Chandigarh, August 2 – The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi to promote environmental awareness and tree plantation, has now received overwhelming support from the industrial sector as well.

A special plantation programme was organised on Saturday at IMT Manesar, where over 4,000 representatives from various industries came together to plant saplings. The Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal and Union Environment Minister, Sh. Bhupender Yadav, and Haryana Environment Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, along with senior district officers was also present.

The plantation was carried out simultaneously at five key locations in Manesar — Honda Point and Sona Comstar in Sector 2, the entrance of Maruti and VVDN in Sector 8, and Fortis Hospital campus and adjacent green belt in Sector 5.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Calls for Public Awareness

Speaking at the event, Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that an average of 15 trees are required in a person’s entire life. Thus, it is everyone’s responsibility to plant at least that many trees. He said that districts like Gurugram, which face high urban and industrial pressure, are witnessing growing air pollution concerns, and such public participation campaigns  are the need of the hour. He appreciated the active involvement of industrial organisations and said that this initiative would help create a greener legacy for future generations.

Environment Minister praises industry participation

Haryana Environment Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, while addressing the gathering, said that initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ are connecting with people, and when society, government, and industry work together, the goal of greenery is not far. He also said that the government will run such tree plantation programs in a phased manner across all industrial areas in Haryana, increasing green coverage throughout the state.

Industry representatives present at the event expressed their strong support for the campaign and said that industrialists pledged to plant more trees within their factory premises and nearby areas.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Energy, Manohar Lal said that while Gurugram is globally recognized for its rapid development, it is now essential to strike a balance between progress and nature. He emphasized the importance of not only planting trees but also nurturing them for at least five to six years to ensure their growth and sustainability.

He made these remarks while addressing the Van Mahotsav celebration held to mark the development of Matri Van under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in Sector 54, Gurugram, on Saturday.

On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone of Matri Van by planting saplings along with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Initiated by Haryana Forest, Environment and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Matri Van will be developed across 750 acres in the Aravalli mountain range near Sector 54. The Matri Van will feature a diverse range of native species, including Banyan, Peepal, Gular, Bael Patra, Tamarind, Pilkhan, Neem, Bamboo, flowering plants, and medicinal herbs. Invasive Choti Kabuli Kikar species will be cleared to restore the ecological balance. Additionally, the project will include the development of Nakshatra Vatika, Rashi Vatika, a Cactus Garden, and a Butterfly Park within the Matri Van.

The Union Energy Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of planting a tree in the name of one’s mother. He urged that this initiative aimed at making the Earth greener should be deeply embedded in our culture.

Highlighting the environmental impact of carbon emissions, he said that an average person emits approximately one kilogram of carbon daily, while a single tree can absorb only 60 to 90 grams per day. This means that each individual needs around 15 to 16 trees to offset their carbon footprint over a lifetime. In this context, he underlined the significance of initiatives like Gurugram’s Matri Van, adding that such green projects are vital not only for improving the environment of Gurugram but also for contributing to cleaner air in the national capital, Delhi.

The Union Minister said that while Gurugram is widely known for its industrial growth, there is also an urgent need to promote tourism in the region. To this end, several ambitious projects are being planned. A Jungle Safari will be developed in Gurugram, and an Anand Van—modeled after New York’s Central Park—will be created over 125 acres by HSIIDC. Additionally, a Disneyland spread across 500 to 600 acres, Disneyland on the lines of Singapore or a big aquarium will be built in Sector 29 will be built. Plans are also underway to construct a world-class convention center and to develop a dedicated vending zone to support destination-based street vending. The existing Biodiversity Park will be further enhanced as part of this tourism push. These initiatives will be brought to life through detailed discussions and coordination with Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini.

Matri Van to Serve as the ‘Green Heart’ of Delhi-NCR: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sh Bhupender Yadav stated that the upcoming Matri Van being developed across 750 acres in Gurugram will serve as the “Green Heart” of the entire Delhi-NCR region in the near future. He emphasized that the forest will not only stand as a symbol of environmental protection but will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s green development. While addressing the launch event of the Matri Van Abhiyan, the Union Minister called for transforming Gurugram into a model city. He highlighted the progress of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and said that over the past two years, concerted efforts have been made to rejuvenate the Aravalli region through this initiative.

He further informed that under the Green Aravalli Project, saplings of indigenous species are being cultivated in 29 districts across five states, with an ideal nursery model under development. Work has already commenced in three of these districts. The Union Minister also suggested that the Haryana Forest Department develop a butterfly park modeled on the one in Coimbatore, with a special focus on medicinal plants. He said that Matri Van has the potential to become a major tourist destination in the future, and therefore, planning and infrastructure should be carefully managed from the outset. In his address, he also emphasized the importance of public participation and collective responsibility in environmental efforts, urging people to actively engage in nationwide campaigns such as Mission Life and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, both spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi.

Local Plant Species to Be Prioritized in Matri Van; Tangible Results Expected in 10 Years: Rao Narbir Singh

Haryana’s Forest, Environment and Wildlife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of the Aravalli mountain range one of the oldest in the world which passes through Haryana. However, he said that the proliferation of Kabuli Kikar, an invasive species, has limited the ecological benefits of the region. To restore the natural biodiversity, the Minister said that priority will be given to planting native species such as Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Gular, and others in the 750-acre Matri Van, being developed by the Haryana Forest Department. He highlighted that this project is a collective endeavor and expressed confidence that meaningful environmental improvements will be visible within the next 10 years.

Rao Narbir Singh urged citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment. He emphasized that as a key district within the NCR, Gurugram holds significant influence. “If we take meaningful initiatives here, other districts will be inspired to follow our lead,” he said, calling for collective responsibility and public engagement in environmental conservation efforts.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that no employee working under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam will be removed from service. The welfare of employees remains a top priority for the government, which has undertaken several measures to safeguard their future. Recently, the CET examination was successfully conducted, through which eligible youth will be provided permanent jobs in various government departments.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to mediapersons after a programme held in Panchkula today.

He said that the resolution of the state government is Non-stop efforts – non-stop development. He said that the state is moving rapidly in this direction, ensuring balanced development across all sectors three times faster than before.

He highlighted that the BJP government has provided over 1.85 lakh jobs to youth during its ten and a half years in office, in contrast to 80,000 jobs provided during the Congress regime, which he described as riddled with corruption. Today, our government is offering employment purely on the basis of merit without recommendations or bribes, he said.

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, stating that it came to power by making several promises, including a commitment to provide Rs 2,000 per month to women. However, he claimed, the government failed to fulfill these promises, leading to widespread public disillusionment. He said that soon a portal is being launched in Haryana to provide the benefit of Lado Laxmi Yojana to women.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government is procuring all crops from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). In addition, under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, farmers are being compensated for lower market prices. So far, Rs 15,284 crore has been disbursed to farmers for crop losses, with an additional Rs 58 crore released just yesterday as compensation.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana witnessed a vibrant celebration of athleticism and youth energy today as Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini formally inaugurated the 6th State-Level Khel Mahakumbh at Panchkula’s Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Saturday. The large-scale sporting event will see participation from 15,410 athletes competing across 26 sports.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the Khel Mahakumbh is not just a sporting event; it is a powerful platform that nurtures young dreams and propels them toward national and global recognition. This initiative gives emerging athletes state-level exposure and prepares them for future national and international competitions, he said.

Notably, launched during Haryana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2017, the Khel Mahakumbh has since become a flagship initiative, with five successful editions already held.

Preparing for Olympic Glory in 2036

Highlighting Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India and establishing the country as a sporting superpower, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini affirmed that Haryana is taking proactive steps in that direction. We have already begun preparations at scale. I am confident that Haryana will contribute the maximum number of medals to the national tally in 2036, he added.

He also underscored the state’s ambition of transforming every village into a cradle of sporting excellence, where at least one athlete emerges to represent the nation on the global stage. Our long-term vision isn’t just to make Haryana India’s sports capital, but the world’s, he said.

Round-the-Year Competitions and Sports Calendar

The Chief Minister said that apart from the Khel Mahakumbh, Haryana has rolled out an annual sports calendar packed with competitions such as traditional Akhada Dangal, boxing, volleyball, athletics, badminton, swimming, basketball, taekwondo, gymnastics, and handball, among others. Ten years ago, we envisioned connecting every child to sports, building playgrounds in every village, and providing youth with real opportunities. Today, that vision is becoming a reality, remarked Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Haryana: The Nursery of Indian Sports

The Chief Minister said that because of its robust sports policy and grassroots development efforts, Haryana has earned a reputation as the “nursery of Indian sports.” From the Olympics to the Asian and Commonwealth Games, the state’s athletes have consistently made the nation proud, he said.

The Chief Minister further shared that in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, 4 of India’s 7 medals were won by athletes from Haryana. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, 5 out of the 6 medals won by India went to Haryana players. In the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, 82 athletes from the state participated, securing 28 of India’s 111 medals. Similarly, at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Haryana’s athletes brought home 20 medals. These achievements are the outcome of our visionary sports policies, said the Chief Minister.

Strong Support for Budding Talent

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Khel Mahakumbh serves as a launchpad for young talent aspiring to build a future in sports. To foster this ambition from an early age, the state has set up 1,489 sports nurseries where 37,225 children currently receive training, financial support, and mentorship. Children aged 8–14 receive Rs. 1,500 per month, while those aged 15–19 are given Rs. 2,000 per month to support their training.

The Chief Minister said that to ensure career security for top-performing athletes, the state implemented the Haryana Outstanding Player Service Rules, 2021, creating 550 new posts in the Sports Department. So far, 224 athletes have been offered government jobs, with reservations extended from Class I to Class IV positions, he shared.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is also recognized for offering the highest cash rewards to medal-winning athletes in India. The government has disbursed Rs. 593 crore in cash prizes to date. In addition, 298 athletes receive honorariums, and over 29,000 students have received scholarships worth Rs. 53.45 crore since 2014. Through the Haryana Provision of Sports Equipment Scheme, 15,634 athletes have been provided with modern sports gear, he said.

Investing in Infrastructure and Fitness

The state has significantly strengthened its sports infrastructure, aiming to offer athletes world-class facilities. The Khel Mahakumbh is also a vehicle to promote physical fitness and health awareness among the youth. This Mahakumbh marks the beginning of a new era in Haryana’s sporting journey. It will inspire our youth, fuel their aspirations, and elevate Haryana’s status on the global sporting map, the Chief Minister said, while also honoring several outstanding athletes during the event.

Haryana emerging as a sporting powerhouse, Khel Mahakumbh giving youth new energy and recognition, Minister of State Gaurav Gautam

Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that more than 15,000 athletes from across Haryana will participate in 26 sporting disciplines in this Khel Mahakumbh, an event that surpasses even national-level competitions like ‘Khelo India’ in terms of participation.

He lauded Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for taking sports to villages and districts through visionary leadership, helping nurture raw talent at the grassroots. He highlighted that the state government has set up sports nurseries in villages to groom rural talent, while the central government is polishing athletes through initiatives like Khelo India by providing international-level facilities. Simultaneously, the Haryana government is preparing players for the Olympics through the ‘Mission Olympic Vijay Bhav:’ so that Haryana can win a record number of medals in 2036. Keeping the 2036 Olympics in focus, athletes in the state are being given access to sports science support and world-class coaching.

Haryana has become the leading state in sports today. Despite having only 2 percent of India’s population, Haryana’s athletes have won more than 60 percent of the medals, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that Haryana is rapidly gaining global recognition in sports. He further added that under the Outstanding  Sportsperson scheme, the state government is offering government jobs to athletes who win medals at national and international levels.

Comparing previous governments, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that while the Congress government spent only Rs. 33 crore on sports during its tenure, from 2014 to 2024, the present government has invested Rs. 600 crore in athletes and sports development. He credited Haryana’s players’ dedication and the state’s progressive sports policy for putting the state and the country on the world map.

MP Sh. Kartik Sharma, MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Panchkula Mayor Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Principal Secretary, Sports Department Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director, Sports Sh. Sanjeev Verma, players Babita Phogat and Deepak Hooda, and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.

Chandigarh:

Reinforcing its national leadership in the field of cadaver organ donation, PGIMER Chandigarh has once again emerged as a trailblazer by clinching the prestigious national award for Best ROTTO for the second consecutive year— marking its third national win since the inception of the award in 2019 . The accolade was presented at the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day celebrations held today at the iconic Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi , under the aegis of the *National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) .
The moment was made truly memorable by the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest . A statesman known for his transformative health policy leadership, Shri Nadda lauded the remarkable strides made by the country in the last few years in promoting ethical organ donation, streamlined transplantation coordination, and impactful public awareness.

The award was received by an esteemed delegation from PGIMER, led by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, accompanied by Sh. Pankaj Rai , Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. (Dr.) Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent and Nodal Officer, ROTTO PGIMER, and Ms. Saryu D. Madra, Consultant (IEC/Media).

The high-profile national celebration drew participation from across the country, including secretaries from various states, heads of major institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs, and transplant coordinators—making it a momentous gathering of India’s most committed voices in organ donation advocacy.

Also present were senior officers  from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, including Ms. Nivedita Gupta, Secretary, Dr. Sunita Gaur, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), and Sh. Vivek Nehra, Joint Secretary.

In a crowning achievement, PGIMER Chandigarh was also honoured with the award for the Best Brain Stem Death (BSD) Declaration Team, recognizing the institute’s unwavering adherence to transparent, timely, and ethically sound donor identification and management protocols. The award was received by a distinguished team led by *Prof. Vivek Lal, and comprising Prof. Vipin Koushal, Prof. Kajal Jain, Prof. Rajesh Chhabra Prof. Ashish Sharma, Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, Dr. Hemant Bhagat, and Dr. Shanky Singh.

Others present on the occasion representing ROTTO North included Milan K Balla, Consultant ( Data Management), and officials Manpreet and Ritika.

Expressing deep satisfaction and pride, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said, “This recognition is not just a reflection of our achievements, but also of our commitment to a cause that saves lives. It reaffirms the trust placed in PGIMER’s ROTTO North by donor families, transplant teams, and the government alike. Our mission is rooted in service, and awards like these inspire us to aim higher every year.”

Prof. Vipin Koushal,  Superintendent cum Nodal Officer, ROTTO PGIMER, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This award is a collective victory—for our teams, for the donor families, and for the countless recipients whose lives have been transformed. It’s a powerful reminder that organ donation is not just a medical act, but a profound act of humanity.”

A particularly poignant and emotional moment was the felicitation of Mr. Krishna, a heart recipient, along with his parents Mr. Bhupinder and Ms. Madhu. Their presence served as a compelling human testimony to the life-changing potential of organ donation and brought into sharp focus the reason behind every effort made in this domain.

With this, ROTTO PGIMER Chandigarh has now won the Best ROTTO Award three times—in 2019, 2024, and 2025 —cementing its place at the forefront of the national transplant movement. In preceding years, PGIMER has also received four national awards for Best Hospital in Deceased Organ Donation (2015-16, 2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20), and in 2022-23, was recognised as the Union Territory with the Highest Number of Deceased Donors.

Reflecting on the sustained excellence, Sh. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Admn.), PGIMER, said, “This is a moment of immense pride for all of us at PGIMER. Our dedicated team continues to work round the clock to make every donation count. This award belongs to every member of our extended team, and most importantly, to the brave donor families. We would like this noble cause to be widely promoted and celebrated through our student volunteers under Project Sarathi.”

Since its designation as the Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) in 2015, PGIMER has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of promoting the cause of organ donation across northern India—including the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territories of Jammu, Kashmir, and Chandigarh. With strategic clarity, tireless commitment, and a mission-driven spirit, PGIMER’s ROTTO North continues to set national benchmarks in cadaver organ donation—championing hope, humanity, and healing.

Other  commendations under the ROTTO North umbrella included SOTTO Punjab, which was recognised as the Best Emerging State in Organ Donation ;  and SOTTO Rajasthan , which earned accolades for Best IEC and Awareness Activities.

Chandigarh, August 2:

The Personnel Department of the Punjab Government has issued a letter today, providing instructions and extending the deadline for general transfers/postings of government officers and employees across the state.

According to the letter, in continuation of Letter No. 07/01/2014-1PP2(3PP2)/382-385 dated 05.06.2025 issued by the Personnel Department, the time period for general transfers/postings in all departments and institutions of the Punjab Government was earlier fixed from 23.06.2025 to 01.08.2025. However, through the latest communication, this period has now been extended until 20.08.2025.

A government spokesperson stated that after 20.08.2025, a complete ban on general transfers will be enforced. Thereafter, transfers/postings may only be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the transfer policy issued by the Personnel Department on 23.04.2018.

This letter has been circulated to the heads of all state departments, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, sub-divisional magistrates, and the chairpersons/managing directors of all boards and corporations in the state.

Chandigarh, August 2:

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, to appear in person and submit a report during the hearing of a pending case.

Providing details in this regard, a spokesperson of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that Dr. Sandeep Kaur, Assistant Director, Physical/Audio Forensic Science Laboratory, Phase-4, Mohali (District SAS Nagar), had submitted a written complaint on January 20, 2025. In her complaint, she alleged that her office head, Mr. Ashwani Kalia, had made casteist remarks against her. The District Attorney has also recommended the registration of a case, but no action has been taken by the police so far.

The spokesperson further informed that the Commission has scheduled the next hearing for August 4, 2025, and has instructed SSP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mr. Harmandeep Singh Hans, to appear in person.

Chandigarh, August 2:

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar to appear in person before the Commission and submit a report in the matter.

A spokesperson for the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that Mrs Parminder Kaur, wife of Mr Bhushan Kumar and resident of House No. 610, Street No. 4, Shaheed Udham Singh Colony, Shahrwar Gate, District Amritsar, filed a written complaint with the Commission on 17-03-2025. She alleged that an individual was harassing her by using caste-based slurs, uttering obscene words when she left for work, and making illegal videos.

The Commission sought a report from the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab; however, no appropriate action has been taken against the accused to date.

After reviewing the matter, the Chairman has directed the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar to appear in person on 04-08-2025 and submit a comprehensive report.