Chandigarh, August 20 – The Haryana Government has decided to provide the benefit of horizontal reservation in direct recruitment to resident ex-Agniveers of the state. After detailed deliberations on the matter, a policy has now been formulated to provide reservation for ex-Agniveers in various state services.

A letter in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

According to this policy, ex-Agniveers will get 1 percent horizontal reservation in Group-B posts related to skill expertise, and 5 percent in Group-C posts (excluding some specified categories). In the Home Department, 20 percent reservation will be given for the posts of Police Constables. Similarly, 10 percent reservation has been fixed for the posts of Forest Guard in the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Warder in the Jail Department, and Mining Guard in the Mines and Geology Department.

To ensure fair distribution among all social categories, reservation will be applied at fixed roster points. Selection will be purely on the basis of merit, and ex-Agniveers will be selected against reserved posts within their respective vertical categories. If suitable ex-Agniveers are not available, the vacant posts will be filled by eligible candidates of the concerned category.

The government has also decided that during recruitment for the posts of Police Constable, Forest Guard, Jail Warder, and Mining Guard, ex-Agniveers will be exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test, since their physical fitness and military training are already certified. In addition, ex-Agniveers are already exempted from the Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group-C recruitments. They will also be exempted from skill-related tests for which they have received training during their military service. However, they will be required to appear in the written examination prescribed by the Haryana Staff Selection Commission for the advertised posts. This exemption will be applicable when they apply in response to advertisements issued by the Commission.

Chandigarh, August 20 – Haryana has significantly intensified its campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse through a comprehensive strategy combining strict enforcement, widespread awareness programmes, and enhanced rehabilitation measures. This coordinated approach has delivered remarkable results in 2025, as highlighted during the 11th State Narco Coordination (NCORD) meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today. The Chief Secretary reaffirmed the government’s determination to achieve the ambitious goal of a completely Drug-Free Haryana through a holistic three-pronged approach that not only tackles the symptoms of drug abuse but also addresses its root causes while strengthening systems of recovery and reintegration.

Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), said the state’s enforcement machinery has delivered exceptional results in the first seven months of 2025. Authorities registered 2,161 FIRs compared to 2,022 during the same period last year, while 3,629 accused persons were arrested, representing an impressive 35 percent increase over 2024. Strengthened interstate coordination led to 293 interstate arrests in commercial quantity cases, marking a major step in dismantling cross-border trafficking networks. The state also struck hard at the financial backbone of drug offenders, with property attachments rising sharply from ₹23.41 lakh in 2024 to ₹1.31 crore in 2025. Preventive policing strategies also proved highly effective, with preventive detentions jumping from 8 to 42 cases.

She also called for joint raids with neighbouring districts to dismantle the supply chain of drugs being transported into Haryana by the smugglers. She also directed formation of a smaller task force at the HoD level which shall hold regular meetings to resolve pending issues.

She further stated that Haryana’s massive focus on awareness and youth engagement has been equally noteworthy. Within just seven months, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) conducted 698 anti-drug awareness programmes across the state, successfully reaching more than 1.15 lakh participants from diverse communities. Youth engagement through sports has emerged as a cornerstone of the campaign, with the “Drug-Free Village/Ward” programme covering 4,270 villages and engaging nearly 2.8 lakh young people in constructive sporting activities. These efforts have been reinforced by door-to-door survey teams deployed to conduct regular audits and ensure active grassroots participation in anti-drug initiatives.

The meeting also reviewed several systemic reforms and strategic initiatives forming the backbone of the anti-drug campaign. These included the rollout of centralized pharmaceutical supply chain monitoring systems to prevent misuse of prescription medicines, systematic inspection of de-addiction centres in all districts to ensure compliance with prescribed standards, and significant upgrades in forensic laboratories with advanced equipment for synthetic drug detection. The state has also expanded the use of national databases such as NATGRID and MANAS, supported by regular training programmes for officials, while intensifying surveillance of closed chemical factories to prevent their illegal reactivation for drug production, she added.

Educational institutions have also been assigned a critical role in sustaining awareness. The School Education Department has been directed to strengthen parental involvement in Prahari Clubs, while the Higher Education Department continues to organize monthly awareness drives in colleges across Haryana. These initiatives ensure that anti-drug messaging reaches young people consistently, meaningfully, and with strong community participation.

Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, SEWA Department, Dr G. Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Sh. AK Singh, DGP, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, Sh. OP Singh and other snior officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 20 – Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, said that the proposed Jungle Safari project in the Aravalli region is a special initiative of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. The detailed design and project report will be prepared within the next two months, followed by the global tender process, so that work on the project can start soon. The project aims not only to boost eco-tourism, but also to protect biodiversity and create employment opportunities for local people.

Rao Narbir Singh was chairing a review meeting with officers of the Forest Department in Chandigarh today. The Life Science Education Trust gave a presentation on the project. Additional Chief Secretary, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Forest Department, and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

He said that the Aravalli is India’s oldest mountain range, spread across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi, covering 1.15 million hectares. The central government has entrusted Haryana with the responsibility of the Aravalli Green Wall Project and Jungle Safari, which will prove to be a milestone in environmental conservation.

Inspired by projects in Nagpur and Jamnagar

Rao Narbir Singh said that earlier this project was with the Tourism Department, as per the directions of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, it has now been handed over to the Forest Department. He personally visited the Gorewada Safari in Nagpur and the Vantara project in Gujarat for inspiration. The Haryana government’s aim is to have this mega project inaugurated by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, he added.

Proposed across 10,000 acres in Gurugram and Nuh

It was informed in the meeting that the Aravalli Safari is proposed over nearly 10,000 acres in Gurugram and Nuh districts. In the first phase, it will be developed on around 2,500 acres. The project will be implemented in accordance with the rules of the Central Zoo Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Minister further said that this will be a major investment project, and possibilities under the PPP model will be explored for its operation. Just like Gujarat’s Vantara and Kevadia Zoo projects have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), Haryana too will complete the MoU process soon. He also shared that guidelines for night safari have now been issued. Through the Aravalli Green Wall project, large-scale plantation of indigenous species, soil health improvement, groundwater recharge, and biodiversity conservation will be ensured. 

Inspired by the Prime Minister’s Vision

Rao Narbir Singh said the project is inspired by the vision of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. He appealed to the people of the state to pledge their support for the protection and conservation of wildlife, as also emphasised by the Prime Minister in his Mann ki Baat programme.

Chandigarh, August 20:

In yet another move towards the welfare of labourers, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government has approved a 10 percent increase in Mandi labour rates. This decision was taken during a Board of Directors meeting chaired by S. Harchand Singh Barsat, Chairman Punjab Mandi Board.

Notably, the Mandi labour rate has been hiked from Rs 17.50 to Rs 19.26 per 37.5 kg bag of paddy, marking an increase of Rs 1.76 per bag.

 S. Harchand Singh Barsat said that the 10% hike in Mandi labour rates is a response to Labour Unions’ demands, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to labour welfare under CM Mann’s leadership. The revised rates will provide much-needed relief to labourers and their families, promoting fair labour practices and improving lives of those crucial to the agricultural supply chain.

 During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held regarding initiatives being taken to increase the income of Punjab Mandi Board. Chairman Punjab Mandi Board stated that special plans have been formulated to boost the Board’s income and work is being carried out with great enthusiasm. Vacant plots in state grain markets are being auctioned through e-auction and ATMs and Unipols are being installed in various markets.

He informed that Punjab Mandi Board has been making special efforts to provide better facilities to farmers, commission agents, labourers and the general public. Development works are underway in various markets, and robust arrangements are being made for facilities during the Kharif procurement season, keeping everyone’s needs in mind.

Among others, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board Mr. Ramvir, Chairman Punjab Farmers Commission Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Special Secretary Agriculture Ms. Baldeep Kaur and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh August 20, 2025 –

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state has arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Om Prakash, posted at police station Sohana, district Mohali for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 1. 55 lakh.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above mentioned police personnel has been arrested following an investigation of an online complaint lodged by the complainant at the Chief Minister Anti Corruption Action Line.

He further informed that as per the complaint, a police case was registered against Gurjit Singh and his wife at Sohana police station, district Mohali. The accused ASI Om Prakash, who was involved with the said case had demanded a bribe of Rs 2.50 lakh for cancellation of case registered against the complainant and his wife. Subsequently, the accused police official had accepted Rs 1.55 lakh as a bribe for this motive from the complainant.

He added that following a thorough verification, the allegations levelled in the complaint was found to be substantiated. The VB has registered a case under Prevention of Corruption Act at VB Police Station, SAS Nagar, Punjab, at Mohali against the accused ASI Om Prakash.

A spokesperson of the VB reiterated the Punjab government’s unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. This arrest demonstrates the Bureau’s resolve to take stringent action against any public servant involved in corrupt practices, irrespective of their rank or position.

Chandigarh, August 20:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian unveiled a Photo Exhibition “Punjab in Frames” at Kala Sangam, Punjab Arts Council in Sector-16, Chandigarh. The exhibition, a labor of love by Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, State Information Commissioner, Punjab, showcases his captivating photographs and dedicated his passionate pictorial work to World Photography Day-2025.

While previewing the rare visuals, Punjab Agriculture Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that the ‘Punjab in Frames’ exhibition is a unique endeavour that showcases the state’s vibrant natural beauty, rich heritage and cultural legacy through visually engaging storytelling. He said that Mr. Sandhu’s photographs beautifully capture the essence of Punjab, from its lush green fields to ancient monuments, sacred shrines and rural traditions. This noble gesture aims to instill appreciation, awareness and pride in society, especially among the younger generation, about Punjab’s glorious heritage and natural beauty. Thoughtfully curated, the exhibition offers an immersive experience, transporting visitors through the heart of Punjab, as seen through Mr. Sandhu’s lens, he added.

Meanwhile, the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab Mr. Inderpal Singh Dhanna appreciated the remarkable initiative of Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, while applauding his sincere commitment to promoting Punjab’s cultural, natural and spiritual identity through the powerful medium of photography.

Punjab Arts Council Chairman Mr. Swaranjit Savi also lauded Mr. Harpreet Sandhu’s commendable service to society, while stating that his artistic capture and preservation of Punjab’s essence in frames reflects a deep sense of responsibility towards the state’s heritage, environment and culture. He further noted that the exhibition would provide the youth with a chance to reconnect with their roots.

The photo exhibition drew an overwhelming response, with prominent academicians, art enthusiasts and distinguished personalities visiting the event and applauding Mr. Harpreet Sandhu’s concept and artistic efforts. The exhibition will remain open to the public until August 21 evening at the Punjab Arts Council in Chandigarh, welcoming students, researchers and art enthusiasts.

Chandigarh, August 20:

          The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued the schedule for the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral roll in view of the upcoming bye-election for 21 – Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

          Divulging the details, Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C informed that the summary revision will be carried out with reference to 1st July 2025 as the qualifying date, and the process will follow the timeline given below:

I. Rationalization of Polling Stations by 28 August 2025 (Thursday)

II. Publication of integrated draft electoral roll on 02 September 2025 (Tuesday)

III. Period of filing claims & objections from 02 September 2025 (Tuesday) to 17 September 2025 (Wednesday)

IV. Disposal of claims & objections by 25 September 2025 (Thursday)

V. Final publication of electoral roll on 30 September 2025 (Tuesday)

          CEO, Punjab Sibin C further informed that a detailed communication has already been issued to all recognized political parties in Punjab regarding the Special Summary Revision for Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency.

          Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to ensuring maximum electoral participation, Sibin C said, “The Election Commission is dedicated to providing every eligible voter the opportunity to enrol and exercise their democratic right. The Special Summary Revision is an important step to ensure that the rolls are accurate, inclusive, and transparent ahead of the bye-election in Tarn Taran. We urge electors of Tarn Taran to actively verify their entries, file claims or objections if required, and make full use of this window for correction and enrolment.”

CHANDIGARH, August 20:

 The Punjab Police has formed several teams to investigate the camps which are allegedly collecting the personal information of individuals in the name of Government Schemes.

 The inquiries have been instituted after receipt of complaints stating that personal data of citizens is being collected by unauthorized persons who are holding camps, making the personal data vulnerable to data thefts and bank frauds. It has also been reported that forms are being filled-up at these camps

 The District Police Authorities have instructed the Inquiry Teams to join concerned persons in the inquiries, visit the alleged places of holding camps and conduct investigations in accordance with law.

          A Punjab Police spokesperson has appealed to the citizens not to share their personal data, including Aadhar Cards etc. with unauthorized individuals and access the Government Schemes directly online or through authorized mechanisms.

          The spokesperson added that the Government Suvidha Centres are facilitating citizens wishing to enroll themselves in Government Schemes or download beneficiary Cards, available after authentication of identity of the applicant from the database.

Chandigarh, August 20:

The Government has received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties.

Disclosing this here today an Official Spokesperson of the Government said that under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act), any collection or use of personal data without consent is a punishable offence. The local police has been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities.

It has also come to notice that several individuals who shared their data were later targeted in scams and banking frauds, including cases where phone numbers and OTPs were misused to siphon off money.

The Government therefore strongly urges the citizens not to share their personal information with unauthorized persons or agencies, as it may be misused at any stage. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and immediately report any such illegal activity to the authorities.

Chandigarh, August 20, 2025

Department of Defence and National Security Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh today organised a special lecture on the topic “Strategic Autonomy and Contemporary World” by Prof. Vijay Khare.

Prof. Khare is a distinguished academic and expert in international relations, global politics, and strategic studies. He is currently the head of department of Defence and Strategic Studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra.

In his lecture, Prof. Khare focused primarily on contemporary global order and challenges to strategic autonomy of the modern states. He traced the development of modern global political architecture from the first World War to the 21st century. He gave a chronology of major international events in order to understand the current international scenario. He pointed that India’s foreign policy of maintaining strategic autonomy was begun with the Non-Alignment Movement adopted by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, and India faced various sanctions and challenges from western world in its pursuit of building a considerable economic and military power in order to maintain its strategic autonomy.

Prof. Khare emphasised that in the post Cold War era, a multipolar world is emerging, where India’s efforts have shifted from maintaining strategic autonomy to strategic balance in order to secure and pursue its national interests. He also expressed his apprehension that lack of research and innovation is hindering India progress at the world stage. He suggested that the government should invest in building its soft power to influence world opinion in its favour. He concluded the lecture by saying that India needs to maintain strategic balance along with strategic autonomy in order to secure its interests.

The lecture was organised under the guidance of Prof. Jaskaran Singh Waraich, Chairperson, Department of Defence and National Security Studies. The department felicitated the speaker, and welcomed the guest, faculty members, research scholars and students present for the event. Dr. Priya introduced the theme of the special lecture and its relevance to international politics to the audience.

Dr. Urmila proposed the vote of thanks and recognised the importance of such events for creating awareness of international events among the academic community. The lecture was attended by the faculty, research scholars, students and student officers of the Department. The session proved to be intellectually enriching and aligned with the department’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and academic dialogue.