New Delhi/Chandigarh, August 5

Rajya Sabha Member and Environmentalist Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal has written a letter to the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, expressing concern over the ongoing disruptions in Parliament. In his letter, he alleged that while crores of rupees from taxpayers are being spent, no productive work is being done in Parliament.

In the three-page letter, Sant Seechewal claimed that during the ongoing session of Parliament, ₹2.5 lakh is spent every minute. On average, one day of Parliament proceedings costs around ₹10 crore. In the last 12 days alone, approximately ₹120 crore has been spent, even though the session has failed to function properly during this period.

He stated in the letter that raising the issues of the people is the primary duty of the opposition, but the environment in Parliament is being made such that the opposition is forced to resort to protests and disruptions.

Sant Seechewal emphasized that a Member of Parliament gets the opportunity to raise public issues during Zero Hour, Question Hour, and through Special Mentions. But when Parliament is not in session or not functioning properly, all these rights are effectively taken away from the MPs. He noted that no one wins from the disruptions in Parliament; rather, it is a loss for the common people of the country—those who elected their representatives with the hope that one day their voice would be echoed in the House.

He pointed out that even after more than 75 years of independence, the country still struggles to provide clean drinking water, pure air, and healthy food to its people—all of which are constitutional rights essential for human life.

Due to unemployment, the youth of the country are either falling into the trap of drug addiction or migrating abroad. Those who move overseas for better job opportunities often face great hardships. Parliament, he said, has never seriously discussed their plight.

He also referred to how the newly elected President of the United States once had Indian nationals handcuffed and deported like criminals. Similarly, 13 young Indian men, who had reportedly joined the Russian army, are still missing, and their families continue to await their return. Yet, such crucial issues have never found space for discussion in the Parliament.

Ludhiana, August 4:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign in the state has reached its final phase, and the newly formed Defence Committees in villages and cities will uproot drug trafficking from the state.

Addressing the members of these Defence Committees, the Chief Minister said the Punjab government launched the campaign on February 4 this year and has achieved major success in eliminating the root of the drug problem. He added that the backbone of the drug supply chain has been entirely broken. Bhagwant Singh Mann profusely thanked the people of Punjab for their enthusiastic support in this noble mission to save the future generations.

The Chief Minister said that to keep villages and cities drug-free in the future, the government has formed Defence Committees. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is fully confident that these defence committees will act as generals in this war against drugs and safeguard our villages and cities. We have dreamt of making Punjab vibrant again, and with your cooperation, no power in the world can stop us from realizing this dream, he added.

The Chief Minister said that he had pledged to restore Punjab’s pride, honour, and self-respect adding that no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann explained that each Village or Ward Defence Committee will be formed with four core members: the village sarpanch or ward councillor, a representative from the anti-drug campaign, the BDPO or their representative, and the SHO or their representative. He said that these committees will include 10 to 20 members depending on the population adding that only individuals with clean records and reputations—such as retired army personnel, teachers, and village headmen—will be included.

The Chief Minister categorically said that each committee will be officially notified by the local SDM and committee members will be issued special government ID cards. He said that it will facilitate communication with the administration regarding drug-related information or anti-drug activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Villages and wards will have 24/7 surveillance to ensure no trafficker dares to operate.

The Chief Minister envisioned that committee members will also assist in drug rehabilitation efforts and help reintegrate former addicts into society. He said that Any village or ward that achieves 100% drug-free status will receive formal recognition and certificates of appreciation from the government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that These committees will raise awareness through street plays and door-to-door campaigns adding that schools will also conduct awareness programs for children.

The Chief Minister noted that more than 10,000 village-level meetings have already been held, and many Panchayats have passed resolutions to declare their villages drug-free. Squarely blaming traditional political parties for dragging Punjab into the swamp of drug addiction, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the current government is forced to launch such extensive campaigns to wipe out this stigma. “If the previous governments had restrained drug traffickers, we wouldn’t need to conduct such programs today. Governments usually form development committees—not defence committees, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has been forced to form these committees to fight the war against drug dealers. He said that While the incumbent state government is fighting them, traditional parties were hand in glove with them and were offering them protection. Targeting leaders of traditional parties who supported a former Akali minister currently in Nabha jail on drug charges, Bhagwant Singh Mann said it’s shocking that Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, and Ravneet Singh Bittu are openly speaking in his favour.

The Chief Minister said that this exposes the collusion between traditional political parties adding that when in power, they’ve covered up each other’s wrongdoings. He once again challenged them to make it clear to the people of Punjab that whether they are with the drug traffickers or against them. Bhagwant Singh Mann also revealed that important evidence has been found against the jailed former Akali minister and it will be presented in court.

Making another major announcement, the Chief Minister said that after the monsoon season ends, the government will begin extensive repair work on 20,000 km of link roads across the state, describing them as Punjab’s economic lifelines. Highlighting the Aam Aadmi Party government’s achievements over the past three and a half years, Bhagwant Singh Mann said many pro-people decisions have been made as for the first time, canal water is reaching the tail ends of fields, resolving irrigation issues. He further said that over  55,000 government jobs have been given solely on merit adding that by closing several toll plazas across the state is saving Punjabis ₹64 lakh daily, a major economic relief.

During the event, identification cards were officially distributed to Defence Committee members.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, and other dignitaries were also present.

Chandigarh, 2 August – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, on Saturday released the Punjabi translation of the ‘Balkand’ from the Ramayana composed by Maharishi Valmiki. This ‘Balkand’ beautifully narrates the childhood ‘leelas’ of Lord Rama.

The Chief Minister thanked the Saptasindhu Valmiki Study Centre and the Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy for their contribution in accomplishing this significant task. He said that their efforts have gifted society an invaluable cultural treasure, making this day both spiritually enriching and historically important.

The Chief Minister also recalled that on August 5,  2020, Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi took part in the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the Shri Ram Lalla Mandir. Crores of Lord Rama devotees across the world felt proud and honoured on that day. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had described the temple as a modern symbol of India’s culture, inspiring faith, devotion, and determination for generations to come.

He emphasised that translating the ‘Balkand’ of the Ramayana into Punjabi will strengthen cultural harmony and have a lasting positive impact. It will serve as a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented copies of the translated ‘Balkand’ to all attendees.

OSD to Chief Minister, Sh.  Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Executive Vice President, Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, saints, and other dignitaries also attended the event.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi today released the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, transferring Rs. 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers across the country. Out of this, Rs. 353 crore has been credited to the accounts of 16.77 lakh farmers in Haryana.

To mark this occasion, a state-level PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas programme was organized in Panchkula, where Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini participated as the chief guest. Similar celebrations were held in other districts, where Cabinet and Ministers of State were present. Farmers across Haryana also listened to the Prime Minister’s address live.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the release of the 20th installment is not just financial support but a testimony of the trust that the Prime Minister has placed in the farmers of the country. It reiterates his commitment to the welfare of the ‘Annadata’ and further strengthens the vision of making farmers prosperous and empowered, a key pillar of a developed India. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the farmers of Haryana for this support.

It may be recalled that the scheme launched by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has infused new confidence and energy among farmers. Under this scheme, small and medium farmers receive Rs. 6,000 in three installments as direct income support. The transparency and commitment of this initiative have become a hallmark of New India.

Haryana Government has implemented the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme effectively. Alongside, the state has taken significant steps in increasing farmers’ income, adopting technological innovations, and promoting water conservation. The government is ensuring that every eligible farmer receives the benefits of these schemes without exception.

Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has identified four key pillars for realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047 i.e  farmers, poor, women, and youth. The prosperity of farmers is fundamental to achieving this goal. The Haryana government, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision, is consistently working to enhance farmers’ welfare and make agriculture profitable while efficiently implementing central government schemes. These initiatives reflect the commitment of the “double-engine” government.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, Haryana is advancing rapidly towards the goal of “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Haryana.” By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, farmers will be self-reliant, environmentally conscious, digitally connected to global markets, and producers of high-quality branded products, he said.

Minister of State for Sports Sh. Gaurav Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director, Agriculture Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik, former Vidhansabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini said that government employees are the backbone of the state’s administrative machinery and play a pivotal role in driving development.

Addressing newly recruited Group-D employees at a state-level ‘sammelan’  held in Panchkula on Saturday, he urged them to work with the spirit of “public interest above all” and to function as a team to build a strong, inclusive and self-reliant Haryana.

Extending best wishes to all the newly recruited employees, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a government job is not just employment but an opportunity to serve the motherland that has given us everything and the society that has shaped our identity. Government employees are the most crucial link between the people and the administration, he said.

Highlighting Haryana’s progress, the Chief Minister said the state has emerged as a frontrunner in the country, achieving new milestones in agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, sports, women empowerment and digital governance. This success does not belong to policymakers alone, it is equally the result of the dedication and integrity of hardworking officers and employees who discharge their duties tirelessly. Employees must continue to uphold the values of service, integrity, transparency and efficiency, he added.

The Chief Minister said that under the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 11 years, India has witnessed transformative changes across sectors. In 2014, India ranked 14th in terms of economic strength, but today, after years of steady progress, it has become the world’s fourth-largest economy,  he said.

Taking a dig at the Opposition,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini recalled that during the Assembly elections, a leader from the Opposition had promised jobs in exchange for votes. Bids were being placed on jobs. Our government has taken a firm stand against such practices and has ensured that recruitments are done strictly on the basis of merit, he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that today, children from economically weaker families are also securing government jobs and realising their dreams. Earlier, during the tenure of previous governments, the youth were deprived of the desired results of their hard work. But now, jobs are being given purely on the basis of merit, he remarked, he said.

The Chief Minister said that since 2014, the state government has been working with the mantra of ‘Public service is the ultimate duty’. He reiterated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, a policy that is no longer confined to paper but is visible on the ground.

He assured employees that the government remains committed to their training, skill development, and welfare, while simultaneously promoting a better work culture, modern infrastructure and digital processes at every level. In the third term of our government, 30,000 government jobs have been given. For Group C and D posts,  the process of interviews has ended, and recruitment is now done only through written examinations. In addition, through 2,083 Rozgar Melas, 1,06,283 youth have been provided with an employment opportunities in the private sector, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that on the lines of the Central Government’s Unified Pension Scheme (UPS),  Haryana employees would be given the same benefit from August 1, 2025. A notification in this regard was issued on July 2, and around two lakh state employees will benefit from the scheme.

Referring to the recently held Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group C posts on July 26 and 27, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini appreciated the support of officers, employees, the Roadways Department, private schools and various NGOs in ensuring that candidates could reach examination centres without any inconvenience.

In Haryana, government jobs are now earned through merit only, says Gaurav Gautam

Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that the Chief Minister had fulfilled his promise of providing 24,000 jobs transparently. With the Chief Minister’s guidance, I have been given the opportunity to serve as a representative of the youth, and I am committed to performing this role with utmost dedication, he said.

He added that Haryana now leads the country in transparency and integrity. Before 2014, young people had no hope for justice. They were forced to run after politicians and middlemen for jobs. Today, the same youth are working hard in coaching centres, sports grounds and libraries. This transformation is a result of the Chief Minister’s visionary leadership, said  Sh. Gaurav Gautam..

He emphasised that in Haryana, government jobs are now given on merit basis only.  ‘Bina Parchi Kharchi naukari’, is not merely a slogan but a strong foundation that will establish the state as a model of honesty and transparency in the coming years, said the Minister. 

Extending his best wishes to the newly appointed employees, Sh. Gaurav Gautam urged them to discharge their duties with full dedication and sincerity.

MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, former Assembly Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Panchkula Mayor, Sh.  Kulbhushan Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department, Sh.  C.G. Rajinikanthan, Director, Human Resources  Department, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, along with several other dignitaries also attended the programme.

Chandigarh, August 2 – A large jungle safari project spread over 10,000 acres in Gurugram and Nuh districts is set to become a major tourist attraction in the upcoming years. Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal and Union Environment Minister, Sh. Bhupender Yadav,inspected the proposed safari site near Sakatpur village in Gurugram on Saturday. Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh was also present during the visit.

Speaking at the site, Sh. Manohar Lal said the project has the potential to significantly boost tourism in the state. Jungle Safari will prove to be an important project in preserving the natural beauty, biodiversity and historical heritage of the Aravalli mountain range passing through Haryana. He informed that the jungle safari will be developed with world-class facilities, making it a popular destination for tourists. This project will be developed in a phased manner. The project will be implemented in four phases, with the first phase covering 2,500 acres.

He further said that the project will promote eco-tourism in the Aravallis, help conserve the environment and wildlife, and also provide employment opportunities for local communities.

Union Environment Minister, Sh. Bhupender Yadav assured full support from the central government for the development of the safari. During the site inspection, he also held detailed discussions with Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal and senior officers of Haryana Forest Department about the plan for the first phase. He said the project will include local tree species and wildlife-friendly ecosystems to promote greenery and support biodiversity.

Environment Forest and Wildlife Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh welcomed the Union Ministers during their visit to Gurugram. He said the safari project will be developed jointly by the Haryana and central governments. A detailed roadmap is being prepared for the different phases of the project. There will be four entry gates to the jungle safari – near Sohna on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, on the Tauru–Sohna road, near Naurangpur, and at Sakatpur village, he added.

The ministers also reviewed the documentary and design presentation prepared by the Haryana Forest Department for the first phase of the safari.

Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Department Haryana, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, PCCF (HOFF), Sh. Vineet Garg, PCCF Wildlife, Sh. Vivek Saxena,  MD, Haryana Forest Development Corporation, Sh. K. C Meena, CCF, Sh. T. P Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Ajay Kumar and several other officers remained present during the visit.