Chandigarh, March 22. Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shri Ajay Singhal today visited the world-renowned Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula along with his wife, Smt. Seema Singhal. He offered prayers with deep devotion and performed special worship and havan as per rituals. On this occasion, he prayed to Goddess Bhagwati for peace in the state, strengthening of law and order, and overall public welfare.

Havan Conducted with Traditional Religious Rituals

Upon arrival at the temple, DGP Ajay Singhal and his wife were welcomed in a traditional manner by the temple administration. Thereafter, a havan was conducted in accordance with Vedic rituals, in which both participated with full devotion and offered sacred oblations. The temple resonated with Vedic chants, creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. After the rituals, he offered special prayers at the shrine of Mata Mansa Devi, seeking strength and guidance to ensure peace, social harmony, and safety of citizens across the state.

Prayers for Well-being of Citizens and Morale of Police Force

On this occasion, DGP Shri Ajay Singhal said that visiting Mata Mansa Devi Temple was a matter of great fortune for him. He prayed for the happiness, prosperity, good health, and safety of the people of the state. He also prayed for strengthening the morale, dedication, and spirit of service among Haryana Police personnel. He stated that the role of the police is not only to maintain law and order but also to build trust and a sense of security in society, for which spiritual energy also plays an important role. Special security arrangements were made in the temple premises during the visit to ensure that devotees did not face any inconvenience and that the darshan process continued smoothly.

Harmony of Faith and Duty

This visit not only reflected his deep religious faith but also highlighted the importance of maintaining spiritual balance alongside administrative responsibilities. DGP Ajay Singhal’s visit conveys a positive message to society that balancing duty and faith strengthens life and governance alike.

Chandigarh:

“Children are not just patients—they are our ambassadors of hope. Their recovery and well-being define the success of our efforts.”— Prof. R. K. Ratho, Dean (Academics) & Chief Guest

“Children with Chronic Illness Deserve Dignity and Inclusion; The Responsibility of Paediatricians Is Immense”:  Prof. Sadhna Lal”

“With over 15,000 OPD patients annually, 3,000 endoscopic procedures, and more than 1,000 admissions, paediatric gastroenterology reflects both growing need and responsibility,” said Prof. Sadhna Lal, Head, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, PGIMER, setting a compelling context for the scale, urgency, and impact of the specialty at the institute.

It was against this backdrop of expanding clinical demand and growing academic responsibility that Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, PGIMER inaugurated the “Monothematic Conference on Paediatric Cholestasis & 4th Prof. Saroj Mehta Memorial Oration (22nd–23rd March 2026)” at Lecture Theatre-1, PGIMER, bringing together leading experts from across India and abroad to deliberate on critical challenges in paediatric cholestatic  liver diseases.

The inaugural session was graced by eminent dignitaries including Prof. R.K. Ratho, Dean (Academics), Prof. Nirmala D, Paediatric Gastroenterology, Institute of Child Health & Hospital for Children, Chennai, Prof. Sadhna Lal, Head, Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, PGIMER and Prof. Surinder Rana, Department of Gastroenterology, PGIMER, and

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Sadhna Lal underscored the department’s guiding philosophy, stating, “Patient First remains our core principle—every clinical and academic effort revolves around the child.” Paying a heartfelt tribute to Prof. Saroj Mehta, she said, “Her legacy continues to inspire generations with values of compassion, clinical excellence, and integrity.”

Highlighting the academic vision of the programme, Prof. Lal noted that the conference has been thoughtfully structured to address biliary atresia, a significant unresolved challenge in India, followed by comprehensive deliberations on other types of paediatric cholestasis, with the aim of strengthening expertise and expanding access to specialised care across the country.

Acknowledging the team behind the service, Prof. Sadhna Lal described PGIMER Junior & Senior residents as “the backbone of the department,” recognising their relentless contribution in sustaining high-quality patient care.

Emphasising capacity building, Prof. Lal added, “It is our mandate to train and disseminate knowledge so that every corner of the country has access to skilled paediatric gastroenterologists & hepatologists,” while expressing pride in alumni who are now leading services nationwide.

“It is our duty as Paediatric hepatologists & gastroenterologists to be mindful that we are dealing with children. We need to not only treat them but ensure these kids with chronic diseases are integrated into society and have a good quality of life. The responsibility of Paediatricians is immense: only they can ensure that the nation is not burdened with an unhealthy adult population!

Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Prof. R.K. Ratho lauded the dedication and passion driving the specialty forward. “Dedication transforms work into passion. When clinicians go beyond routine hours for patient care, it reflects true commitment,” he remarked, appreciating the sustained efforts of the team.

Prof. Ratho emphasised the critical importance of early diagnosis and collaboration. “Timely recognition of conditions like biliary atresia and cholestasis is crucial. Delays in referral and diagnosis remain challenges—platforms like this enable shared learning and improved outcomes.”

Reflecting on the human dimension of care, Prof. Ratho added, “Children are not just patients—they are our ambassadors of hope. Their recovery and well-being define the success of our efforts.” He also commended the department for its patient-centric approach and for consistently organising focused academic forums that encourage meaningful dialogue and innovation.

A deeply moving highlight of the event was the felicitation of young patients representing successful clinical journeys, reflecting resilience, courage, and the impact of advanced medical care:

• Miss N (6 years) – Biliary Atresia, post successful liver transplant
• Miss A (7 years) – Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), doing well under specialized care
• Miss A A (9 years) – Biliary Atresia, post successful Kasai portoenterostomy, operated at 90 days of age
• Master V (1.5 years) – Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC-II), post successful liver transplant
• Master S N (4 years) – Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC-IV), doing well under specialised care

These children were honoured as symbols of hope and successful outcomes, bringing a powerful human dimension to the scientific deliberations and underscoring the importance of early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, and sustained follow-up.

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Surinder Rana, acknowledging the contributions of faculty, delegates, and organisers in making the event possible.

The two-day scientific programme focuses on “Improving Outcomes of Biliary Atresia” on Day 1, covering etiopathogenesis, early diagnosis, surgical techniques such as Kasai porto-enterostomy, and long-term outcomes. Day 2 expands into non-biliary atresia paediatric cholestasis, including genetic and metabolic liver disorders, PFIC, mitochondrial hepatopathies, and emerging therapies.

Featuring state-of-the-art lectures, panel discussions, and case-based learning, the conference aims to foster collaboration, enhance clinical understanding, and strengthen national capacity in managing paediatric liver diseases.

The event stands as a strong reflection of PGIMER’s commitment to clinical excellence, academic leadership, and compassionate care—where every child’s journey inspires progress and purpose.

CHANDIGARH, 21 March 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday presented a focused report card on law and order under the AAP Government as part of the ongoing series ‘Shandaar Chaar Saal Bhagwant Mann De Naal’, aimed at placing a clear, sector-wise account of four years of governance before the people. He asserted that Punjab’s improving law and order is now visible on the ground, driven by a zero tolerance policy against drugs and a sustained crackdown on organized crime, alongside police reforms and rising investor confidence.

The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government’s campaign ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has led to decisive action, with over 95,000 smugglers arrested, ₹772 crore worth of illegal assets seized, and more than 1,100 gangs dismantled, while measures like the anti-drone system have checked cross-border smuggling. He added that record police recruitment, modernisation, and initiatives like the Sadak Surakhya Force underline the strengthening of law enforcement in Punjab. Taking on the Akali leadership, he said those who patronised gangsters and allowed criminal networks to flourish are now attempting to rewrite history, but cannot escape accountability.

Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs, and no leniency has been or will be shown against violators of the law. Exemplary punishment will be ensured,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, adding, “From March 2022 till now, 95,881 drug smugglers and suppliers have been arrested and 71,228 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act.”

Detailing the crackdown, the Chief Minister stated, “6,109 major/commercial consignments of drugs have been seized, along with the arrest of 10,085 major traffickers. Special focus has been placed on drug hotspots, leading to recovery of 5,625 kg heroin, 3,461 kg opium, 1,628 quintals poppy husk, and 4.96 crore injections, tablets, capsules, and syrups.” He further added, “₹54.47 crore drug money has been recovered and 3,440 proclaimed offenders in NDPS cases have been arrested. Properties worth ₹772 crore have been seized from 1,556 smugglers.”

Highlighting action against organized crime, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “After the formation of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), 2,858 gangsters and criminals have been arrested, 35 neutralized, and 1,105 gangs busted. 2,267 weapons and 655 vehicles used in crimes have been recovered.” He added, “Since April 6, 2022, AGTF has solved 38 sensational cases, including major murder cases, extortion rackets, bank robberies, gang arrests, and terror-linked conspiracies across Punjab and nearby regions up to March 2026.”

Emphasising border security, he noted, “Punjab has around 560 kilometre border with Pakistan, and to check the supply of drugs and weapons, the state government has installed an anti-drone system. Punjab is the first state to have this system.” He added, “We had asked the Centre for funds, but no assistance was given. The state government used its own resources, and the system is producing results. So far, 806 drones have been recovered, 1,472 drone movements detected, and 341 illegal weapons recovered via drones.”

On police reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Unlike earlier governments that carried out recruitment in the last or poll year, our government has ensured regular recruitment. In the last four years, 12,197 recruitments have been made, including 1,062 Sub-Inspectors, 450 Head Constables, and 10,285 Constables.” He added, “Recruitment for 1,746 constables (2025) is under process, and advertisement has been issued for 3,298 constables (2026), with applications invited from March 10, 2026.”

He further stated, “To modernise the Police force, 2,904 vehicles have been purchased at a cost of ₹327.69 crore, including 2,258 four-wheelers and 646 two-wheelers. The Sadak Surakhya Force, launched in January 2024, is India’s first dedicated force of its kind, covering more than 5,500 km of highways and reducing fatalities by 48%.” He added, “From February 2024 to January 2026, it has helped 47,386 victims in 43,983 accidents, provided on-the-spot aid to 19,973 people, and shifted 27,413 injured to hospitals.”

Highlighting technological upgrades, he said, “Safe City projects have been implemented in SAS Nagar and Jalandhar and will soon be launched in Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Patiala.” He added, “Punjab Police is a national police force fighting to safeguard the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country.”

On action against fugitives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The state government is leaving no stone unturned to extradite gangsters operating from abroad. Whenever inputs are received, they are flagged for issuing Red Corner Notices.”

Reinforcing confidence in Punjab’s law and order, he stated, “Punjab is one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country. Investment is the best parameter to judge law and order, and the fact that a major steel plant has started operations with an investment of ₹3,200 crore reflects this reality.” He added, “Several leading global companies are making a beeline to invest in Punjab, and many have already started operations. The state is hosting major events and will host the Asia Cup Hockey in October.”

Taking aim at previous regimes, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Those who patronised and promoted drug culture in Punjab are now claiming to eliminate it. Everyone knows who gave tickets to gangsters and appointed them as Halqa in-charges. These leaders are responsible for the rise of gangster culture and are still extending legal and other support to such elements.”

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh:

 “A standalone transplant centre at PGIMER will become a reality. We will strengthen infrastructure, expand training, and ensure that transplantation services grow in both scale and impact,” announced Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, while addressing as the Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the ISTS Annual Conference 2026 at PGIMER Chandigarh.

Describing transplantation as the highest calling in surgical science, Prof. Lal remarked, “Transplantation is the most noble surgery—it restores not just life, but dignity and hope.” He paid rich tributes to the pioneers of the field, urging the younger generation to draw inspiration from their journeys. “These giants began with nothing—they stumbled, rose again, and never gave up. We stand today on the foundation of their sacrifices,” he said.

Reinforcing the importance of strong fundamentals, Director PGIMER emphasized, “Before becoming good transplant surgeons, one must first become a good surgeon. You cannot run before you learn to walk. Transplantation demands discipline, training, and unwavering dedication.”

Highlighting India’s legacy, Prof. Vivek Lal noted, “The first recorded transplant in medical history was performed by Sushruta. This heritage should inspire us to lead with both pride and responsibility.”

Drawing attention to patient suffering, particularly those undergoing dialysis, Director PGIMER remarked, “Dialysis is a harrowing experience. It is easy to prescribe, but extremely difficult to endure. Transplantation offers dignity, quality of life, and hope.”

Prof. Vivek Lal also acknowledged the silent yet critical role of transplant coordinators and donor families. “The true drivers of transplantation are those who work quietly behind the scenes—counselling families in moments of grief and enabling the gift of life. Their courage defines this movement,” Director PGIMER added.

The session was further enriched by the presence of three distinguished Guests of Honour—Prof. S. N. Mehta, ex Head of Surgical Disciplines, AIIMS New Delhi who shared his professional journey and the challenges of initiating transplant during the early with limited resources and ineffective Immunosuppression. On a similar note, Prof Mukut Minz, Former Head, Deptt. of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER   highlighted the evolution of the specialty at PGI Chandigarh.  He emphasised the perseverance required to build transplant program and talked about his early years where they started doing transplants initially in dogs to prove success of immunosuppressive drugs. Dr Vatsala Trivedi, Senior Transplant Surgeon from Mumbai also struggled in her years because of gender bias as surgery was considered a male bastion but persisted to start the first donation from deceased donor in Mumbai after passage of law in 1994 and subsequently started many such programs across the country with her grit and determination.

Speaking on the role of the Indian Society of Transplantation, Dr. Harsha Jauhari emphasized, “ISTS has been instrumental in fostering collaboration, advancing scientific exchange, and building a strong academic and ethical foundation for transplantation in India. Such platforms are vital for shaping the future of this life-saving discipline.”

The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Prof. Ashish Sharma*, Head, Department of Renal Transplant Surgery, PGIMER, who acknowledged the contributions of the faculty, organisers, and participants. “The success of this conference reflects our collective commitment to advancing transplant sciences and improving patient outcomes,” he said.

The session set a compelling tone for ISTS 2026, blending scientific vision with reflections on legacy, leadership, and compassion, while reaffirming PGIMER’s commitment to advancing transplantation as a life-saving and life-affirming discipline.

Chandigarh, March 21

Haryana Government has initiated a significant digital reform in revenue administration by approving the procurement of 4,156 smart tablets for Patwaris and Kanungos across the state. The initiative, approved by Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini & Minister of Revenue & Disaster Management & Urban Local Bodies, Sh. Vipul Goel, aims to modernise field operations, reduce procedural delays and improve the overall delivery of revenue services.

Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumit Misra said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to taking technology beyond offices and urban centres to the field level, where officials interact directly with citizens. She emphasised that the move is designed to benefit both field staff and the public by making services more accessible, efficient and transparent, particularly in rural and agricultural areas.

For decades, Patwaris and Kanungos have relied on manual records, hand-drawn maps and extensive paperwork, making the process time-consuming and physically demanding. With the introduction of these tablets, officials will now be able to conduct field surveys, record data, capture GPS-tagged photographs and upload information directly to central servers in real time. The inclusion of voice-to-text functionality will further simplify data entry, reduce manual effort and improve accuracy.

Dr. Misra informed that the tablets will be equipped with high-end specifications, including a large display, advanced processing capability, sufficient storage capacity and long battery life to support a full day of fieldwork. With 5G and LTE connectivity, along with GPS-enabled features and imaging capabilities, the devices are designed to function efficiently even in remote and challenging outdoor conditions.

All 4,156 tablets will be integrated with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) system supported by a two-year cloud-hosted licence. This will enable the government to centrally monitor, update, secure and manage all devices in real time, ensuring operational continuity, data integrity and accountability at every level, she added.

Dr. Misra stated that transparency and accountability have been built into every aspect of the initiative—from the procurement process, which will adhere strictly to prescribed government norms, to the day-to-day functioning of each deployed device.

The adoption of digital tools is expected to significantly reduce delays, minimise errors and curb discrepancies in revenue services. Citizens, particularly farmers, will benefit from faster, more reliable and doorstep delivery of services, thereby reducing the need for repeated visits to government offices.

The integration of all devices with a centralised management system will facilitate continuous monitoring, timely updates and enhanced data security. This will not only improve administrative efficiency but also ensure greater accountability and transparency in revenue operations across the state.

Dr. Misra stated that equipping field officials with real-time digital tools will make land records management, crop surveys and disaster assessments more accurate and efficient. She added that the initiative marks an important step towards building a more transparent, responsive and citizen-centric governance system at the grassroots level.

Chandigarh, March 21

With the objective of effectively curbing cybercrime, threatening calls, and extortion incidents, Haryana Police has launched the ‘Abhedya’ mobile app. This is the first mobile-based security platform of its kind in the country, which will help protect citizens from suspicious calls, threatening messages, stalking, and digital harassment. With this initiative, Haryana has become the first state in the country to introduce such a unique measure.

Strong action against extortion calls, policing strengthened through technological innovation
In this regard, Director General of Police (DGP) Haryana, Mr. Ajay Singhal, while addressing a press conference held today at Police Headquarters, Sector-6, Panchkula, shared detailed information about the features and functioning of the ‘Abhedya’ app. Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner of Police Panchkula, Shibash Kabiraj, and DCP Panchkula Srishti Gupta were also present on the occasion.
He stated that in changing times, criminals are using internet-based calling, fake numbers, and digital platforms to intimidate and defraud people. In such a scenario, this app will act as a strong protective shield for citizens. Mr. Singhal said that upon assuming office, he initiated a well-planned strategy to effectively curb extortion calls. He clarified that strict and clear directions had been issued in this regard by Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini under a “zero tolerance” policy, in line with which concrete steps have been taken by the police.
He added that through this mobile app, doctors, contractors, traders, and common citizens will receive wide-ranging protection and relief.
He further stated unequivocally that anyone attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and terror will be treated as a terrorist and strict action will be taken against them. Mr. Singhal explained that calls originating within the country are relatively easier to trace, whereas calls from foreign numbers pose a significant technical challenge. To tackle this challenge, technical experts of Haryana Police worked tirelessly to develop a robust solution, which has now been launched after successful testing.
He expressed pride in stating that this is a completely in-house initiative of Haryana Police, showcasing their technical capability and innovation. He informed that the app was tested by 25 selected users and was found to be fully effective. Further improvements and updates will be made as required in the future.

Access to the mobile app through the Superintendent of Police
To download the app, interested individuals will have to contact the Superintendent of Police of their respective district, after which authorized access will be provided. The app will be available on both Android and Apple platforms.
Mr. Singhal also stated that due to the proactive actions of Haryana Police, there has been approximately a 40% reduction in extortion calls and an 8% reduction in overall crime during January and February 2026 compared to the previous year. He expressed confidence that the launch of this app will help establish effective control over digital fraud, cybercrime, and extortion calls.

Functioning of the app
The ‘Abhedya’ app identifies calls and messages from unknown and suspicious numbers and blocks them before they reach the user. It specifically monitors international, virtual, and unsaved numbers and automatically rejects calls and blocks numbers if found suspicious.
The app also deletes suspicious chats, voice messages, notifications, and voice notes from the device, ensuring that users remain free from any mental stress or fear. Additionally, suspicious calls coming from abroad will also be monitored. While users remain protected from mental pressure, the person making suspicious calls will be traced by Haryana Police through backend systems.

Abhedya-2.0: A stronger security system
Information about ‘Abhedya-2.0’, the updated version of the app, was also shared during the press conference. Through this version, not only internet-based fraud calls but also regular calls can be controlled. It includes features to block unknown international calls, suspicious domestic calls (as per user preference), and private or hidden numbers, while allowing calls only from saved and verified numbers.

Direct benefits to citizens
This app will play a significant role in protecting citizens from threatening calls, extortion attempts, and cybercrime. It will curb anonymous communication channels used by criminals and make their identification and tracking easier for law enforcement agencies.

Strong strike against digital arrest: Dual OTP system to enhance security
Along with this, he informed that Haryana Police will soon implement a “Dual OTP System” to tackle emerging challenges like “digital arrest.” Under this initiative, work is being carried out in collaboration with officials of HDFC Bank, and in the initial phase, account holders aged 60 years or above will be included. Under this system, any OTP for financial transactions will be sent not only to the primary account holder but also to their family members—such as son, daughter, or any trusted individual. Transactions will be approved only after confirmation from both. Additionally, transaction limits for account holders will also be set to minimize the possibility of fraud.
Mr. Singhal stated that the implementation of this innovative system will effectively curb cybercrimes like “digital arrest.” He further informed that a detailed framework is being prepared in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India and various banks.

Commitment of Haryana Police
DGP Mr. Ajay Singhal stated that Haryana Police is committed to tracing every criminal and bringing them within the ambit of law. He appealed to citizens to make maximum use of the ‘Abhedya’ app and support the police in building a secure digital society. Haryana Police will continue to work tirelessly for public safety with its core motto of “Sewa, Suraksha, Sehyog.

New Delhi/Chandigarh, March 20
Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has forcefully raised the issue of restoring the heritage of Chandigarh – Sukhna Lake. Speaking under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha, he drew the House’s attention to the alarming shrinkage of the lake, caused by factors including illegal encroachment in its catchment area.

Taking up the issue, Tewari said, “I wish to raise the matter of urgent public importance regarding the alarming degradation of Sukhna Lake. At the time of its creation, Sukhna Lake had a substantial water-spread area and depth and was designed to function as a major rainwater reservoir, aiding groundwater recharge, flood control and ecological balance of the region”. He added that over the years, however, the size, depth and water-holding capacity of the lake have reduced drastically due to unchecked siltation.

Tewari argued that despite repeated warnings by experts, proper and scientific desilting of the lake has not been undertaken in a sustained manner. “No serious desilting has taken place since the late 1980s when the then Governor Late Siddarth Shankar Ray had led an aggressive Shramdan with people and especially school students participation to de-silt the lakeover the decades. As a result, large portions of the lake have become shallow and prone to drying”, he said.

Tewari further said, “Simultaneously, illegal construction and encroachments in the catchment area of the lake have increased significantly, obstructing natural drainage channels and accelerating silt inflow into the lake. Even the Supreme Court has also expressed serious concern regarding the deteriorating condition and shrinking water levels of Sukhna Lake.”

Tewari recalled that when he sailed in Sukhna Lake even in the late 1970s as a school student, certain parts of the Lake towards the Lake Club had barely three feet of water. “The problem is endemic stretching back over five decades now. In this context, I therefore urged the government of India through the Rule 377 to take urgent, coordinated and time-bound action to remove illegal constructions, restore and secure the catchment area, carry out comprehensive desilting and implement long-term ecological restoration measures to protect this critical urban water body”, the MP demanded.

Chandigarh, March 17 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government has made a provision of Rs. 100 crore for the construction of the SYL canal in the Budget 2026–27 proposals, and therefore the opposition’s allegation that there is no mention of the SYL canal in the budget is completely baseless.

The Chief Minister was replying on Tuesday after the discussion on the Budget Estimates 2026–27 during the Budget Session of the Haryana Assembly.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that during the discussion on the budget, members of the Congress stated that they had been reading the budget speech for three days and found no mention of the SYL canal. They also claimed that in nearly 60 years of Haryana’s formation, there has never been a budget without a reference to the SYL canal. The Chief Minister clarified that in the Budget 2026–27 documents, Volume III, which presents detailed estimates of capital expenditure, a provision of Rs. 100 crore has been clearly made under the sub-head for the construction of the SYL canal on page number 204.

He further said that as per the records of budget speeches during the Congress tenure from 2005 to 2014, the SYL canal was mentioned only in two years—2005–06 and 2006–07. In the remaining eight budget speeches, the term “SYL” was not mentioned at all. Moreover, out of those ten years, only in two years—2013–14 and 2014–15—was a provision of merely Rs. 10 lakh made for the construction of the SYL canal. In the other eight years, not even a single rupee was allocated under this sub-head.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the present government, on the other hand, has been consistently making a provision of Rs. 100 crore every year from 2016–17 to 2025–26. He added that in paragraph 36 of the Governor’s Address delivered on February 20, 2026, it has also been stated: “My government is fully committed to protecting Haryana’s rights over its waters. We are fully committed to the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal.”

Chandigarh, March 17 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday launched a strong attack on the Congress, accusing it of indulging in ‘headline politics’ and making baseless remarks on the Budget merely to stay in the news.  Replying to the discussion on the state Budget during the ongoing session of the State  Vidhan Sabha, he said the opposition seems unable to recognise the pace of development in the state and is viewing the Budget through a distorted lens.

The Chief Minister was replying to the discussion on the Budget Estimates 2026–27 during the ongoing Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday.

Taking a sharp swipe at the Congress, he said, ‘Aarop lagao aur bhaag jao’ has become the key habit of Congress, instead of engaging in constructive discussion. He said the allegations that Congress makes on the streets are repeated in the House. It is unfortunate to see that instead of having constructive debate, Congress chooses to walk out every time. Opposition has neither read the Budget seriously nor understood the provisions made for development, and therefore is in no position to hold any meaningful discussion on the state’s issues. Such conduct exposes the opposition’s lack of seriousness, while the government remains committed to addressing public issues with transparency and accountability, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Congress is resorting to baseless rhetoric merely to stay politically relevant- CM

In a sharp remark, the Chief Minister said the opposition has no substantive issues to raise and is resorting to unfounded criticism. He further said that 2.8 crore people of Haryana look towards this august House with hope, but the irresponsible conduct of the opposition is there for everyone to see. Opposition is not interested in giving constructive suggestions, but is instead focused on spreading misinformation and walking out of the House, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the role being played by the Congress is a matter of concern, as the opposition appears to be merely marking its presence, opposing for the sake of opposition, and spreading falsehoods.

Taking a poetic dig, he said, ‘Jo khud chal nahi paate raaston par, aksar wahi manzilon par sawaal karte hain’. He said that while several members gave meaningful and constructive suggestions during the discussion, which are welcome, some opposition members chose to criticise without facts. He remarked that it appeared as if some members neither listened to the Budget speech delivered on March 2 nor took the effort to read it later, and merely repeated in the House the same allegations they make on the streets. 

Targeting the opposition further, the Chief Minister said it may be compelled to appear adversarial to the government, but it would have been better had it contributed constructive suggestions in the larger public interest. He added that leaders driven by political motives often end up questioning outcomes they themselves are unable to achieve.

Congress must not object if Independent sought our support in Rajya Sabha polls- CM

Responding to the Opposition’s allegations regarding the Rajya Sabha elections, the Chief Minister said that the Bharatiya Janata Party had successfully ensured the election of its candidate, Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, to the Rajya Sabha. He asserted that in a democracy, every individual has the right to contest elections, and supporting an Independent candidate is well within democratic norms. “If the opposition had objections, they were free to field their own candidate. Why didn’t they?” he asked, adding that the Independent candidate had approached them for support, which they extended.

Taking strong exception to the remarks made by Dr. Raghuvir Kadian, who termed the election process questionable and alleged vote theft, the Chief Minister said such claims are completely baseless and unfortunate. He emphasized that neither are votes “stolen” nor are there flaws in EVMs, underlining that the strength of democracy lies in its ability to awaken the conscience, if it has been ignored. He termed such allegations as misleading and irresponsible.

Budget prepared with wide public participation, says CM

The Chief Minister said his second Budget has been prepared by incorporating suggestions from all sections of society, with nearly 5,000 inputs received from stakeholders. He was responding to remarks by senior member Dr. Raghuvir Kadian, who termed the Budget speech lengthy. Sh. Saini said there is no prescribed time limit for a Budget speech and such remarks undermine the seriousness of the exercise.

He pointed out that the length of the Budget speech reflects the wide consultation process and the inclusion of diverse perspectives, making it natural for the address to be detailed.

Farmer consultation claims ‘factually incorrect’

Rejecting the opposition’s allegations regarding lack of consultation with farmers, the Chief Minister termed such claims as completely misleading. He informed that a pre-Budget consultation meeting was held on January 15 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, where 362 participants, including farmers, representatives of farmer organisations, FPOs, progressive farmers, agricultural scientists and researchers, shared their inputs.

Additionally, another consultation meeting was held on January 22 in Kurukshetra, where representatives of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh also participated and gave valuable suggestions related to the farming sector.

He said it is incorrect to suggest that the Budget was shaped only through consultations with industrialists. Such allegations not only lack factual basis but also undermine the contributions of thousands of farmers, experts and stakeholders who actively participated in the process.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Budget is inclusive in nature and reflects inputs from farmers, labourers, youth, women, industry and every section of society.