Chandigarh February 2, 2026:

 The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its ongoing drive against the corruption in the state, has apprehended Clerk David, posted at Regional Transport Office Bathinda, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. 2700/-.

 Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the state VB said the above-mentioned accused has been arrested based on a complaint lodged by a resident of Kanhiya Nagar, district Bathinda.

He said that the complainant is working in the office of agent Raja Mittal as a daily wage worker and looking into the work related to RTO Bathinda. He said accused is performing the duties of verifying the registration certificate (RC) of  vehicles  online in RTO Bathinda. But the accused was not verifying the complainant files and was demanding Rs. 300/- per file to get those files verified. The accused called the complainant to reach bus stand of  Bathinda and took Rs. 2100/- as bribe and further demanded Rs. 3000/- as illegal gratification. The complainant did not want to pay the bribe, due to which he contacted the Vigilance Bureau Unit, Bathinda.

After a preliminary enquiry on his complaint, the VB team laid a trap during which the accused was arrested red handed while accepting  bribe money of Rs 2700/- from the complainant in presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard, a case under prevention of corruption act has been registered against the accused at VB police station Bathinda and further investigation into this case is under progress.

Chandigarh, February 2 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for naming Punjab’s Adampur Airport after Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji. He said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has taken a historic decision. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was speaking to the media at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday.

During this, he said that it is a matter of great pride for us that on the sacred occasion of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji’s birth anniversary, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has named Adampur Airport as “Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji Airport.” This naming is a true tribute to the immortal ideals of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji. The values of equality, compassion and service given by him continue to inspire society even today and guide us towards building a harmonious, just and humane society. This initiative will not only honour his great thoughts but will also provide future generations an opportunity to draw inspiration from his message. He said that this step also reflects that our nation continues to remember those great personalities who worked to give direction to society.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has been continuously naming major institutions of the country after saints and great personalities, which is a true tribute to them. Recently, Ayodhya Airport was named after Maharishi Valmiki. Similarly, Hisar Airport has been named after Maharaja Agrasen.

Budget presented keeping every section of society in mind

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that this time’s Union Budget has been presented keeping every section of society in mind. Haryana has been given a special place in this budget. The issue of waterlogged (salinity-affected) land has been addressed in the budget, and special emphasis has been laid on MSMEs, industry and AI, which will directly benefit Haryana. Taking a dig at the Congress, he said that the Congress was in power for 55 years but could not present such a budget. This budget empowers women. It provides employment to youth. It strengthens farmers. It is a budget that fulfils the aspirations of 140 crore countrymen, including farmers, youth, women and the poor.

BJP government will be formed in Punjab

Responding to a question related to Punjab, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, a Bharatiya Janata Party government will be formed in Punjab. The people there have made up their mind that if Punjab has to move forward, a BJP government will have to be formed. The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party governments have only shown false dreams to the people. Recently, floods occurred in Punjab and farmers’ crops were damaged. The Chief Minister there said that they gave farmers compensation of ₹20,000 per acre, while the head of his party went to Gujarat and claimed that they had given ₹50,000 compensation to farmers. They are only trying to fool the people. Farmers suffered losses, and they are only doing politics over it. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi understood the problems of Punjab’s farmers and provided ₹16,000 crore assistance to them.

Chandigarh, February 2 — Haryana’s Forest and Environment Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, said that animals and birds have held a special place in human life since ancient times. They are also closely associated with deities, symbolizing our religious and cultural traditions. He emphasized that along with government efforts, public participation is extremely necessary for their conservation.

He was speaking as the Chief Guest at a programme organized in Panchkula on the occasion of World Wetlands Day today. On this occasion, the Forest Minister released the poster of the first Haryana Bird Festival–2026, which will be held across the state from February 2 to February 21, and formally inaugurated the festival by unveiling the calendar of activities planned during the event.

Appreciating the programme’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge – A Celebration of Nature and Culture,” Rao Narbir Singh said that Haryana has two major wetlands — Sultanpur (Gurugram) and Bhindawas (Jhajjar) — where thousands of migratory birds arrive every year from different countries. He stated that during the COVID period, some species had reached the brink of extinction, but the government is now making efforts to provide all necessary facilities at wetlands so that more migratory birds visit every year.

He informed that in Basai, Chandu and three to four nearby villages of Gurugram, thousands of acres of land remain waterlogged. Out of this, a lake can be developed over 200–300 acres and transformed into a tourist destination, which would attract visitors from Delhi-NCR and also help rid the area of polythene and plastic waste.

The Forest Minister said that the manufacture of single-use plastic and polythene has been banned in Haryana since 2013, yet their use continues. He stressed that the success of this law is not possible without public participation and urged people to take a pledge to stop using single-use plastic and polythene.

He explained that burning polythene releases toxic gases that pollute the environment, while burying it in the ground takes about 450 years to decompose and also blocks urban sewerage systems. The Environment Minister said that his goal is to make Haryana polythene-free, which requires public cooperation. He also stated that nearly 40 percent of pollution is caused by the use of polythene.

He added that the Haryana Wetland Authority and Pond Authority have been constituted, but they have not yet fully achieved their objectives. He stressed that local community participation is essential for cleaning and conserving water bodies such as johads and ponds.

On this occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Vivek Saxena, highlighted the importance of World Wetlands Day and said that it began in 1975. He noted that it is necessary to maintain a balance between development and environment, which is why this day is observed every year with a new theme. This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge – A Celebration of Nature and Culture.”

The programme was attended by MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator Vineet Kumar Garg, K.C. Meena, other departmental officials and employees, and a large number of schoolchildren.

Chandigarh, February 2 – The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has invited applications from serving and retired government employees for allotment of ready-to-move flats under its ‘Karmayogi Awaas Yojana, 2025’. In this regard, Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has received an official communication from the DDA.

According to the communication sent by DDA Vice Chairman Sh. N. Saravana Kumar, the scheme provides for the allotment of 1,168 ready-to-move residential flats located in Pocket-9 (Sectors A-10 to A-14), Narela, Delhi. The entire housing pocket has been exclusively earmarked for applicants under this scheme, which is intended for the benefit of serving and retired employees of the Central Government, State Governments, public sector undertakings, public sector banks, local bodies and government universities.

The housing units include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats, equipped with parking facilities, lifts, spacious balconies, a community centre or club house and ample open green spaces. The flats are being offered at discounted rates of up to 25 per cent. The DDA has also clarified that there is no restriction on ownership of property in Delhi or elsewhere, and eligible applicants may apply for one or more flats, subject to fulfilment of the scheme conditions.

The housing complex forms part of a planned urban area and is expected to benefit from ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects, including metro connectivity under Phase-IV, improved road networks, proximity to the proposed Education City and connectivity through national highways and major urban roads. The authority has described the location as well connected and suitable for long-term residential investment.

As per the scheme timeline, registration for the Karmayogi Awaas Yojana opened on 19th December 2025, while booking started on 14th January 2026. The scheme will remain open till 31st March 2026. Applications are to be submitted online through the DDA’s portal, where detailed information regarding eligibility conditions, layout plans and category-wise pricing has been made available through an official brochure.

Following receipt of the letter, the Haryana Chief Secretary has circulated the information among state government employees through appropriate official channels, including departments and subordinate offices, so that eligible personnel may apply within the prescribed timeframe.

The DDA has stated that further clarifications, including details regarding unit-wise availability and site visits, can be obtained directly from the authority through its website or helpline. The scheme is being projected as an affordable and secure housing option for government employees, particularly in view of the rapid urban and infrastructure development planned in the Narela area.

Chandigarh, February 2 – Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra, today reviewed the overall functioning of the State Health Department and issued a series of important directions aimed at strengthening patient safety, improving healthcare quality and promoting a comprehensive women-centric healthcare approach across government hospitals in the state.

During the review meeting, Dr. Misra laid special emphasis on hospital safety, particularly in view of recent fire incidents reported from hospitals in different parts of the country. She directed all Deputy Commissioners and Civil Surgeons to conduct comprehensive inspections of electrical wiring, power panels and other electrical installations in hospitals. Regular safety audits, preventive checks and timely maintenance of electrical systems were made mandatory to prevent fire-related accidents and ensure the safety of patients, attendants and healthcare staff. To support these initiatives, Dr. Misra assured that requisite funds would be provided for revamping Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and District Hospitals, with special focus on upgrading infrastructure, safety mechanisms and patient care facilities.

Dr. Misra also reviewed the biomedical waste management system in government hospitals and directed officials to ensure strict compliance with prescribed norms for segregation, collection and scientific disposal of hospital waste. She stressed the need for regular monitoring, proper documentation and close coordination with authorised biomedical waste disposal agencies to prevent health and environmental hazards, warning that lapses in waste management would not be tolerated.

Highlighting the importance of patient welfare, Dr. Misra instructed that the Hospital Welfare Fund must be utilised transparently and strictly for its intended purposes. She directed health authorities to prepare and follow clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for utilisation of the fund, ensuring that expenditure directly benefits patients and contributes to strengthening hospital infrastructure and essential services.

The Additional Chief Secretary emphasized that healthcare policies should adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to women’s health, extending beyond maternal and adolescent care. She underlined the importance of addressing women’s health needs across all stages of life, including preventive care, nutrition, mental health, and age-related health concerns, to ensure holistic well-being and improved health outcomes for women. She directed officers to strengthen screening and preventive care for cervix cancer, breast cancer, anaemia and osteoporosis among women. Emphasis be laid on early detection, awareness campaigns and accessible screening facilities. She also instructed the department to include menopause management and counselling services as an integral part of women’s healthcare. Dr. Misra underlined the importance of menstrual hygiene management and called for increased awareness, wider availability of hygienic products and integration of hygiene practices into routine public health programmes. Improving overall hygiene practices in healthcare institutions was also identified as a priority area.

The review meeting also focused on improving neonatal healthcare facilities across the state. Dr. Misra directed that Neonatal Intensive Care Units and newborn care services should be further strengthened to reduce infant mortality and improve survival outcomes.

Chandigarh, February 2 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Pandit Jasraj Ji was a ‘Swar-Surya’ of Indian classical music whose personality illuminated not only the country but the entire world. He said today’s day will always be remembered as a golden chapter in the history of Indian classical music.

The Chief Minister was addressing the state-level programme organized under the Sant-Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prasar Yojana at village Pili Mandori in Fatehabad district on the 96th birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan, Padma Shri and Sangeet Martand Pandit Jasraj Ji. On this occasion, he unveiled the statue of Pandit Jasraj Ji and paid tributes to the brave martyrs at the Martyrs’ Memorial.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that before coming to this programme, he met Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in the morning and informed him about this event. The Prime Minister sent his “Ram-Ram” to the people of Haryana and paid tributes to Pandit Jasraj Ji.

The Chief Minister said that from this sacred stage, he bows to the great personality of Pandit Jasraj Ji. He said that it is a matter of pride that along with Pandit Jasraj Ji’s birth anniversary, the fourth anniversary of the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation is also being celebrated today. The foundation was established in 2022 by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. This institution is doing commendable work in preserving Pandit Jasraj Ji’s classical music legacy and passing it on to the new generation. The Chief Minister appreciated the dedication of Madhura Jasraj, Durga Jasraj and all office-bearers of the Foundation.

The Chief Minister said that Pandit Jasraj Ji was not just a great artist but a living institution himself. Born in 1930 in village Pili Mandori in a reputed musical family, he lost his father at a very young age, but despite adverse circumstances, he never allowed his spiritual musical pursuit to weaken. Under the guidance of his elder brother Pandit Maniram Ji, he undertook rigorous practice, which remains an inspiration for youth even today.

The Chief Minister said that through his lifelong devotion to music, Pandit Jasraj carried the cultural essence of his native village across the globe. His classical music resonated even in the icy landscapes of Antarctica, reflecting the universal appeal of Indian music. He said Pandit Jasraj was the first Indian artist to have performed on all seven continents, an achievement that continues to be a matter of pride for the entire nation.

The Chief Minister said that Goddess Saraswati resided in Pandit Jasraj Ji’s voice. He spread India’s rich musical heritage across the world and received numerous national and international honours for his unparalleled contribution.

Haryana’s Soil – A Land of Immortal Musical Tradition

The Chief Minister said that Haryana has a strong musical tradition, and the heritage of Phaag, Dhamal and Raag-Raginis is still very much alive. He said that due to the influence of artists like Pandit Jasraj Ji, villages in Haryana have been named after classical ragas like Asavari, Dhanasari, Bilawal and Bhairavi.

Government Committed to Cultural Preservation

The Chief Minister said that no society can progress by forgetting its culture. Keeping this in mind, the state government has established a university in memory of Pandit Lakhmi Chand Ji and a Multi-Art Cultural Centre in Kurukshetra. Every year, the International Gita Mahotsav is organized.

He said that several initiatives have been taken to make Pandit Jasraj Ji’s memory eternal. As per announcements made on January 28, 2023, two grand entrance gates, a park and a gymnasium have been constructed in village Pili Mandori in his name. A library named after his father late Sh. Moti Ram Ji is in its final stage of construction, and beautification work of village ponds is also underway.

Encouragement to Emerging Artists

The Chief Minister said that today Haryana provides a conducive environment for art, culture and literature. Various schemes are being implemented to support artists. Free training is being provided to emerging artists at the Pandit Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts in Rohtak and the Multi-Art Cultural Centre in Kurukshetra.

He said that Haryana’s identity lies in its glorious cultural heritage and communal harmony. This shared legacy gives a message of coexistence and brotherhood. Though Pandit Jasraj Ji is not physically present today, as long as the sound of ‘Om’ resonates in the universe, his melodies will remain alive.

Addressing the programme, former MLA Sh. Dudar Ram said that Pandit Jasraj Ji is the pride of this region and took Indian classical music to international platforms. He said that such state-level programmes inspire the younger generation.

He placed several public interest demands before the Chief Minister related to Fatehabad Assembly constituency, including a permanent solution to waterlogging, strengthening the Hisar-Ghaggar drain, upgrading Bhattu sub-tehsil to a full tehsil, and construction of farm access roads. He thanked the Chief Minister for celebrating Pandit Jasraj Ji’s birth anniversary in Fatehabad district.

Durga Jasraj expresses gratitude to government

Pandit Jasraj Ji’s daughter and founding trustee of the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation, Ms. Durga Jasraj, thanked the Chief Minister, state government and district administration, saying that the foundation is continuously working to carry forward her father’s musical legacy to future generations.

During the programme, renowned bhajan and classical singer Padma Shri Anup Jalota mesmerized the audience with his musical performance. The venue echoed with applause as listeners enjoyed his rendition.

Development Announcements for Bhattu and Pili Mandori

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced the establishment of a new ITI in Bhattu Mandi, construction of a 33 KV power sub-station in Pili Mandori at a cost of about ₹9 crore, reconstruction of a veterinary hospital building at a cost of ₹40 lakh, and grants of ₹11 lakh each for the construction of Scheduled Caste and Backward Class community halls in Pili Mandori. He also directed that the proposal to upgrade Bhattu Kalan sub-tehsil to a full tehsil be placed before a committee for feasibility assessment.

He further announced ₹21 lakh for installing a solar system and expansion of the library named after late Sh. Moti Ram Ji. Additionally, Cabinet Minister Sh. Ranbir Singh Gangwa and Rajya Sabha MP Sh. Subhash Barala also announced ₹11 lakh each for installing a solar system in the library.

Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Rajya Sabha MP Sh. Subhash Barala, former minister Sh. Devender Singh Babli, former MP Smt. Sunita Duggal, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Virender Singh Badkhalsa, Haryana Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Prof. Ravinder Baliala, and programme organizer O.P. Maliya was present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, February 2 – The Budget  Session of Haryana  Vidhan  Sabha  will commence  from February  20.

A decision  to this regard  was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers held under the Chairmanship of  Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, held here today.

Chandigarh

Reacting to the budget, Haryana Congress President Rao Narendra Singh said that this budget is disconnected from ground realities and far removed from public welfare.

He stated that the budget has ignored the common man, farmers, and rural India.

He said that the budget offers no concrete relief to address inflation, unemployment, farmers’ loan waiver, or the water and electricity crisis (especially in Haryana). Cuts in schemes like MGNREGA continue, along with delays in payments, which are weakening rural employment. Rao Narendra Singh said that this budget benefits only big industrialists and the wealthy class.

While the increase in capital expenditure (capex) may benefit the infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, its impact appears to be limited to only 5–10% of the population. Direct benefits for the poor, SC/ST communities, the middle class, and youth are minimal.

He said that the government talks about development and reforms, but these are not reaching the ground level. There is “more distortion than reform.” In the name of reforms, the problems of the common people are increasing.

He further said that Haryana is facing farmers’ protests, unemployment, and a deep rural crisis, yet the budget contains no special package for the state. This is a blatantly anti-poor budget.

Rao Narendra Singh said that the budget focuses on fiscal discipline and long-term growth (Viksit Bharat 2047), with an attempt to attract private investment by making capex the engine of growth. The government claims that this will focus on stability, manufacturing, and technology, thereby increasing employment and self-reliance. However, this is only “paper development,” because there are no decisive or concrete steps on immediate issues such as inflation control, job creation, and poverty alleviation.

He said that this budget does not reflect the sentiments of Haryana and rural India at all, where the big budgetary figures do not match the ground-level hardships. Overall, the budget may be reform-oriented, but it is not people-centric.

He concluded by saying that in reality, this budget will only strengthen capitalists. This budget is nothing but a deception—it is neither connected to ground realities nor to public interest; it is baseless and far removed from the expectations of the people.

Chandigarh, February 1 – Haryana’s Power, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji gave the greatest message: “मन चंगा तो कठौती में गंगा,” meaning that if we set our mind right, everything will come to us on its own. Whatever work we do, we should do it with pride—this is Guru Ji’s message.

Sh. Vij was addressing devotees today after bowing his head at the Ravidas Temple in Ambala on the sacred occasion of the birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Maharaj.

Extending greetings on Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji made a very significant contribution to the building of our society and civilization. He worked in many ways to unite society. Although Guru Ravidas Ji earned his livelihood by making and repairing shoes, he did so with pride. This is the lesson and teaching—that whatever work we do, we should do it with pride. It was the era of the Bhakti movement, and he gave the core message of all scriptures: “मन चंगा तो कठौती में गंगा.” If the mind is right, everything will come to you effortlessly—this is the great message given by Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji. He also gave the message of equality, which is a very important message and is most needed today, so that we all remain united and work to take the country forward.

Earlier, on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Energy Minister Anil Vij participated in religious programs organized at the Ravidas Temple in village Ghasitpur and at the temple located in the Jatav Panchayat Dharamshala complex at 12 Cross Road. He bowed his head and received blessings. During this time, office-bearers of the temple committee honored Minister Anil Vij by presenting him with a turban, a shawl, and a memento as a mark of respect.

Meanwhile, during the program organized at the Jatav Panchayat Dharamshala at 12 Cross Road in Ambala, Minister Anil Vij, on the demand of the Dharamshala committee office-bearers, announced a grant of Rs. 1 lakh from his voluntary fund for the Dharamshala.

On this occasion, Municipal Council Vice-Chairperson Lalta Prasad, BJP Mandal President Pravesh Sharma and Ravi Budhiraja, along with Master Avinash, Kulbir Singh, Pinka, Ram Charan, Ramesh Kumar, Pawan Kumar, Jagir Singh, Shivram, Ram Das, Sunil Nandariya, Ajay Gupta, Dr. Mogiya, Ashish Agarwal, Sachin Budhiraja, Deepak Bhasin, as well as other office-bearers and eminent persons, were present.