Chandigarh, December 4 – Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma today inaugurated the 25th crushing season (2025–26) of Chaudhary Devi Lal Cooperative Sugar Mill, Gohana. On the occasion, he said that the mill is not merely an industrial unit but the outcome of farmers’ hard work, and the main source of livelihood for thousands of families. His wife, Smt. Rita Sharma, was also present on the occasion.

Dr. Sharma said that the hard work, sweat, and trust of farmers are the mill’s greatest assets. The Haryana Government is giving top priority to timely payments to farmers, improving mill operations, and adopting new technology. He informed that the price of early variety sugarcane has been fixed at Rs. 415 per quintal, while the late variety has been fixed at Rs. 408 per quintal. During the previous crushing season, farmers across the state were paid Rs. 1,211 crore, which included Rs. 80 crore from Gohana mill and Rs. 103 crore from Sonipat mill.

He said that the online token system implemented in cooperative sugar mills has saved valuable time for farmers. In view of labour-related problems during sugarcane harvesting, the process of providing harvesting machines on subsidy in coordination with the Agriculture Department is also being expedited.

The Cooperation Minister directed the mill management to ensure that farmers, employees, and workers are treated with respect and provided adequate facilities, as they are the backbone of the mill. He said that modern technology and better management would further strengthen the working of the mill and make this crushing season one of prosperity and new opportunities.

Recalling his appeal last year to reconnect old sugarcane farmers with the mill, Dr. Sharma urged public representatives and the management to continue efforts in this direction. He said that the cooperative sector has an important role to play in achieving the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Cooperation Department and Sugar Federation are continuously working for the prosperity of farmers.

Dr. Sharma also honoured farmers who supplied the maximum quantity of sugarcane and those who delivered the cleanest produce during the 2024–25 season. Sanjay from village Busana (16,625 quintals) and Darshan from Bhainswal Kalan (7,727 quintals) were awarded for the highest sugarcane supply. Farmers who reached the mill first were also honoured.

Managing Director, Haryana State Cooperative Sugar Mills Federation Capt, Shakti Singh, SDM, Anjali Shrotriya, Mill Managing Director, Ankita Verma, along with a large number of farmers and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, December 4

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that saints, sages and gurus are our priceless heritage. Their teachings guide us on the right path. It is the responsibility of all of us to preserve and uphold the legacy of these great personalities. With this objective, the government has implemented the Sant-Mahapurush Samman and Vichar Prasar Yojana in the state.

The Chief Minister was addressing the state-level function held in Ladwa, Kurukshetra, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Sen Bhagat Ji Maharaj as the Chief Guest on Thursday.  During this , he also announced several major development works worth crores of rupees. At the ceremony, the Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 51 lakh for the Sen community, while Cabinet  Ministers, Sh.  Shyam Singh Rana,  Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, and  Sh. Krishan Bedi announced Rs. 11 lakh  each.

The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to spreading the messages of saints and great personalities to every household. The aim is to ensure that future generations draw inspiration and guidance from their teachings. He added that the government has launched several welfare schemes inspired by the path shown by these revered figures. For the welfare and upliftment of backward classes, the government has constituted the Backward Classes Commission.

Sen Community is Hardworking and Self-Respecting- CM

The Chief Minister said that Sant Shiromani Sen Bhagat Ji Maharaj  always walked on  the path of devotion and spread the message of truth, non-violence and love. He said the Sen community, followers of this great saint, is a hardworking and self-respecting community. The Sen dynasty has produced great rulers, freedom fighters and visionary personalities. The community also played an important role in the freedom struggle. Surya Sen, the leader of the Chittagong uprising, is still remembered with reverence. He sacrificed his life on January 12, 1934, and his martyrdom will never be forgotten.

The Chief Minister said that the Sen community has made significant contributions in politics too. Socialist leader and Bharat Ratna awardee Karpoori Thakur fought to safeguard democracy.

Healthcare and Welfare Schemes for the Needy

The Chief Minister said that the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has been launched to provide healthcare to poor and needy families. Under this scheme, free treatment up to Rs.5 lakh per year is provided. Over Rs. 4,124 crore has been paid for the treatment of more than 25 lakh beneficiaries. He added that the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Samman Yojana has been launched in Haryana. Under this initiative, skill training for 30,655 artisans has been completed, and loans worth Rs. 56 crore have been provided to 6,000 artisans.

He said that modern education is essential for the upliftment of any community. The government has therefore provided 27 percent reservation for backward classes in educational institutions and jobs in Haryana. Loans up to Rs. 15 lakh for education in India and Rs. 20 lakh for education abroad are given at 4 percent  annual interest to students from backward-class families.

Second Installment Transferred under Lado Lakshmi Yojana

Highlighting the achievements of the government during the first year of its third term, the Chief Minister said that under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, the second installment has been transferred into the accounts of 7,01,965 women. The state government has given ownership rights to tenant farmers. Compensation worth Rs. 15,627 crore has been transferred directly to farmers for crop damage. The income limit for the Creamy Layer in the Backward Classes has been increased from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh. Paperless registries have been implemented across the state. Reservation has been provided to Backward Class ‘B’ in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. Families occupying Panchayat and municipal lands for over 20 years are being granted ownership rights. MSP is being provided on the purchase of all 24 crops in the state.

State government is working for the development of every section of society- Shyam Singh Rana

Cabinet Minister, Sh.  Shyam Singh Rana said that the state government is working for the development of every section of society. He said that the government is also organizing birth anniversary celebrations of saints and great personalities.  The BJP government has accelerated the development of Haryana, with the goal of contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.

The government has honoured not only the Sen community but all sections of society-Ranbir Singh Gangwa

Cabinet Minister, Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa said that the Sen community falls under the Extremely Backward Classes category. The government has honoured not only the Sen community but all sections of society. He said earlier governments, especially the Congress, ignored this community and only made empty promises. The BJP, on the other hand, has genuinely worked to provide them respect.

State government is working with the vision of inclusive development- Krishan Bedi

Cabinet Minister, Sh.  Krishan Bedi said that the state government is working with the vision of inclusive development. Schemes have been designed keeping in mind every section of society. Under the Sant Mahapurush Samman and Vichar Prasar Yojana, the government is organizing birth anniversaries to honour revered personalities. He added that the BJP government has carried out unparalleled development works and given due representation to the community in both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. He also recalled that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi launched the Bihar election campaign from the land of Karpoori Thakur, which resulted in a record majority for the government. He said that the Chief Minister has given honour and respect to all backward and scheduled caste communities in the state.

Government Working with the Principle of Antyodaya: Mohan Lal Badoli

State BJP President, Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli said that the state government is honouring saints and great personalities. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi respects revered figures across the country, and the Chief Minister is carrying forward this tradition by celebrating their birth anniversaries. He said that following the policy of Antyodaya, the Chief Minister is working for the welfare of every poor person.

Chief Whip and MLA, Sh. Ram Kumar Kashyap, former Minister, Sh.  Subhash Sudha  and other dignitaries were present during the event.

Chandigarh, December 4

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that keeping in view the changing times and shrinking agricultural land, the Agriculture Department should encourage farmers to adopt modern technologies such as vertical farming. He said the department must accelerate its efforts toward future readiness by understanding emerging technological needs, changes and challenges.

The Chief Minster, who was chairing a review meeting of the Department of Future here today, said that the various schemes being implemented by the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments should be assessed to identify the challenges likely to emerge over the next decade. He stressed that the departments must work with a clear vision and well-planned strategies throughout the year, keeping future requirements in focus.

The Chief Minister said that efforts must be made to introduce technology that prevents farmers from burning crop residue. He emphasized that the Agriculture Department and the Department of Future should jointly develop solutions that discourage stubble burning and make the removal of crop residue from fields easier. Similarly, to ensure adherence to prescribed moisture standards in produce, he suggested that consultations be held with relevant industries so that machine/combine-harvested crops adhere to the required moisture levels.

The Chief Minister said that with rapidly improving connectivity across the state, the India International Horticulture Market being developed in Gannaur is likely to witness considerable pressure in the coming years. To address this effectively, he said the department should prepare a long-term plan spanning 10 to 20 years. He added that Haryana’s future readiness should focus on guiding farmers toward crops that will be in global demand and where Haryana has a competitive advantage.

He said that all departments work towards strengthening the use of AI and digital governance as part of their long-term planning.

Earlier in the meeting, Mrs. Amneet P. Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary of the Department of Future presented detailed information on the department’s initial work and progress.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Pankaj Agarwal, Commissioner and Secretary of Finance Department, Mohammed Shayin, OSD to the Chief Minister, Raj Nehru, Director Department of Future, Dr. Aditya Dahiya and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, December 4

Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij strongly reprimanded the police today based on a married woman’s complaint. The woman alleged that when she went to the Mahesh Nagar police station with a complaint that her husband had left her, instead of helping, a police personnel threatened her and said he would lock her up. Angered by the woman’s grievance, Minister Anil Vij called the SHO of Mahesh Nagar police station and ordered action against the concerned police personnel, along with immediate action on the woman’s complaint.

Sh. Vij was redressing to the grievances of people from the Ambala Cantonment Assembly constituency at his residence in Ambala Cantt today.

Employees working under HKRN in the Health Department complained before Energy Minister Anil Vij that they had not received their salaries for two months and that their names were not appearing on the portal. The Minister assured them that the issue would be resolved soon. Similarly, A youth from Brahman Majra alleged that a travel agency cheated him of Rs. 50,000 under the pretext of providing a Thailand tour package. He said neither was he given the tour package nor was his money returned. In this matter, Minister Anil Vij directed the police to take action.

Meanwhile, a retired Air Force personnel alleged that he had given Rs.50 lakh to a contractor for constructing a house in Defense Colony, but the contractor abandoned the work midway and fled. Neither did he return the money nor complete the construction. Minister Anil Vij directed the Panjokhra police to take action in the matter. Similarly, A youth from Ambala Cantonment informed Minister Anil Vij that his sister, who was married in Hisar, was being harassed after marriage. In this case too, Minister Anil Vij instructed the SP to take action.

Residents of Ekta Vihar complained about the damaged Ekta Vihar culvert connecting Ramnagar. Minister Anil Vij directed the municipal council official present on the spot to take necessary action. Similarly, an elderly resident of Shahpur reported discrepancies in the land record (fard), and women from Panjokhra accused some youths of threatening them. Minister Anil Vij instructed the concerned officials to take appropriate action on these complaints as well.

CHANDIGARH, December 4:

The Punjab Government, represented by the Learned Advocate General Mr. Maninderjit Singh Bedi, has strongly opposed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court concerning the ongoing Zila Parishads and Panchayat Samitis elections in Patiala district. The petition relies on an alleged audio recording of a conference call, which went viral.

The State has raised fundamental objections regarding the petition’s maintainability in constitutional courts.

Appearing before the Hon’ble High Court, the Learned Advocate General, relying on established Supreme Court precedents, submitted that PILs in election-related matters are not maintainable. He contended that such petitions, often driven by political motivations, should not be entertained by constitutional courts.

The State’s opposition was further reinforced when it was pointed out that the petitioners’ reliance on a purported representation to the Election authorities was undermined by the fact that the said representation was issued on the official letterhead of political parties. This, the State argued, clearly indicates the partisan nature of the petition and further weakens its maintainability as a genuine PIL.

Taking note of the State’s submissions, the Hon’ble High Court has sought a detailed explanation from the petitioners to clarify how the petition is maintainable in light of these legal objections. The matter is now listed for further hearing on Monday.

Chandigarh, December 3 – The Haryana Government has tightened its noose on those illegally selling intoxicants. The Food and Drug Administration Haryana, in collaboration with the police, conducted a raid at a medical store in Sirsa district and seized thousands of illegal intoxicant tablets. In addition, two persons were also caught with illegal narcotic medicines.

State Drug Controller Sh. Lalit Goyal informed that as per the orders of the State Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, swift action is being taken against those involved in the illegal sale of drugs.

He stated that, under the directions of the Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Sh. Manoj Kumar, Drug Control Officer of Sirsa-II, Sh. Sunil Kumar, along with the police officer of Singhpura Police Station in Sirsa district, conducted a raid at “M/s Khushi Medical Store” located in village Dharampura. There were complaints of illegal stocking and selling of medical narcotic drugs against the firm. During checking, 600 Tapentadol tablets and 1200 Pregabalin (IP 300 mg) capsules were recovered from the store. The owner of the medical store, Khushvinder Singh, could not produce any sale/purchase record of the recovered narcotic medicines. Samples of these medicines were taken on Form-17, an inspection report was filed, and the shop was sealed. Further action will be taken under the Drugs and Control Act.

State Drug Controller Dr. Lalit Goyal further informed that Drug Control Officer Sh. Sunil Kumar, in coordination with CIA Sirsa, conducted yet another raid. In this operation, 19,500 “Tapdol” tablets and 100 SR (Tapentadol Hydrochloride) were recovered from Amanpreet Singh and Vikas. Both accused were transporting the drugs illegally near Dabwali for unauthorized supply. These individuals were workers/salespersons of the same firm and were caught during a joint raid in village Odha (Kalanwali) of Sirsa district. Their drugs were sealed through Form-16. Subsequent proceedings have been initiated under the Drugs and Control Act.

Chandigarh, Dec 3 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today released the second installment of the Deen Dayal Lado Laxmi Yojana. With today’s disbursement, approximately Rs 148 crore has been transferred to the accounts of 7,01,965 beneficiary women.

The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference here on Wednesday. Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Caste and Backward Class Welfare, and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi was also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister stated that the government has decided to release benefits under this scheme at three-month intervals, with the total amount for the quarter transferred in a single installment. He said that the scheme is not merely a means of financial support but a significant initiative aimed at promoting women’s social empowerment and economic self-reliance.

He informed that the Deen Dayal Lado Laxmi app was launched on September 25, on the 109th birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya. Subsequently, on November 1, the first installment was transferred to eligible women.

The Chief Minister said that as of November 30, a total of 9,00,592 women had applied through the app. Of these, 7,01,965 women were found eligible. Among them, 5,58,346 have completed their Aadhaar KYC, while verification for 1,43,619 applicants is pending.

He urged women whose final stage of Aadhaar KYC is incomplete to finalize the process at the earliest. Once their verification is complete, they too will begin receiving the benefits of the scheme.

Transparency through Technology

The Chief Minister stated that the scheme is available to all women aged 23 years or above whose family’s annual income is less than Rs 100,000. A unique feature of this initiative is that all eligible women within a family can benefit from it. The application process is fully transparent and entirely online, allowing women to apply easily from anywhere and at any time through the Lado Laxmi Mobile App.

He explained that once an application is submitted, the verification process is completed within 24 to 48 hours, after which eligible women receive an SMS notification. This message urged them to revisit the app during the final stage of verification to capture and upload a live photograph. After the e-KYC is completed through the Aadhaar database, the SEWA Department issues a scheme ID.

The Chief Minister said that the scheme has received an excellent response, with an average of 3,000 to 4,000 women applying each day. This initiative not only strengthens social security but also reflects the Haryana Government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”

He further said that the state government is consistently fulfilling its commitments toward public welfare. Under the Har Ghar Har Grihini scheme, gas cylinders are being provided to more than 15 lakh women at a subsidized cost of Rs 500. Kidney patients are receiving free dialysis services, and Haryana has become the first state in the country to procure farmers’ all crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Present on the occasion were Mrs. G. Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department; Mr. K. Makarand Pandurang, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department; Mr. Prashant Panwar, Director, SEWA Department; and Mrs. Varsha Khangwal, Additional Director Admn., Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department, along with other senior officials.

Chandigarh, December 3 – The Haryana Government has clarified that no instructions have been issued by the Government or any department to stop development works or to withhold payments to contractors during special investigations conducted by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has issued a letter in this regard to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Managing Directors of Boards and Corporations, and Registrars of Universities.

The letter clearly states that as per the Government’s instructions dated May 12, 2015, the Technical Wing of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau selects works for special investigation based on the list of ongoing works received from various departments, boards, and corporations, complaints, preliminary reports, or directions from the competent authority.

It has come to the notice of the Government that some officers and engineers of certain departments are stopping works or withholding payments by telling senior officials, district administration, public representatives, and the general public that the matter is under investigation by the Vigilance Department or that a special investigation is being carried out by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Such statements are completely misleading and against the rules.

The Government has categorically stated that no such instructions have ever been issued. Execution of development works and payment for completed or ongoing works is the responsibility of the concerned department and must continue as per the terms of the contract and prescribed rules. Decisions in such matters will be taken at the level of the concerned Administrative Secretary.

All related departments and officers have been directed to strictly comply with these instructions. The Government has also cautioned that any violation in this regard will be viewed seriously and necessary action will be taken.

Chandigarh, December 3 – Haryana has intensified its ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna River, with the latest review held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today. The review meeting highlighted improvements in wastewater treatment, industrial compliance, and sewerage infrastructure. The Board informed that out of the 1511.55 MLD of wastewater flowing through the 11 major drains that ultimately join the Yamuna, nearly 1000 MLD is already being treated, demonstrating the State’s strong commitment to river rejuvenation. Regular water quality monitoring is being carried out in all drains to ensure that pollution levels continue to decline.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed to form separate committees for each drain, having members from all the departments concerned with the Divisional Commissioner as its chairman. The committee will hold meeting every 10 days (thrice a month) and submit reports to Chairman, Haryana Pollution Control Board.

The meeting was informed that the State has undertaken a major expansion of sewage treatment capacity in the Yamuna catchment. At present, Haryana has 90 Sewage Treatment Plants with a combined capacity of 1518 MLD, along with four STPs of 107 MLD under construction, expected to be completed by March 2027. Nine additional STPs of 227 MLD capacity are under upgradation, and nine new plants of 510 MLD have been proposed to further strengthen the treatment network. Industrial wastewater management has similarly improved, with 17 Common Effluent Treatment Plants of 184.5 MLD already operational, two CETPs undergoing upgradation, and eight new CETPs of 146 MLD capacity proposed. Almost all major industries in the region are now connected to CETPs or have installed individual Effluent Treatment Plants, ensuring near-complete compliance with environmental norms.

Drain-wise action plans presented during the meeting showed steady progress across all major drains, including Dhanaura Escape, Drain No. 2, Drain No. 6, Mungeshpur Drain, KCB Drain, Drain No. 8, Leg I, Leg II, Leg III, Budhiya Nala and Gaunchi Drain. Large-scale sewer tapping operations have been initiated to prevent untreated effluent from flowing into the river, while several new STPs—such as the 77 MLD plant at Yamuna Nagar, the 60 MLD plant proposed at Rohtak, and the 100 MLD plant planned in Gurugram—are expected to further reduce pollution load in the coming years. Upgradation work on major STPs in Rohtak, Faridabad and Gurugram is also progressing steadily.

The State has also achieved near-completion of its sewerage network in the 34 towns falling within the Yamuna catchment area. Out of a total proposed 1632 kilometres of sewer line, 1626.6 kilometres have already been laid, and the remaining stretch of 5.4 kilometres in Faridabad is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2025. In addition to improving treatment capacity, Haryana is emphasising the reuse of treated wastewater. Three irrigation projects using treated water have already been completed, and six more such projects are currently in progress, which will help reduce dependence on fresh water sources.

Chandigarh, December 3 –  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, today inaugurated the Home Department Dashboard, a comprehensive digital platform that promises to revolutionize law enforcement, emergency response, and public safety management across the state.

Describing the initiative as an important milestone, the Chief Minister said the new system will enable senior officers to access real-time information from police, fire, ambulance, prison and other critical wings on a single interface. This, he noted, will improve coordination, enhance efficiency and support faster decision-making across the Home Department.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini congratulated the Home Secretary & other senior officers and the technical team for this innovative initiative.

The integrated platform brings together key systems such as the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), Dial-112 emergency response, e-Prison, e-Challan, Forensic Science Laboratory and allied platforms. Chief Minster further directed officers to integrate e-Summon and e-Challan with the dashboard.

Chief Minister commended the live monitoring of all 20 prisons of Haryana in real time through dashboard. This will enable officers to plan inmate transfers, expansion requirements, and decongestion measures. The Chief Minister said such real-time visibility will support more informed and timely administrative actions.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra apprised that between July 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025, the Dashboard recorded 1,78,038 FIRs, of which 1,32,790 cases have been disposed of, reflecting a 74.58% disposal rate. In emergency response, the police now average a response time of 11 minutes 54 seconds, with dispatch occurring within 7 minutes 36 seconds. Ambulance services are reaching citizens in 23 minutes 49 seconds on average, contributing to quicker medical assistance and improved outcomes, she added.

Dr. Sumita Misra, said that the Dashboard will soon be extended to all Heads of Departments under the Home Department and the Administration of Justice. Plans are also underway to integrate the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) to enable seamless data flow between police, prosecution, judiciary, prisons and forensics.

Dr. Misra stated that the platform will facilitate performance-based ranking of police stations, strengthening accountability and encouraging continual improvement. This will also be powered by real-time data from all 24 Police Districts and 413 Police Stations, the Dashboard aims to serve as a comprehensive decision-support system for monitoring crime trends, improving departmental coordination and enhancing public safety across the state.