Chandigarh, November 20 – The Haryana Government has issued a notification introducing an amendment to the Model Online Transfer Policy, 2025. The amendment pertains to the “Couple Case” provision aimed at providing due consideration to government employees whose spouses are also serving in government service. A notification in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

As per the notification, an employee whose spouse is employed as a regular employee in any Department or Organization of the Haryana Government, or as a regular employee in any other State Government or the Government of India, and is posted in Haryana, Delhi, or Chandigarh, will be eligible for merit points under this provision. A maximum of 5 points may be awarded in such cases.

However, these merit points will be granted only to one employee within the couple serving under the Haryana Government.

Chandigarh, November 20- Under the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana on 1 August 2025 to promote employment generation across the country. Under this scheme, an incentive amount of nearly Rs. 1 lakh crore will be provided to employers and employees for the creation of 3.5 crore new jobs. Due to the fast and effective implementation of the scheme, Haryana has surpassed several larger states and secured the fourth position nationwide.

A meeting to create awareness about the scheme was held today at Panchkula, under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Labour and Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department, Sh. Rajeev Ranjan. The meeting was attended by officers from the Technical Education Department, Higher Education Department, Employment Department,and ITI beneficiaries who are organising job fairs.

Principal Secretary, Sh. Rajeev Ranjan said that the scheme has two main components. Under the first component, if a new employee is registered with EPFO between  August 1, 2025 and  July 31, 2027 with a monthly salary of less than Rs. one lakh, the Government of India will provide an additional allowance of up to Rs. 15,000 to the employee’s Provident Fund account in two installments.

He further said that the second installment will be linked to a financial literacy programme. To avail the benefits under this scheme, the employees must have completed the literacy module for 12 months in an establishment. For employers to receive benefits, the establishment must be registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Establishments with fewer than 50 workers must create at least two new positions, while those with more than 50 workers must create five or more new positions. Under this scheme, establishments will receive an incentive of up to Rs. 3,000 per employee per month for a duration of two years. In the construction sector, this benefit will be extended for up to four years instead of two.

For applications under the scheme, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has created an online portal pmvbry.epfindia.gon.in/ pmvbry.labour.gov.in.

The Principal Secretary added that if any establishment has not filed EPF returns till date and wishes to avail the benefits of this scheme, no penalty will be imposed for filing past EPF returns. He said that this is the most effective and beneficial scheme launched so far for promoting employment.

Dr. Vivek Aggarwal, Director General and Secretary, Skill Development and Industrial Training Department, along with other senior officers, was also present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, November 20 — Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij expressed happiness over Nitish Kumar taking oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar for the tenth time, saying it reflects a victory of people’s trust and confidence. He said the people of Bihar have clearly endorsed the politics of the NDA, while the offices of parties opposing the NDA have remained shut after the election results. According to him, the public has completely rejected the politics of deceit and falsehood.

Speaking to media persons today, Sh Vij dismissed the issue of vote rigging raised by the Congress as entirely baseless. He said the Congress has not filed even a single written complaint to date. They claim that multiple votes were created, but they do not clarify who created these votes or in whose names they were cast. Citing an example, Vij said that in a village under the Mulana Assembly constituency of Ambala district, one woman was found to have 232 votes, and both the MLA and MP from that area belong to the Congress. In such a situation, how can it be determined who benefited from the fake votes? He accused the Congress of creating unnecessary controversy without any facts and attempting to mislead the public.

Commenting on the visible cracks within the Mahagathbandhan after the Bihar elections, Vij said that all their offices have shut down after the results and the public has given a fitting reply to those spreading lies. He added that during the election campaign, Rahul Gandhi’s video of catching fish became more talked about, and he should probably focus on that instead. Vij further said that the Congress has completely failed on the issue of the SIR, and the public understands that the party is merely performing theatrics to hide its defeat.

On the infighting within the Haryana Congress and the absence of leaders’ photos on party banners, Vij remarked that Congress is no longer a cohesive political party. Rather, it has turned into a collection of small groups and factions. He said that the party lacks discipline as well as belief in democratic principles.

Responding strongly to Pakistan’s concerns about a possible Indian response after the Red Fort attack, Vij said that those who engage in such actions can expect an appropriate reaction. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already clarified that anyone involved in such acts against the country, whether directly or indirectly, will not be spared.

Chandigarh:

An outreach conference was organized by the State Chapter of Indian Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (ISVIR-Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh) under the leadership of Prof Paramjeet Singh, Head Department of Radiodiagnosis and Prof Ajay Kumar, President of the State Branch from 14th to 16th November 2025 at AIIMS, Bhubaneshwar. The Conference was held in coordination with the State Chapter of IRIA Odisha.

Dr Harish Bhujade, Secretary of the state ISVIR (Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh) said that the main purpose of this outreach program was to spread the knowledge of image-guided therapeutic procedures among the radiology residents and practicing doctors in different parts of India. The program was attended by around 200 delegates. Senior faculties from the Department of Radiodiagnosis, PGIMER, Chandigarh including Prof Ajay Kumar, Prof Mahesh Prakash, Dr Ujjwal Gorsi, Dr Harish Bhujade, Dr Anuj Prabhakar  and Dr. Tarvinder Singh delivered lectures on neuro-interventions and body interventions. Many eminent national faculties including Dr Nitin Shetty (National ISVIR secretary) and Dr Sandeep Kathavale (President elect National IRIA) also participated in the program. Local organising committee includes Dr Taraprasad, Dr Ranjan and faculties from Radiology department of AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

Prof Ajay Kumar appraised that ISVIR State Chapter (Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh) with vision of spreading the knowledge about Interventional Radiology through teaching, training and hands on workshop have already been successfully organized such outreach programs at various cities across  North India like Ludhiana, Amritsar,  Jodhpur, Shimla, Rishikesh, Udaipur, Bhopal, Patna and now Bhubaneswar.

A hands-on workshop was conducted during the conference in which the residents had the opportunity to practise image-guided procedures on simulators. Such programs help to strengthen the health care system and also ensure widespread dissemination of knowledge and the initiation of interventional radiology in every nook and corner of the country, said Prof Paramjeet Singh.

Chandigarh, November 20, 2025: According to Dr Monica B Sood, State Convenor, Intellectual Cell, BJP Chandigarh, ‘Digital Fasting’, is the key to a sharper, calmer, and more creative mind. Dr Sood introduced the novel concept of ‘Digital Fasting’ which simply means substantially reducing screen time during her address as Chief Guest at the Annual Sports Day of Stepping Stones School.

Encouraging students to limit social-media consumption to just 30 minutes a day, she said that reduced screen time can significantly improve concentration, memory, sleep quality, and overall mental health. “God has given you one beautiful life. Don’t waste it scrolling. Live it. Feel it. Create it,” she told the students.

Dr Monica B Sood, who is also CEO of Navjivan Health and Chairperson of National Unity & Security Council (NUSC) is a distinguished alumna of Stepping Stones School, and was invited as the Chief Guest at the school’s Annual Sports Day. Principal Anu Kumar and the entire school faculty extended a warm welcome to her, acknowledging her achievements and her deep emotional connection with the institution.

Drawing from her own journey as a student of Stepping Stones School, Dr Sood shared that the institution was the place “where her dreams first started walking.”

Meanwhile, the Annual Sports Day saw vibrant performances, and spirited participation from students across all grades. Dr Sood praised the dedication of the teachers, the support of parents, and the impressive performances of students who trained tirelessly for the event.

Linking sports to life skills, Dr Sood emphasized that Sports Day is not only about winning medals but about learning discipline, courage, teamwork, and resilience. She reminded children that setbacks, struggles, and failures shape strong individuals, just as “diamonds are made under pressure and gold is purified in fire.”

Dr Sood said that sports icons teach the same lesson. PV Sindhu trained through injuries, Neeraj Chopra battled obesity and bullying, and Mary Kom rose above poverty and criticism. Every champion’s journey includes tears, pain, and resilience, yet they emerge stronger, proving that determination can rewrite destiny, she revealed.

Concluding her speech, she motivated students to believe in themselves, keep moving forward, and never give up. “If a girl who once sat on these very benches can make a difference, each one of you can go much further,” she said, encouraging students to dream big and make the school proud.

Chandigarh:

The Sirsa MP and former Union Minister Kumari Selja has expressed serious concern over the neglect of the historic Chili Lake in Fatehabad and has sent a detailed letter to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Kumari Selja has demanded immediate action for the revival, beautification, and long-term conservation of Chili Lake. 

In her letter, Kumari Selja wrote that Chili Lake is not only important from an environmental perspective but is also an integral part of Fatehabad’s cultural and historical identity. Kumari Selja said that according to media reports and complaints from local residents, the reconstruction work of the lake has been incomplete for a long time, which has caused widespread public resentment. Kumari Selja said that once developed, Chili Lake could be turned into an attractive tourist destination, which would generate employment and boost economic activity. She said that although crores of rupees were sanctioned for the lake during DISHA meetings, no satisfactory results are visible on the ground. 

Kumari Selja has demanded from the Chief Minister that the ongoing works be investigated, the budget be audited, and accountability be fixed for the responsible officials. She also suggested that a comprehensive master plan for the lake’s revival and beautification should be created with the participation of experts, social organizations, and local residents. Selja expressed hope that with the Chief Minister’s intervention, Chili Lake can be revitalized and developed into a major tourism and cultural site.

:-The District-level Congress Protest in Sirsa under the “Vote Chor–Gaddi Chhod” Campaign.

Under the Congress Party’s “Vote Chor–Gaddi Chhod” (Vote Thief–Vacate the Chair) campaign, a district-level protest will be held on 21 November 2025 (Friday) at the Sirsa Mini Secretariat. The program will begin at 10:00 AM. Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President and former Minister Rao Narendra Singh will participate in the protest. Additionally, Sirsa MP and AICC General Secretary Kumari Selja will also take part in the demonstration. The Congress Party has appealed to workers and supporters to attend in large numbers to strengthen the public movement against the state government.

Chandigarh, November 20: The 15th Finance Commission of the Central government has released grants worth ₹332 crore to Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishads in rural areas of Punjab, aimed at funding various development and sanitation projects. These allocations are part of the regular, formula-based allocations of the Central government, and not any specific scheme of the Punjab state government. Reacting to this, Paramjit Singh Kainth, vice president of the Scheduled Caste Morcha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab, accused Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema of “fraud” and “outright lies” about the source of these funds and said that state government ministers are misleading the public by describing these funds as their government’s achievements.

Kainth clarified that these funds are provided directly to Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishads in the ratio of 70:20:10 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government. He stressed that the use of these funds is monitored through a digitalised, transparent system.

BJP leader Kainth accused the Punjab government of politicising the poor financial situation and funds provided by the central government, calling such behaviour “reprehensible”. These ₹332 crore funds are specifically for promoting rural development, sanitation and infrastructure in Punjab.

Jammu/Pathankot/Chandigarh, November 20:

The Nagar Kirtan commemorating the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji received a spirited Khalsai welcome from the sangat in Jammu before the procession advanced towards next destination at Pathankot. Devotees accompanied the Nagar Kirtan barefoot for long stretches both during last night’s reception and at the time of its onward journey today, infusing the city with a deeply spiritual atmosphere. A dedicated stopover was arranged for the Nagar Kirtan at Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Chand Nagar, Jammu.

Sikh youth showcased the martial art Gatka skills as the procession departed from Jammu while the local sangat showered flowers upon the palanquin of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. A large group of devotees also joined the procession heading towards Sri Anandpur Sahib to pay homage during the main events.

As the procession passed through Jammu city, various gurdwaras extended a warm welcome. Singh Sabha Gurdwara Akali Kaur Singh Nagar in Digiana greeted the Nagar Kirtan with full devotion. Rajinder Singh Wazir, Rajinder Singh Raina, Narinder Singh Wazir, Sandeep Singh along with a sizeable gathering were present. At Sri Sant Mela Singh Ji Dastkari Ashram, devotees welcomed the Nagar Kirtan alongside Mahant Manjit Singh. The sangat of Singh Sabha Gurdwara Digiana Camp along with President Charanjeet Singh, Manjeet Singh, Suraj Singh also extended a hearty welcome.

At Dogyal and Amar, Kashmiri Sikh Sangat including Sarpanch Vikram Singh, Swarn Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Surjit Singh, Jagdeep Singh, Darbari Singh and others arranged a special kahwa langar. At Mata Vaishno Devi Bypass, the sangat of Kunjuwani welcomed the religious procession, while the sangat of Sarore area also offered greetings and organised langar.

Besides this, at Vijaypur in Samba district, former Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet Minister S. Manjeet Singh, Giani Harpal Singh, Jasvir Singh, Harnam Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Gurdeep Singh along with the local Sikh sangat welcomed the Nagar Kirtan and arranged langar. Likewise, the sangat at Bari Brahmana Adda in Samba also extended a warm reception to the Nagar Kirtan.

Notably, upon its late-night arrival in Jammu, special religious congregation was organised at Manda for the reception of the Nagar Kirtan. The District Gurdwara Management Committee Jammu led the collective arrangements. The preparations were jointly supported by Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Guru Nanak Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Sri Bala Pritam Ji Trikuta Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Chhevin Patshahi Talab Tillo Jammu, Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Bakshi Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Sri Guru Angad Patshah Ji Preet Nagar Jammu, Gurdwara Kalghidhar Sahib Rehari Jammu, Gurdwara Yadgar Sant Sundar Singh Ji Tapo Sthan Akhnoor and Surinder Singh Kala, President of Vegetable and Fruit Association Narwal Mandi.

RTO Jammu Jasveer Singh, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji President Ranjit Singh Tohra, Sant Tejwant Singh Dannewale, General Secretary Master Ranbir Singh, Jagpal Singh (Treasurer), Taranjeet Singh (Dharam Prachar Committee Incharge), Balwinder Singh, Surjit Singh (General Secretary) and others were present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, 20 November 2025:

Aiming to build a robust, responsive and forward-looking industrial ecosystem and making the Punjab industrial hub under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble National Convenor of AAP Sh. Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Cabinet Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora informed that Trident Group whose market cap 18k crore and turnover 10k crore is going to invest Rs. 2000/- Crore in Punjab. In this regard, he revealed that Rs. 1500/- crore will be invested in Barnala to expand Terry Towel production and modernisation in paper manufacturing and Rs. 500/- crore in Mohali for setting up a corporate office and capacity building centre. Mainly, 2000 semi skilled rural women will get employment through this investment.

Addressing the press conference, he added that Punjab Government progressive policy interventions and ease of doing business reforms are making the state choicest place for investors. This reflects Punjab Government commitment towards industrial friendly policies which are gaining momentum day by day.

Chairman Trident Group and Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha Padma Shri Rajinder Gupta said that we are going to expand Yarn Business and augment our existing textile capabilities to cater to increasing domestic and export demand. Furthermore, he added that modernisation of paper manufacturing is being done by upgrading technology and infrastructure to ensure eco-friendly and efficient production processes.

 We are also scaling up production to reinforce our position as a leading exporter and manufacturer in Terry Towels and setting up a dedicated Capacity Building centre to enhance skill development and technical proficiency among local youth and workforce. Establishing a state-of-the-art corporate office in Mohali to facilitate business operations and attract talent, he said.

Pertinently, Trident Group manufacturing locations are Sanghera & Dhaula in district Barnala, Punjab and Budhni district Sehore in Madhya Pradesh. Notably, 10K families are directly working in this group and supporting 30K families through indirect way.

Chandigarh 20 November 2025:

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan administered the oath of office to newly elected  MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu of AAP from Tarn Taran constituency of Punjab at Punjab Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. He said that Harmeet Singh Sandhu will leave no stone unturned to fulfill the legitimate demands of his constituency persons.

Harmeet Singh Sandhu  took the pledge that he will bear true faith and allegiance to the constitution of India as established by law. He will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and faithfully discharge the duties entrusted to him. He will leave no stone unturned for the welfare of his constituency.

Speaker extended his best wishes to MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu who won the bye-election of Tarn Taran constituency recently.

MLA Harmeet Singh Sandhu expressed the gratitude of Guru Sahib Ji and said he will remain grateful to his constituency persons. He will not let his constituents down and will live up to their expectations.