Chandigarh, December 12: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that on December 24, on the eve of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister Sh Amit Shah will unveil Vajpayee Ji’s statue at Atal Park in MDC Sector 1, Panchkula. He will also participate in other events organized in Panchkula.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was interacting with the media persons after inspecting the arrangements for the event at Atal Park today. BJP State President Sh Mohanlal Badoli was also present on the occasion.

He informed that after unveiling the 41 ft. tall metal statue of Atal Ji, Sh Amit Shah will inaugurate a mega blood donation camp at Atal Park. He will also inspect the exhibition set up at the state BJP office, “Panchkamal.” The Chief Minister said that Home Minister Sh Amit Shah will then take the salute at the passing-out parade of about 5,000 police personnel at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Stadium, Sector 3. Sh Shah will also attend the “Veer Bal Diwas” program to be held the same day as the chief guest.

Responding to a question regarding the issue of vote theft raised by the Congress Party in Parliament, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the opposition has become issueless and is trying to mislead the people of the country by spreading lies. However, the public will no longer be fooled. He added that Rahul Gandhi is misleading the nation and weakening constitutional institutions. Congress Party has no future in the country for the next 40–50 years.

Responding to another question, the Chief Minister said that it is the responsibility of the police to ensure the safety and security of every individual. He said that strict instructions have been issued to the police in this regard, and they are working diligently. The police department evaluates and decides whether or not security should be provided to any individual.

Responding to another question, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that providing accessible medical care to everyone is a priority for the government, and doctors play a crucial role in achieving this goal. He said that the recent special campaign under the Ayushman/Chirayu Yojana in Haryana has reduced the backlog of surgical cases to zero. The government listens to the concerns of doctors and is continuously working to address them, along with providing additional incentives. He added that from today onward, doctors will once again be available to serve the public with full dedication.

Present on the occasion were former Haryana Assembly Speaker Sh Gian Chand Gupta, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary of the Town and Country Planning Department Sh A.K. Singh, Commissioner and Secretary of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department and Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Deputy Commissioner, Sh Satpal Sharma, Additional Director (Administration), Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Smt Varsha Khangwal were also present.

Chandigarh, December 12 — Reaffirming the Haryana government’s commitment to honouring the unparalleled sacrifice of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini on Friday virtually inaugurated an essay writing competition across schools in the state to commemorate ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.

The initiative aims to ensure that the message of the Sahibzadas’ martyrdom, courage and steadfast commitment to truth reaches every child in Haryana. Lakhs of students joined the virtual event from different districts, during which the Chief Minister interacted with them and encouraged them to reflect on the inspirational lives of the young martyrs.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that reading and understanding the Sahibzadas’ story reinforces clarity of purpose and strengthens determination among students. He added that the competition is being held in four languages, Hindi, English, Punjabi and Sanskrit, so that children can express their thoughts with ease and showcase their abilities through well-crafted essays. He conveyed his best wishes to all participants.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the younger Sahibzadas of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji—Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh—exemplified exceptional bravery at just nine and six years of age. Their sacrifice, he said, stands as an eternal symbol of courage and truth. He also recalled that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi decided in 2022 to observe December 26 every year as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, ensuring national remembrance of these heroic children.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini urged students to recognise that responsibility and moral courage do not depend on age. Every child, he said, must fulfill their duties with honesty, protect cultural values and contribute to nation-building. Students should face challenges fearlessly and remember that real bravery lies in standing up for the truth.

Teachers, like Guru Gobind Singh Ji, must instil values of courage and character

The Chief Minister said that teachers play the role of guides and nation-builders. Just as Guru Gobind Singh Ji nurtured courage and righteousness in his sons, today’s teachers shape the thoughts and character of the next generation. He encouraged teachers to focus not only on academics but also on instilling values, discipline, compassion and integrity in students, as these form the foundation of a strong society. He emphasised that students must draw lessons of discipline, courage, principles and patriotism from the Sahibzadas’ lives.

If every child adopts the Sahibzadas’ values, schools will become true centres of character-building

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana’s schools would achieve their highest purpose if every student internalised the values demonstrated by the Sahibzadas. He encouraged small, everyday acts, helping classmates, maintaining cleanliness, respecting teachers, supporting weaker students, speaking the truth and opposing wrongdoing, as meaningful steps towards becoming responsible citizens.

The Chief Minister said that such competitions strengthen children’s connection with their heritage and inspire pride in history. He announced the prize money for the competition, State level cash reward of Rs. 21,000 for first prize, Rs. 11,000 for second and Rs. 5,100 for third (for Hindi, English, Sanskrit and Punjabi). District level, a cash reward of Rs. 3,100 for the first prize.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini Saini urged society to remember the young martyrs and pledged that together we must build an India where every child grows up to be honest, hardworking and patriotic.

Chief Principal Secretary  to the Chief Minister,  Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary, Sh.  Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, School Education, Sh. Vineet Garg, Deputy Principal Secretary, Sh. Yash Pal and OSD, Dr. Prabhleen Singh and other senior officers remained present. 

Chandigarh, December 12 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Swami Brahmanand Ji was a visionary ahead of his time, a towering figure whose light continues to guide our culture, thoughts, and society even today.

The Chief Minister was addressing followers who had come from Chuhar Majra, the birthplace of Swami Brahmanand Ji, at Sant Kabir Kutir, Chandigarh on Thursday late evening. He said the gathering was to honor the great ascetic, social reformer, and spiritual leader, Jagatguru Swami Brahmanand Ji, whose life was devoted to human service, religion, sacrifice, and nation-building. He offered his heartfelt respects and salutations to Swami Ji. On this occasion, Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, MLA, Sh. Satpal Jamba was also present.

The Chief Minister said that the lives of saints and sages serve as guiding lights for society. Learning from them helps us sow the seeds of morality, sacrifice, love, and service in our own lives. Swami Ji’s life inspires us to protect and promote Indian culture, civilization, and moral values. In today’s age of materialism, his teachings are more relevant than ever.

He highlighted that Swami Ji left home at a young age, received Vedic education from Gurukul Kurukshetra, and dedicated his knowledge, penance, and work to the welfare of humanity. A firm believer in Arya Samaj principles, he advocated monotheism, the worship of a formless God, and considered service to humanity as true devotion. During times when rural India lacked education and healthcare, and society was steeped in orthodoxy, Swami Brahmanand Ji ignited a spark of awareness through his words, writings, and actions. He studied the Vedas and Upanishads and authored numerous texts, offering society fresh perspectives and inspiration.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini emphasized Swami Ji’s mission of spreading education, particularly among women in rural areas, and his belief that a happy, civilized society rests on three pillars: cow protection, education, and social reform. In 1947, Swami Ji established the first model cow shelter at Gurukul Omkarpura. It is our duty to uphold morality, social values, and harmony by following the path shown by Swami Ji. This is the truest tribute to him. We must carry forward his noble work of social reform, education, and cow protection to new heights, he added.

The Chief Minister added that saints, sages, and gurus are an invaluable heritage. To preserve and cherish their legacy, the government has launched the ‘Sant Mahapurush Samman Evm Vichar Prasar Yojana’. Through this initiative, the messages of these great personalities are being shared to inspire future generations.

Chandigarh, December 12 — Haryana is preparing for a historic digital transformation in agriculture, with the government finalizing all major steps for the rollout of the Farmer Registry (AgriStack) and the Digital Crop Survey (DCS). Financial Commissioner Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra reviewed the progress today and expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive readiness plan.

Dr. Misra stated that the department is fully equipped to mobilize teams across Haryana’s nearly 1.78 crore land parcels, marking one of the most extensive digital agriculture exercises in India. The state has scheduled the launch of Farmer Registry Camps from January 1, 2026, followed by the Digital Crop Survey from February 1, 2026. She noted that both initiatives form the backbone of Haryana’s AgriStack vision, aimed at creating a unified, accurate, and transparent database of farmers and their cultivated crops.

During the meeting, she highlighted the importance of completing several critical tasks according to deadlines. She pointed out that the Department has already shared all necessary data with the Central Project Management Unit (CPMU) on December 9, and the bucketing process, which remains pending at the CPMU level, must be completed by December 16 for Panchkula District. She further noted that the DCS portal is still not operational and requested the CPMU to urgently share the status of both the portal and the uploaded survey data so that the February 1 deadline can be achieved without delay. She added that the Farmer Registry Portal must be fully functional by December 17, while the three essential applications—Land Verification, farmer registration, and Registration—should be made available on the App Store with completed security audits by December 20. She also emphasized the need for the Survey of India to submit the remaining village geometry maps by December 16.

Dr. Misra underscored that the Farmer Registry will be directly linked to the PM-KISAN scheme, making it essential that farmer registration targets are met on time. In her review, Dr. Misra also highlighted the mandatory requirement of establishing a State Project Management Unit (SPMU) for effective execution. Further, she directed the Agriculture Department to set up a dedicated Help Desk without delay to support field staff, including Patwaris, Agriculture Supervisors, and frontline teams, as well as farmers seeking assistance during the rollout.

Dr. Misra laid out a detailed monitoring mechanism to ensure timely implementation. She explained that progress would be reviewed weekly by Deputy Commissioners, along with Director land records and the Director of Agriculture who will conduct fortnightly reviews. At the state level, FCR and the Principal Secretary Agriculture would conduct monthly reviews.

To strengthen coordination between implementing agencies, Dr. Misra proposed convening a joint meeting of the Revenue Department, and Survey of India. This meeting would address pending technical tasks, map-related issues, and field-level preparations to ensure the project proceeds smoothly without bottlenecks.

Describing the initiative as a “landmark shift toward data-driven agriculture,” Dr. Misra reaffirmed Haryana’s commitment to modernizing agriculture through technology. With clear timelines, inter-departmental coordination, and a strong digital framework, Haryana is set to become a national model for transparent, efficient, and farmer-centric governance. The upcoming rollouts of the Farmer Registry and Digital Crop Survey are expected to significantly improve service delivery, enhance accuracy in crop assessment, and ensure timely access to government schemes—thereby directly empowering the state’s farmers.

Chandigarh, December 12 – Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh.  Anil Vij directed the immediate suspension of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) for delaying the recording of a victim’s statement in a case of abetment to suicide.

The suspension orders were given by the Minister while chairing the  during the District Grievance Redressal Committee meeting in Kaithal. He also directed the formation of a committee under the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) to thoroughly investigate the matter and submit a report within 10 days.

Furthermore, in a separate fraud case transferred to Karnal and subsequently closed after a local probe,  Sh. Anil Vij ordered an inquiry by the Panchkula Police Commissioner. He sternly directed the officers to avoid negligence in resolving public grievances, warning of strict action for any lapses.

Notably, in the meeting today 17 cases were tabled before the Minister, including 10 pending and seven new complaints.  In a complaint, a couple reported that while one accused had been arrested in their daughter’s abetment-to-suicide case, no action was taken against others. During the hearing, it emerged that the ASI at Pundri police station delayed recording the victim’s hospital statement, prompting, Sh. Anil Vij  ordered the officer’s suspension. The probe committee includes the DSP and NGO member Shakti Sauda. The Minister also heard unscheduled public grievances, directing DC and SP for action.

BJP leaders Jyoti Saini, Ashok Gurjar, Manish Kathwad, Mayor Surbhi Garg, Zila Parishad Chairman Karmbir Kaul and Deputy Commissioner. Ms. Aparajita, Superintendent of Police, Ms. Upasana, ADC, Sh.  Suresh Ravish, DMC, Sh.  Kapil Sharma, and others attended the meeting.

Chandigarh, December 12- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini today launched two major digital initiatives of the Excise and Taxation Department, giving a renewed push to transparency, efficiency and ease in governance. These initiatives aim to make departmental processes fully technology-driven, ensure time-bound delivery of services to citizens, and strengthen revenue management.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the “Kar Hiteshi” mobile application developed by the department. The app allows citizens to report GST-related irregularities easily and confidentially. Users can upload photos, videos or documents to report issues such as fake billing, wrongful input tax credit, unregistered business operations, non-issuance of bills, or concealed transactions. The app ensures that the identity of the informer is not disclosed to field officers. Officers will take necessary investigation and action based on the information received.

Appreciating the initiative, the Chief Minister said it would promote voluntary reporting and strengthen transparency in GST administration.

The Chief Minister launched six new online excise services. These services have been developed for permissions related to ethanol, extra neutral alcohol (ENA), and denatured spirit. Business entities can now apply online for import and export permissions for ethanol and ENA, as well as for import-export approvals for denatured spirit. Applicants can track the status of their applications and download digitally signed permission letters.

The meeting was informed that real-time monitoring of cargo movement, permit deadlines, and compliance will be possible through a dashboard. This system will reduce paperwork, prevent potential for misuse, and provide faster and transparent services to industries.

The Chief Minister directed that other excise services, including brand label registration and the licensing module, should also be brought online at the earliest to make departmental processes fully technology-based.

Total GST collection reaches Rs. 83,606 crore till November, 7 percent higher than last year

The Chief Minister also reviewed the functioning of the Excise and Taxation Department. The meeting included a detailed assessment of revenue performance, enforcement actions, pending recoveries, and the progress of digital reforms in GST, VAT and excise.

It was informed that Haryana has recorded the highest 21percent growth in net SGST collection at the national level, compared to the national average of 6 percent. The state’s net SGST collection in November 2025 stood at Rs. 3,835 crore, which is 17 percent higher than November last year. The total GST collection till November in the current financial year has reached Rs. 83,606 crore — 7 percent higher than last year and better than the national average of 5.8 percent. Based on this improved revenue performance, Haryana’s ranking has risen to fourth position. Officers stated that the state has 6,03,389 GST-registered taxpayers, with an annual growth rate of 6.11 percent between 2018 and 2025.

The Chief Minister also reviewed Value Added Tax (VAT) and CST. He was informed that VAT in Haryana applies to six goods — petrol, diesel, liquor, PNG, CNG, and CST-related items. VAT collections have increased significantly through November 2025-26, with the One Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme 2025 playing a significant role. Due to this scheme, CST collection increased by 60.99 percent. After the scheme concluded on September 27, 2025, the department conducted a special recovery drive, collecting Rs. 48.12 crore in October–November 2025.

During the meeting, Officers informed that the department has developed a VAT Monitoring Dashboard to track real-time VAT deposits. The system also raises automatic alerts in case of delays, helping field officers take timely action. The Chief Minister directed all districts to use the dashboard regularly to ensure greater efficiency.

It was shared that excise revenue till November 30, 2025, in the financial year 2025-26 stands at Rs. 9,370.28 crore, compared to Rs. 8,629.46 crore during the same period last year. The department presented district-wise and item-wise details of license fees, excise duties, bottling fees, permit fees, import duties, and VAT on country liquor. The Chief Minister directed districts with lower collections to increase monitoring, intensify inspections and take timely corrective steps.

Further, properties worth Rs. 125 crore have been attached, Rs. 46.66 crore recovered in the current policy year, and Rs. 16.46 crore mandatorily collected through the automated system for calculating interest on delayed licence fee deposits. The department also shared progress on QR-based track and trace, hologram authentication, ANPR cameras and boom barriers at manufacturing units, telemetry-based real-time monitoring at distilleries, and the online licensing module.

The Chief Minister directed that these digital reforms be implemented expeditiously, with regular impact reviews to ensure visible improvements in transparency, compliance and service delivery. He appreciated the department’s revenue performance and digital reforms, stating that the state government is committed to establishing a transparent, technology-driven and citizen-friendly tax and excise administration that will significantly contribute to Haryana’s economic growth.

Chief Principal Secretary  to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Commissioner and Secretary, Excise and Taxation Department, Smt. Ashima Brar, Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh and other senior officers remained present. 

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan expressed grief over the demise of  veteran Congress party leader and former Governor of Punjab Shivraj Patil. He added that Shivraj Patil served the nation with devotion and dedication and his contribution towards public service will always be remembered.

 Speaker Sandhwan  deeply saddened to hear the news of his passing away and he pray to the God to grant peace to the departed soul. Almighty may give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of distress.

Chandigarh, 12 December 2025:

The State Election Commission, Punjab is fully committed for conducting the general elections of Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti in the state on 14.12.2025 in a fair and transparent manner. All preparations have been completed by the Commission in this regard.

The Commission informed  the contesting candidates and the general public that the Commission has appointed IAS/Senior PCS officers as “Election Observers” in all the districts, who will be present in their respective districts from today till the completion of the election process (i.e. till the counting of votes and results are declared) and will keep the State Election Commission informed about these elections as per the requirement. The details of these appointed election observers are available on the website of the State Election Commission (https://sec.punjab.gov.in).

 Apart from this, the Commission has appointed 6 senior IPS officers as “Police Observers” to monitor the law and order situation during the conduct of these elections in various districts of the state (Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Moga), whose details are available in the respective Deputy Commissioner offices. If the candidate feels the need, he can contact them.

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi today met Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann at his official residence.

During the meeting, Garhi apprised the Chief Minister about the ongoing initiatives of the Commission for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes across the state. He also outlined key challenges being faced by the Commission.

Sharing further details of the interaction, S. Garhi said the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the Commission’s functioning and asked for a detailed written report on the issues highlighted, paving the way for their early resolution. The report would be submitted to the Chief Minister shortly, he added.

S. Garhi further said he extended his greetings to the Chief Minister for his successful visit to Japan and South Korea.

Chandigarh, December 12:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday batted for strategic tie up between the state and United Kingdom (UK) for further developing the state as a hub of investment and manufacturing.

During a meeting with a high-level delegation from the UK High Commission in Chandigarh, led by the Deputy High Commissioner Alba Smeriglio. the Chief Minister underscored need for further cementing business partnerships, with both sides expressing strong commitment to deepen ties. Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted Mohali as one of the best-organized cities globally and emphasized Punjab’s robust potential to emerge as a manufacturing powerhouse. Noting the eagerness of Punjab’s students to pursue opportunities in the UK through legal and safe pathways, he assured full cooperation from the state government in this regard.

The Chief Minister specifically addressed transnational challenges like gangsters, stating that such issues transcend borders and Punjab stands ready to collaborate with the UK on legal matters and any required assistance. He extended a red-carpet welcome to UK companies, positioning Punjab as a prioritized destination for investors. Bhagwant Singh Mann showcased the Punjabi diaspora’s global influence and identified core sectors for investment, including agro machinery, food processing, IT and more.

The Chief Minister apprised the delegation that Punjab’s robust investment ecosystem, offers reasonable power tariffs, land facilities and a welcoming environment for investors.He said that state ranks number one in Ease of Doing Business, with an efficient Single Window system operating transparently. Notably, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government, Punjab has became the first state to pass the Right to Business Act.

The Chief Minister invited the delegation to partner in the upcoming progressive Punjab Investors Summit (PPIS), in Mohali during the month of March. He positioned Punjab as the “Land of Opportunities,” with world-acclaimed companies eager to establish operations here which was reflective of the state’s stable law-and-order situation. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that Mohali will be the  “next Silicon Valley,” of the world as it has immense potential in this regard.

The Chief Minister said that Mohali has an International airport and a vast talent pool within a 100 km radius which makes it a perfect investment destination.  He urged the delegation to explore various areas of the state, for investing in the varied sectors to give further impetus to development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is imperative for giving boost to economic activity in the state on one hand and providing jobs to the youth on the other.

Meanwhile, the UK Deputy High Commissioner acknowledged the Punjabi diaspora’s potential and their substantial funds available for investment in their native land.

In response to queries on key sectors, the CM reiterated Punjab’s proactive investment climate and requested visits to showcase opportunities firsthand. Both Punjab and UK agreed  to strengthen ties for mutual growth, progress and prosperity besides giving impetus to trade and commerce.