Chandigarh, October 29 – The Haryana Government stands firmly with the farmers of the state and is continuously working for their welfare. Every grain of crop is being procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in the state’s mandis. Directions have been issued to officers to ensure that no farmer faces any inconvenience during the procurement process.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, said this while interacting with media persons after attending the meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee held in Charkhi Dadri today.

The Agriculture Minister informed that out of the total 16 complaints presented before the committee, 8 were resolved on the spot, while necessary directions were issued for resolving the remaining 8 complaints.

While interacting with the reporters, Sh. Rana said that the State Government is consistently working for the welfare of farmers. Several welfare schemes have been implemented to increase the income of farmers. According to the government’s plan, the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana funds will be released soon. Compensation for the crops damaged by excessive rain will soon be transferred directly to the farmers’ bank accounts.

The Minister further said that the district administration is taking continuous action against overloading, and challans worth several lakh rupees have been issued.

Chandigarh, October 29 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the pace at which India is progressing today is driven by the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the revolutionary economic policies of the Central Government. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the country realized the concept of “One Nation, One Tax” by implementing GST, which transformed the entire country into a unified market.

The GST reforms have not only accelerated the economy but also made inter-state trade easier and freed traders from the web of unnecessary taxes. The recently implemented GST reforms stand as proof that Prime Minister Modi’s “guarantee” is always fulfilled. These reforms will prove to be a milestone in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

The Chief Minister was addressing a programme organized by the Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Patna, Bihar, on Wednesday.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Prime Minister’s call for “Swadeshi” and “Make in India for the World” has given a new direction to the manufacturing sector in the country. During his recent visit to Japan, he had highlighted that the vision presented by the Prime Minister will play a crucial role in realizing the concept of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

He said that under the Digital India campaign, from UPI to DBT, the digital transaction revolution has promoted transparency and curbed corruption. Today, India’s digital infrastructure has become an example for the entire world. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India has increased manufacturing and production, reduced dependency on imports, and emerged as a strong centre of the global supply chain. As a result of the Central Government’s visionary policies and reforms, India is not only moving toward self-reliance but has also established itself as a strong partner in the global economy.

He said that in the past 11 years, there has been unprecedented investment in the construction of roads, railways, airports, and ports. This excellent connectivity is reducing trade and logistics costs for industrialists. To promote ease of doing business, unnecessary laws have been eliminated, processes simplified, and efforts made to free the system from the licence raj. As a result, India has become the world’s fifth-largest economy and is rapidly moving toward becoming the third-largest economic superpower. This is proof of the confidence of entrepreneurs and our collective efforts.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister has given us the goal of ‘Viksit Bharat-2047’. To achieve this goal, we must develop our states. Haryana and Bihar must work together to accelerate the pace of the nation’s progress.

He said that by coming here today, he is witnessing a wonderful confluence of Bihar’s soil and Haryana’s spirit of entrepreneurship. This confluence truly symbolizes the progress of our nation and the resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He said that the relationship between Bihar and Haryana is not limited to geographical boundaries. It is a relationship of love, labour, and trust. He said he takes pride in the fact that he has also worked on the land of Bihar, especially in areas like Sitamarhi and Motihari. He has an emotional and familial bond with the people of Bihar.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state once labeled as ‘BIMARU’ (backward) is today recognized as the second fastest-growing state in the country due to the double-engine government. Today, Bihar’s GDP growth rate is over 14 percent. It is only because of the government’s visionary policies that Bihar’s per capita income, which was merely Rs 7,914 annually in 2004-05, has now increased more than eightfold to Rs 66,828.

The greatest achievement is that for the first time, a historic transformation has occurred in Bihar’s economy. The industrial sector now contributes 23 percent to Bihar’s GDP, surpassing the share of agriculture. This proves that a safe and conducive environment for industries has been created in Bihar.

He said that from 2016 to 2022, investment proposals worth only Rs 2,500 crore were received. However, in just the last two years, proposals worth more than Rs 12,000 crore have been received—a more than fivefold increase. Bihar is now becoming a state that generates employment. In 2005, the number of startups here was zero. But today, Bihar has become a hub of over 1,500 startups, and the government is providing support to every entrepreneur.

He said that to prepare the youth according to industrial needs, the Bharat Ratna Jananayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University has been inaugurated. It offers industry-based courses to the youth. Besides, the number of engineering colleges has increased from only 3 in 2005 to 38 now, raising the number of technical seats to over 14,000.

Additionally, the state has taken the initiative to give global recognition to local identity. The government’s ‘One District-One Industry’ scheme has brought a revolution in this direction. The best example of this is Katihar’s Makhana, which is now shining in the global market. The Central Government has announced the formation of a Makhana Board to establish it as a ‘superfood’, which has empowered farmers and local industries. He said that the employment generation policies have created new job opportunities by promoting local products and establishing small-scale industries.

The Chief Minister said that to attract industries and deliver products to the market, Bihar has done record work in developing its infrastructure. A network of about 7,000 kilometers of highways has spread across the state. Airports have been inaugurated in Darbhanga and Purnia, and metro service has also started in Patna.

He said that today, Bihar is not just walking on the path of development but running on the highway of progress. A series of policy reforms has been initiated to win investors’ trust. The Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025 is a historic step. The government has decided to provide free land to investors. In addition, unprecedented incentives such as an interest subsidy of up to Rs 40 crore and SGST reimbursement of up to 300 percent for 14 years are being provided. The decision to develop a Fintech City near Fatuha in Patna has also been made, which will be a modern financial center modeled after Gujarat’s GIFT City.

The Chief Minister said that the state government aims to create one crore employment opportunities in the next five years. For this, there is also a provision to provide assistance of Rs 5,000 per worker per month to eligible industries. A new policy 2022 has been implemented to provide special incentives to the textile and leather industries. Today, the Bhagalpur cluster ranks second in the country in the production and export of silk fabrics. The investment of major companies like Tata and PepsiCo in Bihar marks the beginning of a new era. This is just the beginning. Our ultimate goal is to make Bihar a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2047.

Chandigarh, October 29:

In a major milestone, the paddy arrival throughout the mandis has crossed the 100 Lakh Metric Tonne (LMT) mark with over 97 LMT procured.

Terming the accelerated pace of procurement as testimony to the farmer friendly policies of the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that the necessary arrangements have been made in the mandis with a view to ensure that no stakeholder whether the farmers, Commission Agents (Arhtiyas), Labourers don’t encounter any difficulty. As far as lifting is concerned, more than 77 LMT of the procured crop has been lifted.

Coming to the payments front, the amount in excess of Rs. 21000 Crore stands credited into the accounts of the farmers, said the Minister exhorting the farming community to bring dry produce in the mandis so as to derive full worth of their crop which they have produced with so much hardwork.

Chandigarh, October 29

Taking a step towards resolving the long-pending concerns of the Ministerial Services Cadre, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, who is also the Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Employees’ Issues, said here today that the Cabinet Sub-Committee would recommend to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to form an Officers’ Committee to study the possibility of framing uniform service rules for the Ministerial Services Cadre across various departments to bring uniformity in the service environment of these employees and removing any existing disparities

During a meeting with representatives of the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema assured union representatives that several of their demands are already under process. He further committed that other legitimate concerns would be addressed promptly, reaffirming the government’s commitment to responsive and transparent governance.

In a series of subsequent meetings, the Finance Minister engaged with three unions from the Education Department including the Master Cadre Union, the Elementary Teachers Union, and the Murh Bahal Kachhe Adhiyapak Union. These discussions centered on critical issues such as pay scales, promotional pathways, and leave entitlements. Finance Minister Cheema instructed the Education Department to expedite the resolution of demands currently under review and directed senior officials to hold regular meetings with the union leaders to address additional legitimate concerns.

The Finance Minister also met with representatives of the Punjab Police Corona Warriors Union. He gave a sympathetic hearing to their issues and assured them that their demands would be considered with empathy. He emphasized that the government remains steadfast in its resolve to address genuine grievances and foster a work environment rooted in equity, respect, and accountability.

Among those who presented their demands and concerns were Gurnam Singh Virk, Tarsem Bhathal, and Anirudh Modgul from the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union; Baljinder Singh Dhaliwal, Gurmeet Singh Bhullar, Daljit Singh Sabarwal, and Amarbir Singh from the Master Cadre Union; Harjinderpal Singh Pannu, Satbir Singh Rauni, Harkrishan Singh Mohali, and Gurinder Singh Ghullewali from the Elementary Teachers Union; Vikas Sahini, Lakhwinder Kaur, and Amandeep Kaur from the Murh Bahal Kachhe Adhiyapak Union; and Amarjit Singh, Gurbaj Singh, Pawanbir Singh, and Jagroop Singh from the Punjab Police Corona Warriors Union.

Chandigarh/Ludhiana 29 October 2025:

The ground-breaking ceremony for the manufacturing facility of Munjal STP Industries Limited, a Joint Venture between Hero Motors Limited (“HML”) and Vermogensverwaltung Plettenberg GmbH and CO KG along with its  group  companies (“STP  Group”) held today at Dhanasu, Ludhiana.In this way,  Punjab will receive investment of Rs. 260 crores in the first phase through joint venture and employment for 400 people.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by  Shri Sanjeev Arora, Industry and Commerce Minister of Punjab, Ms. Seema Bansal, Vice-Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission, along with several other dignitaries from Industry & Government of Punjab.

Minister Arora said that Punjab Government is tirelessly working in close tandem with industry for overall development of Punjab. HML and STP Group entered into a joint venture agreement in March 2025 to develop, manufacture and sell forging components for the automotive sector. The STP Group, a renowned German forging specialist with six facilities across Germany, produces high-precision forged and machined components for automotive and industrial applications. HML, a technology driven, automotive components company engaged in highly engineered powertrain solutions and alloys & metallics, with R&D spanning India and the United Kingdom and manufacturing facilities spanning India, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.

Arora & Seema have assured Joint Venture proponents of full cooperation from Punjab Govt and approvals in record time. Pankaj Munjal Chairman of HMC praised Punjab Govt for all the cooperation and also applauded all the new policies being envisaged.

Pankaj Munjal, Chairman, HML, said, “Munjal STP Industries Limited represents our drive to strengthen manufacturing in India through collaboration with STP Group. The facility is being set up at Hero Industrial Park, Ludhiana, alongside other key automotive and EV units such as HMC HIVE, HYM Drive Systems Private Limited, and Spur Technologies Private Limited.”

Amit Gupta, MD and CEO, HML, stated, “The new facility will further strengthen our Powertrain Solutions manufacturing footprint, building on our capabilities in supplying gears and transmission solutions to global customers across automotive, aerospace, defence, and industrial segments. It will feature semi-automatic forging lines for complex components, with a focus on cost efficiency and stringent quality standards.”

Cornel Mueller, Chairman and CEO, STP, added, “Our partnership with HML marks a significant step in extending STP’s presence and leveraging India’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. The collaboration is designed to combine STP’s expertise in high-precision forging with HML’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities, fostering technology exchange and operational excellence between our teams in Germany and India.”

Hero Group was represented by Pankaj Munjal, SK Rai, Ashwairya Munjal, Aditya Munjal, Amity Gupta amongst others.

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini issued clear directives to strengthen the campaign against drug abuse, stating that police officers and staff in areas where commendable work is being carried out will be recognized and honoured. The Chief Minister also said that strict action will be taken wherever negligence or laxity is observed. He added that the impact of action taken against negligent officials should be clearly visible, sending a strong message that those performing exemplary work against drug abuse will be rewarded, while strict measures will be taken in areas where drug abuse persists.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting to review the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan scheme here today.

He directed that villages declared drug-free be regularly re-evaluated and that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau’s presence be strengthened in border areas. He also instructed that experts be included in the teams to ensure effective control over the drug supply. The Chief Minister called on all concerned departments to intensify the joint campaign against drugs, focusing equally on enforcement, de-addiction, and awareness, and to actively involve Panchayats as partners in the effort.

Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, in coordination with other relevant departments, should launch a comprehensive campaign to ensure the thorough screening of youth affected by drug addiction. He called for detailed investigations to identify the sources and routes through which drugs are being supplied, enabling the complete disruption and control of the drug supply chain. The objective, he said, is not only to prevent drug abuse but also to reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society.

He said that the Narcotics Control Bureau, SEWA Department and the Health Department should jointly intensify efforts to eradicate drug abuse at its roots. In addition, all concerned departments must ensure the active participation of Panchayats in this vigorous campaign. Panchayats and Sarpanches who make notable contributions should be recognized and honoured. He said that all departments should work in close coordination and take concrete measures to make Haryana a drug-free state.

Also reviews projects progress on State Pragati Portal, Directs timely completion

Following this, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the progress of seven different projects costing more than Rs 75 crore each on the State Pragati Portal. He directed officials to invite representatives from departments whose projects are being delayed due to inter-departmental issues to the upcoming meeting. The Chief Minister said that the presence of the relevant departments at such meetings will ensure the prompt resolution of these issues, facilitating timely project completion and the swift delivery of benefits to citizens.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects, including the four-lane road from National Highway-9 to National Highway-52 through Mirzapur Road in Hisar district, the Budhlada-Ratia-Fatehabad-Bhattu-Bhadra road, construction of two-lane relief road from Ghogripur to the Haryana-Delhi border, construction of master road from Noida to Gurugram via Faridabad, construction of two link roads providing seamless connectivity from West Faridabad to East Faridabad, the new judicial complex (Tower of Justice) in Gurugram and the 200-bed hospital in Sector-9, Fatehabad. He directed that all these important projects be completed within the stipulated timelines to further accelerate the pace of development across the state.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department Dr Sumitra Misra, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Department Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary SEWA Department G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department A.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department Anurag Agarwal, Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, October 27 – Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Sh. Manohar Lal said that the memorial at Lohgarh, Yamunanagar, will not only immortalize the indomitable courage and sacrifice of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji but will also serve as a centre to showcase the glorious heritage of the Sikh community for future generations and as a hub of Indian culture. He said this memorial will become a place of faith and inspiration not only for the people of Haryana but also for devotees from across the country and the world.

The Union Minister was addressing a gathering as the Chief Guest at the event organized at Lohgarh, Yamunanagar, on the occasion of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji’s birth anniversary.

He said that after his victory over Sirhind, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur established Lohgarh as his capital and brought relief to farmers by abolishing the feudal system. Banda Singh Bahadur fought bravely against injustice and sacrificed his life for religion and justice. His sacrifice continues to be a source of inspiration for future generations.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana and Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Building and Roads) Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa were also present on this occasion.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that many brave heroes have laid down their lives to protect the culture and religion of our nation. The country will always remember the sacrifices of these valiant warriors.

At the event, the foundation stone for the construction of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial and state-of-the-art museum was laid, marking the formal commencement of the project. On this occasion, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa and Sh. Shyam Singh Rana each announced a donation of Rs 21 lakh to the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Trust.

Welcoming the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, Director General of Information, Public Relations & Languages Department, Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang, said that on this sacred land, the foundation of the memorial dedicated to the great warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur has been laid today. He added that this memorial would serve as a symbol of the unwavering resolve that connects us to our history, culture, and the glorious tales of our martyrs.

Also present on the occasion were former Cabinet Minister and Founder Trustee of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Trust, Sh. Kanwar Pal Gurjar, former MP from Karnal and Founder Member of the Trust, Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Ambala Division Commissioner Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and other distinguished guests.

Memorial to be Built on 20 Acres

The historic Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial will be constructed on approximately 20 acres of land provided by the Gram Panchayat of Bhagwanpur. In addition, a grand statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur will be constructed through a global design competition.

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the state government has issued an advisory to all allopathic drug manufacturers regarding the use of risky solvents. Continuous inspections are being conducted, and notices have been issued to drug manufacturers found deficient in prescribed standards. Union Health Minister Sh. J.P. Nadda also appreciated the efforts being made by the state government in the health sector.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao was briefing Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda virtually from Chandigarh about the various initiatives being undertaken by the state government in the health sector.

Present on the occasion were Health Department Secretary Dr. R.S. Dhillon, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration Department Dr. Manoj Kumar, State Drug Controller Sh. Lalit Kumar Goel, and Assistant State Drug Controller Sh. Rakesh Dahiya.

The Health Minister informed that all allopathic drug manufacturers in the state have been instructed to exercise caution in the procurement, storage, and use of risky solvents such as propylene glycol, glycol, and glycerin. She said that inspections for verification of these solvents had already been initiated by the state government. So far, 37 inspections have been conducted and 54 samples have been collected and sent for testing.

Arti Singh Rao further said that joint inspections with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) have also been initiated. Till now, 14 inspections have been carried out, and 31 samples have been taken for testing. Notices have been issued to all firms where discrepancies were found. In addition, 267 samples related to solvents have been collected from Haryana’s sale units and sent for testing.

She also informed the Union Minister that Haryana’s Health Department is already operating on the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS). All licences related to manufacturing and sales are being issued through this portal.

Sh. J.P. Nadda appreciated the excellent work being carried out by the Haryana Government on this portal.

The Health Minister further shared that 33 risk-based inspections (RBI) of drug manufacturing units have been conducted, and action has already been taken in all cases. Twelve firms have been ordered to stop production, and two manufacturing licenses have been cancelled. Additionally, 17 risk-based inspections (RBI) of drug testing laboratories have been conducted, and action has been taken in all cases. The licence of one laboratory has been cancelled.

She also mentioned that a new drug laboratory equipped with all necessary instruments is being established, which will become operational within the next four months. A proposal is being sent to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization to further strengthen the drug regulatory system, which includes setting up three new laboratories in Gurugram, Hisar, and Karnal, with an estimated cost of Rs 91.9 crore.

Arti Singh Rao reiterated that the state government is committed to ensuring the best healthcare for the people of Haryana, and necessary medicines and medical equipment are being provided as required.

Chandigarh 27th October 2025:

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora today held a comprehensive meeting with the Shri. Santosh Kumar Yadav Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), accompanied by the DGM (Technical) and other officials from NHAI, to review progress and resolve pending infrastructure issues across Punjab.

Minister Arora began by underlining the urgent need to develop the approximately three-kilometre approach area near Adampur Airport, pointing out that this stretch falls under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) jurisdiction and it must be taken up by NHAI immediately to ensure safe and efficient airport connectivity. The Ludhiana–Ropar highway project was also a major focus of discussion; the Minister noted significant delays in execution and stressed that the project be re-tendered and fast-tracked so that long-pending works can be completed without further slippage. Arora promised to help in getting soil filling for projects a per Punjab Govt Mining Policy.

On the NHLML parking project, Minister Arora highlighted bureaucratic delays that have held up the tender and construction; the NHAI Chairman responded by immediately directing concerned officials of NHLML to grant the necessary approvals so work can commence at the earliest. Expressing concern over the slow progress of the Ludhiana cycle track, the Minister urged stronger supervision and direct intervention by the Regional Office (RO) Punjab to ensure NHAI’s pilot project is completed on schedule for the benefit of commuters and cyclists.

The meeting also addressed recurring fund-release and portal issues affecting the Delhi–Katra highway, with Minister Arora emphasizing that technical problems on the central funds portal are stalling work and causing financial uncertainties; the Chairman instructed the RO Punjab to resolve all portal-related issues promptly and ensure uninterrupted fund flows.

A detailed review was held on the Jalandhar–Amritsar highway, where both officials discussed outstanding works regarding repairs and agreed on accelerated action plans to clear pending items and improve traffic flow and safety. With commercial operations set to commence at Halwara Airport shortly, Minister Arora stressed the importance of robust road connectivity to the airport to serve the transportation needs of the entire Malwa region; NHAI assured coordinated planning to prioritize approaches and access roads.

The Minister drew attention to chronic congestion around SPS Hospital and Sherpur, noting that incomplete works are causing daily traffic snarls and inconvenience to residents; the NHAI Chairman committed to expediting the remaining work to relieve congestion and restore normal traffic movement. Sidhwan bridges were discussed in detail, with both sides urging immediate completion of residual works to ensure structural safety and uninterrupted connectivity for local communities of Ludhiana.

Minister Arora also pressed for improved routine maintenance of NHAI highways across Punjab, including timely repair of surfaces and prompt restoration and upkeep of street lighting to enhance road safety during night hours. The NHAI Chairman gave categorical assurances that all issues raised by Minister Arora will be addressed on a priority basis, directed concerned regional officials to act without delay, and appreciated the Minister’s proactive engagement and commitment to the development and connectivity of Punjab.

The meeting concluded with an agreement for regular follow-ups and monitoring to ensure timely implementation of decisions and swift resolution of technical, administrative and funding bottlenecks.