Chandigarh, November 18 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that whenever the names of those who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the nation and religion are mentioned, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s name is taken foremost. To inspire future generations from his life and deeds, the 350th martyrdom year is being observed across the state.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was inaugurating the Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Block named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji at Kalesar in Yamunanagar on the occasion of his Martyrdom Day. The Chief Minister planted 350 saplings with students in the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji Forest and Wildlife Conservation Block. He also inaugurated the safari trail in the national park and unveiled the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gate.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stones for an AI-based monitoring tower, a tree canopy walk, and three-level watchtowers. He further announced that the Agriculture College to be built on 45 acres in Pratappur and Kishanpura of Yamunanagar would be named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He also announced checking the feasibility of the Kapalmochan–Yamunanagar bypass road and its construction.

The Chief Minister said we are witnessing a historic moment where this block will become a symbol of the confluence of nature, spirituality, and human values. He bowed in reverence to Hind Ki Chadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. He said this forest will become a milestone in the state’s forest conservation and biodiversity enhancement efforts, and it will carry forward the legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s love for the environment.

The Chief Minister said that Hind Ki Chadar, the ninth Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, is an embodiment of sacrifice, compassion, and courage. He taught the world that true strength lies in protecting others. True religion is that which shows equal love towards nature, life, and humanity. Nature is an inseparable part of his personality. Therefore, establishing this Forest, Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Block in Kalesar in his name is a living representation of his teachings.

The Chief Minister said that in Indian culture, forests have been centers of education, meditation, and public welfare. The ashram tradition and the Guru tradition have always been based on nature. Many trees are associated with Sikh history and connected to the life of Guru Ji. Among them, the Dukh Bhanjani Beri tree is a symbol of peace and refuge during times of distress. Inspired by the teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, we must prioritize cleanliness, plantation, and wildlife conservation to face today’s challenges. For this, several schemes are being run to increase forest cover in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the goal is to make every corner of Haryana green. We are not just planting trees, we are planting life—natural filters that purify the air. We are strengthening the roots that hold our earth together and prevent it from turning barren.

He said that under the unique campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi on World Environment Day on June 5, 2024, a total of 1.87 crore saplings were planted. Under the second phase this year, another 2.10 crore saplings have been planted. Since 2014, a total of 18 crore trees have been planted.

The Chief Minister said that special schemes have also been launched to promote urban forestry so that greenery increases in cities too. The government has taken strict steps to prevent illegal tree felling and to protect wildlife. The Green Aravalli Action Plan has also been launched in South Haryana. This project, prepared by the Central and State Governments, is being implemented across the four states of the Aravalli Hills, including five districts of Haryana.

He said that modern technology is also being used for the protection of saplings planted by the Forest Department. Strict monitoring is done for five years on the growth of previously planted and newly planted saplings. Besides this, herbal parks have been developed in various districts for the conservation and promotion of medicinal plants. An international-level medicinal forest has been set up in the Morni area, and Oxy-vans have been created in Karnal, Panchkula, and Sonipat districts.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that children must be connected with nature from childhood so they can easily understand the importance of trees as they grow. Every school should adopt nature education, and every family must plant at least one sapling. He said every youth should adopt and protect a tree like a guardian, and every institution should turn this forest campaign into a public movement—only then can the state be made greener.

On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, MLA Sh. Ghanshyam Das Arora, BJP State Vice President Banto Kataria, former minister Sh. Kanwar Pal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vineet Garg, Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. Vivek Saxena, Chairman Haryana State Biodiversity Board Randeep Singh Johar, OSD to CM Prabhleen Singh, along with many distinguished citizens were present.

Chandigarh, November 18 –Haryana has been recognized as the ‘Third Best State’ in the prestigious 6th National Water Awards 2024 announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. This prestigious honour highlights the state’s exemplary achievements in integrated and sustainable water management.

Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, received the award from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, while representing the state at the award ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Sh. C.R. Patil, and Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Sh. V. Somanna, were also present on the occasion.

*Achievement Inspired by a Strong and Visionary Integrated Water Resource Management Approach*

Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that Haryana’s accomplishment is driven by its strong and visionary integrated water resource management approach, which aligns scientific planning, community participation, and technological advancement for long-term water security. An integrated water conservation plan has been developed in the state.

*Everyone must be aware of water conservation for better results*

Smt. Choudhry said that water conservation is everyone’s responsibility and must be taken forward as a mass movement. When every individual becomes aware, even better results will be seen in water conservation. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure that water reaches the last tail-end efficiently, she added.

*Under the CM’s Leadership, the State’s Collective Efforts Toward Sustainable and Inclusive Water Management Have Strengthened Further*

She said that the Irrigation and Water Resources Department deeply appreciates the continuous guidance of the Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal, and Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. Their leadership has further strengthened the state’s collective efforts toward sustainable and inclusive water resource management. She also emphasised that groundwater recharge is important for the entire world, and greater effort is required in this direction.

The Irrigation and Water Resources Department of the state expresses gratitude to the Ministry of Jal Shakti for this prestigious honour and conveys heartfelt thanks to Union Jal Shakti Minister, Sh. C.R. Patil, for acknowledging Haryana’s strong commitment to water sustainability. The nomination for the 6th National Water Awards 2024 was submitted by the Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Haryana, in February 2025, and the Ministry’s ground-truthing team conducted a detailed evaluation.

Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, and Chief Engineer, Dr. Satbir Singh Kadian were also present at the ceremony.

Chandigarh, November 18 – Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Department,  Sh. Sudhir Rajpal has directed district administrations and health officers across the state to work in close coordination and make concerted efforts to raise the sex ratio to 920  this year. Taking strict action, he ordered the suspension of two health officers for negligence in achieving the expected improvement in their districts.

During a video conference with Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of the six low-performing districts namely Sirsa, Sonipat, Yamunanagar, Charkhi Dadri, Nuh and Jhajjar, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal directed them to take proactive steps to improve the sex ratio in collaboration with the civil surgeons.

He also directed the Deputy Commissioners of these districts to carry out reverse tracking of illegal abortion cases and intensify monitoring.

Sh. Sudhir Rajpal further directed officers to ensure mandatory registration of all newborns, especially in urban slum clusters in coordination with municipal bodies. He encouraged district teams to enhance the state’s overall performance on sex-ratio indicators.

Before this, the Additional Chief Secretary chaired a meeting of the State Task Force on improving the sex ratio, where several important decisions were taken to strengthen surveillance, curb gender-determination practices, and crack down on illegal abortions.

Taking a serious view of falling numbers, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal ordered the suspension of the Medical Officer of PHC Jattanwali in Sirsa and the SMO of Halalpur in Sonipat for negligence resulting in a decline in sex-ratio figures.

In the meeting it was decided that the CDRs of individuals involved in illegal MTPs and sex-determination activities will now be submitted in courts as evidence to ensure stringent legal action.

Sh. Sudhir Rajpal also directed the development of an MIS portal for tracking all PNDT-related court cases. He said the Home Secretary of Haryana will be requested through a letter to allow PNDT cases to be taken up in POCSO courts for faster disposal. Considering the low conviction rate in PNDT cases, the department has also decided to explore the possibility of appointing or attaching a set of specialised lawyers at the state headquarters to pursue cases more effectively.

The Additional Chief Secretary directed all Civil Surgeons to prepare a line-list of every clinic, nursing home and hospital run by BAMS/GAMS/BHMS practitioners in their districts, clearly identifying how many have registered gynaecologists and how many are authorised MTP centres.

He further directed the officers to prepare a proposal that a gynecologist will not be allowed to perform abortions at more than two centers, taking into account all legal aspects, so that it can be presented to the government for approval.

Director General Health Services, Dr. Manish Bansal,  Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Dr. Virender Yadav,  Dr. Simmi Verma, Dr. Mukta Kumar along with other senior officers also attended the meeting.

Chandigarh, November 18

The Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, on Tuesday announced that the Finance Department has approved the proposal regarding the Phase-Wise Recruitment of 345 Veterinary Inspectors in the Animal Husbandry Department. 

Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Animal Husbandry Department currently has a total of 2010 approved posts for Veterinary Inspectors, and out of the approved posts, 345 positions are currently vacant, with 1665 being filled. He said that the Finance Department has approved the filling of these 345 vacant posts in a phased manner, with 150 posts to be filled in the first phase during the current fiscal year 2025-26, and the remaining 195 posts will be filled in second phase during the next fiscal year 2026-27.

Chandigarh, November 18:

The newly constructed Court Room of the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission was formally inaugurated today by Commission Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi and Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment & Minorities, Shri V.K. Meena, IAS. This marks a significant step towards strengthening the justice delivery mechanism and safeguarding the rights of the Scheduled Caste community.

A key highlight of the initiative is that this newly built Court Room is the first of its kind in the entire country under any State Scheduled Castes Commission. This historic milestone enhances access to justice and sets a progressive precedent for other states to follow.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman S. Jasvir Singh Garhi said that the new Court Room will play a crucial role in ensuring faster hearings, timely disposal of cases, and overall efficiency in the functioning of the Commission. He added that this initiative is vital for protecting the rights and dignity of the Scheduled Caste community and upholding the principles of equality.

He further informed that the Court Room has been equipped with modern amenities and a well-organized seating arrangement to ensure that all hearings are conducted professionally, transparently, and without delay.

Chairman Garhi emphasized that with the launch of this Court Room, the Commission will function with greater responsibility, sensitivity, and efficiency. He assured that every complaint received by the Commission will be addressed on priority and justice will be delivered in a timely manner.

He also announced that the Commission will soon introduce an Online Court System, enabling complainants to participate virtually—saving time, travel, and expenses for the public.

Present on the occasion were Smt. Gauri Parashar Joshi, IAS, Secretary, General Administration Department; Dr. Nayan Jassal, Member Secretary; Commission Members Shri Gulzar Singh, Shri Gurpreet Singh and Shri Rupinder Singh; along with the entire staff of the Scheduled Castes Commission.

Chandigarh 18 November 2025:

At the Regional Council Meeting of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region held in Amritsar, the Government of Punjab presented its forward-looking industrial reform agenda, sector-specific policy initiatives, and major infrastructure plans aimed at accelerating the state’s investment momentum.

Welcoming the Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora, Mrs Anjali Singh, Chairperson, CII Northern Region, said Punjab is fast emerging as a preferred destination for high-quality investments. She highlighted SUJAN’s ₹150 crore investment in Punjab’s hospitality sector, beginning with Amritsar, as a strong endorsement of the state’s improving investment climate.

“This major commitment strengthens Punjab’s premium tourism landscape and signals growing confidence in the state’s economic resurgence. With the government’s progressive policy interventions and ease of doing business reforms, we expect a substantial rise in tourism-led investments,” she noted.

Mrs Singh recommended that the government actively market available land banks, develop cold chain infrastructure to support agriculture and perishables, identify heritage locations for tourism promotion, and explore appointing a state brand ambassador to promote Punjab nationally and globally.

Addressing the Council, Shri Sanjeev Arora, Minister for Industry & Commerce, Investment Promotion, Power & NRI Affairs, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a robust, responsive and forward-looking industrial environment.

“Punjab is moving ahead with a clear, reform-oriented roadmap. We had constituted 24 sectoral committees, and a Master Industrial Policy—with dedicated policies for every major sector—will be released shortly to provide long-term clarity for investors,” he said.

The Minister informed that Punjab is undertaking long-term power planning and is preparing a detailed report on energy requirements up to 2035, covering the projected mix of thermal and renewable power sources.

To strengthen industrial infrastructure, he announced that land has been identified for two new exhibition centres in Mohali and Ludhiana, with tendering already underway. A third centre is being planned for Amritsar, where land identification is in progress.

Highlighting ongoing ease of doing business reforms, the Minister said that under the Right to Business Act, all green-category and several orange-category industries will receive clearances within five days.

On logistics and connectivity, the Minister shared that Punjab currently has 10 ICDs, two freight container stations, two international airports, and the operational Adampur airport. The upcoming Halwara airport will further strengthen the state’s logistics network and boost industrial accessibility.

The meeting concluded on a strong note of partnership, with industry leaders and the government expressing shared optimism about Punjab’s growth trajectory, the state’s expanding investment appeal, and the promising potential of tourism-driven development—underscored by SUJAN’s landmark investment commitment.

Chandigarh, 18 November 2025:

Punjab Power Minister Sanjeev Arora announced a significant pro-people decision of the Punjab Government, stating that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) will now release electricity connections without NOC after applicants furnish a mandatory undertaking.

The move, he said, reflects Hon’ble National Convenor Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to providing basic amenities to citizens without delay, while ensuring adherence to legal processes.

Arora said that earlier, applicants were required to submit approvals such as NOC, Regularisation Certificate or Sanctioned Building Plan issued by local authorities like MCs, GMADA, GLADA, JDA, ADA, PDA or BDA before obtaining a power connection. “However, due to the non-availability or delay of these approvals from various departments, people were facing extreme hardship. CM Bhagwant Mann directed us to find a practical solution. Today, that solution has been implemented,” he said.

As per the revised instructions, electricity supply connection will now be released to the all applicants, as per the applicable provisions of Supply Code 2024, on furnishing an undertaking by applicant that his electricity connection is liable to be disconnected, if the premise is subsequently declared illegal or unauthorized by any appropriate authority.

Further, applicant has to pay an amount equal to Service Connection Charges as security to cover dismantlement charges in addition to all the normal applicable charges payable as per the Supply Code 2024.

Arora clarified that the new mechanism balances public convenience with necessary safeguards. “The Mann Government believes every household deserves access to essential services. This decision ensures citizens are not deprived of electricity,” he added.

The Power Minister further directed officials to ensure strict and meticulous compliance with the modified guidelines, emphasizing transparency and uniform implementation across the state.

He further said that simplification of application forms to get electricity connections and digitalisation of records are being done on priority basis. Earlier, PSPCL had decided that applicants or consumers seeking new connections or alterations in load up to 50 kW under the LT (Low Tension) category will not be required to submit any test report from a licensed electrical contractor or any self-certification/signed document for the electrical installation of the premises. Instead, there will be a declaration in the online application form wherein the applicant will give declaration “That the internal wiring at the premises has been got executed and tested by a Licensed Electrical Contractor/Designated Officer of the Govt. and test certificate is available with the applicant.”

CHANDIGARH/SRI ANANDPUR SAHIB, November 18:

          In order to ensure smooth and secure arrangements for the upcoming grand event to commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Sikh Guru Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Tuesday visited Sri Anandpur Sahib and reviewed the comprehensive security, facilitation, and traffic management arrangements.

          “I briefed all supervisory officers, reiterating the need to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, commitment, empathy, and devotion,” said the DGP, while addressing the media. He was accompanied by Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla and Special DGP Intelligence Praveen Sinha.

          The grand commemorative events, to be held at Sri Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25, 2025, is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across the globe.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that a large-scale force of over 8,000 police personnel, under the supervision of senior rank officers, have been deployed to ensure the safety, orderly movement, and comfort of the devotees expected to visit.

          He highlighted that the security arrangements are heavily reliant on cutting-edge technology and a high-tech control room is being established, integrated with with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), PTZ, and Facial Recognition Cameras at all entry and exit points of the city, complemented by surveillance drones.

          The DGP said that the entire area has been systematically divided into 25 sectors, each with its own sub-control room and help desk to ensure efficient management. For the convenience of the devotees, comprehensive traffic and logistical plans are in place  including 24×7 shuttle services to all venues and tent cities, besides, smart barricading systems are being positioned strategically to smoothen crowd flow and strengthen ground regulation, he said.

          For seamless traffic management and minimal inconvenience to the devotees, the District Police in partnership with IIT Ropar, real-time digital mapping of parking zones—based on live occupancy and capacity—has been activated to guide the public and support efficient traffic management. Apart from this, advanced surveillance grids, intelligent traffic coordination, and robust field supervision mechanisms are fully operational to maintain order and facilitate the Sangat arriving from across the nation, he added.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav informed that technology-enabled facilitation systems—including dedicated help desks, public convenience facilities, and real-time monitoring dashboards—have been established to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling experience for devotees. Comprehensive contingency plans, including crowd management, recovery vans, and medical services such as Mohalla Clinics and referral hospitals, are also in place, he added.

          He said that the force deployment itself is streamlined using QR codes for briefings, and lady police and specialised civil uniformed personnel at heavy footfall and sensitive locations are also being deployed strategically. “To create deterrence and pre-empt any untoward incident, data pertaining to snatchers in and around the Ropar district has also been integrated with the facial recognition system,” he said.

          The DGP said that all officers and personnel have been instructed to perform their duties with sensitivity, humility, and unwavering respect for the sanctity of the occasion, upholding the dignity and rights of every citizen.

          Later, DGP Gaurav Yadav has inaugurated an Auditorium and Renovated GO mess at Ropar Police Lines and Police Station Singh Bhagwantpur in Rupnagar district.

          ADGP Law and Order SS Parmar, ADGP Internal Vigilance Naunihal Singh, IG Provisioning S Boopathi, DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla, DIG Ropar Range Nanak Singh, Deputy Commissioner Rupnagar Varjeet Walia, SSP Rupnagar Gulneet Khurana and Staff Officer to DGP Punjab Darpan Ahluwalia were among the senior officers, who were present on the occasion.

CHANDIGARH, November 18:

          In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Tuesday conducted a statewide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh, marking the 262nd day of the intensified anti-drug campaign.

          The CASO was conducted simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav.

          During the daylong operation, police teams have conducted raids at 391 identified drug hotspots across the state leading to arrest of 79 persons after registration of 67 first information reports (FIRs). Police teams have also recovered 4.3 kg heroin, 971 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 3.16 lakhs drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally overseeing the operation, said that        over 400 Police teams, comprising over 3000 police personnel, under the supervision of 79 gazetted officers have conducted this operation.

          He informed that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 36,901 drug smugglers after registration of 24,809 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 1604 kg heroin, 557 kg opium, 263 quintals poppy husk, 529 kg ganja, 41.39 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 14 kg ICE and Rs 14.42 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 45 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

New Delhi, November 18:

Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to safeguard the interests of Punjab and Punjabis, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that as the custodian of the rights of the state and its people, he will not allow anyone to snatch them. 

Interacting with the media persons here today, the Chief Minister said that during the meeting of Northern Zonal Council (NZC) held on Monday all the member states had put forth their views. However, he said that ironically majority of the states including Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh were hell bent upon infringing the rights of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is unfortunate that Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are unnecessary mounting pressure on the state for snatching our rights.

The Chief Minister said that irresponsible leadership of these states have made mock of the platform by making unjust demands seeking share in resources of the state and even river waters. He said that the in the NZC meeting all the member states put forth their views and as the head of the state he also presented the case of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that out of total 28 agenda items 11 were related to the state and for the first time due to the strenuous efforts of the state government all of them were deferred.

The Chief Minister said that these issues were basically thorns sown by his predecessors- the Akalis, BJP and Congress before Punjab and its people. However, he said that his government has been making strenuous efforts to resolve these issues. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically said that the state government is committed for safeguarding the interests of the state. 

The Chief Minister said that those who are making hue and cry over river waters must understand one thing that real time assessment of availability of river waters should be made for which the presence of water must be reviewed. Speaking about the river waters, capital, Panjab university and head works, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that paradoxically every other state is seeking share in rights of Punjab, which is illegitimate. He categorically said that the state government is duty bound to safeguard the interests of Punjab and no stone will be left unturned for it.

The Chief Minister quipped that Haryana has made a very made strange demand that Punjab should be refrained from constructing mini hydel projects on Bhakra Main Line (BML) as it will  hamper the flow of water. He said that it was surprising that the naive leadership of Haryana was indulging in such tantrums which was baseless and far away from facts.  Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the issues of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) can be resolved only through Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL), which will ensure judicious use of Yamuna Water adding that the state has no surplus water to spare through SYL and there has been no scientific calculation regarding the availability of water

The Chief Minister categorically said that Punjab has no spare water to share with any state and there is no question about it. In the wake of the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, he said that there is a great opportunity for the resolution of water-related issues concerning the states being represented here. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is a possibility of linking the Chenab river to the rivers Ravi and Beas, over which we already have dams regulating the water flow downstream.

The Chief Minister said that in linking river Chenab with rivers Ravi and Beas, the surplus water inflow could be utilized gainfully by the downstream states, including Punjab, for both power generation and irrigation purposes adding that the extra water will also help the State of Punjab to meet its shortfall of water, particularly in the Border areas. On the issue of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had forcefully opposed the proposal to appoint a whole-time Member in BBMB from Rajasthan as the board is a body constituted under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, which concerns only the successor states of Punjab and Haryana. He said that Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh are already represented as ex-officio members, and creating additional whole-time posts will only increase expenditure most of which is borne by Punjab without serving any useful purpose.

The Chief Minister said that he had vehemently pleaded for handing over Chandigarh to the state of Punjab adding that after the reorganization of the state Indira Gandhi Agreement of 1970 explicitly stated that “the capital project area of Chandigarh will, as a whole, go to Punjab, which was a clear commitment from the Central Government. He said that the Rajiv-Longowal Accord, signed on July 24th, 1985, between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, explicitly reaffirmed that Chandigarh will be transferred to Punjab. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that despite all promises Chandigarh was not transferred to Punjab which has bruised the psyche of every Punjabi.

On the issue of maintaining the status quo of the 60:40 ratio in the intake of service personnel from Punjab and Haryana in the functioning of the UT of Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said that it is the need of the hour. He said that it is a matter of grave concern that officers of the IAS and the PCS have been excluded from key positions in the Chandigarh administration. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that posts in departments such as Excise, Education, Finance, and Health are being opened to cadres like the state UT cadre (DANICS), thereby adversely affecting the role of the state of Punjab in the effective functioning of the UT administration.

The Chief Minister said that another linked issue is the posting of Punjab Cadre officers to the post of General Manager FCI (Punjab). He said that considering the consistently highest contribution of the state of Punjab towards the Central pool, the established trend of posting of an IAS officer from Punjab Cadre to the Regional Office of the FCI should not be disturbed by the Government of India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the post of MD CITCO has been held by an IAS officer of Punjab cadre in the past however, UT state service officers are being posted to this position, which is against the convention laid down in the administration of the UT of Chandigarh based on a 60:40 ratio for intake of personnel from Punjab and Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab suffered massive losses of nearly Rs.13,500 crore but then also we are contributing 150 Lakh Metric Ton (LMT) of paddy in the national food pool. Bhagwant Singh Mann also opposed the proposal to transfer control of the Ropar, Harike and Ferozepur Headworks to BBMB as these Headworks are located entirely within Punjab and have always been physically operated and maintained by the State. He said that nowhere in India are Headworks of one State run by an external agency adding that in case the control of the headworks is also taken away from Punjab, the state will be facing huge difficulties in controlling floods.

The Chief Minister said that he has also raised the issues to provide financial assistance to carry out flood protection works on the Border Outpost (BOP) of BSF and the Army. He said that the proposal is yet to be approved by the Government of India adding that the Government of India should release the entire funds without putting any conditions as it was in the interest of national security. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that University has a deep connect with the people of Punjab as after partition it moved from Lahore to Hoshiarpur in Punjab and then to Chandigarh, our capital.

The Chief Minister said that the states of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, unilaterally, withdrew their colleges from Panjab University in 1973 and 1975 respectively and set up their own Universities and stopped funding Panjab University altogether. He said that it is only Punjab which supported and nurtured this University for the last 50 years but now at this stage they do not understand why Haryana wants to affiliate its colleges with Panjab University, when they are already affiliated for the last 50 years with Kurukshetra University a A+ NAAC accredited university. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the stand of the Punjab Government that there should be no change in the status of Panjab University adding that Panjab University is our University and we will continue to support and fund it in future also.

 The Chief Minister said that bowing before the pressure of students, the Union government has taken back its notification but there is no clarity on it. He also slammed Haryana for trying to make backdoor entry into senate and syndicate adding that this will not be tolerated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Haryana will not be allowed to succeed in its nefarious designs through such desperate and futile efforts.

On the occasion, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and others were also present.