Category Archives: Chandigarh

DAY 73 OF ‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: 156 DRUG SMUGGLERS HELD WITH 1.5KG HEROIN, 16KG OPIUM, ₹5.38L DRUG MONEY

CHANDIGARH, May 13:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 73rd day, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 156 drug smugglers and recovered 1.5 kg heroin, 16 kg opium and Rs 5.38 lakh drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 10802 in just 73 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 200 Police teams, comprising over 1500 police personnel, under the supervision of 97 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 601 locations across the state leading to the registration of 109 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 613 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 115 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

CM condoles death of drone attack victim Sukhwinder Kaur

Chandigarh, May 13:

Expressing solidarity with family of Sukhwinder Kaur, who died due to attack by Pakistani drone a few days back at Ferozepur, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday announced a financial assistance worth Rs 10 lakh for the family of deceased.

In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that out of these Rs 10 lakh, Rs 5 lakh will be given from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund whereas Rs 5 lakh will be given by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora. Sharing condolences with the members of the bereaved family, Bhagwant Singh Mann prayed to the Almighty to give enormous strength to them to bear this huge and irreparable loss in this hour of grief and grant eternal peace to the departed souls.

Entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth & development: CM Saini

PNS Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said that entrepreneurs are key drivers of economic growth and development. Keeping in view, the state government is aimed to ensure a strong presence of Haryana entrepreneurs not just within India, but also on the global stage. Saini said this after meeting with a delegation of agricultural machinery manufacturers, progressive farmers and entrepreneurs from the food processing sector in Haryana at his residence ‘Sant Kabir Kutir’ in Chandigarh.

During the meeting, delegation members discussed with the Chief Minister about investment and business opportunities in Tanzania. They also expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the guidance being provided by the Haryana Government and the global business opportunities it has facilitated.

Saini said that now is the time to move beyond limiting business to just the state or country. There is a need to go global, seize international opportunities and expand businesses so that Haryana’s industrialists can establish a strong presence in foreign markets as well. He further pointed out that East Africa, particularly Tanzania, is emerging as a key market, and the Haryana Government is committed to supporting the industry in this direction.

The officials from the Department of Foreign Cooperation informed that on the initiative of the Haryana Government, a business cooperation visit to Tanzania has been confirmed. Due to the Haryana Government’s persistent efforts, business relations between Tanzania and Haryana have been strengthening, with positive results already visible.

It is worth mentioning that a business delegation of Haryana entrepreneurs from various sectors will visit Tanzania in the month of July. Earlier, with the assistance of the Haryana Government, two business delegations have already visited Tanzania, with several businesses successfully started operations there. For instance, plywood manufacturers in Haryana are sourcing raw materials from Tanzania, resulting in cost reductions for traders.

In the meeting, representatives of the delegation expressed their appreciation, stating that this is the first time since Haryana’s formation that a state government has taken such proactive steps to support traders in entering the global market. They expressed great enthusiasm and confidence in the efforts being made by the state government under the leadership of CM Saini, adding that the Chief Minister is fully supporting Haryana’s traders and entrepreneurs on every front.

Government should regularize HKRN employees instead of removing them:-Kumari Selja

Chandigarh / 13thMay.

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and MP from Sirsa, Kumari Selja said that the BJP government, forgetting the promises made to the public during the elections, is now threatening the public. The government, which once promised job guarantees to employees under the Haryana Skill Employment Corporation (HKRN), is now in the process of removing them. Now, ministers are claiming that these employees were hired only for one year under HKRN. The BJP government should think about regularizing these employees instead of removing them, staying true to its promises.

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that it is now clear to everyone that the BJP government is one that makes false declarations and promises. This government has nothing but slogans. It has betrayed everyone. During elections, large promises and announcements are made, but as soon as they come to power, the BJP, like a fly in milk, discards the public. The BJP’s main objective seems to be to exploit the public, and today, every section of society is troubled. Farmers have been protesting for years, employees are continuously coming out to protest, and women have also launched their own movements. Kumari Selja said that during elections, the then CM Nayab Singh Saini promised the HKRN employees that they would not be removed from their jobs, and a notification was issued, which had conditions attached, meaning the employees were deceived. Now, government ministers are stating that these employees are not being removed because they were hired only for one year, and their term has ended.

Kumari Selja said that after coming to power for the third time, the BJP government is focused on removing HKRN employees. At times, employees are being removed from one department or another. Recently, orders were issued to relieve 252 PGTs from the HKRN portal. However, all of these 252 PGTs were removed as permanent PGTs at the time of their appointment, but they were still showing up on the HKRN portal. Therefore, the government has written to all district education officers to relieve these PGTs from the HKRN portal. Kumari Selja appealed to the government, stating that the employees working under HKRN are qualified and are working diligently. Instead of removing them from their jobs, they should be regularized in their current positions.

350 new Vita booths will be set up in Haryana this year: Dr. Arvind Sharma

Chandigarh, May 12 – Haryana’s Cooperative Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said quality products of HAFED and Vita will now be available to the general public under one roof. For this, the Dairy Federation and HAFED will jointly set up model parlours, through which a wide range of world-class products will be available to people. He said 350 new Vita booths will be set up across the state this year.

Dr. Arvind Sharma today inaugurated a Vita booth set up by Shyam Mahila Self Help Group in Sonipat. He said the self-help groups coming forward to operate the Vita booth shows that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is providing opportunities to make more and more people self-reliant. He said Union Cooperative Minister Sh. Amit Shah is realizing the resolve to connect every family of the country with cooperatives. In this direction, the Haryana Government has increased the budget of the Cooperative Department by 58.8 percent in the current financial year.

He said this year, the Dairy Federation will move forward with the target of 15 percent more milk collection. The additional budget allocation of Rs 70 crore for milk producers under the Mukhyamantri Dudh Protsahan Yojana is an encouraging step. Apart from this, work is also being done on the plan to set up chilling plants at the district level and to establish milk collection centres in every block, he added.

Departments must complete all short term projects before monsoon- Chief Minister

Chandigarh, May 12 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today reviewed ongoing short-term projects across the state in preparation for the upcoming monsoon season. He directed concerned officials to complete all essential work on a priority basis before the monsoon. Any kind of negligence in this regard will not be tolerated.

While chairing a meeting with officials from the Irrigation and Water Resources, Public Health Engineering and Urban Local Bodies departments, the Chief Minister directed that all the drains and minors in the state should be cleaned immediately to prevent waterlogging and potential flood situations during the rainy season.

He instructed officials to strengthen riverbeds by desilting the Saraswati, Markanda and Tangri rivers to maintain the natural flow of water. He also directed the officials to ensure the immediate removal of water hyacinth from drains and other water channels to prevent any obstruction to the flow of water. In addition, all the dams in the state should be inspected in advance and if any deficiency or damage is found anywhere, it should be repaired promptly, he added.

The Chief Minister stressed that all short-term projects must be executed on a war footing ahead of the monsoon. He also directed that details of the works being undertaken by the Irrigation and Water Resources and Public Health Engineering departments should be shared with local public representatives and the respective Deputy Commissioners.

While reviewing the condition of khaals (water channels), the Chief Minister instructed officials to compile a list of all khaals over 20 years old, so that an action plan can be developed for their cleaning and repair.

Yamuna to be made pollution-free

The Chief Minister, while issuing special directives to keep the Yamuna River free from pollution, said that no untreated or contaminated water should be discharged into it. He said that in areas where industrial waste is currently flowing into the river, the establishment of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) must be ensured without delay. He also instructed officials to prepare comprehensive proposals for CETP projects in the concerned cities.

He further said that a separate system be developed to utilize the treated water from CETPs for irrigation purposes, thereby promoting sustainable water management.

In addition, the Chief Minister instructed the departments concerned to ensure the cleaning and strengthening of all water harvesting and groundwater recharge structures before the onset of the monsoon. These efforts aim to maximize rainwater storage and contribute to groundwater level improvement.

During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that the Haryana State Drought Relief and Flood Control Board had approved 209 short-term projects worth Rs 282 crore. Of these, work is currently underway on 103 projects, while the remaining are in various stages of approval. It was also informed that the cleaning of all drains in the state will be completed by June 30.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Commissioner and Secretary Urban Local Bodies Department Vikas Gupta and Commissioner and Secretary Public Health Engineering Department Mohammad Shayin along with other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Energy Minister  orders suspension of  JE posted at Charkhi Dadri City for showing Negligence in Duty

Chandigarh, May 12 – Haryana Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij has directed the immediate suspension of Junior Engineer for showing negligence in duty and actions related to the release of electricity connections.

The direction was issued to the Managing Director of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL) regarding suspension orders of JE Rajender Singh. JE Rajender Singh was posted as AFM/Area In-Charge under the SDO/OP, City Charkhi Dadri.

In this regard, the XEN of the OP Division, Charkhi Dadri, under DHBVNL, submitted a report to the Chief Engineer/OP Circle, DHBVNL, Bhiwani and based on the charge sheet received in the Energy Minister’s office, direction for Rajender Singh’s suspension issued to the Managing Director of DHBVNL.

Notably, as per the facts presented in the chargesheet, Rajender Singh  has been found neglecting his duties in releasing electricity connection. Taking strict cognizance  of  the  same, the Energy Minister has  directed the immediate suspension of  Rajender  Singh, JE.

Officers should take public complaints seriously: Education Minister

Chandigarh, May 12 – Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, has directed all senior district officers to inspect at least four schools every month and assess the quality of education and the basic facilities being provided to the students. If any irregularities are found during these inspections, prompt action should be taken to resolve them to further strengthen the quality of education.

The Education Minister was presiding over the District Grievance Redressal Committee meeting held at the DRDA auditorium in Jind on Monday.

A total of 18 complaints were tabled before the Minister, out of which four were resolved on the spot. For the remaining complaints, committees of officers have been formed with designated duties for timely resolution.

The Education Minister has directed the officers to work with honesty and only make decisions after thoroughly investigating the complaints so that justice can be delivered to the complainants.

After the District Grievance Committee meeting, the Minister also interacted with the media and said that the government’s main objective is to provide students with quality and value-based education. The National Education Policy implemented by the Central Government has already been adopted in the state. With the implementation of this policy, the education system in Haryana will be further strengthened. Students will get the opportunity to learn an additional language along with their core subjects, enabling them to express their thoughts in multiple languages, even in distant regions, said Sh. Mahipal Dhanda.

He said that under the state government’s scheme, books and stationery have been provided to students. He directed the concerned officers to consider it their moral responsibility to ensure the distribution of this educational material to all children.

The Minister said that compared to last year, more students have been enrolled in government schools this year. Furthermore, he informed that private schools have been instructed not to make any changes to students’ books or uniforms for a period of five years.

MLA, Uchana, Sh. Devender Atri, Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Imran Raza, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Kuldeep Singh, and other officers also remained present on this occasion.

From Rickshaw Puller to Global Innovator- The Inspiring Journey of Dharambir Kamboj

Chandigarh, May 12 – In the small village of Damla in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, a remarkable story of resilience and innovation is unfolding, one that has not only transformed the life of Dharambir Kamboj, a farmer from Damla village, but has also made a global impact. Despite having formal education only up to the 10th grade, Dharambir has developed a multipurpose food processing machine that is now used in 18 countries across the world.

Dharambir’s path to success was anything but easy. Due to financial struggles, he moved to Delhi in the 1980s and took up work as a rickshaw puller. After a life-changing accident, he returned to his village and turned to farming, cultivating aloe vera and tulsi on his ancestral land. However, low returns from selling raw produce led him to a pivotal realization: to increase profits, he needed to process the crops himself.

Unable to afford expensive equipment, Dharambir did the unthinkable—he built his own machine. With support from the horticulture department, which provided Rs. 25,000 in initial funding, he developed a rosewater extraction device. Through persistent experimentation and innovation, he transformed it into a versatile machine capable of handling over a dozen food processing tasks.

Today, Dharambir’s multi purpose food processing machine can extract juice without crushing seeds, grind, mix, extract oils, distill rosewater, prepare aloe vera gel, roast, peel vegetables, make khoya, gajar ka halwa, and much more. Products like amla murabba, candies, soaps, herbal gels, juices, and even gulal for Holi can be prepared using this invention.

Recognizing the significance of his work, the Haryana government announced a subsidy of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 for farmers and self-help groups purchasing his Rs 2 lakh machine, making it more accessible to those who need it most.

Supported by the National Innovation Foundation and Chaudhary Charan Singh Agricultural University, Dharambir’s innovation journey has gained global recognition. His machines are now used in countries like the USA, Italy, Kenya, Australia, and Nigeria, among others.

In 2013, his efforts were honored by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. His story was also featured in Bollywood film Padman alongside Akshay Kumar, and in 2022, it found a place in the NCERT Class 12 Business Studies textbook, becoming an inspiration for students nationwide.

Now the founder of Dharambir Foods Private Limited, he manufactures around 10 machines a month and offers two-day training sessions to help others succeed with his technology.

What makes Dharambir’s story truly remarkable is not just the machine he built, but the determination that powered it. “People mocked my ideas in the beginning,” he recalls, “but I never let criticism stop me.” Today, Dharambir stands tall as a symbol of grassroots innovation, self-reliance, and hope.

21,397 Needy Women Assisted Through One Stop Centres by Mann Government; Ensuring a Safe Environment for Women is Our Top Priority: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Chandigarh, May 12:

The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is consistently striving to provide a safe and secure environment for women in the state. In this direction, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur informed that till March 31, 2025, approximately 21,397 needy women have been provided free emergency and non-emergency services through One Stop Centres across Punjab.

Giving further details, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that in order to prevent violence against women, Sakhi One Stop Centres have been established in every district at both private and public locations.

She added that these centres serve as a one-stop facility to combat any form of violence against women, offering free services under one roof such as emergency and non-emergency medical aid, legal assistance, police-related services, counselling, and provision of safe shelter and food.

Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the Punjab Government is continuously making dedicated efforts to provide a secure environment for the women of the state so that they can be brought into the mainstream of society.

Highlighting the significance of women’s welfare, she asserted that the progress of any society is directly dependent on the development and well-being of its women. Therefore, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enabling environment for women remains a top priority for the Punjab Government.