Chandigarh, 11 August 2025:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing crusade against corruption in the state, has been able to apprehend 10 officials red handed while accepting bribes in 8 different trap cases during the month of July.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the VB has put up its best efforts to eradicate corruption amongst public servants and others in every sphere during the period.

He informed that the Bureau had submitted challans pertaining to 28 vigilance cases in various competent courts in the last month. Apart from this, 6 vigilance enquiries have also been registered to thoroughly probe the corruption cases. He added that 8 criminal cases were also registered against 13 accused which include 9 government employees.

Giving more details, he added that different competent courts had decided five bribery cases filed and contested by the Bureau during the last month, in which seven persons were convicted and sentenced ranging from two years to five years imprisonment and fine from Rs. 10,000- to 1,00,000.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the identity of any country lies in its national flag. He stated that while many countries across the world have faced war situations, India, through skilful diplomacy, has not only evacuated its own citizens from war-torn countries but has also provided a safe passage to citizens of other countries, who used the Indian Tricolour as a symbol of safety to leave those regions. He added that under the policies and firm leadership of former Prime Minister Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the nation grew stronger, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country has progressed in every direction.

The Agriculture Minister was speaking after flagging off the Tiranga Yatra from village Uncha Chandna in the Saraswati block of Yamunanagar district with the rousing slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” He said the Tiranga Yatra is organized every year to honour and remember the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence. This year’s Tiranga Yatra commenced from village Uncha Chandna and concluded at village Topra Kalan.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said protecting nature and environment is not merely a government initiative but the responsibility of every citizen. Amidst continuous development, we must not forget that the basis of life lies in nature and trees. Issues like climate change, irregular rainfall and rising temperatures can only be addressed through large-scale tree plantation and their protection, which is essential for securing our future. The Haryana Government has set ambitious targets in this regard, including planting 2.10 crore saplings across the state under various campaigns, to be achieved with collective efforts.

The Chief Minister was addressing the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav organized at Seonsar in Kurukshetra district today. Earlier, he laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Flora & Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Jungle Safari. He also released the ‘Triphala’ booklet. On this occasion, the Chief Minister planted saplings to give a message of environmental protection. During the ceremony, he also unveiled the Haryana Wildlife Map, Kurukshetra Wildlife Map, and five books prepared by the Forest Department.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the 76th State-Level Van Mahotsav is not just an event, but a symbol of gratitude towards nature, responsibility and a resolve to ensure a happy future for generations to come. This is the third event in the series of this year’s State-Level Van Mahotsav celebrations. Various programmes are also being held at the district level across the state, with active participation from local people and students.

He said Van Mahotsav means a festival of forests, a tribute to nature, and an expansion of greenery. It reminds us that trees are not just a source of wood but the foundation of life. He said while we are moving ahead rapidly in the race for modernity, Van Mahotsav reminds us not to exploit nature but to learn to coexist with it. Recognizing the importance of trees, the government has launched several plantation drives, which have yielded positive results. Many plans have been formulated to increase forest cover.

He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had also launched a unique campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, on June 5, 2024, on World Environment Day at Buddha Jayanti Park in Delhi. In the first phase of this campaign, a target of planting 1.60 crore saplings in Haryana was set, but the state exceeded the target by planting 1.87 crore saplings. This year, on June 5, the second phase of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” began, with a target of 2.10 crore saplings. Since October 2014, about 18 crore saplings have been planted in the state.

The government has also started special schemes to promote urban forestry so that greenery can be increased in cities. In addition, strict measures have been taken to prevent illegal felling of trees and to protect wildlife. The Forest Department has been instructed to be more proactive in this direction. To make society more sensitive towards forests and wildlife, facilities such as jeep safaris and children’s study tours have been arranged at Kalesar. The ‘Green Aravalli Action Plan’ has also been launched in South Haryana. This joint project of the Central and State Governments will be implemented in the Aravalli hills of four states, including Haryana, covering 29 districts, five of which are in Haryana.

The state government has also launched the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme to express gratitude towards trees older than 75 years. Under this scheme, an annual pension of Rs 3,000 per tree is given for their maintenance. So far, Rs 1 crore has been deposited in the accounts of caretakers of 3,800 such trees.

For the conservation and promotion of medicinal plants, herbal parks have been developed in various districts. An international-level medicinal forest has been developed in the Morni area. Besides, oxy-vans have also been established in districts.

The Chief Minister appealed to gram panchayats, municipal bodies, and social organizations to turn tree plantation into a mass movement. Students in schools and colleges should be made aware of environmental issues, encouraged to plant trees, and take care of them. Children must be connected to nature from an early age so that they grow up understanding its importance.

He expressed confidence that together, we can build a society where nature and humans coexist, and where development and environmental protection go hand in hand. It is our moral responsibility to leave behind a healthy and green future for the coming generations.

Opposition earlier blamed EVMs, now running a new agenda of ‘vote theft’

The Chief Minister said under Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has progressed rapidly over the past 11 years, but the opposition always criticizes the government’s work. He said it is concerning that the opposition’s role today is only to find faults. Taking a jibe, he said the party which ruled the country for 55 years and was shown the door by the people for failing to meet their expectations, used to blame Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) earlier, but now, it has come up with a new agenda of ‘vote chori’. Someone should tell them that votes were not stolen, rather, the people rejected them because of their wrongdoings.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that through Operation Sindoor, our brave soldiers destroyed terrorist camps running in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the opposition even questioned the bravery of our soldiers, which is regrettable. He said the Prime Minister is continuously working to take India forward and has resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Van Mahotsav is not just a day for plantation, but opportunity to connect culture, nature and tourism: Naveen Jindal

On the occasion, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal said today is not just a day for plantation, but an opportunity to connect our culture, nature, and tourism together. Trees are not only a symbol of greenery, but also the foundation of life. They provide pure air, conserve water sources, protect biodiversity, and help increase farmers’ income.

He said the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has been strongly promoted in Haryana by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, with enthusiastic public participation. Continuing this initiative, the Chief Minister today laid the foundation stone of the Saraswati Wetland Reservoir, Saraswati Biodiversity Conservation Park, and Saraswati Forest Nature Education Resort at Seonsar. Upon completion, this area will become an ideal model for environmental protection and tourism.

The MP urged the Chief Minister to develop this area as a wildlife sanctuary so that people can experience wildlife and natural beauty here. He appealed to the youth to plant trees and take care of them, and also administered a pledge to all citizens to plant at least five trees every year.

Former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha, Vice Chairman of Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board Sh. Dhooman Singh Kirmach, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana’s Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, IAS, has been honoured with the ‘Community and Social Impact Award’ for his outstanding contribution to innovative governance in urban sustainability. The award was presented yesterday in New Delhi during the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit & Awards-2025.

The summit, organised by Sustainability Matters and IndiAgri, in partnership with Grey Matters Communications, brought together agricultural leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the country to deliberate on the future of climate-smart farming.

This year’s theme, “Agriculture 2047: Climate-Ready Farming, Future-Ready India,” reflects the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 mission, aiming to build a climate-resilient, sustainable, and future-oriented agricultural system.

The award was presented by Sh. Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India; Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India; and Sh. Parvesh Sahib Singh, Minister, Public Works Department, Irrigation & Flood Control, Government of Delhi.

Upon receiving the award, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal said this recognition is an acknowledgment of the collective efforts of the Haryana’s Cooperative Movement, which is advancing urban sustainability through innovation, public participation, and governance reforms. He said it inspires them to continue working towards climate-resilient and inclusive development. He also stated that the state government aims to further strengthen cooperatives to provide better opportunities for people to become self-reliant.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the government is working to implement plans to preserve Pehowa’s cultural heritage and develop it as a grand and attractive tourist destination. Among these heritage sites, the Brahma Sarovar is a symbol of our culture, and it is the government’s responsibility to preserve it.

An important aspect is that Brahm Sarovar and the surrounding pilgrimage site, spread over about 102 acres, attract migratory birds from across the country and abroad during certain seasons, highlighting its significance. To preserve this, the government is undertaking the renovation and conservation of pilgrimage sites so that future generations can witness this cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a programme held at Brahma Sarovar in village Thana, Kurukshetra, on Sunday. Earlier, he inspected the Brahma Sarovar pilgrimage site and planted a sapling in the premises of the government school. On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹21 lakh for the village’s development and assured the sarpanch that the demands mentioned in the memorandum would be fulfilled.

The Chief Minister said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the state government is rapidly carrying out development works. Today, due to the construction of national highways, travel from one corner of the state to another can be completed in 3 to 4 hours, and there is no district left unconnected by a national highway.

He further said the government has enacted a law to transfer up to 500 square yards of panchayat land, occupied for houses by residents for the last 20 years, in their names at the 2004 collector rate. This has also resolved many court cases in villages. The levy imposed on farmers since the British era has been completely abolished, and the government has waived ₹133 crore worth of such levies. Haryana is the first state in the country where all crops of farmers are purchased at MSP, and even vegetable crops are procured under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.

MP Sh. Naveen Jindal said under the leadership of the Chief Minister, development works are being carried out not only in Kurukshetra but across Haryana, based on the policy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and ‘Haryana Ek, Haryanvi Ek’. The Chief Minister has given numerous projects to Seonsar and Thana villages of the Pehowa constituency, which in the coming time will give Pehowa pilgrimage town a new identity as a world-renowned tourist destination.

On this occasion, former Minister of State Sh. Subhash Sudha, CM’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, former MLA Kulwant Bazigar, and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, August 10 – Haryana Principal Accountant General (A&E) has released the details of the General Provident Fund (GPF) for the year 2024-25 for Haryana Government employees and All India Service officers (AIS).

As per the circular issued by the Principal Accountant General, employees can download their GPF details from the website www.aghry.nic.in and the HRMS Employee Portal www.intrahry.gov.in. Apart from this, the Accountant General Office has given the facility to the employees to download the annual GPF statements through digilocker from the year 2023-24.

According to the circular, DDO’s of all departments can also access employees’ GPF statements using the ‘DDO code’. In case of any difficulty, employees can contact the helpline number 0172-3503960.

Chandigarh, August 10: Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari yesterday felicitated members of the Indian team for their remarkable performance at the 20th Asian Roller Skating Championship held in Jecheon, South Korea.

It is noteworthy that the Indian team had delivered an excellent performance in both rink and inline hockey events during the championship.

While honouring the talented players at his residence in Chandigarh, MP Tewari said that these players have brought glory to the country and especially to Chandigarh on the global stage. He emphasised that such achievements are the result of years of hard work and dedication. He added that these sportspersons are a source of inspiration for youngsters striving to excel in various sports. On the occasion, the MP also congratulated the coaches, association representatives, and the players’ parents, stating that this is a proud moment for Chandigarh.

Among those present were Harpreet Singh, General Secretary of CRSA and Coach of Team India, and Sanam Mahajan, Joint Secretary of CRSA and Manager of Team India. The gold medal-winning senior women’s roller hockey team comprised Manika Mahajan, Yashika Sharma, Vinati, Himanshi Kaushal, and Anshika Sharma.

The silver medal-winning senior men’s team included Gursharan Singh Aujla, Angadbir Singh, Jujhar Singh, and Naman Gosai.

Similarly, the gold medal-winning Under-19 boys’ team was led by captain Adhiraj Shaunk and included Damanpreet Singh, Daksh, Mayank, Dhruv Rathi, Ritesh Kamboj, Sarthak, and Ansh Sharma.

The bronze medal-winning junior boys’ team featured Jobanpreet Singh, Abheuday Thakur, Parspreet Singh, and Sanidhya Tewari.

Chandigarh, August 10

In a major boost to citizen engagement and tax transparency, Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Sunday announced the remarkable success of the state’s flagship “Bill Liao Inam Pao” scheme. Launched to encourage responsible consumer behaviour and strengthen tax compliance, the initiative has witnessed enthusiastic public participation, with a total of 1,76,832 bills uploaded on the ‘Mera Bill app’ from its launch in September 2023 to July 2025. This surge in engagement has resulted in 5644 winners receiving prizes amounting to ₹3,35,80,215.

In a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema revealed that the scheme’s focus on encouraging citizens to demand bills has had a profound impact on tax enforcement. He said that penalties worth ₹9,07,06,102 have been levied against entities found guilty of irregularities in bill issuance. “Of this, ₹7,30,92,230 has already been recovered, marking a significant step forward in ensuring fiscal accountability”, said Finance Minister Cheema while adding that the scheme has further expanded the tax base by facilitating 135 new registrations.

The Finance Minister also shared details of the latest lucky draw for July 2025, held on August 7 at the department’s head office in Patiala. The draw, which involved 6,345 bills uploaded on the ‘Mera Bill’ app in July 2025, resulted in 257 winners being selected and collectively receiving ₹15,30,015 in prize money. He emphasised that the department promptly transfers the prize amount to winners’ bank accounts upon receipt of the necessary details, including account numbers. Urging winners to submit their information at the earliest, the Finance Minister reiterated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led Punjab government’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.

Encouraging continued public participation, Finance Minister Cheema appealed to the people of Punjab to actively engage with the “Bill Liao Inam Pao” scheme by demanding bills for their purchases. He underscored that every bill uploaded not only offers a chance to win but also contributes meaningfully to the state’s efforts in curbing tax evasion and promoting a culture of compliance.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema clarified that bills pertaining to petroleum products (including crude oil, petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and natural gas), liquor, out-of-state purchases, and B2B transactions are excluded from the scheme’s eligibility criteria. He stressed that only bills for purchases made in the preceding month are considered for the draw, thereby ensuring the scheme’s fairness and operational effectiveness.

The Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the success of this initiative stands as a testament to the power of citizen-driven governance and reflects the AAP-led Punjab Government’s resolve to build a more accountable and participatory fiscal ecosystem. He said that the scheme’s dual impact is not only rewarding vigilant consumers but also tightening the state’s tax enforcement mechanisms.

Chandigarh, August 10:

In a moment of great pride for Punjab, ten students from the state government schools were honoured to participate in the Raksha Bandhan celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, alongside President Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains extended his heartiest congratulations to the students and their teachers for participating in the prestigious event. He informed that a total of 10 students—Usha Rani, Mehakdeep Kaur, Pinky Kaur, Arshdeep Kaur, Bimandeep Kaur, Preetjot Kaur, Baljinder Kaur, Veerpal Kaur, Sunita Kaur, and Sehajdeep Kaur—had the privilege of interacting with the President, immersing themselves in India’s rich cultural heritage and creating unforgettable memories.

These students participation in the Raksha Bandhan celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan, embodying the sacred bond between siblings, highlights the commitment of the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government to fostering young talent and promoting cultural awareness, he added.

Notably, the students represented various government schools in Punjab, joining a larger contingent of students from across India who came together to celebrate the festival. This gathering showcased the country’s rich cultural diversity and underscored the spirit of unity that binds its people.

Dhadhogal (Sangrur), August 10:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that the state government was following the footsteps of legendary martyrs to ensure the development of the state and well being of the people especially from the economically weaker and underprivileged sections of society.

Addressing the gathering during a function to mark the death anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadogal here today, the Chief Minister said that as a fact of matter every inch of this sacred land has the footprint of great Gurus, saints, seers, martyrs and poets. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis have been blessed with an indomitable spirit of hard work and resilience due to which they carve out space for themselves. He said that the social bonding in the state is so strong that any seed could grow on the fertile land of Punjab but the seed of hatred will not germinate here at any cost.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjabis have always opposed tyranny, injustice and oppression by cementing the bond of love and harmony. He said that the state government is making concerted efforts to realize the dreams of martyrs to ensure that the fruits of freedom are percolated to every household.

The Chief Minister said that it is unfortunate that even after more than 75 years of freedom the benefits of freedom have still not reached every household. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those in power had misused the freedom to spread the tentacles of chitta (drugs), amass wealth by plundering the masses, encouraging corruption along with other menaces. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the dreams of martyrs have still not been realized as these people have never made any concerted effort for this.

The Chief Minister said that Punjabis have played a great role in national freedom and no NOC from those in power is required for their patriotism. He said that such type of disrespect to these great patriots and national leaders cannot be tolerated at any cost. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the earlier governments had never bothered about the people and had ruined the system due to which youth wanted to move abroad.

The Chief Minister said that ironically due to poor performance of the previous regimes the youth of our state wanted to go and work in the same country, the rulers of which were ousted by our martyrs and nationalists. Training his guns at his predecessors, he said that these leaders had built huge palaces by amassing whopping wealth by misusing their official positions. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the walls of these palatial palaces were high and the gates usually remained closed for the people and these leaders remained inaccessible to the people due to which they were ousted by the masses.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that the state had lagged behind in the pace of development due to the apathetic attitude of the traditional political parties. He said that the leaders of these parties ruined the younger generations of the state by misusing their power. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had never worried about the welfare of the people but they were focused on the prosperity of their own families.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister to commemorate the historic occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Day of the ‘Hind Di Chadar’ (Protector of India), Guru Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji, the Punjab Government will organize grand and historic events. He said that comprehensive development of places having the footsteps of the Guru Sahib will be ensured for which a detailed plan has been already chalked out. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed for perpetuating the glorious legacy of Guru Sahib for our coming generations. 

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government will adopt no leniency towards the ‘Jarnails’ who were the perpetrators behind the genocide of youth through the curse of drugs. He said that the Jarnails who had patronized the drug trade have already been put behind bars adding that these leaders not only used to patronize drug trade across the state but ironically they even sold/ supplied the drugs in their official government vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the past no one had previously dared to arrest these affluent leaders, but now his government has done so and they will have to pay the price for their sins.

The Chief Minister said that when he assumed office, only 21% of agricultural land across the state was irrigated using canal water, but today that figure has increased to 63%. He said that due to the government’s effective efforts, for the first time in history, canal and river water is reaching the tail-end villages of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government is duty bound to save the water of the state and no stone is being left unturned for it.

Paying to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Dhadhogal ji, the Chief Minister said that the nation is indebted to those martyrs who, for the love of their country, gave up all worldly pleasures, wealth, property, and attachments, and inspired others with a passion for freedom. He said that Shaheed Sardar Bhagat Singh Ji Dhadhogal was one of those brave souls who considered it his duty to fight against the tyranny, oppression, injustice, and discrimination of the princely states and ultimately sacrificed their lives for the nation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Shaheed Bhagat Singh ji was a leading figure of the Parja Mandal movement and was very close to Sewa Singh Thikriwal ji.

The Chief Minister said that due to his active involvement in the Akali Movement, he was sentenced to ten years, adding that after his release, he also took part in the Gurdwara Reform Movement. He said that following the establishment of the Riyasati Praja Mandal (People’s Association of the Princely States), he emerged as a leading figure and spokesperson of the movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that today, the foundation stone has been laid for two road projects with a total cost of Rs. 17 crore and 21 lakh.

The Chief Minister said that first road is being constructed by the Punjab Mandi Board, connecting Link Road from Dhuri-Amargarh Road to Dhuri-Chheenta Wala Road and passing through Dhadhogal, Burj Gohra, Burj Seda, Cheema, Bhari Mansa, and Samundgarh Chhanna. Similarly, he said that second road is being constructed by the Public Works Department, connecting Amargarh to Dhuri-Bagrian Road and passing through Dhadhogal, Kheri Jattan, Lohar Majra, and EC (Electricity Colony). Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these roads will be 18 feet wide and the contractor will also be responsible for the maintenance of this road for five years.