Category Archives: Chandigarh

Haryana Yuva Samvad Samaroh: A Laboratory for Shaping Future Policies

Chandigarh, April 2:  Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, expressed his gratitude to all the representatives of the organization for organizing the Haryana Yuva Samvad 2025 program in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. He also appreciated the Rajdhani Yuva Sansad for selecting Haryana as the host state for this program.

In his address after inaugurating the two-day Haryana Yuva Samvad, Dr. Middha expressed that it is a matter of great fortune for him, as the Deputy Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha, to have the opportunity to engage with the talented youth selected from all corners of the country in this August house. He emphasized that this platform is not only a space for discussion but also a laboratory for shaping future policies. Dr. Middha further highlighted that the venue of this conference is not just an ordinary platform but a confluence of the Constitution, dialogue, and sensitivity—a place where the vision for building the future of the state is conceived and brought to fruition.

He mentioned that more than 60 youths, selected through three phases, are participating in the Haryana Yuva Samvad. These young participants will not only share their views but also offer insights into the direction society should take and express what the youth envision for the future. This platform will provide an opportunity to hear their perspectives.

Dr. Middha expressed happiness that two important topics have been chosen for discussion—Development and Expansion in Haryana through digital medium and Women Empowerment in Haryana. He emphasized that when we talk about a digital Haryana, we must recognize an important point: for the world to change, not only must we embrace technology, but our way of thinking must also evolve. He further stated that today’s India is a young India, with enthusiastic youth eager to make a difference. He pointed out that if we reverse the word youth (Yuva), it becomes air (Vayu), and as we all know, air moves swiftly.

He stated that the youth must aim to become job creators, not just job seekers. Dr. Middha emphasized that the 21st century is defined by our approach to technology. Today, farmers are able to test the soil of their fields online, students in remote villages can study online from world-renowned universities, and women entrepreneurs are managing their businesses through apps. He pointed out that we now need technical, digital, and administrative skills, as well as policies that are inclusive, equitable, and visionary. A new form of Haryana will emerge from the balance of these elements. He further added that social media should be used as a tool for solving societal problems, not creating fear. This vision of a digital Haryana can become a reality if youth like those present on this platform become the carriers of this change.

Dr. Middha highlighted that the second topic of the Haryana Samvad, Women Empowerment in Haryana, is a very important and specific subject. He stressed that when we talk about women empowerment, we must remember that when women are given opportunities, it empowers not just the home but the entire nation. He further stated that the progress of a nation is not possible unless its women are educated, safe, and empowered. Dr. Middha emphasized that while laws are important, what we truly need is a mental revolution to bring about meaningful change.

Congress MLA Smt Geeta Bhukkal, who was the key speaker in the Haryana Yuva Samvad program, said that youth is the bright future of the country. There was a time when literacy mission was run to increase literacy and knowledge.  Today we are in the era of e-governance. She said that the National Education Policy 2020 is being implemented. She said that today the subject matter is available in the form of e-content. We should stay updated with it, she added.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Chandigarh, April 2

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao met Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in New Delhi today and discussed health projects in Haryana. Union Minister of State for Statistics and Program Implementation, Planning and Corporate Affairs Sh. Rao Inderjit Singh was also present on the occasion.

Arti Singh Rao said she took blessings from Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and requested for cooperation in increasing health facilities in the state. She informed the Prime Minister that in the year 2015, when he started the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign from Panipat, at that time the sex ratio in Haryana was only 871 girls as compared to 1000 boys, but thanks to the Prime Minister’s call and the efforts of the Haryana Government, now this sex ratio has reached 910. Now, the state government is making dedicated efforts to equalize this ratio. Later, while talking to the media, Arti Singh Rao expressed happiness over the inclusion of women in the new Waqf Board by the Central Government by making a law and said that this will ensure the protection of women’s rights. She said the matter of Waqf is not related to religion but to the protection of property, and the participation of people from the poor section and women will help in taking welfare measures in the interest of Muslim brothers and sisters.

The Health Minister described Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi as the most popular leader of the world and said the Prime Minister cares for every section of the country. He has freed the sisters of the Muslim society from the black law of triple talaq. She said the Prime Minister is the biggest well-wisher of women and the poor sections.

Vipul Goel chairs joint meeting of Faridabad Municipal Corporation & Electricity Department

Chandigarh, April 2 – Haryana Cabinet Minister Sh. Vipul Goel said the state government is fully committed to the development of cities and development works will be done at a faster pace in the coming time.

Sh. Vipul Goel today chaired a joint meeting of all the newly elected councillors of Faridabad, Municipal Corporation officials and senior officials of the Electricity Department.

Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sh. Rajesh Nagar was also present in this meeting.

The objective of this meeting was to establish better coordination between all the departments and public representatives so that development works of the wards can be conducted smoothly and high-quality facilities can be provided to the citizens of Faridabad.

Sh. Vipul Goel directed the officials of the Municipal Corporation and Electricity Department to work in coordination with all the councillors and not keep any development project pending unnecessarily. He also directed the officials that whatever development work is currently going on, it should be completed within the stipulated time frame. If there is unnecessary delay in any work, it will be considered as negligence of the concerned officer and appropriate action will be taken against him.

Priority on preventing waterlogging

The Cabinet Minister clarified that the drainage system should be repaired in time so that people do not face any kind of inconvenience during the rainy season. In this context, he directed the Municipal Corporation officials to start the work of cleaning drains and sewer lines with immediate effect and monitor it regularly.

He also reviewed water supply, sanitation system, health services and other basic facilities and directed all the concerned departments to work together so that citizens can get better services. 

Instructions to electricity department

The minister instructed the officials of the Electricity Department to make all the necessary preparations before the upcoming summer and monsoon so that quick solution can be found in any emergency situation.

He said all the necessary equipment should be kept available in repair storage and an action plan should be prepared to maintain smooth power supply system. He also directed that in case of any technical fault, action should be taken as soon as possible so that citizens do not face any problem.

Vigilance Bureau arrests PSPCL Lineman taking Rs 10000 bribe

Chandigarh, April 2

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday, arrested Jasveer Singh, a Lineman with Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), posted at PSPCL’s North division in Patiala and residing in Jhill village of the district, red handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000.
Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the VB said the PSPCL official has been arrested based on a complainant lodged by a resident of Patiala.
He further added that the complainant had approached the VB after the said accused Jasveer Singh had demanded bribe to install a new domestic electricity meter at his home.

The spokesperson informed that after preliminary verification of his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the aforementioned accused was apprehended red handed while he was accepting the bribe of Rs 10000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. The VB personnel recovered the bribe money from his possession. In this regard an ase has been registered against the accused under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act at VB police station Patiala Range. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain if more persons were involved in the case, he said.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL AND CM INFLICTS FINAL BLOW TO DRUG MENACE, FLAG OFF MASS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUGS

Ludhiana, April 2-

Inflicting final blow to drug menace, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday flagged over mass awareness campaign against drug menace after administering oath to fight against malady to thousands of youth.

“This is a decisive crusade against drugs and we all pledge that we will eliminate the curse of drugs from state” said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering here in a march past aimed at creating awareness against the menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that enough is enough and now the state government will not sit idly and watch the smugglers bloom at the cost of the dead bodies and pyres of the drug victims. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has already snapped the supply line of drugs and big fishes involved in this heinous crime have been put behind the bars. He said that for the first time the property of the drug smugglers acquired illegally are being destroyed/ confiscated by the state government so that it acts as a deterrent for others.

The Chief Minister said that the drug problem has become serious in the state as due to the lackluster performance of the previous regimes it has now entered our veins. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that they are fortunate to have got the guidance of National Convener of the Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal, who apart from revolutionizing several sectors, also has the credit of eradicating several maladies from Delhi. He envisioned that under the continuous guidance of former Delhi Chief Minister, Punjab will soon be free from this menace of drugs.

The Chief Minister said that war against drugs has to be transformed into a mass movement as it is not only the work of Police but entire civil society too. He said that it is heartening that people are coming forward to take part in this campaign and anti-drug resolutions are being passed in several villages. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has issued a Whatsapp helpline number 9779100200 for seeking the support of the people in this war.

The Chief Minister asked the people to share any information pertaining to the drug smugglers operative in their area or city on this Whatsapp number. He said that the identity of the caller will be kept secret and will not be disclosed to anyone. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that fulsome support and cooperation of the people is imperative in this ambitious war against drugs due to which people should support this move in a big way.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab Police has a glorious legacy of serving the country by making countless sacrifices. He said that apart from discharging its core duty of maintaining law and order, the Punjab Police has always safeguarded the interests of the country and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the Punjab Police is playing a vanguard role in wiping out the menace of drugs from the state.

      The Chief Minister said that the need of the hour is that the common man plays a proactive role in the war against drugs. He said that now the time has come when everyone should rise against the scourge of drugs by decimating a handful of smugglers who are ruining the generations of the state for minting money. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged every resident to be a soldier in this war against drugs so that Punjab is made completely drug free.

DON’T REST UNTIL A SINGLE OUNCE OF DRUG IS PRESENT IN PUNJAB: KEJRIWAL TO YOUTH

Ludhiana, April 2-

National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called upon the youth of the state to support a decisive war against drug menace until Punjab is made drug free.

Addressing the gathering before flagging off the awareness march against drugs, the former Chief Minister of Delhi said that the youth has a huge role to play in wiping out the menace of drugs from the state. He said that if this curse is not wiped out then it will transform into a major evil and result in major damage to the state and its generations. Arvind Kejriwal urged the youth to say no to drugs as this menace will ruin their life and that of the family.

The National Convener of AAP said that in Punjab the previous governments had patronized drug cartels in the state and even their top leaders were involved in it. He said that for the sake of minting illegal money these greedy leaders had patronized the drug menace in the state thereby ruining our generations. Arvind Kejriwal said that God and people of the state will never forgive these political leaders for this sin and they will be punished for this misdeed.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that the state government has done exemplary work in the last 30 days adding that even the huge palaces built from drug money amassed by these smugglers are being destroyed. He said that none of the drug smugglers will be spared and they will be put behind the bars adding that severest of severe action will be taken against them. Arvind Kejriwal said that security agencies are playing a laudable role by cracking down heavily on the drug peddlers by nabbing them and cutting the supply line of drugs.

The National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party further said that properties of the drug peddlers are being confiscated/ demolished to ensure that people involved in this heinous crime get exemplary punishment. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs and a crusade has been launched against this menace. Striking an emotional chord with the youth, he said that if any friend or family member of the youth is taking drugs then it should be reported to authorities for timely prevention.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that it is imperative to check the spread of drugs amongst the youth and save our future generations. He asked the youth to take the responsibility of their respective village and locality to check the menace of drugs by calling on Whatsapp helpline number 9779100200, to inform about any movement of drug smugglers in their area. Arvind Kejriwal asked the youth to pledge that they will not take drugs, they will not allow anyone to sell drugs and they will support the campaign against drugs.

The former Chief Minister of Delhi said that in order to treat drug victims, the government is running an OutPatient Opioid Assisted Treatment Program (OOAT) for drug de-addiction services at the OPD level. He said that rehabilitation centres are being established across the state to rehabilitate the drug victims. Arvind Kejriwal said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms are being opened in every village of the state

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Hands Over Appointment Letters to Excise and Taxation Inspectors and Clerks

Chandigarh, April 2

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to two Excise and Taxation Inspectors and two Clerks in the Excise and Taxation Department, reinforcing the department’s crucial role in revenue collection

Congratulating the newly appointed officials, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the importance of integrity, dedication, and commitment in public service. He expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the Excise and Taxation Department, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the government’s revenue stream remains robust and transparent.

“The Excise and Taxation Department stands as a cornerstone of the Punjab Government’s fiscal framework. These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our workforce with capable and diligent individuals who will help in effective revenue collection and management,” said Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Reiterating Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to employment generation and efficient revenue management, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this recruitment drive not only reinforces the Excise and Taxation department but also aligns with the Punjab Government’s broader vision of providing employment opportunities to the youth. With a strong emphasis on job creation, economic growth, and empowerment, the government is actively implementing policies that foster career opportunities and sustainable development across the state, he added.

BIKRAM MAJITHIA’S SECURITY SCALED DOWN, NOT WITHDRAWN: PUNJAB POLICE CLARIFIES

CHANDIGARH, April 2:

The Punjab Police on Wednesday refuted reports claiming the complete withdrawal of security for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, clarifying that his security cover had only been scaled down based on a reassessment of threat perception.

An official spokesperson said that the adjustment was made following the latest recommendations of the Security Review Committee.

“Security for any prominent individual is reviewed periodically based on threat assessment. Accordingly, it is either increased or decreased,” the spokesperson said, while adding that Bikram Majithia still retains sufficient security, including an escort vehicle and an adequate number of gunmen, ensuring his safety as per protocol.

Meanwhile, officials reiterated that such decisions are routine and based solely on threat perception reports.

Chief Secretary reviews arrangements for Prime Minister’s visit with officers

Chandigarh , April 1 – Prime Minister,  Sh Narendra Modi will inaugurate air  travel services from Maharaja Agrasen Airport Hisar on April 14, marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. On the same day,the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a new 800 MW unit at the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar. 

The Chief Secretary, Sh Anurag Rastogi reviewed the preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit in a meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh  Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary  to Chief Minister,  Sh Arun Gupta, senior officers from various departments.

Sh Anurag Rastogi directed the officers to ensure robust security and cleanliness arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit. He also directed them to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and adequate provisions for drinking water at the venues.  Considering large public turnout, Chief Secretary stressed the need for effective traffic management to ensure public face no inconvenience.

Strict action taken against illegal mining in Yamuna Nagar; 1692 vehicles checked, one vehicle seized, Fines of Rs. 4.32 lakh was imposed

Chandigarh, April 1- Following the directions of Director General, Mining and Geology Department, Sh. K.M Pandurang, the Mining Department is continuously taking action against illegal mining and transportation in the state. The district administration and mining department in Yamuna Nagar checked 1,692 vehicles. As a result, one vehicle was seized, and fines amounting to Rs.4.32 lakh were imposed on seven vehicles. 

Sharing information in this regard a spokesperson from the mining department shared that the Haryana government is taking strict action against those involved in illegal mining. To ensure this, teams have been formed at various levels for regular monitoring. The administration is committed to curbing illegal mining and transportation in the district, and continuous efforts are being made in this direction. 

The spokesperson said 946 vehicles were checked by the teams of SDM Chhachhrauli. Similarly, the teams under SDM Jagadhri checked 169 vehicles, seizing one vehicle and imposing a fine of Rs. 4.26 lakh. The teams led by SDM Radaur checked 466 vehicles, issuing challans to seven vehicles and collecting fines totaling Rs. 6,000. Besides this, the team under SDM Byaspur checked 111 vehicles. District’s SDMs, police, and mining department officers are conducting round-the-clock inspections, the spokesperson added.

The administration is monitoring illegal mining near the Yamuna River and other areas in the Yamunanagar district. Teams appointed by the district administration are actively checking mineral-vehicles on the roads to ensure they have valid e-Rawanna bills. Strict action is being taken against the culprits.