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.

Chandigarh, March 17:

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian has issued a sharp challenge to the Union Government, asserting that it is no longer enough to merely acknowledge Punjab’s historic success in curbing stubble burning, the Centre must now do justice to the state by releasing its long-pending financial dues.

Reacting to data tabled by Union Minister of State for Environment Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Lok Sabha confirming a collective reduction of over 90 per cent in fire incidences across Punjab and Haryana since 2022, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian emphasised that the Centre Government has finally admitted the truth, it continues to unfairly withhold Rs 8800 crore in Rural Development Funds (RDF).

He remarked that it is a profound irony that Punjab farmers are bleeding themselves in controlling paddy burning, while continuing to feed the nation as its “food bowl,”, but the Union Government refuses to pay the state its rightful dues.

Seizing upon the central government’s admission, the Agriculture Minister Khudian asserted that the figures had effectively silenced the critics who consistently targeted Punjab farmers and held the state responsible for North India’s air pollution woes. Those who ran smear campaigns against Punjab and claimed that stubble burning would never end should now eat their words.

“For years, our farmers were stigmatised and Punjab was singled out as the sole contributor to Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. Now, the Union government’s own satellite data, presented formally in Parliament, has put to rest all false narratives. The reduction of over 90 per cent is the Centre’s own admission, backed by scientific evidence,” the Minister stated.

The Agriculture Minister S. Khudian highlighted the state government’s aggressive push for farm mechanisation. He disclosed that Rs 416 crore was utilised during the financial year 2025-26 to provide subsidies on procurement of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery to farmers across the state.

With an enhanced budgetary provision of Rs600 crore for the upcoming financial year 2026-27, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian assured that Punjab is firmly on track to offer a sustainable, long-term solution to the crop residue burning.

“With Rs 600 crore action plan formulated for financial year 2026-27, Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is investing unprecedented resources to ensure that our farmers never have to burn stubble again,” S. Khudian asserted.

The Agriculture Minister demanded the immediate release of Rs 8800 crore pending on account of Rural Development Fund (RDF), which the Centre has been withholding for several procurement seasons. “We have approached the Supreme Court, we have knocked on every door, yet the funds remain withheld,” he added.

Appreciating the Punjab farmers  for their cooperation and willingness to adopt modern machinery, S. khudian said that the state  farmers have once again proven that they are the true annadatas of the nation by making the achievement possible. Our farmers have demonstrated that with the right support, they can achieve what was once considered impossible.

Chandigarh, March 17:

The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has sought a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police Faridkot regarding the action taken so far in the case of Kuldeep Singh and others vs. State of Punjab and others.

Giving information in this regard, the spokesperson of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that in the case of registering an FIR against Jasvir Kaur, Panch Bansa Singh Panch Amrik Singh and others under the SC/ST Act, a complaint was received from Mrs. Amandeep Kaur Sarpanch, wife of Mr. Kuldeep Singh, resident of Gram Panchayat, Chand Bhan Block Jaito, District Faridkot, in which the date has been fixed as 25-03-2026.

 The spokesperson said that after considering the report received from the Punjab Police in this regard, the Commission has desired that keeping in mind the Special Leave Petition No. 13440 of 2025 pending in the Supreme Court, the complete report regarding the arrest report of the accused and other legal action should be sent by a DSP level officer after investigation on 25-03-2026.

DHURI, 17 March 2026:

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said India would have looked very different had Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh been the country’s first Prime Minister, questioning why, even after decades of independence, the nation remains trapped in an outdated system for which revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and Kartar Singh Sarabha laid down their lives. He asserted that it is “writing on the wall” that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will return to power in Punjab in 2027, as fulfilling all guarantees within four years has left the Opposition without any issue to face the people.

The Chief Minister asserted while the Opposition remains busy fighting for power after having “looted Punjab turn by turn”, his government is committed to securing the rights of people, adding that Punjab has not forgotten the sacrifice of 750 farmers who lost their lives during the agitation against the Centre’s three farm laws.

Addressing a gathering after dedicating the newly constructed Sub Divisional Hospital, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a writing on the wall that owing to several people-friendly decisions, the AAP will again form the government in the state,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. He added, “People of Punjab are eagerly ready to constitute the AAP government again after the ensuing Vidhan Sabha polls in 2027. After assuming charge in 2022 from the native village of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, our government took several people-friendly decisions. We have already fulfilled all our promises in four years and in the coming one year we will take the state to a new zenith.”

Emphasising a shift in governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have started a new tradition in politics by completing all promises in four years, whereas parties are not able to do so in five years. From day one, our government is cleaning the mess made by the previous regimes and we are not hesitant to take bold decisions for the welfare of the common man.” He added, “Now again the Congress and Badals are seeking another chance to plunder the state whereas the state has already suffered a lot in their hands.”

Highlighting public sentiment, he said, “The wise people of the state will never give them another chance and they will be sent to political oblivion after the polls.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added, “Those leaders who had patronized the drug trade were put behind bars. These leaders not only patronized drug trade across the state but even sold and supplied drugs in their official government vehicles. Previously no one had ever dared to arrest these affluent leaders, but our government has done so and now they are paying the price for their sins.”

Calling out collusion, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “An unholy nexus prevailed between these political parties as they were hand in glove with each other to loot the wealth of the state. When in power, these parties used to save each other by turning a blind eye towards their misdeeds. However, the AAP government ensured that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are put behind bars.”

Taking aim at Opposition leaders, he said, “Even today they are one and Charanjit Singh Channi, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Captain Amarinder Singh, Sukhbir Singh Badal and others have joined the chorus to target me. Earlier these leaders used to mock me by labeling me as an entertainer, but now they chant my name day and night out of fear.” He added, “In 2017, when AAP got several seats and became Opposition, they said nothing will happen. In 2022 they said nothing will happen, but our government took several path-breaking initiatives. Now again they say nothing will happen in 2027, but AAP will form the government again with a thumping majority.”

On the Opposition’s failure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The entire opposition has never raised a single real issue concerning the people both inside and outside the Vidhan Sabha. This reflects that they are only concerned about their own positions as they are only interested in power.” He added, “Desperate to attain power, the Akali Dal is posting AI-generated videos about me on social media to mislead people. This shows that in dearth of any issue against me they are baffled and making futile attempts to attain power.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Traditional political parties are envious because they are not able to digest that the son of a common man is governing the state effectively. People have lost faith in them due to their anti-people and anti-Punjab stance, which is why they were ousted in 2022.”

Continuing, he said, “These parties are resorting to cheap gimmicks to mislead the people. Earlier they were welcomed with garlands but now people greet them with defeat wherever they go. People have elected sons and daughters of common man who are performing their duties zealously, whereas these traditional parties failed miserably when they were in power.”

On past governance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These leaders plundered the resources of the state for their vested political interests. While Punjab was facing unemployment, brain drain and corruption, these leaders were busy minting money illegally. They built palaces and business empires at the cost of the people and the state.” He added, “They have sown thorns for Punjab and its younger generations by derailing its progress and prosperity. Their hands are drenched in this crime and history will never forgive them for backstabbing Punjab.”

He further said, “These leaders are frustrated because we have exposed their ugly faces before the people and have become a threat to their power. They cannot digest that common people are now getting positions.” Taking a swipe at the Badals, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “They ruined businesses by luring people with false promises. It is said that if you write ‘Badal’ on a tree, it will dry up.”

Invoking Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh in detail, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Bhagat Singh was born in 1907, on 28 September, and was martyred on 23 March 1931 at just 23 and a half years of age. He fought for the country’s freedom and to drive out the British. His way was different because he was young and aggressive, while others like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi had their own approaches. But later, we reduced his legacy to merely offering flowers once a year on 23 March.”

He added, “If Bhagat Singh had lived, or had been given the opportunity to lead after Independence, the entire direction of the country would have been different. He had written extensively, his jail letters and writings were like a manifesto. He had said that he was not worried about whether independence would come or not, because it would come, but he was concerned about who would rule the country after independence.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “Sixteen years after his martyrdom, the country became independent. By 1952, when the first elections were held, Bhagat Singh would have been around 45 years old. He should have been the first Prime Minister of the country. The entire map and destiny of the nation would have been different if Bhagat Singh had led India.”

He continued, “He had already warned that after independence, power should not go into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, the same happened. Even after 80 years, we are still trapped in the same old system, the same patwari-tehsil structure, and people are still struggling for basic needs like jobs and services.”

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Just as Mahatma Gandhi was called Bapu, Jawaharlal Nehru was called Chacha and Chaudhary Devi Lal was called Tau, I consider myself a son and brother of the people.” He added, “Traditional political parties have damaged the country. Congress shaped symbols for itself, while others used religion to seek votes, and people trusted them.”

On drugs, he said, “These parties destroyed generations of Punjab by pushing drugs into the veins of youth. Those responsible are now making hollow claims to mislead people, but they can never be forgiven.” He added, “It is not money but deeds that earn a place in people’s hearts, and we have worked tirelessly for public welfare.”

Listing achievements, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The AAP government has started Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhian Satkar scheme under which women above 18 years of age from general category will receive ₹1000 per month and women from SC category will receive ₹1500. This is a mark of respect for mothers and daughters and their smiles give me satisfaction.”

On employment, he said, “We want to put tiffins in the hands of youth so they stay away from drugs. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, so we are ensuring maximum employment. So far more than 65,000 government jobs have been provided.”

On infrastructure and agriculture, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Power tariffs have been reduced across all sectors. Canal water usage has increased from 21% to 68% and will reach 85% by next paddy season. Around 18,349 water courses spanning 6900 km have been revived and ₹6500 crore has been spent to strengthen the canal system.”

He added, “For the first time, 1365 villages are receiving canal water. Work is underway on more than 49,000 km of rural roads at a cost of ₹16,209 crore.”

On education, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Schools of Eminence have been established with modern infrastructure, smart classrooms and labs. Teachers and principals are being sent abroad for training. Punjab has ranked first in the National Achievement Survey, surpassing Kerala.” He added, “Students are receiving coaching for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT and NIFT, and many have qualified from government schools.”

On healthcare, he said, “Under Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, all 65 lakh families are eligible for cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh. Punjab has become the first state to provide free healthcare to all citizens, with 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics providing daily treatment.”

He further said, “Around 90% households are receiving free electricity. Farmers are getting more than eight hours of uninterrupted daytime power during paddy season. Tariffs have been reduced by 70 paise to ₹1.50 per unit, and the government has purchased a private thermal plant and named it after Sri Guru Amar Das Ji.”

Concluding, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “My sole agenda is the progress of Punjab and prosperity of its people. I am indebted to the people of Dhuri and will leave no stone unturned for the holistic development of this region.”

Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Singh Cheema, Dr Balbir Singh and Barinder Goyal were also present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH, 17th March 2026:

In a defining milestone in Punjab’s education journey, the Bhagwant Mann Government has launched Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0, a transformative new phase of school education reform with a total investment of ₹3,500 crore over the next six years. The initiative aims to deepen structural reforms in government schools and align Punjab’s education ecosystem with global standards.

As part of this mission, the Punjab Government has also entered into a collaboration with the World Bank to support implementation of the programme. The partnership reflects international recognition of the measurable progress Punjab has already achieved in public education reforms.

The ₹3,500 crore mission includes ₹2,500 crore through World Bank loan assistance and ₹1,000 crore from the Punjab Government, making it one of the largest education reform investments in the history of the State.

Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 builds upon the remarkable progress achieved under the first phase of Punjab Sikhya Kranti, which has transformed government schools across the State and propelled Punjab to the top of national education rankings.

In the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 conducted by the Government of India, Punjab ranked Number One in classroom learning outcomes, surpassing Kerala and emerging as the national leader. This achievement reflects the deep structural reforms undertaken through Punjab Sikhiya Kranti, which strengthened classroom instruction, upgraded infrastructure and enhanced school governance across nearly 20,000 government schools.

Over the past two years, the State has also operationalised structured career guidance systems, expanded access to science and commerce streams, strengthened teacher training ecosystems and modernised school infrastructure across thousands of institutions, ensuring that reforms move beyond announcements to measurable outcomes.

These systemic reforms have laid a strong and credible foundation. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 now seeks to institutionalise these gains and prepare Punjab’s education system to compete with the best in the world.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the success of Punjab Sikhiya Kranti has already rewritten the education narrative of the State. “Punjab has shown that government schools can lead the nation. Ranking number one in PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 is proof of that transformation. With Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0, we are now preparing our education system to compete with the best in the world. The collaboration with the World Bank reflects the credibility and transparency with which Punjab has carried out education reforms. This is the next leap forward in our commitment to every child,” said the Chief Minister.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said Punjab Sikhya Kranti has already delivered measurable results and the next phase will expand the scale and depth of reforms. “Punjab Sikhya Kranti transformed our government schools and placed Punjab at the top of national education rankings. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 will now accelerate our journey from national leadership to global excellence. Every child in Punjab deserves opportunities that match international standards, and this mission will help us achieve that vision,” said the Education Minister.

Detailing the next phase of reform, the Punjab Government stated that the ₹3,500 crore mission will deepen and sustain the gains of Punjab Sikhya Kranti through focused and outcome driven interventions. The initiative will prioritise strengthening foundational learning by ensuring every child achieves foundational skills through structured assessments, improved pedagogy and targeted academic support.

It will expand pathways to higher education and careers by increasing access to science and commerce streams, upgrading vocational education and introducing structured career counselling systems to guide students toward higher education and meaningful employment. A comprehensive Career Guidance Portal will be introduced to digitally enable personalised counselling, aptitude assessment and informed career and stream choices for students across the State.

The reform agenda will empower teachers and school leaders by strengthening teacher training institutions, modernising professional development programmes and implementing a comprehensive school leadership framework. It will ensure transparent and accountable school management by enhancing data driven decision making and empowering School Management Committees to strengthen community participation and accountability.

The mission will also create future ready infrastructure and systems by upgrading facilities to ensure safe, sustainable and digitally enabled learning environments aligned with long term resilience and global standards.

Punjab Sikhya Kranti laid the foundation. Punjab Sikhya Kranti 2.0 now carries that transformation forward, preparing Punjab’s education system to compete at the global level.

Chandigarh, March 17:

Cabinet Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today preside over a review meeting   regarding the progress of roads being constructed in the state by the Public Works Department.

During this meeting, he instructed the officers that the targets set by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann regarding the construction of roads in the state should be achieved at all costs.

He said that after the completion of the tender process for the construction of roads, the road construction work has started in full swing and the department is renovating and strengthening more than 60 km of roads daily.   He said that the hot mix plants in the state have started working at their full capacity, due to which more than 100 km of road construction work will be done in the state every day.

He said that the Punjab government has set a target of constructing about 20,500 km of roads in the state by June 30, 2026.

He said that due to the ongoing war in the Gulf countries, there is some shortage of bitumen, but the officials of the department have made full preparations to deal with this problem. He gave instructions to coordinate with the bitumen supplier companies at the highest level in this regard.

S. Harbhajan Singh E. T. O. instructed the officials of the department to ensure that the financial targets and work related matters are achieved at all costs, so that the common people can get a good road network.

Chandigarh, March 17: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has stated that the BJP has not refrained from committing the crime of vote theft, this time in the Rajya Sabha elections, following the Assembly elections.
“The BJP has vindicated the allegations leveled by our leader, Rahul Gandhi by misusing its power and authority in this election. The fact that the BJP fielded a second candidate—the party’s Vice President—despite lacking the requisite numerical strength demonstrates that this party holds no faith in democracy or the public mandate. It seeks to secure victory solely through manipulative tactics,” he said.
Addressing a press conference, Hooda remarked that the BJP employed every conceivable stratagem to stifle democracy. “The government machinery was grossly misused. Four valid votes cast by Congress legislators were arbitrarily invalidated, despite having been accepted multiple times by the Returning Officer,” he said.
MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra stated that, in an effort to ensure a BJP victory, the Returning Officer acted completely as an agent of the BJP. “Nevertheless, both the BJP and the Returning Officer suffered a humiliating defeat in the face of the solidarity displayed by the loyal Congress legislators. Ultimately, the Congress candidate secured a seat in the Rajya Sabha,” he said.
Hooda announced the names of the five Congress legislators who engaged in cross-voting against the party have been forwarded to the High Command. These individuals should voluntarily resign from their posts as MLAs; otherwise, the party will initiate disciplinary action against them within the next few hours. Such individuals will be taught a fitting lesson not only by the party but also by the constituents of their respective constituencies,” he said.
Furthermore, Hooda addressed the false propaganda circulating on social media regarding the vote cast by Badli MLA Kuldeep Vats, stating, “I personally witnessed Kuldeep Vats ji’s vote, he cast his ballot in favor of the Congress candidate,” he said.
He also strongly condemned the attitude adopted by the government within the precincts of the Legislative Assembly. He noted that Congress legislators sought to initiate a discussion regarding the Rajya Sabha elections on the floor of the House; however, they were “named” and expelled from the Assembly—an act he characterized as completely undemocratic.
“The fact that the BJP is shying away from a debate makes it evident that it has something to hide and that it resorted to unethical and undemocratic tactics to win this election,” he added.
On this occasion, Hooda extended his heartfelt congratulations to the party candidate, Karamvir Baudh, on his victory in the Rajya Sabha election. He stated this victory belongs not merely to the candidate, but to the Dalits, backward classes, and marginalized sections of the state. “By sending a party worker from an ordinary family to the Rajya Sabha, the Congress has once again demonstrated that it is a party that believes in the participation of all sections of society,” he stated.

Chandigarh: The Horticulture wing of the institute brought laurels to PGI by winning top position by getting 34 prizes and overall trophy in Vasant Utsav 2026 flower competition organized by PMDA at Town Park, Sector 5, Panchkula from 13.03.2026 to 15.03.2026. The wing got 18 first prizes, 12 second prizes and 4 third prizes in Pot section and cut flower section. The wing won the overall trophy for the 5th consecutive year, which is also a record performance in the show by any competitor.

Chandigarh:

In a significant milestone for hearing healthcare in North India, one of the first SMART Nucleus NEXA CI1032 Slim Peri modiolar Cochlear Implant in South Asia and FIRST one in Tricity has been successfully performed by leading cochlear implant surgeon Dr. Jaimanti Bakshi, HoD, Department of ENT and Head and Neck surgery and her team of surgeons, along with Associate Professor Dr. Dharam Vir and Dr. Noorain Alam from Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Department

This achievement marks a major advancement in cochlear implant accessibility and technology adoption in the region and signals a new era in hearing restoration.

Early Identification and Intervention: A Critical Need

Hearing loss in children often goes unnoticed in the early months of life, yet this is the most crucial period for speech and brain development. Early identification allows timely treatment that can prevent delays in speech, language, learning, and social skills. Specialists emphasize that early intervention is not merely beneficial — it is the need of the hour. When auditory stimulation is provided at the right developmental window, outcomes in listening and spoken language improve dramatically, giving children the opportunity to integrate fully into mainstream education and society.

What Is a Cochlear Implant and How It Works

A cochlear implant is an advanced electronic hearing device designed for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who gain limited benefit from hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, a cochlear implant bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve using electrical signals. These signals are interpreted by the brain as sound, enabling recipients to perceive speech and environmental sounds.

Global Innovation: The Nucleus NEXA System

Launched globally last year by Cochlear Limited, the Nucleus NEXA cochlear implant represents a new generation of hearing technology with proven reliability and forward-looking design.

The NEXA system is recognized as the world’s first and only SMART cochlear implant platform featuring:

Upgradeable firmware capability powered by the advanced NEXOS chipset

Built-in implant memory that stores MAPs and essential hearing settings enabling SMART Sync which helps our recipients to get On Air quickly in case of replaced or upgraded sound processor.

Dynamic power management for efficient energy use and optimized performance

These innovations ensure that recipients benefit from technology designed to evolve with their hearing needs over time.

Why the Family Chose NEXA

The family opted for the NEXA system after understanding its future-ready design, intelligent features, and reliability. The ability of the implant to store hearing settings internally, support firmware upgrades, and provide consistent sound performance offered reassurance that the child would have access to advanced hearing support for years to come.

Trust in Expertise: Why PGIMER

The family’s decision was also guided by the experience and reputation of the treating team. Dr. Jaimanti Bakshi’s surgical expertise, combined with the multidisciplinary cochlear implant program at PGIMER, provides patients with comprehensive care from evaluation through surgery.