Chandigarh, July 12 – In a significant milestone for maternal healthcare services in Haryana, the first Lower Segment Cesarean Section (LSCS) was successfully conducted today at the newly operational First Referral Unit (FRU) at Community Health Centre (CHC), Mullana in Ambala district.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said, “This marks the beginning of a new chapter in providing quality maternal care at the grassroots level. Timely access to life-saving services will help reduce maternal and infant mortality in the region,” she said.

She further emphasized that the state government remains committed to strengthening healthcare delivery systems in rural areas. “The operationalization of FRUs like the one in Mullana aligns with our broader mission to improve access to emergency obstetric care, especially for high-risk pregnancies,” she added.

The successful LSCS procedure was carried out by a dedicated team of doctors and nursing staff, reflecting the enhanced capabilities now available at the upgraded facility.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has been at the forefront of several impactful health initiatives in Haryana, with a special focus on improving the sex ratio and enhancing services related to women and child health. Her proactive leadership has led to the successful implementation of numerous schemes aimed at ensuring safer motherhood, better child health outcomes, and access to reproductive healthcare across the state.

Chandigarh 11 July 2025:

After the conduct of general election of Gram Panchayats which was held on 15.10.2024, 90 posts of Sarpanches and 1771 posts of Panches are currently vacant in different Districts as per information received from the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats. In order to fill up these vacant posts, the State Election Commission has announced the bye-election schedule.

As per the schedule, 14.07.2025 (Monday) will be the first date for filing of Nominations (between 11 a.m to 3 p.m.), in the Offices of the concerned Returning Officers.  The last date for filing Nominations will be 17.7.2025 (Thursday) upto 3 p.m. Scrutiny of Nominations will be conducted on 18.07.2025 (Friday) and the last date for withdrawal of candidature will be 19.07.2025 (upto 3 p.m.).  Poll will be held on 27.07.2025 (Sunday), from 08.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. through the use of Ballot Papers.

The Final Publication of updated Electoral Rolls was published on 23.05.2025 by the concerned District Election Officers.  The polled votes will be counted on the same day at the polling station itself, after the completion of polling of votes. The expenditure limit notified for a candidate contesting for the post of Sarpanch is Rs. 40,000/-, whereas for Panch expenditure limit has been fixed at Rs. 30,000/-.

The Commission has made all the logistical arrangements to conduct these elections in a smooth and peaceful manner.

Chandigarh, July 11:

Punjab Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today presented a government resolution in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha opposing the Union Government’s proposal for CISF deployment at BBMB installations in the state.

While presenting the resolution, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal stated that in recent years, the Government of India’s Ministry of Power had sent a list of important BBMB installations that were not yet under CISF security and strongly stressed the need for CISF security coverage, stating that complete security should be provided to all important BBMB locations.

He said that Punjab has reconsidered the issue of CISF deployment and has registered strong objections against CISF deployment through letters sent to BBMB on May 27, 2025, and July 4, 2025. He stated that despite Punjab’s strong objections, CISF is considering proceeding with the deployment. Even in the recent BBMB meeting held on July 4, 2025, Punjab strongly opposed the proposal.

He categorically stated that BBMB installations have been completely secured by Punjab Police for around 70 years. Even during very sensitive periods, no untoward incidents have ever occurred.

The Water Resources Minister said that the state police deployed at BBMB are well-acquainted with local conditions and have been serving these projects for many years. As far as technology is concerned, Punjab Police is proficient in using the latest technology. Besides this, Punjab Police has extensive experience in handling such situations in border areas. This force is as professional as any other force in the country, he added.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that CISF deployment would impose an unnecessary financial burden on Punjab and other partner states. Punjab is the major contributor to BBMB expenses and therefore Punjab would have to bear this additional cost, said the cabinet minister, adding that the installations are within the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. As per the law, the responsibility of maintaining law and order within their respective boundaries and ensuring security of these installations lies with the concerned state governments.

He said that according to recent proposals, the additional financial impact due to CISF deployment would be Rs.49.32 crore per year. He stated that Punjab is also managing other dams, including Ranjit Sagar Dam and Shahpurkandi Dam. The security of these dams is more critical than BBMB installations because these dams are very close to the international border. The security of these dams is being provided by Punjab Police and the state government.

The Cabinet Minister said that the cost of CISF hybrid model deployment is Rs.49.32 crore more than the current state police deployment, which is unacceptable. Punjab is a major stakeholder in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and makes significant contributions to its funding. Therefore, deploying CISF personnel at Bhakra Nangal and other hydro projects would impose an unnecessary and avoidable financial burden on the Punjab Government.

He said that if BBMB still intends to deploy CISF personnel, Punjab will not bear the cost of such deployment or any financial burden arising from it.

During the debate on the resolution, Sh. Goyal revealed that during the tenure of the previous Congress government, consent for CISF deployment was given to the Centre through a letter dated December 6, 2021.

“When Punjab Police is capable of securing the dams, then why is the Centre showing the need for CISF? Actually, this is about the Union Government’s attempt to seize control of dams under the guise of deploying CISF,” he added. He said that recently, the Union Government, in collusion with the Haryana Government, attempted to usurp Punjab’s water rights, which was strongly opposed by the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government. “When attempts were made to pressure the state, we went there and staged protests and protected our waters,” he said.

He said that due to this, the Union Government is attempting to seize control of Punjab’s dams indirectly by deploying CISF. He said that Punjab has sacrificed everything for the country, but the state has always been betrayed. Even during the Ravi-Beas water sharing in 1981, out of 17 MAF water, Punjab was allocated only 4 MAF water. Subsequently, the 13 paras of the Rajiv-Longowal Agreement of July 24, 1985, including one point stating that Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab on January 26, 1986, were not implemented and no other point was acted upon, but only the provision to take away the state’s water was implemented.

“Punjab needs 30 MAF water, but there is no water available for us,” said Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, adding that the Chairman of BBMB is working on the Centre’s directions. All work is being done at the behest of the Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Haryana, whereas he should treat the entire states equally.

Considering these aspects, the House unanimously rejected BBMB’s proposal to deploy CISF personnel at all its installations. The House strongly stated that the currently deployed state police are well-acquainted with the location and security requirements of these projects, having served in these areas for many years. The existing arrangement has proven efficient and cost-effective, with no significant security deficiencies reported. Therefore, Punjab State does not agree with CISF deployment at the Bhakra Nangal Project.

The House unanimously recommended that the Punjab Government will raise this matter with the concerned ministries of the Government of India and inform the Government of India and BBMB that CISF personnel should not be deployed at Bhakra Dam projects and other hydro projects of BBMB.

Chandigarh, July 11:

Launching a scathing attack on previous regimes for undermining the interests of the state, Aam Aadmi Party Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government would fight tooth and nails to protect interests of Punjab.

He was addressing the house on an official resolution moved by Water Resources Minister in Punjab Vidhan Sabha against the deployment of CISF at BBMB installations in the state.

Mr. Aman Arora said that Punjab is an agrarian state and its life revolves around farmers, their fields and water. He slammed previous governments for their short-sightedness and overly prioritising electoral gains over long-term planning, while noting that agriculture’s significant contribution to Punjab’s economy and the fact that around 70% of the state’s population depends on it.

“The people of Punjab are well aware that during the Congress regime, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, when Congress ruled Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan, the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal construction commenced from Kapuri. Punjab knows who challenged it in the Court and how it was later withdrawn during the same Congress regime”, said Mr. Aman Arora while adding that this is a very emotional issue for every Punjabi. The BJP led Centre Government also attempted to unilaterally alter the BBMB selection committee, which historically included Member (Power) from Punjab and Member (Irrigation) from Haryana. Given that Punjab bears 60% of the expenses of the BBMB project but the centre overlooked the interests and rights of the state.

He further highlighted that the BSF’s jurisdiction expansion was also done during the Congress regime. In June 2018, then Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh wrote a letter to the central government, suggesting that the security of Punjab’s jails should be handed over to the CISF, implying that the Punjab Police was not competent. This raises questions about the consistency of their stance on the state’s autonomy and security matters. He also noted that three out of the four partner states in BBMB had given consent for the deployment of central forces during the Congress party’s term.

While strongly supporting the resolution, Mr. Aman Arora reaffirmed the AAP led Punjab Government’s strong stance to protect the state’s interests and rights, while ensuring that Punjab’s rights are not compromised.

Punjab Police is competent to protect all the installations of BBMB, Mr. Arora said while dismissing the need for CISF deployment. He emphasised the state’s capability to manage its own security affairs.

Chandigarh, July 11:

In a significant step towards administrative reform and strengthening the horticulture sector of the state, the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has issued a Gazette notification amending the Punjab Horticulture (Group A) Service Rules, 2015. The reform has been spearheaded by Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, who has been consistently advocating for better service conditions for officers working in the horticulture sector.

Lauding the notification, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat said, “This amendment is a major reform aimed at uplifting our dedicated officers. I am grateful to Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for his support in implementing this step. It will ensure better motivation, fairness, and service delivery in the horticulture sector.”

He informed that as per Notification No. G.S.R.106/Const/Art.309/Amd.(3)/2025 dated July 2, 2025, and published in the Punjab Government Gazette (Extra) on July 4, 2025, the rules have been amended to rationalize the pay scales of Horticulture Development Officers and Sericulture Officers. This long-awaited structural reform will bring uniformity and clarity in service matters, especially with regard to the applicability of pay levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission.

The amendment covers multiple specializations within the horticulture cadre including Protected Cultivation, Biotechnology, Beekeeping, Marketing Intelligence and information, Aeroponics, Nursery Production, Citrus Production and Training, Post-Harvest Management, Mushroom, Entomology, Pathology, Soil, and Sericulture. These changes will bring parity among officers recruited on or after July 17, 2020.

He further added that Punjab is rapidly moving towards crop diversification and value addition through horticulture. “A strong cadre is essential to support farmers and bring innovation into the system,” Bhagat emphasized.

The notification issued by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (Agriculture-4 Branch) also lays down guidelines for promotions and pay scale applicability, ensuring long-term clarity and transparency in service conditions.

Chandigarh, July 11:

A significant moment unfolded today in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha as the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025 was tabled for discussion. Applauding this progressive initiative, Punjab Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, termed it a crucial step towards preserving the state’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Speaking during the discussion, Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the ancient and inseparable bond between humans and animals. She reflected on the evolution of mankind from forests to modern society, highlighting how language and intellect enabled human advancement, but regrettably, also led to increasing acts of cruelty and neglect towards animals.

The Minister narrated a thoughtful anecdote to illustrate how humans, despite being the most powerful species, often misuse their dominance over animals. She remarked that where humans should have shouldered the responsibility of animal welfare, they instead imposed oppression and exploitation.

Addressing the House, Dr. Kaur stressed that the earth was not created solely for humans, but for all living beings — animals, birds, insects, and even invisible micro-organisms — each contributing to the natural balance. She cautioned that disrupting this delicate ecological harmony could have serious consequences for humanity itself.

Referring to Punjab’s age-old traditions, she said animals have always been treated as family in Punjabi households. Cattle like cows, buffaloes, and oxen were nurtured and cared for like one’s own children, and their well-being was considered a moral duty.

Expressing her gratitude towards Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur lauded his vision for reviving Punjabi culture and safeguarding the rights and dignity of animals. She particularly appreciated the revival of traditional practices like bullock cart races as part of the state’s heritage.

Dr. Baljit Kaur underlined that this was the first time such a comprehensive animal welfare bill had been introduced in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha — a landmark move aimed at strengthening both human values and animal rights while protecting the natural environment.

In conclusion, the Minister reiterated that ensuring the protection, care, and respect of animals is a collective social responsibility, and pledged her full support to the bill.

Chandigarh, July 11:-

The Punjab Government is set to expand its educational infrastructure with plans to establish new government colleges in the state, having a special focus on border areas and underserved regions, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister for Higher Education, Punjab.

While moving the Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur Bill-2025 and C.G.C. University, Mohali Bill, 2025 in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday, S. Bains highlighted the state’s remarkable progress in the field of education, citing an 85% increase in enrolment in government colleges.

The Education Minister stated that the all the colleges in the state— Government, Private, Aided— saw a significant rise in student enrolment, from 7 lakh in 2022 to 9 lakh in the last academic session. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda, witnessed a notable surge in enrolment, growing from 1,400 to 2,480 students. Furthermore, the state has expanded its ITI seats by approximately 35,000 in the past three years, with an impressive 99% seat fill-up rate last year, and further, plans to add 5,000-7,000 more seats this year.

He attributed this growth to the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s commitment to transform Punjab into a global education hub. Notably, the government has provided over 54,000 government jobs to the youth, which has significantly helped in curbing brain drain.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the only party in the country’s history to have made education a central plank of its agenda during the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls, S. Harjot Singh Bains said while adding that education is the topmost priority of the Punjab Government.

He highlighted that the state has introduced new-age courses in emerging fields such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Banking, Financial Services, Digital Marketing, Hospitality & Tourism, and Event Management. Furthermore, the state government has also ensured timely disbursement of Scheduled Caste scholarship so that no student should be deprived of quality education due to financial constraints.

The Education Minister said that just three years ago, a staggering 90% of professors’ posts were vacant, and some faculty members were working on a meager salary of Rs 20,000 per month. However, CM Mann-led Government has increased their remuneration to Rs 50,000. He also assured all guest faculty professors that their services are valued and their jobs are secure. The state has made significant progress in recruiting young and talented faculty members to government colleges, filling vacancies that had vacated for decades.

Punjab has become a preferred destination for international students, with students from 70 countries currently studying in the state, he added.

The Education Minister said that concerted efforts are being made to foster meaningful collaboration between academia and industry for empowering students to acquire practical skills and experience. Additionally, initiatives like the Business Blaster program aim to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among students. Through this program, students receive seed money and mentorship support, encouraging them to think creatively and develop their own business ideas, thereby transforming them from job seekers to job providers.

CHANDIGARH, July 11:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state completed 132 days, Punjab Police on Friday arrested 116 drug smugglers and recovered 4.5 kg heroin and 1 kg opium from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 21,495 in just 132 days.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 180 Police teams, comprising over 1300 police personnel, under the supervision of 86 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 459 locations across the state leading to the registration of 85 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 459 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 75 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, July 11:

In a surprise move, Punjab’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh on Friday inspected at the residences of his cabinet colleagues and LOP as a part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s initiative ‘Har Shukarvar Dengue Te Var’. The drive revealed a concerning presence of mosquito larvae in Desert coolers ,Flower pots & water-containers for birds etc , highlighting the need for immediate preventive measures.

“Dengue can become deadly if it turns hemorrhagic, leading to severe complications. However, collective efforts can halt its spread,” Dr. Balbir Singh said while emphasising the importance of eliminating breeding spots and urged caretakers, ministers, LOP and the public to work together to make Punjab dengue-free.

The Health Minister directed officials,from ASHA workers to senior officers, to intensify awareness drives and mobilise communities. He emphasised that Health Committees in every village and mohalla must conduct home inspections every Friday from 9-10am to ensure no mosquito larvae survive.

Dr Balbir Singh urged for mass participation for a better impact to defeat dengue, he also advised everyone to cover water containers, cleaning the desert coolers weekly and not accumulate any stagnant water around their houses.

On the occasion, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, State Program Officer (NVBDCP) Dr Arshdeep Kaur and other health officials were also present.

Chandigarh, July 11:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of every section of society and is according special priority to the progress and welfare of the Scheduled Castes. This was stated today by the Minister for Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Dr. Baljit Kaur, while addressing a meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.

During a special review meeting with the Director of Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation (PSCLDFC), Mr. Ravinder Hans, Dr. Baljit Kaur issued directives to ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes being run by the Corporation effectively reach every eligible beneficiary.

In the meeting, Director Ravinder Hans gave a detailed presentation about the various schemes of the Corporation and informed that a large number of needy families are availing benefits from these government initiatives. He also suggested that special camps should be organized in every district to spread awareness about these schemes and to ensure their benefits are delivered directly to the rightful beneficiaries.

During the meeting, issues such as shortage of staff in the Corporation, administrative difficulties being faced by officials, and some pending matters were also brought to the Minister’s notice.

After giving a patient hearing to all the issues, Dr. Baljit Kaur issued immediate directions to resolve some of the important matters on the spot. She assured that all other pending issues would also be addressed promptly. The Minister further emphasized that the implementation process of the Scheduled Castes welfare schemes would be made more efficient, prompt, and organized to ensure maximum outreach and timely delivery of benefits to the eligible individuals.