Chandigarh, August 6 – Haryana Transport Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that like previous years, this year too, women and children (up to 15 years of age) will be able to travel free of cost in Haryana Roadways’ ordinary buses on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The Chief Minister has given his approval in this regard.

Sh. Vij said that the state government has decided to offer free travel in Haryana Roadways’ ordinary buses for women along with their children (up to 15 years of age) on routes within Haryana, as well as to Chandigarh and Delhi. This will help women and children travel comfortably to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.

He informed that the free travel facility will be available from 12 noon on August 8, 2025, until 12 midnight of August 9, 2025.

Chandigarh, August 6 – On the occasion of Independence Day on August 15, 2025, Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh will hoist the National Flag in Ambala. The flag hoisting ceremonies across the state will begin at 9:00 AM.

According to a circular issued by the Chief Secretary, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will hoist the National Flag at Rohtak.

The Designated locations for various ministers are as under: 

Sh. Anil Vij, Energy Minister: Ambala (with the Governor)

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, Development and Panchayat Minister: Kurukshetra

Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, Industries Minister: Mahendragarh

Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, School Education Minister: Kaithal

Sh. Vipul Goel, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister: Gurugram

Sh. Arvind Kumar Sharma, Cooperation Minister: Karnal

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister: Sirsa

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Public Health Engineering Minister: Fatehabad

Sh. Krishan Kumar, Social Justice, Empowerment, SCs & BCs Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister: Hisar

Smt. Shruti Choudhry, Women and Child Development Minister: Panchkula

Arti Singh Rao, Health Minister: Rewari

Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs: Palwal

Sh. Gaurav Gautam, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship: Faridabad.

Chandigarh, August 6: Mr. Manish Tewari, Member of Parliament from Chandigarh and former Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, in a statement said that it was satisfying to note that after he had raised a  question in Parliament pointing out how many vehicles have been challaned between 2019 and 2025  after the artificial intelligence system ICCC had been operationalised.
There was an exponential rise in the number of challans unfortunately.

The Chandigarh police has now  taken the initiative to ensure that manual challaning of vehicles does not take place except in the most egregious of circumstances.

However it is important to investigate as to why there was  such an exponential rise in the number of challans between the year 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 that caused immense amount of harassment and humiliation to the residents  of Chandigarh and also those who come from outside to work in Chandigarh.
This is the reason why Chandigarh unfortunately has earned the sorbiquet of being called Chalangarh by people of the  adjoining areas of Chandigarh.

Chandigarh, August 6 – Haryana Government will organize a grand state-level event in Kurukshetra on November 25 to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The event will witness participation of lakhs of devotees. This program will not only serve as an occasion to pay tribute, but also as a platform to spread the message of Shi Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s sacrifice,  protection of religion and his commitment to humanity.

To ensure the event is historic, dignified and inclusive, the state government has constituted a high-level committee comprising representatives from the Sikh community, Sant Samaj and various religious organizations. A review meeting of this committee was held in Panchkula on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, where the overall preparation of the program was discussed in detail. Intellectuals and respected figures from the Sikh community also shared their valuable suggestions.

*Four Shobha Yatras to begin across the State*

Providing further details, the Chief Minister informed that four ‘Shobha Yatras’ will be carried out from different regions of the state to disseminate the life, teachings and legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji among the people.

The first Yatra will begin from Dabwali and pass through Ratia, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Dhamtan Sahib, and Kaithal before culminating in Kurukshetra. The second Yatra will start from Lohgarh, traveling through Sadhaura, Bilaspur, Jagadhri, Yamunanagar, Radaur, and Ladwa. The third Yatra will start from Faridabad, proceeding via Gurugram, Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat, and Karnal. The fourth Yatra will commence from Kalka passing through Pinjore, Panchkula, Ambala, and Shahabad en route to Kurukshetra.

The Chief Minister further informed that in addition to these Yatras, a month-long series of events dedicated to the revered Guru will be organized throughout Haryana. These include seminars, quiz contests, painting and essay writing competitions, symposiums for school and college students, to engage the youth and instill in them the values embodied by Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

Speaking on the Guru’s legacy, the Chief Minister said that the unparalleled sacrifice made by Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the protection of religion and humanity holds a unique and revered place in world history. Such an example of courage and selflessness is rarely found anywhere across the globe, he added.

He said that it is the collective responsibility of society to ensure that younger generations are made aware of the inspiring legacy of the Sikh Gurus. By learning about the  glorious past, the youth will be motivated to contribute meaningfully to nation-building, he said.

The Sikh Gurus have always stood as guardians of truth, justice, and righteousness, making the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, society, and faith. Their lives are a golden chapter in our history, and it is our duty to preserve, promote, and pass on their teachings to future generations, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister said that the Guru Maryada  will be strictly observed during the organization of the state-level program. To ensure this, specialized committees have been constituted, comprising eminent scholars, religious leaders from the Sikh community and senior administrative officers. He appealed to intellectuals, Sikh institutions, and organizations to actively participate and extend their support to ensure the success of these events.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also released a special documentary based on the life and legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and launched a dedicated Facebook page. Through this page, citizens from Haryana, across the country, and even abroad can share their suggestions and ideas related to the upcoming state-level program.

The Chief Minister said that this event is a sacred initiative by the state government to preserve and pass on the cultural, historical, and spiritual legacy of the Sikh Gurus to future generations.

*Gratitude to Chief Minister for Honoring the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at the State Level – Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda*

Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda, President of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, welcomed the decision to organize a state-level event on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for this historic and commendable step.

He said that the Haryana Government has been consistently taking welfare-oriented steps for the Sikh community and making remarkable efforts to bring Sikh history closer to the people. This initiative not only fills the Sikh community with pride but also serves as an important bridge to connect future generations with their spiritual and cultural roots.

He assured that the entire Sikh community, including the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, would extend full support to ensure the grand success of the program scheduled for November 25.

The meeting was also attended by  Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Krishan Middha, MLA Sh Bhagwan Das Kabirpanthi, former Minister Sh Manish Grover and representatives of several Sikh organizations and institutions from across the state.

Chandigarh: August 6, 2025 –

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state on Tuesday arrested Balwinder Singh, Junior Engineer, posted at  PSPCL, Jalalabad(West), Fazilka district for receiving a bribe of Rs 7000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused demanded bribe from the complainant Salvinder Singh r/o village Jamalgarh, tehsil Jalalabad district Fazilka.

He further added that the complainant has alleged that the above-mentioned accused had demanded Rs 10,000 as a bribe in lieu of installing a separate transformer for the motor on his land.

During verification it was found that the said Junior Engineer had demanded Rs 10,000 bribe and taken Rs 3000/- as bribe in first installment and later on demanded remaining bribe of Rs 7000 for this purpose. Complainant recorded the conversation pertaining to demanding a bribe of Rs. 7000/-.

On the basis of the enquiry a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused Junior Engineer. He will be produced in competent court tomorrow and further investigation into this case is under progress.

CHANDIGARH, August 6:

          Reaffirming the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure safe and healthy food to people of the state, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Wednesday exhorted the public to make maximum use of the ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ initiative, which has now expanded in all the districts.

          Notably, ‘Food Safety on Wheels’ are Mobile Food Testing Vans, which are equipped for screening of adulteration among major categories of Food including Milk, paneer, water, and other daily consumables.

 “These vans are a crucial tool in our fight against food adulteration—I urge every individual to get their food tested,” said the Health Minister, while addressing a press conference under the slogan “if it’s not safe, it’s not food” at Punjab Bhawan here. The latter was accompanied by Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Commissioner Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Punjab Dilraj Singh,  Director Labs Ravneet Kaur, and Joint Commissioner Food Safety Dr Amit Joshi.

          He informed that since the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has came to power, a total of 18,559 enforcement samples along with 12,178 surveillance samples have been taken by the department. Additionally, over 13,000 samples have been screened for adulteration on Food Safety on Wheels so far, he said, while adding that the major categories include Paneer, Ghee, Milk, Spices, Fruits and Vegetable, Sweets, Khoa, etc.

          Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh directed FDA officials to utilize these food safety vans to their full potential and create awareness among masses specifically students, while, asking them to act in a transparent manner and implement all the policies of the department in true letter and spirit. He also emphasised that only “Shudh Ann” would lead to “Shudh Mann and Swasth Tann”.

          He reiterated that food adulteration will not be tolerated at any cost and strict action will be initiated against anyone found indulged in such activities. He informed that the Hon’ble Court has awarded upto six months of imprisonment along with penalties in 145 cases of adulteration in last five years.

          The Health Minister also highlighted that till date total 3.17 lakh Licenses & Registrations has been issued to the Food Business operators and also urged all the FBOs including Street Food Venders to register themselves with the Food and Drugs Administration.

          He also emphasised the need for balanced diets and informed dietary choices, urging the FDA to intensify public education campaigns on nutrition and government health initiatives. He appealed Punjabis to adopt the “Eat Right, Stay Healthy” approach and contribute to building a healthier, and nutritionally secure Punjab.

Meanwhile, the Minister highlighted that the FDA has put around 500 awareness Camps in which over 55000 persons were trained regarding hygiene, eat right and other food safety practices. He also informed that 13 eat right melas have been organized in the state in the last three years to sensitise people on Food Safety. Also, 150 certifications have been achieved in the field of Eat Right campus, Mandis, Street Food Hubs etc.

Chandigarh, August 6:

Punjab Finance Minister Cum Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for the Resolution of Employee Issues, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema along with the Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, today convened productive meetings with Five employee unions to discuss their demands and expedite solutions.

The meetings, held at the Finance Minister’s office in the Punjab Civil Secretariat, included representatives from the Safai Mazdoor Sewermen Union (Regd.) Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Barnala affiliated with Punjab Safai Karamchari Union, Fire Brigade Outsource Karamchari Union, Punjab, Fire Brigade Contract Karamchari Union, Punjab, Sewermen Union Municipal Corporation Hoshiarpur and PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union, Punjab.  

During the discussion with the Safai Mazdoor Sewermen Union (Regd.) Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board Barnala and PWD Field and Workshop Workers Union, Punjab, the Minister gave a patient hearing to their demands and reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to addressing their legitimate demands and assured them that necessary solutions would be found promptly.

On the occasion, the Finance Minister also directed the officers of the Local Government department to prepare a detailed record of the posts in the sewerage board besides formulating a recruitment plan for recruitment to the posts of Junior Draftsman, Clerks, Pump Operators & Beldars so as to streamline the functioning at the grassroots level.

The Finance Minister also attentively heard the concerns of the Fire Brigade Outsource Karamchari Union, Punjab, Fire Brigade Contract Karamchari Union, Punjab, Sewermen Union Municipal Corporation Hoshiarpur regarding various issues put forward by them.

Among others present on the occasion included the Additional Chief Secretary (Local Government) Tejveer Singh, CEO PMIDC Deepti Uppal and Joint Director Local Government Jagdeep Sehgal, President Fire Brigade Outsource Union Amanjot Singh Mohali, General Secretary Sahib Singh Khanna, President Fire Brigade Contract Union Punjab Sobha Singh and Kashi Ram, Sonu Bhagat.

Chandigarh, August 6:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today said that Punjab is fully prepared to address any flood-like situation. He said that district-level control rooms are fully operational and accessible for emergency assistance, following heavy rainfall in hilly regions over recent days.

He said that the state government has implemented robust flood mitigation measures and comprehensive preparedness protocols to tackle every potential scenario, with flood defence infrastructure and emergency response mechanisms fully mobilized across the state.

The Minister informed that control rooms are active statewide, with emergency response teams on alert and continuous real-time monitoring of rivers and drainage systems across vulnerable flood zones. Advanced flood forecasting systems and early warning mechanisms have been deployed to ensure swift response capabilities. District-wise control rooms are operational under Junior Engineer-level supervision for immediate flood response coordination.

Divulging details of control Rooms, he said that Ropar control room number is 01881-221157, Gurdaspur control room is 01874-266376 and 18001801852, Pathankot control room is 01862-346944, Amritsar control room is 01832-229125, Tarn Taran control room is 01852-224107, Hoshiarpur control room is 01882-220412, Ludhiana control room is 0161-2520232, Jalandhar control room is 0181-2224417 and 94176-57802, SBS Nagar control room is 01823-220645, Mansa control room is 01652-229082, Sangrur control room is 01672-234196, Patiala control room is 0175-2350550 and 2358550, Mohali control room is 0172-2219506, Sri Muktsar Sahib control room is 01633-260341, Faridkot control room is 01639-250338, Fazilka control room is 01638-262153 and 01638-260555, Ferozepur control room number is 01632-245366, Barnala Control Room No. is 01679-233031, Bathinda Flood control room Nos. are 0164-2862100 and 0164-2862101, Kapurthala Control Room no. is 01822-231990, Fatehgarh Sahib flood control room no. is 01763-232838, Moga flood control room no. is 01636-235206 and Malerkotla flood control room no. is 01675-252003.

Providing information about reservoir water levels, the Cabinet Minister said that current water levels in major dams remain within safe parameters, with Bhakra Dam standing at 1637.40 feet against maximum capacity of 1680 feet, Pong Dam at 1373.08 feet against maximum capacity of 1390 feet and Ranjit Sagar Dam at 1694.64 feet against maximum capacity of 1731.55 feet.

He said that the Water Resources Department has executed comprehensive flood mitigation strategies, including desilting and cleaning of 4,766 kilometers of drains and watercourses, completion of embankment reinforcement projects, procurement of 8.76 lakh sandbags for flood control with 3.24 lakh sandbags already filled and strategically positioned and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of sandbag locations for rapid deployment during emergency situations.

The emergency response protocol includes 24×7 surveillance maintained at vulnerable locations, continuous monitoring by Water Resources Department officials, daily situation reports submitted to headquarters and emergency evacuation plans activated across flood-prone areas. Deputy Commissioners and concerned department officials have been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, with the integrated flood management approach involving coordination between Water Resources Department, Revenue Department, Police and disaster management agencies.

He urged residents near river embankments and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant during heavy rainfall periods and contact control rooms immediately for emergency assistance, follow evacuation orders if issued by authorities and avoid venturing into waterlogged areas.

The Cabinet Minister assured that Punjab’s flood preparedness infrastructure and emergency response capabilities are fully equipped to handle any inundation scenario effectively and minimize potential damage to life and property through proactive flood management and swift emergency response mechanisms.

Chandigarh, August 6:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has ordered the Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs) in the Cotton Belt to submit bi-weekly reports on the progress and condition of the ‘White Gold’ crop, besides directing the field officials to ensure completion of Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) fields verification by August 10, 2025 so that an incentive of Rs. 1,500 per acre can be directly transferred into the bank accounts of the eligible farmers.

These directions were issued during a high-level video conference meeting with all CAOs and senior officials of the department, on Wednesday.

The Agriculture Minister also directed CAOs to regularly visit cotton fields to monitor and manage pest attacks, including pink bollworm, whitefly, Jassid, thrips and other insects. He  also asked them to inspect paddy fields for the Rice Dwarf Virus and guide the farmers on effective management and control measures to mitigate its impact.

Expressing concern over rainwater-logged fields in Fazilka and Kapurthala districts, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian directed the Agriculture Department officials to conduct regular inspections of the affected fields and collaborate with other departments and district administration to ensure prompt water drainage to mitigate crop damage. He emphasised that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and supporting the state’s farmers for ensuring their welfare and interests are safeguarded in every situation.

Meanwhile, Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, instructed the field staff to vigilantly monitor fertiliser dealers to prevent hoarding and ensure urea is exclusively used for agricultural purposes, curbing its diversion to industrial sectors.

Director Agriculture Mr. Jaswant Singh apprised S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian that eight pest infestation hotspots in cotton fields had been identified in Fazilka and Bathinda districts. The department officials had advised the farmers in these areas to use PAU-recommended insecticides and pesticides. He assured that the infestation was well under control and below the economic threshold level.

Chandigarh/Fatehgarh Sahib, August 6:

The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today conducted surprise raids at the godowns of various gas agencies at Sirhind and found glaring discrepancies in the weighing scales thus taking strong notice of the matter. Terming it as the sheer exploitation of the gas consumers, the Minister warned that malpractices of any kind simply won’t be tolerated by the Punjab Government.

The Minister also said that the State Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has given strict directions against the undue harassment and financial loot of the gas consumers. If any gas agency owner is indulging in such nefarious activities then severe action would be initiated as per the rules.

Taking strong note of the bypassing of the rules by some gas agencies’ owners with regard to the Weighing scales of the gas cylinders, Mr. Kataruchak cautioned that there is zero tolerance against such bunglings. He directed the DFSC concerned to initiate departmental proceeding against the gas agencies violating rules and tolerate no laxity in this regard.

The Minister also appealed to the gas consumers to get their gas cylinders weighed in at the time of gas supply so as to ensure no malpractice. He further revealed that it is mandatory for the Suppliers of gas but it is sometimes seen that this rule is given a go by which is a clear violation of norms. At some places the Weighing scales are not Government authorized, said the Minister. He got the gas cylinders weighed in his presence at  some of the spots and took feedback from the gas consumers in connection with the working of gas agencies and behaviour.

On the occasion, Controller from Headquarters Manohar Singh and DFSC Meenakshi were present too.