Chandigarh, May 12 – Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, has directed all senior district officers to inspect at least four schools every month and assess the quality of education and the basic facilities being provided to the students. If any irregularities are found during these inspections, prompt action should be taken to resolve them to further strengthen the quality of education.

The Education Minister was presiding over the District Grievance Redressal Committee meeting held at the DRDA auditorium in Jind on Monday.

A total of 18 complaints were tabled before the Minister, out of which four were resolved on the spot. For the remaining complaints, committees of officers have been formed with designated duties for timely resolution.

The Education Minister has directed the officers to work with honesty and only make decisions after thoroughly investigating the complaints so that justice can be delivered to the complainants.

After the District Grievance Committee meeting, the Minister also interacted with the media and said that the government’s main objective is to provide students with quality and value-based education. The National Education Policy implemented by the Central Government has already been adopted in the state. With the implementation of this policy, the education system in Haryana will be further strengthened. Students will get the opportunity to learn an additional language along with their core subjects, enabling them to express their thoughts in multiple languages, even in distant regions, said Sh. Mahipal Dhanda.

He said that under the state government’s scheme, books and stationery have been provided to students. He directed the concerned officers to consider it their moral responsibility to ensure the distribution of this educational material to all children.

The Minister said that compared to last year, more students have been enrolled in government schools this year. Furthermore, he informed that private schools have been instructed not to make any changes to students’ books or uniforms for a period of five years.

MLA, Uchana, Sh. Devender Atri, Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Imran Raza, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Kuldeep Singh, and other officers also remained present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, May 12 – In the small village of Damla in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district, a remarkable story of resilience and innovation is unfolding, one that has not only transformed the life of Dharambir Kamboj, a farmer from Damla village, but has also made a global impact. Despite having formal education only up to the 10th grade, Dharambir has developed a multipurpose food processing machine that is now used in 18 countries across the world.

Dharambir’s path to success was anything but easy. Due to financial struggles, he moved to Delhi in the 1980s and took up work as a rickshaw puller. After a life-changing accident, he returned to his village and turned to farming, cultivating aloe vera and tulsi on his ancestral land. However, low returns from selling raw produce led him to a pivotal realization: to increase profits, he needed to process the crops himself.

Unable to afford expensive equipment, Dharambir did the unthinkable—he built his own machine. With support from the horticulture department, which provided Rs. 25,000 in initial funding, he developed a rosewater extraction device. Through persistent experimentation and innovation, he transformed it into a versatile machine capable of handling over a dozen food processing tasks.

Today, Dharambir’s multi purpose food processing machine can extract juice without crushing seeds, grind, mix, extract oils, distill rosewater, prepare aloe vera gel, roast, peel vegetables, make khoya, gajar ka halwa, and much more. Products like amla murabba, candies, soaps, herbal gels, juices, and even gulal for Holi can be prepared using this invention.

Recognizing the significance of his work, the Haryana government announced a subsidy of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 for farmers and self-help groups purchasing his Rs 2 lakh machine, making it more accessible to those who need it most.

Supported by the National Innovation Foundation and Chaudhary Charan Singh Agricultural University, Dharambir’s innovation journey has gained global recognition. His machines are now used in countries like the USA, Italy, Kenya, Australia, and Nigeria, among others.

In 2013, his efforts were honored by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. His story was also featured in Bollywood film Padman alongside Akshay Kumar, and in 2022, it found a place in the NCERT Class 12 Business Studies textbook, becoming an inspiration for students nationwide.

Now the founder of Dharambir Foods Private Limited, he manufactures around 10 machines a month and offers two-day training sessions to help others succeed with his technology.

What makes Dharambir’s story truly remarkable is not just the machine he built, but the determination that powered it. “People mocked my ideas in the beginning,” he recalls, “but I never let criticism stop me.” Today, Dharambir stands tall as a symbol of grassroots innovation, self-reliance, and hope.

Chandigarh, May 10

The General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja reacted to the incident of a Pakistani drone falling near Sirsa, stating that the timely action of the Indian Army in shooting down a suspicious drone from Pakistan is proof of the readiness, courage, and dedication of our security agencies. She extends heartfelt congratulations to the Indian Army and security forces for this successful operation. Kumari Selja spoke on the phone with Sirsa district administration officials to gather information about the situation.

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of Alertness and cooperation in border areas. Kumari Selja urged the aware citizens of Sirsa to avoid rumors and strictly follow the instructions issued by the administration. This is a time for patience, unity, and sensitivity. Kumari Selja requested the administration to provide accurate information to the public on time and to make security measures more effective. We all need to move forward with alertness and responsibility to ensure the safety of our country, region, and citizens. She expects cooperation from everyone in this emergency situation.

Kumari Selja said that Sirsa is not only known for its historical and cultural significance but is also strategically important for the country due to the presence of one of the Indian Air Force’s most crucial air bases. During the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, this airbase was targeted by the Pakistani Air Force, after which the district administration took strict measures to handle emergency situations. The MP said that during this critical time, everyone must remain united and be ready to help each other when needed. Selja said the need to sincerely follow the blackout, as doing so will ensure the safety of both individuals and the city.

Chandigarh

The Bharatiya Janata Party today installed an inspiring ‘Jai Hind’ board at its Sector 33 office, offering a heartfelt salute to the Indian Army. On this occasion, State President Jitender Pal Malhotra said that the Indian Army not only protects our borders but also takes decisive action against terrorism, making the entire nation proud.

He stated that the way our army entered Pakistan and destroyed the terrorist camps responsible for attacks on our country is a living example of bravery and strategic excellence. These actions are a true tribute to all the innocent Indians who lost their lives to terrorism. In particular, this is a mark of deep respect and sympathy for the Hindu civilians who were martyred in Pahalgam by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

Malhotra further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made it clear that terrorism will not just be condemned—it will be confronted with decisive force. Equipping our army with modern resources, strengthening border security, and upholding the dignity of our soldiers are key priorities of the central government.

The ‘Jai Hind’ board is not just a slogan—it embodies the spirit of pride, gratitude, and unwavering dedication to the nation and to the brave men and women of the armed forces.

The event witnessed the presence of the BJP Mandal President, senior party workers, office bearers, and local citizens in large numbers. All joined together in chanting ‘Jai Hind’, saluting the Indian Army and reinforcing the spirit of patriotism.

Chandigarh, May 10 – The first meeting of the State Civil Advisory and Implementation Committee was convened here today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who also serves as the Committee Chairperson.

The meeting was aimed at ensuring that Civil Defence mechanisms are robust and well-coordinated to protect people, property, and essential services in times of emergencies, particularly during hostile attacks or disasters.

Presiding over the meeting, Chief Secretary, Sh. Rastogi instructed all administrative secretaries to immediately recall officers and officials currently on leave. He directed departments to prepare advance and contingency plans to enable swift action when required. “Departments must keep themselves in readiness to enforce necessary measures at short notice,” he added. To enhance coordination during emergencies, a War Emergency Branch will be established in the State Secretariat, under the supervision of the Deputy Secretary (Secretariat Establishment).

Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, who is also the Vice Chairperson of the Committee, drew attention to the unprecedented surge in fake news and misinformation on social media. She stressed the need for strict enforcement measures. “Such content must be aggressively monitored, and all accounts spreading misinformation should be tracked and shut down,” she said this while directing the concerned departments to take immediate and sustained action.

It was also informed during the meeting that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the state, and stockists have been directed to upload their inventories on a real-time basis on both central and state government portals.

Dr. Misra further urged all administrative secretaries to ensure that their departments are fully prepared to carry out all necessary actions related to emergency response. She instructed each department to nominate a Duty Officer (not below the rank of Deputy Secretary or equivalent) who will be responsible for coordinating the department’s response and handling all communications from the State and Union Governments. Departments were directed to submit contact details of their designated officers to the Chief Secretary’s office by this evening.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretaries of Health & Family Welfare, Irrigation and Water Resources, Energy, PWD (B&R), Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, and Higher Education. Also present were the Principal Secretaries of Industries and School Education, Commissioner & Secretaries from Development & Panchayats, Public Health Engineering, Urban Local Bodies, and Information, Public Relations and Languages Department.

Chandigarh, May 10- The Haryana Government has launched a new scheme to encourage the use of green manure and reduce farmers’ dependence on chemical fertilizers. Under this initiative, farmers who grow Dhaincha (also known as Sesbania bispinosa,) as green manure on their land will be provided cash incentives by the government. This amount will be transferred directly to their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Sharing Information in this regard Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh.Shyam Singh Rana said that farmers will be given Rs. 1,000 per acre for growing Dhaincha. He said that Dhaincha is a natural fertilizer that improves soil fertility, helps retain moisture, and reduces production costs. It helps improve soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, which enriches the soil naturally. Experts say that Dhaincha enhances soil structure and maintains productivity over the long term. This is the first time such a scheme is being implemented across the state, and thousands of farmers are expected to benefit, he added.

Sh. Rana appealed to the farmers to upload photos of their Dhaincha crop on the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal in a timely manner. Without this, they will not be able to avail the benefits of the scheme. The state government has set a target to promote crop diversification across 4 lakh acres in 22 districts, with Dhaincha playing a key role. Over 3 lakh farmers are expected to benefit from this effort.

The Agriculture Minister further said this scheme reflects the vision of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and aligns with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s farmer-centric approach. The government aims to connect farmers with digital platforms and ensure that benefits reach them quickly and transparently.

Sh. Rana encouraged farmers to take full advantage of all the schemes run by the state government and bea part of the Green Revolution by adopting eco-friendly crops like Dhaincha.

Chandigarh, May 10- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, in a high-level review meeting held via video conferencing with the Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, Superintendents of Police and Administrative Secretaries held on Saturday has  issued directions to ensure robust emergency management systems and prevent panic during critical situations. He emphasized proactive coordination, swift responses, and public reassurance as key priorities.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is fully committed to public safety.  He assured the people of the state that there is no need to panic, as all essential commodities including food, medicine, fuel, and daily necessities are available in sufficient quantities across the state. He emphasized that the government is closely monitoring every situation and has taken all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted availability.

The Chief Minister urged citizens to stay calm, avoid hoarding, and rely only on verified information, adding that necessary action will be taken against those spreading rumors or creating artificial shortages. He stressed that misinformation often leads to panic-buying and inflated prices of essential food items. Authorities must ensure a calm atmosphere and take strict action against rumor-mongering.

Meanwhile, reflecting the vision of mobilizing the collective strength of the people, the Chief Minister directed officers concerned to develop a dedicated portal that will enable citizens to voluntarily offer their services to the government in this crucial time. He said that through this platform, individuals can come forward to contribute in various roles such as drivers, doctors, or any other capacity based on their skills and expertise.

Strict Vigil on Social Media and Misinformation

The Chief Minister directed that social media platforms should be closely monitored.  He said that to curb the spread of misinformation, all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police should convene meetings with local reporters and individuals running social media news channels and request them not to circulate any unverified or fake news. Necessary action will be taken against anyone found spreading false or provocative content that could disturb public peace, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the District Administration must authenticate all news before public dissemination. Misleading or panic-inducing news must be dealt with firmly. He urged the citizens to remain calm and not be swayed by rumours or misleading information being spread on social media regarding the current situation.

Form WhatsApp Groups for Emergency Contacts and Streamlined Ambulance Services across Haryana

The Chief Minister said that all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police must form a WhatsApp group in each district to share emergency contact numbers with the public. Each district must designate one responsible and responsive contact number, which should also be shared with the state headquarters.

He also gave directions  for the mapping of all 560 government and 600 private ambulances that are presently functional in the state.  He said that the response time should be strictly within 5 to 7 minutes. In villages with a population of 5,000 or more, ambulance services must be ensured in coordination with local sarpanches and public representatives.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) must be activated and adequately equipped. A list of medicines, medical personnel, and infrastructure should be prepared for both government and private hospitals, especially in border areas. Private Doctors and retired medical professionals willing to assist in emergencies should also be identified, directed the Chief Minister.

Make necessary arrangements in the in high-rise buildings during blackout

The Chief Minister directed that during blackouts, necessary arrangements must be made in high-rise buildings. Lifts must be kept operational especially for senior citizens and differently-abled persons, enabling their safe evacuation in case of emergencies. 

He directed that Fire service vehicles must be kept well-maintained. At least one fire brigade should be deployed in every ‘kasba’ (town) with area-wise mapping completed to ensure timely and unhindered access. He said that smooth water supply should be  ensured through water tanks and ‘Diggis’, directed  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.   The Chief Minister said that police patrolling must continue uninterrupted during blackout situations. Visible police presence should be maintained across public spaces and residential areas to instill a sense of safety and order.

District Administration must remain vigilant and coordinate closely to maintain public confidence-CS

The Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi apprised the Chief Minister that all the Deputy Commissioners and concerned officers have been directed  to issue advisories in line with those released by the Government of India. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm and order, he stated that the  Deputy Commissioners have been asked to focus on ensuring the continuous supply of essential commodities across the state. He further  shared that all actions should be measured and calibrated, and that no messages causing unnecessary panic or escalation should be allowed to circulate.  District Administration have been asked to remain vigilant and coordinate closely to maintain public confidence.

Ensure close Vigilance, Disaster Preparedness-  Rajesh Khullar

In the meeting, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, said that Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police should jointly review the situation in their respective districts and carefully implement the provisions of the Disaster Management Act along with the district disaster response plan. He further emphasized that only verified and accurate information should be shared with the public through District Information and Public Relations Officers to ensure that people receive the correct updates and no panic is caused due to misinformation.

24×7 District Control Rooms activated for Enhanced Emergency Response Coordination- Dr. Sumita Misra

The Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra apprised the  Chief Minister of the comprehensive steps undertaken to strengthen emergency preparedness under the Disaster Management framework.  She said that contingency plans have been prepared, including identification of shelters with essential supplies and accessibility for vulnerable populations, and additional temporary shelters have been arranged in schools and community buildings. Besides this, District Control Rooms have been made operational 24×7 with updated contact directories, inter-agency coordination protocols, and provisions for warning sirens. She informed that Hotlines with local military authorities and other key agencies are being prioritized, and clear communication channels with designated points of contact have been established.  She said that Deputy Commissioners have been asked to conduct coordinated rehearsals of activation of sirens and blackout drills. 

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Cultural Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Cultural Department, Sh. K. Makrand Pandurang and Administrative Secretaries of concerned departments also attended the meeting.

Chandigarh, May 10 – A ‘Tiranga Yatra’ will be organised in Panchkula on Sunday in honour of the Armed Forces and to spread the message of national pride. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will lead the Yatra. Thousands of people will participate in the yatra.

          To ensure smooth organisation of the event, the Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages, and Culture Department, Sh. K. Makrand Pandurang, held a meeting at the Panchkula District Secretariat on Saturday. Officers from various departments and representatives from voluntary organisations attended the meeting, where necessary guidelines for successful yatra were shared.

          Sh. K. Makrand Pandurang appealed to citizens across all communities and political groups to take active part in the yatra and show their respect for the country’s soldiers. The ‘Tiranga Yatra’ will begin from the open-air theatre in Yavanika Town Park, Sector-5, Panchkula, and will conclude at Major Sankhla Chowk. At the memorial there, Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini and other dignitaries will pay floral tribute.

          Special Officer (Community Policing and Outreach) IG, Sh. Pankaj Nain, Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula, Smt. Monika Gupta along with officers and employees of various departments and educational institutions also remained present during the meeting.

Chandigarh, May 9:

In view of the current tensions between India and Pakistan, the Punjab Government has taken immediate steps to ensure the highest level of preparedness in the state’s Fire and Emergency Services.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh has issued strict directives, cancelling all leaves of Fire Brigade staff and ordering 24×7 deployment at sensitive locations across Punjab. He said that war is a major emergency and the Fire Brigade plays a crucial role in such situations. He instructed officials to conduct mock drills, ensure all equipment is fully functional and maintain constant communication with Army authorities for swift response in case of any emergency. Officials have been directed to remain on high alert with their mobile phones active at all times.

Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is fully committed to ensuring public safety and has mobilized all resources to handle any emergency effectively.

To ensure rapid response, the Cabinet Minister has asked Fire Brigade officials to coordinate closely with Deputy Commissioners to strategically position fire tenders at key locations for quick mobilization. Regular meetings must be held to review preparedness and all necessary arrangements should be expedited. 

Dr. Singh reassured the public that the situation is under control and urged citizens not to panic. He also instructed officials to study the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) manuals to ensure timely and effective relief operations. Additionally, local vehicle repair workshops will be engaged to provide emergency maintenance services, even during nighttime, if required. 

Dr. Ravjot Singh announced that Cabinet Ministers will personally inspect hospitals and Fire Brigade facilities to assess readiness.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Tejvir Singh stressed the department’s responsibility and called for professional commitment in delivering efficient services. He confirmed that the department is well-equipped with modern firefighting tools but urged officials to promptly report any additional requirements. A written duty roster must also be maintained for better accountability.

Fire Brigade Department Releases Emergency Contact Numbers

The Punjab Fire Brigade Department has already introduced a dedicated emergency helpline number-112 to ensure swift response during crises. Besides this, the department has issued the contact details of its district-level officers for direct assistance. Citizens can reach out to these officials in case of emergencies.