CHANDIGARH, August 6:

          As part of the ongoing special operations to ensure peaceful celebrations of forthcoming Independence Day as desired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Wednesday conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) at and around 213 Bus Stands across the state.

          The operation was carried out in all the 28 Police districts on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

          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 as many as 2224 suspicious persons were checked during this operation and three first information reports have been registered. Apart from this, police teams have also checked vehicles stationed at different parkings adjoining to the bus stands, issued 541 challans and impounded 16 vehicles.

          Apart from this, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs on Day 158th, and conducted raids at 344 locations on Wednesday leading to the arrest of 91 drug smugglers after registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 24,865 within 158 days.

          The Special DGP said that the raids have resulted in recovery of 1.1 kg heroin, 20 kg poppy husk and 9122 intoxicant pills from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          He informed that over 150 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 71 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 366 suspicious persons during the day long operation.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 52 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, August 6:

The Punjab School Education Department today extended the date for submission of applications for general transfers of teachers till August 8, 2025.

Sharing this information here today, the Director Secondary Education Mr. Gurinder Sodhi said that the https://www.epunjabschool.gov.in/ portal regarding the transfer of teachers was opened for August 5 and 6, but following the request from the teachers, the date for submission of online applications for transfers has been extended till August 8, 2025.

Chandigarh 6 August 2025:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state today arrested  Sawinder Singh Registry Clerk Bhikiwind  district Tarn Taran and Malkeet Singh  deed writer Bhikiwind  district Tarn Taran for receiving a bribe of Rs 37000/-.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the accused demanded bribe from the complainant Gurbhej Singh r/o village Bhikiwind  district Tarn Taran. The complainant Gurbhej Singh stated that during the division of his ancestral land  2 kanals and 2 marlas of his agricultural land were erroneously transferred to  his relatives. He had completed all the necessary formalities, including payment of fees to the government treasury, in April 2025.

 Despite fulfilling all required procedures and acquiring the necessary stamp papers, he was unable to get his land registry processed. To get the registry of the said land in his name he approached Malkeet Singh Deed writer Bhikiwind  district Tarn Taran, he added.

The complainant further stated that Malkeet Singh intentionally got his appointment for 24.04.2025 cancelled from Tehsildar Bhikiwind for the said registry. Upon enquiring he found that the Registry clerk Sawinder Singh was demanding a bribe of Rs 32,000/- for processing his case. The complainant did not want to pay a bribe for his rightful work. Hence, to get such a corrupt official nabbed by the Vigilance Bureau, the complainant Gurbhej Singh reported the matter to DSP VB Unit Tarn Taran, he said.

The statement of the complainant was recorded at Vigilance Bureau, Unit Tarn Taran. Subsequently the accused was caught red handed while accepting Rs 37,000 in presence of Govt. witness and the said case FIR was registered against the aforesaid accused u/s 7,7-A  P.C Act 1988, as Amended by PC (Amendment) Act, Police Station Vigilance Bureau, Range Amritsar. The instant case is under investigation.  Both the arrested accused will be produced before the competent court tomorrow.

Chandigarh, August 5 – Haryana Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana on Tuesday chaired a key meeting with the department officers to review the announcements related to the department made in the Budget. During the meeting he directed the officers to establish biogas plants in all Gaushalas across the state.

He further directed the officers to explore the potential of producing cow dung-based paint and value-added dairy products within these Gaushalas. He said that such initiatives will help reduce operational costs and make Gaushalas economically self-sustaining, while also improving access to high-quality dairy products for the public.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the need for collaboration with scientists from the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, to adopt modern technologies for breed improvement and enhanced milk production. He directed the officers concerned to explore greater utilization of NDRI’s expertise for the benefit of the livestock sector in Haryana.

He also reviewed the departmental announcements made in the March 2025 state budget and directed that all initiatives be completed within their stipulated timelines. These include, interest-free loans of up to Rs.1 lakh for women to set up dairy units, establishment of a semen sorting lab for indigenous bull breeds, construction of new sheds in registered Gaushalas under the Gau Sewa Aayog, creation of a Gau Abhyaranya, installation of modern diagnostic equipment and availability of essential medicines in veterinary institutions and repair and reconstruction of dilapidated veterinary buildings as needed.

Following this meeting, Sh.  Shyam Singh Rana, who also holds the portfolio of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, held a review meeting with officers of the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation.

He directed the Corporation to expedite the construction of new warehouses with a combined capacity of 3 lakh metric tonnes. He also stressed the importance of acquiring adjacent land near warehouses to set up crop procurement centers, which would help reduce transportation costs and ease congestion in grain markets (mandis).

He also assessed progress on the proposed 1-lakh-tonne capacity modern silo and the warehouse planned at Hisar Airport, directing that all ongoing projects must be completed within their timelines.

Commissioner and Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying department, Sh. Vijay Dahiya, Managing Director, Haryana State Warehousing Corporation, Dr. Shaleen, Director General, Animal Husbandry and Dairying department, Dr. Prem Singh, and other officers  were also present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 5 – Under the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao, the weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana was held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal here today. The meeting focused on intensifying efforts to curb illegal abortions and further improve the state’s sex ratio under the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign.

The meeting highlighted that the government’s sustained efforts have yielded encouraging results — from January 1 to July 31 this year, the state’s sex ratio has improved to 907, up from 899 during the corresponding period last year.

The Additional Chief Secretary emphasized the need for stringent enforcement against illegal abortions, instructing officials to take punitive measures, including revoking the licences of doctors found complicit. He said the state is implementing reverse tracking of all Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) and abortion cases beyond 12 weeks, particularly where women already have one or more daughters. In July alone, 32 FIRs were registered in suspected reverse tracking cases, leading to 32 arrests. Additionally, FIRs are under process in four more cases, and 38 notices have been issued to private hospitals and clinics for suspected violations.

In a unique and inclusive initiative, the Additional Chief Secretary directed that the transgender community be actively involved in celebrating the birth of girls across the state. As part of this effort, members of the transgender community will visit the homes where a girl child is born—just as they traditionally do when a boy takes birth— and present a certificate of Rs 21,000 invested with the LIC under the ‘Aapki Beti Hamari Beti’ scheme to the family of the girl child. For this, the Haryana Government will also incentivize the transgender community and a minimum amount of Rs 1,100 is proposed to be given to such transgenders. The entire campaign shall be run under the supervision of the concerned Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the district.

The Additional Chief Secretary also ordered a crackdown against IVF centres involved in sex-determination tests and illegal abortion practices. It was decided that all implantations through the IVF must be registered under Antenatal Care (ANC) for improved surveillance.

He also asked the police department to actively coordinate with the Health Department teams for tracking illegal abortion centres and arresting the culprits, while also seeking a report on the progress achieved in the FIRs filed till now by next week.

The Woman and Child Development Department informed that an awareness advertisement on the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign is being produced and will soon be aired in cinema halls across the state.

Secretary, Health Department and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Sh. Rippudaman Singh Dhillon, and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 5 – Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra has directed all Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police and SP to strictly enforce the provisions of the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and Rules, 2022. 

Giving more information in this regard, an official spokesperson informed that under the provisions of the Haryana Prevention of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act and Rules, 2022, any person intending to convert their religion must, prior to the conversion; submit a declaration in Form A to the concerned Deputy Commissioner. In cases where the individual to be converted is a minor, both parents or the surviving parent are required to submit a declaration in Form B. Additionally, any religious priest or person organizing a conversion ceremony must provide prior notice in Form C to the Deputy Commissioner of the district where the conversion is planned. Upon receiving such declarations or notices, the Deputy Commissioner will acknowledge them by issuing a receipt ensuring formal documentation and transparency of the conversion process. 

Furthermore, the Act provides that within thirty days of the notice being displayed, any person may file a written objection with the Deputy Commissioner. Upon receipt of such objections, the Deputy Commissioner is empowered to conduct a thorough verification and inquiry as prescribed. If, after the inquiry, the Deputy Commissioner finds that the proposed conversion is in contravention of the Act such as involving force, fraud, coercion, or other prohibited means the District Deputy Commissioner has the authority to decline permission for the conversion by issuing a detailed and reasoned order.  

He clearly stated that the government’s intention is not to interfere with individual freedom of religion, but to safeguard citizens from deception, coercion, or unlawful inducement. He further informed that the Act prohibits any person from converting or attempting to convert another person from one religion to another through misrepresentation, force, threat, undue influence, allurement, or fraudulent means (including digital modes). It also prohibits conversion by or for marriage. 

The spokesperson said that the Unlawful conversion carries a punishment of imprisonment for a term of one to five years and a fine of not less than one lakh rupees. If a person conceals their religion to marry, the punishment is imprisonment for three to ten years and a fine of not less than three lakh rupees. Conversion of a minor, a woman, or a person from a Scheduled Caste or Tribe results in imprisonment for four to ten years and a fine of not less than three lakh rupees. Mass conversion, defined as the conversion of more than two people at the same time, is punishable with imprisonment for five to ten years and a fine of not less than four lakh rupees. 

The Act also stipulates that any marriage solemnized in contravention of the provision against concealing one’s religion for marriage is considered “null and void”. However, any child born from such a marriage is deemed legitimate, and their property succession is governed by the inheritance laws of their parents, spokesperson added. 

Chandigarh, Aug 5 – The State Health Agency (SHA), Haryana acknowledges the letter issued by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana dated 28th July 2025, wherein the IMA has expressed its decision to halt services under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) starting from 7th August 2025, citing outstanding payments as the reason. In this context, SHA, Haryana wishes to clarify the current status of payments, claim processing, grievance redressal mechanisms, and empanelment procedures to provide transparency and reassurance to all stakeholders. 

We are pleased to inform that the budget has been received from the State Government on 4th August 2025, and accordingly, payment to empanelled hospitals has been initiated on a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) basis. This development reflects the State Government’s commitment to ensuring timely disbursement of funds and uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. 

The SHA, Haryana has already processed and paid claims submitted by empanelled hospitals up to the first week of May 2025. A total of Rs. 2,900 crore has been disbursed to hospitals since the inception of the scheme. During the financial year 2025-26, up to 16th July 2025, an amount of Rs. 240.63 crore has been received from the State and Central Governments and fully utilized for settlement of eligible claims. 

Claims submitted by empanelled hospitals are processed by a team of 50 doctors through the NHA’s online platform. The portal ensures a transparent and impartial claim allocation process by randomly assigning cases to processors. All deductions are made strictly as per NHA guidelines and only when adequate clinical justification or documentation is lacking. Before any rejection or deduction, hospitals are given an opportunity to upload the required supporting documents such as vital charts, clinical images, OT notes, and test reports. If a hospital disagrees with a deduction, it may file an appeal through the portal. These appeals are reviewed by a designated Medical Audit Committee. 

The SHA has also taken cognizance of the grievances raised by hospitals regarding payment delays, claim rejections, and non-processing of claims. To date, over 400 grievances from empanelled hospitals have been formally registered and resolved through the CGRMS 2.0 portal. In an effort to support hospitals in using this platform effectively, the SHA has conducted training sessions for hospital representatives. Additional training sessions are scheduled in the coming days to enhance understanding and address any functional issues. 

Regarding hospital empanelment and NABH incentives, all hospitals that submitted NABH incentive applications and received approval through the earlier HEM 1.0 portal shall continue to be eligible for the incentive, provided their NABH certificates remain valid. Hospitals applying afresh for NABH incentives are required to submit updated documents via the HEM 2.0 portal. Such applications are reviewed on priority by the Office of AB-HHPA, SHA, Haryana. 

The SHA wishes to highlight that regular communication is maintained with IMA Haryana to address their concerns. Notably, Haryana is the first state to ensure IMA representation in the District Medical Audit Committees and District Grievance Redressal Committees. Additionally, representation of private hospitals through IMA is ensured in the State Grievance Redressal Committee and State Empanelment Committee. 

SHA, Haryana remains committed to ensuring transparency, timely disbursement of payments, and strengthening public-private partnerships in healthcare delivery. Regular updates on the payment status and other operational matters are being shared with stakeholders through official channels. The SHA urges all stakeholders to continue their collaborative efforts in serving the healthcare needs of the people of Haryana under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. 

Chandigarh, August 5 – The Haryana Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation has invited applications from Scheduled Caste families to help them start their own income-generating ventures or self-employment through Micro finance scheme loans of up to Rs.1 lakh and Term loan scheme of Rs. 2 lakh. 

Sharing information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that any individual from a Scheduled Caste aged between 18 and 45 years, and having a family income of less than Rs. 3 lakh, is eligible to apply. Interested candidates can submit their application along with necessary documents such as Aadhaar card, caste certificate, Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), PAN card, bank account details, and two passport-sized photographs at the following address- Haryana Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, Plot No. 199, Industrial Area, Phase-1, Panchkula, Phone: 0172-2991227 or Candidates can also apply online by visiting (http://hscfdc.org.in) website. The last date to apply is August 21, 2025. 

Chandigarh, August 5:  The Government of India has set an ambitious target to make the country tuberculosis (TB) free by 2025. Achieving this goal requires the active involvement and cooperation of all departments and institutions. In this regard, it is essential for all departments and institutions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to actively participate in TB awareness and elimination activities. In line with this national objective, Haryana has launched a new campaign to ensure that all departments and institutions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs actively participate in TB awareness and elimination activities. This initiative marks a significant step toward making both Haryana and India TB free.

As part of this initiative, a team from the Haryana State TB Cell met with Mayor Panchkula Sh Kulbhushan Goyal and the councilors. The team included Dr. Sandeep Chhabra, District TB Officer, Panchkula; Dr. Sukhwant Singh, WHO Consultant; Dr. Sharanjot Singh, Medical Officer; and Ms. Lalita, District Program Coordinator.

They briefed the Mayor and councilors about the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) and highlighted how the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs can contribute to the goal of a TB-free India. The collaboration between NTEP and the Ministry is expected to provide fresh momentum to the national TB elimination campaign, further strengthening efforts to combat the disease.

They further informed that awareness programs will be conducted in urban slums and densely populated areas to promote TB prevention. Active case finding will be carried out through health check-up camps and door-to-door surveys. To ensure community participation, local urban bodies such as Municipal Corporations will be actively involved, strengthening TB control efforts at the grassroots level. Additionally, all institutions under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs including offices, government and autonomous bodies, and public sector undertakings (PSUs) will be engaged in TB awareness and elimination activities.

Additionally, posters and materials on TB prevention, testing, and treatment will be displayed in all offices. Urban bodies such as Municipal Corporations and Municipalities will carry out continuous TB awareness campaigns within their jurisdictions. All employees will be educated about the symptoms of TB, its modes of transmission, and the availability of free treatment facilities. TB-related messages will also be disseminated through the social media handles of the Ministry and its affiliated institutions. ‘Nikshay Mitras’ will be appointed in all offices under the Ministry. These volunteers will adopt TB patients and support them throughout their treatment journey. This initiative by the state of Haryana will significantly strengthen the fight against TB and move us closer to the goal of a TB-free Haryana and a TB-free India.

Chandigarh, August 5 – The Haryana Government has issued clear instructions to departments regarding family pension cases for widowed or divorced daughters and physically challenged children, directing that provisions under the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016 be strictly followed in such matters.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who also holds the charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, has written to all Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil), instructing them to follow the prescribed rules meticulously in such cases.

The letter states that the Principal Accountant General (A&E) has observed that pension sanctioning authorities in various departments often do not process pension claims of widowed or divorced daughters and physically challenged children as per rules. This leads to difficulties in determining the dependency status of the claimant or dependent family member.

As per Rule 8(10)(b) of the Haryana Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2016, the definition of “family” for the purpose of family pension is clearly outlined. Note 3 under this rule specifies that a legally adopted son or daughter—adopted under Hindu law or any other personal law—is considered an eligible child for family pension, provided they are residing with and are wholly dependent on the employee. However, the rule also clarifies that stepchildren are not covered under this provision.

The government has reiterated that strict adherence to these rules is essential to avoid delays and ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive their rightful entitlements without unnecessary procedural hurdles.