Chandigarh/Gurdaspur,August 8

The Bhog and Antim Ardas of the Akhand Path held in memory of Indian Army soldier Shaheed ALD Daljeet Singh, who sacrificed his life for the nation during a recent accident in Ladakh, was solemnly observed today at Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib, Galhri.  Defence Services Welfare, Freedom Fighters and Horticulture minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat attended the ceremony to pay homage. He was accompanied by Punjab Health Systems Corporation Chairman Mr. Raman Behl, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader from Dinanagar Mr. Shamsher Singh, District President Joban Randhawa and a large number of local residents. After the Bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib, the Raagi Singhs performed soulful kirtan at Gurdwara Sri Tahli Sahib, Galhri.

On behalf of the Punjab Government, Cabinet Minister Mr. Mohinder Bhagat offered floral tributes to Shaheed ALD Daljeet Singh, stating that the entire nation is proud of its brave son. He said Daljeet Singh rendered exemplary service in the challenging terrain of Ladakh and attained martyrdom while defending the country. Mr. Bhagat conveyed that he had come on the directions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann to share the grief of the bereaved family and assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.

The Cabinet Minister announced that the family would be given an ex-gratia grant of ₹1 crore, of which a cheque of ₹6 lakh was handed over today, with the remaining ₹94 lakh to be released soon after completion of formalities. He further announced that Shaheed Daljeet Singh’s brother would be given a government job, the village government school would be renamed in the martyr’s honour, and a memorial gate would be constructed at the village entrance. He affirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to the welfare of martyr families, calling them invaluable assets of the nation and the community. On the occasion, Mr. Bhagat also honoured Shaheed Daljeet Singh’s father, S. Gulzar Singh. Chairman Punjab Health Systems Corporation Mr. Raman Behl, senior leader Mr. Shamsher Singh, and various religious and political figures also paid heartfelt tributes to the martyr.

The event was attended by S. Gulzar Singh (father of the martyr), SDM Dinanagar Mr. Jaspinder Singh Bhullar, District Defence Services Welfare Officer Commandant Baljinder Virk (Retd), constituency in-charge Baljit Singh Khalsa, Kunwar Ricky, Sarpanch Ranjit Singh Jeevan Chak, Sarpanch Joga Singh Muglani Chak, Sarpanch Palwinder Singh Maan Colony, Block President Jasbir Singh, Sansar Singh Jhabkara, Palwinder Singh Jogar, Sarpanch Amarjit Singh Tanda Basti, Education Coordinator Sukhdev Raj, Arjan Singh Block President, Anoop Thakur, Mannu Galhri, Rajesh Kumar Raipur, Jathedar Narinder Singh Bara, Sukhwinder Singh Chauhan, along with members of other martyr families and a large number of villagers.

CHANDIGARH, August 8:

          Amidst the heightened security in the state to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Friday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 151 Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts simultaneously from 11 am to 2pm on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing special operations in wake of forthcoming Independence Day.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around people entering and exiting the Railway Stations were checked during the operation conducted at 151 railway stations in the state. At least 72 suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 160 and conducted raids at 352 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 96 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,149 within 160 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 1.1 Kg opium, 12627 intoxicant pills and Rs 2.3 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 232 Police teams under the supervision of 106 gazetted officers have checked Railway Stations and conducted raids at drug hotspots across the state and checked as many as 375 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 53 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

CHANDIGARH, August 8:

          Amidst the heightened security in the state to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Friday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at 151 Railway Stations across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts simultaneously from 11 am to 2pm on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav as part of the ongoing special operations in wake of forthcoming Independence Day.

          Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally monitoring this state-level operation, said that all the CPs/SSPs were asked to ensure heavy deployment of police force under the supervision of Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers to make this operation successful.

          He said that around people entering and exiting the Railway Stations were checked during the operation conducted at 151 railway stations in the state. At least 72 suspicious persons were also rounded up for questioning during the operation, he added.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 160 and conducted raids at 352 locations on Friday leading to the arrest of 96 drug smugglers after registration of 59 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 25,149 within 160 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 1.1 Kg opium, 12627 intoxicant pills and Rs 2.3 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 232 Police teams under the supervision of 106 gazetted officers have checked Railway Stations and conducted raids at drug hotspots across the state and checked as many as 375 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 53 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 8:

          In a major breakthrough amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Amritsar Commissionerate Police cracked the Pro-Khalistan Graffiti case, with the arrest of two accused persons, including a minor, within 24 hours, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          As per the information, Pro-Khalistan slogans were appeared at three locations in the city on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. USA-based head of banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannu claimed responsibility by releasing a video of the same on social media.

          Those arrested have been identified as Jashanpreet Singh (22), a resident of Dargabad village in Batala and a 17-years-old juvenile.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that both the arrested accused were in contact with foreign-based Shamsher Singh alias Shera Maan, who directed them to carry out the act on instructions from Gurpatwant Pannu. The accused executed the graffiti after receiving instructions and designs via social media mobile-app Snapchat, but the promised payment was never made, he said.

          The DGP said that further investigations are underway in this case.

          Sharing more details, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar the investigative team, led by DCP Ravinderpal Singh and comprising ADCP Jagbinder Singh, ADCP Harpal Singh, ACP Harminder Singh, ACP Shivdarshan Singh and Inspector Amolak Singh (Incharge CIA), Inspector Mohit Kumar (SHO Cantonment), Inspector Gurpreet Singh (SHO Civil Lines), Inspector Amandeep Kaur (SHO A Division) worked meticulously to trace and apprehend the accused.

          The CP revealed that the accused were lured into spraying Pro-Khalistan slogans in exchange for monetary rewards, which were never delivered. Probe has revealed that accused Jashanpreet along the minor purchased spray paint from Batala and executed the graffiti, later sharing photographs of the vandalism with Shera Maan as proof, he added.

          In this regard, three separate FIRs have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act at Police Stations— Contonment, Division-A and Civil Lines.

Chandigarh, August 8:

The strike announced by Punjab Roadways, Punbus and PRTC Contract Workers Union Punjab was called off after the assurance of Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar.

Informing this Transport Minister S. Bhullar said that government bus services will run smoothly on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan for the convenience of the people of the state. The Cabinet Minister said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann will take all necessary steps for the welfare of the people of the state. He said that providing transport facilities to the citizens is the bounding duty of our government.

The Cabinet Minister assured the members of the contract employees’ union of early resolution of their legitimate demands and said that the state government would take care of the interests of the employees as well as the interests of the people of the state.

Chandigarh/ Pathankot, August 8 –

Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat today visited the Abrol Nagar residence of Martyr Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pratap Mankotia, who laid down his life in the service of the nation, to offer condolences and assure full government support to the bereaved family.

On behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Minister paid floral obeisance to the martyr and interacted with family members. “Martyrs are the nation’s true wealth. Sacrificing one’s life for the country is the highest act of valour, and the nation will always remain indebted to their service,” he said.

Bhagat handed over ₹6 lakh to the family as part of the ₹1 crore financial assistance announced by the Punjab Government and said the remaining amount would be released soon. He also announced a government job for one family member.

The Minister was accompanied by AAP Punjab State Vice-President Swaran Salaria, District President Amandeep Sandhu, Pathankot Constituency Incharge Vibhuti Sharma, Sameer Sardha, Colonel Sagar Singh Salaria, Kunwar Ravinder Vicky, Secretary of Shaheed Suraksha Parishad Pathankot, and other party leaders.

Chandigarh, August 7- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved an increase in the strength of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from existing 1,62,000 to an authorized ceiling of 2,20,000 personnel aiming towards strengthening industrial security to support the economic rise of the Nation.

Sharing information in this regard, Unit Commander, CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat Chandigarh, Sh. Lalit Pawar said that this will also generate new employment opportunities, particularly through upcoming recruitment drives. In 2024 alone, 13,230 personnel were recruited, and recruitment for another 24,098 is currently underway in 2025. The Force is expected to add about 14,000 personnel every year, thereby infusing young blood into the force and making it more battle-ready.These recruitment efforts are also likely to attract a greater number of women candidates, supported by the Force’s progressive policies aimed at increasing the representation of women across all ranks.

He said that in the past year, CISF has inducted seven new units under its Security Wing, including deployments at the Parliament House Complex, Ayodhya Airport, NTPC Coal Mining Project in Hazaribagh, ICMR-National Institute of Virology in Pune, Buxar Thermal Power Project, Jawahar Thermal Power Project in Etah, and the Beas Satluj Link Project in Mandi. Additionally, two new units were inducted under the Fire Wing at the Parliament House Complex and Jawahar Thermal Power Project, Etah.

He further said that as India’s economy scales new heights, this augmentation will bolster CISF’s deployment across a range of critical sectors including the rapidly expanding Aviation sector,and the Port sector, Thermal Power plants, Nuclear installations, vital installations like HydroPower plants and Jails in J&K, etc. With the decline of Left-wing Extremism in states like Chhattisgarh, new industrial hubs are anticipated to emerge, necessitating a stronger CISF presence to provide comprehensive and effective security to these units.

This expansion highlights the growing role of CISF in safeguarding key national assets, in conjunction with India’s advancing economic growth and infrastructure development. This augmentation underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of CISF in line with the evolving security landscape and ensuring that it remains a robust and responsive force supporting the accelerating pace of Bharat’s development.

Chandigarh, August 7– The Haryana Right to Service Commission has recommended disciplinary action against officials of the Urban Local Bodies Department for negligence in addressing a complaint. The Commission has imposed a penalty on one official, recommended departmental proceeding against another, and issued an advisory to a third for future conduct.

Sharing more details, a spokesperson of the Commission informed that during the investigation, it was found that the concerned Junior Engineer (Urban Local Bodies Department) had wrongly stated that the work of the streetlight was beyond repair, even though it was later repaired. This clearly indicated that the repair was possible earlier and could have been completed within the stipulated timeframe. Additionally, the photograph uploaded on the portal did not match the one submitted by the complainant. For failing to deliver the service on time and negligence in duty, the Commission has imposed a token penalty of Rs. 5,000 under Section 17(1)(h) of the Act on the Junior Engineer. This amount will be deducted from the August salary and deposited in the state treasury.

The Spokesperson said that the District Municipal Commissioner, Jhajjar has also been directed to submit a compliance report to the Commission by September 10.

In the same case, the First Grievance Redressal Authority-cum-Municipal Engineer (Urban Local Bodies Department) dismissed the appeal solely on the grounds that the complainant was not present during the hearing, despite the service not being delivered. The Commission clarified that this approach was an attempt to evade responsibility to resolve the complaint. The Act requires that appeal decisions be made based on facts. Considering this a serious lapse, the Commission has recommended to the State Government appropriate departmental proceedings against the said officer under Section 17(1)(d) of the Act. The Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Local Bodies Department must inform the Commission of the action taken within 30 days.

Furthermore, the Commission clarified that during the said period, the post of District Municipal Commissioner in Jhajjar was vacant, and the duties were being performed by a link officer. The Commission observed that the link officer, acting as the Second Grievance Redressal Authority under the Haryana Right to Service Act, did not treat the matter with the required seriousness. The investigation also found that the officer was handling other major responsibilities simultaneously. Taking this into consideration, the Commission issued an advisory for the future, directing  that even while discharging duties as a link officer, responsibilities under the Haryana Right to Service Act should be taken seriously. This advisory has been issued unilaterally, and the concerned officer is free to file a review petition before the Commission.

Chandigarh, August 7 – In a major push towards clean and sustainable energy, Haryana has set an ambitious target of installing 2.2 lakh rooftop solar (RTS) systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) by the financial year 2026–27. Reinforcing its leadership in green energy adoption, the state also aims to solarize all government buildings by 31st December 2025, without availing any Central Financial Assistance (CFA). Surveys have already been conducted on 4,523 government buildings, identifying a cumulative solar potential of 122 MW.

The roadmap was unveiled during the State-Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, where senior officers presented the scheme’s progress and outlined strategies for faster rollout.

“Haryana is not just promoting solar energy—we are ensuring it reaches the doorstep of every household, especially in rural areas,” said Chief Secretary Sh. Rastogi.

To make the switch to solar financially viable, the government is offering dual subsidies: Central Financial Assistance (CFA) by MNRE, which is directly transferred to consumer bank accounts within 15 days of installation approval, and State Financial Assistance (SFA) for 1 lakh Antyodaya families, provided on a first-come-first-serve basis. These twin subsidies significantly reduce the upfront cost of installation for economically weaker sections.

Additional Chief Secretary, Energy Department, Sh. A.K. Singh informed that as on date, 30,631 Rooftop Solar (RTS) installations have been done in the state & the State DISCOMs are working on bringing special booster schemes for accelerating the RTS installations. These combined incentives will provide sufficient financial aid for encouraging large scale adoption among middle & service class sections.

In a bid to inspire community-wide transformation, Haryana has also launched the Model Solar Village (MSV) initiative, under which one village in each district will be developed as a self-sufficient solar-powered hub. Villages with a population of over 5,000 are eligible for a CFA up to ₹1 crore. Balu village in Kaithal has already earned the distinction of becoming the state’s first Model Solar Village, with selections underway in Karnal and Kurukshetra. These villages are being equipped with solar-powered streetlights, home lighting systems, water supply systems, and pumps, creating a 24×7 green energy ecosystem.

To facilitate smooth implementation, Haryana’s DISCOMs have developed an integrated online portal and has established over 280 helpdesks across sub-divisions. Capacity building has also been prioritized, with 703 DISCOM officials and vendors trained through programs conducted by NPTI and NIESBUD.

Grievance redressal is being closely monitored through MNRE’s Grievance Management System (GMS). Out of 1,414 complaints, 1,164 have been resolved in a timely manner, showcasing the state’s commitment to consumer satisfaction and service excellence.

The meeting was attended by Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena, Managing Director, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN); Smt. Ashima Brar, Commissioner & Secretary, Finance, Dr. Priyanka Soni, Director, HAREDA; and other senior officials.

Chandigarh, August 7 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana and Israel will work together in various sectors such as research, healthcare, agricultural technology, advanced irrigation systems, artificial intelligence, and wastewater management using modern technology.

Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Minister at Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh. During the meeting, they discussed mutual cooperation and several other important subjects.

The Chief Minister stated that there was a focus on establishing a Centre of Excellence in Haryana. Discussions were also held on the further development of the Integrated Aviation Hub in Hisar and enhancing overseas placement opportunities. Under the Department of Foreign Cooperation of the Haryana Government, more than 180 youth from the state are currently employed in Israel through overseas placement initiatives.

Additionally, there has been a demand from across the country to recruit 5,000 nurses in Israel’s healthcare sector, and Haryana is keen to increase its participation in this initiative. There was also a detailed discussion on setting up a Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre in the state to train youth in modern AI skills and promote technological innovation.

The Chief Minister said Haryana is looking to increase collaboration with Israel in various fields. They plan to work with Israel on new technologies to reuse wastewater for irrigation, and to make water suitable for agriculture and drinking purposes.

He further said the Haryana Government has set up the Department of Foreign Cooperation to explore overseas employment opportunities and strengthen ties with other countries. The department is consistently working to provide employment to Haryana’s youth abroad and to double the state’s exports.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister presented a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to the Israeli Ambassador. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Foreign Cooperation, Amneet P. Kumar and Adviser Sh. Pawan Choudhary were present on the occasion.