Category Archives: Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Haryana

11th International Yoga Day: A Grand State-Level Celebration to be organized in Kurukshetra on June 21

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Chandigarh, May 28 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a grand state-level event will be organized in Kurukshetra on June 21 to mark the 11th International Yoga Day. Approximately one lakh participants will participate in the celebrations. Renowned Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev will also grace the occasion with his presence.

The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference shortly after presiding over a meeting held today to finalize preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations, along with officials from the AYUSH Department and other concerned departments.

He said that with the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, International Yoga Day has been celebrated globally on June 21 each year since 2015. The Prime Minister’s proposal at the United Nations was supported by 177 countries and today entire world has embraced yoga.

The Chief Minister informed that the final preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day function were reviewed and finalized during the meeting. He emphasized the importance of creating an atmosphere where the entire state is engaged in yoga. “Yoga is an ancient tradition of our country. It is not just a form of physical exercise, but a holistic way of life. It has given us a path to health awareness,” he said. He also encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routine and contribute to building a ‘Healthy India.’

In addition to the state-level function, district-level events will be organized across all districts. Furthermore, block-level programs will be conducted in all 121 blocks of the state. The AYUSH department has prepared a detailed blueprint for these events.

The theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.”

Training programmes to be organized across the state

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that in the lead-up to International Yoga Day, various programmes including Yoga Marathons and the Yoga Jagran Yatra will be conducted alongside dedicated training sessions. These initiatives aim to engage all sections of society from schoolchildren to the general public. The programmes will run from today until June 21. He said that Swachhata programme will also be integrated into the yoga activities.

The Chief Minister said that three-day yoga training programmes will be organized in all schools, colleges, and universities across the state. Similar training sessions will also be held for ministers, MPs, MLAs, officers, government employees, and other public representatives.

”Yoga -Yukt Haryana – Nasha-Mukt Haryana” to be launched on International Yoga Day

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that on the occasion of International Yoga Day, the state will launch the initiative “Yoga Yukt Haryana – Nasha Mukt Haryana”, in alignment with the vision of Swasth Bharat – Swasth Haryana. The campaign aims to eliminate drug addiction from society through the positive influence of yoga. As part of the celebrations, 10 lakh saplings will be planted across the state, reinforcing a commitment to environmental protection through the concept of “Green Yoga.” He also informed that a dedicated portal has been launched for registration, with a target to engage 10 lakh people in the event.

The Chief Minister urged citizens to celebrate Yoga Day as a Yoga Mahotsav by practicing yoga in parks, stadiums, rooftops, or any open space, and to spread the message of health and well-being globally. He emphasized the state government’s resolve to take yoga to every household and make Haryana a yoga-empowered state.

In response to a query about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the Chief Minister said that there is no need for panic. Health Department is fully prepared to handle the situation.

Additional Chief Secretary of AYUSH Department Sudhir Rajpal, Chairman of Haryana Yoga Aayog Dr. Jaideep Arya, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages Department K. Makarand Pandurang, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Atrey were also present.

Chandigarh

Haryana CM expresses gratitude to the Prime Minister for increasing the MSP of Kharif crops

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Chandigarh, May 28- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi for yet again taking another farmer-friendly decision of increasing the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Kharif Crops for Marketing Season 2025-26.

         This decision is another step towards the commitment of the government to double the income of the farmers, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in a statement issued here today.

         Divulging more details in this regard an official spokesperson said that the MSP of paddy (common) has been increased from existing Rs 2300 per quintal to Rs 2369 per quintal, which is 81 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14, while the MSP of A-grade paddy has been increased from existing Rs 2320 per quintal to Rs 2389 per quintal which is 78 per cent higher than year 2013-14.

         The MSP of moong dal has been increased from Rs 8682 per quintal to Rs 8768 per quintal, which is 95 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

         The spokesman said that the MSP of Bajra has been increased from Rs 2625 per quintal to Rs 2775 per quintal, which is 122 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of Ragi has been increased from Rs 4290 per quintal to Rs 4886 per quintal, which is 226 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. Similarly MSP of Maize has been increased from Rs 2225 per quintal to Rs 2400 per quintal, which is 83 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. MSP of Tur/Arhar has been increased from Rs 7550 per quintal to Rs 8000 per quintal, which is 86 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

         The MSP of Urad has been increased from Rs 7400 per quintal to Rs 7800 per quintal, which is 81 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. Similarly, the MSP of groundnut has been increased from Rs 6783 per quintal to Rs 7263 per quintal, which is 82 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of sunflower has been increased from Rs 7280  per quintal to Rs 7721 per quintal, which is 109 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of soybean has been increased from Rs 4892 per quintal to Rs 5328 per quintal, which is 108 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. MSP of cotton (medium staple) has been increased from Rs. 7121 per quintal to Rs. 7710 per quintal, which is 108 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. MSP of cotton (long staple) has been increased from Rs. 7521 per quintal to Rs.8110 per quintal, which is 103 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

The MSP of Jowar Hybrid has been increased from Rs.  3371 to Rs. 3699, which is 147 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14. The MSP of Jowar Maldandi has been increased from Rs. 3421 to Rs. 3749, which is 147 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

The MSP of Sesamum (Til) has been increased from Rs. 9267 to Rs. 9846, which is 119 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.  The MSP of Nigerseed (Ramtil) has been increased from Rs. 8717 to Rs. 9537, which is 172 per cent higher as compared to year 2013-14.

         The spokesperson further informed that for the last several years, the Central Government has declared the Minimum Support Price for both Rabi and Kharif crops before the sowing season starts. With this step of the government, the farmers have the option of sowing the crop which can be more profitable.

Chandigarh, Punjab

THREE DRUG TRAFFICKERS HELD WITH 521-GRAMS HEROIN, FOUR SOPHISTICATED PISTOLS FROM AMRITSAR

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CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, May 28:

          In a major crackdown on narco-illegal-arms smuggling networks amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Border Range Amritsar has arrested three drug traffickers linked to cross-border smuggling and recovered 521 grams of heroin and four sophisticated .30 bore Px5 storm pistols along with seven magazines and 55 live cartridges, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Maninderjit Singh (26) of village Badowal in Gurdaspur, Peter (22) and Lovejit Singh alias Raja (21) of Dharamkot Randhawa in Gurdaspur. Apart from recovering heroin and weapons, police teams have also impounded their two motorcycles, which they were using to deliver consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said preliminary investigations have revealed that the arrested accused persons were in touch with Europe and Pakistan-based drug smugglers, and were receiving narco and weapon consignments from across the border via drones.

          He said that ANTF is actively pursuing both forward and backward linkages to dismantle the entire network. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, said the DGP.

          Sharing operation details, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) ANTF Nilabh Kishore said that ANTF Border Range Amritsar team had received credible inputs about the trio’s involvement in retrieving narcotics and weapons from across the border. Acting swiftly on the inputs, police teams led by Superintendent of Police (SP) ANTF Border Range Amritsar Gurpreet Singh launched an intelligence-led operation and apprehended accused persons from near Shankar Dhaba on Attari Road in Amritsar, he said.

          In this regard, a case FIR No 141 dated 27.05.2025 has been registered under sections 21-C, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station ANTF in SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh

MC Chandigarh Conducts Special Enforcement Drive at Sector 26 Mandi

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Chandigarh, May 28: In a joint operation with the Marketing Committee and Mandi Board, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh today carried out a special enforcement drive at Sector 26 Mandi. The drive was conducted following the directions of MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, to ensure better regulation and maintenance of cleanliness and order within the mandi premises.

During the drive, the MCC enforcement team issued 18 challans to violators for various offenses including unauthorized dumping of waste, encroachments, and non-compliance with Govt rules. The team acted swiftly and firmly to address these violations, aiming to improve the overall hygiene and functioning of the mandi.

The enforcement team also issued strong warnings to regular offenders, cautioning them of strict legal action if violations persist. The MCC reiterated its commitment to maintaining cleanliness and civic discipline in all public and commercial spaces of the city.

Such drives will continue regularly to ensure the enforcement of municipal regulations and to promote responsible behavior among traders and vendors.

Chandigarh

VIGILANCE BUREAU ARRESTS ASSISTANT TOWN PLANNER TAKING RS 10,000 BRIBE

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Chandigarh May 28, 2025 –

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) has arrested Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Charanjit Singh, posted at Nagar Council, Gurdaspur, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a local architect.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said the arrest was made following a complainant, from an Architect, who is resident of village Anandpur, tehsil Dinanagar, Gurdaspur district.

He further stated that the complainant had applied for an NOC for his project in Gurdaspur city and file was initially cleared by the Building Inspector and Draughtsman but was later sent to the above said ATP for final approval. The complainant alleged that the accused deliberately raised unnecessary objections and demanded Rs 10,000 to clear the file.

The spokesperson further added that after a preliminary verification of this complaint the VB team laid a trap during which the ATP Charanjit Singh was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe of Rs 10,000 in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case has been registered under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the said accused at VB Police Station, Amritsar Range. The case is under investigation and the accused would be produced before the competent court tomorrow, he said.

Chandigarh, Punjab

From Nabha Jailbreak to Narco Empire: Akali Dal has a long history of lawlessness and chaos: CM Mann

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Chandigarh, May 28:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia, accusing him of hypocrisy and attempting to mislead the public through baseless propaganda. Addressing the media, Mann dismantled Majithia’s recent claims while highlighting Akali Dal’s dubious record during its tenure.

CM Mann slammed Bikram Majithia for politicising a recent tragic incident in Amritsar where a poor man lost his life while attempting to dispose of a live explosive device. Mann said, “Majithia questions law and order. But who is he to speak? During your regime, an SHO was shot while trying to protect the honour of his daughter, and slogans of ‘Majithia Zindabad’ were raised. Have you forgotten this?”

Mann reminded people of the Nabha Jailbreak incident during the Akali regime and questioned the accountability of leaders like Majithia. He emphasized how Akali leaders enabled drug mafias and gangsters, flooding Punjab with drugs and crime. “Whenever drug smugglers or mafias are caught, their connections inevitably lead back to Akali leaders,” Mann said.

Mann said, “Majithia represents a legacy where the poor were jailed for standing up, while the powerful looted Punjab without consequence.” He added, “The Akali Dal built an empire of corruption, allowing unchecked gangsters and smugglers to thrive. Now, they try to posture as saviors of Punjab. The people will no longer buy into their lies.”

CM Mann drew a stark contrast between the governance models of the AAP and Akali Dal. “Unlike Majithia, who thinks only of his personal benefits, my government is committed to policies that prioritize Punjab’s common people. We will never sign off on any policy that harms Punjab or its people,” Mann declared.

Exposing Majithia’s Double Standards

Mann also lashed out at Majithia’s hypocrisy in calling for law and order reforms. “Under Badals and Majithia’s leadership, Akali Dal became a symbol of lawlessness and greed. They are responsible for throwing Punjab into the quagmire of drugs and crime,” Mann stated.

CM Mann contrasted his personal property with the opulence of Akali leaders. “Every election, I have declared my assets. My wealth has consistently reduced because I serve Punjab, not myself. Can Majithia say the same?” Mann challenged.

Mann also delivered a strong warning to corrupt leaders: “Those who exploit the poor and rob Punjab will face justice. No amount of wealth can shield you from the consequences of your actions. Remember, the prayers of the poor and honest always reach God, and their curses are unstoppable.”

Concluding his remarks, CM Mann urged the people of Punjab to reject the Akali Dal’s false narratives and to support honest governance. “The Akali Dal is a relic of a corrupt past. They’ve had their chances and squandered them. It’s time for Punjab to move forward with transparency and development,” Mann affirmed.

Chandigarh, Punjab

Drive against corruption : VB arrests ASI red handed taking Rs 15,000 bribe

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Chandigarh May 28, 2025 –

Continuing its relentless drive against corruption, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) today arrested Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Kuldeep Singh, posted at Police Station, Haryana in Hoshiarpur district, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said the arrest was made following a complaint filed by Robin Kumar, village Ghugyal, district Hoshiarpur. The complainant has approached the VB alleging that a police case was registered against him in the above said police station and investigation of the case was assigned to ASI Kuldeep Singh. However, before registering this FIR, ASI Kuldeep Singh, allegedly acting in connivance with the opposing party, had registered a counter-case against the said complainant, his mother and other family members. Afterwards, ASI Kuldeep Singh threatened the complainant to pay Rs 50,000 otherwise he would falsely implicate his mother in a case involving the theft of a gold chain.

The complainant informed that upon his persistent requests the amount of bribe was negotiated to Rs 30,000 and the ASI had taken Rs 10,000 as a first instalment. As per the complaint, the accused ASI has demanded the balance amount of Rs 20000 and received Rs 5,000 as second instalment. The complainant has recorded the conversation while demanding the remaining amount of illegal gratification on his mobile phone.

The spokesperson further informed that after a preliminary verification of this complaint, the VB team led a trap during which the ASI Kuldip Singh was apprehended red- handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 15,000 in the presence of two official witnesses. In this regard a case has been registered against the accused at the VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he said.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Human Rights Commission Takes SuoMotu Cognizance — Directs Action against Teacher Who Broke Student’s Hand

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Chandigarh, 26 May 2025-The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken suomotu cognizance of an incident involving alleged assault by a teacher on a Class 11 student, and has issued strict directions for action. The suomotu case, numbered 913/7/2025, pertains to a private school in District Jhajjar, where, according to a news report, a teacher—Mr.Sonu alias R.S. Rathor—allegedly assaulted a student, resulting in a fractured hand.

The student was admitted to a hospital run by the same educational group. Shockingly, the student’s family was reportedly mistreated and intimidated by the school staff when they visited the hospital. The incident reflects not only physical violence but also mental trauma and institutional negligence, constituting a serious violation of the fundamental rights of children. The police have registered a case under the BharatiyaNyayaSanhita and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The Full Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice LalitBatra and Members Mr.Kuldip Jain and Mr. Deep Bhatia, has expressed deep concern over the physical and emotional trauma suffered by the student. The Commission noted that this is not an isolated incident of violence but points to a systemic failure in ensuring student safety and monitoring staff conduct. Reports of intimidation faced by the victim’s family further aggravate the seriousness of the matter. Such behaviour undermines trust in educational institutions and damages the sanctity of the teacher-student relationship. Therefore, the Commission deemed it necessary to implement immediate corrective, protective, and preventive measures.

The Commission’s preliminary view, under the leadership of Justice LalitBatra, is that the reported facts indicate a serious violation of the fundamental rights to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which encompasses dignity, mental well-being, and protection from abuse. The incident also clearly violates Sections 75 and 82 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which prohibit cruelty and corporal punishment against children. Moreover, it contravenes Articles 19 and 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which call for safeguarding children from all forms of physical or mental violence and ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. The matter demands immediate and thorough investigation to protect the rights of the victim and ensure accountability.

Without expressing any opinion on the merits at this preliminary stage, the Haryana Human Rights Commission issues the following directions:

  • The Superintendent of Police, District Jhajjar, shall ensure that the investigation is conducted fairly, transparently, and in a time-bound manner under his direct supervision. A status report including statements of relevant parties and medical records must be submitted to the Commission within four weeks from the date of the order.
  • The District Education Officer, Jhajjar, is directed to conduct an urgent institutional audit of the concerned school. The audit shall examine:
    1. Whether a functional Child Protection Policy is in place;
    2. Whether grievance redressal mechanisms exist for students and parents;
    3. Whether internal disciplinary mechanisms for staff misconduct are effectively implemented.

Dr.PuneetArora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, stated that the Full Commission has viewed this incident as a reflection of the deepening disorder in educational institutions. It is not merely about one student, but calls into question the accountability of the entire educational system. As per the directions of the Commission chaired by Justice LalitBatra, reports on the matter have been sought from the Superintendent of Police, Jhajjar and the District Education Officer, Jhajjar. These reports are to be submitted before the next date of hearing, scheduled for 8 July 2025.

Chandigarh

Need value-based and inclusive education: Governor

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Chandigarh, May 25 – Haryana Governor Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya today addressed the provincial Acharya Sammelan of Vidya Bharati held at Samalkha, Panipat through virtual medium. As the chief guest at the function, he emphasized the importance of value-based and inclusive education, which is in line with the emerging needs of the industry and future challenges. Addressing teachers, academic leaders and scholars, Sh. Dattatraya said education should not be limited to rote learning and academic excellence. It should develop moral values, critical thinking and a spirit of innovation in students. He stressed the need for an education system that is inclusive, accessible and compatible with socio-economic diversity.

Referring to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, he said students must be equipped with academic knowledge as well as ethics, social responsibility and skills in line with the demands of the global workforce. He called upon teachers to guide students with compassion and knowledge.

He praised the Haryana Government led by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and said the government is taking many initiatives in the field of education. He also praised the efforts to improve the infrastructure of schools, integration of digital learning tools, scholarships to meritorious students and promotion of vocational training.

The Governor said Vidya Bharati is India’s largest organization in the field of education, which is sowing the seeds of Indian culture, moral values and ‘sanskars’ in children along with education. More than 32 lakh students are being taught by 1.50 lakh Acharyas in about 25000 educational institutions run by the Sansthan. He praised Vidya Bharati’s efforts to promote educational reforms and teacher excellence.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Benefits of government policies reaching common man directly: Agriculture Minister

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Chandigarh, May 25 – Haryana Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana has said the Central and State Governments are speeding up development works keeping in mind the ‘Vision-2047’. The state is rapidly becoming a leader in development works. The Agriculture Minister was listening to the public problems of the people in Tint village today along with Dr. Krishan Kumar, MLA of Bawal Assembly constituency of Rewari.

The Agriculture Minister said all sections of the state are happy with the public welfare policies of the government. The benefits of the policies being run by the government are reaching the common man directly.

The Agriculture Minister also listened to the monthly programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi along with Bawal MLA Dr. Krishan Kumar and other dignitaries. The Agriculture Minister said in the Mann Ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister has spoken in a very inspiring manner by urging to adopt indigenous products and public participation in environmental protection. On water conservation, he said by conserving raindrops, we can save a lot of water from being wasted.