Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the  foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth over Rs 4,700 crore in Chandigarh, spanning healthcare, education and road infrastructure. Highlighting the city’s unique status as an exemplary model for systematic national progress, he emphasized its reputation for ensuring a better lifestyle and ease of living. Acknowledging the divine grace of Maa Chandi over the region, he reaffirmed the ruling administration’s unwavering commitment to its continuous, structured growth. “The development of Chandigarh has always been the absolute priority of the current government,“ asserted Modi.

Recalling the historic and massive overhaul of the nation’s justice system implemented a year and a half ago, the Prime Minister pointed out the transition from punitive colonial laws to a justice-oriented framework. “The implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began from Chandigarh itself,“ observed Shri Modi.

Detailing the financial investments made to modernize the urban landscape, the Prime Minister listed transformative initiatives such as the Integrated Command and Control Center, Smart Traffic Management, and Digital Governance. Congratulating the residents on the inauguration of health, education, and infrastructure projects, he highlighted the massive capital infusion driving these futuristic upgrades. “More than two and a half thousand crore rupees have been spent on this mission to make the city high-tech,“ noted Shri Modi.

Charting his extensive daily itinerary dedicated to regional advancement, the Prime Minister mentioned his prior engagement in Jind, Haryana, and his upcoming visit to Jalandhar, Punjab. He framed his current stop as a vital geographic and administrative bridge seamlessly linking the neighboring states. “Our Chandigarh effectively connects both Haryana and Punjab,“ remarked Shri Modi.

Emphasizing the broader regional impact of localized urban growth, the Prime Minister explained how enhancements in the city directly elevate the quality of life for neighboring populations across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. He specifically spotlighted the city’s indispensable and central role in regional healthcare delivery. “For medical services, Chandigarh is a mega hub in this entire region,“ observed Shri Modi.

Announcing the major expansion of advanced healthcare facilities at the local medical institute, the Prime Minister introduced critical new additions including a Neuroscience Center, a Mother and Child Center, and a Critical Care Hospital Block. “These projects will provide even better treatment facilities to millions of people,“ affirmed Shri Modi.

Recalling his previous visit to the institute’s convocation ceremony in 2015, the Prime Minister praised the extraordinary capacity building achieved over the past decade. He extended his heartfelt best wishes to the administrative team, academic staff, and medical practitioners continuously driving this progress. “I deeply appreciate the professors and young doctors here for expanding the institution’s capabilities,“ remarked Modi.

Drawing a direct correlation between robust public health and strict sanitation standards, the Prime Minister recalled the nationwide launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission. He detailed the massive structural changes implemented, from building crores of toilets to eradicating open defecation, while praising the city for striving to improve its cleanliness rankings. “Various initiatives were started so that cleanliness firmly becomes a part of our daily lifestyle,“ asserted Modi.

Singling out a local retired IPS officer for exceptional civic dedication, the Prime Minister lauded Inderjit Singh Sidhu ji, widely known as the ‘Broom Warrior’, for sparking a grassroots sanitation movement. He proudly acknowledged the government’s decision to formally recognize these inspiring community efforts with a prestigious national award. “For awakening a new awareness, our government honored him with the Padma award this year,“ noted Modi.

Characterizing public hygiene as a continuous way of life rather than a one-off event, the Prime Minister expressed delight that the day’s program integrated a special ‘Swachhta se Swagat’ drive. He commended the local citizens for embracing this initiative, underscoring its vital role in proactive disease prevention. “Cleanliness campaigns have proven to be incredibly helpful in preventing numerous diseases across the country,“ affirmed Modi.

Reflecting on past global anxieties regarding the nation’s healthcare capacity, the Prime Minister contrasted the historical skepticism during crises with the country’s proactive leadership during the Corona pandemic. He proudly noted that instead of seeking aid, the nation extended assistance and has now transformed into a premier global destination for complex medical treatments. “Our government completely changed India’s capability and radically altered the world’s perspective,“ asserted Shri Modi.

Attributing this paradigm shift to twelve years of dedicated policy execution, the Prime Minister recalled the foundational pledge to eradicate medical deprivation and ensure affordable, high-quality care for all citizens. “The success of the country in the last twelve years is the direct result of this very resolution,“ affirmed Shri Modi.

Cataloging the aggressive nationwide expansion of medical infrastructure, the Prime Minister highlighted the approval of 15 new AIIMS post-2014, the establishment of hundreds of medical colleges, and the rapid proliferation of specialty hospitals. He proudly referenced his 2022 inauguration of the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital at Chandigarh, which now expertly serves thousands of patients. “In recent years, India has rapidly and massively expanded its healthcare infrastructure,“ noted Modi.

Shifting focus to grassroots medical access, the Prime Minister detailed the Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission’s role in fortifying primary care through Critical Care Blocks and Public Health Labs. He revealed that nearly 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are currently providing vital screening and comprehensive health packages across urban, rural, and tribal demographics. “Attention is intensely being paid to the rapid development of primary healthcare facilities in every single village,“ observed Shri Modi.

Highlighting the revolutionary integration of digital technology into public health, the Prime Minister praised the e-Sanjeevani mission for democratizing access to expert medical consultations. He shared that remote populations can now easily connect with top-tier specialists without undertaking arduous physical journeys. “Today, more than 48 crore telemedicine consultations have successfully taken place across the country,“ noted Modi.

Quantifying the life-saving impact of these sweeping medical reforms, the Prime Minister revealed that over 90 percent of childbirths now occur in highly secure institutional settings. He shared staggering statistics reflecting a massive 86 percent drop in maternal mortality alongside a steep decline in infant deaths nationwide. “Due to this massive expansion of health services, there has been a huge drop in the infant mortality rate as well,“ affirmed Modi.

Balancing therapeutic advancements with proactive wellness strategies, the Prime Minister emphasized the administration’s dual focus on preventive healthcare. He credited holistic initiatives like the Poshan Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, Yoga promotion, HPV vaccination campaigns, and U – WIN platform  for actively shielding massive populations from potential health crises. “Due to many such critical efforts, the lives of crores of people are continuously being secured,“ remarked Modi.

Outlining the aggressive national crusade against tuberculosis, the Prime Minister detailed the community-driven TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’s fierce focus on timely screening and treatment. Citing a recent WHO report, he celebrated a 21 percent reduction in infections over the past decade and robust treatment coverage exceeding 90 percent. “Through active public participation, every single individual is being made highly aware,“ asserted Shri Modi.

Identifying the primary beneficiaries of this healthcare revolution, the Prime Minister stated that lower and middle-income families are reaping the most significant rewards. He emphasized a fundamental philosophical shift in the nation’s approach to equitable medical access. “Health services in India are no longer a privilege, they are becoming an absolute right,“ affirmed Shri Modi.

Addressing the historic bottlenecks in medical education, the Prime Minister recounted the severe shortage of academic seats that previously shattered the aspirations of young students. He announced that the number of medical colleges has nearly doubled, with record increases in postgraduate slots and the recent, highly anticipated approval of an MBBS college at the local institute. “This immense expansion will give talented youth the chance to study in top institutes and provide the country with the best doctors,“ observed Shri Modi.

Praising the city’s unique concentration of educational, engineering, and medical research institutions, the Prime Minister forecasted its rapid rise as a premier hub for startups and technological innovation. To accelerate this academic journey, he celebrated the inauguration of the Kurukshetra Boys Hostel at Punjab Engineering College and the foundation laying for new research scholar accommodations. “It is our endeavor that our youth get the best possible labs and better faculty for advanced research,“ asserted Modi.

Linking rigorous academic environments directly to technological breakthroughs, the Prime Minister stressed the absolute necessity of a robust research ecosystem to propel advancements in Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, and deep-tech. He expressed unwavering faith in local educators and students to spearhead this critical national objective. “Only when the research environment is truly strong will innovation rapidly accelerate,“ affirmed Modi.

Defining robust infrastructure as the ultimate blueprint for economic prosperity, the Prime Minister championed the government’s novel holistic developmental approach. He inaugurated a six-lane greenfield highway from IT City to Kurali to alleviate airport road congestion and laid the foundation for the ‘PR Seven Spur’, promising much smoother transit for regional commuters. “With all such strategic development works, industry and business will gain incredible new momentum,“ noted Modi.

Expanding on the theme of regional connectivity, the Prime Minister announced the simultaneous launch of railway projects in Jalandhar and the historic rollout of the nation’s first clean-fuel hydrogen train connecting Jind to Sonipat. He congratulated the public on this monumental national leap in sustainable, green transportation. “This train running entirely on clean fuel marks a truly momentous beginning for the nation,“ remarked Modi.

Concluding his address with a forward-looking vision for a Viksit Bharat, the Prime Minister urged a relentless focus on future-ready technologies, transit systems, and healthcare architectures. He assured the people of Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh that the current administration remains dedicated to building enduring institutions that will serve generations to come. “We must firmly make such bold decisions whose maximum benefits effortlessly reach all our coming generations,“ asserted Modi.

Chandigarh: Aakash Educational, Chandigarh student, Geetansh has emerged as the topper of the Chandigarh region by securing All India Rank 8 in the NEET UG 2026 examination. Four students from Aakash secured ranks in the All India top 10, 18 students in the top 50, and 41 students in the top 100.

In the NEET UG 2026 results declared by the National Testing Agency (NTA), Geetansh scored 705 out of 720 marks. Meanwhile, Krish Gupta secured All India Rank 15 with 705 marks and  Rishit Singla secured All India Rank 100 with 690 marks.

Chandigarh:

The Chandigarh Press Club strongly condemns the assault on senior journalist Ramesh Handa by BJP workers while he was performing his professional duties on Friday morning.

Ramesh Handa, City Chief Editor (Chandigarh Region) of Punjab Kesari, was covering a news story related to the Prime Minister’s visit to Chandigarh. He was at Sector 37 reporting on the movement of Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses ferrying BJP workers to PEC, Sector 12, the venue of the Prime Minister’s programme.

While Ramesh Handa was recording video footage on his mobile phone, some BJP workers who were about to board a bus objected to the recording. When he continued filming in the discharge of his professional responsibilities, they allegedly manhandled him, forcibly snatched his mobile phone, and took it away.

Such conduct is wholly unacceptable and amounts to an unlawful obstruction of a journalist in the lawful discharge of his professional duties. Any attempt to intimidate, assault, or prevent media personnel from carrying out their work strikes at the very foundation of press freedom and the public’s right to receive information.

The Chandigarh Press Club demands a fair, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the incident and strict action against those found responsible in accordance with the law. The Club stands in solidarity with Ramesh Handa and reiterates that violence or intimidation against journalists has no place in a democratic society.

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is set to witness a landmark milestone in its healthcare journey as the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India will inaugurate two state-of-the-art healthcare facilities—the Advanced Neurosciences Centre (ANC) and the Advanced Mother & Child Centre (AMCC)—and lay the foundation stone of the Critical Care Block (CCB) on 17 July 2026. Together, these projects represent an investment of nearly ₹1,200crore and mark one of the largest expansions of healthcare infrastructure in the Institute’s history.

The new facilities are expected to significantly strengthen tertiary healthcare services not only for Chandigarh but also for millions of patients across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand and neighbouring states who depend upon PGIMER for advanced medical care.
Speaking ahead of the inauguration, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said, “These projects represent a giant leap in strengthening India’s public healthcare infrastructure. PGIMER has always remained committed to delivering state-of-the-art healthcare to every patient irrespective of financial status. With these facilities, our capacity to provide world-class treatment will increase substantially while maintaining affordability under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.”

The Advanced Neurosciences Centre has been designed as one of the country’s most advanced neurological care facilities. Equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, modular operation theatres, advanced intensive care units and emergency services, the centre will dramatically enhance PGIMER’s capacity to treat neurological disorders.

Highlighting its significance, Prof. Lal said, “Neurology and Neurosurgery at PGIMER began in 1967 with just 50 combined beds. With the Advanced Neurosciences Centre, we are moving to more than 400 beds, including dedicated ICU and emergency facilities. This is a transformational leap that will directly benefit patients suffering from stroke, brain tumours, spinal disorders, epilepsy, *trauma and other complex neurological diseases.”
The Advanced Mother & Child Centre will provide comprehensive maternal, neonatal and paediatric healthcare through dedicated intensive care units, modern labour suites, specialized neonatal services and advanced diagnostic infrastructure.

Prof. Lal stated,”PGIMER pioneered several neonatal services in India. The Advanced Mother & Child Centre will further strengthen our commitment towards providing the highest standards of care for mothers and newborns through specialized ICUs, advanced technology and dedicated healthcare teams.”

The foundation stone of the new Critical Care Block reflects India’s continued commitment to strengthening emergency preparedness following the lessons learnt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Lal remarked , “The pandemic reminded us that critical care infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessity. This new Critical Care Block will ensure that patients requiring intensive care and ventilator support receive timely treatment without unnecessary delays. It is an important investment in future healthcare resilience.”
PGIMER currently registers nearly 30 lakh patients annually, and approximately 10,000–15,000 OPD consultations every day. Rather than reducing patient inflow, the Institute views increasing patient numbers as a reflection of public trust.

 Director PGIMER emphasized, “People often say the burden on PGI is increasing. I believe our responsibility is increasing. PGI is a place of hope and faith for millions. The answer is not reducing patient numbers but continuously expanding our infrastructure and services to meet the growing demand.”

The Director highlighted that PGIMER continues to deliver highly specialized healthcare at minimal or no cost under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY).

The Institute has performed over 5,500 kidney transplants, besides liver, heart, lung and corneal transplants, with an increasing number now being provided free of cost under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Waiting periods for eligible kidney transplant recipients have also reduced substantially owing to expanded services.

PGIMER has also emerged as a national leader in digital health. The Institute has delivered over 40 lakh telemedicine consultations and broadcasts academic programmes to more than 250 medical institutions across India, including Armed Forces Medical College and several tertiary care institutions, thereby strengthening healthcare education and outreach nationwide.
The Director also highlighted PGIMER’s innovative SARATHI initiative, launched to encourage students to volunteer in patient care services. The programme has grown from a small volunteer initiative into a large movement involving thousands of young volunteers assisting patients across the Institute.
Prof. Lal said, “Healthcare is not only about treatment; it is also about compassion. Through SARATHI, young volunteers learn empathy and community service while helping patients navigate one of the country’s busiest hospitals. Building compassionate citizens is as important as building modern hospitals.”With the commissioning of these landmark facilities, PGIMER is poised to substantially expand access to advanced, affordable and patient-centred healthcare while reinforcing its position as one of India’s premier institutes for medical education, research and tertiary care. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the Government of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure and improve access to high-quality healthcare services for millions across northern India.

Chandigarh, July 14: Chandigarh Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Sh. Manish Tewari inaugurated a CCTV cameras project in Daddu Majra. The project was funded through his Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) funds.

Addressing the gathering, the MP said that the CCTV cameras would help strengthen law and order in the area and assist the authorities in taking effective action against criminal elements. He added that his vision is to ensure the holistic development of Chandigarh, and that funds are being consistently allocated for various developmental projects across the city.

On the occasion, Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky said that true development requires the right intent, and MP Manish Tewari has demonstrated this through his continuous support for public welfare and infrastructure projects funded from his MPLAD allocation.

Among those present on the occasion included, H.S. Lucky, Chandramukhi Sharma, Councillor Kuldeep Tita, Harjinder Prince, Narendra Chaudhary, Babita, Satish Machal, and Mamta Dogra, who expressed their gratitude to the MP for his sustained contribution to the development of the city.

Chandigarh, 11 July 2026: State Bank of India OBC Employees Welfare Association, Chandigarh Circle, successfully organized its 2nd Triennial General Body Meeting & Conference at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, with enthusiastic participation of more than 1200 OBC employees, senior SBI executives and representatives of employee organizations from across Chandigarh Circle Comprising 5 States i.e. Himachal Pardesh, Punjab, Haryana, J&K, laddakh.

The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest Sh. Ganesh Singh, Hon’ble Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of OBCs. Addressing the gathering, he appreciated the Association’s efforts for the welfare and empowerment of OBC employees and emphasized effective implementation of constitutional safeguards, enhancement of OBC reservation in Punjab to 27% in line with Central norms, and issuance of OBC caste certificates as per Government of India guidelines.

Distinguished Guests Sh. B.B. Kamal, Former Member, National Commission for Backward Classes, and Sh. Amaresh Kumar Jha, Chief General Manager, SBI Chandigarh Circle, highlighted the importance of constructive engagement between management and employee organizations. Special Guests Sh. Lokender Gurjar, Chairman, Backward Classes Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BICCI) stressed entrepreneurship, inclusive growth and leadership development. Sh. K. Laxman (Member of Parliament- Rajya Sabha) appreciated the efforts of Sh. Mukesh Kumar Saini in establishing the OBC Association in the Bank and emphasized the unity and faith in the leadership in his online message

During the business session, delegates adopted a roadmap for strengthening employee welfare, career progression and organizational development. Sh. Mukesh Kumar Saini, General Secretary, released the Association’s Vision Document, while Sh. Ashish Kumar, President, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to inclusive growth and employee welfare.

A major highlight was the unanimous election of Sh. Ashish Kumar as President and Sh. Mukesh Kumar Saini as General Secretary for the 2026-2029 term, reflecting the members’ overwhelming confidence in their leadership.

Chandigarh, July 11-  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that drug abuse is not merely a law and order challenge but a matter intrinsically linked with society, family, culture and nation-building. While the Government can curb the drug trade through legislation and strict police action, a lasting solution to this social evil is possible only when the entire society unites against it and transforms the fight into a mass movement. He said that under the Haryana Uday Campaign, a comprehensive public awareness drive would be launched across the State by strengthening Community Policing and public participation to make Haryana drug-free.

The Chief Minister was addressing the Samvad with NGOs and Chemist Associations on Nasha Mukt Haryana under the Haryana Uday Campaign at Panchkula on Saturday. He also administered the Anti-Drug Pledge to all those present during the programme.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the country is moving forward with the goal of building a Viksit Bharat. He said that this objective can be achieved only when the youth of the country and the State remain free from drugs and channelise their energy towards nation-building. He said that Nasha Mukt Haryana is not merely a social campaign but also a strong foundation for building a Viksit Haryana and a Viksit Bharat. The State Government is continuously working in this direction and, with the cooperation of every section of society, will transform this campaign into a mass movement, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Nasha Mukt Haryana is a campaign to secure the future of coming generations

The Chief Minister said that the resolve for Nasha Mukt Haryana is not merely the need of the present but a campaign that will determine the future of the coming generations. Every individual, institution, social organisation, chemist, police officer and citizen contributing to this campaign is playing an important role in building a ‘Surakshit, Swasth aur Sashakt’ Haryana of the future, he said.

The Chief Minister said that today’s Samvad is not merely a Government programme but a proclamation of the collective resolve that will shape the future of the coming generations. It is a campaign to build a Haryana where dreams of nation-building shine in the eyes of the youth. Welcoming all NGOs organisations, social workers, members of the chemist community, police officers and aware citizens associated with the campaign, he said that every citizen has a vital role to play in making the State drug-free.

Drug abuse destroys not only an individual but entire families and society

The Chief Minister said that drug abuse is a social evil that leads an individual towards ruin. It destroys not only the body but also self-confidence, families, values and the social fabric, ultimately weakening the nation’s collective strength. He said that India is the youngest country in the world and Haryana is among the most energetic States in the country. The youth of Haryana have brought laurels to the State and the nation in sports, education, science, industry and several other fields. If these very young people fall into the grip of drug addiction, it will not merely be the loss of an individual but a defeat for the entire society, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He further said that drug abuse does not destroy only one person’s life but it also robs a mother of her smile, a father of his support, a sister of her sense of security, a wife of her trust and children of their future. Therefore, the fight against drugs is not merely an issue of law and order but one that concerns humanity, family, culture and nation-building, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

This social evil can be eradicated only through a mass movement

The Chief Minister said that history bears testimony to the fact that whenever society has collectively resolved to fight a social evil, even the impossible has become possible. Mahatma Gandhi transformed the freedom movement into a mass movement, and Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi mobilised crores of people through public participation under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Likewise, there is now a need to build a widespread mass movement against drug abuse, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He said that while the Government can enact laws, the police can take action against criminals and the courts can ensure justice, it is society itself that has the responsibility of changing its own mindset.

Appreciating the NGOs from across the State, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that social service is not merely a responsibility but the highest tradition of public welfare. Wherever the reach of the Government is limited, NGOs reach the last person in society. When a young person begins to lose hope or falls into the grip of drug addiction, these organisations extend a helping hand and guide him or her towards a new direction.

The Chief Minister said that working selflessly for the welfare of society is the hallmark of Indian culture, and the NGOs of the State are carrying forward this noble tradition. He called upon all social organisations to transform the Nasha Mukt Haryana campaign into a mass movement by reaching every village, every ward and every locality, and by engaging in friendly Samvad with young people in schools, colleges and playgrounds to make them aware of the harmful consequences of drug abuse. He said that many young people become victims of circumstances; therefore, instead of reprimanding them or distancing ourselves from them, it is essential to provide them with proper guidance and a positive environment.

Chemists are not merely medicine sellers; they are guardians of society’s health

The Chief Minister described the role of the representatives of the Chemist Associations present at the programme as extremely important and said that chemists do not merely deal in medicines but also safeguard the health and trust of society. Their counters hold not only medicines but also the trust of the people.

He said that every chemist must exercise the utmost vigilance and responsibility while dispensing medicines that are susceptible to misuse for drug abuse. If any prohibited or sensitive medicine falls into the wrong hands, its adverse consequences are not confined to a single individual but affect the entire family and society. He expressed confidence that the chemist fraternity of Haryana would discharge its social responsibility with complete dedication and ensure that medicines remain a means of saving lives and never become an instrument of destruction.

Along with taking action against drug peddlers, eliminating the demand for drugs is also the Government’s objective

The Chief Minister said that Haryana is known not only as the land of wrestlers but also as the land of saints, the Guru tradition, brave warriors, hardworking farmers and the remarkable achievements of its daughters. The State’s glorious identity, he asserted, will never be allowed to be overshadowed by the darkness of drug abuse, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He said that the Government’s objective is not merely to arrest those involved in drug trafficking but also to eliminate the demand for drugs in society. When families become aware, society becomes aware, and young people themselves choose to stay away from drugs, the illegal drug trade will automatically begin to weaken. This, he said, is the greatest strength of Community Policing and will form the very foundation of this campaign’s success.

Providing an opportunity, trust and acceptance to persons affected by drug addiction is also society’s responsibility

The Chief Minister said that it is not appropriate to brand any person as a drug addict for life. Instead of isolating such individuals from society, they should be given an opportunity to return to a normal life. He said that if a person is given trust, acceptance and a positive environment, transformation is always possible.

He said that love and acceptance possess the power to give a new direction to a person’s life even in the most difficult circumstances. Therefore, every section of society must actively participate in the rehabilitation of persons affected by drug addiction and in helping them return to the mainstream.

In the era of Artificial Intelligence, digital technology and start-ups, protecting young people from drugs is the need of the hour

The Chief Minister said that India is advancing rapidly in the new era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology, innovation and start-ups. Today, the country’s young talent is demonstrating its capabilities across the world, and India’s youth are scripting a new chapter of development through innovation and entrepreneurship, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. 

He said that if a young person turns towards drugs at such a time, he or she not only loses his or her own future, but the nation also loses a potential scientist, sportsperson, entrepreneur, innovator and nation-builder. He said that every young life is invaluable for the State Government. The dreams of the youth are immense, their potential is limitless, and their goal should be to play an active role in building a Viksit Bharat. Drug abuse can never become the destination of any young person, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Give children your time, connect them more with the family than with mobile phones

Making a special appeal to parents present at the programme, the Chief Minister said that what children need the most is time, trust and meaningful communication of their families. He urged parents to spend more time with their children, listen to them attentively and make every effort to connect them more closely with the family than with the world of mobile phones.

He said that a family remains secure when parents become friends with their children. Society, too, remains secure when every individual cares not only for his or her own children but also for the children in the neighbourhood. This, he said, is the greatest hallmark of Indian culture and civilization.

The Chief Minister said that Indian culture gives the message of treating the entire world as one family. If the whole world is our family, then every child in our villages, localities and cities is also our own. If society succeeds in saving even a single child from falling into the trap of drug abuse, it will be a collective victory for the entire society, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Task Forces to be constituted to strengthen public participation against drug abuse, social organisations urged to launch campaigns in every village

The Chief Minister said that the fight against drug abuse is not the responsibility of the Government alone but a collective responsibility of the entire society. With this objective, the State Government has decided to constitute Task Forces at the district and local levels. These Task Forces will comprise the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), Gram Sarpanch, and representatives of NGOs associated with the anti-drug campaign so as to ensure coordinated action and effective public awareness campaigns at the grassroots level. He appealed to social organisations to launch anti-drug awareness campaigns in every village, every ward and every locality.

He said that the Government’s objective is not merely to apprehend those involved in drug trafficking but also to eliminate the demand for drugs. In furtherance of this objective, the properties of persons involved in the illegal drug trade have been attached, and stringent action has also been taken by demolishing their illegally acquired properties using bulldozers, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Chief Minister said that today does not merely mark the launch of a campaign but heralds the beginning of a new awakening across society. He called upon all citizens to resolve to stay away from drugs, protect their families from drug abuse, and contribute towards making their villages, localities and cities drug-free. He also appealed to the people that if they come across any instance of drug trafficking, they should immediately report it to the Police, the NCB Haryana Helpline, or through the MANAS Portal.

Chemist Associations suggest monitoring of the entire supply chain, including online prescriptions

During the Samvad programme, representatives of the Chemist Associations and various NGOs placed several important suggestions before the Chief Minister regarding the prevention of the misuse of narcotic and psychotropic medicines. 

The representatives said that effective control over the misuse of such medicines cannot be achieved merely by taking action against chemists. Rather, the entire supply chain of medicines, the online prescription system, and all other possible sources should be subjected to equally effective monitoring and enforcement.

They further stated that there is a pressing need for effective monitoring of medicines being made available through online prescriptions. They suggested that the system should be made more transparent, accountable and technologically robust so that the misuse of narcotic and psychotropic medicines can be effectively curbed, while at the same time ensuring that genuine patients do not face any difficulty in obtaining the medicines required for their treatment.

Responding to the suggestions, the Chief Minister said that the Government would accept and effectively implement all suggestions that are practical, useful and in the larger public interest.

Panchkula Mayor, Sh.  Shyam Lal Bansal, Hisar Mayor, Sh. Parveen Popli, former Speaker Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Special Officer (Community Policing and Outreach) in the Chief Minister’s Office, Sh. Pankaj Nain, Director General, Health Services, Dr. Manish Bansal, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey and senior officers of the Haryana Police, representatives of NGOs and Chemist Associations from across the State, and a large number of young people were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, July 11- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini, on Friday late evening, chaired a high-level meeting through video conferencing to review the state’s preparedness for the monsoon and directed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure effective drainage management so that no area experiences waterlogging. During the meeting, he undertook a detailed review of flood-control measures, drainage arrangements and emergency response systems in all districts, and directed officers to remain on alert and take timely preventive action. 

Divisional Commissioners and senior officers of the Irrigation, Public Health Engineering, Urban Local Bodies, Development & Panchayats, Revenue, Health and other concerned departments  also attended the meeting via video conferencing.

The Chief Minister directed  the officers to complete all monsoon preparedness measures without delay. He said that effective drainage systems must be in place across the state so that citizens do not face any inconvenience during the rainy season.

Directing Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor the situation in their respective districts, the Chief Minister asked them to regularly review drainage arrangements and maintain constant field-level supervision. He  further directed the officers to identify waterlogging-prone locations in advance and complete all preventive measures well before heavy rainfall. Water accumulated after rain should be drained out promptly to ensure that normal life remains unaffected, he said.

Emphasising close coordination among departments, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed the Irrigation, Public Health Engineering, Urban Local Bodies, Development & Panchayats, Revenue, Police and other concerned departments to work in a coordinated manner throughout the monsoon. He  further directed that pump sets, motors, pipes and all other drainage equipment be kept fully operational and ready for immediate use. Monitoring should continue at the sub-divisional level, while officers should jointly inspect vulnerable locations and periodically review preparedness.

The Chief Minister also directed the officers  to keep all rivers, including the Yamuna, and every drain passing through the state under constant watch. Any obstruction to the flow of rainwater should be removed immediately to ensure smooth drainage, he said.

Officers must  closely monitor the water level of the Yamuna River and deploy officers without delay in vulnerable areas if the river level rises, directed Sh. Nayab Singh saini. He also directed the Revenue, Irrigation, Police and other concerned departments to work in close coordination in flood-prone areas to safeguard lives and property,

Reviewing disaster preparedness,  the Chief Minister directed officers  to regularly inspect the availability and working condition of machinery, boats, generators and other equipment required for flood relief and rescue operations. He  said that flood control and drainage-related control rooms in every district remain operational round the clock and that the disaster management mechanism be kept fully prepared to respond immediately to any emergency.

The Chief Minister further directed the Health Department to remain on high alert to prevent water-borne and communicable diseases during the monsoon. He  directed  the officers to maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines and ensure that there is no shortage of doctors or other healthcare services.

To strengthen public response during the monsoon, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed all Deputy Commissioners to issue a dedicated toll-free helpline number in their respective districts so that complaints related to waterlogging, flooding or any other emergency can be addressed without delay.

The Chief Minister further  directed to maintain a detailed record of every waterlogging incident. The documentation should include the affected location, the time taken to drain out the water and the time required to restore normalcy. He said the data would be analysed to develop permanent and long-term solutions for effectively addressing waterlogging during future monsoon seasons.

Chief Secretary, Sh.  Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh.  Arun Gupta, and other senior officers also attended the meeting.

Chandigarh, July 11: As governance increasingly shifts to digital platforms and government services become more technology-driven, the Haryana Government has launched a comprehensive effort to strengthen the cyber security architecture protecting public data and critical digital infrastructure.

In line with the Haryana Digital Kavach initiative announced by Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in the 2026-27 State Budget, the state has initiated an institutional push to enhance cyber resilience and prepare government systems to counter evolving digital threats.

As part of the initiative, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITEC), in association with the Citizen Resources Information Department (CRID) and with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, organised a State-level consultation workshop in Chandigarh to deliberate on strengthening the cyber security framework for State data.

Addressing the workshop, DITEC Director, Sh. Samwartak Singh  Khangwal said cyber security has evolved far beyond a technical function and is now central to good governance, public trust and efficient delivery of citizen services. As digital governance expands rapidly, protecting government digital infrastructure and citizens’ data has become a shared institutional responsibility, he said, stressing the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination, adoption of emerging technologies, continuous capacity building and proactive cyber security practices.

Sh. Samwartak Singh Khangwal said that the Haryana Digital Kavach initiative envisages a comprehensive security framework for all government departments, incorporating 24×7 threat intelligence, swift response to cyber incidents, mandatory compliance with prescribed security standards and periodic security audits. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the security of government networks while ensuring stronger protection of citizens’ digital information, he said.

Sh. Samwartak Singh Khangwal further shared that the deliberations and recommendations emerging from the consultation would help reinforce Haryana’s cyber security ecosystem and also contribute to strengthening the country’s broader cyber security framework.

The workshop witnessed detailed discussions on a wide spectrum of issues shaping the future of cyber security, including emerging cyber threats, data governance, cyber security for government institutions, protection of the power sector’s digital infrastructure, cyber crime prevention, the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework, security standards and the development of secure artificial intelligence-enabled IT infrastructure. Participants also underscored the importance of specialised training and continuous awareness programmes to build a cyber-ready government workforce.

The consultation brought together senior officers from various State Government departments, boards and corporations, along with experts and representatives from MeitY, NeGD, CERT-In, NIC, Haryana Police, the Power Department, and leading cyber security professionals from the private sector.

With digital governance becoming the backbone of public administration, Haryana’s latest initiative reflects a strategic shift from responding to cyber threats to building a resilient digital ecosystem capable of anticipating and preventing them. The proposed cyber security measures under ‘Haryana Digital Kavach’ are expected to strengthen the security of government services while enhancing citizens’ confidence in the State’s expanding digital governance framework.