Chandigarh July 13: Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Sh Manohar Lal, said that Karnal city being included in the list of the cleanest cities in the country under the Swachh Survekshan is a matter of great pride and happiness for all of us. He congratulated the people of Karnal on the city being selected for the President’s Award for cleanliness and urged the public to continue supporting efforts to maintain cleanliness in the future as well.

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal was interacting with the media persons during his visit to Karnal on Sunday.

 He congratulated the public representatives, sanitation workers, and the residents of Karnal for this achievement, stating that it is a matter of great pride that Karnal city has been selected for the President’s Award for cleanliness. He added that this recognition is the result of the dedicated efforts of the Safai Mitras and the continued support of the citizens.

He said that under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Swachh Survekshan campaign has been conducted for the past several years by a third-party agency. Based on the data provided by this agency and the population size, cities are divided into five categories. The first category includes cities with a population of over 10 lakh, while the second category includes those with a population between 3 lakh and 10 lakh. Karnal city falls under the second category.

In reply to a question, the Union Minister said that 100 cities across the country were selected by the Government of India as part of a pilot project, and Karnal was one of them. He said that significant development has taken place in Karnal under the Smart City Project, and assured that any remaining work will be completed soon.

On this occasion, MLA Karnal Sh Jagmohan Anand, MLA Indri Sh Ramkumar Kashyap, MLA Nilokheri Sh Bhagwan Das Kabirpanthi, Assandh MLA Sh Yoginder Singh Rana, Mayor Municipal Corporation Smt Renu Bala Gupta, and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh July 13: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that martyr Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu will always remain in our memories. Today, the Chief Minister visited the residence of Squadron Leader Martyr Lokendra Singh Sindhu in Dev Colony, Rohtak and paid him a floral tribute. He expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family members and offered them comfort.

He said that Lokendra Singh Sindhu was a brave officer of the armed forces, who dedicatedly served the nation. The Chief Minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and for strength and courage to the bereaved family to bear this profound loss.

Earlier, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini also visited the residence of senior advocate Harbans Lal Malik, who recently passed away after a prolonged illness. The Chief Minister paid tribute by offering flowers at his portrait and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. On this occasion, several dignitaries, including Haryana Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda, were also present.

Chandigarh, July 13- The Haryana Government has suspended mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/5G/CDMA/GPRS), bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except the voice calls in the jurisdiction of District Nuh with effect from July 13, 2025 (21:00 hrs) to July 14, 2025 (21:00 hrs).

Sharing more details in this regard an official spokesperson said that Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr Sumita Misra has issued an order in this regard.

The spokesperson informed that the mobile internet services has been suspended to maintain law and order and to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as Whatsapp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS.

The spokesman said that this order has been issued after taking utmost care of public convenience by exempting individual SMS, mobile recharge, banking SMS, Voice calls, internet services provided by broadband and lease lines of corporate and domestic households, thus not affecting the commercial/financial interest of the State and basic domestic needs of individuals.

He said that all telecom service providers of Haryana have been  directed to ensure the compliance of this order.  Any person found guilty of the violation of the order will be liable for legal action under relevant provisions of law, he added.

He said that adequate police arrangements have been made to maintain law and order in Nuh district. In addition, all community groups have been urged to cooperate with the administration.

Chandigarh, July 12 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that students are the future of the nation and should play an active role in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of building a developed India by staying away from drugs.

The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the Medhavi Chhatra Samman Samaroh in Panchkula today to felicitate meritorious students of classes 10 and 12 at both state and district levels.

 On this occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated 275 students who had excelled in various streams at the state and district levels and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.

 He said that the Haryana Government is continuously working to bring structural reforms in the field of education. In the past ten and a half years, significant progress has been made not only in school education but also in higher education. He said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, Haryana’s double-engine government has been working towards establishing medical colleges in every district to ensure better healthcare facilities and address the shortage of doctors in the state. Medical colleges have already been established in 15 districts, and work is underway in the remaining districts. With the aim of promoting higher education among girls, the Haryana Government has set up degree colleges within a 20-kilometre radius across the state so that girls do not have to travel far for their studies, he added.

Special encouragement to Scheduled Caste students

 He said that Haryana Government has decided to give special recognition to meritorious students. He said that students belonging to Scheduled Castes who score more than 90 percent marks in Class 12 will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 1,11,000.

 Describing children as future of the nation, he said that it is essential to ensure their holistic development through both education and values, as only then will they be equipped to face life’s challenges with courage. He emphasized that bookish knowledge alone is not sufficient for a successful life; children must also receive moral and spiritual education, as education without moral values is meaningless. The state government is committed to nurturing a future generation that is educated, ethical, healthy, and capable. To achieve this, special focus is being placed on enhancing the quality of education from the primary to higher levels and aligning the curriculum with employment-oriented goals.

 Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that over the past ten and a half years, numerous steps have been taken to bring about change and progress in the field of education. Several welfare schemes have been launched for students, with a strong focus on enhancing infrastructural facilities in schools. Ensuring quality education remains one of our top priorities. To achieve this, schools are adopting innovative methods such as playful teaching, project-based learning, continuous evaluation, and the integration of new technologies.

The Chief Minister highlighted that, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, a new National Education Policy has been formulated to propel 21st-century India to new heights in knowledge and scientific advancement. Although the nationwide timeline for its implementation is till 2040, we have set an ambitious goal to fully implement the policy in Haryana by 2025. A key objective of the policy is to introduce vocational and skill-based education from Class VI onwards. In Haryana, steps have already been taken in this direction through the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), which has been implemented in 1001 schools to date, enabling students to acquire diverse skills from an early age.

 He said that the state is making concrete efforts in the area of early childhood education as well. There are 4,081 Anganwadis operating within school premises across the state, reflecting a strong commitment to foundational learning. In addition, 1,418 Government Model Sanskriti Primary Schools have been established, aimed at creating a stress-free, ‘no-homework’ learning environment that helps eliminate the fear of studies among young children. Furthermore, 138 Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary Schools have been set up, where the medium of teaching is English. To streamline and enhance the quality of education, schools across the state have been organized into 1,415 clusters, with every cluster ensuring the availability of all academic streams Science, Commerce, and Arts. He also highlighted the success of the ‘Super-100’ program, launched in 2018, which provides specialized coaching to meritorious students from government schools. This initiative supports their preparation for competitive examinations such as IIT-JEE and NEET, helping them pursue higher academic and professional goals.

 MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, Panchkula Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, Chairman Haryana School Education Board Dr. Pawan Sharma, former Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, BJP District President Ajay Mittal, along with various dignitaries, parents, and teachers of meritorious students were also present on this occasion.

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.