Chandigarh, January 4 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that industrialists can play a crucial role in bringing an industrial revolution to the country. The state government is making continuous efforts to realise the vision of Prime Minister, Sh.Narendra Modi of making India the world’s third-largest economy by 2029.

 The Chief Minister was addressing a delegation of industrialists from Punjab at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir, Chandigarh on Sunday, led by OSD to Chief Minister, Sh.Tarun Bhandari. OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. B.B. Bharti was also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that the future belongs to electric vehicles and, therefore, the government is preparing a plan to set up an Electric Vehicle Park. A major electric vehicle battery industry has already been established in Gurugram. He said the government is working to accelerate industrial growth in the state.

He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, through initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Vocal for Local’, has emphasised the use of domestically manufactured products to drive the nation forward. The credit for this progress goes to industrialists, who have strengthened the country’s economy through entrepreneurship and innovation, he added.

Sh.Nayab Singh Saini said that the Prime Minister has systematically promoted industrial development, and positive outcomes have emerged from this collaborative approach. He said that while the Prime Minister had resolved to make India the world’s fifth-largest economy, the country has already become the fourth-largest economic power. All the industrialists deserve congratulations for this achievement.

The Chief Minister said that besides the Central Government’s MSE-CDP scheme, the state has launched the Mini Cluster Development Scheme. Under these schemes, projects worth Rs. 170 crore are underway across 48 MSME clusters, benefiting more than 8,000 MSMEs in Haryana. He added that the state has streamlined its systems to focus on industries and provide a better working environment for industrialists.

He said that during his recent visit to Japan, there was an encouraging response from industrialists, with investments worth Rs. 5,000 crore proposed. Of this, work has already begun on investments worth Rs. 2,000 crores, and several industrialists have finalised land selection. He said the state government is implementing suggestions in the interest of industrialists in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.

The Chief Minister said that pre-budget meetings are being organised to seek suggestions, which are being incorporated into the budget. He added that his doors are always open to industrialists who wish to meet him and that anyone may meet him without hesitation at any time. He said that encouraging industry in this manner will help fulfil the Prime Minister’s vision and realise the dream of a developed nation.

The Chief Minister said that during the previous budget, the establishment of 10 IMTs was announced, of which land has already been identified for two IMTs, and industrialists are investing in them. He assured that the government stands with industrialists and will provide all possible assistance. He also said that a single-window system has been implemented in the state, under which NOCs will be granted to industrialists within a defined timeframe.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the revenue collected as tax in Haryana will be spent on improving industrial facilities. He added that electricity rates in the state are also reasonable. An IMT has been established near the airport in Hisar, land agreements have been completed for an IMT in Ambala, and preparations for an IMT in Naraingarh have also been made.

He further said that a proposal for land in Sonipat has been approved for a dry fruit market from Amritsar. Permission has also been granted for a wholesale market and a marble market for Delhi, and work on these projects will begin soon. He said that work is underway to develop a pharma hub in Karnal, and that Maruti has set up a major project in Gurugram, where around 2,000 vehicles are being manufactured every day.

Industrialists including Sh. Joginder Singh Handa, Sh. Saurabh Mehta, Sh. A.K. Garg,Sh. Rahul Garg, Sh. Praveen Kansal, Sh. Pankaj Kapoor, and Sh. Gurdeep Singh, along with several others, presented their suggestions before the Chief Minister.

Chandigarh, January 4:

Punjab’s Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is working with firm resolve and continuity to make the state drug-free. She said that several important and concrete steps have been taken in this direction, the results of which are clearly visible at the grassroots level. To effectively take forward the drug-free campaign, a total amount of Rs 467.49 lakh has been spent by the government.

The Cabinet Minister said that to generate awareness against drugs, sensitise people and strengthen social participation, various departments of the Punjab Government have jointly planned and implemented multiple programmes in a coordinated manner. She said that special focus has been laid on sensitising children and teachers about the drug de-addiction campaign by designing and implementing various awareness programmes in schools and educational institutions, for which dedicated financial resources have also been provided.

Sharing further details, Dr Baljit Kaur informed that under the drug-free campaign, the Department of Health and Family Welfare spent Rs 107.22 lakh, the Information and Public Relations Department spent Rs 202.99 lakh on extensive public awareness activities, while the Social Security Department spent Rs 109.12 lakh to organise awareness camps across all districts of the state.

The Minister said that the worst impact of drug abuse is borne by the youth of the state and their families. Many mothers pray every day for their sons’ future, many children see hope fading from their fathers’ eyes, and the happiness of numerous households has been destroyed due to drugs. She said that the Mann Government deeply understands this pain and is pursuing the fight for a drug-free Punjab not merely as an administrative exercise, but with a humane and sensitive approach.

Emphasising the government’s resolve, Dr Baljit Kaur said that the objective is not only to eradicate drugs from their roots, but also to give every young person the courage to dream again, to wipe the tears of every mother, and to restore happiness and prosperity in every family. She said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is firmly committed to ensuring that every youth of Punjab stays away from drugs and moves forward towards a life of progress and dignity.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mr. Vikas Pratap; Principal Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Kumar Rahul; Special Secretary of the Department of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mr. Keshav Hingonia; Director Dr. Shena Agrawal; Joint Secretary Mr. Anand Sagar Sharma, along with other senior officers of the department, were specially present in the meeting.

CHANDIGARH, January 4:

 In a major stride toward safeguarding the health of future generations, the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government has successfully decentralized maternal healthcare, with Aam Aadmi Clinics (AACs) emerging as the new lifeline for expectant mothers. Within just four months of launching a specialized, protocol-driven pregnancy care model, the state has recorded a massive surge in service utilization, with nearly 20,000 pregnant women visiting these clinics every month.

 Sharing the success of the initiative, Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh revealed that the program has already provided free ultrasound services to over 10,000 women through a unique referral system. By empanelling nearly 500 private diagnostic centers, the government has ensured that women can access scans—which usually cost between ₹800 and ₹2,000—entirely free of charge. This intervention alone has saved Punjab’s families an estimated ₹1 crore in out-of-pocket expenses in a short span of 120 days.

 Official data shows that less than 70 percent of pregnant women in Punjab had received their first ante-natal check-up and fewer than 60 percent had completed the recommended four check-ups, while the state’s maternal mortality ratio stood at 90 per one lakh live births, higher than the national average. These figures underlined the urgent need for a comprehensive, accessible pregnancy care model across the state.

 Punjab witnesses nearly 4.3 lakh pregnancies every year, making early detection, regular monitoring, and timely referral critical for safeguarding the health of mothers and infants. Over the last three years, the Mann government has established 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, which have emerged as the backbone of Punjab’s primary healthcare system, recording over 4.6 crore OPD visits and treating nearly 70,000 patients daily. Leveraging this infrastructure, the government launched an expanded, protocol-driven pregnancy care model through AACs around four months ago.

 Under this reform, all essential ante-natal check-ups are now available at Aam Aadmi Clinics themselves. These include routine and critical tests such as HIV and syphilis screening, complete blood tests, sugar, thyroid, hepatitis, fetal heart rate, cholesterol and hemoglobin assessments. Where ultrasounds are required, AAC doctors issue referral slips enabling pregnant women to access free ultrasound services.

 Importantly, around 5,000 women are being identified monthly as high-risk pregnancies, allowing for continuous tracking, focused support, and timely referral to higher medical facilities for specialist care.

 The reform has also significantly improved the patient experience. Women can now complete most pregnancy-related tests close to their homes, avoid long travel and queues at major hospitals, receive consultations within minutes, and access ultrasound services without any financial burden. From the first ante-natal visit to post-natal follow-up, the initiative strengthens the entire pregnancy care pathway by integrating technology, standardised clinical protocols, referral systems and community-level support.

 On this momentous achievement, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the initiative reflects the Punjab government’s commitment to maternal and child health. “Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is building a healthcare system that ensures every mother receives quality care close to home. With 4.3 lakh pregnancies annually, the expansion of pregnancy care services at Aam Aadmi Clinics is a transformative step and sets a new benchmark for primary healthcare in India,” he said.

 The government maintains that the initiative is one of Punjab’s most significant investments in maternal and child health in recent years, aimed at ensuring that no woman is left behind due to geography, income constraints or lack of awareness, while steadily improving health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the state.

Chandigarh/ SAS Nagar, January 3:

Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister, S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond, on Saturday announced that Phase–II of the state-wide anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nasheya Virudh’ will be launched from January 5, with the objective of completely eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.

Presiding over a state-level training programme of the field staff of the Rural Development and Panchayat Department here today, the Minister said that following the successful completion of Phase–I, Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed the commencement of Phase–II to intensify efforts and make Punjab a drug-free state.

Elaborating on the strategy for the second phase, the Minister said that rehabilitated youth who were once victims of drug abuse and have successfully overcome addiction will be actively involved as motivational speakers to inspire and encourage others to come forward for de-addiction.

He further informed that a door-to-door awareness campaign would be launched across villages and urban wards, with active participation of local residents, to sensitize the masses about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to foster collective responsibility against this social evil.

Reiterating the firm resolve of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, Minister Sond said that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drug smugglers and peddlers who have ruined young lives. He stated that thousands of drug smugglers have already been arrested during Phase–I, and those still involved will be dealt with strictly during Phase–II.

The Minister also highlighted that the training programme aimed at capacity building of field staff, including enhancing their skills for strengthening Panchayats and improving revenue generation at the grassroots level.

Senior officers of the department and a large number of field staff participated in the one-day training session.

Chandigarh, January 3 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij, while reacting sarcastically to a question regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi training Congress district presidents in Kurukshetra, said that it is an internal matter of the Congress. He remarked that training can only be given by someone who practices it himself, and Rahul Gandhi has for years been taking such “actions” that have led Congress to lose elections. Therefore, he would certainly train them on how elections are lost.
In addition, reacting to allegations made by Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda regarding the alleged work-slip scam in the Labour Department, Sh. Vij said that Anurag Dhanda does not have complete information on the matter. He clarified that this scheme has been in existence since 2007 and several governments have changed during this period. Only after the investigation will it be clear during whose tenure how many irregularities took place.

Sh. Vij was speaking to journalists today.

The present government is fully serious about law and order: Vij

Reacting to former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda’s statement that law and order has collapsed in Haryana and that the BJP launched the ‘Lado Lakshmi Scheme’ only to win elections and secure votes, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that the present government is fully serious about maintaining law and order. He stated that around 1,500 anti-social elements have been sent to jail so far, and strict action is being taken against the remaining ones as well.

Questioning Bhupinder Hooda, Minister Anil Vij asked him to clarify how many anti-social elements were arrested during his tenure. He said that only the present government is taking such strict action, as during previous governments these anti-social elements used to remain in close association with those in power.

Meanwhile, reacting to the framing of charges of fraud and corruption against former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda and others in the Manesar scam, Minister Anil Vij said that “Whoever commits wrongdoing will pay for it.” He said that everything that was done has now come to light, however, he would not comment on what decision the court will take.

Only after investigation will it be known during whose tenure how many scams occurred in the work-slip case: Labour Minister Anil Vij

Responding to allegations made by Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda regarding the alleged work-slip scam in the Labour Department, Labour Minister Anil Vij said that Anurag Dhanda does not have complete information on this matter. He reiterated that the scheme has been in existence since 2007 and several governments have changed during this period. Only after the investigation will it be clear during whose tenure how many irregularities occurred.

RSS is the world’s largest organisation; different wings, all independent and taking decisions on their own: Vij

Reacting to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement that the RSS should not be seen only from the BJP’s perspective and that the organisation is not anyone’s “remote control,” Energy Minister Anil Vij said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is the world’s largest organisation. He said that in India, various independent organisations and wings of the RSS are functioning, all of which take decisions independently and play an active role in social service.

Delhi to become closer with the Ambala–Shamli Expressway: Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij directed officials to complete various projects related to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) within the stipulated time frame. He specifically instructed that the construction of the Ambala–Shamli Expressway be completed at the earliest, stating that once the expressway is completed, the distance to Delhi will be further reduced. Similarly, instructions were also given to complete the ring road being constructed around Ambala at the earliest, which will help improve traffic management.

Chandigarh:

The Senior Congress leader and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja strongly targeted the government, saying that the betrayal committed by the Haryana government against women in the name of the Lado Lakshmi Scheme is highly condemnable and shameful. The scheme was launched for women’s empowerment, but today the BJP government has bound it with conditions and marks-based criteria. Kumari Selja said the government has gone back on its own commitment. Women who were supposed to receive financial assistance without discrimination are now being asked about their children’s marks. Will a mother’s worth now be decided by a report card?

Kumari Selja said imposing a condition of 80 percent marks for a modest assistance of ₹2100 is a direct injustice to poor, labourer, and rural women. This policy does not reflect women’s empowerment, but rather a mindset aimed at humiliating women. The government has forgotten that the circumstances of every mother are not the same. Expecting such results from children studying amid lack of resources, poor conditions of government schools, and difficult social circumstances is inhuman. 

Kumari Selja clearly said the benefit of the Lado Lakshmi Scheme should be given unconditionally to all women from BPL families, instead of depriving them of their rights by trapping them in a web of marks and rules. Warning the government, she said that if such treatment of women continues, the Congress party will fight strongly and raise its voice loudly for women’s rights, standing firmly to ensure they receive what is rightfully theirs.Women’s dignity is not a favour, it is their right-and no compromise will be allowed on that right.

Chandigarh, January 1 – The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved significant amendments to the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana (DDLLY), 2025 with the objective of strengthening women’s financial empowerment and promoting long-term savings.

Under the proposed amendments, the monthly benefit under the scheme will remain Rs 2,100 per eligible woman. However, from the second month onwards, the assistance will be released in two parts — Rs 1,100 will be credited directly to the beneficiary’s savings bank account, while Rs 1,000 will be deposited in a Government-operated Recurring Deposit (RD) or Fixed Deposit (FD) account. The accumulated amount, along with interest, will be paid to the beneficiary on maturity. The tenure of the RD/FD will be decided by the Government and will not exceed five years.

The amendments also propose integration of social development-linked eligibility criteria. In addition to income-based eligibility, mothers whose children studying in Government schools have demonstrated academic excellence by securing more than 80 percent marks in Class 10 or 12 board examinations, or have achieved grade-level competency under the NIPUN Bharat Mission in Classes 1 to 4, will be considered eligible. Similarly, mothers who have successfully rehabilitated their children from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) or Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), as verified by the Women and Child Development Department, will also be covered under the scheme. Existing criteria related to age and domicile will continue unchanged.

The income limit for this additional criteria is extended upto Rs. 1.8 lac as per FIDR. Aligning objectives of Viksit Bharat to socio economic development & family size, mothers who have more than 3 children will not be eligible under this category.

To enhance transparency and community participation, the proposed amendments include validation of beneficiaries through local self-governance institutions. After initial verification by CRID, the list of beneficiaries will be shared with concerned Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Area Sabhas or Ward Committees in urban areas for community-level validation. In cases where any beneficiary is found ineligible or non-genuine during validation, the financial assistance will be discontinued.

Notably, the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana was launched on September 25, 2025, to enhance the social security of women in the State. Within two months of its launch, around 10 lakh women registered under the scheme, reflecting its wide acceptance. The proposed amendments aim to further evolve the scheme from a cash assistance programme into a holistic, outcome-oriented initiative aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Chandigarh, January 1: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the present government is working with a spirit of service to make the lives of common people easier through good governance and to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach those standing at the last rung of society. He said that his vision is to make Haryana a model state for the country in the field of good governance, and that Chief Minister Good Governance Associates (CMGGAs) will play a significant role in achieving this objective.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was presiding over the first meeting of the newly appointed Chief Minister Good Governance Associates (CMGGAs) under the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Associates 2.0 programme at the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute of Fiscal Management, Sector-3, Panchkula today. On this occasion, the Chief Minister allotted stations to the Good Governance Associates by pressing a button on a remote control. All CMGGAs will assume charge in their respective districts from tomorrow, January 2.

Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Arun Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary Dr. Saket Kumar, Deputy Principal Secretary and Project Director of the CMGGA programme Sh Yashpal , OSD to the Chief Minister Sh Rakesh Sandhu, and Deputy Commissioners of all districts were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister extended New Year greetings to the newly appointed CMGGAs and all the Deputy Commissioners present, and said that for him, good governance means transparency, accountability, and inclusion. He stated that “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” is not merely a slogan, but the government’s administrative resolve.

To fulfill this resolve, he said, a strong framework must be built, based on essentials such as effective waste management, efficient human resources, and robust governance systems. Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that good governance truly takes shape when farmers and labourers receive the benefits of government policies on time, marginalized sections get their rightful entitlements, citizens are provided respectful and quality services at health centres, and children receive quality education in schools. He added that good governance means that implemented schemes and policies deliver tangible results on the ground.

The Chief Minister said that the government has worked to bring about systemic change in the state. Today, people are receiving the benefits of various welfare schemes from the comfort of their homes and no longer need to visit offices for routine work. As a result, public trust in the government has strengthened, which he described as the hallmark of good governance.

He further said that despite being a small state in terms of area and population, Haryana is leading in many sectors across the country. He added that it is a matter of pride that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has described Haryana as the growth engine of the nation. The Chief Minister emphasized that Haryana will play a crucial role in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.

He said that the CMGGAs are valuable partners of the Deputy Commissioners, and that these young professionals will work at the grassroots level in coordination with various departments. He urged the Deputy Commissioners to make full use of the support of the Good Governance Associates in the development of the state, stating that they will work together to strengthen the administrative capacity.

On this occasion, he appealed to the Deputy Commissioners and Good Governance Associates to work collectively in the six priority areas identified by the state government—education, health, waste management, human resources, infrastructure, and good governance and make a meaningful contribution towards realizing the vision of a developed Haryana and a developed India. Emphasizing waste management, he said that concrete steps must be taken in this direction, as it is not merely an issue of cleanliness but is closely linked to public health, environmental protection, and the dignity of citizens.

Interacting with the CMGGAs, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the double-engine government has worked tirelessly for the development of Haryana and the welfare of its people. He said that the government now also has a third engine in the form of Good Governance Associates, who understand ground realities, listen to the genuine concerns of citizens, and help make the administration more effective in identifying and implementing solutions.

Earlier, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Project Director of the CMGGA programme Sh Yashpal gave a detailed presentation on the modules of the CMGGA programme. Director of the Global Village Foundation Sh Sumit Kumar, said that the newly appointed CMGGAs have undergone over 140 hours of training on various subjects, including administrative reforms and policy-making, and that more than 68 training sessions have been conducted.

Chandigarh:

The Chandigarh Press Club strongly condemns the action of the Punjab Police and the Punjab Government for registering FIRs against several journalists from the Bathinda region and YouTubers from Ludhiana. These FIRs have reportedly been filed in connection with journalistic reports highlighting the alleged misuse of the official helicopter of the Chief Minister of Punjab.

The Chandigarh Press Club believes that the state government’s action reflects intolerance towards critical reporting. Registering FIRs against journalists and digital content creators is a clear attempt to intimidate and pressurise the media fraternity for reporting on issues of public interest and holding those in power accountable.

If the government had objections to the facts or interpretation presented in these reports, there were established democratic and legal mechanisms available—such as issuing clarifications, denials, or rebuttals. Resorting to criminal proceedings instead sends a chilling message to journalists and is a deliberate attempt to suppress independent voices and discourage investigative journalism.

The Chandigarh Press Club is deeply concerned that this is not an isolated incident. There have been earlier instances as well where the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has taken steps that undermine the freedom of speech and expression, a fundamental pillar of democracy.

The Chandigarh Press Club reiterates that a free, fearless, and independent press is essential for the healthy functioning of a democracy. Any attempt to muzzle the media through coercive state action is unacceptable.

The Chandigarh Press Club stands firmly with the journalists and content creators facing these FIRs and demands that the Punjab Government immediately withdraw the cases.

Journalists from Bathinda named in the FIR: Maninderjit Sidhu, Mintu Gursaria, Mandeep Singh and RTI activist Manik Goyal. 

FIRs have also been registered against six YouTubers from Ludhiana.

The Chandigarh Press Club reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the protection of press freedom and freedom of expression.