Chandigarh, May 15 – Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra today said that the state has adopted a comprehensive governmental strategy, integrating law enforcement, public health, education, and community leadership in its decisive battle against drug trafficking and substance abuse. “Our goal is not just seizures and arrests, but systemic disruption and long-term rehabilitation,” she added.

Attending the 8th Apex Committee Meeting of NCORD (National Coordination Mechanism for Drug Law Enforcement), chaired by the Union Home Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra apprised that the Haryana Government recently launched a comprehensive anti-drug campaign Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

This flagship event was flagged off by Chief Minister himself in Sirsa and covered all assembly constituencies between April 5 and April 27, 2025. The Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 emerged as a powerful symbol of collective resolve against drug abuse, witnessing enthusiastic participation from government officials, local leaders, women, youth, and village communities. Covering an impressive distance of over 2,010 kilometers across all districts, the Cyclothon drew overwhelming public support, with 7,23,568 people attending various campaign events and 4,56,004 cyclists actively joining the movement.

She informed that the MANAS helpline (1933) has been operationalized statewide, with nodal officers appointed at both district and state levels. Orientation sessions have been conducted in collaboration with NCB Chandigarh, and all key departments have been directed to promote the helpline in their IEC materials.

Dr. Misra apprised that between January and April 2025, Haryana registered 143 cases under the NDPS Act involving commercial quantities of narcotics. A total of 332 individuals were arrested, including 145 inter-state smugglers. Seizures included 1.5 kg of heroin, 40 kg of charas, 904 kg of ganja, 50 kg of opium, 5,874 kg of poppy straw, over 91,000 tablets, 1,604 bottles, and nearly 48,000 capsules reflecting the extensive scale of the illicit drug trade being tackled in the state, she added.

Dr. Misra highlighted that the Haryana Government has also established eight exclusive Fast Track Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Special Courts in the districts namely Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Fatehabad and Panipat. Plans are on the cards to establish such special courts in other districts as well. These courts have been set up to expedite the trial of offences under the said Act, ensuring timely adjudication and reinforcing the state’s commitment to combating drug trafficking through a robust judicial mechanism, she added.

Apart from this, 143 cases involving illegally acquired assets of drug offenders have been referred to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for financial investigations. Monthly Master Reports (MMRs) detailing major seizures are shared with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) by the State Crime Branch to ensure coordinated intelligence and joint operations.

The Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Misra informed that Haryana is also leveraging digital platforms such as the NCORD portal and the NIDAAN system (National Integrated Database on Arrested Narco Offenders).  She   emphasized the state’s pioneering Drug-Free Panchayat/Ward Campaign, which certifies areas as “drug-free” only if there are no active peddlers and all known addicts are receiving treatment.

As of March 2025, 4,054 Panchayats (55.32%) and 859 Wards (42.31%) have achieved drug-free status. The “Sports for Youth” initiative, operated in 2,515 villages through trained police coaches, is engaging over 1.96 lakh youth in regular sports activities to promote discipline, fitness, and a positive relationship with law enforcement. SEWA, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, is leading district-level efforts chaired by Deputy Commissioners. The Education Department promotes anti-drug awareness through student-led Prahari Clubs. Haryana Uday program, has conducted 2,482 awareness events and facilitated the publication of 1,637 anti-drug news items between January and April 2025, reaching over 16.5 lakh people.

Dr. Misra apprised that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) is spearheading innovative social campaigns such as the viral Nasha Mukt Jeevan Bucket Challenge, which has received over 50 lakh views online. Another impactful initiative, the Namak Lota Abhiyan (Hriday Parivartan Abhiyan), encourages small-time drug offenders to publicly renounce the trade in a culturally symbolic ritual and supports them with rehabilitation, skills training, and reintegration into society.

Dr. Misra further informed that Haryana is upgrading its State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to better detect and analyze synthetic drugs and issue early alerts to enforcement agencies. Synthetic drug seizures are flagged for immediate attention, and proactive alerts are issued as part of the state’s multi-tiered strategy to dismantle organized drug trafficking networks.

Chandigarh, May 15 – Member of the Haryana Staff SelectionCommission, Mr. Bhupendra Chauhan said that the recruitment process for a total of 7,596 Group-D posts will commence shortly. Of these, 1,209 posts have been specifically reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, including both Deprived Scheduled Caste (DSC) and Other Scheduled Caste (OSC) categories. Among these, 605 posts are reserved for DSC candidates, while 604 posts are allocated for OSC candidates.

Mr. Chauhan further explained that the selection process for these posts will be based on the scores obtained in the Common Eligibility Test (CET). He said that the recruitment will be conducted with complete transparency and merit, ensuring fairness and timeliness throughout the process.

He said that the Commission has recently launched a dedicated portal to allow DSC and OSC candidates to upload their updated certificates. He urged candidates to upload their new certificates promptly, as this will enable the Commission to announce the results. He also encouraged all candidates to stay connected to the official website of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission for ongoing updates and important information related to the recruitment process and results.

Chandigarh, May 15 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini today visited village Nagla Mohammadpur to pay tribute to Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, a martyr from the subdivision of Hodal in district Palwal. Dinesh Kumar Sharma was martyred in a recent attack by the Pakistani Army on the Poonch border. The Chief Minister offered floral tributes to a portrait of the martyr and expressed his heartfelt condolences to be bereaved family members.

During his visit, he assured the martyr’s family that both the government and the entire region stand with them in this time of grief. He consoled the bereaved family and promised all possible support.

The Chief Minister praised the bravery of Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, who valiantly defended the border against enemy fire, ultimately sacrificing his life in the service of the nation. He said that his sacrifice is a source of immense pride for all Indians. It is noteworthy that the late Dinesh Kumar Sharma was posted at the Poonch border at the time of his martyrdom.

A Park to be built in the village in memory of Martyr Dinesh Kumar Sharma: Chief Minister

The Chief Minister said that the family of Martyr Dinesh Kumar Sharma would receive financial assistance and other benefits as per the government’s policy. In response to a suggestion by the martyr’s father, Daya Chand, to create a park on two and a half bigha of land in the village, the Chief Minister assured that a park would be constructed in the martyr’s name, honoring his supreme sacrifice during Operation Sindoor.

Chief Minister pays tribute to late Sheeshram Pathak

Afterward, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini visited the residence of the village Sarpanch, Kumar Yugpurush, to pay tribute to the Sarpanch’s grandfather, the late Pandit Sheeshram Pathak. The Chief Minister consoled the family members during this difficult time.

CM announces upgrade of primary school in response to Women’s request

While returning from the village, Chief Minister noticed a group of women gathered along the road. He stopped his convoy to listen to their concerns. The women requested the upgrade of the village’s primary school. In response, the Chief Minister immediately announced the upgrading of the primary school, fulfilling the demand on the spot.

On this occasion, Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Gaurav Gautam, MLA Harendra Singh, along with several dignitaries and village officials, were present.

Chandigarh, May 15 – Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired the 4th Meeting of State Cooperative Development Committee here today.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed officials to identify one such cooperative which can be turned into a model cooperative in the next one year, which would be known for its unique identity and service delivery. He emphasized that this model cooperative should exemplify innovation, transparency, sustainability, and outstanding service delivery, thereby setting a benchmark for others to follow.

The department unveiled a comprehensive year-long plan to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025, in alignment with the United Nations’ declaration recognizing the crucial role of cooperatives in advancing sustainable development.

Under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state has constituted the IYC-State Apex Committee (SAC) to coordinate and supervise the series of activities scheduled throughout the year. The celebrations will begin with the formal launch of the IYC-2025 annual calendar, an action plan booklet, and various publicity materials. The IYC logo will be prominently featured across government communications, social media platforms, and public displays. Activities will include cleanliness drives, cooperative-themed podcasts, and the implementation of e-office systems in all cooperative departments.

The meeting was informed that a wide range of programmes will be organized focusing on themes such as women empowerment, youth engagement, technological innovation, and sustainable farming practices. These will include special events, skill development initiatives, national seminars, and grassroots-level campaigns aimed at spreading awareness and strengthening the cooperative movement. The calendar of events also includes a cyclothon, webinars, exhibitions, plantation drives, and knowledge exchange programmes. A plantation drive under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ shall also be launched this year.

Through these extensive programmes, the Haryana Government aims to strengthen the cooperative spirit, showcase the state’s achievements, and encourage active public participation. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to Haryana’s socio-economic development by promoting cooperatives as a model of inclusive and sustainable growth.

Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department, Smt. Ashima Brar informed that the department is actively progressing with the computerisation of 710 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Primary Cooperative Credit Societies (PCCS) in the first phase of its digital transformation initiative. She stated that all required hardware has been delivered and installed, with internet connectivity now fully established across all 710 PACS. Out of these, 39 PACS have already been designated as functional e-PACS, marking a key milestone in the state’s digital cooperative reform efforts.

She said in line with fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’, the Government of India has decided to allow PACS to operate Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK). There are 793 PACS out of which 772 PACS have fertilizer licence and 747 PACS have been converted as PMKSK in the state. To support this transformation, fertilizer companies have provided these Kendras with essential infrastructure, including LED display units, tables, chairs, and branded signboards. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance last-mile service delivery and improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs and advisory services.

Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, May 15 – The Haryana Government has issued posting/transfer orders of two IAS officers with immediate effect.

Dr. Priyanka Soni, Special Secretary, Vigilance Department and Special Secretary, Monitoring & Coordination has been posted as Director, New & Renewable Energy and Special Secretary, New Renewable and Energy Department, in addition to her present duties.

Sh. Akhil Pilani, District Municipal Commissioner, Yamunanagar, has been posted as Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Yamunanagar, in addition to his present duties.