Category Archives: Chandigarh

School Girls Tie Rakhi to Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini on Raksha Bandhan

Chandigarh, August 9 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with joy and enthusiasm at Sant Kabir Kutir on Saturday. On this occasion, the Vice Chairperson of Haryana State Council for Child Welfare and the Chief Minister’s wife, Smt. Suman Saini, was also present. On this special and auspicious day, little girls from two government primary schools of Panchkula district and from the Welfare Centre for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment in Raipur Rani, along with their teachers, tied Rakhi on the Chief Minister’s wrist as a symbol of love, trust, and protection.

When the girls, dressed in school uniforms, tied colourful silk threads of affection on the Chief Minister’s wrist, he presented them with gifts and blessings. The Chief Minister interacted warmly with the girls, asking about their studies, sports activities, and future aspirations. He encouraged them to excel in education and to make a mark for themselves in society.

Among them were 12 girls from Government Model Sanskriti Primary School, Sector-26 and Sector-4, Panchkula city, and 8 girls from the Welfare Centre for Persons with Speech and Hearing Impairment, Raipur Rani. Accompanying them were District Education Officer Sandhya Chhikara, District Science Specialist Pooja, District Cultural Coordinator Deepa Rani, and teachers from the respective schools. Women teachers also tied Rakhi to the Chief Minister.

On the occasion, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said, “Raksha Bandhan is not just a festival for brothers and sisters, but a symbol of love, sacrifice and protection. Such occasions connect us with our culture and traditions, and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and harmony in society.”

He added that the innocent smiles and affection of children give him new energy and enthusiasm, inspiring him to work even harder for the development of the state and the bright future of children.

At the end of the programme, sweets were distributed to the girls, and a group photograph was taken to make the event memorable.

Panchayat Minister Celebrates Raksha Bandhan at Brahma Kumaris Seva Kendra

Chandigarh, August 9 – Haryana’s Development and Panchayat Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan at the Brahma Kumaris Seva Kendra located in Thirana village of Panipat district. On this occasion, he got a rakhi tied on his wrist by the Brahma Kumari sisters and extended greetings for Raksha Bandhan to the people of the state.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that this festival is not only a symbol of the love between brothers and sisters but also a celebration of the soul’s protection. This festival is connected not just by relationships but also at the spiritual level. Panwar said that he has been visiting the Brahma Kumaris Ashram on this occasion for over three decades. Continuing this tradition, today, for the 32nd year, he came to get a rakhi tied by the sisters at the Brahma Kumaris Ashram.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Institution is not only working for the welfare of humanity in every corner of India but also in more than 120 countries across the world. Visiting this institution from time to time has become not only a tradition for him but also a spiritual duty. He said that when the Brahma Kumari sisters tie a rakhi on his wrist, the thread gives him new divine energy and God’s blessings.

The Brahma Kumaris Institution’s work in the fields of education, health, women empowerment, climate change, and the promotion of cultural values is highly commendable. Appealing to the public, he said that the festival of Rakhi also reminds us that it is our important responsibility to protect not only our sisters but also every weak, neglected, and oppressed section of society.

CM AND ARVIND KEJRIWAL FLAG OFF BAAJ AKH- ANTI DRONE SYSTEM TO CHECK SMUGGLING DRUGS AND WEAPONS FROM ACROSS THE BORDER

Tarn Taran, August 9:

In a path breaking initiative to check supply of drugs from across the border, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of AAP Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday flagged off Baaj Akh- Anti Drone System (ADS) after which Punjab became the first state in the country to deploy this system at the international border.

Interacting with the media, the National Convener of AAP said that another glorious chapter has been added in the crusade against the drugs. He said that previous regimes hobnobbed with the drug smugglers due to which this curse flexed its muscles in the state. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that now a massive crackdown has been launched against drugs and big fishes involved in this trade have been put behind the bars.

The National Convener of AAP said that drugs have been supplied to Punjab from across the border and to check them this anti-drone system has been launched. He said that three ADS have been launched and six others will be launched very soon to make Punjab free from this scourge. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has strictly implemented a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.

The National Convener of AAP said that properties acquired by drug smugglers through the illegal drug trade are being demolished. He further said that the most notorious and feared drug lord has been put behind the bars by an honest government in the state led by Bhagwant Singh Mann. Arvind Kejriwal said that these smugglers, who celebrate with luxuries at home while poisoning society, are the real enemies of our people and the state government will not spare them at any cost.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that under the “War Against Drugs” (Yudh Nasheyan Virud) campaign, Punjab has today launched a battle to stop drug smuggling from across the border. He said that Punjab shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, which is considered one of the most sensitive zones for the smuggling of narcotics and weapons. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that to strengthen border security and tackle the challenges posed by drone-based smuggling, nine anti-drone units are being set up along the international border.

The Chief Minister said that an amount of ₹51.4 crore is being spent on these units. He said that although our country’s armed forces and BSF have already been using such systems, Punjab is the first state in the country to deploy anti-drone systems at the international border. He said that the anti-drone system will give a strong response to drug smugglers from across the border adding that anti-national elements always use technology for anti-social activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the enemies of the country have turned drones into weapons to destroy Punjab’s youth, and drones are being used for drug smuggling from across the border.

Extending congratulations to the security forces, the Chief Minister lauded them for working tirelessly to stop this cross-border drug trafficking. He said that in 2024, a total of 283 drones loaded with heroin, weapons, and ammunition were seized adding that in 2025, so far, 137 drones have already been recovered. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone system will be deployed along the border from Pathankot to Fazilka as a Second Line of Defense.

The Chief Minister said that with this, any drone entering the state through the border can be immediately neutralized. He said that the Second Line of Defense refers to the deployment of Punjab Police in the border districts, who work behind the BSF stationed at the international border. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the anti-drone systems will assist the security forces in combating the smuggling of drugs and weapons.

The Chief Minister said that these systems will be deployed at those specific border points where high drone activity has been observed. He said that previously, Punjab Police did not have any such system to neutralize drones, but now, Punjab Police has become capable. Bhagwant Singh Mann  said that the anti-drone system is equipped to accurately detect the drone’s position and its ground control stations.

The Chief Minister said that these systems come with automated alert technology, which immediately notifies authorities upon detecting drone movement, thus eliminating the need for manual monitoring. He said that to ensure the successful implementation of this advanced system, coordination will be maintained with BSF, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Army, and other agencies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that anti-drug curriculum has been already introduced in Schools under “War Against Drugs” with an aim to make 8 lakh students aware against the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab’s war against drugs has now reached a crucial stage and as part of the third phase of the state government’s campaign “Yudh Nashean De Virudh” (War Against Drugs), a special syllabus has been introduced in all government schools for students from classes 9 to 12. He said that through this syllabus, 8 lakh students from 9-12 classes will be made aware of the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged to stay away from narcotic substances. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this anti-drug program will involve 3,658 schools and renowned scientists will also take part in raising awareness among students.

The Chief Minister said that that the drug menace was deliberately spread in the state after 2009 through a conspiracy backed by political leaders. However, he said that his government has acted tough against this menace through meticulous planning, putting even high-profile offenders behind bars. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who were hand in glove with the drug smugglers and who patronized them during their heydays of power are today behind the bars.

On the occasion Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav and others were also present.

Global and Domestic Employment Opportunities to Increase in Haryana

Chandigarh, August 8 – The Haryana Government has taken another major step towards providing more employment opportunities for youth at both global and domestic levels. The 11th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in which proposals to implement a training-based foreign employment model and the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme in the state were approved.

The meeting discussed in detail the possibilities of a training-based employment model in collaboration with international recruitment agencies in various countries. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said these initiatives will open new doors for global careers for the state’s youth and will also prove to be a milestone in providing institutional support to industrial needs.

It was also decided in the meeting that under the Haryana Youth Employment and EPF Reimbursement (HYEER) Scheme, youth registered with the HKRNL and employed in the private sector, along with their employers, will receive 12 percent EPF contribution from the government/corporation for one year.

This step by the state government will not only increase employment opportunities for the youth but will also give new momentum to better talent utilization in the private sector and to industrial development.

Haryana Sets New Benchmark in Forensics: Case Backlog Addressed Effectively and Efficiently, Zero Pendency Target in Sight

Chandigarh, August 8 – Haryana Government has taken numerous steps to upgrade State and Regional FSL infrastructure, the State is fully geared to meet the demands of the New Criminal Laws, emerging as a model of capacity, and scientific precision.

While stating this here today, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, said that Haryana’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has significantly reduced its backlog of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases. The FSL has cut its pending cases significantly. The lab is now processing cases faster than new ones are being submitted. This impressive progress puts Haryana on a path to having zero pending cases by September 2025, an achievement that is uncommon for forensic labs in the country.

Dr. Misra stated that this remarkable turnaround reflects a visionary revamp of the state’s forensic ecosystem powered by more manpower, stronger infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology. The average monthly disposal rate has surged by nearly 49%, from 1,526 cases in 2023 to 2,273 in 2025, even as new criminal laws have pushed case inflow to record high.

She further said that one of the most significant improvements has been in NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases, where suspects often remain in custody until the FSL report is submitted to court. In just six months, the NDPS backlog has been reduced by 70% from 2,306 to 683 cases, and the reporting time has been cut to just 3–4 weeks for most cases (15 days for commercial quantity cases). Faster forensic reports mean speedier trials, quicker bail decisions, and justice delivered when it matters most. After all, justice delayed is justice denied, she added.

ACS Home briefed that a 70.7% increase in sanctioned strength and doubling of posted staff has been central to this success. Recruitment for 22 Senior Scientific Assistants and 17 Scientific Assistants is underway through the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC). 47 Group A & B scientific posts have been advertised through the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). The Cyber Forensic Division has expanded from 1 to 6 reporting officers, with 24 more under recruitment, enhancing capacity to handle digital evidence in cybercrime, financial fraud, and online abuse cases.

To strengthen on-ground response, Haryana has proposed 17 additional Mobile Forensic Science Units (MFSUs) a 150% boost in Scene of Crime (SOC) capacity. At present 23 MFSUs are functioning across the state. These mobile labs will travel directly to crime scenes across districts, ensuring rapid evidence collection, contamination-free transport, and on-spot preliminary analysis—critical for crimes like homicides, sexual assaults, and serious accidents etc.

Dr. Sumita Misra, highlighted significant infrastructure and technology upgrades to the state’s forensic system. A new Regional FSL in Gurugram is in the works with a dedicated DNA analysis facility to handle sexual assault and unidentified body cases. The Hisar Regional FSL has an additional block sanctioned and its new Ballistics Unit, which started in May 2025, is already speeding up firearm investigations. Furthermore, a Physics Division is being established at the Moginand FSL in Panchkula to focus on technical cases for the Anti-Corruption Bureau.

To boost speed and accuracy, Haryana has invested Rs. 14.55 crore in new equipment across its forensic labs. This includes three GC-MS units for drug investigations, three comparison microscopes for ballistics, and advanced DNA sequencers and automated extraction systems. The FSL has also deployed four Mobile Forensic Vans equipped with FTA card systems for secure, on-scene sample collection. An additional Rs. 3 crore worth of new instruments is in the final stages of being procured.

Dr. Misra said Haryana’s forensic reform is not just about numbers—it is about restoring public trust in justice through science-led, time-bound investigations. With a zero-backlog target at earliest and a goal to keep pendency below one month thereafter, the state is setting a national benchmark in forensic governance. With these advances, Haryana is proving that modern forensics can be both fast and flawless, ensuring that justice is not delayed and certainly not denied.

Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti: State-Level Celebration  held at Chief Minister’s Residence

Chandigarh, August 8 – On the auspicious occasion of Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti, a grand state-level function was organized on Friday at Sant Kabir Kutir, the residence of Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The event witnessed the participation of prominent representatives from the Goswami community along with a large gathering from across the state.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister made a significant announcement, stating that the Haryana Government will write to the OBC Commission recommending the inclusion of the Gosain community in the Central OBC list.

He further announced that one prominent ‘Chowk’ (roundabout) in the state and a large library to be established in Hisar will be named after Goswami Tulsidas Ji. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs.31 lakh from his discretionary fund for the Dharamshala  of the Goswami Samaj Sabha  being constructed in Kurukshetra. 

Highlighting the cultural and social importance of the occasion, the Chief Minister said that this celebration reflects India’s rich cultural heritage, moral values, and social harmony. The name of Goswami Tulsidas Ji evokes devotion, wisdom, and righteousness. He was not just a poet or a saint but a visionary who, through his immortal epic ‘Ramcharitmanas’, guided Indian society towards the ideals of Lord Rama at a time of widespread despair and social evils, he said.

The Chief Minister said that Tulsidas Ji’s teachings remain as relevant today as ever and are a source of inspiration for all humanity.

Speaking on government initiatives, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had accorded constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, and the OBC community are now getting  reservation benefits in medical education, Sainik Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Following the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, the Haryana Government is committed to the welfare of all sections of society, he added.

The Chief Minister outlined several welfare measures for backward classes, including increasing the creamy layer income limit from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh annually, reservation benefits in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, concessional education loans of up to Rs. 15 lakh for studies within India and Rs. 20 lakh for abroad at 4 percent annual interest, and scholarships under the Dr. Ambedkar Medhavi Chhatra Yojana.

The Chief Minister said that in earlier times, the focus was only on promoting a single family while the rest of the families in the country suffered exploitation. For the first time after Independence, Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi has given respect to the OBC community. He compared past political neglect to colonial exploitation, stating that the Congress, in its 55 years of governance, failed to accelerate the nation’s growth as it should have.

Reaffirming his government’s vision, the Chief Minister said, our revolutionary freedom fighters sacrificed everything to ensure future generations breathe freely and see a developed India. The Prime Minister is determined to fulfill their dreams by the time the nation celebrates 100 years of Independence in 2047, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. 

During the function, the Chief Minister  also felicitated students from the Goswami community who excelled in the Class 10 and 12 board examinations. He urged the community to stay united, guide the youth in the right direction, and inspire them to become responsible citizens.

OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Chairperson, Pundri Municipal Council, Smt. Babli Goswami, President, Goswami Tulsidas Library Committee, Hisar, Dr. Ram Prasad Goswami, former president Dr. Subodh Giri and other distinguished guests also remained present on this occasion. 

Global and Domestic Employment Opportunities to Increase in Haryana

Chandigarh, August 8 – The Haryana Government has taken another major step towards providing more employment opportunities for youth at both global and domestic levels. The 11th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in which proposals to implement a training-based foreign employment model and the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme in the state were approved.

The meeting discussed in detail the possibilities of a training-based employment model in collaboration with international recruitment agencies in various countries. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said these initiatives will open new doors for global careers for the state’s youth and will also prove to be a milestone in providing institutional support to industrial needs.

It was also decided in the meeting that under the Haryana Youth Employment and EPF Reimbursement (HYEER) Scheme, youth registered with the HKRNL and employed in the private sector, along with their employers, will receive 12 percent EPF contribution from the government/corporation for one year.

This step by the state government will not only increase employment opportunities for the youth but will also give new momentum to better talent utilization in the private sector and to industrial development.

CM Nayab Singh Saini to Preside Over State-Level Function on August 13 to Mark Fifth Anniversary of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Chandigarh, August 8 – The Haryana Government has decided to organize a state-level function in Panchkula on August 13 to mark the fifth anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), as part of a comprehensive 31-day campaign. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will preside over the function. On the same day, a mass pledge against drug abuse will be administered to school and college students at the district level.

This was disclosed today at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi to review the NMBA launched in the state. Chief Secretary Rastogi stated that the campaign aims to build a mass movement against drug addiction by engaging citizens through pledges, educational activities, and community participation.

The SEWA Department is serving as the nodal agency, steering the campaign at both state and district levels. The campaign, which began on August 1, involves multiple departments and institutions—including the Narcotics Control Bureau, Youth Affairs, Health, Education, Women & Child Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and Urban Local Bodies—to spread awareness at the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas.

Additional Chief Secretary, SEWA Department, Dr. G. Anupama, informed that a wide variety of public engagement activities are being undertaken as part of the campaign. These include pledge ceremonies, rallies, awareness seminars, nukkad nataks (street plays), flash mobs, walkathons, yoga sessions, and creative competitions such as essay writing, slogan crafting, poster design, and rangoli making. The campaign focuses on mobilizing students in schools and colleges, youth volunteers, government employees, and the general public to take part and become active partners in Haryana’s fight against drug addiction.

The online pledge can be taken via the official NMBA portal, with QR codes prominently displayed in public places like police stations, educational institutions, bus stands, and places of worship. Offline participation is being facilitated through printed pledge forms distributed during school assemblies, awareness rallies, and other community events.

No disruption in Ayushman Services, Rs 2.5 Crore claims received on August 7

Chandigarh, August 8 – The State Health Authority (SHA) Haryana has informed that pre-authorization claims amounting to Rs 2.5 crore were received from empanelled private hospitals across all districts of the state on August 7, 2025. In addition, several empanelled hospitals have conveyed that they are not participating in the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) call to withdraw services under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

Payments up to the first week of May 2025 have been cleared. The State Health Authority (SHA) Haryana remains in regular contact with all empanelled hospitals through District Implementation Units and other channels. Empanelled Hospitals across the state have been reassured that all pending payments will be cleared at the earliest. The SHA affirms that all payments to empanelled hospitals are being processed and released in accordance with the FIFO (First-In-First-Out) methodology. All pending dues will be cleared in a timely and systematic manner.

SHA Haryana has not received any grievances related to refusal of treatment to any Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries across any grievance portals, including the CM Window and Jan Samvaad portals, social media platforms/SMGT portal, CPGRAMs and CGRMS portals managed by the Government of India or through emails or other channels.

State Health Agency maintains that there is no valid reason for the withdrawal/disruption of services as all demands/issues have been addressed effectively. Any complaints or grievances regarding denial of treatment or imposition of charges on Ayushman beneficiaries will be dealt with strictly as per the guidelines issued by the National Health Authority (NHA) and the SHA.

The authorities have also considered and addressed several genuine demands from the IMA and empanelled hospitals, including the inclusion of IMA and hospital representatives in the State Empanelment Committee, State Grievance Redressal Committee and District Grievance Redressal Committees, as well as the adoption of the latest package master.

The SHA remains committed to ensuring the smooth functioning of the scheme and safeguarding the welfare of all beneficiaries.

Holistic development of the State is the utmost priority of the State Government: Krishan Kumar Bedi

Chandigarh, August 8- Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment, SCs & BCs Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA)  Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, said that both the Central and State Governments are continuously undertaking historic work for public welfare. The government has launched several schemes to benefit every section of society. Unprecedented facilities are being provided in the state such as 24-hour electricity supply, free treatment for the poor under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, and payment to farmers within 24 hours after crop procurement at MSP, he said.

The Cabinet Minister was addressing a public meeting during a ‘Dhanyawadi Daura’ in Fulian Kalan village, Narwana Assembly Constituency. He inaugurated a newly constructed street built at a cost of Rs. 27.43 lakh under Panchayati Raj. He said the government’s main objective is the holistic development of villages and cities and to meet the basic needs of the people.

The Minister said that the welfare and poverty alleviation decisions taken by the state government have led to the people of the country and the state once again reposing their faith in Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Listening to the villagers’ demands, the minister announced development works worth about Rs. 3 crore for the village. He said that a shed will be constructed for children in the middle school, and a modern stadium will be built in the village. The village perimeter road (phirni) will be paved along with other streets and farm roads.

The Minister assured the fulfilment of several demands presented by the Gram Panchayat and directed departmental officers to prepare estimates for all the development works.

Taking a jibe at the opposition’s indifferent attitude towards the public, the Minister said that opposition leaders are only interested in vote-bank politics and have no concern for public welfare. The common people now understand their ploys well and have completely rejected them. Seeing their political ground slipping, opposition leaders indulge in absurd statements every day just to stay in the newspapers.