Chandigarh, July 3 – Lok Sabha Speaker, Sh. Om Birla said that urban local bodies play a vital role in strengthening the foundations of democracy. He said that elected representatives of urban local bodies must fulfill their responsibilities with a clear focus on the vision of Developed India 2047, adopting innovative approaches, strong leadership, and practical skills. He urged all representatives to take a pledge “My corporation, my council, my municipality, and my city should be counted among the cleanest and most beautiful cities in the world.”

Sh. Om Birla was addressing public representatives from across the country after inaugurating the two-day National Conference on ‘Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and the Role of Urban Local Bodies in Nation Building’, held at the ICAT-2 Campus Auditorium in Manesar on Thursday.

As the Chief Guest, Sh. Om Birla formally inaugurated the conference with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The event was graced by several dignitaries including Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker, Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Industry and Commerce Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh Vipul Goel, and Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Sh. Utpal Kumar Singh.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said that if urban local body representatives step forward with a positive attitude, they can undoubtedly bring dynamic and energetic changes to urban areas. He said that urban local bodies, as the smallest units of the nation, are now playing a strong and vital role in steering the country in a new direction. He added that the gathering aims to explore ways to strengthen India’s democratic institutions for a brighter future. Over the course of the two-day conference, urban local body representatives will engage in discussions, share innovative ideas, and contribute their valuable suggestions and experiences—all in the interest of realizing the vision of a New India and Developed India.

Sh. Birla highlighted the incomparable role urban local bodies play in nation-building, as public representatives listen to the concerns of people at the grassroots level and work towards effective solutions. He said that in a democracy, along with the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, urban and Panchayat institutions form strong links connecting the government with common citizens. While the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha enact laws for public welfare, the executive actively participates in their implementation. He said that local self-governance is a crucial pillar of democracy, with urban local bodies playing a key role in taking democracy to its deepest roots.

Chandigarh, July 3 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the inaugural National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Manesar on Thursday, expressed pride in Haryana being chosen to host the prestigious event. He said that it is our good fortune that Haryana has been entrusted with the responsibility of hosting this national conference. We are gathered here to deliberate on the vital role of urban local bodies in strengthening our democracy and contributing to nation-building. This theme guides us toward nurturing the grassroots of democracy and realizing the vision of the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that urban local bodies are the foundational institutions the “first school and nursery” of democracy. “The deeper the roots of democracy at the local level, the stronger our nation becomes,” he remarked.

He added that when modern infrastructure delivers quality services to citizens, people feel confident that they have entrusted their local governance to capable hands. “A developed India and a developed Haryana can only be achieved through developed cities.  The Chief Minister outlined the state’s ambitious Vision-2047, which includes the goal of building a one trillion-dollar economy and generating 50 lakh employment opportunities in Haryana.

5 ultra-modern cities are being set up under the Panch Gram Yojana – Chief Minister

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Cyber City Gurugram is a model of urban development. Along with this, 5 such ultra-modern cities are being set up under the Panch Gram Yojana along the 180 km long KMP corridor. This plan has been made for a population of 75 lakhs by the year 2050.

People are getting benefits of schemes through PPP

The Chief Minister stated that under the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme, urban infrastructure across Haryana is being significantly strengthened. He highlighted that Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) for all families in the state have been prepared, and all government welfare schemes have been integrated with this system. As a result, citizens are now receiving the benefits of these schemes directly at their doorsteps. He further added that the SVAMITVA Scheme, launched by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and implemented nationwide, has been successfully implemented 100 percent in Haryana. In addition, the state has launched the ‘Nagar Darshan’ Portal to enhance transparency and ensure better delivery of urban services.

Empowered Urban Local Bodies

Chief Minister while emphasizing the importance of strengthening and ensuring transparency in urban local bodies, said that Haryana is rapidly adopting e-governance to achieve this goal. Every municipal corporation in the state is now operating through digital portals, and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) are being utilized to address citizens’ concerns efficiently. He said that property tax, electricity billing, and solid waste management are being prioritized to enhance urban service delivery. “The core mantra of our government is development with environmental sustainability,” he said. To uphold this vision, the Chief Minister underscored the need to prioritize initiatives like rainwater harvesting, green buildings, solar energy, and the promotion of electric vehicles. He said that every municipal body in the state will have to prepare and implement a Green Action Plan. Furthermore, Haryana is accelerating efforts through initiatives such as the Amrit Sarovar and Jal Jeevan Mission to address the growing water crisis.

Haryana constructs 148 Dormitory Units for Workers in Kundli and Manesar Industrial Areas

The Chief Minister said that cleanliness should not merely be a mission but an integral part of our sanskars (values). He explained that while the first phase of the Swachh Bharat Mission focused on public awareness and the second on infrastructure development, the third phase must now focus on instilling these values in our daily lives.

To achieve garbage-free cities, he emphasized the need for 100 percent source segregation, the promotion of bio-CNG, and the adoption of a circular economy. He also reiterated Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of slum-free cities, where every poor family has access to permanent housing, clean drinking water, quality infrastructure, and dignity. Highlighting progress under the PM Awas Yojana, he said that over 4 crore permanent houses have been constructed across the country for poor families. In Haryana, as part of the first phase, 148 dormitory units have been developed for industrial workers in the Kundli and Manesar areas. He urged all citizens to actively contribute toward realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Chandigarh, July 3 — The use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets has been made mandatory in brick kilns located in Haryana’s non-NCR districts. Following recent orders from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has issued a letter to concerned districts for immediate action. The use of biomass fuel was already mandatory in the NCR region. Now, to further reduce pollution caused by straw burning, all brick kilns across Haryana, including those in non-NCR areas, must start using biomass pellets made from paddy straw.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that a phased plan has been laid out to achieve 50 percent blending of biomass pellets in brick kilns in non-NCR areas of the state. The minimum usage targets are as follows:

* From November 1, 2025 — at least 20 percent blending

* From November 1, 2026 — at least 30 percent blending

* From November 1, 2027 — at least 40 percent blending

* From November 1, 2028 — at least 50 percent blending

In line with this, letters have been sent to the Deputy Commissioners of Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Sirsa, and Yamunanagar, directing them to ensure timely and effective implementation.

Chandigarh, July 3 – The Chairperson of Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Sh. Rajesh Verma, today chaired a meeting regarding implementation of various environmental directives for abatement of air pollution in Haryana. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi unveiled a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy to combat air pollution across the state, particularly in the NCR region, during the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by senior members of CAQM, Dr. Virinder Sharma and Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests and Wildlife, Haryana, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy, Sh. AK Singh, Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats, Dr. Saket Kumar and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.

After participating in the meeting, Sh. Anurag Rastogi said Haryana is fully prepared to eliminate paddy stubble burning in 2025. He informed the Commission that the state has taken proactive steps involving both financial incentives and regulatory actions to address the issue in a holistic manner. Out of the total 41.37 lakh acres under paddy cultivation, the state anticipates a straw generation of approximately 85.50 lakh metric tonnes. Of this, 22.63 lakh acres are under basmati and 18.74 lakh acres under non-basmati cultivation. To support farmers, Haryana is offering financial assistance through three flagship schemes: ₹8000 per acre under “Mera Pani Meri Virasat,” ₹1200 per acre under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, and ₹4500 per acre for Direct Seeded Rice (DSR). Applications for these schemes are being received through the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, ensuring transparency and easy access for farmers. On the enforcement front, the state has also implemented strict measures.

Further, Sh. Rastogi informed the CAQM about Haryana’s aggressive push to mandate the use of paddy straw-based biomass pellets in brick kilns located in non-NCR districts. Under Direction No. 92, a clear implementation timeline has been laid out—requiring 20% biomass usage by November 2025, gradually scaling up to 50% by November 2028. This environmentally sustainable initiative has already received approval from the Chief Minister of Haryana. Sh. Rastogi confirmed that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementation will be issued within 15 days to ensure uniform adoption across all concerned kilns.

To address dust pollution from roads and open areas in the Haryana-NCR region, the Chief Secretary outlined a robust strategy. He had earlier chaired a state-level review directing all departments to submit department-wise final action plans for the financial year 2025–26 along with financial commitments. Each road-owning agency has been asked to develop at least one model road stretch aligned with the Standard Framework prescribed by CAQM. A state-level orientation and training programme was successfully organized by the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies, where detailed presentations were made by officials from CAQM, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Jana Urban Space, and the Raahgiri Foundation.

Sh. Rastogi also emphasized the government’s commitment to urban road redevelopment in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat—three key cities identified for dust abatement. Departments including PWD (B&R), HSVP, HSIIDC, NHAI, FMDA, and SMDA have been instructed to prepare comprehensive proposals covering the redevelopment of sidewalks, greening of medians and traffic islands, paving of road shoulders, and proper disposal and management of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. These efforts aim not only to reduce dust levels but also to improve urban aesthetics and infrastructure quality.

In regard to vehicular pollution, the Chief Secretary outlined the progress made under various CAQM directions, including the phasing out of end-of-life (EOL) vehicles, the promotion of cleaner mobility by delivery aggregators and e-commerce platforms, and the migration of inter-city and All India Tourist Permit buses to cleaner fuels. He reiterated Haryana’s full commitment to shifting public transport fleets, including autorickshaws, to electric or cleaner fuel-based vehicles in a phased manner.

The CAQM Chairperson appreciated Haryana’s data-driven, time-bound, and financially backed roadmap and emphasized the need for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities to raise public awareness about CAQM’s directives and promote greater environmental responsibility.

Chandigarh, July 3:
In a remarkable feat, the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MRSAFPI), SAS Nagar (Mohali) sent 21 cadets to the National Defence Academy (NDA) and other prestigious defence training academies in just three weeks. This impressive achievement adds to the institute’s illustrious legacy, with a total of 276 cadets having been inducted into various defence training academies since its inception.

Sharing this today, Director MRSAFPI Major General Ajay H. Chauhan, VSM, (Retd) informed that a total of 18 cadets joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) for its-154 Course, including Aryan Sofeth and Ojas Gaint from Patiala, Anhad Singh Khatumria, Armaanvir Singh Adhi, Harkanwal Singh, Prjveer Singh and Aditya Mishra from Mohali, Bhavik Kansal from Sangrur, Mohanpreet Singh, Balraj Singh Heera and Ishaan Sharma from Ropar, Ranbir Singh and Ishmeet Singh from Bathinda, Samarvir Singh Heer and Nimit Soni from Jalandhar, Manjot Singh from Gurdaspur, Udhaybir Singh Nanda and Gurvanshbir Singh from Tarn Taran.

Additionally, Cadet Gagandeep Singh from Kapurthala joined the Cadet Training Wing of College of Military Engineering (CME) Pune for the Technical Entry Scheme (TES)-53 Course, while Cadets Arshdeep Singh from Gurdaspur and Karan Kaushish from Mohali joined the Air Force Academy for the 218 Course, he added.

While congratulating the cadets for joining the training academies, the Director Chauhan stated that some cadets of the Institute are still awaiting their joining letters and the Institute remains committed to becoming the primary feeder institution for the Armed Forces. Wishing the cadets success in their training, he urged them to work diligently while striving to become exemplary officers who bring pride to Punjab and the nation.

Chandigarh, July 2

The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making continuous efforts to expand the horticulture sector and boost the state’s agricultural economy by promoting crop diversification and enhancing farmers’ income. To assess the progress of horticulture initiatives, Horticulture Minister Mr Mohinder Bhagat held a review meeting with senior officers of the department at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Director Horticulture Mrs Shailender Kaur apprised the Minister of the various ongoing schemes and initiatives being implemented to promote horticulture and uplift farmers’ livelihoods. She shared updates on projects aimed at improving crop productivity, introducing advanced technologies, and facilitating better market access for horticultural produce.

The minister directed the department to ensure that farmers are regularly informed about the latest technologies, government schemes, and best practices through training programs, awareness camps, and digital platforms. He emphasized that timely access to such information will empower farmers to take full advantage of government support.

CHANDIGARH, July 2:

          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 123 days, Punjab Police on Wednesday arrested 156 drug smugglers and recovered 7.8 kg heroin, 3 kg opium and Rs 1.43 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 20,206 in just 123 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 220 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 91 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 477 locations across the state leading to the registration of 104 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 483 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 59 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.