Chandigarh, December 3 – Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that the primary objective of the State Government is to strengthen the infrastructure of government schools and provide students with a better, safe and modern learning environment. In this direction, the government is not only emphasizing smart education in schools but is also rapidly implementing several welfare schemes for the benefit of students.

The Education Minister was presiding over a review meeting with departmental officers at Shiksha Sadan, Panchkula  here today. He said  that in the last five years, around 26,000 smart class boards have been provided in all government schools across the state, enabling students to become technologically empowered. Along with this, scholarship schemes are being made more effective so that students belonging to economically weaker sections can continue their education without any hindrance.

He informed that for the convenience of students, dual desks are being arranged in government schools of the state to ensure that children do not face any discomfort while studying. He directed officers to issue the schedule for online teacher transfers at the earliest.

During the meeting, it was informed that students are served milk, kheer, pinnis and other nutritious items in mid day meals. In addition, to ensure food quality, samples are tested through laboratories approved by the Government of India.

The Minister directed officers to expedite the construction work of government school buildings so that no student faces inconvenience during studies. He emphasized that regular inspection of schools is extremely important. Officers should visit government schools from time to time, identify shortcomings and take immediate action to rectify them.

The Education Minister said that teachers must ensure timely conduct of classes. He further directed that all pending matters related to ACP and medical claims be resolved on priority and at the earliest so that employees do not face unnecessary difficulties.

The Minister said that the State Government is committed to ensuring that Haryana’s government schools are equipped with modern facilities, rich resources and a quality learning environment. The government’s objective is that every child in Haryana moves towards a brighter future with a strong foundation and high-quality education.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, School Education, Sh. Vineet Garg, OSD to Chief Minister, Sh.  Raj Nehru, Director General, Elementary Education, Sh. Vivek Aggarwal and other senior officers.

Chandigarh, December 3 – Two important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed today by the Quality Assurance Authority (QAA), Haryana in the presence of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. These MoUs were signed with the Quality Council of India (QCI), Delhi, and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

The MoUs were signed by Sh. Rajiv Arora, Chairperson, Quality Assurance Authority, Haryana, and Sh. Chakravarthy T. Kannan, Secretary General, QCI, Delhi. NABL Chairman Dr. Sandeep Shah was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said these MoUs will not only enhance technical efficiency and quality management systems in Haryana but will also significantly improve the reliability, safety, and durability of public construction works.

He added that the MoU signed with NABL will make the State’s agriculture and mandi system more scientific and modern. He directed the concerned departments to prioritize the establishment of NABL-accredited labs in mandis using NABL’s technical expertise so that farmers can have immediate access to scientific testing facilities. The Chief Minister said the installation of advanced moisture-measuring machines in mandis will enable farmers to get accurate and quick assessments of crop quality, making the procurement process more transparent and reliable.

The Chief Minister stated that Haryana is witnessing rapid expansion of roads, bridges, buildings, urban infrastructure, and other public construction works. In such a scenario, the government’s top priority is to ensure that every project is completed as per high-quality and scientific standards. He said through these MoUs, engineers, technical experts, and construction agencies will benefit from modern technologies and advanced quality systems, thereby increasing both the speed and precision of project execution.

Under the MoU signed with Indian Quality Assurance, Delhi, comprehensive technical training will be provided to the State’s engineers, site supervisors, and contractors. This training will focus on modern tools and technologies such as BIM, GIS, drone technology, and digital construction management. Expert guidance will also be provided on safety standards, environmentally friendly construction practices, waste management, and pollution control. This will enhance the technical capacity of departments and lead to significant improvements in DPR preparation, design verification, and site supervision.

The MoU signed with NABL aims to make the State’s laboratory testing system more reliable and transparent. NABL-accredited laboratories operate on national and international standards. As a result, test reports for government projects in Haryana will now be more scientifically accurate and trustworthy. This agreement will strengthen departmental monitoring capabilities, reduce errors in testing, and support timely completion of projects. It will also make the State’s laboratory ecosystem more robust, transparent, and accountable.

It is noteworthy that this initiative by the State Government is a major step towards making public construction works and laboratory testing standards more technically advanced and globally aligned in Haryana.

On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, and other senior officials were present.

Chandigarh, December 3 – Haryana’s mission to expand global employment opportunities for its youth received a major boost today, as the Board of Directors of the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) cleared a series of transformative proposals at its 12th board meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi. The meeting underscored the state’s growing focus on world-class skilling, job creation, and workforce modernization, setting an ambitious tone for 2026.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed that the database of all HKRNL deploys be seamlessly linked with Aadhaar to ensure greater transparency, accuracy and efficiency in the system.

In a significant step towards building a globally competitive workforce, the Board approved the Foreign Language Support & Reimbursement Scheme (FLSRS). The scheme aims to enhance overseas employability by reimbursing training and certification fees for foreign languages such as German, Japanese, and Italian.

The initiative aligns with the state government’s Budget Speech 2023–24, which emphasized preparing Haryana’s youth for overseas placements. As global mobility increasingly hinges on language proficiency, officials said the scheme would help create a ready pool of certified candidates who can be deployed as soon as international job requirements arise. HKRNL, now a registered Recruitment Agency receiving overseas manpower demands, sees the scheme as critical to meeting international industry expectations.

How the FLSRS Scheme Will Work

Under the FLSRS pilot phase, 100 candidates will be selected to receive reimbursement for foreign language training and certification exams. The process will begin with online registration, where applicants will submit documents such as proof of enrollment, Aadhaar card, age verification, and bank details. Once registered, candidates will undergo certified language training either online or offline, and they may pursue multiple levels of a single foreign language.

Future-Ready Haryana

The decisions taken in HKRNL’s 12th Board meeting highlight the state’s ambition to prepare a globally skilled workforce capable of contributing to international industries and partnerships. By prioritizing foreign language training, industry-linked skilling, and administrative modernization, Haryana is positioning its youth for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Chandigarh , December  3- Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has issued comprehensive revised and consolidated instructions regarding resignation from government service and submission of applications for subsequent appointments, marking a significant reform in administrative procedures. The notification No. 22/188/2024-2HR-III issued by the Human Resources Department (HR-III Branch) on December 03, 2025, supersedes all previous instructions on the subject and introduces employee-friendly measures while maintaining administrative efficiency.

In a major departure from earlier practices that caused inordinate delays and harmed the interests of in-service candidates, the Haryana Government has discontinued the mandatory requirement of obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC) for government employees seeking subsequent appointments. With effect from March 08, 2018, any government employee who has not executed a bond with the State Government may directly forward his application for subsequent appointment to Haryana Recruiting Agencies (Haryana Public Service Commission, Haryana Staff Selection Commission, etc.) without obtaining NOC from the appointing authority. However, the incumbent must inform his Head of Office and send a copy to the Appointing Authority before the last date of submission of application.

This progressive step eliminates bureaucratic delays that previously prevented deserving candidates from timely participation in recruitment processes. The reform recognizes that delays in obtaining NOC often resulted in candidates missing crucial application deadlines, thereby denying them career advancement opportunities.

Introduction of ‘Technical Resignation’ Concept

A groundbreaking provision of ‘Technical Resignation’ has been introduced for the first time in Haryana’s administrative framework. Technical Resignation is an intimation in writing submitted by a temporary government employee due to administrative reasons with the intention to join service of subsequent appointment on selection from open market through Recruiting Agencies or by way of transfer/absorption in a new Department/Organization within Haryana Government. The most significant aspect is that such technical resignation is acceptable without any one month’s notice or salary in lieu thereof, provided the employee has not executed any bond with the State Government and his conduct is not under investigation.

This provision facilitates smooth transitions for employees moving between departments while serving the State Government, eliminating unnecessary financial burdens and administrative complications.

Detailed Provisions for Different Categories of Employees

For Employees Who Have Executed Bonds:

Government employees who have executed bonds with the State Government (such as doctors, professors, engineers, etc.) must obtain NOC before the last date of submission of application for subsequent appointment. However, where the subsequent appointment is within Haryana Government and the incumbent is ready to make the existing bond applicable for the remaining period in the new Department/Organization, a conditional NOC may be issued under intimation to the concerned Recruiting Agency.

When technical resignation is submitted by a bonded employee on subsequent appointment to a post within Haryana Government, the same may be accepted subject to conditions that: (a) application was submitted through proper channel, (b) subsequent appointment is within Haryana Government and not in any other State/Central Government, and (c) the bond already executed shall remain in force up to the date of original period, with necessary provision in the appointment letter by the new Department..

For Temporary Government Employees:

On subsequent appointment of a temporary government employee from open market through a Recruiting Agency to a new post within the same or any other Department/Organization under Haryana Government, he will have to submit technical resignation from service irrespective of whether he applied with or without obtaining NOC. However, the provision of one month’s notice or depositing salary in lieu thereof shall be applicable where the application was to be submitted with NOC but the same was submitted without obtaining such certificate.

For Permanent Government Employees:

On subsequent appointment of a permanent government employee in any Department/Organization under Haryana Government, he will be relieved from service on his request and his lien will be retained in the previous Department as per applicable rules. On successful completion of probation period, he must inform the previous Department whether he wants to return or remain in the new Department. Further action regarding retention or termination of his lien will be taken by the appointing authority as per provisions in Note 1 below Rule 29 of Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules.

Applications for Appointments Outside Haryana Government

A government employee who wants to submit application for subsequent appointment to UPSC, Staff Selection Commission, or any other Recruiting Agency under Government of India or any other State Government (not under Haryana Government) must obtain NOC from the appointing authority before submission of application as per requirement of the concerned Recruiting Agency.

In case of subsequent appointment of a permanent government employee in any other Government where application was submitted after obtaining NOC, he will be relieved from service on his request and his lien will be retained as per rules. If NOC was not obtained before submission of application, he will have to resign from service with one month’s notice and his lien will not be retained.

Advance Copy Submission to Recruiting Agencies

Where application is to be submitted through proper channel, the government employee concerned may send advance copy of application form with all relevant documents and fee to the concerned Recruiting Agency before the closing date. The Recruiting Agency shall consider the advance copy and allow the candidate to appear in written examination/interview etc. subject to NOC from the Appointing Authority before or after the closing date.

Strict Timelines to Protect Employee Interests

To prevent bureaucratic delays that harm employee interests, strict timelines have been prescribed. Where the Appointing Authority is not the immediate superior of the government employee, application shall be submitted to the Head of Office who must ensure it reaches the Appointing Authority within one week. In case of delay, strict disciplinary action will be taken against the dealing official/officer. All Heads of Departments shall entrust the work of monitoring application forms or issue of NOC to the Establishment Branch which shall be responsible for any delay.

One Month’s Notice Requirement

A government employee of any group working on regular basis (permanent/temporary) who intends to resign from service due to family circumstances or any other reason must submit one month’s notice or deposit salary in lieu thereof. The salary for this purpose includes Basic Pay, Special Pay in lieu of higher time scale, Dearness Pay, Personal Pay, Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and any other emoluments classed as pay by competent authority. For the purpose of one month, the period of 30 days will be treated equal to a month.

The government employee will continue to be in government service until his resignation is accepted and is relieved of his duties. It is not open to a government employee to relinquish the charge after depositing one month’s salary or otherwise on his own.

Circumstances Where Notice Not Required

One month’s notice of resignation or salary in lieu thereof is not required in the following circumstances:

1.       Where a government employee submitted application for appointment when he was not in service in any Department/Organization under Haryana Government, and subsequently on his appointment within Haryana Government or any other Government, no notice or salary deposit is required.

2.       Where application for subsequent appointment can be submitted without obtaining NOC for a post in any Department/Organization under Haryana Government as per these instructions.

3.       On absorption/appointment by transfer of a temporary government employee from one Department/Organization to another with the approval of appointing authority.

In such circumstances, the incumbent will submit technical resignation which may be accepted by the appointing authority provided he has not executed any bond or his conduct is not under investigation.

Self-Declaration Requirements

To ensure transparency and integrity, candidates already in service must enclose a self-declaration with the application form stating that they are not facing any disciplinary/judicial proceedings or vigilance inquiry. Additionally, if the record of an employee who has directly forwarded his application contains adverse remarks about integrity or any disciplinary proceedings are pending against him, it must be informed by the Appointing Authority to the concerned Recruiting Agency.

Recruiting Agencies are directed to seek self-declaration from government employees who submit applications directly for any subsequent appointment to the effect that they are not facing any disciplinary or judicial proceedings or vigilance inquiry.

Leave During Notice Period

A government employee who has submitted one month’s notice of resignation may avail casual leave or any other leave of the kind due subject to prior approval of the competent authority and not beyond the date of resignation. The notice period will not be extended.

For resignation from service while on leave already sanctioned by the competent authority, one month’s notice may be submitted or salary in lieu thereof may be deposited by the government employee. There is no need to rejoin service for the purpose of acceptance of resignation. However, this provision is not applicable to cases where Government has already incurred expenditure for higher education or training of a government employee, or who has executed a bond for a fixed term, or where conduct of a government employee is under investigation.

Withdrawal of Resignation

Where application for withdrawal of notice of resignation is submitted by a government employee before the due date of resignation, the same may be allowed by the appointing authority irrespective of the fact that the resignation has already been accepted or not. If the request for withdrawal is to be rejected, the grounds for rejection should be duly recorded by the appointing authority and suitably intimated to the concerned government employee.

Re-appointment After Resignation

Re-appointment after resignation or withdrawal of notice after the due date of resignation shall not be admissible. However, it may be considered in very exceptional circumstances with the approval of Chief Secretary to Government, Haryana (in Human Resources Department) subject to specific conditions:

1.       The resignation was tendered for compelling reasons which did not involve any reflection on integrity, efficiency, or conduct, and the request for withdrawal has been made as a result of material change in circumstances.

2.       The resignation was not tendered with a view to join private commercial company wholly or substantially owned or controlled by Government.

3.       The intervening period between the date resignation became effective and the date of application for re-appointment should not be more than 90 days.

4.       None has been appointed against the post vacated after acceptance of resignation.

5.       Approval of HPSC or HSSC has been obtained if the post held was of direct recruitment quota.

6.       The benefit of past service towards seniority, pay, leave, pension shall not be admissible as resignation from service entails forfeiture of past service.

Where technical resignation was submitted by a government employee to join subsequent appointment in another Department/Organization but he was not allowed to join due to stay on merit list by the Court, or was terminated from service after joining due to revision of merit list or similar reasons pertaining to selection on merit, the case may be forwarded to the Chief Secretary for consideration. In such cases, the period of break between two spells may be treated as dies non or otherwise decision will be taken by the Chief Secretary.

Action by Appointing Authority

It is not in the interest of Government to retain an unwilling person in government service. Therefore, whenever a government employee submits notice of resignation, decision should be taken at the earliest by the appointing authority, except where: (a) the employee has been appointed on work of importance and it would take time to make alternate arrangements, or (b) the employee is under suspension or disciplinary/judicial proceedings are pending or contemplated.

Non-acceptance of resignation within the prescribed period may create complications for the concerned government employee. Prompt action should be taken as soon as notice of resignation is received and efforts should be made to convey acceptance or non-acceptance within the stipulated period. If notice is to be rejected, reasons should be conveyed to the concerned government employee.

Date of Acceptance of Resignation

Where there is delay in acceptance of resignation up to the date of resignation due to one reason or another, the same may be accepted from the date of issue of order and not with retrospective effect. The government employee will continue to be in government service until his resignation is accepted and he is relieved of duties. Where nothing is due against the Department/Organization and he has been allowed to relinquish charge after the due date of resignation, the date of acceptance shall be with retrospective effect.

Benefit of Past Service

On subsequent appointment from one post to another within the same or any other Department/Organization under the State Government, where benefit of past service towards pay fixation, pension and/or death-cum-retirement gratuity and leave is admissible under Haryana Civil Services Rules subject to submission of application through proper channel, the same shall now be admissible where the application for subsequent appointment has been allowed to be submitted without obtaining any NOC under these instructions, or the incumbent was not in service when application was submitted.

In such cases, the condition of through proper channel or NOC shall be ignored for the purpose of grant of benefit of past service admissible under Haryana Civil Services Rules. In other cases where application was to be submitted with NOC or through proper channel under these instructions, the benefit of past service shall not be admissible if application is submitted directly by the government employee.

All cases pertaining to benefit of past service towards pay fixation, pension and/or death-cum-retirement gratuity and leave will be examined under rules/instructions issued by Finance Department and finalized by Administrative Department in consultation with Finance Department.

Resignation by Government Employee Contesting Elections

A government employee who wants to contest elections, namely Member of Panchayat, Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committee/Council Election, Member of State Legislative Assembly or Parliament, must resign from service. After the election, he will not be re-appointed to his original service irrespective of whether he loses or wins the election. If he wants to enter into government service, he will have to submit application as an ordinary applicant for a new job. On subsequent appointment afresh in the same or any other Department through Recruiting Agency or otherwise, he will not be entitled to benefit of past service for any purpose.

Chandigarh, December 3 – The 8th meeting of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The meeting approved several important proposals aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation and enhancing protection measures across the state.

While presiding over the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to place special focus on reinforcing wildlife conservation and ensuring robust security mechanisms to protect and preserve the state’s wildlife. Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh and MLAs, Sh. Randhir Panihar and Sh. Tejpal Tanwar were also present.

The Chief Minister appreciated the ongoing efforts of the department and emphasized timely implementation of conservation-related programmes to safeguard Haryana’s rich biodiversity.

A detailed presentation was given on the various activities and progress of the department, covering conservation initiatives, habitat improvement works, wildlife protection measures, promotion of eco-tourism, reduction of human-wildlife conflict, and research-based habitat management.

It was informed in the meeting that in August, the foundation stone for a waterbody, biodiversity park, and eco-tourism centre was laid in the Saraswati Conservation Reserve. Additionally, in November, a forest named after Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was established in Kalesar National Park, along with the inauguration of the Safari Gate and Kalesar Safari. Further, more than 3 lakh saplings were planted during the financial year 2025–26.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta; and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, Dec 3 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed officials to establish Milk Producers’ Societies in villages to enhance income opportunities for economically weaker families. He said that widows, self-help groups, and Antyodaya families should be given priority in these societies.

The Chief Minister was chairing a meeting to review the progress of the budget announcements of Cooperation Department on Wednesday.

Nayab Singh Saini said that arrangements must be made to ensure the timely disbursement of incentives to societies under the Chief Minister’s Milk Producer Incentive Scheme. He said that Cooperation Department and the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department to coordinate and develop schemes that offer maximum benefits to livestock farmers. He added that the government aims to create sustainable income sources for poor families and strengthen the rural economy.

He further directed officials to explore new options for selling additional milk-based products at Vita booths to boost milk consumption. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to take proactive measures to make all cooperative sugar mills in the state profitable.

During the meeting, it was informed that, as per the budget announcement, milk collection centers have been set up in three blocks and milk chilling centers in two districts during the current financial year. In addition, the process of establishing a mustard oil mill and a sunflower oil mill by HAFED is underway.

Reviewing other announcements, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned officials to complete the work within the stipulated timeframe and ensure effective on-ground implementation.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Arun Kumar Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary of Cooperation Department, Vijendra Kumar; Commissioner and Secretary of Finance Department, Mohammad Shayin; Managing Director of Haryana State Cooperative Sugar Mills Federation, Shakti Singh; Managing Director of Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation, Rohit Yadav and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, December 3

Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced that the state Finance Department has granted its approval to the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department’s proposal for the drafting of ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025.’

Announcing this pivotal decision in a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the Act marks a significant step towards urban greening and environmental conservation, ensuring the state’s legislative commitment to tree preservation. He emphasised that the draft legislation, which proposes stringent measures and heavy fines for unauthorised felling of trees, will strengthen the state’s efforts to combat environmental degradation.

“We have thoroughly reviewed the proposal for ‘The Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025. Not only does it formalise our commitment to protecting urban greenery, but the Forest Department has also confirmed that its implementation will not place any additional financial burden on the state exchequer”, said Cheema.

Highlighting the financial aspect of the Bill, the Finance Minister said that the Act is designed to generate funds through penalties and fines. “These funds will be strategically channelled back into urban areas specifically for greening projects, creating a self-sustaining mechanism for environmental maintenance and development across Punjab”, he added.

Reaffirming the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government’s commitment to enacting effective legislation for tree preservation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the swift approval of the draft Bill underscores the state government’s dedication to upholding its environmental and legal obligations. He said that the Punjab Protection of Trees Act, 2025, will now undergo the necessary legislative process, paving the way for its presentation before the Cabinet and the Legislative Assembly.

CHANDIGARH/GURDASPUR, December 3:

          In yet another major breakthrough in Gurdaspur Grenade Attack Case amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Counter Intelligence (CI) Bathinda, in coordination with Gurdaspur Police, has apprehended one more key accused involved in the attack, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Wednesday.

          The arrested accused has been identified as Mohan Singh, a resident of Ramuwal in Bathinda.

          The development came close on the heels of Punjab Police arresting four accused persons— Pradeep Kumar, Gurdit, Naveen Chaudhary and Kush— in connection with a grenade attack at Gurdaspur City Police Station which took place on November 25, 2025 at around 7.30 pm. Police teams had recovered one P-86 hand grenade and two pistols from their possession. With this arrest, the total number of persons held in the case has risen to five.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation has revealed that Mohan Singh was in contact with Pakistan-based ISI-sponsored gangster Shehzad Bhatti. Acting under his instructions, the accused played a role in carrying out the grenade attack with the intention of spreading terror in the state of Punjab, he said.

          The DGP said that the investigation remains active, and further leads are being pursued to dismantle the entire network.

          Sharing operational details, AIG CI Bathinda Avneet Kaur Sidhu said that based on technical and human intelligence, CI Bathinda shared secret information with the Gurdaspur Police, on the basis of which accused Mohan Singh was apprehended.

          Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gurdaspur Aditya said that on the disclosure of arrested accused Mohan police teams have also recovered one .32 bore pistol along with live cartridges, besides, impounding a black Splendor motorcycle, which the module had used in the crime.

          In this regard, a case FIR no. 289 dated 26/11/2025 had already been registered under sections 109, 324(4) and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act at Police Station City Gurdaspur.

Chandigarh/ Ludhiana, December 3:

 In a major boost to the horticulture sector, Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Wednesday announced that the Punjab Government is establishing a state-of-the-art Horticulture Technology Development Centre at Ladhowal, Ludhiana

Inaugurating the State-Level Seminar-cum-Exhibition organised by the Department of Horticulture in Ladhowal, the Minister stated that the upcoming Horticulture Technology Development Centre will serve as a one-stop knowledge hub for farmers across Punjab. The latest hi-tech cultivation practices for every type of fruit, vegetable, and flower will be demonstrated live, and hands-on training will be imparted at the demonstration sites here. The centre will motivate farmers to adopt horticulture on a large scale.

Mr.Bhagat, while addressing hundreds of progressive farmers, emphatically stated that Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to shifting farmers from the wheat-paddy cycle to high-value horticultural crops. He added that the horticulture alone has the potential to double farmers’ income in the shortest possible time and bring prosperity. He emphasized that this centre will become the heartbeat of that transformation. 

The Minister urged farmers to diversify into horticulture without any hesitation and assured them of complete departmental support at every step. He personally listened to individual problems raised by farmers on the spot and directed officers for immediate redressal. He also inspected all the stalls and upcoming infrastructure units at the Ladhowal centre.

Director Horticulture Mrs. Shailinder Kaur reiterated that the department stands shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers and is ready to extend financial assistance under Horticulture Mission, RKVY, and all other schemes. She laid special emphasis on reducing input costs through adoption of precision and digital technologies.

During the exhibition, Topcon Company showcased GPS-based Auto-Steering technology through a live field demonstration, highlighting uniform sowing, spraying and harvesting with drastic savings in time, fuel, seeds, fertilizers and pesticides. Hygroxis Humidia Lab Pvt. Ltd. demonstrated instant digital soil testing and on-the-spot Soil Health Card generation. The exhibition received overwhelming response from progressive farmers across the state.

Among others present included Joint Director Horticulture Dr. Harmel Singh, Joint Development Commissioner Dr. Gursharan Singh, Deputy Director Horticulture Dr. Harpreet Singh Sethi, Deputy Director Horticulture Dr. Dalbir Singh, Assistant Directors Dr. Vijay Partap, Dr. Nikhil Ambish Mehta, Dr. Gurpreet Kaur, Dr. Navjot Kaur, Dr. Shaili Sandhu, and Horticulture Development Officer Jaspreet Kaur Gill.

Chandigarh, December 3:

In a major boost to industrial development in the state, the leading Japanese company Toppan Speciality Films Private Limited (TSF) on Wednesday signed Memorandum of Agreement with the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to invest Rs 400 crore in the state as a part of their expansion plan.

Giving the details, the Chief Minister, who is on tour to Japan, said that TSF and Invest Punjab has agreed to support and collaborate in initiating a Skilling Excellence Centre in Punjab, to provide utmost level of training and development of skilled/ semi-skilled persons/ workers/ youth. He said that this will be pivotal  for strengthening industry-relevant skills and enhance employability opportunities within the State of Punjab. Giving details of areas of Collaboration Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will give thrust on imparting training aligned with current and emerging industry needs.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that it will also focus on high-end and technical skills not widely available and imparting training certifications to meet industry and global standards. He said taut the MoU will also facilitate Apprenticeship opportunities and consideration for absorption in TSF’s and other large scale industries in and around Punjab & across India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will also lay thrust in academic collaboration in terms of joint development and delivery of training with a Polytechnic/Technical Institute.

The Chief Minister further said that TSF will also provide financial assistance, technical inputs, training support, and curriculum designing based on needs of industry.  Likewise, he said that it will also facilitate apprenticeships and consider suitable trainees for employment.

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to strenuous efforts of the state government TEF has formally expressed its intent to expand its existing manufacturing facility in Punjab with an estimated investment of approximately Rs 400 Crores.

The Chief Minister said that the investment aims at enhancing capacity, facilitating fresh employment, integrating advanced technologies, and strengthening their long-term presence in India. He said that the objective of investment is Capacity expansion, Increase Employment Opportunities and technology enhancement as TSF has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann assured fulsome support and cooperation to the TSF for their operations and expansions in the state.

Meanwhile, sharing their experience of operating in the state, the TSF group said that it has been characterised by a strong industry government partnership, seamless facilitation, high-quality workforce availability, stable power supply, and a consistently investor-friendly environment. They said that the group looks forward to further strengthen this partnership through their  proposed expansion in the state. They expressed continued support from the Government of Punjab and Invest Punjab to facilitate necessary approvals and operational requirements for this project.