New Delhi / Chandigarh, 14th, December.

The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja said that in Haryana, paddy was sold in mandis without actually arriving there by issuing fake gate passes. Paddy was brought from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and sold in the names of local farmers. This paddy scam has raised serious questions over the transparency and accountability of the BJP government in the state, even as it continues to claim corruption-free governance and administration. Kumari Selja said the government must bring the truth to light in this entire matter, take strict action against those responsible, and immediately provide farmers with their rightful dues and relief. The Congress party stands firmly with farmers and will continue to raise its voice to protect their rights.

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that serious allegations concerning Haryana’s grain procurement system and government financial management have caused deep concern among the farming community across the state. Reports of widespread irregularities in the government procurement of paddy and other crops, unusually inflated figures of paper-based purchases, and possible collusion between middlemen and officials have put major question marks on the government’s transparency and accountability. The purpose of the government procurement system is to provide security and dignity to farmers, not to ignore their rights and push them into financial loss and mental distress. Kumari Selja said that allegations of a sharp rise in paper procurement despite crop losses due to floods also point towards misuse of the state’s financial resources, which is extremely alarming. Under such circumstances, it becomes essential for the government to ensure an independent and impartial investigation into the entire matter, without any attempt at a cover-up, so that it is clearly established who is actually responsible for these irregularities. The investigation should not be limited to lower-level officials but must also include all decision-makers and those at higher levels whose roles led to this situation. She further demanded that the truth of MSP promises made to farmers and the actual procurement figures be made public in a transparent manner, so that farmers can have confidence that the government is honestly working to protect their interests. Kumari Selja has said protecting the dignity, security and rights of farmers is not merely a political issue, but essential for the social and economic stability of the state. Farmers in Haryana are today expecting justice. She asserted that any attempt to conceal corruption or exploitation will not be acceptable. The government must bring the truth before the public, take strict action against the guilty, and immediately provide farmers with their rightful dues and relief. The Congress party stands with farmers and will continue to raise its voice for the protection of their rights.

Kumari Selja said paddy scam has proved that the government has failed to curb corruption, and instead it is flourishing under the protection of officials. In Haryana, paddy was sold in mandis without its arrival by issuing fake gate passes. Paddy brought from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was sold in the names of Haryana farmers. The paddy scam has reportedly reached around ₹80 crore in Yamunanagar and up to ₹20 crore in Karnal. She reiterated that the government must bring out the truth in the entire episode, take strict action against the guilty, and immediately provide farmers with their rightful dues and relief. The Congress party stands with farmers and will continue to raise its voice to protect their rights.

Chandigarh/New Delhi, December 14:

          Exemplary efforts of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government in the arena of energy efficiency and conservation has earned national recognition to the Punjab with the state bagging second Award in the State Performance Category of the National Energy Conservation Awards -2025.

          Punjab New and Renewable Energy Resources Minister Mr. Aman Arora received the coveted award from the President of India Droupadi Murmu at the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 ceremony held today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

          Interacting with media after the award ceremony, Mr. Arora said that with the winning of this prestigious award the state of Punjab has stood among the top performers in the country in the field of energy efficiency. Pointing out towards the initiatives and steps taken by the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann for upgrading the infrastructure, he added, “We have installed 18000 solar tube-well pumps in the agriculture sector and efforts are on to increase the numbers. Besides these 185 Energy efficient motors have also been installed in MSME sector including Verka Plants. Stepping further the state government has also successfully installed rooftop projects of 35MW capacity in the Government buildings in the state.”

          Mr Aman Arora stated that energy efficiency in the buildings is one of the key areas to save energy in commercial sector by adopting energy efficient design, building material and using Energy Conservation Building Code.

          He added that apart from this, Punjab has taken the lead to develop and notify Punjab Energy Conservation Building Code by amending National Energy Conservation Building Code for the composite climate zone applicable in the state. The implementation has started by incorporating the building bye‑laws. So far 850 buildings have been put under compliance of the ECBC rules.

          Appreciating the efforts of PEDA authorities and officials for taking initiatives in the field of Energy Conservation & Energy Efficiency, Mr. Arora revealed that due to all these efforts 12000 million units have been saved so far.

          Emphasising that with the expansion of industry and need of more infrastructure, the demand of power is on the rise and shifting from conventional power generation to renewal energy sources such as solar, hydel and biomass is the need of the time that will pay in many ways for energy efficiency and conservation and most importantly to save our environment.

          On the occasion CEO PEDA Ms. Neelima, Administrative Secretary New and Renewable Resources Dr. Basant Garg, Additional Director PEDA Jaspal Singh and Project Engineer Sharad Sharma were also present.

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, December 14:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Amritsar has busted a drug supply module linked to foreign-based smuggles with the arrest of four operatives and recovered 4 Kg Heroin, ₹3.90 lakh drug money and one .32 bore pistol along with magazine and five live cartridges from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Yuvraj Singh, a resident of Roriwal in Amritsar; Varinder Singh, a resident of Dhaul Kalan in Amritsar; Jagroop Singh, a resident of Sangna in Amritsar and Jugraj Singh, a resident of Sarkaria Enclave in Amritsar. Police team have also impounded their black-coloured Hero Splendor motorcycle (PB-02-EE-0627) and white-coloured Honda Activa (PB-02-EX-2265), which they were using to deliver the consignments.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that police teams from CI Amritsar had received reliable inputs that associates— Yuvraj and Varinder— of foreign-based handler Lakhwinder Singh alias Baba Lakha had retrieved a heroin consignment from Ajnala sector and were expected to deliver it to suspect Jagroop Singh near gurudwara Morcha Sahib in Amritsar. Acting swiftly, Police teams laid a trap and arrested trio accused persons after recovering drug consignment and pistol from their posession, he said.

          He said that during questioning arrested person Jagroop Singh revealed that he has been working on the directions of one Daya Singh alias Preet Sekhon, who is presently lodged at Central Jail at Sri Muktsar Sahib, and the latter directed him to receive the heroin consignment from near Gurdwara Morcha Sahib.

          The DGP said that during further questioning, arrested persons— Yuvraj and Varinder— revealed about their one more associate identified as Jugraj Singh, who was also apprehended Amritsar city and Rs 3.90 lakhs drug money was recovered from his possession. Further investigations are ongoing, he added.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 73 dated 13.12.25 has been registered under sections 21, 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station SSOC Amritsar.

Chandigarh, December 14, 2025 : The 3rd National Gatka Refresher Course commenced at Gurdwara Babe Ke, Chandigarh bringing together officials from several states for a three-day upgrade in technical training sessions. The programme features theory sessions, practical demonstrations and evaluations aimed at standardising officiating practices across the country.

Throughout the day experts led modules on competition planning, scoring norms, foul assessment, tournament discipline and field-of-play management. Participants also undertook practical exercises designed to strengthen their on-ground decision making.

Speaking at the inaugural session World Gatka Federation (WGF) president Advocate Harjeet Singh Grewal announced a significant move in maintaining the discipline protocol of the sport. Gatka promoter Grewal, who is also serving as president of National Gatka Association of India (NGAI), informed that the WGF has introduced the ‘Black Card’ as a fourth foul category card in the international Gatka rules book. “This measure reinforces the dignity of technical officials, smooth conduct of bouts and ensuring to maintain discipline in players during competitions. This punitive card will be used in cases of unruly, indisciplined, unwanted or unholy behaviour,” he stated.

Sukhchain Singh Kalsani, vice chairman of the International Sikh Martial Art Council, emphasised that ongoing capacity-building is essential to uphold fairness and integrity in competitive Gatka. Speaking on the occasion President, Gatka Association of Chandigarh Hardeep Singh Butrela, Municipal Councillor Chandigarh said structured refresher courses not only sharpen the proficiency of officials but also help preserve uniformity in the rapidly developing sport.

Offering a global perspective, Phool Raj Singh, Chairman of the International Affairs Directorate, shared the WGF’s plans to accelerate international expansion. He disclosed that national Gatka federations would soon be constituted in multiple countries accompanied by enhanced training programmes for referees and judges abroad. He added that the coming years would see more international level tournaments aimed at strengthening Gatka’s presence on the world sports stage.

The refresher course will continue over the weekend with specialised workshops, mock bouts and assessments designed to prepare certified officials for national and international roles.

Also present on the occasion were Harjinder Kumar, General Secretary of the National Gatka Association, Baljit Singh Saini, Joint Secretary of the Gatka Association of Punjab, National Coordinator Harsimran Singh and State Coordinator Sherry Singh, Narinderpal Singh senior Referee, Narinderpal Singh joint secretary Haryanvi Gatka Association and Shiv Kumar.

Chandigarh, December 13:

 Reaffirming the commitment of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government to support aspirations of young women, Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (AFPI) for Girls in SAS Nagar (Mohali) has added another remarkable achievement to its illustrious history, with two of its distinguished alumni, Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya, being commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force. They successfully passed out from the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad) on Saturday, bringing pride and glory to their alma mater.

 They were commissioned in an impressive passing out parade, that was reviewed by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM.

 Flying Officer Charanpreet Kaur is daughter of S. Harminder Singh Banwait, who is a driver by profession and hails from Kurali in SAS Nagar, whereas Flying Officer Mehak Dahiya is daughter of Sh. Anil Kumar Dahiya, who is a Government Teacher and also hails from SAS Nagar.

Flying Officer Charanpreet Kaur has been commissioned in the Administrative Branch, while Flying Officer Mahak Dahiya has been commissioned in the Accounts Branch of the Air Force.

Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development and Training Minister Aman Arora congratulated Flying Officers Charanpreet Kaur and Mehak Dahiya on their remarkable achievement, stating their success will inspire more young women from Punjab to pursue careers in the defence services.

Notably, the Punjab Government has also established an NDA Preparatory Wing for Girls at Mai Bhago AFPI in July 2023, with the third batch currently undergoing training. It also is worth mentioning that a new block, which has been named after Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw, was inaugurated in November 2025.

Director of Mai Bhago AFPI, Major General Jasbir Singh Sandhu, AVSM (Retd), expressed delight over the commissioning of the two alumni as Flying Officers, stating that this achievement will further energise the state government’s efforts to encourage more girls to join the armed forces. He extended his warm wishes to the newly commissioned Lady Officers for a bright future in the Indian Air Force.

CHANDIGARH, December 13:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 287th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 178 locations on Saturday leading to the arrest of 27 drug smugglers after registration of 25 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 40,209 in 287 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 725 grams heroin, 500 grams opium and 75 intoxicant pills 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.

          Over 80 Police teams, comprising over 500 police personnel, under the supervision of 36 gazetted officers have conducted 178 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 186 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          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 15 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Panchkula: A large number of people visited the second day of Ayurveda Mahotsav 2025 being held at Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector 5, Panchkula. Visitors came in large numbers to gain information related to Ayurveda and were seen purchasing Ayurvedic products from the exhibition stalls. A deep interest and growing awareness about Ayurveda was clearly visible among the public.

On the second day of the festival, former BJP MLA from Panchkula, Gyan Chand Gupta, attended the event as the chief guest. He congratulated the organizers for hosting such an Ayurvedic exhibition in Panchkula and appreciated their efforts to promote Ayurveda. Acharya Manish was present as the special guest on the occasion.

The program began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by chief guest Gyan Chand Gupta, Acharya Manish, BJP leader Ranjita Mehta, and Om Prakash Devi Nagar. Thereafter, the organizers honored the chief guest and other dignitaries by presenting shawls and mementos.

Acharya Manish inspected various stalls set up at the exhibition and gathered detailed information from institutions selling Ayurvedic medicines and products about their benefits, usage, and precautions. He also addressed the gathering in a special session, highlighting the advantages of Ayurveda. He said that amid changing lifestyles and increasing diseases, Ayurveda is emerging as the most effective and reliable system of medicine, and that the future belongs to Ayurveda.

During the event, Rajesh Goyal, North Zone Convener of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, also visited the festival. He gathered information about Ayurvedic products and emphasized the importance of the Swadeshi movement.

Festival organizer Dr. Rishabh Dixit stated that this event would prove to be a significant milestone in the field of holistic medicine. According to him, experts from across the country are sharing their research, experiences, and modern perspectives, which will further strengthen the scientific foundation of Ayurveda.

Prominent experts present at the event included Ajit Pal Singh, Sanchit Sharma, Taranjit Singh Bharna, Rampal Somani, and Hitesh Jani. These experts shared their views on the modern direction of Ayurveda, technological advancements, and global possibilities, adding further prestige to the program.

The organizing team played a key role in the successful execution of the festival, including Rishabh Dixit, Jai Soni, Manya Dixit, Yogita Bhati, and Siddhi Mishra. Due to their planned approach and effective coordination, the festival has been well-organized and impactful since the very first day.

More than 4,000 doctors, Ayurvedic practitioners from across the country, and over 100 medicine manufacturers are showcasing their research-based medicines and modern technologies at the exhibition. In addition, free health camps, yoga sessions, consultation centers, and medicine distribution stalls witnessed heavy footfall throughout the day, providing direct benefits to the general public.

Experts from Ayurvedic institutions stated that several of their products are receiving an excellent response from visitors. Meanwhile, a representative of a Mumbai-based company said that their Ayurvedic products are selling well, with particularly strong interest in their “Cool Lip” product.

Overall, this Ayurveda Mahotsav in Panchkula is not only spreading awareness about the scientific foundation of Ayurveda among the masses, but is also instilling renewed trust and awareness in natural healthcare practices.

Chandigarh, December 13- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday formally inaugurated the ground floor of Panchnad Sadan, constructed by the Panchnad Sewa Trust in Fatehabad. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the occasion marked not merely the inauguration of a building, but stood as a symbol of collective memory, an unbroken cultural legacy and a heartfelt tribute to lakhs of people who made supreme sacrifices for the nation.

Congratulating citizens, trust office-bearers and volunteers on the historic occasion, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 31 lakh for the Panchnad Sewa Trust. Cabinet Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, and Hansi MLA, Sh. Vinod Bhayana was also present at the event.

Recalling the journey of the project, the Chief Minister said the foundation stone of Panchnad Sadan was laid on December 13, 2020, by the then Chief Minister and present Union Minister, Sh Manohar Lal. Within five years, the structure has taken the shape of a grand and inspiring institution, reflecting the dedication, commitment and tireless efforts of the trust’s office-bearers and volunteers. He said every individual associated with the completion of this project deserves appreciation.

Explaining the historical significance of Panchnad, the Chief Minister said the term holds a special place in the collective consciousness of people. Panchnad refers to the land of five rivers—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum—which nourished this region for centuries and helped create one of the world’s oldest, richest and most vibrant civilisations. Over time, this region came to be known as Punjab, literally meaning the land of five waters.

He said the Panchnad region has historically been a cradle of multiple faiths and cultures, all of which flourished together in harmony. Its traditions of brotherhood, hospitality and hard work gained global recognition. However, history also carries chapters of immense pain and suffering.

Referring to the Partition of 1947, the Chief Minister said this very land witnessed one of the most horrific human tragedies in world history. In a single night, lakhs lost their lives, homes, property and future. A civilisation and culture were brutally torn apart. He said the purpose of Panchnad Sadan is to preserve this history so that future generations never forget the tragedy of Partition and understand the enduring importance of national unity.

He said that the Punjabi community bore immense suffering during Partition, with crores of people forced to migrate across newly drawn borders. Lakhs were killed and countless families were devastated, affecting children, the elderly, women and youth alike. Despite this, the Punjabi society rejected hatred and violence, and instead chose hard work, patriotism and brotherhood, contributing significantly to nation-building.

The Chief Minister emphasised that Panchnad is not a caste, but a culture and a movement. Wherever the Punjabi community has settled, it has blended seamlessly and played a vital role in economic, social and cultural development. Today, Punjabis are known across the country for their diligence, honesty and dedication.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Panchnad Smarak Trust and said that since its inception, the trust has undertaken organised, sensitive and heartfelt initiatives to keep the memories of ancestors alive. He said Panchnad Sadan is not merely a structure of bricks and mortar, but a centre that will connect hearts, provide solace to souls and empower the future by learning from history. The initiative, he added, goes beyond remembrance and seeks to transform the pain of Partition into positive energy through education, health and cultural engagement.

Assuring full support, the Chief Minister said the Haryana government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Panchnad Sewa Trust in preserving and promoting Panchnad culture and in passing on the history of Partition to future generations. He expressed confidence that Panchnad Sadan would emerge as a source of inspiration not only for Haryana but for the entire country, strengthening national unity, social harmony and cultural heritage.

Rajya Sabha, MP Sh. Subhash Barala, former MP, Smt. Sunita Duggal and former MLA, Sh. Dura Ram also addressed the gathering.

Panchnad Sewa Trust patron Bhimsen and several other dignitaries remained present during the event.

Chandigarh, November 13- Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr Arvind Sharma said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, is working in the spirit of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s Antyodaya philosophy to ensure dignity, respect and upliftment of every community. He said the government is translating Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas into action on the ground.

Dr. Sharma was addressing the gathering as Chief Guest at the 42nd foundation day programme of Paragana-52 at Shri Sain Bhagat Dharamshala, Uttam Nagar, Gohana.

He said Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini accords equal respect to all communities and is consistently implementing people-centric welfare schemes for their empowerment. Highlighting the government’s efforts to honour saints and social reformers, Dr. Sharma said their birth anniversaries are now being celebrated at the state level to take their ideals to the masses. Calling upon members of the Sain community, he said that under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is promoting skill development among youth, not only to make them self-reliant but also to provide opportunities for self-employment.

Referring to welfare initiatives, Dr Sharma said that the second phase of the Antyodaya Parivar Utthan Yojana was recently launched by Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini from Sonipat. Through the organisation of Antyodaya Melas at the Assembly constituency level, the government is creating opportunities for poor families to access self-employment avenues and easy loans, which people should actively avail themselves of.

Emphasising the importance of education, the Minister said that children are the greatest asset of poor families, and therefore priority must be given to their education while motivating them to work hard and excel. On the occasion, he announced a grant of Rs. 21 lakh from his discretionary fund for development works at the Sain Bhagat Dharamshala. He also announced an additional Rs. 5 lakh for the establishment of a library at the dharamshala.

Chandigarh, December 13- Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel on Saturday said that Old Faridabad is not just a geographical area for him but his home, where he grew up and this deepens his responsibility towards ensuring the area’s comprehensive development.

Sh. Vipul Goel was speaking after inaugurating the reconstruction work of the Maharshi Valmiki Community Hall and the RMC road construction project at Bassa Pada in Faridabad.

Sh. Goel said that construction of the long-pending community hall at the Valmiki Temple complex has now commenced at an estimated cost of Rs. 52.5 lakh. He assured that if additional funds are required in the future, the government will make the necessary provisions to ensure that residents get a modern, well-equipped and functional community facility. Alongside this, work has also begun on paving several lanes in Old Faridabad. Two major street development projects, costing Rs. 18.5 lakh and Rs. 22.5 lakh respectively, are part of this initiative, which will ease movement for residents and strengthen local infrastructure.

Expressing confidence, the Minister said the coming year would be extremely significant for Old Faridabad from a development perspective. Whether it is the proposed new hospital in the grain market area, establishment of new schools, improved water and power supply, or converting existing kutcha roads into pucca roads, the government will work swiftly on all fronts. He also announced the revival of the historic Barahi Talab (pond) in Old Faridabad.

Sh. Goel said that the area has a limited number of parks, and therefore existing parks will be upgraded to make them more attractive and functional. He added that the parking facility developed at the new vegetable market will be made operational within the next one to two months to streamline traffic movement. He further informed that foundation stones for the construction of bathing facilities and modern public toilets in the market area will be laid soon to benefit traders and the general public.