Category Archives: Chandigarh

Haryana Government Issues Fresh Guidelines for Handling Service Matters of Common Cadre Group-D Employees

Chandigarh, November 14 – The Haryana Government has issued comprehensive instructions to streamline the process of compassionate appointments, resignations, disciplinary proceedings, and transfer/posting cases of Common Cadre Group-D employees across all state departments. An order in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

As per the Haryana Group-D Employees (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2018, the service conditions of all individuals appointed to any Group-D post on or after March 28, 2018, will be governed under the provisions of this Act. Further, as per the Haryana Government Gazette notification dated December 21, 2023, the Director General, Human Resources Department, has been designated as the “Appointing Authority” under Section 2(a)(1) of the Act.

The government has now decided that all matters relating to compassionate appointment, resignation, disciplinary proceedings, and transfer/posting of Common Cadre Group-D employees, where the appointing authority is the Director General, shall be referred to the Directorate of Human Resource, Haryana, for further action and orders.

For compassionate appointments, cases will be examined strictly in accordance with the Haryana Compassionate Financial Assistance or Appointment Rules, 2019, and will be verified by the HSAS Cadre Officer along with recommendations from the concerned Head of Department. Resignation cases of employees appointed on or after March 28, 2018, must be forwarded through the respective controlling authority or department. Disciplinary matters must be submitted along with a complete record of facts, supporting documents, and departmental recommendations.

The government has directed that these instructions be followed meticulously by all concerned departments to ensure uniformity and efficiency in handling Group-D service matters.

Energy Minister Anil Vij joined the Shahidi Yatra dedicated to the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji

Chandigarh, 14 November – Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, today participated in the Shahidi Yatra held in Ambala, dedicated to the 350th Shahidi Yatra of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. He received the Guru’s blessings and flagged off the Yatra for Delhi. While raising the sacred Sikh chant “Jo Bole So Nihal,” he infused enthusiasm among the devotees.

On this occasion, the President and other office-bearers of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee honoured Sh. Anil Vij with a siropa (robe of honour) and a memento.

It is noteworthy that the Yatra will conclude at Gurdwara Shri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi.

Former Senior Vice President, Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Sh. Sudarshan Singh Sehgal, and other officers also remained present.

Chief Minister urges youth to draw inspiration from the ideals of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya

Chandigarh, Nov 14 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the state-level programme organized on the 350th martyrdom Year of the immortal martyr Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya, called upon the youth to draw inspiration from the ideals of heroes like Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya and remain committed to protecting the dignity of their religion, culture, and nation, with a resolve to make India a global leader.

Speaking at the event organized in Rai, Sonipat district, the Chief Minister made several key announcements. He announced that the road from GT Road to Badkhalsa, stretching from Naggal Kalan to Manauli village, will be renamed Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya Marg. The Badkhalsa Community Centre will also be named after Amar Shaheed Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya, and the Shahidi Samarak of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya in Badkhaalsa village will be renovated.

The Chief Minister announced the establishment of a skill development park for women and youth in Deepalpur village on Gram Panchayat land at a cost of Rs one crore. He further announced the construction of a community centre in Deepalpur village, costing approximately Rs 65 lakh, along with a grant of Rs 31 lakh for the Badkhaalsa Memorial. 

The Chief Minister added that 25 kilometers of roads in the Rai Assembly constituency will be paved under the Khet-Khalihan Yojana. He announced the elevation of the road between Malikpur and Tajpur, repairs to the road from Biswa Mill to BarotChowki through contractor, and the beautification of the pond along the Malikpur–Tajpur route. The Pond Development Authority will inspect various ponds in the constituency’s villages and undertake expansion and beautification as required. 

He further announced that, subject to land availability, an urban health centre will be constructed in Kundli. Drinking water for Bahalgarh residents will be provided by linking the rainywell in Jajal village. In addition, a sewage treatment plant (STP) will be constructed on the land available for it in Khevda village. 

*Kushal Singh Dahiya’s sacrifice stands as a symbol of courage, bravery, and self-respect*

Expressing gratitude to the large gathering present at the state-level event, Chief Minister said that Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya sacrificed his own head to ensure the safe delivery of the sacred head of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji to Anandpur Sahib. He said this unparalleled act of self-respect, courage and bravery is etched in golden letters in the pages of history. He said that the primary objective of this state-level event is to spread awareness about the sacrifice and dedication of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya, so that the younger generation may draw inspiration from his life and develop a deeper sense of devotion toward religion, society, and nation. He added that the Badhkhalsa Memorial Complex in Rai is being developed as a national-level inspiration center, ensuring that future generations continue to be motivated by this great sacrifice. 

Highlighting Haryana’s proud legacy of valor, the Chief Minister said that this sacred land has always been a cradle of courage. It was here that Lord Krishna delivered the divine teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of the Mahabharata. He further said that the sacrifice of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya was deeply rooted in the inspiration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who laid down his life for the protection of religion and is revered as the “Hind kiChadar.” The Chief Minister also mentioned that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji visited the land of Haryana numerous times, sharing spiritual wisdom with the people and inspiring them to uphold and protect religious values. 

*Under PM leadership, Centre continuously striving to bring global recognition to India’s spiritual heritage*

ShNayab Singh Saini said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the Central Government is continuously working to bring global recognition to India’s rich spiritual heritage. Over the past 11 years, the respect and prominence accorded to Sikh heritage, great personalities, Guru Gaddis, and historical sites have become an integral part of national policy. From the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, India is progressing steadily on the path of spiritual enrichment. 

The Chief Minister informed that the State Government is organizing a series of programs to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of Hind kiChadar Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. As part of these commemorations, four Nagar Kirtan Yatras are being taken out across Haryana, covering the entire state. These yatras will culminate in Kurukshetra on November 24. He further informed that on the following day, November 25, a grand ceremony will be held in Kurukshetra to mark the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, with Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi attending as the chief guest. 

*Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya’s sacrifice is etched in golden letters in history – MahipalDhanda*

Education Minister ShMahipalDhanda, while paying homage to Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya, said that his sacrifice is etched in golden letters in history. He stated that the holy land of Sonipat is proud to have given birth to a hero like Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya, whose sacrifice is immortalized in the soil of Haryana as a saga of courage, truth, and self-respect. It is because of such heroes that our culture, identity, and values remain safeguarded and vibrant to this day, he added.

ShDhanda highlighted that Hind kiChadar Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji not only protected religion but also conveyed a message of unwavering devotion to human rights, freedom, and truth, which continues to inspire people worldwide. He said that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya exemplified the path of truth, protection of religion, and service to humanity, and urbed the people yone to pledge to follow the path shown by these great personalities.

On the occasion, State President of Bharatiya Janata Party Sh Mohan Lal Kaushik and MLA Smt. Krishna Gahlawat also addressed the program.

Cabinet Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Delhi MP KamaljeetSehrawat, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, MLAs Pawan Kharkhoda, Nikhil Maidan, Devendra Kadian, RandhirPanihar, Rajesh June, OSD to Chief Minister Virendra Singh Badkhalsa, President of Dada Kushal Singh Dahiya Samiti Veer Singh Dahiya, former Minister Manish Grover, Ashok Bhardwaj, Monika Dahiya, CaptBhupender and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.

Our goal is to achieve prosperity through cooperation and self-reliance – Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, November 14 – Haryana Chief Minister ShNayab Singh Saini inaugurated the 72nd State-Level Cooperative Week in Sonipat on Friday. Addressing the gathering, he said that the soul of India resides in its villages and that the path to progress lies through cooperation. He said that this year is being celebrated as the Year of Cooperatives, and the event will play a key role in achieving the vision of prosperity through cooperation and self-reliance. The Chief Minister urged the youth to shed traditional mindsets, form cooperatives, and transform them into global brands through the power of Digital India.

The Chief Minister said that we must remember the millions of people who, through their small savings and collective strength, built a robust cooperative movement. Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economy and is rapidly moving toward becoming the third largest. Cooperatives, he said, are vital to achieving this goal. He recalled that in 2014, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi pledged to strengthen the cooperative sector and, for the first time in history, established a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation. Carrying forward the Prime Minister’s vision, the state government has resolved to turn cooperatives into a mass movement.

*State Making Progress in the Cooperative Sector*

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is steadily advancing in the cooperative sector. RuPayKisan Credit Cards have been issued to more than 3,00,000 farmers across the state through 19 District Central Cooperative Banks. Additionally, 21 PACS centers have been selected for the construction of warehouses. He said that no interest is charged on crop loans for members of primary cooperative societies who repay on time. So far, this scheme has provided interest relief amounting to Rs 1,223 crore to 531,652 farmers. HAFED is setting up a mega food park in Rohtak at a cost of approximately Rs 180 crore under the Central Government’s Mega Food Park Scheme. Meanwhile, Sugarfed’s 10 cooperative sugar mills are operating at nearly 93 percent capacity.

*Steps Being Taken to strengthen Cooperative Societies*

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that continuous efforts are underway to strengthen cooperative societies. To modernize the system and make the cooperative sector more transparent and competitive, 710 PACS are being computerized, of which 475 have already been converted into e-PACS. Model bylaws for PACS have also been developed. He added that the world’s largest grain storage scheme has been launched, under which large warehouses are being constructed by cooperative societies in every block across the country. Farmer Producer Organizations are also being given renewed momentum by linking them with these cooperative institutions. The Chief Minister urged the people to pledge to make the spirit of cooperation an integral part of their lives. We will work together and support each other to make Haryana the most prosperous, happy, and cooperation-oriented state in the country, he said.

Earlier, Chief Minister inaugurated the program by hoisting the cooperative flag and later inspected various stalls set up near the venue.

*Haryana to connect every household with Cooperatives under the leadership of the Chief Minister – Dr. Arvind Sharma*

Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the tradition of working together has long existed in villages and communities, and this spirit forms the foundation of cooperation. He said that when Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi established the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021, he pledged to connect every household with the cooperative movement. To achieve this objective, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh Amit Shah introduced a new cooperative policy and laid the foundation for the country’s first cooperative university. He added that Haryana, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, is working diligently to connect every household with cooperatives. He emphasized that the digitization of PACS has brought greater transparency to the system. Today, PACS are not only functioning as lending institutions but are also providing opportunities for youth, farmers, and women to become self-reliant through 25 different types of projects. He further stated that under the Chief Minister’s guidance, Haryana will play a key role in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.

Speaking on this occasion, ACS Cooperatiion Department, Vijayendra Kumar presented the department’s achievements before the Chief Minister. He said that cooperation is a mass movement capable of bringing economic prosperity to everyone’s lives. At present, cooperative societies are engaged in a wide range of activities, including lending, milk production, and marketing.

*Chief Minister enjoys Gohana Jalebi to celebrate Bihar Election Victory*

To celebrate the BJP’s victory in the Bihar elections during the event, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma congratulated the Chief Minister on the party’s success. To celebrate the occasion, the Minister arranged for Gohana jalebi, which he served to the Chief Minister and other guests midway through the event.

MLA Nikhil Madan, Pawan Kharkhoda, Sonipat Municipal Corporation Mayor Rajiv Jain, BJP State President Mohan Lal Badoli, Sonipat Metropolitan Development Authority CEO A. Mona Sriniwas, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Haryana Right to Service Commission directs Housing Board to recalculate outstanding dues within 30 days

Chandigarh, November 14 – The Haryana Right to Service Commission has issued an important order directing the Haryana Housing Board to recalculate the outstanding amount recorded in the complainant’s account and provide the revised details within 30 days. The Commission has also directed that the complainant be paid a compensation of Rs. 5,000. This amount will be paid by the Housing Board but recovered from the officer who failed to issue necessary directions for two years.

Sharing information in this regard a spokesperson of the Commission said that it was found that the Housing Board imposed additional tax and interest based on the GST notification dated August 3, 2022. However, no notice regarding this was issued to any allottee for two years. Recovering interest without informing the allottee is not only against the principles of natural justice but also a clear example of administrative negligence. The Commission also rejected the Board’s argument of “administrative constraints,” as no factual record or evidence was provided to support the claim.

The Commission further clarified that the court rulings cited by the Board were not relevant to the present case and cannot be used to justify procedural errors. The Commission stated that while the principal GST amount is valid and must be paid by the complainant, the interest for the period during which no notice was issued cannot be imposed. As per Section 73(2) of the CGST Act 2017 requires notice, and failure to comply with this provision is contrary to the spirit of the law.

The Commission also clarified that when the service required is the issuance of a No Dues Certificate, and the outstanding amount in the applicant’s account is directly linked to this service, the Commission has full authority to examine the validity and fairness of the financial calculations. The Housing Board’s claim that the Right to Service Act is not a forum for redressal of financial disputes was not accepted. The state government itself has notified several services under this Act that involve financial transactions and calculations.

In its order, the Commission stated that since there was no active legal contract between the Housing Board and the complainant after the year 2022, it was necessary for the Board to inform the allottee and clarify the liability before imposing any additional tax. Adding interest without prior notice is unjust to the allottee and such administrative lapses are unacceptable.

The Commission has directed the Housing Board to revise the outstanding amount as per the interim order dated July 15, 2025, and provide the recalculated details to the complainant within 30 days. The Board has also been directed to obtain the complainant’s bank details and transfer the compensation amount. Besides this, the Commission has asked the Housing Board to submit a compliance report by December 19, 2025.

The Commission warned that if the directions are not followed within the stipulated time, or if a stay/ cancellation order is not obtained from a competent court, it will be compelled to initiate punitive action against the Chief Administrator of the Housing Board.

36th All India Postal Kabaddi Tournament 2025-26 Concludes at Kurukshetra University

Chandigarh, November 14– Director General, Postal Services, Sh. Jitendra Gupta, congratulated the winning team at the conclusion of the 36th All India Postal Kabaddi Tournament 2025-26 held at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. He said that sports hold great importance in life, and therefore the Postal Department is consistently making efforts to promote sports. This tournament has been organised in the same direction. He also extended his best wishes to all other teams participating in the tournament for their future competitions.

On this occasion, Chief Postmaster General, Haryana Circle, Ambala, Sh. Sachin Kishore thanked all participants, coaches, and referees for successfully conducting the competition. He said that sports must be played in the spirit of true sportsmanship, and encouraged everyone to continue progressing with this mindset. 

A total of 11 teams from various postal circles participated in the tournament. In the final match, Maharashtra defeated Karnataka with a score of 41–24 and secured the championship title, while Karnataka stood as the runner-up. Maharashtra’s Sh. Saurabh Kulkarni won the “Player of the Tournament” title, Maharashtra’s Sh. Ajinkya Panwar was awarded “Best Defender,” and Karnataka’s Sh. Rakshit was declared “Best Raider.” The champion team was honoured with trophies and medals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Attend the 10th International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra on November 25: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, November 14 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the 10th International Gita Mahotsav is beginning in Kurukshetra from November 15 and will continue till December 5. For the first time, the 21-day festival will present an extraordinary blend of culture, knowledge and spirituality. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi will be attending the Gita Mahotsav on November 25.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing the media on Friday at the premises of Shri Sarveshwar Mahadev Temple at the Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra. Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, BJP State President Sh. Mohanlal Kaushik, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal and former State Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha were also present.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that due to the efforts of Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, the message of the Gita has spread far and wide. Not only in India, but magnificent International Gita Mahotsav celebrations have been organized in countries like Mauritius, Britain, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka and Japan.

He said on the sacred banks of the Saraswati river, the Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas were composed. This land is also blessed as the birthplace of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He stated that the eternal wisdom delivered by Lord Shri Krishna in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita completes 5,163 years this year.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that since 2016, the International Gita Mahotsav has been celebrated on a grand scale. Every year, the number of devotees coming from India and abroad is increasing, and thus arrangements are expanded accordingly.

Madhya Pradesh to Participate as Partner State

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that this year, Madhya Pradesh will participate as the partner state in the International Gita Mahotsav. Madhya Pradesh is renowned for its rich religious and spiritual heritage. The inclusion of such a culturally distinguished state will further enhance the grandeur of the festival. Madhya Pradesh is setting up a cultural pavilion at Purushottampura Bagh near Brahma Sarovar, where stalls showcasing its culture, crafts and cuisine will be the centre of attraction.

He said that on November 24, the Mahotsav will be formally inaugurated with Gita Yajna at Brahma Sarovar. On the same day, a three-day International Gita Seminar will begin at Kurukshetra University. Through online mode, Gita scholars and researchers from India and abroad will present their research papers.

Presence of 25 Scholars from 16 Countries Through the Ministry of External Affairs

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that this year, 25 scholars from 16 countries will participate in the International Gita Seminar through the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Gita Mahotsav events will also be organized in 51 countries, with live telecast of the programmes. The Ministry of External Affairs will also display translations of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in various foreign languages. Twenty priests from Fiji and Trinidad & Tobago will visit Kurukshetra for two days to take part in various programmes. Additionally, 25 artisans from seven countries will exhibit their crafts during the festival.

Gita Seminars to be Organized in Institutions

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that apart from Kurukshetra University, NID, NIT and Ayush University, Kurukshetra will organize Gita seminars from November 24 to December 1. Kurukshetra University will also hold competitions based on the Gita.

Katha at Purushottampura Bagh

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that from November 26 to November 30, Padma Vibhushan Rambhadracharya Ji will conduct spiritual discourses under “Jiyo Gita” at Purushottampura Bagh. On November 29, a Sant Sammelan will be organized at the same venue, where renowned saints from across the country will discuss themes related to the Gita and spirituality. On November 30, an All-India Devasthanam Conference will be held at the Senate Hall of Kurukshetra University, with the presence of heads of various institutions from across India.

The Chief Minister said that during the festival, the Information and Public Relations Department, Haryana, will run a YouTube channel where devotees will share their favourite shloka from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and describe how it changed their lives. The most-viewed video clip will be awarded ₹1 lakh during the closing ceremony.

Cultural Events at the 48 Kos Kurukshetra Pilgrimage Sites

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a grand Gita Maha Aarti will be performed daily from November 15 to December 5 at the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar. From November 25 to December 1, cultural events will be organized at the various pilgrimage sites of the 48 Kos Kurukshetra region. On December 1, Gita Jayanti, a Gita Yajna, Gita Recital and Bhagwat Katha will take place at Jyotisar Tirth. On the same day, 18,000 students will recite Gita shlokas at the Theme Park in Kurukshetra, joined online by lakhs of Gita devotees worldwide. The 48 Kos Tirth Conference will also be organized on the same day at the auditorium of Kurukshetra University, with participation from representatives of 182 pilgrimage committees.

Deepotsav at All 182 Pilgrimage Sites

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that on December 1, Deepotsav celebrations will be held at all 182 pilgrimage sites in Kurukshetra. A Gita Shobha Yatra will also be taken out, with participation from various religious, social and voluntary organizations. From November 24 to December 1, grand cultural events will be held every evening at Purushottampura Bagh. These programmes will be based on themes from the Gita, Mahabharata and Lord Krishna. From November 28 to 30, various competitions—such as Gita shloka recitation, speeches, essay writing, painting, rangoli, craft etc.—will be organized for students at Sannihit Sarovar and Brahma Sarovar. A Gita Book Fair will be held from November 24 to December 1 at Brahma Sarovar, featuring major publishers from across the country.

Exhibitions Depicting Haryana’s Development and Progress

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that as every year, this year too, exhibitions depicting Haryana’s development and progress will be set up at Purushottampura Bagh from November 24 to December 1. These exhibitions will provide information about various public welfare schemes and developmental works. Besides these, exhibitions by various religious, educational and social institutions will also be showcased. A display of Gita editions in different languages will also be arranged.

Haryana Pavilion Showcasing Culture, Craft and Cuisine

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a Haryana Pavilion will be constructed to showcase the state’s culture, crafts and cuisine. Tourists and pilgrims will get an opportunity to experience Haryana’s cultural heritage. A “Balaram” wrestling competition will be organized during the Gita Mahotsav, inviting renowned wrestlers from across the country. Various Mahabharata-themed paintings are being created across the city by the district administration. A fun fair will be organized from November 15 to December 5 for visitors.

International Gita Mahotsav Programmes at All District Headquarters from November 28

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that International Gita Mahotsav programmes will begin at all district headquarters from November 28. On December 1, Gita Shobha Yatras will be organized at all district headquarters. On the same day, 1,800 students will take part in the global Gita recitation in every district. Village panchayats will also celebrate Deepotsav at their respective pilgrimage sites on December 1.

On this occasion, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the Gita for the welfare of all humanity in Kurukshetra. The Gita is world-renowned, and Kurukshetra has gained international recognition because of it. Every year, lakhs of people from abroad visit here to participate in the International Gita Jayanti celebrations.

International Gita Mahotsav to be made grand and divine with support of religious and social organisations: Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, November 14

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the International Gita Mahotsav will be made grand and divine with the support of the city’s religious and social organisations. He said the contribution of these organisations will be crucial in taking every moment of this Mahotsav to every corner of the world. On  November 25, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will visit Kurukshetra on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the International Gita Mahotsav 2025. Thousands of people are expected to attend both major events, for which large-scale arrangements are being made by the government and administration.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a meeting of representatives from more than 50 religious and social organisations of the city at the auditorium of the Bharatmuni Rangshala, Haryana Kala Parishad late Friday evening.

Earlier, the Chief Minister held an interaction with representatives of social and religious organisations of the city. Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj highlighted the programmes of the International Gita Mahotsav and called upon every organisation to contribute towards making the festival a success. During the meeting representatives from various organisations shared their suggestions for the success of the Mahotsav.

The Chief Minister said that, just like before, the city’s social and religious organisations must enthusiastically cooperate this time as well to ensure the successful organisation of the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and the International Gita Mahotsav 2025. All organisations must work together and extend complete cooperation to the government and administration so that both major events can be conducted successfully. He said that special focus must be kept on cleanliness, and every organisation should contribute at its level to keep the city clean and beautiful.

The Chief Minister said that all the major roundabouts of the city are being developed on a Mahabharata theme so that they appear grand and beautiful. During the festival, on November 25, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will visit the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra, and from the same day the Anubhav Kendra will be opened for tourists coming from India and abroad.

The Chief Minister further said that the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is being organised on a grand scale at Jyotisar.He said preparations for the International Gita Mahotsav must be done considering it as their own festival. This Mahotsav is a festival of the pride of Kurukshetra, and it will also enhance the pride of all associated organisations. Lakhs of devotees from every state will participate in this festival. All institutional representatives should also contribute towards keeping the festival clean and beautiful.

MP, Sh. Naveen Jindal, BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli, MLA, Sh. Jagmohan Anand, former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and other dignitaries remained present during the meeting.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CONTINUES RELIEF DISTRIBUTION UNDER THIRD PHASE OF MISSION CHARDI KALA

Chandigarh, November 13:

Continuing the Punjab Government’s ongoing commitment to public welfare and economic security under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal today distributed compensation sanction letters worth ₹1.02 crore to 280 residents affected by heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions during a special event held at Lehragaga.

Addressing the gathering, Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stands firmly with every citizen affected by natural calamities such as floods or excessive rainfall.

The Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today distributed compensation amount to the tune of Rs. 45 Lakh to flood affected people of various villages at Narot Jaimal Singh in Pathankot District and reiterated wholehearted commitment of State Government to render all assistance to the affected people.

On the Third consecutive day of the third phase of relief distribution, the state government continued its massive outreach under Mission Chardi Kala, extending financial assistance to flood-affected families across the state.

An official spokesperson informed that in Ferozepur district, Ranbir Singh Bhullar (MLA Ferozepur Urban) distributed flood relief approval letters worth Rs. 4.85 Crore to 732 flood affected families at village Bandala.

The AAP Halqa Incharge Advocate Harsimran Singh Ghuman disbursed flood relief sanction letters worth Rs. 7.20 Lakh to affected families of villages Sangojla & Nabi Baksh Wala falling under Bhulath constituency (Kapurthala).

Notably, Punjab has emerged as the only state in the country to provide the highest compensation to flood-affected families, ensuring that relief reaches every eligible household with efficiency and transparency.

Notably, the financial assistance for damaged houses was enhanced from Rs.6,500 to Rs.40,000 per house, while farmers received Rs.20,000 per acre as crop loss compensation, the highest ever in India. The state has also compensated livestock losses at Rs.37,500 per milch animal, Rs.32,000 per non-milch animal, Rs.20,000 per calf and Rs.100 per poultry bird, extending crucial support to help families rebuild their livelihoods.

REGISTRATION OF PENSIONERS ON PENSIONER SEWA PORTAL TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 3 MONTHS: HARPAL SINGH CHEEMA

Chandigarh, November 13,

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Thursday that the registration of state pensioners on the newly launched Pensioner Sewa Portal will be completed within three months. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the three-day Pensioner Sewa Mela, held at the District Administrative Complex in SAS Nagar.

He also apprised the media that the fair ‘Pension Sewa Mela’, scheduled from November 13 to 15, is being organized across all districts of Punjab to assist pensioners with portal registration.

On the first day alone, over 5,320 pensioners successfully registered on the portal all over the State. To ensure smooth registration, the Finance Minister assured that officials from the Finance Department and Pension Disbursing Banks will be present at all district-level events to resolve any technical issues on the spot. He emphasized that registration support would remain continuously available through District Treasury Offices, pension disbursing banks, Sewa Kendras, as well as home delivery services facilitated by the Sewa Kendras. Importantly, the Minister clarified that pension disbursements will continue uninterrupted, even if pensioners face technical difficulties during the registration process.

The Pensioner Sewa Portal, launched on November 3, aims to deliver comprehensive pension-related services directly to pensioners’ homes. Initially, the portal offers five key services including submission of Digital Life Certificate via the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app,  Application for conversion of pension to family pension, Leave Travel Concession (LTC) requests, Registration of pension-related grievances, Updating or changing personal details.

The Minister clarified that Non-Resident Indian (NRI) pensioners are currently excluded from the initial rollout of the Pensioner Sewa Portal and will continue to submit their Life Certificates through existing procedures. He assured that comparable digital services will be introduced for NRI pensioners in the near future. To ensure prompt resolution of any issues following the portal’s launch, the Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts has set up a dedicated War Room for the Pension and New Pension Scheme. Furthermore, three helpline numbers have been activated to assist pensioners with queries and grievances: 1800-180-2148, 0172-2996385, 0172-2996386. These helplines operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all working days.