Chandigarh, May 22 – Chief Commissioner of the Haryana Right to Service Commission, Sh. T. C. Gupta, IAS (Retd.), today released the Annual Report for the year 2025-26 in Chandigarh. On the occasion, the AAS WhatsApp Chatbot and AAS Mobile Application were also launched to facilitate citizens.

Secretary of the Haryana Right to Service Commission Dr. Sarita Malik, Under Secretary-cum-Registrar Sh. Sube Khan, and other officials were also present on the occasion.

Chief Commissioner T. C. Gupta said that the Commission is continuously working on the principle of “Transparent, Accountable and Time-Bound Service” to ensure that government services are made simple, accessible and available to citizens within the prescribed time limit.

He said that through the WhatsApp Chatbot and Mobile Application, citizens will now find it easier to file appeals, track their status and obtain information related to government services. Under the concept of “Services at Your Fingertips, Anytime, Anywhere,” this initiative will provide citizens with quick assistance through digital platforms.

The platform will provide fast, simple and hassle-free services through WhatsApp, enabling citizens to access information and initiate the appeal process directly from their mobile phones. Citizens can use the chatbot anytime by sending a message on WhatsApp number 6239466937.

802 Services Covered Under Time-Bound Delivery Framework

Chief Commissioner T. C. Gupta informed the media that the primary objective of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014 is to ensure that notified services are delivered to citizens and entrepreneurs within a fixed time frame so that they do not have to face uncertain waiting periods, repeated follow-ups or unnecessary visits to government offices.

He said that currently 802 services of 56 departments and organizations are covered under the Haryana Right to Service framework. These include birth and death certificates, domicile certificates, caste certificates, marriage registration, pensions, social security schemes, electricity and water-related services, factory licences, shop registrations, building plan approvals, industrial plots and various industry-related services.

The Chief Commissioner stated that the Auto Appeal System (AAS), launched in 2021, has emerged as the most significant reform under this framework. If a notified service is not delivered within the prescribed time limit, an appeal is automatically generated. Citizens are no longer required to visit district headquarters, departmental offices or Chandigarh for filing appeals.

If a citizen remains dissatisfied with the service, he or she may independently file an appeal through the SARAL portal. Appeals can also be filed by calling the Antyodaya SARAL Helpline at 0172-3968400, which functions from Monday to Saturday between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

According to the Annual Report, during the financial year 2025-26, more than 2.06 crore applications for notified services were received on the SARAL platform. Out of these, nearly 1.95 crore applications, accounting for 94.71 percent, were disposed of within the prescribed timeline. Around 9.63 lakh applications were delayed, while approximately 1.25 lakh applications remained pending as of March 31, 2026.

The Commission informed that more than 28.5 lakh appeals have been received on the Auto Appeal System so far, out of which over 98 percent cases have already been resolved. Presently, more than 750 services of 63 organizations are being monitored through this system.

Strong Digital Foundation for Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business

Chief Commissioner T. C. Gupta said that the Haryana Right to Service framework strengthens both “Ease of Living” for citizens and “Ease of Doing Business” for industries and enterprises.

He stated that whether a citizen requires a certificate or an entrepreneur needs approvals and permissions, both require a fixed timeline and clear procedures. Haryana’s Right to Service framework provides legal as well as digital support for both.

He informed that during 2025-26, the Commission also made several important recommendations to departments for simplifying and improving transparency in service delivery processes. These included improving the pre-verification mechanism for domicile certificates, ensuring clear information in electricity bills, preventing indefinite reversion of property ID applications, strengthening tracking systems for distribution of degrees in higher education institutions and ensuring clear communication to beneficiaries of welfare schemes.

The Chief Commissioner said that the system has proved especially beneficial for rural residents, senior citizens, labourers and people for whom repeated visits to government offices are difficult. Citizens no longer need to determine which officer to approach for appeals, as the system itself identifies delays and forwards the matter to the next level automatically.

He further stated that hearings of cases coming before the Commission are conducted through video conferencing, where both appellants and concerned departments are given an opportunity to present their views. The Commission’s office is functioning in a paperless manner through the e-office system, resulting in greater transparency and faster disposal of cases.

Sh. T. C. Gupta said that the Auto Appeal System has transformed service delivery from a citizen-dependent process into a system-driven mechanism. Now, citizens do not need to chase the system in case of delays; instead, the system itself becomes active in favour of the citizen.

He added that Haryana’s model is now emerging as a benchmark at the national level. Under the Government of India’s deregulation initiative, it has been identified as a priority reform area, and several states and Union Territories are moving towards adopting similar systems.

Chandigarh, May 22 — In a major step towards citizen-centric governance, the Haryana Government is ensuring that most government services and certificates are being made available online from the comfort of citizens’ homes. Through a transparent, paperless, faceless and cashless service delivery mechanism, the State Government continues to strengthen the framework of good governance across Haryana.

Through the Haryana Parivar Pehchan Authority, nearly 2.36 crore certificates and public services pertaining to various departments have so far been delivered to citizens at their doorstep.

Sharing more details in this regard an official  spokesperson stated that under the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) scheme, launched in June 2020, a reliable and integrated database of families across the State has been created. This database will serve as the foundation for future developmental policies of the State and will also ensure seamless doorstep delivery of government welfare benefits to eligible citizens. Under this system, every registered family is assigned a unique Family Identification Number.

More than 2.36 crore certificates and services issued

Commissioner and Secretary, Citizen Resources Information Department (CRID), Sh. J. Ganesan, informed that for the effective implementation of the scheme, the Haryana Parivar Pehchan Authority was constituted in October 2021. The Authority is responsible for issuing Family Identification Numbers and ensuring the development, updation and maintenance of the family information database.

Based on the Authority’s database, over 37 lakh income certificates, more than 21 lakh Backward Class certificates, over 23 lakh Scheduled Caste certificates, around 8.5 lakh Other Backward Class certificates, 39.76 lakh Public Distribution System ration cards and Ayushman Cards to more than 82 lakh eligible beneficiaries have been issued so far.

Similarly, financial assistance is being provided to beneficiaries registered under various welfare schemes, including 9.7 lakh beneficiaries under the Old Age Samman Pension Scheme, 93,000 widow pension beneficiaries, 11.21 lakh beneficiaries under the Lado Lakshmi Yojana, 56,000 disability pension beneficiaries, 1 lakh widower and unmarried pension beneficiaries, 1.23 lakh beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Vivah Shagun Yojna, 16,000 beneficiaries under the Aapki Beti Hamari Beti scheme and more than 57,000 beneficiaries under the Dayalu Scheme.

More than 50 departments Integrated with PPP

The spokesperson further stated that the Haryana Government’s Parivar Pehchan Patra platform is one of the most unique governance initiatives of its kind in the country. Under this system, a total of 77,41,912 families comprising 2,98,47,359 members across all 23 districts of the State have been registered so far.

More than 50 departments have been integrated with the PPP platform, through which benefits of over 400 schemes and services are being extended to eligible citizens on the basis of this unified database.

The Authority has significantly simplified citizens’ access to government schemes and services. Since the system is integrated with birth, death and marriage records, it also enables automatic updation of data.

 PPP 2.0: Moving from Better to Best

The spokesperson  further informed that, under the guidance of the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the department will soon roll out PPP 2.0, which will be based on an upgraded architecture of the existing PPP platform. The new system will mark a major step towards making the existing framework more robust, seamless and citizen-friendly.

Under PPP 2.0, a user-friendly mobile application will also be launched to facilitate smooth inter-departmental data exchange and establish a unified identity mechanism across all departments. This will eliminate duplication and ensure faster and more transparent delivery of government benefits to eligible citizens.

PPP Smart Cards to be Introduced on the Lines of Aadhaar

The Spokesperson  further stated that the Authority will also provide PPP Smart Cards to citizens, which will be developed on the lines of Aadhaar and will serve as a single gateway for accessing government welfare schemes and services.

The card will enable quick QR-based authentication, allowing verification processes across departments to be completed through a simple tap, thereby eliminating the need for manual searches or physical paperwork.

The smart card will contain all essential identity-related data and is expected to emerge as a strong tool in preventing fraud and ensuring greater transparency in service delivery.

Chandigarh, May 22 – Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the Haryana Government is working rapidly towards making the state a leading hub for electric vehicle (EV) and automobile manufacturing in the country. With this objective, the Chief Minister held detailed discussions with industry representatives, investors, and senior officials during a high-level meeting organized at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi.

The meeting focused on Haryana’s industrial development, investment opportunities, and strategies for developing an integrated EV and automotive manufacturing ecosystem. During the meeting, a case presentation related to global EV manufacturer VinFast was also made, highlighting potential investment and manufacturing opportunities in Haryana.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also test-drove a car manufactured by VinFast.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana today is among the fastest-growing industrial states in the country. The state government is providing investors with transparent industrial policies, better law and order, skilled human resources, modern infrastructure, and excellent connectivity for setting up industries.

He said that Haryana’s proximity to Delhi-NCR, along with strong availability of national highways and logistics networks, makes the state the most suitable destination for the automobile and EV industry.

The Chief Minister stated that through the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Centre, investors are being provided all necessary approvals and services in a time-bound manner under the single window system, thereby further strengthening the “Ease of Doing Business” framework.

He said that the state government is fully committed to promoting new technologies, green energy, and sustainable industrial development. Haryana offers immense investment opportunities in sectors related to EV manufacturing, battery production, auto components, and research and development.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that strong coordination between the government and industry would help Haryana establish a global identity in the field of electric mobility and automotive manufacturing in the coming years.

Among those present at the meeting were Haryana Industries Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Vingroup Asia CEO and VinFast India MD Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau, Ambassador Chau’s Assistant Nguyen Pham Van Hoan, Meena Malhotra, IFS Secretary South, Haryana Industries and Commerce Department’s Commissioner and Secretary Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General of Industries and Commerce Department Dr. Yash Garg, along with several senior officials and industrialists.

Chandigarh:

To address the blood shortage in hospitals caused by the scorching heat, the Chandigarh Computer Traders Association and the Vishvas Foundation, Panchkula, jointly organized a blood donation camp. The camp was set up in the parking area of Sector 20-C, near the Gurdwara Sahib. The camp commenced at 10:30 AM and continued until 3:00 PM. The Indian Red Cross Society UT Chandigarh played a pivotal role in the camp. Despite the soaring temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius, the donors spared no effort in giving blood and came forward in large numbers with immense enthusiasm to donate.

Sadhvi Neelima Vishvas, President of the Vishvas Foundation, stated that the camp was jointly inaugurated by the office bearers of the Chandigarh Computer Traders Association through the ceremonial lighting of a lamp. The cooperation extended by President Sunil Gandhi, Vice President Sanjeev Beri, General Secretary Arun Sethi, Chairman Ajay Sapra, Treasurer Rinku Sachdeva, Executive Members Rajiv Trehan and Ashish Battu, along with all other members of the Association was highly commendable in making the camp a success. On this occasion, Satyabhushan Khurana, Madan Nagpal, Rajkumar Bansal, Mukesh Kumar, Gopal Bansal, Rakesh Garg, and Ramesh Garg from the Vishvas Foundation were present.

President Sunil Gandhi informed that a team appointed by Dr. Ravneet Kaur, Head of the Department at the Blood Bank, GMCH Sector 32, Chandigarh, successfully collected 109 units of blood. A total of 125 individuals registered to donate blood at this camp; however, 19 of them were deemed ineligible by the doctors due to various health-related issues. He further reiterated that blood donation is believed to improve cardiovascular health and is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. High levels of iron in the blood can increase the risk of a heart attack; regular blood donation helps in regulating this excess iron content. …which is beneficial for heart health.

Vice President Sanjeev Beri and General Secretary Arun Sethi explained that, at times, the blood volume in a patient’s body drops so low that they require a blood transfusion from another individual. In such emergency situations, people should come forward to donate blood to ensure an adequate supply. This will enable assistance to be provided to those in need.

All blood donors who participated in the blood donation camp were encouraged with refreshments, certificates of appreciation, and gifts. The Association also made special arrangements for meals for all the attendees.

Chandigarh:

A multidisciplinary team from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model for the accurate detection of gallbladder cancer using ultrasound images. The research, led by Dr. Pankaj Gupta from the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, has been published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia.

Gallbladder cancer is a significant public health concern in North India, particularly among women. Gallstones, a common condition, are one of the strongest risk factors for developing this cancer. Unfortunately, gallbladder cancer is often detected at advanced stages when treatment options are limited, making early diagnosis critical for improving patient outcomes.

Ultrasound is the most widely used imaging technique for examining the gallbladder. It is affordable, radiation-free, and available even in small towns and rural areas. While ultrasound can easily detect gallstones, identifying the subtle early signs of gallbladder cancer requires specialized expertise. This expertise is often unavailable at peripheral healthcare centers, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses.

To address this challenge, the team developed a specialised AI model. Unlike conventional AI models that analyze a single image, this model accepts multiple ultrasound images from the same patient and provides a unified diagnosis, either “cancer” or “non-cancer”, along with a probability score indicating the confidence level.This approach mirrors how radiologists work in real clinical practice, where they review several images before making a diagnosis. The AI model also highlights which regions of the ultrasound images influenced its decision, helping doctors understand and verify the findings. The model was tested on patients from four hospitals across North India.

In a significant contribution to the scientific community, Kartik Bose, a computer Scientist, in the team, developed a user-friendly computer application, under the guidance of Dr. Pankaj Gupta. This application is freely accessible to researchers and clinicians across the country. The aim is to achieve a broader impact on the detection rates of this important cancer, particularly in areas where specialist expertise is scarce.

The team plans to further validate the model through prospective clinical trials and explore its integration into routine ultrasound workflows. The ultimate goal is to make AI-assisted gallbladder cancer screening accessible to healthcare providers across India, particularly in regions with high disease burden.

Chandigarh, May 18: Former Union Information & Broadcasting Minister and Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari attended the two-day inaugural Australia–India Track 1.5 Strategic Dialogue that got underway in Sydney today. The Dialogue brought together leaders across government, industry and academia to explore trade, investment, economic resilience and the future of the Australia–India strategic partnership.

Supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Strategic and Technology Policy Initiative (SATPI) and by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Australia–India Track 1.5 Strategic Dialogue serves as a high-level forum to advance shared priorities and deepen the bilateral strategic partnership. The Dialogue is convened in collaboration with the Ananta Aspen Centre (India).

Tewari, who is also the President of India–Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, spoke in detail during the session on ‘Geopolitics and Strategic Hedging: India-Australia Strategic Responses in an era of shifting poles’. Tewari noted that the inaugural dialogue centred on bolstering Australia–India economic and trade ties, with emphasis on advancing the implementation of ‘A New Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India’ through practical pathways.

Tewari’s participation underscored India’s parliamentary and policy perspective, stressing the need to balance global volatility with regional partnerships. His interventions highlighted the convergence between India and Australia in countering China’s assertiveness, strengthening Indo-Pacific resilience and advancing cooperation in trusted technologies and clean energy. The dialogue also reinforced existing frameworks such as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and maritime security cooperation.

First session on day one of the Dialogue witnessed discussions on India-Australia relationship, while in the second session, deliberations were held on the geopolitics and strategic hedging that examined how US tariff regimes, China’s counter‑measures and instability in the Middle East are reshaping supply chains, market access and economic security. The session focused on how India and Australia can coordinate policy, investment and diplomacy to mitigate risk and turn disruption into partnership‑driven cooperation. The third morning panel turned to trade and investment, exploring how the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) and ongoing CECA negotiations can be translated into commercially viable projects, stronger two‑way flows and regulatory alignment, with emphasis on clean energy, digital trade, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing.

In the afternoon, closed‑door sessions drilled into specific areas of bilateral cooperation. The first focused on critical minerals, highlighting Indian firms’ growing interest in equity stakes, joint ventures and technology collaboration in Australian processing and refining for batteries and clean energy. The second session addressed energy security, looking at practical pathways to strengthen resilience in crude and LPG supply chains through long‑term arrangements, storage and logistics coordination. The third session shifted to people, skills and partnerships, examining how talent flows, education linkages, diaspora entrepreneurship and joint R&D can be harnessed to power the next phase of economic cooperation. The day concluded with a formal dinner and networking reception, underscoring the blend of strategic dialogue and relationship‑building that defines the Track 1.5 format.

Beyond the formal sessions, Tewari engaged with diaspora outreach events organized by the Indian Overseas Congress in Sydney, strengthening cultural and political ties. The dialogue marked a significant step in operationalizing India–Australia strategic cooperation, moving beyond policy alignment to practical collaboration in defence, technology and economic engagement.

Chandigarh, May 18, 2026: Sardar Paramjit Singh Kainth—State Vice President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Scheduled Castes Morcha, Punjab, and President of the National Scheduled Castes Alliance—has written to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, seeking immediate intervention and oversight regarding the investigation into the Punjab Post-Matric Scheduled Castes Scholarship Scam.

Paramjit Singh Kainth stated that the FIR registered by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau—following strict observations and directives from the Punjab and Haryana High Court—has exposed grave irregularities in the implementation of the scholarship scheme. He asserted that the “Post-Matric SC Scholarship Scam” is not merely a case of financial malfeasance, but constitutes a direct assault on social justice, constitutional equality, and the educational rights of Dalit students. He further added that whenever corruption plagues schemes designed for poor and underprivileged families, it is the future of Dalit youth that suffers the most. Strict action against the culprits and complete accountability are imperative to safeguard the rights of Dalit students.

He emphasized that this matter is directly intertwined with the future, constitutional rights, and higher education opportunities of millions of Scheduled Caste students in Punjab who hail from ordinary and economically weaker families. This scholarship scheme—originally intended to facilitate the higher education of economically disadvantaged SC students—has failed to achieve its objective due to corruption and administrative negligence.

Kainth alleged that serious irregularities dating back to the year 2016-17 have come to light; these include the illicit withdrawal of scholarship funds, submission of fraudulent audit reports, instances of double payments, manipulation of government records, and the misappropriation of crores of rupees allocated for SC students. He further stated that despite this issue being known for several years, the failure to register a First Information Report (FIR) for nearly five years was an extremely serious lapse—one that compelled the Punjab and Haryana High Court to issue a stern reprimand to the Punjab government. He pointed out that, in its observations, the High Court clearly asserted that if information regarding a cognizable offense (a serious crime) was already available, an FIR should have been registered immediately, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ‘Lalita Kumari’ judgment.

Paramjit Singh Kainth remarked that this is not merely a financial scam, but a direct assault on social justice, constitutional equality, and the educational rights of Scheduled Caste students. Due to delays and irregularities in the distribution of scholarships, thousands of eligible students have been forced to endure mental, financial, and educational hardships.

He urged the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to take immediate cognizance of this matter; to demand detailed reports from the Punjab government and investigative agencies; to monitor the ongoing investigation to ensure it is fair and completed within a stipulated timeframe; to examine the roles played by officials, educational institutions, middlemen, and influential political figures implicated in this scam; to initiate strict legal action against the culprits; and to implement a transparent mechanism to ensure that, in the future, scholarship funds reach eligible Scheduled Caste students directly.

Paramjit Singh Kainth stated that the Dalit community of Punjab looks to constitutional institutions for justice, accountability, and the protection of the dignity and rights of Scheduled Caste students. He added that this issue also raises broader policy questions concerning social justice, the right to education, and Dalit empowerment. The prevalence of corruption, administrative negligence, and political patronage within scholarship schemes designed for Dalit students clearly underscores the urgent need for policy reforms and robust oversight mechanisms.

He further noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized that “dignity, opportunity, and rights” must reach every Dalit student with absolute integrity. Transparency, accountability, and a Direct Benefit Transfer system, he asserted, constitute the true path toward achieving social justice.

Chandigarh, May 17, 2026: Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon, along with his wife Priya Tandon, visited the The Art of Living International Center Bengaluru, to seek the blessings of renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, on the special occasion of Gurudev’s 70th birthday and the celebration of 45 glorious years of The Art of Living Foundation.

During the visit, Sanjay Tandon presented Gurudev with a traditional Himachali cap and a shawl as a mark of respect and admiration. The couple conveyed their heartfelt wishes for his good health, long life and continued service to humanity while seeking his divine blessings.

In a statement, Tandon said that Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s teachings have positively transformed millions of lives across the world by spreading the timeless message of harmony, meditation, compassion, and inner peace. He added that the Art of Living movement has played a remarkable role in promoting spiritual well-being, social service, and human values globally, inspiring people across generations and cultures.

Tandon also shared his experience of visiting the sprawling ashram campus, where he was shown various service-oriented initiatives being run under the guidance of Gurudev. These included a gaushala, educational facilities for children, temples, healthcare services, skill development centres, and Ayurvedic treatment facilities. The couple also participated in feeding cows at the gaushala and interacted with volunteers and devotees at the ashram.

The BJP leader attended the grand celebrations organised at the centre, which were also attended by dignitaries including Governor of Haryana Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis. During the programme, Tandon was invited on stage, where Gurudev once again blessed him and encouraged him to continue serving society selflessly.

Tandon said Gurudev encouraged him to keep working for the welfare of society. “His words and blessings were deeply inspiring and motivating,” Tandon remarked.

Expressing gratitude for the spiritual experience, Tandon prayed for Gurudev’s continued guidance and blessings for the welfare of humanity.