Chandigarh, December 10 — The Haryana Government has issued fresh guidelines regarding the grant of performance/ex-gratia awards and similar benefits to employees of State Public Enterprises (SPEs), bringing greater clarity and uniformity to the process across all undertakings.

In a letter issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who also holds the charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, it is stated that the State Government has observed that several Public Enterprises were seeking approvals for these benefits for multiple past years, leading to inconsistencies in implementation.

To streamline the process, the Government has taken a clear policy decision stating that: “Performance/Ex-gratia Award and other similar benefits shall be allowed only for the preceding year of the current financial year. Accordingly, State Public Enterprises (SPEs) can avail such benefits only for one preceding year up to the next financial year, and no past previous year claims shall be allowed.”

All Managing Directors, Chief Administrators, Chief Executive Officers, and heads of Boards, Corporations, Companies, Cooperative Institutions, and Autonomous Bodies in Haryana have been directed to implement these instructions in letter and spirit.

Chandigarh, December 11 – In a major boost to Haryana’s environmental ambitions, the World Bank has approved a financial assistance package of USD 305 million for the Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (HCAPSD), a flagship initiative aimed at transforming Haryana into a pollution-free state by 2030. The approved assistance includes an IBRD Loan of USD 300 million and a USD 5 million grant under the SA Regional Integration Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

Sharing the information here today, an official spokesperson said that the approval follows a high-level meeting held in Chandigarh in November last year between Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and World Bank representatives. During this meeting, the World Bank committed to extending a loan of Rs. 2,498 crore to support the rollout of the HCAPSD, which carries a total project cost of Rs. 3,646 crore. He added that the Haryana Government will contribute Rs. 1,065 crore, with an additional Rs. 83 crore allocated as a grant.

The HCAPSD is designed to bring measurable, statewide improvements in air quality through coordinated action across key sectors—including transport, industry, agriculture, urban management, and scientific monitoring. The project’s implementation will be led by the dedicated SPV, ARJUN (AI for Resilient Jobs, Urban Air Quality & Next-Gen Skills Council), ensuring seamless integration in planning, execution, and real-time monitoring. ARJUN is chaired by Sh Rajesh Khullar, CPS to CM Haryana who has served as the Executive Director in the Board of Directors of the World Bank as a representative of India, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from 2020 to 2023.

The project will support the Haryana’s Action Plan aimed at reducing air pollution through a combination of multisectoral interventions. The project will invest in air quality and emission monitoring systems to strengthen the state’s ability to better gauge the impact of various sources of pollution.

Out of the total program cost of Rs 3,646 crore, Rs 1,688 crore has been earmarked for transport-sector interventions aimed at sharply reducing urban transport emissions and strengthening Haryana’s clean mobility ecosystem. Under this component, 500 electric buses will be deployed across Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Jhajjar at an investment of Rs 1,513 crore. Additional initiatives include the phase-out of high-polluting vehicles and support for the scrapping ecosystem (Rs 10 crore), installation of 200 Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations (Rs 20 crore), incentives for electric three-wheelers (Rs 100 crore), and fleet replacement incentives to shift old three-wheelers to EVs (Rs 45 crore). These initiatives will be jointly implemented by Gurugram Metropolitan City Bus Limited, Haryana City Bus Service Limited, and the Departments of Transport and Industries.

A further Rs 563 crore will be spent by the Department of Industries and Commerce to drive cleaner industrial operations, real-time emission control, and improved compliance. This includes Rs 100 crore in incentives for switching industrial boilers to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), Rs 330 crore for promoting or replacing high-emission diesel generator (DG) sets with low-emission alternatives, and Rs 33 crore to support the installation of Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) across key industrial units.

Rs 746 crore will be spent through the Agriculture and Development & Panchayats Departments for agriculture-sector interventions and advanced soil management. This includes Rs 280 crore to achieve zero stubble burning by 2030 through equipment support and sustainable alternatives, Rs 52 crore for research on bio-decomposer technologies, Rs 151 crore for establishing a Secondary Emission Monitoring Centre in the Department of Agriculture, and Rs 263 crore for clean manure management systems aimed at significantly reducing emissions from cattle waste.

Similarly, Rs 564 crore will be spent by the Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB) to strengthen institutional capacity and build a robust scientific and regulatory backbone for targeted clean-air actions. Key components include Rs 107 crore for upgrading state air-quality laboratories along with 12 new mini-labs, Rs 73 crore for deploying 10 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (CAAQM) stations, Rs 28 crore for two mobile air-quality monitoring vans, Rs 6 crore for satellite-based monitoring integration, Rs 50 crore for a Decision Support System (DSS) to enable real-time, data-driven governance, and Rs 6 crore for developing a comprehensive state emission inventory.

Additionally, Rs 85 crore will be utilized under urban-sector interventions by the Urban Local Bodies, focusing on reducing urban dust pollution and enhancing sanitation, enforcement, and on-ground implementation capacity.

The spokesperson said that HCAPSD will drive systemic and sustained improvements in air quality by targeting emissions across transport, industry, agriculture, and urban sectors, while simultaneously strengthening long-term monitoring and planning capabilities. With this comprehensive approach, Haryana is poised to emerge as a national leader in clean air innovation and sustainable development, he added.

Chandigarh, December 11 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the life of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji conveys the timeless message that no matter how great the oppression, the power of truth and righteousness always prevails. Religion is not merely about worship, it is a path to uphold truth, freedom, and human dignity. He added that Guru Sahib’s sacrifice is a divine celebration for humanity, and India has remained the center of this spiritual tradition for centuries.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a musical drama titled “Tap Se Tyag Tak”, organized jointly by the Kashmiri Hindu Cell Haryana and Shri Vishwakarma Skill University at Apparel House, Gurugram, on Thursday, on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Renowned actor and Padma Bhushan awardee Anupam Kher was the chief guest, while Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini presided over the program.

The Chief Minister’s OSD, Dr Prabhleen Singh, welcomed the gathering, and Dr. Raj Nehru, Chief Minister’s OSD, honored the chief guest Anupam Kher and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, also expressing gratitude to the guests. The event was attended by Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary, and Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, among other dignitaries.

*Sacrifice is the Foundation of Our Culture – Chief Minister*

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the play “Tap Se Tyag Tak” highlights that sacrifice forms the foundation of our culture. The soul of our civilization is austerity, and the strength of our nationhood is truth. He added that the play particularly conveys to the younger generation that sacrifice is not merely a chapter in history, but a living consciousness that sustains the nation.

*Haryana Government decided to provide Jobs for 1984 Riot-Affected Sikh Families*

The Chief Minister shared a major decision for Sikh families affected by the 1984 riots in Haryana. “One government job will be provided to a member of each of the 121 Sikh families who lost their loved ones during the riots,” he said. He further highlighted that the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, established in December 2022, has granted the Sikh community in the state long-awaited autonomy.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the Haryana government’s continued efforts to honor Sikh history, the Guru tradition, and the Sikh community. From the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, we are progressing rapidly. Under Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sikh heritage, historical sites, and contributions of great personalities have received national recognition over the past 11 years, he added.

Highlighting state initiatives, he said a research chair on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has been established at Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. The Government Polytechnic, Ambala will be named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The government has further strengthened its respect for Sikh history by deciding to name the college in Assandh after Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger son of Sarbansdani Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The medical college being built in Yamunanagar has been named after “Hind ki Chadar” Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji, and a V.L.D.A. college in Lakhanpur Sahib has been established in the name of Mata Gujri. Additionally, the foundation stone for the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur memorial was laid on October 27 in Lohgarh, Yamunanagar. These initiatives reflect the Haryana government’s steadfast commitment to Sikh heritage, the Guru tradition, and the community, the Chief Minister added.

*Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s Sacrifice: A Sacred Legacy for All Humanity – Anupam Kher*

Padma Bhushan awardee and renowned actor Anupam Kher said that rare moments in India’s history witness a great soul sacrificing his life to redefine religion, humanity, and truth. Speaking at the program, he stated, “The sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is not just a legacy of Sikh history, but a mark of honor on the forehead of the entire human civilization.”

Referring to the turbulent times in Kashmir, Kher highlighted that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, displaying unparalleled courage, made the first global declaration of religious freedom. “His sacrifice is the highest expression of Indian spirituality, courage, and humanity, serving as an eternal inspiration for future generations,” he added.

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Kashmiri Hindu community, Anupam Kher thanked Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi for making the pain of displaced Kashmiris a national concern and taking sensitive initiatives for their rehabilitation. He also thanked Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for providing security, respect, and a foundation for rehabilitation to the displaced people in Haryana The people of India have never considered Kashmiri Hindus as outsiders but have always sought to heal their wounds with a sense of belonging, he said.

Mr. Kher emphasized that Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s teachings show that the path of truth may be difficult, but it alone can change the course of history. Remaining steadfast in one’s faith is the true mark of heroism and spirituality, he added.

The play written and directed by Vijay Dhar, was staged by the RMK Arts Foundation, Jammu, with music and sound design by Kuldeep Sapru.

The event was attended by members of the Kashmiri and Sikh communities, university officials, and dignitaries, including Professor Dinesh Kumar, VC of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University; Professor Sanjay Kaushik, VC of Gurugram University; Amit Arya, VC of Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts and Rajiv Jetley, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister.

CHANDIGARH, December 11:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 285th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 338 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 85 drug smugglers after registration of 74 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 40,109 in 285 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 2 kg heroin, 335 intoxicant pills and Rs 800 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.

          Over 120 Police teams, comprising over 1000 police personnel, under the supervision of 75 gazetted officers have conducted 338 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 339 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 38 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Patiala/Fatehgarh Sahib, December 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday ordered to issue showcase notice against contractor and withholding his payments after detecting irregularities in the construction of Reetkheri Link Road in Patiala district.

The Chief Minister who conducted surprise inspection of the under construction road was miffed over non compliance of stipulated weight parameters in the construction of the road after sampling of road was done. He asked the officers to showcase the contractor constructing the road and hold his payments with immediate effect. Bhagwant Singh Mann also inspected under construction Patiala Sirhind Road in Patiala district and asked the officers to get the samples of the road checked from laboratory adding he also checked Rurki to Reona plan road in Fatehgarh Sahib district.

The Chief Minister said that the motive of checking these under construction roads is to check the quality of roads being constructed across the state. He said that since a huge sum of amount is being spent by the state government so this drive has been started to ensure that high quality roads are constructed in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he will continue this surprise check in coming days too as he is duty bound to ensure that public money is utilised in a proper manner.

The Chief Minister said that the random checking has been done to ensure that the roads are constructed properly with the best material by optimum utilisation of the resources. He said that all the concerned departments have been asked to ensure proper coordination so that all the work in terms of laying of sewerage lines, drinking water pipes, fibre and others are done well before the construction of roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will ensure minimum damage to the newly constructed roads across the state thereby ensuring the judicious use of the public money.

Making a fervent appeal to people, the Chief Minister urged them to personally monitor the ongoing work on the construction of roads as it is their property. He said that the general public should oversee this work and bring any sort of irregularity, if any, in the notice of the state government. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured severest of severe action against the erring contractors, undertaking the work.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the state government has embarked on the biggest road construction work taken up in the history of the state targeting to construct 44,920 KMs of roads with a total cost of Rs 16,209 Crore. He said that by the end of next year, the state government will build a total of 44,920 KMs of roads across all villages, towns and cities of Punjab at a total cost of Rs 16,209 Crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these roads will all be with the five years maintenance clause ensuring highest quality standards along with the world class road safety features.

The Chief Minister said that the move is aimed to provide better mobility and boost rural infrastructure in the state adding that the state government has already undertaken construction of 19,373 KMs of Rural Link Roads with a total cost of Rs 4092 crore. He said that as the state government toiled hard on this project, as the unprecedented devastation caused by the floods this year had eroded the connectivity and mobility in affected areas. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the ongoing road projects envisaged with a path breaking five years maintenance clause in the contract to ensure longevity and quality along with world class safety standards like luminous lane and edge markings, signages and others.

The Chief Minister said that always committed to serve the people of Punjab, the state  Government has undertaken an extensive exercise involving multiple agencies to include PMB, PWD, Urban Local Bodies and Public representatives. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that henceforth the state government carried out an extremely detailed survey of all roads in Punjab, shortlisted those needing repairs, widening or upgradation. He said that now the state government has targeted to construct 44,920 KMs of roads with a total cost of Rs 16,209 crore by the end of next year.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Chief Minister’s Flying Squad is continuously monitoring the quality of roads, and after receiving several complaints about the use of substandard material, contracts of some contractors have been cancelled. The Chief Minister cautioned that if any contractor is found involved in poor-quality work or if any employee is part of it, strict action will be taken against them. He said that the state government is committed to ensure optimum utilization of the taxpayers money and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause.

Chandigarh: Panjab University, Chandigarh, has announced admissions to its Centre for IAS and Other Competitive Examinations, unveiling a structured crash-course programme aimed at helping aspirants excel in the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC. With competitive exams becoming increasingly challenging each year, the Centre aims to equip students with focused preparation, expert guidance and an environment that nurtures discipline and strategic thinking.

According to the Centre’s Honorary Director, Prof. Jyoti Rattan, admissions for the IAS Preliminary Batch 2026 will be conducted through an entrance test scheduled for December 19. Interested candidates may submit their applications by December 15, up to 5 pm. Classes for the new batch will commence on January 5, 2026, and the course will run for approximately four months.

The fee structure includes ₹26,000 plus 18% GST for general category candidates and ₹13,000 plus 18% GST for SC/ST candidates. The programme promises comprehensive coverage of the UPSC Preliminary syllabus, guided by a distinguished faculty drawn from Panjab University and other reputed institutions.

A key highlight of the course is the inclusion of special lectures delivered by serving and former civil servants, state service officers and senior bureaucrats, providing aspirants with practical insights into governance, strategy and real-world administrative challenges. Regular tests, discussion forums and performance reviews are integral to the course, helping students identify gaps, build conceptual clarity and sharpen exam-oriented skills.

The Centre also houses a well-equipped library to support extended study and research. Registration can be completed through the Google form provided by the university. Further details are available on the website of the Centre for IAS and Other Competitive Examinations. The students can register for this course by filling up the admission form which is available on the Google form

Panchkula December 11: Civil Surgeon Dr. Mukta Kumar said that the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) has called for an indefinite strike by government doctors across the state, including Panchkula. Despite the strike, patient care services at Civil Hospital Panchkula such as the OPD, Emergency, and other essential services continued to function as per the routine.

She said that around 3500 OPD patients per day reported in various clinical departments. The patients reported receiving timely consultations and treatment.

Dr Mukta Kumar further said that the emergency services including Medico Legal and Post Mortem services were continued to functioning smoothly. Other critical care services like SNCU, ICU and OT ran without major disruption. The absence of Medical Officers and SMO’s was though reported but around 130 doctors per day were present on duty including Emergency services running 24X7. These doctors on duty were from Mullana Medical College, ESI Hospital, Civil Hospital Consultants, DNB residents etc who supported the clinical work in various departments during the strike.

She said that Civil Hospital Panchkula remained comparatively stable and the healthcare delivery remained largely uninterrupted. The diagnostic and imaging services including CT, MRI, Dialysis, Heart Procedure and Lab testing were also being performed as per the routine.

New Delhi:

Rajya Sabha MP Shri Kartikeya Sharma called on Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today at Parliament, accompanied by his wife, author and academic Dr Aishwarya Pandit Sharma.
During the meeting, Dr Aishwarya Pandit Sharma presented her book Indian Renaissance – The Modi Decade to the Honourable Prime Minister.

Speaking after the interaction, Kartikeya Sharma said that meeting the Honourable Prime Minister is always an enlightening experience.
He added that every interaction brings new learning, deeper insight, and a renewed sense of clarity and commitment towards national service.

The MP stated that the Honourable Prime Minister emphasised accountability in public life, people-centric governance, meaningful engagement with youth, and sustained reforms to improve ease of living.
Kartikeya Sharma said the Prime Minister’s guidance strengthens the resolve to deliver tangible development outcomes on the ground.

Dr Aishwarya Pandit Sharma noted that her book Indian Renaissance – The Modi Decade presents a detailed study of India’s transformational progress under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister. She described offering the book to him as a moment of honour and pride.

Kartikeya Sharma expressed gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his time and guidance, stating that the meeting further reinforces the commitment to work with dedication in the service of the nation.

Chandigarh/New Delhi, 9 December: Chandigarh MP and former Union Minister Manish Tewari raised serious concerns in the Lok Sabha today over the impartiality of the Election Commission and the legality of the ongoing Special Incentive Revision (SIR) process.

He said that India’s democracy rests on 98 crore voters and political parties, with the Election Commission meant to function as an impartial umpire between them. Recalling the historic reform under former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi—granting voting rights to citizens aged 18 and above—Tewari noted that today serious questions are being raised about the Commission’s neutrality.

Tewari demanded amendments to the 2023 law governing the appointment of the Election Commission. He said the Selection Committee must consist of two members from the government, two from the opposition, and the Chief Justice of India to ensure true neutrality. He emphasized that the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and the CJI must be part of this Committee.

On SIR, he pointed out that while the issue is being debated nationwide, the Election Commission has no legal authority to conduct SIR across entire states. Under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Commission may revise the rolls only for one assembly constituency at a time, not for entire states.

This means that a widespread SIR has no legal basis. The Commission can only correct entries in specific constituencies where errors are found. Large-scale SIR exercises in states like Bihar, Kerala or West Bengal do not align with the law. If SIR is required, the government must specify the deficiencies found in particular areas and place them before Parliament. The matter should also be examined by the courts.

On EVMs, Tewari said democracy runs on trust. Voters stand for hours in heat, rain or cold, and must be confident that their vote is counted correctly. Many citizens fear EVM tampering. When public trust is shaken, democracy suffers.

He reiterated that he had earlier asked the government who holds the EVM source code—the manufacturing company or the Election Commission—but never received a reply. He again demanded clarity on who controls the source code and the motherboard program.

Tewari strongly urged that elections be conducted once again using ballot papers, as public confidence in EVMs has eroded. Alternatively, 100% counting of VVPAT slips must be ensured, even if it takes 2–3 days, to restore voter trust. Several countries have reverted to paper ballots. If genuine reforms are introduced, the truth will reveal itself naturally.

Chandigarh, December 9:-* In a firm enforcement action, the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has issued two challans of ₹13,401 each after two tippers of administration were caught red-handed dumping construction and demolition (C&D) waste mixed with litter on the Dadumajra administration land. The malba had reportedly been transported from Sector 25. The concerned team immediately alerted the police, and strict action has been initiated against the violators.

MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, has taken serious note of the incident and issued a stern warning to all contractors, drivers, helpers, and field staff involved in waste transportation. The Commissioner stated that under no circumstances will illegal dumping, mixing of waste streams, or misuse of municipal vehicles be tolerated. He directed that all C&D waste must be transported only to designated recycling and processing facilities, and any deviation will attract heavy challans, suspension, and possible legal action.

He further emphasized that municipal employees and outsourced workers must uphold the highest standards of discipline and accountability, and any lapse directly undermines the city’s cleanliness efforts. The Commissioner has instructed supervisory officers to strengthen monitoring, install GPS-based surveillance on vehicles, and ensure strict compliance with waste management protocols.