 board examinations, or have achieved grade-level competency in Classes 1 to 4 under the NIPUN Bharat Mission, or whose children have been successfully rehabilitated from severe or moderate acute malnutrition. These benefits are subject to verification through the Parivar  Pehchan Patra, with the condition that the family’s annual income does not exceed Rs 1.80 lakh and the mother has no more than three children. Under the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, each eligible woman is provided financial assistance of Rs 2,100 per month. From February 2026, Rs. 1,100 will be credited directly into the beneficiary’s savings bank account, while the remaining Rs. 1,000 will be deposited in a government-operated recurring deposit or fixed deposit account. The accumulated amount, along with the interest earned, will be paid to the beneficiary upon maturity, ensuring both immediate support and long-term financial security.

The double-engine government has implemented several schemes in the interest of farmers, and the State Government has worked to empower and strengthen them. Sustained efforts are being made to make agriculture a profitable and future-ready sector so that farmers’ children remain connected to farming. Acting on the principle of supporting farmers at every stage—from seed to market—the government has recently released a total of Rs 659 crore as grants and incentives under five agriculture-related schemes.  An amount of Rs 461.75 crore as incentive to 5,54,405 farmers who did not burn crop residue, under the Crop Residue Management Scheme. Rs 85.10 crore as subsidy for 9,885 crop residue management machines provided to farmers. Rs. 75.54 crore as incentive to 31,605 farmers adopting Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR). Rs 15.75 crore to 13,500 farmers under the Mera Pani – Meri Virasat scheme for the Kharif season 2025–26. Rs 20 crore as price difference compensation to 4,073 farmers engaged in potato and cauliflower cultivation, under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.

Saini was born on January 25, 1970, in a humble farming family in Mirzapur Majra village, of Ambala district. He pursued his bachelor’s degree from Dr BR Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur, and later obtained an LLB degree from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut.

Saini has been a dedicated worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), tirelessly serving the people of Haryana for over 30 years.

His association with RSS began in 1994, and his political career took shape in 1996 when he formally joined BJP in Haryana. Since then, he has held several key positions in the party. In 2002, he was appointed General Secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha, Ambala, and in 2005, he became the District President of BJP Yuva Morcha, Ambala.

In these roles, he actively contributed to social welfare, organizing workshops, seminars, conferences, and blood donation camps. Given his agricultural background, he was later appointed as the State General Secretary of BJP Kisan Morcha, Haryana. In 2012, he became the President of BJP Ambala District.

His political success continued as he was elected as an MLA from Narayangarh Assembly Constituency in the 2014 Haryana Assembly Elections. From 2015 to 2019, he served as a Minister of State and represented Haryana in several delegations to European countries.

In 2019, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Kurukshetra with a significant margin of nearly 4.75 lakh votes. Recognizing his leadership, he was appointed National Vice President of BJP’s OBC Morcha in 2021, where he worked extensively for the welfare of the OBC community. His dedication and commitment to public service led to his appointment as the State President of Haryana BJP in 2023. On March 12, 2024, Saini became the 11th Chief Minister of Haryana and was elected as an MLA from the Karnal Assembly Constituency. Later, on October 17, 2024, he was re-elected as the 12th Chief Minister of Haryana and was elected as an MLA from Ladwa Assembly Constituency, Kurukshetra district.

Chandigarh; 24th January 2026:

Punjab Government’s Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Sanjeev Arora announced the launch of the Bhagwant Mann government’s an ambitious World-Class Streets Project aimed at transforming Ludhiana’s urban landscape into a model of safe, inclusive, sustainable and smart mobility, stating that the initiative seeks to fundamentally reimagine how city streets function for people.

Sharing details of the project, Punjab Local Development Minister Sanjeev Arora said that 15 kilometres of roads across 10 critical city corridors will be comprehensively redeveloped under a modern Complete Streets approach, with priority being given to pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and street vendors alongside vehicular traffic. “The objective is to reclaim streets for people. These streets will no longer be just traffic corridors but vibrant public spaces that are safe, accessible and environmentally sustainable,” the Minister said.

Outlining the key features of the project, the Local Development Minister said that it includes the development of 15 kilometres of world-class streets, 5.3 kilometres of dedicated accessible footpaths, and 15.7 kilometres of demarcated cycle lanes and dedicated cycle tracks. He said that 250 vending spaces will be created to support livelihoods, along with the installation of 40 rain and sun shelters, 10 public toilets and 36 water ATMs.

Emphasising the project’s green focus, he said there will be zero tree cutting, with plantation of more than 3,633 new trees, along with the creation of 54 rainwater harvesting pits as part of green infrastructure. He added that new storm water drainage, LED street lighting, landscaping and junction improvements will also be undertaken.

The Minister informed that the ₹162 crore project is being piloted by the Punjab Infrastructure Development Board, with the tendering process currently underway and implementation slated to be completed by the end of August. “The project will feature barrier-free design elements, including kerb ramps, tactile paving, zebra crossings and tabletop crossings, to ensure universal accessibility,” said the Minister.

Explaining the execution model, Sanjeev Arora said the project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Model, which will ensure both high-quality construction and long-term maintenance. “The concessionaire will be responsible for upkeep during the maintenance phase, with annual operation and maintenance costs estimated at 2.5% of the construction cost,” he stated.

Highlighting the broader impact, the Minister said the project integrates sustainability through green infrastructure, encourages non-motorised transport and enhances road safety through improved signage, street furniture, dedicated parking, bicycle stands, police booths and city gateways. “Specific corridors, including Sherpur Chowk to Jagraon Bridge, Model Town Road, and Gill Canal Bridge to Gill Village, will be redeveloped with unique design themes reflecting Ludhiana’s identity and future aspirations,” he added.

Reiterating the larger vision behind the initiative, Minister Sanjeev Arora stated the project aligns with the Punjab Government’s goal of creating modern, people-friendly cities. “This project will significantly improve quality of life, reduce congestion, enhance road safety, support local businesses and position Ludhiana as a leading example of urban transformation in North India,” he said.

CHANDIGARH, January 24:

          In order to ensure peaceful celebrations of Republic Day-2026 as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, security has been beefed up across the state and 6000 additional police personnel have been pressed into service to keep vigil around the anti-social elements and carry out special operations.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav has directed the Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to ensure foolproof security arrangements in their respective jurisdictions. He also asked all the Station House Officers (SHOs) and Gazzeted Officers to remain in the field till the culmination of the Republic Day event.

          Sharing more details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that, as part of the ongoing campaign “Gangstra Te Vaar”, an extensive checking of vehicles and suspicious people is being conducted across the state. Apart from this, Police teams from all the districts are carrying out thorough checking of Hotels and Sarais in their respective jurisdictions, he said.

          He also urged the people of Punjab to remain alert all the time, and immediately report to the police if they find any suspicious. “People can inform the Police on 112 helpline number,” he added.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 329th day with 58 drug smugglers arrested on Saturday and recovered 400 grams heroin, 15 kg poppy husk, 505 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 8940 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 46,353 in just 329 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 41 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CHANDIGARH, 24th January 2026:

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Friday continued the registration drive under the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna (MMSY) in Patiala on its second day and inaugurated health card issuing centres at Aman Vihar Colony, Tripri, Sukhram Colony, Village Lang, Mata Kaushalya Hospital and Rajindra Hospital, strengthening the state’s push towards universal healthcare coverage.

During this, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said, “Now, every family of the state will get the facility of free treatment up to ₹10 lakh, and even people belonging to the economically poor sections of society will be able to avail treatment in private hospitals.” He underlined that the scheme has been designed to ensure that no citizen is denied quality healthcare due to financial constraints.

The Health Minister further stated that “all medicines as well as diagnostic tests will be provided free of cost,” adding that citizens would have access to specialised treatment services including Orthopedics, General Medicine, Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, Urology, Oncology and other advanced medical disciplines. He clarified that “the diagnostic services along with the entire treatment cost in hospitals have been fully covered under the scheme.”

To ensure widespread awareness and on-ground implementation, Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak conducted a special tour of villages Bamial, Narot Jaimal Singh and Aniyal in the Bhoa constituency of Pathankot. During his door-to-door outreach, he informed residents about the benefits of the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna and facilitated the issuance of tokens on the spot for making health cards.

In Malout, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur also went door to door to sensitise people about the scheme, describing it as “a game changer in the healthcare sector” that would fundamentally improve access to quality medical services for all sections of society.

The health card registration drive also gained momentum across other parts of the state, with MLA Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi initiating registrations at Batala, while MLA Sardulgarh Gurpreet Singh Banawali launched the drive in Village Khokhar Khurd in Mansa, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to taking the benefits of the scheme to every household.

NANDED, 24th January 2026:

Bowing in reverence at Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said his government would raise the demand for granting holy city status to Nanded Sahib with the Maharashtra Government, underscoring that the sacred town holds immense spiritual significance for Sikhs and humanity at large. Recalling that the Punjab Government has already declared Sri Amritsar Sahib, Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as holy cities, the Punjab CM asserted that his government remains fully committed to the Guru Sahiban.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also paid obeisance at the holy shrine of Kalgi Dhar Patshah Ji, met the shrine management and witnessed a strong turnout of devotees and local residents, underscoring the deep connect between the Panth, its historic institutions and the people who continue to draw inspiration from them.

Addressing the gathering, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Nanded Sahib is a sacred place not only for Sikhs but for entire humanity, as the Tenth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent a considerable part of his life on this holy land.” 

The Punjab CM asserted that the Punjab Government would impress upon the Maharashtra Government to accord holy city status to Nanded Sahib as a befitting tribute to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The Chief Minister added, “The 350th Shaheedi Diwas (Martyrdom Day) of the Ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, who laid down his life for religious freedom and human rights, has been commemorated by the state government with deep devotion and reverence.”

Recalling an important decision taken last year, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “In November, on the Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the Punjab Government designated three Takht towns as holy cities.” He said the official notification granting holy city status to the walled city area of Amritsar, Talwandi Sabo and Sri Anandpur Sahib had already been issued, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the sangat across the world. “On similar lines, an announcement for Nanded Sahib should also be made by the Maharashtra Government, for which the Punjab Government will make all possible efforts,” he said.

The Chief Minister also announced a complete facelift of the Punjab Bhawan in Nanded Sahib. “The Punjab Bhawan constructed by the Punjab government will be upgraded with ultra-modern facilities to facilitate devotees,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said, adding that the supply of Verka milk products in Nanded would also be further streamlined for the benefit of pilgrims. He asserted, “No stone will be left unturned to ensure every possible facility for the devotees visiting this sacred place.”

Highlighting the contribution of Punjabis to the nation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjabis have played a stellar role in the freedom struggle, in making the country self-reliant in food production, and in safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India.” 

He said Punjabis are always at the forefront when it comes to defending the borders and are ever ready to make sacrifices. “It is a matter of immense pride that in times of any mishap, Punjabis often reach the spot even before organisations like the Red Cross to serve the needy,” he said.

The Chief Minister said, “The Punjab government is duty bound to perpetuate the glorious legacy of the great Guru Sahibans among the younger generations. We are following the footsteps of the great Guru Sahibans, who taught humanity to stand against tyranny and injustice while ensuring the welfare of all.”

He added that as part of this commitment, the Punjab Government recently commemorated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji at Sri Anandpur Sahib. “Our sole aim is to keep the younger generations connected with the life, philosophy and supreme sacrifices of the Guru Sahibans for mankind,” he said.

Meanwhile, at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib, the Chief Minister prayed for the progress and development of the state and the prosperity of its people. He said, “Takht Sri Hazur Sahib is one of the five highest seats of religious authority in Sikhism, providing spiritual, temporal and moral strength to the community.” He listed the other four Takhts as Sri Akal Takht Sahib in Amritsar, Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo and Takht Sri Patna Sahib in Bihar.

Paying tributes to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Dashmesh Pitaah Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji made unparalleled contributions to uphold the traditions of secularism, safeguard human rights and ensure religious freedom, even sacrificing his entire family for these ideals.” He said the Guru Sahib spent a significant part of his life on the sacred land of Nanded Sahib.

The Chief Minister said he felt blessed to have the opportunity to pay reverence at the holy shrine. “I seek the blessings of the Almighty to give me the strength to serve the people of Punjab with humility and dedication,” Bhagwant Singh Mann said. After offering prayers at the Gurdwara Sahib, he reiterated the firm commitment of his government to serve people of all castes, colours, creeds and religions and to work towards building a harmonious society.

CHANDIGARH, January 23:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its fourth day, Punjab Police on Friday launched a state level operation to verify the identities and antecedents of tenants living in sub-urban areas and in colonies established on the outskirts of cities and towns across the state.

          The development is followed by the conclusion of the 72-hour long intensive ‘Operation Prahaar’, which was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday. Under this operation, over 2000 police teams, comprising 12,000 personnel, were deputed across the state to conduct raids at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of 60 foreign-based gangsters across Punjab.

          Sharing details, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the purpose of this operation was to instil a sense of safety and security among the common people and increase the presence of Police force in the field to infuse fear among the anti-social elements.

 The operation was conducted from simultaneously in all the 28 Police districts of the state and CPs/SSPs were told to plan this operation in a meticulous manner amid massive deployment of the Police Force. Over 815 Police teams, involving 2500 Police Personnel, led by the SP/DSP rank officers conducted this operation.

          The Special DGP said that Police teams have checked as many as 1043 locations across the state. During the operation, 8328 tenants were checked and identities of 7815 persons have been verified.

          He said that as many as 132 suspicious persons have been rounded up and incriminating material has been seized from their possession, which is being further examined.

          The Special DGP reaffirmed that ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign will be continued till Punjab is free from gangsters.

          Meanwhile, people can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946. A cash reward of up to ₹10 lakh will be given for information leading to the arrest of gangsters.

Chandigarh, January 23, 2026:

A review meeting was held today at the UT Secretariat, Chandigarh, under the chairmanship of Shri Praveen Kumar Rai, Joint Secretary (UT), Ministry of Home Affairs, to assess the progress of key initiatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with a special focus on the implementation of the New Criminal Laws.

The meeting was attended by Shri Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration; Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, IPS, Director General of Police, Chandigarh Police, along with senior officers from the Chandigarh Administration and Chandigarh Police.

At the outset, officers briefed the Chair on the progress achieved in operationalizing the New Criminal Laws, including the issuance of required notifications and guidelines. It was informed that Chandigarh has completed most of its mandated responsibilities within stipulated timelines, while certain rules are in the final stage of approval in consultation with the Hon’ble High Court, which forms a crucial component of the criminal justice system.

The Administration further informed that training and capacity building of all key stakeholders of the criminal justice system—Police, Prisons, Prosecutors, Forensic Experts and Judiciary—has been completed, ensuring institutional readiness for effective implementation of the new legal framework.

Updates were also presented on digital reforms, including platforms such as e-Sakshya, e-Summons, e-Prosecution, Nyay-Setu and Nyay-Shruti, along with electronic sharing of FIRs and charge sheets with courts. These initiatives are aimed at enabling faster, seamless and transparent criminal justice processes.

The meeting also reviewed advancements in the forensic ecosystem, including deployment of specially equipped forensic mobile vans, upgraded forensic technologies, and integration of digital platforms with the national criminal justice system. In addition, citizen-centric initiatives such as QR-based feedback systems, grievance redressal portals and SMS alert services have been introduced to enhance transparency and service delivery.

It was highlighted that Chandigarh has emerged as the first State/UT in the country to successfully implement the New Criminal Laws, supported by strong inter-departmental coordination among Police, Prosecution, Forensics, Prisons and Courts. The UT also reported an encouraging conviction rate of 89 percent under the new laws, reflecting positive early outcomes.

The meeting also deliberated upon certain areas requiring further coordination, including strengthening video-conferencing rules and improving digital connectivity between courts and prosecution agencies, with the objective of enhancing efficiency, accessibility and convenience.

Addressing the meeting, Shri Praveen Kumar Rai stated that the Central Government is committed to ensuring that no Union Territory lags behind in development, governance and public service delivery, with a continued emphasis on efficiency, transparency and citizen-centric administration.

The meeting concluded with directions to expedite pending matters, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and sustain reform initiatives in alignment with the objectives of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Shimla:

A meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee was held today under the chairmanship of Revenue and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi. During the meeting, officials of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) gave a detailed presentation on the progress of the 450 MW Shongtong Hydropower Project.

It was informed that the river diversion work of the Shongtong Hydropower Project has been completed besides the other works like completion of Barrage would be completed soon. It was informed 81.91 percent construction work of feeder tunnel has been completed. Hydro-mechanical works have also begun.

Managing Director of HPPCL, Abid Hussain Sadiq, stated that the target was to commission one unit of the project by December 2026 and work was being carried out at pace to achieve this goal. He further informed that the corporation has achieved significant milestones, including the widening of three vertical pressure shafts and completion of Unit-1 of the powerhouse.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress, Minister Jagat Singh Negi directed the officials to speed up the work on the Lippa project as well and ensure timely completion of all other projects.

The meeting was attended by Director (Personnel & Finance) Naresh Thakur, Director (Civil) Surender Kumar, General Manager of Shongtong Karchham Hydropower Project Sunil Kanwar and other senior officers and officials.