Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that no employee working under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam will be removed from service. The welfare of employees remains a top priority for the government, which has undertaken several measures to safeguard their future. Recently, the CET examination was successfully conducted, through which eligible youth will be provided permanent jobs in various government departments.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to mediapersons after a programme held in Panchkula today.

He said that the resolution of the state government is Non-stop efforts – non-stop development. He said that the state is moving rapidly in this direction, ensuring balanced development across all sectors three times faster than before.

He highlighted that the BJP government has provided over 1.85 lakh jobs to youth during its ten and a half years in office, in contrast to 80,000 jobs provided during the Congress regime, which he described as riddled with corruption. Today, our government is offering employment purely on the basis of merit without recommendations or bribes, he said.

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, stating that it came to power by making several promises, including a commitment to provide Rs 2,000 per month to women. However, he claimed, the government failed to fulfill these promises, leading to widespread public disillusionment. He said that soon a portal is being launched in Haryana to provide the benefit of Lado Laxmi Yojana to women.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government is procuring all crops from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). In addition, under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, farmers are being compensated for lower market prices. So far, Rs 15,284 crore has been disbursed to farmers for crop losses, with an additional Rs 58 crore released just yesterday as compensation.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana witnessed a vibrant celebration of athleticism and youth energy today as Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini formally inaugurated the 6th State-Level Khel Mahakumbh at Panchkula’s Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Saturday. The large-scale sporting event will see participation from 15,410 athletes competing across 26 sports.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the Khel Mahakumbh is not just a sporting event; it is a powerful platform that nurtures young dreams and propels them toward national and global recognition. This initiative gives emerging athletes state-level exposure and prepares them for future national and international competitions, he said.

Notably, launched during Haryana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2017, the Khel Mahakumbh has since become a flagship initiative, with five successful editions already held.

Preparing for Olympic Glory in 2036

Highlighting Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India and establishing the country as a sporting superpower, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini affirmed that Haryana is taking proactive steps in that direction. We have already begun preparations at scale. I am confident that Haryana will contribute the maximum number of medals to the national tally in 2036, he added.

He also underscored the state’s ambition of transforming every village into a cradle of sporting excellence, where at least one athlete emerges to represent the nation on the global stage. Our long-term vision isn’t just to make Haryana India’s sports capital, but the world’s, he said.

Round-the-Year Competitions and Sports Calendar

The Chief Minister said that apart from the Khel Mahakumbh, Haryana has rolled out an annual sports calendar packed with competitions such as traditional Akhada Dangal, boxing, volleyball, athletics, badminton, swimming, basketball, taekwondo, gymnastics, and handball, among others. Ten years ago, we envisioned connecting every child to sports, building playgrounds in every village, and providing youth with real opportunities. Today, that vision is becoming a reality, remarked Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Haryana: The Nursery of Indian Sports

The Chief Minister said that because of its robust sports policy and grassroots development efforts, Haryana has earned a reputation as the “nursery of Indian sports.” From the Olympics to the Asian and Commonwealth Games, the state’s athletes have consistently made the nation proud, he said.

The Chief Minister further shared that in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, 4 of India’s 7 medals were won by athletes from Haryana. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, 5 out of the 6 medals won by India went to Haryana players. In the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, 82 athletes from the state participated, securing 28 of India’s 111 medals. Similarly, at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Haryana’s athletes brought home 20 medals. These achievements are the outcome of our visionary sports policies, said the Chief Minister.

Strong Support for Budding Talent

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Khel Mahakumbh serves as a launchpad for young talent aspiring to build a future in sports. To foster this ambition from an early age, the state has set up 1,489 sports nurseries where 37,225 children currently receive training, financial support, and mentorship. Children aged 8–14 receive Rs. 1,500 per month, while those aged 15–19 are given Rs. 2,000 per month to support their training.

The Chief Minister said that to ensure career security for top-performing athletes, the state implemented the Haryana Outstanding Player Service Rules, 2021, creating 550 new posts in the Sports Department. So far, 224 athletes have been offered government jobs, with reservations extended from Class I to Class IV positions, he shared.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is also recognized for offering the highest cash rewards to medal-winning athletes in India. The government has disbursed Rs. 593 crore in cash prizes to date. In addition, 298 athletes receive honorariums, and over 29,000 students have received scholarships worth Rs. 53.45 crore since 2014. Through the Haryana Provision of Sports Equipment Scheme, 15,634 athletes have been provided with modern sports gear, he said.

Investing in Infrastructure and Fitness

The state has significantly strengthened its sports infrastructure, aiming to offer athletes world-class facilities. The Khel Mahakumbh is also a vehicle to promote physical fitness and health awareness among the youth. This Mahakumbh marks the beginning of a new era in Haryana’s sporting journey. It will inspire our youth, fuel their aspirations, and elevate Haryana’s status on the global sporting map, the Chief Minister said, while also honoring several outstanding athletes during the event.

Haryana emerging as a sporting powerhouse, Khel Mahakumbh giving youth new energy and recognition, Minister of State Gaurav Gautam

Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that more than 15,000 athletes from across Haryana will participate in 26 sporting disciplines in this Khel Mahakumbh, an event that surpasses even national-level competitions like ‘Khelo India’ in terms of participation.

He lauded Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for taking sports to villages and districts through visionary leadership, helping nurture raw talent at the grassroots. He highlighted that the state government has set up sports nurseries in villages to groom rural talent, while the central government is polishing athletes through initiatives like Khelo India by providing international-level facilities. Simultaneously, the Haryana government is preparing players for the Olympics through the ‘Mission Olympic Vijay Bhav:’ so that Haryana can win a record number of medals in 2036. Keeping the 2036 Olympics in focus, athletes in the state are being given access to sports science support and world-class coaching.

Haryana has become the leading state in sports today. Despite having only 2 percent of India’s population, Haryana’s athletes have won more than 60 percent of the medals, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that Haryana is rapidly gaining global recognition in sports. He further added that under the Outstanding  Sportsperson scheme, the state government is offering government jobs to athletes who win medals at national and international levels.

Comparing previous governments, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that while the Congress government spent only Rs. 33 crore on sports during its tenure, from 2014 to 2024, the present government has invested Rs. 600 crore in athletes and sports development. He credited Haryana’s players’ dedication and the state’s progressive sports policy for putting the state and the country on the world map.

MP Sh. Kartik Sharma, MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Panchkula Mayor Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Principal Secretary, Sports Department Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director, Sports Sh. Sanjeev Verma, players Babita Phogat and Deepak Hooda, and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.

Chandigarh:

Reinforcing its national leadership in the field of cadaver organ donation, PGIMER Chandigarh has once again emerged as a trailblazer by clinching the prestigious national award for Best ROTTO for the second consecutive year— marking its third national win since the inception of the award in 2019 . The accolade was presented at the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day celebrations held today at the iconic Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi , under the aegis of the *National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) .
The moment was made truly memorable by the presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest . A statesman known for his transformative health policy leadership, Shri Nadda lauded the remarkable strides made by the country in the last few years in promoting ethical organ donation, streamlined transplantation coordination, and impactful public awareness.

The award was received by an esteemed delegation from PGIMER, led by Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, accompanied by Sh. Pankaj Rai , Deputy Director (Administration), Prof. (Dr.) Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent and Nodal Officer, ROTTO PGIMER, and Ms. Saryu D. Madra, Consultant (IEC/Media).

The high-profile national celebration drew participation from across the country, including secretaries from various states, heads of major institutions, civil society organizations, NGOs, and transplant coordinators—making it a momentous gathering of India’s most committed voices in organ donation advocacy.

Also present were senior officers  from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, including Ms. Nivedita Gupta, Secretary, Dr. Sunita Gaur, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), and Sh. Vivek Nehra, Joint Secretary.

In a crowning achievement, PGIMER Chandigarh was also honoured with the award for the Best Brain Stem Death (BSD) Declaration Team, recognizing the institute’s unwavering adherence to transparent, timely, and ethically sound donor identification and management protocols. The award was received by a distinguished team led by *Prof. Vivek Lal, and comprising Prof. Vipin Koushal, Prof. Kajal Jain, Prof. Rajesh Chhabra Prof. Ashish Sharma, Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, Dr. Hemant Bhagat, and Dr. Shanky Singh.

Others present on the occasion representing ROTTO North included Milan K Balla, Consultant ( Data Management), and officials Manpreet and Ritika.

Expressing deep satisfaction and pride, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said, “This recognition is not just a reflection of our achievements, but also of our commitment to a cause that saves lives. It reaffirms the trust placed in PGIMER’s ROTTO North by donor families, transplant teams, and the government alike. Our mission is rooted in service, and awards like these inspire us to aim higher every year.”

Prof. Vipin Koushal,  Superintendent cum Nodal Officer, ROTTO PGIMER, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This award is a collective victory—for our teams, for the donor families, and for the countless recipients whose lives have been transformed. It’s a powerful reminder that organ donation is not just a medical act, but a profound act of humanity.”

A particularly poignant and emotional moment was the felicitation of Mr. Krishna, a heart recipient, along with his parents Mr. Bhupinder and Ms. Madhu. Their presence served as a compelling human testimony to the life-changing potential of organ donation and brought into sharp focus the reason behind every effort made in this domain.

With this, ROTTO PGIMER Chandigarh has now won the Best ROTTO Award three times—in 2019, 2024, and 2025 —cementing its place at the forefront of the national transplant movement. In preceding years, PGIMER has also received four national awards for Best Hospital in Deceased Organ Donation (2015-16, 2016-17, 2018-19, 2019-20), and in 2022-23, was recognised as the Union Territory with the Highest Number of Deceased Donors.

Reflecting on the sustained excellence, Sh. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Admn.), PGIMER, said, “This is a moment of immense pride for all of us at PGIMER. Our dedicated team continues to work round the clock to make every donation count. This award belongs to every member of our extended team, and most importantly, to the brave donor families. We would like this noble cause to be widely promoted and celebrated through our student volunteers under Project Sarathi.”

Since its designation as the Regional Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) in 2015, PGIMER has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of promoting the cause of organ donation across northern India—including the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Union Territories of Jammu, Kashmir, and Chandigarh. With strategic clarity, tireless commitment, and a mission-driven spirit, PGIMER’s ROTTO North continues to set national benchmarks in cadaver organ donation—championing hope, humanity, and healing.

Other  commendations under the ROTTO North umbrella included SOTTO Punjab, which was recognised as the Best Emerging State in Organ Donation ;  and SOTTO Rajasthan , which earned accolades for Best IEC and Awareness Activities.

Chandigarh, August 2:

The Personnel Department of the Punjab Government has issued a letter today, providing instructions and extending the deadline for general transfers/postings of government officers and employees across the state.

According to the letter, in continuation of Letter No. 07/01/2014-1PP2(3PP2)/382-385 dated 05.06.2025 issued by the Personnel Department, the time period for general transfers/postings in all departments and institutions of the Punjab Government was earlier fixed from 23.06.2025 to 01.08.2025. However, through the latest communication, this period has now been extended until 20.08.2025.

A government spokesperson stated that after 20.08.2025, a complete ban on general transfers will be enforced. Thereafter, transfers/postings may only be carried out in accordance with the provisions laid down in the transfer policy issued by the Personnel Department on 23.04.2018.

This letter has been circulated to the heads of all state departments, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, sub-divisional magistrates, and the chairpersons/managing directors of all boards and corporations in the state.

Chandigarh, August 2:

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, to appear in person and submit a report during the hearing of a pending case.

Providing details in this regard, a spokesperson of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that Dr. Sandeep Kaur, Assistant Director, Physical/Audio Forensic Science Laboratory, Phase-4, Mohali (District SAS Nagar), had submitted a written complaint on January 20, 2025. In her complaint, she alleged that her office head, Mr. Ashwani Kalia, had made casteist remarks against her. The District Attorney has also recommended the registration of a case, but no action has been taken by the police so far.

The spokesperson further informed that the Commission has scheduled the next hearing for August 4, 2025, and has instructed SSP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mr. Harmandeep Singh Hans, to appear in person.

Chandigarh, August 2:

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Sardar Jasvir Singh Garhi has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar to appear in person before the Commission and submit a report in the matter.

A spokesperson for the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission said that Mrs Parminder Kaur, wife of Mr Bhushan Kumar and resident of House No. 610, Street No. 4, Shaheed Udham Singh Colony, Shahrwar Gate, District Amritsar, filed a written complaint with the Commission on 17-03-2025. She alleged that an individual was harassing her by using caste-based slurs, uttering obscene words when she left for work, and making illegal videos.

The Commission sought a report from the Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab; however, no appropriate action has been taken against the accused to date.

After reviewing the matter, the Chairman has directed the Commissioner of Police, Amritsar, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar to appear in person on 04-08-2025 and submit a comprehensive report.