Chandigarh, August 31

In the wake of recent floods, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively engaged in a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation effort. The Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers are conducting continuous tours of affected areas to ensure that necessary aid reaches residents and to personally oversee the administration’s relief operations.

Members of the government and key officials have been mobilizing resources and providing on-the-ground support. Member of Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal has approved ₹50 lakh from his MPLAD fund for flood relief and rehabilitation in Hoshiarpur district. This funding will be directed toward reinforcing and repairing the Dhussi Dam embankment in the Mukerian constituency and the Kukran Dam in the Chabbewal constituency, both of which were significantly damaged by the recent floods.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema visited the Khanauri Headworks to assess the situation of the Ghaggar River, noting that the water level is currently at 743.7 feet, well below the danger mark of 748 feet. He assured the public that the situation is under control and appealed to the Union Government to urge the Haryana government to withdraw the stay on widening the Ghaggar River as this would allow the Punjab government to broaden and strengthen the river’s banks, enhancing the safety of its citizens.

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, visited the Ajnala constituency to review ongoing relief work. The ministers toured the most severely affected village, Ghonewal, reaching it by tractor amidst heavy rain. Moved by the devastation, Arora affirmed the government’s commitment to compensating residents for their losses.

Similarly, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur personally distributed relief materials to flood-affected individuals near the Chand Bhan drain in Fazilka district. She said that over ₹70 lakh in relief supplies, including 4,558 ration kits and 2,017 bags of cattle feed, have been distributed in the Fazilka constituency. Sanitary pads and mosquito nets were also provided to women, while old-age homes have been opened for affected senior citizens, and all necessary facilities are being provided at relief camps.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, visited the flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur district. The Health Minister visited relief camps set up by the district administration in villages Narhawali, Kalanor, Machrala, Pakhoke, and Dera Baba Nanak to review the health services being provided  to people by the Health Department.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, accompanied by Tanda MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, inspected the Dhussi Dam embankment on the Beas River bridge connecting Tanda and Sri Hargobindpur. He instructed officials to take immediate steps to strengthen and secure the Dhussi. He also visited a relief camp in Miyani village to assess the needs of affected families.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, during “Sada MLA Sade Vich ” program, announced that a long-standing issue of villages near the Bhakhra Dam being hit by floods has been resolved. He said that the Punjab government has spent ₹15 crore to build spurs and strengthen the banks of the Sutlej River in the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, protecting the area from floods this year. He is regularly monitoring villages of Beleyan at Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency.

The work of distributing relief materials is continuously going on in the flood affected areas of Bhoa assembly constituency of Pathankot district. Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak Cabinet Minister Punjab today distributed relief materials in villages Bamiyal, Palah, Chak Amir and other villages of Bamiyal area.

In the Patti constituency, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar toured flood-affected areas, visiting villages like Jalloke, Kot Buddha, Bhaowal, and Rasulpur. He provided essential items, including ration, medicine, tarpaulins, and fodder for livestock, to the residents.

Following Chief Minister Mann’s instructions, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha also visited the flood-affected areas of Ajnala and Ramdas in Amritsar district. He reviewed the arrangements at the relief center in Chamiari village, accompanied by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Krishan Kumar, Administrative Secretaries Kamal Kishore Yadav, Varun Roojam, and Basant Garg.

Chandigarh, August 30:

The Punjab State IAS Officers’ Association and the Punjab Civil Service (EB) Officers’ Association have expressed solidarity with the people affected by the recent floods in Punjab.

As a gesture of support, both Associations have resolved to contribute one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to aid ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Reiterating their commitment, the Associations stated that officers will continue to serve the people of Punjab with dedication and compassion under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Punjab.

Chandigarh, August 30:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today came down heavily on the Union Government, holding it responsible for aggravating Punjab’s worst flood in the last 37 years.

Addressing the press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, the Cabinet Minister said that timely release of water by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in June could have significantly reduced the devastation. The Cabinet Minister further lamented that even as lakhs of people in Punjab continue to suffer, the Prime Minister has not made a single statement on the crisis, let alone extend any support to the state.

Raising concern over Haryana’s approach, the Cabinet Minister alleged that while Haryana, on one hand, sends letters offering help, on the other, it has also communicated that Punjab be left to drown by reducing Haryana’s share of water flow during this monsoon from 7,900 cusecs to 6,250 cusecs to protect its canal systems and population, thereby leaving Punjab to its fate. He added that despite repeated requests, BBMB failed to release adequate water from dams in June, which could have helped mitigate the impact of floods in Punjab.

The Minister further disclosed that a private company “Level 19 Biz Private Limited,” which had been engaged in 2024 to assess the structural strength of Madhopur headworks gates, wrongly certified them as capable of withstanding 6.25 lakh cusecs of water. However, the gates failed to manage even half the certified capacity, leading to their collapse and the tragic death of a department employee. Sh. Goyal said this grave lapse has not only exposed negligence but also worsened the crisis. A strict notice has been served to the company and punitive action is being initiated.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that due to heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, coupled with the convergence of water from khuds and nullahs into the regulated discharge from the state’s rivers, Punjab is witnessing one of the most devastating floods in its history, far worse than the catastrophic floods of 1988. He pointed out that although only 2.15 lakh cusecs of water was released into Ravi river from Ranjit Sagar Dam, the additional flow from khuds and nullahs of adjoining states turned the situation into massive destruction. He said that the regulated discharge aggravated by the sudden convergence of floodwaters from khuds and nullahs has surpassed all previous records, causing widespread devastation across seven districts of the state.

Sh. Goyal revealed that in 1988, river Ravi had carried 11.20 lakh cusecs of water, whereas this year it has reached 14.11 lakh cusecs. Out of this, around 2.15 lakh cusecs were released from Ranjit Sagar Dam while the remaining flow came from khuds, nullahs and catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. “This unprecedented surge directly impacted three districts with waters of the Ravi, while four other districts suffered heavy losses due to floods from Beas and Sutlej rivers, inflicting massive damage to standing crops, livestock and habitation,” he said.

Highlighting the relief and rescue measures, the Cabinet Minister informed that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government ensured timely evacuation and protection of lives. Over 11,330 people were rescued and shifted to 87 relief camps where food, shelter and medical care were provided. Nearly 110 persons were airlifted from marooned areas with assistance from NDRF, SDRF and Army teams. “The foremost priority of the Punjab Government was to save every life. From senior district officials to patwaris and volunteers, every arm of the government worked on the ground with the people,” he added.

The Water Resources Minister also clarified that extensive evacuation of livestock has been carried out. Market committee sheds and relief shelters were used to accommodate animals in affected areas of Ferozepur and Fazilka, with large quantities of fodder supplied by the government and voluntary organizations. “Our government gave special attention to livestock because unlike humans, they cannot raise a cry for help. We ensured that no animal was left unattended,” he noted.

Commenting on the opposition’s remarks, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said this is not the time for blame games but for united action. He appealed to all political, social and religious leaders to rise above party lines and extend full cooperation in relief operations. He also underlined the need for states to be empowered with the authority to assess damages and disburse compensation from the national disaster pool since they are closest to ground realities.

Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included Mr. Jitender Pal Singh, Chief Engineer (Headquarters) and other senior officers.

Chandigarh, August 30:

With swift and proactive response of the Punjab Government, as many as 4,711 flood-affected people were evacuated and shifted to safer places during the past 24 hours. These include 812 residents of Ferozepur, 2,571 from Gurdaspur, 4 from Moga, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka.

According to reports received from different districts, a total of 11,330 people have been rescued so far from nine flood-hit districts. These include 2,819 from Ferozepur, 1,052 from Hoshiarpur, 240 from Kapurthala, 4,771 from Gurdaspur, 24 from Moga, 1,100 from Pathankot, 60 from Tarn Taran, 25 from Barnala, and 1,239 from Fazilka.

Currently, 77 relief camps are fully operational out of 87 set up in flood affected areas, providing shelter to 4,729 people. The administration is taking care of all the essential needs of these people. In Kapurthala, 110 people are staying in four camps; in Ferozepur, 3,450 people are housed in eight camps; Hoshiarpur has 20 camps with 478 people; Gurdaspur has 12 active camps with 255 people; Pathankot has 14 camps with 411 people; Barnala has one camp housing 25 people; Fazilka has 11 camps, Moga five, and Amritsar two.

A spokesperson informed that relief material was distributed in Kapurthala on August 15, 27, 28, and 29, and distribution will continue as required. Similarly, regular relief supplies are being provided in Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Moga, Pathankot, Fazilka, and Barnala.

The NDRF, SDRF, Punjab Police and Army are playing a vital role in the operations with active support from local communities. Seven NDRF teams are deployed in Gurdaspur, one each in Fazilka and Ferozepur, and two in Pathankot. SDRF has deployed two teams in Kapurthala. The Army, BSF, and Air Force are also engaged in operations in Kapurthala, Gurdaspur, Ferozepur, and Pathankot. Alongside the civil administration, Punjab Police is extending full support to the affected people.

Floods have so far affected 1,018 villages across Punjab. These include 81 in Pathankot, 52 in Fazilka, 45 in Tarn Taran, 64 in Sri Muktsar Sahib, 22 in Sangrur, 101 in Ferozepur, 107 in Kapurthala, 323 in Gurdaspur, 85 in Hoshiarpur, and 35 in Moga.

The state has also suffered huge financial losses due to crop damage and livestock loss. As per reports from district headquarters, 16,632 hectares (41,099 acres) of land have been affected in Fazilka, 10,806 hectares in Ferozepur, 11,620 hectares in Kapurthala, 7,000 hectares in Pathankot, 9,928 hectares in Tarn Taran, and 5,287 hectares in Hoshiarpur.

Chandigarh, August 30 

In a show of solidarity with the victims of the recent floods in Punjab, employees of the Department of Excise and Taxation have unanimously decided to contribute their one day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The voluntary contribution aims to provide financial assistance and support for relief and rehabilitation efforts across the state.

Revealing this in press communique issued here, the official spokesperson of the Excise and Taxation department said that the decision was made by employees at all levels of the department, reflecting a shared commitment to helping those affected by the devastating floods. He said the funds will be directly deposited into the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, which is being used to provide immediate aid, shelter, food, and medical assistance to flood-affected families.

The spokesperson further stated, “Our colleagues felt a strong sense of duty to help our fellow citizens in this time of crisis. This contribution is a small but heartfelt gesture to support the government’s ongoing efforts and to let our people of Punjab know that we stand with them.”

Lauding the initiative of the Department of Excise and Taxation, the Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said that this initiative will encourage other government departments and organizations to come forward and contribute to the relief fund. Cheema, who along with his cabinet colleagues had previously donated one month’s salary, emphasised the importance of a collective effort to rebuild and recover the state and its people from the disaster.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship, and Law & Legislative Affairs, Sh.  Gaurav Gautam  said that the upcoming Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana will play a crucial role in strengthening the social security and dignity of women. He said that the scheme is set to be launched on September 25, 2025, marking the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.

The Minister said that  under the initiative, eligible women across the state will receive a monthly assistance of Rs. 2,100. The scheme covers both married and unmarried women who are 23 years of age or older as of the launch date. Notably, if a family has three women meeting the criteria, all three will be entitled to the benefit, shared Sh. Gaurav Gautam.

The Minister emphasized that the state government has consistently worked to design programmes that empower women socially and economically. The Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, he said, is another step in that direction, an effort to provide women not just with financial aid, but also with the assurance of security and respect.

The scheme will undoubtedly make women more empowered and self-reliant, said  Sh. Gaurav Gautam.

He said that Haryana has already implemented several initiatives for women’s welfare, and this program will further strengthen that framework.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana  said that the ‘Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana’ will serve as a vital support system for poor women, especially those engaged in farming and daily wage work. The scheme, he added, will help them manage their everyday expenses with dignity and ease.

While interacting with women who called on him at his residence, the Minister congratulated them on the state government’s decision to launch this scheme and assured them that their concerns would be addressed. Calling it a historic step for the women of Haryana, he said the scheme has been designed to uphold their dignity, respect, and security.

The Minister shared that under this scheme, every woman aged 23 years and above, whether married or unmarried, will receive financial assistance of Rs. 2,100 per month. The scheme will be rolled out on September 25, 2025. In the first phase, families with an annual income below Rs. 1 lakh will be covered, with the scope gradually expanded to benefit more households.

Significantly, there is no cap on the number of women beneficiaries in a single family. For instance, if a household has three women, all three will receive the benefit, provided that the woman or her husband has been a resident of Haryana for at least 15 years, said Sh. Shyam Singh Rana.

This initiative is a ray of hope for families struggling with financial stress as it will enable women, particularly in villages, to cover their small expenses independently while contributing to household income, said  the Minister.

Notably, a  unique feature of the scheme is its seamless linkage with other social security programmes. Once a beneficiary turns 45, she will automatically become eligible for assistance under the Widow and Destitute Women Scheme if unmarried. At 60, she will be enrolled in the Old Age Pension Scheme without any separate application. However, women already receiving higher pensions under nine existing state schemes, including Old Age Pension, Widow and Destitute Assistance, Divyang Pension, Ladli Social Security Allowance, and others will not be covered under the ‘Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana’. At the same time, women suffering from Stage-3 and Stage-4 cancer, 54 rare diseases, hemophilia, thalassemia, or sickle cell anemia will receive this benefit in addition to their existing entitlements.

Nearly 20 lakh women are expected to benefit in the first phase. To ensure transparency and ease of access, the government will soon issue a gazette notification and launch a mobile app for registration. Eligible women will be informed via SMS, and beneficiary lists will be published at the village and ward level, where objections, if any, can be raised.

Appealing to women across the state, the Minister urged them to take full advantage of the scheme, reiterating that the government is committed to empowering women and extending social security to every deserving household in Haryana.

Chandigarh, August 30 – The birth anniversary of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand is being celebrated as National Sports Day in Haryana. The three-day programme, which began on August 29, will conclude on August 31 with the state-level closing ceremony in Kurukshetra, to be presided over by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has released the list of chief guests and special guests who will attend programmes being organized in different districts across the state. According to the list, Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij will participate in Ambala. In Bhiwani, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry along with MLAs Sh. Ghanshyam Sarraf and Sh. Kapoor Singh will be present, while in Charkhi Dadri, MP Sh. Dharambir Singh will attend along with MLAs Sh. Umed Singh and Sh. Sunil Satpal Sangwan. In Faridabad, MP Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar will participate along with MLAs Sh. Dhanesh Adlakha, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma and Sh. Satish Kumar Fagna, and in Fatehabad, MP Sh. Subhash Barala will be the chief guest.

In Gurugram, Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh will attend with MLAs Smt. Bimla Chaudhary, Sh. Mukesh Sharma and Sh. Tejpal Tanwar. In Hisar, Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa will participate with MLAs Sh. Vinod Bhayana, Smt. Savitri Jindal and Sh. Randhir Singh Panihar. In Jhajjar, Minister of State Sh. Rajesh Nagar will attend the event with MLA Sh. Rajesh Joon. In Jind, Deputy Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha Dr. Krishan Lal Middha will be present with MLAs Sh. Ram Kumar Gautam and Sh. Devender Chaterbhuj Atri. In Kaithal, MP Sh. Naveen Jindal will attend with MLA Sh. Satpal Jamba, while in Karnal, Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha Sh. Harvinder Kalyan will participate with MLAs Sh. Bhagwan Das, Sh. Ram Kumar Kashyap, Sh. Jagmohan Anand and Sh. Yogender Singh Rana.

In Mahendragarh, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao will be present along with MLAs Sh. Kanwar Singh and Sh. Om Prakash Yadav. In Nuh, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Sh. Gaurav Gautam will participate, while in Palwal, Revenue Minister Sh. Vipul Goel will attend with MLA Sh. Harender Singh. In Panchkula, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Rekha Sharma will join with MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma. In Panipat, School Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda will be present with MLAs Sh. Pramod Vij and Sh. Manmohan Bhadana. In Rewari, Rajya Sabha MP Sh. Ram Chander Jangra will attend along with MLAs Dr. Krishan Kumar, Sh. Anil Yadav and Sh. Laxman Singh Yadav, while in Rohtak, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma will be the chief guest.

In Sirsa, Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi will attend the event. In Sonipat, Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar will be present with MLAs Sh. Devender Kadyan, Sh. Pawan Kharkhoda, Sh. Nikhil Madan and Smt. Krishna Gehlawat. In Yamunanagar, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana will participate with MLA Sh. Ghanshyam Das.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana will organize a statewide ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ from September 17 to October 2. The fortnight-long programme aims to promote the spirit of service in society and advance developmental initiatives as a people’s movement.

Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting today to review arrangements for the campaign. He said the campaign will feature daily events across the state, with Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini presiding over the main event each day, while Ministers will lead similar programmes in all districts.

The Chief Secretary said the ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ embodies the spirit of collective responsibility and public service, aiming to create lasting positive impact across rural and urban areas of Haryana while celebrating Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s dedication to national service.

Sh Rastogi emphasized launching plastic-free campaigns and comprehensive cleanliness drives statewide, with active involvement of ex-servicemen. He directed all departments to meticulously plan and execute their scheduled events to ensure genuine public benefit. The campaign represents Haryana’s commitment to translating the Prime Minister’s vision of service into concrete action at the grassroots level.

Additional Chief Secretary, School Education Department, Sh. Vineet Garg informed that the Education Department will conduct essay writing, debates, painting, rangoli and street play competitions in schools and colleges. Students and teachers will also take pledges on cleanliness and drug de-addiction. The department will also organize a function of NSS volunteers where a prize distribution ceremony will be held during the fortnight.

Additional Chief Secretary, Sainik & Ardh Sainik Welfare Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar informed that 75 schools in the state shall be renamed after Haryana’s soldiers who laid down their lives for protecting the country, in consultation with the School Education Department.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Sh. Navdeep Virk said the department will chalk out the programe to hold competitions and fitness activities in rural and urban areas. Sports equipment shall also be distributed in villages. Additionally, startups will be promoted to encourage entrepreneurship and employment generation among youth.

The Health Department will organize medical check-up camps in health institutions across the state besides other programmes. Special cleanliness drives will also be undertaken at 75 hospitals and community health centres. The Women and Child Development Department will modernise and beautify 75 Anganwadi centres. Outstanding Anganwadi workers making notable contributions towards combating malnutrition will be recognised and encouraged.

It was informed that the Tourism and Archaeology Department has made a plan to organize student visits to 75 tourist/historical places besides running sanitation campaigns in at tourist spots, historical sites, lakes, parks, temples, mosques and gurdwaras.

The Rural Development and Panchayats Department plans to launch cleanliness drives in villages and also honour model villages excelling in cleanliness and development besides conducting other events while the Urban Local Bodies Department will run cleanliness campaigns in all establishments, plastic-free city drives, and sanitation programmes at public places in urban areas. The number of gram panchayats working to meet the parameters of 7-Star villages shall be increased during the campaign. Based on seven social parameters, each allocated a different colour star, the villages are analysed on their performance and given star-ratings under the 7-Star Rainbow scheme.

The Home Department will organise campaigns on women’s safety, road safety and cleanliness. Special cleanliness drives will be carried out in police stations and outposts, alongside awareness campaigns on traffic rules for the general public.

Commissioner & Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal said the department will screen a documentary film and organize an exhibition based on the life, vision and achievements of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.

Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang said during the ‘Sewa Pakhwada’, interviews will be conducted with 75 women sarpanches, 75 ‘Drone Didis’, members of self-help groups, women entrepreneurs, and young startup founders. Publicity of central and state government schemes will be undertaken through the ‘Haryana Diary’ programme, posters, hoardings, and social media campaigns.

Other departments, including Environment and Forests, Agriculture, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, etc., will also participate in the campaign. Senior officers of various departments were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 30 – Haryana Jails Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is continuously working to promote skill development and self-reliance among prison inmates. As part of this initiative, 12 courses will be introduced in five jails of the state, including Gurugram District Jail. A diploma course in Computer Engineering will soon begin here, for which a training centre has already been set up.

On Saturday, during his visit to Gurugram, Dr. Sharma inspected the District Jail at Bhondsi, reviewed various arrangements, and also met with family members of inmates who had come to visit them. The minister said that the government is committed to ensuring adequate basic facilities and robust security arrangements in state prisons, while also preparing inmates to reintegrate into society smoothly after completing their sentences.

He informed that ITI-certified courses have been approved for five jails – Central Jail Ambala, District Jail Gurugram, Faridabad, Karnal, and Panipat. Inmates of Gurugram Jail will have the opportunity to pursue a three-year diploma course in Computer Engineering. For this, a training centre has been established within the jail premises in collaboration with ITI Indri (Nuh). So far, 29 inmates have registered for this diploma programme.

In addition, 25 inmates have registered for a one-year Plumbing course, 25 for a Welding course, and 25 for a Computer Applications course. Dr. Sharma also directed Jail Superintendent Naresh Goyal to publish a catalogue of wooden items being made by inmates so that their products can be promoted and reach a wider audience.