CHANDIGARH, July 15:

          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 136 days, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 97 drug smugglers and recovered 8.3 kg heroin and 507 grams opium from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 22,054 in just 136 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 85 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 400 locations across the state leading to the registration of 75 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 419 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 91 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, July 15

In a groundbreaking move to safeguard sacred religious scriptures, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann Punjab Government has introduced the Punjab Prevention of Offences against Holy Scripture(s) Bill, 2025, aimed at ensuring the dignity and respect of all religions in Punjab, said Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of Education and Information & Public Relations, Punjab.

While participating in the discussion on the Bill in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, S. Harjot Bains highlighted the historic trauma inflicted upon the Sikh community, referencing the attacks on the Golden Temple and Akal Takht. He noted that even today, the scars of those wounds persist in Amritsar, and 41 years after the Sikh genocide, justice remains elusive.

He slammed those who claimed to serve the Panth and protect Sikhism were the same individuals who were drunk in power when “Angs” of Sri Guru Granth Sahib were violated in the streets. People of Punjab can forgive them for accumulating wealth and building hotels like Sukhvilas in every district,S. Harjot Singh Bains added while stating, “but showing no regard for our Guru’s scriptures and firing bullets at Sanger protesting against desecration, for their own politics, is totally unacceptable.”

S. Harjot Singh Bains alleged that previous governments had tacit agreements facilitating drug trade and desecration. He claimed a decade-long conspiracy aimed to divide Punjab, alienate it from spiritual roots, and keep it fragmented, drugged, and disconnected from its rich heritage.

He said that Punjab, a land of immense spiritual significance, proudly claims the distinction of being the birthplace of the Rigveda, the world’s first scripture. It is also the land where the epic Ramayana was composed by Bhagwan Valmiki. Furthermore, Punjab is revered as the place where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib was compiled.

S. Bains stated that countless Sikhs have laid down their lives and made extraordinary sacrifices to uphold the dignity and sanctity of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The valour and devotion displayed by Sikh soldiers during World Wars I and II stand as a testament to their unshakeable commitment to their faith and Guru, as they safeguarded the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib amidst formidable challenges and intense battles.

In recent years, the desecration incidents hurt Sikh sentiments, with perpetrators seemingly emboldened by previous governments’ inaction. The CM Mann led Punjab Government has indeed taken a significant step towards ensuring the dignity and respect of all religions by introducing the Punjab Prevention of Offences Against Holy Scriptures Bill, 2025, he added.

S. Bains said that this bill defines desecration broadly, including acts like tampering, burning, tearing, destruction, defacing, and damaging sacred texts such as the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Gutka Sahib, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Quran Sharif and Holy Bible among others. The bill prescribes stringent punishments for offenders, including minimum sentence of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment, fine ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Desecration is made a non-bailable and non-compoundable offence, ensuring that accused individuals cannot easily secure bail or settle the matter out of court.

“This bill is a testament to our commitment to ensuring the dignity and respect of all religious communities in Punjab. We believe that this legislation will serve as a deterrent to those who seek to harm the sentiments of people through desecration of sacred texts”, S. Bains said.

Chandigarh, July 15:

In a move to safeguard the health of young children in the state, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, on Tuesday launched the “STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2025.” This two-month-long, aggressive initiative directly confronts childhood diarrhoea, a leading yet entirely preventable cause of mortality among children under five. The Minister also unveiled awareness posters on this occasion.

Dr Balbir Singh emphasized, “Diarrhoea is a major cause of child deaths —each one a tragic and avoidable loss. This campaign is our pledge to protect every child with awareness, prevention, and timely treatment.”

Dr Balbir Singh said that the Health Department will adopt a Prevent-Protect-Treat (PPT) strategy, targeting high-risk monsoon months. The state will deploy door-to-door ORS-Zinc kit distribution through ASHAs, besides, ORS-Zinc Corners will be established at all health institutions and Anganwadis, and health workers’ skills will be enhanced to manage cases effectively. “No child should die from a treatable condition. We are ensuring ORS, Zinc, IV fluids, and antibiotics are available at every health facility,” he added.

Underlining the need of awareness Dr Balbir Singh said that this campaign prioritizes community mobilization for handwashing, safe drinking water, exclusive breastfeeding, sanitation, and immunization. “Diarrhoea is preventable—clean hands, clean water, and timely care can save lives,” urged the Health Minister. He called for the participation of Panchayati Raj leaders, SHGs, teachers, and parents to champion the cause. 

The Minister said that Punjab has been fostering inter-departmental collaboration with Education, WCD, Water & Sanitation, and Rural Development to address diarrhoea’s root causes. “This is not just a health issue—it’s a battle for Punjab’s future. Together, we will break the chain of infection,” asserted Dr Balbir Singh. 

The Health Minister made an appeal to keep the surroundings clean, use safe water, and act fast if diarrhoea strikes—start ORS-Zinc immediately and seek medical help.” He also advocated drinking local drinks such as lemonade (shakanji) as intake of liquids is essential for hydration during the diarrhoea.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the National Rabies Control Programme with Peedu (Animal Welfare NGO), located in SAS Nagar, was also signed to facilitate coordinated efforts towards the preparation of the State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination by 2030. The initiative involves the engagement of various stakeholders, along with training of health staff and counseling sessions at Anti-Rabies Clinics in District Mohali, with the scope for future expansion across the State.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary Health Kumar Rahul, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Director NHM Dr Balwinder Kaur, Consultant JSSK Dr Meenu Lakhanpal, SPO MCH Dr Harpreet Kaur, SPO NRCP Dr Arshdeep Kaur, MO MCH Dr Harsimrat Kaur, APO MCH Dr Diksha Sharma and SA MCH Barun Gupta were also present.

Chandigarh, July 15:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the state government will adopt no leniency towards the ‘Jarnails’ who were the perpetrators behind the genocide of youth through the curse of drugs.

Participating in the debate over the issue of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, the Chief Minister said that said that the Jarnails who had patronized the drug trade have already been put behind bars. He said that these leaders not only used to patronize drug trade across the state but ironically they even sold/ supplied the drugs in their official government vehicles. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the past no one had previously dared to arrest these affluent leaders, but now his government has done so and they will have to pay the price for their sins.

The Chief Minister assured the house that exemplary punishment will be ensured for these leaders so that no one ever dares to commit this sin again. He quipped that now Nabha Jail has become the synonym of Çhitta’’as those who had introduced this drug to Punjab are now lodged in this jail. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that known for their opulence- acquired through illegal means, these leaders are now demanding facilities in the jail.

The Chief Minister categorically said that those responsible for laying the pyres of youth in Punjab don’t deserve any sort of comfort in jail as they have to pay for their misdeeds. He said that a thorough enquiry has reflected that these leaders have amassed huge wealth through the drug trade adding that strictest punishment will be ensured to them for this crime. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to ensure that these leaders get exemplary punishment for their crime against humanity.

The Chief Minister said that as a fact of matter, Majithia had continued the ‘dubious legacy’ of his family to backstab Punjab and its people for their vested interests. He said that Majithia’s ancestors had backstabbed the people by holding dinner for General Dyer on the same night when he had committed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that similarly Akali leader looted the people of state during his heydays and patronized the drug trade thereby ruining the lives of millions of youth.

The Chief Minister also said that Punjab was being defamed over the issue of drugs whereas various other states have this problem more severely than Punjab. He said that some forces inimical to the state had unleashed a malicious campaign to tarnish its image by labeling the hard working Punjabis as drug addicts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as Punjab is fighting national war against the drugs due to which it was being defamed continuously despite immense contribution in every field.

The Chief Minister said that the state was being maligned irrespective of the fact that not even a single ounce of drug was produced in it. He said that the state security forces have recently confiscated a huge amount of drugs from the state of Gujarat and Rajasthan. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, embarked by the state government, has broken the backbone of the drug trade.

The Chief Minister said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of the state and it took more than two years for the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in these heinous crimes were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed. He said that now the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh the aim of which is to clean the state from this menace.

The Chief Minister said that during investigations it has also come into light that addicts were using the drugs which were meant for giving anesthesia to the elephants. Citing that the congress leaders were working overtime to save the culprits of such heinous crime, he said that those who were involved in this will not be spared. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is duty bound for this noble cause and no stone will be left unturned for it.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is making concerted efforts for the welfare of the youth of the state. He said that the focus of his government is to ensure that youth become job givers instead of job seekers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is the need of hour to carve out a progressive and prosperous Punjab by proactive involvement of the youth.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to build a Rangla Punjab—a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive state. He said that due to concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab is today witnessing a paradigm shift to a progressive Punjab from the regressive one during the previous regimes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that though during the earlier regimes Punjab had got several negative tags, but his government is committed to carving out Rangla, progressive and happy Punjab.

Chandigarh, July 15- Haryana government has scheduled the written exam for Group C (CET Group C) across all districts and to support the candidates appearing for this important exam, the government has assigned the responsibility of transportation to the Transport Department. Free transport will be provided to all candidates from their nearest district-level bus stands to the exam centers and back on July 26 and 27, 2025. One of the family members will also be allowed to avail free travel facility, accompanying the female candidate.This facility will be managed by the General Managers of the respective depots.

Sharing information in this regard a spokesperson of the department said that the exam timings are, Morning session from 10:00 AM to 11:45 Am and afternoon session from 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM.  To ensure timely arrival, buses will drop candidates at the nearest exam center bus stop by 7:30 AM for the morning session and 12:30 PM for the afternoon session.

Apart from this, wherever possible, Haryana State transport will run free shuttle bus services closer to the exam centers to make the commute easier. Approximately 9,000 buses will be dedicated to this service over the two days, the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson said that Candidates can also book their travel in advance by visiting this link [https://hartrans.gov.in/advance-booking-for-cet-2025/] after entering personal details and mobile number, they can reserve seats for their exam day travel.

Chandigarh, July 15

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar said that all officers and employees should cooperate with the candidates in every possible way in the successful conduct of the CET Group C examination to be held on July 26 and 27. Candidates should not face any problem in any way.

A meeting was held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Principal Secretary Sh. Rajesh Khullar regarding the preparations for the CET examination. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi and other senior officials were present in the meeting. Apart from this, all Divisional Commissioners, District Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police joined the meeting through video conferencing.

 In the meeting, Sh. Rajesh Khullar directed that strict security arrangements should be made at all the examination centers of the state and separate arrangements should be made for the disabled candidates to leave them at the examination centers. Apart from this, he also said that no officer or employee will be able to carry a phone to the examination centers.

He directed that no officer or employee of the district administration should be given leave on 26th and 27th July. If any officer or employee has been given leave, then that should also be cancelled. In view of the CET examination, all preparations should be completed in time by ensuring compliance with the guidelines issued by the Commission.

The Chief Principal Secretary said that extensive arrangements are being made to deliver the candidates to the examination centers in the districts within the stipulated time period. He informed that for the convenience of the candidates in all the districts, district wise facility helpline numbers will be issued. If any candidate faces any problem, he can contact on that number. He directed to release these numbers as soon as possible.

He also directed that the district administration officers should inspect the examination centers in their respective districts, if there is any kind of deficiency there, then that deficiency should be removed on time.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of School Education Department Sh. Vineet Garg, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, ADGP Sh. Sanjay Singh, Commissioner and Secretary of Transport Department Sh. T.L. Satyaprakash, MD of UHBVNL Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena, Commissioner of Transport Department Sh. Atul Kumar, Director General of State Transport Sh. Sujan Singh, Director of Human Resources Department Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh and officers of other departments were present.

Chandigarh:

To empower India’s next generation of startup founders, Apna, which is India’s largest early talent platform trusted by 6 crore+ users & AICTE and  Venture Catalysts (VCats), India’s leading early-stage investment firm and the country’s first integrated incubator, in collaboration with Chandigarh University, launched Campus Tank, India’s first university-led Startup launch-pad for young innovators to pitch their ideas and get funding to launch their startups along with expert venture guidance, strategic ecosystem alliances and immersive startup incubation. 

The portal for Campus Tank ((https://apna.co/contests/campus-tank-2025) was launched in the presence of Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu, Apna’s Vice President Dr Preet Deep Singh,   Founding Member and Managing Partner at Venture Catalysts, Rishabh Golchha.
By registering for Campus Tank till 14 August, founders and co-founders under the age of 30 will compete for investment from a pledged fund of $1 Million to grow their startups. While selected Startups will get the opportunity present their ideas to top investors from Venture Catalysts on Demo Day to be held at Chandigarh University, selected teams will also get incubation support from Cube Founders Space by Chandigarh University and learn from founders and experts through training and master classes. The event will feature industry keynote, live evaluations, and potential funding announcements.
 Elaborating on Campus Tank, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chancellor of Chandigarh University, Satnam Singh Sandhu said by supporting startups in their growth journey, the initiative encourages innovation and design by empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs in line with Startup India initiative launched by the  Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016.

“India has firmly established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world with over 1.76 startups in the last decade as compared to 500 in 2016 and 118 unicorns with $1 billion valuation. As instead of job seekers, India’s youth are now becoming job providers, over 18 lakh direct jobs have been created by start-ups in the last decade with smaller cities contributing over 51% of these startups. Through initiatives like Campus Tank, our aim is to play a role in nurturing this growth and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs,” he said.
Sandhu further said ,“This dynamic collaboration between Chandigarh University , Apna and Venture Catalysts for Campus Tank will further  strength  the startup ecosystem, drive  economic growth and empowering the next generation of innovators. I am sure Campus Tank will act as a catalytic force for igniting the entrepreneurial spirit among young innovators in the country and help achieve the Union government’s ambitious target of transforming the nation into 2nd largest start-up ecosystem in the world by surpassing China and create 1,000 Unicorns by 2047,”.

He said Chandigarh University is playing its part in this by encouraging students for innovating new technologies and unlocking opportunities for growth. “Ever since its inception in 2012, CU students have created over 150 Start-Ups, eight of which are women-led, spread across 17 cities in India and four foreign countries in 27 domains including agriculture, Edutech, Medtech, Healthcare, Fintech,Cleantech,  Blockchain and Waste Management.  Chandigarh University’s Technology Business Incubator (CU-TBI), which secured  number 1 rank among all scientific research and development organizations in India by filing highest 1126 patent applications in 2023-24,  is mobilising Rs 5 Crore to catalyze growth in the startup ecosystem at CU.  Chandigarh University was ranked among the top 5 institutions in filing the highest number of patents in the last 5 years and secured 3rd Rank amongst all private and government universities in India by filing 2581 patents in the last 3 years alone ,” Sandhu added.

Apna’s Vice President Dr Preet Deep Singh said, “At Apna, building livelihoods has always been at the heart of our mission. We are not just a jobs  platform; we are an opportunities platform. With Campus Tank, we are launching a powerful stage for India’s youngest and brightest entrepreneurs. This is where ideas from college dorms, canteens, and jamming sessions get the chance to be seen, heard, and funded. Each startup creates direct employment for 11 people on average and 4 times more of it indirectly. Supporting these ventures is not just about innovation; it is about nation-building. We believe India grows when Indians grow. Our job is to hand-hold these young founders and help take their ideas from chai to charts. With Campus Tank, we aim to unlock a generation of problem-solvers, dreamers, and doers,”.

Founding Member and Managing Partner at Venture Catalysts, Rishabh Golchha said, “At Venture Catalysts, we believe India’s next breakout founders are already building in hostels, co-working spaces, cafés, and garages. Campus Tank is our way of finding and backing them early. This platform is for young founders under 30 who are solving real problems with bold ideas. With up to $1 million in pledged investment pool on the table, we are bringing capital, mentorship, and access to help them scale. Some may be students, others recent grads, or early professionals. What matters is their hunger to build. We see Campus Tank as the start of long-term founder journeys. And as ecosystem catalysts, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and help make those ideas come to life,”.

Chandigarh, July 13 – In a significant gesture of support towards preserving Sikh heritage, three individuals have made a generous contribution of Rs 26 lakh to the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial Foundation Trust, Lohgarh.

The donation cheques were formally handed over to Sh. Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs in Chandigarh. Also present on the occasion was Dr. Prabhleen Singh, Officer on Special Duty Government of Haryana, who is closely associated with the Memorial Foundation Trust and its initiatives.

The donors who came forward to support the noble cause include Sh. Harkaran Singh Boparai, Director of HBS and Space Five Architect Group, who contributed Rs 11 lakh; Sh. Ashok Sharma, Chairman of AK Construction Group, who donated Rs 10 lakh; and Dr. Avneet Singh Warraich, Member of the International Gita Mahotsav Authority and founder of Warraich Homeopathic Clinic, Pehowa, who extended support with a contribution of Rs 5 lakh.

It may be mentioned here that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial is being developed under the guidance of the Foundation Trust to commemorate the unparalleled courage and sacrifices of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur — the revered Sikh warrior who established the first sovereign Sikh rule in India. The memorial aims to stand as a symbol of his indomitable spirit and to inspire future generations by preserving the legacy of this iconic figure in Indian history.

Chandigarh, July 13 :  Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that for the past ten and a half years, the youth of Haryana have been actively and unitedly fighting against the menace of drug abuse across the state. Recently, a state-wide Cyclothon Yatra was organized as part of this campaign, witnessing the participation of over 7.5 lakh young individuals. In addition, marathons and similar events are being held in various districts to further strengthen awareness efforts.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks while addressing thousands of participants before flagging off a half marathon on Ambala Road in Kaithal on Sunday morning. Paralympic medallist and half marathon brand ambassador Sh Harvinder Singh, along with mountaineer Reena Bhatti, also took part in the event.

Demonstrating his commitment, the Chief Minister took part in the half marathon to inspire the youth to stay healthy and join forces in the fight against drug abuse, aiming to make Haryana a completely drug-free state. He emphasized that drug addiction is a grave social evil that not only destroys the individual but also devastates families and weakens the fabric of society. “It adversely impacts both physical and mental health, and erodes social harmony,” he said. Highlighting the crucial role of young people in nation-building, the Chief Minister stated, “Our youth are the future of the country.” He called upon them to take a firm pledge that they will neither indulge in drug use nor allow others around them to fall into the trap, instead spreading awareness to combat this menace.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that ending drug addiction would lead to healthier youth, propelling the progress of society, the state, and the nation. He reaffirmed that the youth will play a pivotal role in realizing Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by the year 2047.

He said that a drug-free Haryana is not merely a slogan but a collective resolution that requires everyone’s united effort to achieve. Expressing confidence after witnessing thousands of school and college students, athletes, police personnel, and volunteers participating in today’s event, he said, “I am certain that our dream of making Haryana drug-free will undoubtedly become a reality.”

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that sports facilities across the state have been expanded to promote the health of youth and keep them away from drug addiction. Additionally, youth are being encouraged to avoid drugs through events such as marathons organized under the Haryana Uday program. He further highlighted the launch of the “Dhakad” initiative at schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions, aimed at protecting children and youth from drug abuse. The Chief Minister also mentioned that under the Chief Minister’s Community Policing Outreach Program, more such initiatives will be conducted to foster cooperation and harmony between the police and the public.

He said that alongside raising awareness about the ill effects of drug abuse, the state government is taking strict action against those involved in the drug trade. He urged parents to spend quality time with their children and, if a young person falls into bad company, to make every effort to help them escape that harmful environment.

Chief Minister joins youth in Marathon

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini actively participated in the half marathon alongside the youth, offering encouragement to the participants. Following the event, he visited the stalls set up along the route. At the venue, he honored the winning participants of the half marathon, celebrating their achievements and reinforcing the state’s commitment to promoting health and unity.

On this occasion, the event was graced by the presence of MLA Sh Satpal Jamba, former Minister of State Smt Kamlesh Dhanda, former MLA Sh Leela Ram, Sh Kulwant Bazigar, Special Officer, Community Policing and Outreach, Sh. Pankaj Nain, Deputy Commissioner Preeti, Superintendent of Police Smt Aastha Modi and other senior officers and dignitaries.

Chandigarh July 13: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the art of crafting clay utensils is a treasured heritage. “Pottery making is not just an art; it symbolizes the artistic vision, skill, and expertise of the Prajapati Community,” he remarked. The state government is committed to ensuring that every diligent worker in Haryana receives respect, empowerment, and new pathways for advancement.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks during his address at the state-level Maharaja Daksha Prajapati Jayanti celebrations in Bhiwani today. Earlier, he paid floral tribute to Maharaja Daksha Prajapati.

On this occasion, while giving a gift of development works to district Bhiwani, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 19 projects worth Rs 234.38 crore. This included the inauguration of 6 projects worth Rs 87.42 crore and the foundation stone of 13 projects worth about Rs 147 crore. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also made several significant announcements.

Chief Minister distributes land rights letters to Prajapati community beneficiaries of district Bhiwani

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh announced that in the next 15 days, land will be allocated to Prajapati community in 2,000 villages of the State where panchayat land is available, ensuring the community has access to soil for making earthen pots. Beneficiaries will receive detailed information, including Khasra numbers, about the land. On this occasion, the Chief Minister distributed land rights letters to Prajapati community members in Bhiwani district.

He also announced that financial assistance will be provided to the people of Prajapati community who start micro-enterprises under the ‘Haryana Rural Industrial Scheme’. Under this, capital subsidy at the rate of 15 percent will be given on investment made on machinery and building construction in B, C and D category blocks of the state. Apart from this, interest subsidy of 7 per cent per annum on term loans, with a maximum benefit of Rs 8 lakh annually, for a duration of 7 years would also be provided.

Rs 1.29 crore announced for the development of Prajapati community Dharamshalas in Haryana

Conceding the demand letter, the Chief Minister announced Rs 1.29 crore for various works in the Prajapati community Dharamshalas across the state. This amount includes Rs 31 lakh contributed by the Chief Minister, Rs 21 lakh from Cabinet Minister Sh Ranbir Gangwa, and Rs 11 lakh each from Sh Krishna Lal Panwar, Sh Mahipal Dhanda, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi, Smt Shruti Choudhary, MPs Sh Dharambir Singh, and Sh Ramchandra Jangda.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini announces development works worth Rs. 21 Crore for Bhiwani Assembly Constituency

On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced several development works worth Rs 21 crore for Bhiwani Assembly Constituency. These included Rs. 1. 66 crore for the renovation of sub-health centers in the villages of Haluwas Majra, Dhirana Majra, and Devsar, Rs. 3.50 crore for the construction of two additional covered sheds in the Bhiwani new grain market, Rs. 4.50 crore for the construction of a new road in the Bhiwani new grain market, Rs. 80 lakh for the boundary wall of the new grain market, Rs. 3.50 crore for raising the Marketing Board warehouses adjoining the grain market, Rs. 49.33 lakh for connecting Baba Wala Johad from Nandgaon to Rajgarh minor through a pipeline to provide drinking water for cattle, Rs. 2 crore for the beautification and construction of retaining walls for both Johads in Nandgaon, Rs. 1.50 crore  for construction of halls and various other works in six Dharamshalas of Bhiwani, including the Durbalnath Khatik Dharamshala, Dhanak Dharamshala, Kabir Dharamshala, Sanatan Dharamshala, Veerwan Pana Dharamshala, and Bhata Bhagdi Dharamshala, Rs. 3.5 crore for the construction of community centers in the villages of Kot, Haluwas and Haluwas Majra Devsar.

Chief Minister announces Rs 5 Crore separately for various developments works in the city and villages of Bhiwani Assembly Constituency

Apart from this, the Chief Minister announced a separate allocation of Rs 5 crore for various development works in the city and villages of the Bhiwani Assembly constituency. Paying homage to Maharaja Daksha Prajapati, the Chief Minister said that he was a great king, a visionary, an efficient administrator, and an expander of the universe. He provided a disciplined and well-structured foundation to society. The Prajapati community has made a significant contribution to the development of both the country and the state of Haryana.

The Art of making clay utensils and statues is deeply rooted in the country’s civilization

The Chief Minister said that the art of making utensils and statues from clay is deeply connected to the ancient civilization of the country. In all archaeological excavations conducted to uncover historical evidence, clay utensils and statues have consistently been found alongside other artifacts. Notably, excavations in Banwali and Rakhigarhi villages of the state have unearthed clay artifacts dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Prajapati community has played a significant role in preserving and enriching this heritage. With the invention of the potter’s wheel, the community elevated its craft to new heights.

Transforming traditional skills into professional expertise is essential in the scientific era

Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that in this age of science and technology, it is essential to transform traditional skills into professional expertise. Only then can we truly progress in today’s technological era. He stated that while preserving the traditional methods of crafting utensils and decorative items from clay, new and modern techniques should also be adopted wherever possible. He urged the Prajapati community to go beyond making everyday utensils and focus on producing decorative clay items, which are in high demand internationally. He further encouraged the adoption of modern tools such as electric and solar-powered potter’s wheels and advanced furnaces to increase production efficiency and reduce physical effort.

The government launched several schemes for the upliftment and welfare of the backward classes

The Chief Minister said that the present state government has not only introduced various schemes for the upliftment and welfare of poor families but has also ensured that the benefits of these schemes reach the intended beneficiaries. The government’s policies are not targeted at any specific class or caste, but are meant for every citizen of Haryana who wishes to earn a living through hard work and honesty. Sh Nayab Singh Saini added that the Prajapati community falls under Backward Class-A, and several welfare schemes have been launched specifically for their upliftment. The formation of the Mati Kala Board has provided significant encouragement to artisans engaged in making utensils and decorative items from clay.

He said that the BC-A category has been given 8 percent representation in Panchayati Raj institutions. Additionally, Shagun amount of Rs 51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters belonging to BPL families from the backward classes. He further said that under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, students from OBC families studying in classes 9 and 10 with a family income of up to Rs 2.50 lakh per annum are given an annual educational allowance of Rs 4,000. Besides this, free coaching is also being provided to eligible candidates preparing for various competitive and entrance examinations.

Speaking on this occasion, Haryana Public Works Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, said that the Prajapati community is known for its hard work and innate craftsmanship. He remarked that previous governments had neglected this community, but the present government has given due respect and recognition to all sections of society, including the Prajapati community. He added that in Haryana, jobs are being provided to the youth purely on the basis of merit.

Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt Shruti Choudhary, praised Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for his tireless dedication, stating that he works round the clock for the welfare of all 36 communities in the state. She expressed her gratitude to the Chief Minister for announcing development projects worth crores of rupees for this district, located at the far end of the state.

On this occasion, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar, Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Badoli, MP Sh Dharambir Singh and Sh Ramchandra Jangda, MLA Sh  Randhir Panihar, Kapoor Singh Valmiki, Ghanshyam Saraf, and other dignitaries were present.