CHANDIGARH, August 31:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 183rd day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 324 locations on Sunday leading to the arrest of 68 drug smugglers after registration of 46 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 27,787 in 183 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 3.9 heroin, 2.5 kg opium, 962 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 2 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 100 Police teams, comprising over 900 police personnel, under the supervision of 70 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 356 suspicious persons during the day-long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 28 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.

Chandigarh/Patiala, August 14:

Following discussions with Punjab Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO in Patiala today, the PSEB Employees Joint Forum and Bijli Mulazam Ekta Manch Punjab have announced withdrawal of their ongoing strike action.

The breakthrough came after extensive meetings, held on August 10 and 14, 2025, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, alongside PSPCL administration officials at Punjab Bhawan and PSPCL Guest House, Chandigarh, culminated in the acceptance of key employee demands, with formal minutes documenting the agreements reached.

Addressing the media, Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that comprehensive discussions between union representatives and the government had yielded mutually acceptable solutions. He assured that PSPCL’s Board of Directors would expedite formal approval of the agreed provisions, while matters requiring Punjab Cabinet sanction would be fast-tracked through appropriate channels.

The Power Minister thanked organizational leaders and members for demonstrating trust in government assurances and resuming duties promptly. He stressed the critical importance of the period leading up to September 30, highlighting the essential need for uninterrupted power supply during the peak paddy cultivation season and heightened domestic consumption.

Reinforcing Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to youth employment, the Cabinet Minister highlighted the government’s remarkable achievement of creating over 55,000 employment opportunities across the past three and a half years. Addressing recruitment concerns within PSPCL and PSTCL, he disclosed that more than 7,000 appointments have already been completed, with an additional 11,000 positions scheduled for completion by year-end.

Similarly, it has been decided to increase the ex-gratia amount by ₹5 lakh, raising it to ₹35 lakh. A committee has also been constituted to address the demands of outsourced and contractual employees and its recommendations will be implemented as soon as they are submitted.

The Power Minister assured that the people of Punjab would not face any inconvenience and the Mann Government is committed to accepting every legitimate demand of government employees.

Chandigarh, August 13 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport & Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that when the spirit of patriotism fully takes root and roars within the people, even the greatest enemies of the nation flee in fear. He said that as the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, his party has decided to organize Tiranga Yatra in every city and state to drape the country in the colours of the national flag. In this series of programs, a large number of people participated in the Tiranga Yatra held today in Ambala Cantonment, where they danced, sang, and swayed to patriotic tunes.

While speaking to Media Persons after the massive Tiranga Yatra organised in Ambala Cantonment on the occasion of Independence Day, Sh. Vij said that under his leadership, the Bharatiya Janata Party took out the Yatra with great enthusiasm. Sh. Vij was seen immersed in patriotic fervour, holding the Tricolour in his hand, dancing to patriotic songs, and infusing the atmosphere with energy by waving the flag and raising slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.

*The entire city was awash in the colours of the Tricolour, with tremendous enthusiasm among the people for the Yatra*

The Tiranga Yatra began from Aggarwal Dharamshala in Ambala Cantonment and saw participation from thousands of workers as well as citizens. The city was draped in the colours of the national flag, and excitement among the people was palpable. Throughout the route, the Yatra was greeted with grand welcomes. The procession, starting from Aggarwal Dharamshala, passed through Railway Road, Sadar Bazar, Sabzi Mandi, Pul Chameli, Kesra Bazar, Kabadi Bazar, and Government College before returning to its starting point.

*Ambala Cantonment overflowed with patriotic spirit during the Tiranga Yatra*

Everywhere the Yatra passed, people danced and swayed to patriotic songs. Flowers were showered on the march at various points along the route. Residents and shopkeepers welcomed the procession by throwing flowers from the rooftops of their homes and shops. During the program, Sh. Vij greeted the participants and extended Independence Day wishes to all.

Prominent attendees included State Organization General Secretary Phanidranath Sharma, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice-Chairman Lalata Prasad, BJP leaders Jasbir Singh Jassi, Dimple Gupta, Aarti Sehgal, Surender Bindra, Ajay Baveja, Ravi Buddhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Pravesh Sharma, Vikas Bahgal, Sanjeev Soni, B.S. Bindra, Ashish Aggarwal, Madan Lal Sharma, Ram Babu Yadav, Bharat Kochhar, Fakir Chand Saini, Billu Rana, Balkesh Vats, Subhash Sharma, Ramesh Saini, Randhir Singh, Sudarshan Singh Sehgal, Shyam Sunder Arora, Balit Nagpal among others.

Chandigarh, August 13

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Congress won 10 seats in the state by margins ranging from 100 to 1,000 votes. If there were any faults in the EVMs, Congress would not have won these seats. He emphasized that the public should not be misled on this issue. The Chief Minister added that Congress members should explain this to their leader Sh Rahul Gandhi and get him treated, as “there is no cure for lies.”

The Chief Minister was interacting with the media persons after the Tiranga Yatra in Kurukshetra on Wednesday. The Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana, and Chairman Sh Dharam Veer Mirzapur were also present on the occasion.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that whenever election results are announced whether in the state or across the country, Congress routinely blames the EVMs. He added that during this election, Congress leaders repeatedly claimed that if Narendra Modi became Prime Minister for a third term, the Constitution would be in danger. Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA alliance campaigned using the Constitution as a symbol, but the people of the country rejected their false narratives. Instead, they elected Sh Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. In Haryana too, the BJP formed the government for the third time in a row.

He said that Congress has no real issues left and is now frustrated. The party ruled the country for 55 years, but today, seeing the rapid development under BJP rule, Congress leaders have lost their mental balance. Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has ended Congress’s corrupt practices and worked for the welfare of the poor. He provided Ayushman cards, built toilets in every home, ensured ration reaches the needy, and gave gas cylinders to poor families under the Ujjwala Yojana. Congress is unhappy with the BJP government’s efforts to uplift the poor. Instead of supporting progress, they continue to mislead people with false statements. But now, the people of both the country and the state have understood Congress’s lies.

The Chief Minister said that the country was divided due to the ambitions of those driven by political greed. The people of India endured the pain of Partition just a day before independence. During that time, countless families were torn apart, and many daughters and children lost their lives. For the first time since independence, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi truly acknowledged the suffering of those affected by Partition. He stated that we must remember the lakhs of people who endured this tragedy. As a result, he took the initiative to observe August 14 as Vibhajan Vibhishika Diwas.

New Delhi, August 5:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday urged the Government of India (GOI) to duly utilize the water of Chenab river to resolve long pending water dispute between the states of Punjab and Haryana by shelving Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) issue.

Taking part in deliberations during a meeting called by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil over the issue of Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the Chief Minister said that during the last meeting held on July 9, the Union Government informed that the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan has been suspended, which opens up a major opportunity for India to utilize water from the Chenab river, one of the western rivers earlier given to Pakistan under the treaty. He said that the centre should now divert Chenab’s water to Indian dams like Ranjit Sagar, Pong, or Bhakra adding that to carry this extra water, new canals and infrastructure would be required which would be built in Punjab state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these canals and infrastructure can be first used to meet the needs of the state and after Punjab’s requirements are met, the water can be supplied to Haryana and Rajasthan through the same canal system.

The Chief Minister said that using Chenab water will reduce Punjab’s dependence on groundwater, revive surface irrigation and support the farming community, which is the backbone of Punjab’s economy besides saving groundwater of the state for future generations. He said that Punjab, which is currently facing groundwater depletion, must be prioritized in any future strategies for the usage, diversion, or allocation of these river waters. Bhagwant Singh Mann vehemently pleaded that the waters of the western rivers should be allocated to Punjab on a priority basis adding that new storage dams upstream of existing Bhakra and Pong Dams in Himachal Pradesh should be constructed, which will significantly enhance the storage and regulation of western river waters.

Batting for shelving of the SYL canal issue, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that Sarda Yamuna link for transfer of surplus Sarda water to the Yamuna River and diversion of Chenab water to River Beas through Rohtang tunnel should be done to eliminate the need for the SYL canal. He said that the long-conceived project of Sharda-Yamuna Link should be taken up on priority and surplus water be transferred to the river Yamuna at a suitable location. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the additional water so available could offset the balance water requirement of the state of Haryana from the Ravi- Beas system apart from addressing the ever-growing drinking water requirement of the capital city of Delhi and availability of the Yamuna water to the state of Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister said that under the aforesaid eventuality again the issue of construction of SYL canal could be shelved and put to rest forever. Batting for Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) canal, he said that the MoU of May 12, 1994 of allocation of Yamuna waters between Delhi, U.P, H.P. and Rajasthan is to be reviewed after 2025. So, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab should be included as partner state of Yamuna waters allocations and 60% waters of surplus Yamuna should be considered for the state while apportioning the Yamuna waters.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana has enough scope to get additional waters from other sources which also needs to be accounted for. He said that Haryana is also receiving 2.703 MAF of River Ghaggar, Tangri Nadi, Markanda River, Saraswati Nadi, Chautang-Rakshi, Nai Nalah, Sahibi Nadi, Krishna Dhuan and Landoha Nalah which is unaccounted till now while deciding the allocations of water between the states. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated that SYL canal is an ’emotive issue’ and Punjab will have serious law and order issues and it will become a national problem, with Haryana and Rajasthan also bearing the brunt.

The Chief Minister categorically said that land for SYL canal is not available as of today adding that out of 34.34 MAF water of three rivers, Punjab was allocated only 14.22 MAF, which is 40%. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the remaining 60% was allocated to Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, even though none of these rivers actually flow through these states. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to reduction in surface waters, pressure is putting on ground waters Ground adding that out of 153 blocks in Punjab, 115 have been declared over-exploited (75%), whereas in Haryana 61% (88 out of 143) are over exploited.

The Chief Minister said that the number of tube wells in the state has increased from 6 lakhs in 1980’s to 14.76 lakh in 2018 (this includes the tube well installed only for agriculture) showing an increase of more than 200% during the last 35 years. He said that Punjab has the highest rate of groundwater extraction (157%) in the entire nation, even higher than Rajasthan (150%) adding that Punjab ignores its own water requirement and gives about 60% water to meet the water requirements of non-riparian states in which Ravi-Beas and Sutlej Rivers do not pass. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Punjab made a major contribution of 124.26 lakh metric tonne of wheat during 2024 which is 47% of the total procured in India and also contributed 24% rice in the centre pool.

The Chief Minister said that the total water requirement of Punjab is 52 MAF and water available with the state of Punjab is only 26.75 MAF (Surface water from three rivers 12.46 MAF and Ground water 14.29 MAF). He said that the water of the Punjab Rivers is shared among the partner states whereas the flood from these rivers caused damage only in Punjab putting the State of Punjab to a huge financial burden every year. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as the benefits are shared in a certain ratio among the partner states, it is therefore imperative if the State of Punjab is appropriately compensated by the partner states regarding the damages and destructions caused by the floods on an annual basis.

The Chief Minister said that agreements and decisions of tribunals should be reviewed in light of changed circumstances and environmental developments, as international norms mandate a review every 25 years. He said that Punjab seeking share of Yamuna water is similar to Haryana’s share of Ravi Beas waters as Irrigation Commission Report, Government of India, 1972 held that Punjab is riparian to Yamuna river. Bhagwant Singh Mann lamented that GOI is of the view that Punjab Reorganisation Act-1966 is silent about Yamuna Waters as these waters were not considered shareable between Punjab and Haryana whereas the Act is also silent about Ravi Waters adding that Punjab has already enacted “Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004”, terminating 1981 Agreement relating to Surplus Ravi-Beas waters.

Chandigarh, July 28 – The sacred Teej festival in Haryana this year became a symbol of new opportunities for women. Upholding the tradition of brothers presenting gifts to sisters on Teej, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini presented a symbolic ‘Kothli’ full of welfare measures for women.

At the state-level celebration held in Ambala district on Monday, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Lado Sakhi Yojana’ to further strengthen the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign. Under this initiative, a ‘Lado Sakhi’, an Anganwadi worker, ASHA worker, or ANM nurse will take care of pregnant women during childbirth. For every girl child born, the designated ‘Lado Sakhi’ will receive an incentive of Rs. 1,000.

The Chief Minister also launched the ‘Badhte Kadam: Digital Bal Programme’ in Anganwadis, which will help Anganwadi workers provide better care and early education to young children.

Highlighting that new initiatives have already successfully helped women-led startups to account for 50 percent in Haryana, the Chief Minister announced more such steps to encourage women entrepreneurs. Under the state startup policy, half of all beneficiaries will be women-led ventures. To encourage entrepreneurial skills from a young age, 10,000 ‘Do-It-Yourself’ kits will be distributed to girl students.

A separate scheme will be formulated to support women-led startups engaged in handmade and traditional items, such as ethnic fabrics, eco-friendly rural crafts, Ayurveda-based health and wellness products, and indigenous food products, with financial aid between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 1 lakh.

He further informed that in partnership with NITI Aayog, Haryana will establish a ‘State Chapter’ of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, giving women entrepreneurs access to over 700 mentors, sector-specific training, funding opportunities, market access, and incubation support.

The Chief Minister announced that under new industrial and sectoral policies, businesses employing Haryana’s women will receive additional subsidies, and public procurement norms will be relaxed to boost women entrepreneurs’ participation.

Additionally, one ration depot in every development block will be allotted to women from self-help groups, providing them with livelihood opportunities while also increasing their participation in local governance.

Chief Minister virtually inaugurates 131 Mahila Sanskriti Kendras across Haryana

At the event, the Chief Minister virtually inaugurated 131 Mahila Sanskriti Kendras across Haryana. These centres will serve as platforms for women to engage in cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and devotional performances.

He also handed over cheques worth Rs. 14.26 crore to self-help groups (SHGs) as part of revolving and community investment funds, and keys to newly established ‘Rural Harts’ in six districts were given to SHGs. Women artisans excelling in handicrafts were awarded Rs. 3 lakh each for the State Handicraft Award and the Outstanding Woman Artisan Award, along with 12 consolation prizes of Rs. 51,000 each.

Awards were also presented to high-performing SHGs at the district level, with cash prizes of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 50,000, and Rs. 25,000 for the first, second, and third positions, respectively.

Teej celebrates our rich heritage and strong social bonds

Extending wishes on the occasion of Teej, he said the festival reflects India’s cultural roots, traditions, and family values. It symbolises respect for women, love within families, and harmony with nature. He emphasised the importance of nurturing relationships, preserving culture, and protecting the environment for a happy life.

He added that the state government is committed to celebrating traditional festivals with greater enthusiasm so that the younger generation remains connected to its heritage.

Empowering women through education, health, and self-reliance

Highlighting women’s empowerment as a key focus, he said Haryana has worked to improve the status of women through schemes like Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, which has helped raise the state’s gender ratio from 871 to 906 since 2014. The Aapki Beti-Hamari Beti Yojana has benefitted over 5.36 lakh girls by providing Rs. 21,000 to eligible families on the birth of daughters, said the Chief Minister. 

He said that over 66,000 SHGs are active in the state, with stamp duty waivers on loans up to Rs. 5 lakh. About 33 percent of ration depots are now run by women, and under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana, 18 lakh families receive LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 per month. The government aims to make five lakh women ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ with over two lakh already achieving this milestone.

The Chief Minister said women also have 50 percent reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions. Several schemes for maternal and child health, as well as 33 all-women police stations and a dedicated helpline (1091), have been established to ensure their safety. In the past decade, 80 new government colleges have opened, 30 of which are exclusively for girls.

Calling Teej a festival of greenery, he urged citizens to plant trees under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan and contribute to environmental conservation.

Anil Vij assures On-Time Execution of Transport and Energy Schemes

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Transport and Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij appreciated the state government’s focus on development and lauded the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Saini. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of several projects in Ambala.

Paying tribute to former Chief Minister late Chaudhary Bansi Lal, Sh. Anil Vij recalled working with him between 1996 and 2000. He shared that with Chaudhary Bansi Lal’s support, a canal water-based drinking water scheme was implemented in Ambala Cantonment, which brought much-needed relief to residents suffering from water shortages for years. He also remembered that the establishment of the Saha Industrial Growth Centre became possible due to Chaudhary Bansi Lal’s backing.

Sh. Anil Vij highlighted that during his tenure as Health Minister, he had taken several significant initiatives for Ambala.

Talking about the importance of the monsoon month of Sawan, he said it represents the vibrancy of nature. When the surroundings turn green, people’s hearts are filled with joy, and festivals like Teej are celebrated in this cheerful spirit, reflecting social and cultural unity, said Sh. Anil Vij.

He urged the Chief Minister to ensure that all development projects are completed within set timelines and assured that he would personally see to it that the schemes of the Transport and Energy Departments are executed on time.

Hariyali Teej: A Day to Pledge Respect and Safety for Women – Shruti Choudhry

During the celebration, the Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that the festival of Teej reminds us to reaffirm our commitment to women’s empowerment. She emphasized that every daughter deserves respect, every mother should feel safe, and every child must have equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

She shared with pride that the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign from Haryana. Back in 2015, the state’s gender ratio was alarming, but consistent efforts and welfare initiatives have led to remarkable improvement over the years.

The Minister said that various schemes such as the  ‘Mukhyamantri Doodh Uphaar Yojana’, Protein Bar Scheme, transforming Anganwadi centres into smart classrooms, and nutrition programmes are strengthening the health and education of women and children.

Appealing to the public, she urged everyone to work together to ensure that education becomes every child’s identity and dignity becomes the pride of every mother and daughter, making Haryana a true example of women’s empowerment through technology and innovation.

During the ceremony, former Minister, Sh. Aseem Goel welcomed Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and said that the Chief Minister works considering every citizen of Haryana as his family. He said that the Teej festival is a symbol of greenery, prosperity, and cultural unity.

During the programme, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department, Sh. K. M. Pandurang presented a memento to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini. Besides this, the Chief Minister gifted the ‘Kothli’ to the women.

Minister of State, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Kaushik, a large number of women and other dignitaries were present.