CHANDIGARH, 13th February 2026:

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday directed the Finance and Education Departments to convene an urgent joint meeting to address the concerns of the 180 Elementary Teacher Training (ETT) Adhyapak Association, reiterating that the Bhagwant Mann Government is committed to resolving the legitimate demands of its employees without delay. The directive came after a detailed consultative meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat, where representatives of the association presented their case comprehensively.

Providing a patient and exhaustive hearing to the delegation, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The concerns raised by the 180 ETT Adhyapak Association deserve serious and time-bound consideration. I have directed the Finance and Education Departments to hold an urgent joint meeting so that all legitimate demands are settled without any further delay.”

The Punjab Finance Minister stated, “During today’s meeting, the teachers were given full opportunity to outline the specific administrative and professional hurdles they are facing. We have ensured that every aspect of their demands is examined carefully, including the legal and financial implications, so that the final decision is both legally sound and fiscally viable.”

The meeting witnessed detailed deliberations by key government functionaries, including Special Secretary Finance Showkat Ahmed Parray, Additional Advocate General Ramandeep Singh Pandher, Special Secretary Personnel Upkar Singh and Joint Secretary Education Harpreet Singh. The Finance Minister underlined, “By integrating the expertise of the Advocate General’s office and senior finance officers, we are ensuring that the path towards resolution is structured, transparent and sustainable.”

To expedite the process, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema specifically instructed the Education Department to immediately share all relevant case details with the Finance Department. He said, “This inter-departmental coordination is the critical final step required to reach an amicable and lawful decision. There must be no administrative bottlenecks in resolving the issues of our teachers.”

Reaffirming the government’s stance, he added, “The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann remains fully dedicated to the welfare of its employees. Constructive dialogue and lawful resolution will always be our approach.”

The 180 ETT Adhyapak Association was represented by its President Kamal Thakur, along with Sohan Singh, Gurmukh Singh and Gaurav Kant during the meeting.

Chandigarh/Sri Anandpur Sahib, February 13:

With an aim to facilitate millions of sangat expected to converge at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the pious occasion of Holla Mohalla, Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains directed the Rupnagar district authorities to put in place extensive arrangements including tent city, trolley city, dedicated parking zones and shuttle bus & autorickshaw service, to facilitate and ensure spiritually enriching experience for all devotees. 

While chairing a meeting with Rupnagar district administration to review the preparedness for the grand celebrations of Sikh traditions, S. Harjot Singh Bains emphasised on Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to facilitating the millions of devotees expected to converge at the holy city.  He conducted a detailed review of the infrastructure and large gathering management strategies. The review focused on ensuring that the spirit of the three-day event remains rooted in the core values of the Sikh faith.

S. Bains informed that the district administration has been directed to set up an eight-acre Tent City, a dedicated Trolley City, 60 shuttle buses, 100 e-rickshaws and 25 parking zones with pedestrian walkways.”

S. Harjot Singh Bains issued clear directives to senior officials concerned to ensure smooth traffic flow, maintaining spotless surroundings and zero inconvenience to the Sangat coming to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

“Our collective effort is to create an atmosphere where devotion is the only focus. We have left no stone unturned in our planning. From the eight-acre Tent City to the fleet of shuttle buses, every logistical element is designed to serve the devotees. Clear instructions have been issued to the administration to ensure smooth traffic, clean surroundings and cause zero inconvenience to the Sangat,” S. Bains stated while adding that the district administration has been put on high alert to ensure that all systems function optimally throughout the duration of the Holla Mohalla.

CHANDIGARH, February 13:

          As the decisive ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann enters its 24th day, Punjab Police on Friday conducted 888 raids at the at identified and mapped locations linked to associates of gangsters across the state.

          As per the information, the “Gangstran Te Vaar”— a decisive war to make Punjab a gangster-free state was launched by the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on January 20, 2026. Police teams from all the districts in coordination with Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Punjab has been conducting special operations across the state.

          On Day 24, Police teams arrested 256 individuals and recovered two weapons from their possession, taking the total arrests to 9,012 since the launch of the campaign.

 Apart from this, preventive action has been taken against 129 persons, whereas, 239 persons were verified and released after questioning. Police teams have also arrested seven proclaimed offenders (POs) during the operation.

          People can anonymously report information related to wanted criminals and gangsters, and also share tips on crime and criminal activity, through the Anti Gangster Helpline number 93946-93946.

          Meanwhile, Police teams have continued its drive against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” for 349th day with 76 drug smugglers arrested on Friday and recovered 3.9 kg heroin, 7 kg poppy husk, 526 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 11,500 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 49,440 in just 349 days. As part of De-addiction, the Punjab Police has convinced 36 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh, February 13 – The government has invited online applications from eligible students for post matric scholarship scheme. The eligible students are advised to ensure their registration for the academic session 2025–26 under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme by February 28, 2026 in maximum numbers. Under this scheme, scholarships are provided to students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes to enable them to pursue higher education so that they are not deprived of educational opportunities due to financial constraints.

An official spokesperson informed that efforts will be made to ensure maximum registration of eligible students on the National Scholarship Portal so that Scheduled Caste and Backward Class students, who have passed Class 10 and are pursuing higher education in government or private educational institutions, can avail the benefits of the scheme. Online applications have been invited for Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes, Denotified Tribe students under Post Matric Scholarship Scheme (PM Yashasvi Component-2).

He further stated that as per government instructions, it has been made mandatory that the applications of students registering under the scheme will be verified by the Nodal Officer of the concerned institution. Thereafter, the District Nodal Officer and the City Magistrate will verify the applications, following which the State Nodal Officer of the concerned departments will transfer the scholarship amount directly into the bank accounts of the registered students.

He added that with the objective of ensuring that the full benefit reaches eligible students, greater transparency has been introduced in the implementation of the scheme, and now the entire benefit will be provided to eligible students only through the online process.

He informed that the student must belong to the Scheduled Caste category for PMS-SC and to the Other Backward Class or Denotified Tribe category for PM-YASASVI Component-2. The annual family income of the student should not exceed Rs. 2,50,000.

He further stated that the student must be a resident of Haryana, and eligible students for the academic year 2025–26 may submit fresh applications on the NSP through the portal https://scholarships.gov.in/  by February 28, 2026.

Chandigarh, February 13 – Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the government has created a conducive environment for sports and sportspersons. As a result, Haryana’s athletes are performing excellently not only at the national level but also at the international level. He expressed confidence that Haryana players will deliver strong performances at the Commonwealth Games to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in 2030 and will repeat this success in the upcoming Olympics. He said that interest in sports is growing in every household and among the youth, making Haryana a leading sporting state in the country.

Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said this while attending a grand Kabaddi tournament held on the occasion of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti in village Mahra, Gohana Assembly constituency as the Chief Guest.

While addressing the gathering he said that since 2014, Haryana has made remarkable progress in several sectors. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has also appreciated Haryana’s sports policy and the capability of its players, and other states are now adopting similar policies.

Dr. Sharma said that out of the 126 athletes who represented the country in the Tokyo Olympics, 32 were from Haryana. Of the seven medals won by India, Haryana athletes contributed significantly by winning one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Similarly, in the 2024 Olympics, Haryana players won five out of the six medals secured by the country. Over the last 11 years, around 16,500 players have been awarded cash prizes worth Rs.700 crore, and 231 talented sportspersons have been given government jobs. Athletes are being provided with better training facilities and an encouraging environment for international competitions so they can continue to bring pride to the state and the nation, he added.

Dr. Sharma also inaugurated several development projects worth Rs. 40 lakh in village Mahra and laid the foundation stone of a Brahmin Chaupal to be built at a cost of Rs.12 lakh. He also announced the construction of a boundary wall and shed for the village sports academy.

Chandigarh, February 13: In a significant move to enhance transparency and efficiency in employee data management, the Haryana Government has issued detailed instructions to streamline processes related to OTP generation and employee data on the Security of Service Portal.

A letter in this regard, issued by the Chief Secretary’s Office, has directed all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Managing Directors, Divisional Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners to ensure strict compliance with updated guidelines for uploading accurate data of eligible contractual employees on the HKRNL and Treasuries & Accounts (T&A) databases.

The initiative aims to resolve technical issues that were affecting OTP generation for certain contractual employees. As per the official communication, OTP-related issues were largely linked to incorrect mobile numbers, discrepancies in family ID details, or salary not being drawn from the designated contractual head of account. Departments have now been instructed to verify and certify employee details to enable smooth authentication and service validation.

To ensure accountability and accuracy, concerned authorities including Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, and Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been made responsible for issuing formal certification in cases where discrepancies arise. This certification will confirm the authenticity of contractual employment, mode of engagement, and proper salary disbursement under the appropriate head of account.

The government has also reiterated that the responsibility for managing employee data rests with the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited (HKRNL) and the Treasuries & Accounts Department. Verified data will be transmitted to the Haryana Knowledge Corporation Limited (HKCL) to ensure seamless integration and uninterrupted functioning of the Security of Service Portal.

In addition, departments have been advised to promptly rectify cases where offices or DDOs are not appearing in the portal’s drop-down menu to avoid operational delays.

These measures will significantly improve the accuracy of employee records, enhance digital governance standards, and ensure timely delivery of services to eligible contractual employees across the State. The instructions have been circulated for immediate implementation across all departments and subordinate offices.

Chandigarh, February 13 – Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma today paid a courtesy call on Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Sh. Amit Shah at his office in New Delhi during the ongoing Lok Sabha session.

During the visit, Dr. Sharma shared details about the various steps being taken to strengthen the cooperative sector in Haryana under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. He said the Haryana Government is continuously working towards strengthening the rural economy and promoting the cooperatives.

The meeting included meaningful discussions on strengthening the cooperative sector, empowering institutional structures, promoting transparency and good governance, and ensuring the overall development of farmers and the rural economy.

Dr. Arvind Sharma expressed his gratitude to Union Minister Sh. Amit Shah for his visionary guidance and valuable suggestions.

Chandigarh:

AAP National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda launched a sharp attack on Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, saying that the hard-earned money of Haryana’s people is being used in attempts to buy MLAs in Punjab. He called it a direct attack on democracy and a betrayal of public trust.

Dhanda said that Haryana is currently struggling with serious issues such as unemployment, poor law and order, broken roads, rising drug menace, and neglect of sportspersons. Players have not received their diet allowance for nine months. Pensions of the elderly are being cut. Schemes for women are facing reductions. Youth are wandering in search of jobs. Despite all this, the Chief Minister is not concerned about these issues and is instead busy in political conspiracies.

He said that if the Haryana government has so much money and energy, it should be used to improve governance in the state rather than trying to break MLAs in Punjab. It is shameful that taxpayers’ money is allegedly being spent to destabilize democracy.

Dhanda added that, on the other hand, under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, the AAP government in Punjab has provided more than 62,000 government jobs in just four years without recommendation or corruption. Governance is being run on transparency and honesty, which is why the BJP is rattled and resorting to conspiracies.

He said that AAP MLAs are not for sale. They are dedicated workers inspired by the ideology of Arvind Kejriwal and cannot be lured by money or positions. Unlike BJP and Congress, AAP does not indulge in politics of deals and bargaining for power.

Dhanda warned Chief Minister Nayab Singh to answer the people of Haryana: when players are practicing on empty stomachs, youth are struggling for employment, and the elderly are worried about pensions, why is his priority political conspiracies in Punjab? The public is watching and will respond at the right time.

The Aam Aadmi Party has made it clear that the politics of buying and selling democracy will not be allowed to succeed at any cost. The Haryana government should spend its remaining tenure serving the people rather than attempting to destabilize democratically elected governments.

CHANDIGARH, 13th February 2026:

The Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday held its second meeting to finalise an extensive, year-long roadmap for commemorating the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji, with a clear resolve to elevate the celebrations to a global scale and carry the Guru’s message of equality, humanity and devotion to every corner of the state and beyond.

During the meeting, Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Advisor to the Tourism Department Deepak Bali and special invitee Pawan Tinu held detailed deliberations on the month-wise organisation of programmes, ensuring a balanced blend of spiritual reverence, educational outreach and social welfare initiatives.

Highlighting the spiritual dimension of the celebrations, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Our goal is to celebrate this historic occasion on a scale that reflects the profound impact of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji’s teachings on society. We are committed to ensuring that every citizen, especially our youth, connects with the message of ‘Begampura’—a society free from sorrow and discrimination.”

The committee decided to organise four major Shobha Yatras originating from Varanasi, Faridkot, Jammu and Bathinda, which will converge at Sri Khuralgarh Sahib, the revered tap asthan of Guru ji. It was also resolved to facilitate a Tirath Yatra for pilgrims from different parts of Punjab to visit the Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Janam Sathan Mandir at Seer Govardanpur, Varanasi, enabling devotees to pay obeisance at the sacred birthplace.

To ensure that Guru Ji’s philosophy reaches the younger generation in a meaningful manner, the sub-committee approved seminars on the life and teachings of Sri Guru Ravidass Ji in schools, colleges and universities across the state. The roadmap also includes innovative outreach through drone shows in every district and the screening of documentary films in villages, using modern technology and visual media to strengthen awareness and engagement.

Reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and social service, the committee discussed launching a massive plantation drive involving 6.5 lakh saplings per district dedicated to the 650th anniversary. Statewide blood donation camps, marathons, cycle rallies and grand Kirtan Samagams will also be organised to promote community bonding and physical well-being as part of the year-long commemorations.

Special Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Punjab and Secretary Tourism Kumar Amit, Director Tourism Sanjeev Tiwari, and Deputy Director Tourism Yashpal Sharma were also present in the meeting.