Category Archives: Haryana

Chandigarh, Haryana, Haryana, Punjab

World Health Day: PGIMER Medical Researchers Turn Models at Fashion Show

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Panchkula: To mark World Health Day in a befitting manner, a unique fashion show was organised by Jia Diamonds to acknowledge the contributions made by medical researchers towards society. The event provided a platform for medical researchers from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to turn fashion models for the evening.

Speaking on the occasion, organiser of the fashion show,H C Goyal said, “This fashion show is not just about showcasing jewellery, but about paying a rich tribute to the medical fraternity on World Health Day. By bringing PGIMER researchers to do a fashion walk, we wanted to challenge conventional notions of beauty. These women represent strength, intelligence, and resilience, and deserve to be celebrated in every space—including fashion.”

The fashion show stood out for its distinctive concept—blending science with style—featuring four medical researchers from PGIMER Chandigarh alongside a professional model. Those who sashayed down the ramp included Tanisha Dimri and Poonam Kushan from the Department of Ophthalmology, PGIMER; and Ishneet and Megha from PGIMER’s Department of Dermatology. All of them are working as medical researchers at PGI.

The participation of medical researchers added a meaningful dimension to the event, symbolizing the balance between demanding professional roles and personal expression. Adding a special touch to the showcase, a 10-year-old girl , who walked in the fashion show as the showstopper.

The fashion show was designed in three rounds—bridal, designer evening wear, and casual styling—demonstrating how fine jewellery can seamlessly complement every facet of a modern woman’s life. The event witnessed the presence of prominent members of the tricity, including senior bureaucrats, political dignitaries, and retired defence personnel.

The show was brought to life by a creative team including makeup artist Anjali Shukla, stylist Sagar Pal, and designer Prashik Pushplata Sukhnandan.

In conclusion, H.C. Goyal said, “This was not just a fashion walk—it was a celebration of the strength, balance, and human spirit behind every woman, especially those who dedicate their lives to serving others.”

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haryana, Haryana, Himachal, Punjab

IPL 2026: Highland Group & Punjab Kings Reinforce Partnership Further

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Chandigarh, March 26

Building on a successful first season, Highland Group has continued its partnership with Indian Premier League(IPL) cricket team Punjab Kings as the official real estate partner for IPL 2026—The announcement of continuation of partnership and its further reinforcement, was made during a press conference here, which was addressed by Highland Group’s Directors Vishal Goyal and Harjinder Singh Rangi, who were joined by Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings. 

The group also unveiled ‘The Address of Kings’ campaign, which will bring leading lifestyle and sports creators to experience Highland’s projects before exclusive match-day interactions with players like Shreyas Iyer and Arshdeep Singh during IPL 2026. Details of the group’s upcoming project Highland Mayfields were also shared. 

Speaking at the press conference, Director Vishal Goyal said, “Cricket has been a defining part of my journey, having played at the under-19 Ranji level, and it continues to shape how I view discipline, performance, and teamwork. This association with Punjab Kings is therefore deeply personal as well as strategic. The second-year association brings ‘The Address of Kings’ to life with ultra-luxury living at Highland Mayfields, Mohali. Through ‘The Address of Kings’, we are creating a bridge between the energy of the sport and the lifestyle we are building—one that reflects ambition, passion, and the spirit of Punjab.”

The highlight of the press conference was a peek given to media into Highland Group’s flagship project, Highland Mayfields, which is being positioned as a sports-centric residential development. The event also witnessed the formal launch of a high octane ‘anthem’ specially created by Highland Group for Punjab Kings. 

Goyal emphasized that sports, particularly cricket, are deeply embedded in the philosophy of their flagship project, Highland Mayfields.

Director Harjinder Singh Rangi said, “Our collaboration is growing stronger, season by season. Through this, we aim to integrate the energy of professional sports into our residential ecosystem, making Highland Mayfields not just a place to live, but a vibrant community built around active lifestyles.”

He added, “This tie-up is about more than just two brands coming together—it is about representing Punjab & its culture on a larger stage. As two ‘Made-in-Punjab’ brands, we are building spaces that truly reflect the modern, high-energy identity of our home state.”

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon, while welcoming the continued partnership, said, “We are delighted to extend our association with Highland Group. Partnerships like these help us deepen our connection with communities and create meaningful engagement beyond the field of cricket,” he said.

The company shared updates on the construction progress at Highland Mayfields, stating that development is progressing steadily as per timelines. Notably, Mayfields is a 15-acre low-density development in Sector 118, Mohali, offering exceptional privacy with just two residences per floor. The project combines the exclusivity of a villa with the advantages of a luxury high-rise. With expansive balconies, premium finishes, and over 85 world-class amenities—including three sprawling clubhouses, rooftop horizon pools, and skyscape gyms—Mayfields delivers a five-star living experience.

Looking ahead, Highland Group will roll out a series of integrated marketing initiatives with Punjab Kings during the IPL season under ‘The Address of Kings’ campaign, combining fan engagement, on-ground activations, and digital initiatives to deepen brand recall and community connect.

Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haryana, Haryana, Punjab, Punjab

Akhil Bhartiya Gurjar Mahasabha to launch anti-drugs campaign in Punjab; Kamaldev Chauhan appointed as state president

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Chandigarh:

पंजाब में नशे के खिलाफ जारी जंग में अब अखिल भारतीय गुर्जर महासभा ने भी अपनी सक्रिय भागीदारी सुनिश्चित करने का ऐलान किया है। संगठन पूरे राज्य में युवाओं को नशे के खिलाफ जागरूक करने के लिए ‘नशा मुक्ति यात्राएं’ निकालेगा। इस अभियान की शुरुआत औद्योगिक शहर लुधियाना से की जाएगी। यह अहम फैसला चंडीगढ़ में आयोजित अखिल भारतीय गुर्जर महासभा की पंजाब कार्यकारिणी की बैठक में लिया गया। इस मौके पर संगठन के राष्ट्रीय संगठन मंत्री बच्चू सिंह बैंसला विशेष तौर पर उपस्थित रहे। बैठक के दौरान सर्वसम्मति से कमलदेव चौहान को संगठन की पंजाब इकाई का प्रदेश अध्यक्ष नियुक्त किया गया और उन्हें इस पूरे अभियान की कमान सौंपी गई।


राज्यपाल की मुहिम से जुड़ने का ऐलान


नवनियुक्त प्रदेश प्रधान कमलदेव चौहान ने कार्यभार संभालने के बाद स्पष्ट किया कि गुर्जर समाज का मुख्य उद्देश्य युवाओं को नशे के दुष्प्रभावों से बचाकर उन्हें एक सकारात्मक दिशा देना है। उन्होंने बताया कि पंजाब के राज्यपाल गुलाब चंद कटारिया पिछले कुछ समय से प्रदेश के सीमावर्ती जिलों सहित पूरे राज्य में ‘नशा मुक्त पंजाब’ के लिए लगातार पदयात्राएं कर रहे हैं। गुर्जर समाज भी राज्यपाल की इस मुहिम में सक्रिय भूमिका निभाएगा और कदम से कदम मिलाकर चलेगा। संगठन की ओर से इस अभियान की रूपरेखा और सभी तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गई हैं। इसके साथ ही, इस पूरे प्रयास और आगामी यात्राओं के विषय में राज्यपाल को भी विस्तृत जानकारी दे दी गई है। चौहान ने कहा कि यदि पंजाब को फिर से विकास और प्रगति के रास्ते पर ले जाना है, तो सबसे पहले नशा मुक्ति को ही प्राथमिकता देनी होगी।

2027 के चुनावों पर नजर, गांव-गांव करेंगे प्रचार


सामाजिक जागरूकता के साथ-साथ गुर्जर समाज ने पंजाब की राजनीति में भी अपनी मजबूत दावेदारी पेश की है। महासभा के नेताओं ने दावा किया है कि पंजाब में गुर्जर समाज की आबादी लगभग 9 प्रतिशत है, जो एक बड़ा वोट बैंक है। यह समुदाय 2027 के आगामी पंजाब विधानसभा चुनावों में निर्णायक भूमिका निभाने की तैयारी कर रहा है। प्रदेश अध्यक्ष ने कहा कि अब समाज के नेता और कार्यकर्ता गांव-गांव जाकर अपने लोगों को एकजुट करेंगे। चुनाव के समय संगठन अपनी पूरी ताकत दिखाएगा और जिस भी पार्टी या प्रतिनिधि का समर्थन करेगा, उसका खुलेआम मंच से ऐलान किया जाएगा। संगठन का मानना है कि नशे से मुक्त होकर ही युवा सही मायने में आत्मनिर्भर बन पाएंगे और समाज के साथ-साथ प्रदेश के राजनीतिक व आर्थिक विकास में अपनी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकेंगे।

Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haryana, Himachal, Punjab

16 Brave-Heart Donor Families Honoured for Impacting 80 Lives through Organ & Tissue Transplantation

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Chandigarh:

In a deeply moving tribute to the spirit of humanity and compassion, 16 brave-heart donor families were honoured at PGIMER for their extraordinary decision to consent to organ donation in the midst of their personal tragedy—an act that has impacted 80 lives, including giving a second lease of life to 52 patients suffering from end-stage organ failure and restoring sight to 28 corneal blind patients through organ and tissue transplantation at PGIMER.

The tribute ceremony was held during the inaugural session of SAMARTHAN 2026, a CME-cum-Workshop on Organ Donation and Transplantation organised by ROTTO North, PGIMER Chandigarh, which witnessed participation by over 200 delegates from the medical fraternity and civil society across the region.

The emotional felicitation saw the entire auditorium rise in a standing ovation, acknowledging the extraordinary courage and generosity of the donor families whose selfless decision transformed personal grief into a gift of life for dozens of patients awaiting transplants.

Paying rich tributes to the donor families, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director PGIMER, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, said,“PGIMER owes its distinct place in organ transplantation to all the donor families. It would not have been possible to reach this far without the courageous decisions and selfless gestures of these families. There is no metric to measure such a magnanimous gift of life. It is deeply gratifying that the donor families trusted PGIMER with their noblest wish to save others’ lives and that the institute could live up to that trust.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anil Kumar, Director, National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation, New Delhi, who attended as Guest of Honour, said that the only sustainable way to bridge the gap between organ availability and requirement is to create a culture of voluntary deceased organ donation. He emphasised that when society empathizes with patients waiting for organs and pledges for organ donation, countless lives can be saved. He also reiterated NOTTO’s commitment to strengthening awareness initiatives and engaging students as young ambassadors of change.

Lauding the spirit of generosity in the region, Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Senior Regional Director, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Chandigarh, highlighted that the spirit behind organising Samarthan 2026 is to disseminate correct information and further strengthen the movement for organ donation . She noted that nothing can be more motivating than the presence of brave-heart donor families, whose courageous decisions amidst immense grief inspire hope for thousands of patients waiting for life-saving transplants.

 The brave-heart families honoured on the occasion included those of Sukhwinder Singh, 40 years, from Sunam, Sangrur; Jatinder Singh, 36 years, from Fatehgarh Sahib; Ravinder Singh, 36 years, from Chandigarh; Harpreet Kaur, 17 years, from Bassi Pathana; Navneet Thakur, 23 years, from Kangra;  Major Singh, 54 years, from Rajpura, Patiala;  Parveen Kumar, 44 years, from Panchkula;  Naresh Kumar, 30 years, from Kaithal; and Raveesh Kunwar Malik, 36 years, from Zirakpur.

Also honoured were the families of  Harpinder Singh, 40 years, from Anandpur Sahib; Gurnoor Singh, 18 years, from Ludhiana; and Davinder Singh, 36 years, from Ropar. Additionally, the families of Arshdeep Singh, 18 years; Balwinder Singh, 56 years; Pyar Chand, 44 years; and Biswanath Saw, 44 years from the Indian Army were also honoured for their inspiring contribution.

Earlier, setting the context, Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent PGIMER, Head Department of Hospital Administration and Nodal Officer ROTTO North, stated that the objective of organising Samarthan 2026 is to build further impetus to ROTTO North’s agenda on organ donation while highlighting the critical enablers and coordinated institutional efforts that make organ donation and transplantation possible.

The inaugural session was followed by an academic workshop featuring eminent clinicians and experts, who deliberated on multiple facets of organ transplantation. The sessions focused on strengthening deceased organ donation programmes, improving coordination mechanisms and promoting awareness, leading to engaging discussions and meaningful knowledge exchange among participants.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Haryana

Role of youth is crucial in the resolve of making ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047: Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan

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Chandigarh, January 16

The second edition of the two-day ‘Haryana Yuva Samvad’ began on Friday in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha with the cooperation of the Rajdhani Yuva Sansad organization. The programme was inaugurated by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Sixty-five participants from 13 states are taking part in the programme.

Addressing the programme, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said that India endured a long and difficult period of slavery, during which attempts were made to damage its rich culture and values. Despite this, India is the world’s largest democracy today and is continuously moving on the path of development. This is proof of the strength of the Constitution and the unity of the people of the country. The Constitution teaches us that the real strength of India lies in its people. All of us together have to realize the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047.

He said that India is a country of diversity. There are different languages, traditions, and cultures, but amid all these, there is a common goal—the progress of the nation and the State. Although the languages of states may differ in various Legislative Assemblies of the country, the objective of all public representatives is to frame effective and welfare-oriented policies for every section of society. Removing the difficulties of the people and fulfilling their needs is the real aim.

Harvinder Kalyan told the youth that today they are sitting in the same Vidhan Sabha building from where many eminent MLAs and leaders have played an important role in law-making and the all-round development of Haryana. He expressed hope that the youth present here would, in the future, get an opportunity to become public representatives, carry forward democratic traditions, and participate actively and meaningfully in discussions in the House.

He said that diversity of opinions is natural in a democracy, but youth should move forward with positive thinking towards solutions, so that society and the nation can get a new direction.

The Vidhan Sabha Speaker said that if the country has to move forward, it is essential to empower women socially, politically, and economically. With this objective, a historic Bill providing 33 percent reservation to women has been passed.

Sharing his experience of the Commonwealth Parliament held in Delhi, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said that many Speakers from different countries were surprised that India is progressing so strongly despite having hundreds of languages, customs, and cultural diversities.

During the programme, MLA Pooja Chaudhary, Advisor to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Ram Narayan Yadav, co-founder of Haryana Yuva Samvad Jai Saini, and Isha Kapoor also addressed the youth and shared their views on the freedom movement, experiences of the Constituent Assembly, democratic values, leadership capacity, and the role of youth.

In the second phase of the programme, a question hour was organized. Thereafter, two special sessions were held. In the first session, in-depth discussion was held on the topic ‘Sustainable Development of Haryana: Industrial Expansion, Environmental Protection, and Balanced Use of Natural Resources’. In the second session, the Haryana Industrial Policy–2025 was discussed in detail with reference to the need for industrial expansion, challenges before it, and the necessary steps to achieve Vision 2030.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Clarification by Energy Minister Anil Vij: Reports on Termination of Kalyanpur–Badlapara Coal Block Are Misleading

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Chandigarh, January 14 — Haryana’s Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij has categorically clarified14 that reports published in certain sections of the media claiming termination of the Kalyanpur–Badlapara coal block in Jharkhand, allotted to Haryana, are completely misleading and factually incorrect. He asserted that no termination of the coal block has taken place as per the official sources.

Sh. Anil Vij said that the factual position is that the Ministry of Coal (MoC) had issued only a show-cause notice to the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL) seeking clarification on certain procedural aspects related to the coal block. HPGCL has submitted a detailed reply within the stipulated time, along with a request that the allocation of the coal block should not be terminated.

He informed that HPGCL has already engaged a Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) for the development of the coal block. Land survey work has been completed, boundary work has been completed and drilling activities are currently in progress. Other developmental activities have also commenced and are being carried out as per schedule in line with the approved timeline.

Sh. Vij said that as per the current project schedule, coal production from this block is expected to begin in time to supply coal to the Yamunanagar Thermal Power Plant by the year 2030. There is a clear distinction between issuance of a show-cause notice and termination of a coal block. A show-cause notice is issued to seek clarification and does not imply cancellation of allocation. At present, the coal block allocation remains intact, and development work is continuing as planned.

The Energy Minister urged the media to verify facts before publishing such reports and advised the public not to be misled by unverified or speculative information.

Business, Chandigarh, Food, Haryana, Punjab, Punjab

Blue Tokai Brings Origins, Their Flagship Café Experience, to Mohali

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Mohali, January 10, 2026: Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, India’s largest specialty coffee brand, has announced the launch of Blue Tokai Origins at HLP Galleria, Sector 62, Mohali. With this opening, the brand takes its most immersive coffee experience beyond metros to a

fast-growing, culturally curious market. Guests can explore some of India’s rarest micro-lots, chef-curated meals, and immersive experiences that present coffee in a new light.

At the launch event, co-founder and COO, Shivam Shahi said, “With Origins Mohali, we’re bringing the story of Indian coffee closer to a new audience… one that’s curious, evolving, and ready to engage deeply with the craft. It’s where we slow coffee down so people can truly understand the work, people, and the journey behind every cup”.

Celebrating Indian Coffee at Scale, Without Losing Craft

While focusing on increasing footprint in a rapidly growing industry, Origins stands as Blue Tokai’s proof that scale and craft can co-exist. This flagship experience store highlights Indian estates, regional terroirs, and a wide range of brewing methods,

reinforcing the brand’s farmer-first philosophy.

At The Play Bar, some of the rarest coffee lots roasted by Blue Tokai, frozen at peak flavour, are preserved in a temperature-controlled space. Guests can taste their way through seven distinct brewing methods, including Chemex, Syphon, Slow Drip, and more.

Adding to this experience is the Nitro Cold Brew tap, serving chilled, nitrogen-infused single-origin cold brew crafted using patented technology that extracts a wider range of flavour compounds.

A Comfort-First, Craft-Led Menu

The menu is designed in collaboration with Chef Auroni Mukherjee, one of India’s most celebrated young chefs, known for his flavour-first approach to modern Indian cuisine. Highlights include:

·      Handmade pastas with twists such as Chilli Crunch Carbonara

·      Gourmet club sandwiches and open-faced toasts built on signature sourdough

breads by Suchali’s Artisan Bakehouse

·      A selection of desserts featuring familiar comforts and sweet surprises such as classic tiramisu and a light-yet-decadent Coconut Berry Lamington

It blends warmth and technique, reflective of the brand’s own identity—rooted in mastery without losing accessibility for a wide audience.

A Space Brewing Community

Origins is designed as a community-driven space. Cuppings, workshops, collaborations, and cultural events position it as a hub for learning and exchange.

The space encourages dialogue between baristas and guests, as well as between

farmers’ stories and everyday drinkers.

“Origins is where coffee becomes a shared language, bringing together growers,

brewers, and drinkers in one space.”, said Shivam Shahi.

About Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters

Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters is India’s largest specialty coffee brand, founded in 2013 and dedicated to sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee from more than 80 of India’s finest coffee farms. Its mission is rooted in making high-quality Indian specialty coffee accessible to more people through its cafés and products. With a commitment to quality and innovation, the brand has built a loyal community of coffee lovers and continues to redefine coffee culture in India.

Haryana

Agnipath Scheme Brings New Enthusiasm Among Youth

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Chandigarh, January 5 — Haryana Sainik and Ardh- Sainik Welfare Minister, Rao Narbir Singh said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Sh Rajnath Singh, the Agnipath Scheme was launched in June 2022 with the objective of strengthening the youthful profile of the Indian Armed Forces and instilling enthusiasm, passion and discipline among the youth for service to the nation. Under this scheme, young people are provided the opportunity to serve as Agniveers for a period of four years.

He informed that the service tenure of the first batch under the Agnipath Scheme will be completed in July 2026. Thereafter, to ensure a bright future for Agniveers, the Haryana Government has formulated the Haryana Agniveer Policy–2024, which will be effectively implemented from August 2026. Through this policy, Agniveers will be provided employment opportunities in government jobs and other sectors. Rao Narbir Singh stated that Haryana has become the first state in the country to provide an employment security cover to Agniveers after their service in the Armed Forces.

The Minister further said that during the year 2022–23, a national-level target of recruiting 26,649 Agniveers was set for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In this sequence, 1,830 Agniveers were recruited from Haryana in 2022–23 and 2,215 in 2023–24. He said that despite limited representation in terms of population and geography, the spirit of patriotism among Haryana’s youth is particularly evident. The youth here proudly choose the uniform of the Armed Forces over white-collar jobs. This is why every tenth soldier in the country’s Armed Forces hails from Haryana.

Rao Narbir Singh said that the Haryana Government constituted a separate Department of Sainik and Ardh- Sainik Welfare in 2016 for the welfare of ex-servicemen, para-military forces, and their dependents. From October 2014 till date, the state government has provided government jobs on compassionate grounds to the dependents of 418 martyrs.

He informed that during the Seva Pakhwada programmes held from 17 September to 2 October 2025, reunions of ex-servicemen were organized according to various corps and regiments of the Army. In addition, proposals are being prepared in accordance with Haryana Government policy to name schools and other institutions after the martyrs of the 1962, 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars.

During these programmes, ex-servicemen, personnel of para-military forces, and families of martyrs were invited and tree plantation was carried out by them. Rao Narbir Singh said that such events have effectively infused a renewed resolve of patriotism, sacrifice, and service to the nation among the youth of Haryana.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Repeated Falsehoods have turned Congress, INDI alliance into a Subject of Public Mockery-CM

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Chandigarh, January 5- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Congress party and the INDI alliance deliberately misleading MGNREGA workers through a sustained campaign of falsehoods. Their repeated lies have completely destroyed their credibility and led people to openly mock and dismiss their claims.

Addressing a press conference here today, the Chief Minister said Congress has mastered the art of spreading misinformation whenever it runs out of logic or constructive ideas. He said that every time welfare reforms are introduced for the poor, Congress and the INDI alliance begin questioning the initiatives instead of offering solutions.

Cabinet Ministers, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar and Media Secretary to Chief minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey also remained present on this occasion.

The Chief Minister said that if Congress had any genuine suggestions for Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, they should have raised them in the Lok Sabha. Instead, he said, they avoid debate, shut down discussions, and walk away without answers. A similar pattern is seen in state assemblies, where Congress members arrive unprepared, submit incomplete representations, and leave, only to later spread rumours among the public, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.  He said that instead of spreading misinformation about the “Developed India” vision and welfare schemes, Congress and the INDI alliance should come clean about their own record. 

Congress-AAP Share a ‘Bua-Fuffad’ Bond-CM

Mocking Punjab Government of hastily passing pass the resolution on the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 in their Vidhan Sabha on December 30, the Chief Minister said  Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should have  clearly read the Act before passing any resolution. He added that instead of political theatrics between Congress and AAP, who share a Bua-Fuffad relationship, Bhagwant Mann should ensure Punjab pays Rs. 400 wages like Haryana, instead of the current Rs. 339.

He said that passing a resolution just like that is  nothing but a politically orchestrated move devoid of facts, figures or seriousness. He said that the opposition parties are deliberately misleading the public on an issue that concerns the livelihoods of crores of rural workers and farmers.  He said the resolution reflected political opportunism rather than concern for rural welfare, as it neither cited any data nor offered a single constructive suggestion. He said that the move was aimed solely at creating confusion and pushing a false narrative around the VB-G RAM-G Act, a flagship rural reform launched under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi to strengthen employment and livelihood security in villages.

MGNREGA became synonymous with corruption under Congress rule, says CM

Citing the 2013 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, the Chief Minister said that during the UPA and Congress regimes, MGNREGA was riddled with fake beneficiaries, manipulated job cards and large-scale financial misappropriation, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He said the absence of biometric authentication and effective monitoring made it impossible to verify whether registered workers were genuine or whether wages reached the intended beneficiaries. As a result, funds were routinely siphoned off.

The Chief Minister said that during the Congress regime, this scheme gradually lost its developmental purpose and was reduced to activities such as digging and refilling pits, producing artificial ‘man-days’ instead of durable assets. It became a tool for fund diversion rather than a mechanism for nation-building, he remarked.

Punjab example exposes scale of misuse and non-payment of wages- CM

Referring to Punjab, the Chief Minister said that during a visit by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan workers complained that they were being denied their rightful wages while contractors were appropriating the funds.

He said a social audit conducted in 5,915 out of 13,304-gram panchayats in Punjab revealed 10,663 cases of financial irregularities, including illegal withdrawals in the name of road and canal cleaning. Despite these findings and intervention by central teams, no recovery was made and no action was taken against those responsible. Public money meant for labourers continued to be diverted, while genuine workers were left unpaid, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

AAP opposing reforms to shield corruption, says CM

The Chief Minister said it was deeply ironic that the AAP government in Punjab was opposing reforms to rural employment and passing resolutions against the new law. This opposition exposes their intent to protect corruption and also reflects their indifference towards the hardworking labourers of Punjab, he said.

Haryana pays highest rural wages in India- CM

Highlighting Haryana’s wage structure, the Chief Minister said the state pays a minimum daily wage of Rs. 400, enabling rural labourers to earn at least Rs. 50,000 annually. By comparison, he shared, the minimum daily wage is Rs. 339 in Punjab and Rs. 236 in Himachal Pradesh, clearly demonstrating Haryana’s commitment to worker welfare.

Haryana’s record proves intent: three times more payments than Congress era-CM

The Chief Minister said that between October 2014 and October 2025, Haryana disbursed Rs. 5,243 crore to rural workers, compared to Rs..1,854 crore during 10 years of Congress rule. This clearly shows that more people were given work and higher payments under our government, he said, adding that Rs. 1,000 crores has been provided in the current financial year’s budget as well.

Chandigarh, Haryana

328 MISSING SAROOPS MATTER: SPECIAL INVESTIGATION TEAM (SIT) CONDUCTS RAIDS AND EFFECTS 02 ARRESTS

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CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, January 4:

 The Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducting the investigations of the 328 missing Saroops matter has arrested two persons, conducted search operations at 14 locations and seized mobile devices, tablets, computers and accessories, storage devices and incriminating financial records and documents.

 A spokesperson of the SIT stated here today that a total of 16 persons have been named in the FIR registered in Police Station C-Division, Commissionerate Amritsar. Two accused persons have allegedly died and 14 persons are under investigations. Satinder Singh Kohli and Kanwaljit Singh alias Kawaljit Singh have been arrested in this case so far.

 The spokesperson further stated that Kanwaljit Singh alias Kawaljit Singh has been arrested on 03-01-2026. He was working as Assistant and played a direct role in serious irregularities relating to maintenance, handling of religious scriptures, and unauthorized preparation/storage of scriptures.

The spokesperson added that search operations have been conducted at 14 locations in Punjab and Chandigarh, including 02 locations in Chandigarh, 08 locations in Amritsar City and 01 location each in Gurdaspur, Ropar, Tarn Taran and Amritsar Rural. During the searches, 07 mobile phones, 03 tablets, 02 laptops, 01 storage device and incriminating financial records and documents have been seized.

 The seized electronic devices will be analyzed forensically and the seized documents and financial documents are under scanner as payments made by companies associated with several persons, including politicians are being scrutinized.

 The SIT is conducting investigations and collecting evidence in a systematic and meticulous manner. More searches and arrests are likely to take place. Further investigations are ongoing.