Chandigarh, July 29:

The Punjab Government today announced a gazetted holiday on July 31, 2025 to observe the martyrdom day of great revolutionary Shaheed Udham Singh. A notification in this regard has already been issued.

The official spokesperson said that as per notification, in commemoration of Shaheed Udham Singh Ji’s martyrdom day, July 31st, 2025 (Thursday) has been declared a gazetted holiday instead of a restricted holiday for all government offices, boards/corporations and government educational institutions across the state.

Chandigarh, July 29:

          In a decisive move to strengthen Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure as per the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday issued strict directives to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply and power backup in all critical care units, including ICUs, Operation Theatres (OTs), and emergency wards across all government health facilities in the state.

          Presiding over a high-level meeting with Civil Surgeons from all districts, Dr Balbir Singh emphasised the need for 24×7 oxygen availability, functional UPS systems, and fully operational generator sets to prevent any disruption in life-saving medical services.

          The Health Minister also issued stringent directives regarding medicine supply, instructing Civil Surgeons to maintain at least one month’s buffer stock of all 368 types of essential medicines and warned against any shortage of essential medicines. “No patient should be prescribed any medicines from outside the hospital,” he declared, while reiterating that the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led government’s commitment to ensure free and accessible healthcare.

          He further said that Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) have been empowered to purchase any non-essential medicine as per their requirement, warning that strict disciplinary action would be taken against any non-complying medical officer. To bolster the medicine dispensing system and overall patient experience, Civil Surgeons and SMOs were also directed to daily visit OPDs and collect patient feedback.

          To further enhance patient satisfaction, Dr Balbir Singh directed Civil Surgeons to ensure that Outpatient Department (OPD) services must be delivered within an hour of the registration.

          In another move to enhance critical care capabilities, Dr Balbir Singh announced that every doctor and paramedic, including staff nurses, will undergo training in critical care and advanced life support. He also tasked each Civil Surgeon with submitting their district’s health status in comparison to the Millennium Development Goals, enabling the department to set targets for better progress.

          The Health Minister asked Civil Surgeons to leverage the Mass Education and Media wing of the department to create widespread awareness about the “Farishtey” scheme and the availability of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs in Aam Aadmi Clinics across the state.

          The Health Minister also announced that approximately one thousand new doctors will be joining in the coming months as the recruitment process is near completion which will considerably improve the quality of health services being delivered.

          On the occasion, Chairman PHSC Raman Behl , Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Member Punjab Development Commission Anurag Kundu, Special Secretary Health-cum-MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, MD PHSC Amit Talwar, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Director ESI Dr Jaspreet Kaur, Director PHSC Dr Anil Goyal, Director (Procurement) PHSC Dr Pawanpreet Kaur, Deputy Directors were also present.

Chandigarh, July 29:-

In a significant relief to the state arhtiyas, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is all set to bring One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to reduce the burden of interest and penalties on shops and plots allotted to them in mandis (Grain Markets) across the state, announced Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who is also Head of Group of Minister constituted to further streamline paddy and other Kharif crops procurement to ensure a hassle-free experience for state farmers.

The OTS scheme of Punjab Mandi Board is expected to benefit a large number of arhtiyas, enhancing their financial stability and contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural sector in Punjab.

The Arhtiyas on the occasion said that the payment rate of loading the produce in the mandis has not been increased since many years. They demanded an increase in the same to which the Director Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Varinder Kumar Sharma replied that the approval with regard to the same has been given by the Government of India and the notification would soon be issued.

Notably, CM Mann led Punjab Government has constituted a Group of Ministers, comprising Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian as Chairman, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Minister Sh. Lal Chand Kataruchak, Transport Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar and Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal as members to ensure smooth procurement of Kharif crops.

Chandigarh/New Delhi, July 29

Aam Aadmi Party Lok Sabha member from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Tuesday raised the issue of the failed foreign policy during the war on the international border. He was participating in the debate on Operation Sindoor in Parliament,

Meet Hayer first paid homage to the soldiers and recalled the bravery they showed and said that no country came to the aid of the country during the war being fought with Pakistan. While China and Turkey were openly in support of Pakistan, the IMF immediately approved financial assistance to Pakistan. The delegation of Indian MPs who visited foreign countries did not meet any cabinet ministers of other countries except for a few countries.

Raising the issue of the lack of seriousness of the Union government, Meet Hayer said that once upon a time, the Railway Minister used to resign on moral grounds when there was a small train accident, but due to the negligence of the Indian intelligence agencies, 26 lives were lost in such a major terrorist attack, but no one in the government resigned, let alone accepted responsibility.

The Member Parliament said that in the long speeches of the Defence Minister and the Home Minister, they did not even answer any of the questions raised by the common people of the country. He said that the rest of the country saw the war situation on social media or TV, but the people of the border state of Punjab lived every day under the shadow of drone attacks, sirens and blackouts.

Chandigarh, July 28 – Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goel has said that ensuring cleanliness in Gurugram as per the set targets is the top priority for the state government. He called upon officials to take up this task as a mission and fulfill their responsibilities to make Gurugram a clean and beautiful city.

He was speaking during a review meeting held at the PWD Rest House after inspecting the Bandhwari Plant in Gurugram on Monday. Gurugram DC Ajay Kumar, Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Dahiya, Faridabad Municipal Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata, along with senior officials from the Municipal Corporation and GMDA, were present in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the work done so far by the Municipal Corporation regarding the city’s cleanliness. He emphasized that Gurugram is a global city and the efforts made here set an example at the international level. Therefore, it is important for concerned officers to ensure not only general cleanliness but also prompt improvement at identified C&D (construction and demolition) waste sites.

He also mentioned that both Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini are continuously monitoring the state of cleanliness in Gurugram. Hence, officers must work with greater dedication and speed to meet public expectations.

Ward-Level Campaign for Cleanliness, CM to Honour Best Ward

Vipul Goel instructed municipal officials to implement the cleanliness drive at the ward level. He said each ward should be treated as an independent unit and should be provided with sufficient resources. He gave clear directions that each ward should be equipped with one JCB machine, three tractors and a team of four to five staff members, attached to the respective ward councillor. Additionally, a junior engineer and SDO from the municipal team should also be part of the ward team. A month-long intensive cleanliness campaign should be conducted in each ward. The best-performing ward will receive a cash prize and be honoured by the Chief Minister. The Municipal Commissioner informed that tenders for C&D waste disposal will be allotted before August 10, and processing work is progressing simultaneously.

The Minister directed that a survey of 20-year-old sewer lines in Gurugram’s inner areas be conducted to address the issue of waterlogging. Based on the survey, it will be decided where renovation or replacement is needed. A one-month deadline has been set for this task. The meeting also included a detailed discussion on the disposal of fresh waste.

Secure Covering of Secondary Garbage Collection Points

The Cabinet Minister instructed that the secondary garbage collection points in the city should be covered up to a certain height so that only the movement of vehicles is visible from outside. This will not only reduce visual pollution but also improve overall cleanliness. 

Identify Potholes During Monsoon for Early Repair

He also directed that potholes formed during the monsoon should be identified in advance so that repair work can begin immediately after the rainy season ends, ensuring smooth traffic flow for the public.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Ravindra Yadav, MCF Additional Commissioner Gaurav Antil, and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, July 28 – The Haryana Government has introduced an additional day under e-PMSMA (Extended Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan) to strengthen maternal health services in the state. The e-PMSMA is a national initiative aimed at providing assured, comprehensive antenatal care services to pregnant women. The programme focuses especially on the early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies (HRPs) through clinical examinations, diagnostics, medication, counselling and refreshments—all provided free of charge at public health facilities.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, while sharing information, said, “Recognising the need to intensify these efforts, Haryana launched the Extended PMSMA, which expands services to the 9th, 10th, and 23rd of every month. The e-PMSMA had been successfully implemented across Haryana. The proactive approach has led to significant improvements in the identification and management of HRPs, which are a major contributor to maternal mortality. As a result of such sustained efforts—including implementation of the HRP Guidance Note—the state’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has dropped notably from 110 (SRS 2018–20) to 89 (SRS 2020–22).”

 “To further reduce maternal deaths and enhance the quality of antenatal care, the National Health Mission under the Health Department has introduced an additional e-PMSMA day—the last working day of each month. On this day, all PMSMA services will be provided with a continued focus on identifying and managing HRPs. The first observance of this new e-PMSMA day will be held across the state in the month of July 30, 2025, ensuring that more pregnant women receive timely, quality care,” the Health Minister added.  

The additional day will increase accessibility for expectant mothers who may miss regular PMSMA dates due to personal or logistical challenges. With more opportunities for check-ups, early detection of complications and timely referrals can be ensured, especially in rural areas.

Chandigarh, July 28 – The Haryana Government has issued orders for postings and transfers of 4 HCS officers with immediate effect.

As per the orders, Sh. Satinder Siwatch, District Municipal Commissioner, Kurukshetra, has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Barara.

Sh. Bharat Bhushan, Joint CEO, Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority, has been posted as Deputy Secretary, Home Department, in addition to his present duties.

Sh. Aman Kumar, Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Barara, has been transferred as District Municipal Commissioner, Kurukshetra.

Harpreet Kaur, Joint Director (Admn.), Information, Public Relations and Languages, and Deputy Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, has been appointed as Joint Director, Model Sanskriti Schools, against a vacant post.

Chandigarh July 28: Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh Vipul Goel, visited the Bandhwari waste management site on Gurugram-Faridabad road on Monday. During his visit, he inspected the beautification works, installation of view cutters, and other improvement works being carried out by the Municipal Corporation Gurugram. The Minister issued detailed guidelines to officials and reviewed the progress of the ongoing works.

Large-Scale plantation campaign scheduled for Sunday, August 4

The Urban Local Bodies Minister said that a large-scale plantation campaign will take place in the area between the main road and the view cutter at the site on Sunday, August 4. He directed officials to invite local dignitaries, including public representatives, to participate in the campaign. Prior to the event, officials must ensure the completion of soil addition, bed construction, and land preparation, he added.

Emphasis on leachate management and disposal of legacy waste

Sh Vipul Goel emphasized prioritizing the proper disposal of leachate generated at the waste management plant. He also urged officials to expedite the tender process for the disposal of legacy waste.

Beautification work progressing rapidly

Commissioner Municipal Corporation Gurugram Sh Pradeep Dahiya stated that beautification works at the plant are progressing at a fast pace. Improvements are being made not only from an environmental perspective but also to enhance the site’s visual appeal for the general public. The installation of a view cutter to screen the plant from the road has been completed. He added that a tender has been floated for additional works including plantation, fencing, tree guards, surface turfing, and landscaping, with an estimated cost of Rs 96 lakh. The tender will be opened on July 29.

Infrastructure improvements at a cost of Rs 2 crore

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram began work on the view cutter, boundary wall, and drainage system from July 14, at a cost of Rs 2 crore. View cutters have been installed along the site’s boundary to hide the landfill from public view. Additionally, leachate is being transported through tankers to the nearest sewage treatment plant. A new proposal of Rs 63 lakh has also been prepared to address the leachate volume.

New Rs 2.45 crore proposal for CC road and additional facilities

The Municipal Commissioner said that a new tender has been floated on July 18 for Rs 2.45 crore. The project includes the construction of a 15-meter-wide, 400-meter-long CC road, an RCC drain, and the installation of additional Dharm Kanta. These improvements aim to reduce truck movement and alleviate long queues of garbage trucks. Uninterrupted power supply has also been ensured through the installation of a DG set.

On this occasion, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Faridabad Sh Dhirendra Khadgata, Additional Municipal Commissioner Sh Ravinder Yadav, Additional Municipal Commissioner Municipal Corporation Faridabad Dr. Vijaypal Yadav, Joint Commissioner Sh Ravindra Malik and Dr. Preetpal Singh, Chief Engineer of Municipal Corporation Gurugram Sh Vijay Dhaka, and other officials were also present.

Chandigarh, July 28 – To ensure a fair and smooth conduct of the upcoming Haryana Teacher Eligibility Test (HTET) scheduled on July 30 and 31, 2025, the Haryana Board of School Education, Bhiwani, has made robust arrangements.

A spokesperson of the Board informed that before entering the examination centres, all candidates will be frisked using metal detectors and their biometric verification will be conducted. It will be ensured that no candidate carries any prohibited material. To prevent any malpractice or anti-social activities, live monitoring of exam centres will be conducted from the Board headquarters via a high-tech command and control centre using AI-powered CCTV cameras. Full security arrangements will also be in place around the exam centres through local police.

All officials and staff have been instructed to wear their identity cards during the exam and strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Board. They are expected to carry out their responsibilities with honesty and impartiality to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the exams.

The Board spokesperson further stated that to strictly curb cheating and other irregularities, around 220 flying squads have been appointed. Additionally, each exam centre across the state will have a full-time observer, comprising one officer from the district administration and one official or staff representative from the education board. It is clearly stated that if any candidate or official/staff is found involved in cheating, misconduct or any criminal activity at any exam centre, strict action will be taken against them. Any kind of negligence or irresponsible behaviour by any official/staff will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

It was also mentioned that if any member of the flying squad has a blood relation appearing at any exam centre, they must immediately inform the Board office and the district-level flying squad and must refrain from inspecting that particular centre.

It is worth noting that over 4 lakh candidates will appear for the HTET across 673 examination centres in the state. The Level-3 (PGT) exam will be held on Wednesday, July 30 from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The Level-2 (TGT) exam will be held on Thursday, July 31 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and the Level-1 (PRT) exam will be conducted on the same day from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Chandigarh, July 28 –Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, and Law and Legislative, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, said that officers should not only follow the rules while addressing public grievances but also use their wisdom to ensure timely and effective resolution. He said that any kind of negligence in resolving complaints will not be tolerated.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam was speaking while chairing the monthly meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievances Committee held at Sonipat on Monday. A total of 24 complaints were heard during the meeting, out of which 14 were resolved on the spot. Directions were given to submit one complaint after two months, while in another case, the Minister directed full compliance with the orders of the Lokayukta.The remaining complaints were kept pending.

During the meeting, villagers from Nurna khera raised the issue of removing a liquor shop from their area. Taking swift action, the Sports Minister directed the officers of the excise department to remove the liquor shop within three days.

MLA, Sh. Nikhil Madan, Chairperson, Zila Parishad, Ms. Monika Dahiya, Police Commissioner, Smt. Mamta Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Sushil Sarwan, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Lakshit Sareen and other officers also remained present during the meeting.