Category Archives: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

High-level meeting of Punjab State Advisory Board Chaired by Dr. Baljit Kaur: Directives issued to ensure accessibility of Government Schemes for Divyang Persons

Chandigarh, January 11

A high-level meeting of the Punjab State Advisory Board, chaired by Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, was held at Punjab Bhawan. The Minister emphasized ensuring that government schemes are accessible to Divyang persons and directed officials to implement these schemes effectively at the grassroots level.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reviewed the status of welfare initiatives and instructed various departments to expedite their implementation. She directed the completion of pending work on 144 government buildings in 10 districts under the SIPDA scheme within the specified time frame. Furthermore, she stressed that all government buildings be made barrier-free within three years and asked the department to prepare a detailed proposal. To monitor progress, the Social Security Department instructed to notify a five-member committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner at the district level.

The Minister also underscored the importance of strictly implementing the provisions of the RPWD Act, 2016, to safeguard reservation benefits for Divyang persons. She directed the submission of a detailed report on benefits provided under these provisions during the next board meeting.

Taking serious note of the pending UDID card applications, Dr. Baljit Kaur directed the Health and Family Welfare Department to clear these applications within a month. She also instructed the department to present a comprehensive proposal in the next board meeting to address challenges faced by Divyang Persons in obtaining UDID cards. Civil Surgeons were directed to organize special camps to address discrepancies in disability percentage and other issues related to UDID cards.

The Sports Department informed

the board about the benefits and incentives provided to disabled athletes under the Punjab Sports Policy 2023, highlighting that Punjab is the first state in the region to offer such special benefits. The Minister directed the department to prioritize resolving grading issues faced by disabled athletes.

To uplift the living standards of Divyang Persons, Dr. Baljit Kaur instructed board members to identify such individuals in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and support those willing to undergo vocational training. She also directed the Employment Generation and Skill Development Department to organize special camps for this purpose.

Cabinet Minister appealed to all Divyang persons to register at the Special Employment Exchange established at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Ludhiana to avail government schemes for vocational training and employment.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also instructed the Urban Development and Rural Development Departments to prioritize providing agricultural land and housing to persons with disabilities under Section 37 of the RPWD Act and ensure effective dissemination of information regarding these schemes.

She urged officials from various departments to prioritize resolving Divyang Persons and to ensure the appointment of grievance redressal officers as per the notification issued by the Social Security Department. These details should be made available on the respective departmental websites.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also informed the board that last year, a special campaign was launched to identify backlog vacancies for Divyang Persons. So far, 21 departments have sent requisitions to the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board and the Punjab Public Service Commission for filling these positions.

Dr. Baljit Kaur affirmed that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of Divyang Persons and is working tirelessly to ensure their well-being.

CM seeks intervention of Amit Shah for setting up special NDPS courts to check drug menace

Chandigarh, January 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday sought kind intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to provide financial assistance to the state government for setting up special NDPS court to check drug menace.

Participating through video conferencing in the regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’, the Chief Minister urged GOI to give one time financial assistance, for 10 years to State to create Special NDPS Courts and recruitment of public prosecutors along with other supporting staff, of Rs 600 crores (@ Rs.60 Cr. Per year). He said that at present there are 35,000 NDPS cases pending for Session trial as on January 01, 2025 adding that at present rate of disposal, on an average a Session Court takes seven years to complete the trial of pending case leaving aside all new added cases. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in coming five years, this average disposal time will increase from seven years (35,000 pending cases) to 11 years (55,000 pending cases).

The Chief Minister said that in order to clear the pendency in the next five years, state needs to create 79 new exclusive NDPS Special Courts in Punjab and to appoint 79 Public Prosecutors along with supporting staff for these NDPS Special Courts adding that for it this financial assistance is solicited. He also requested the Union Home Minister to ensure generous funding from National Fund for Control of Drug Abuse (Chapter 7-A of NDPS Act) for Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Live Monitoring Systems for six Bordering Districts, purchase of equipment for technical surveillance, infrastructure and logistic requirement for 5G Jamming solution for Prisons, de-addiction centers in Jails, AI surveillance systems in Jail, Special Prison for drug traffickers and assistance for anti- drug awareness campaigns in all 28 districts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state had sought Rs.2829 Crore through 16th Finance Commission which should be approved at the earliest for effective law enforcement and upgrading infrastructure and logistic support of ANTF and Prisons.

Flagging another issue, the Chief Minister said that with the aim to control, reclaim and rejuvenate drug hotspots in Punjab, hiring of counsellors and coordinators for conducting survey and studies regarding impact of CADA amounting to Rs.107 crores was submitted to Government since 2022, but nothing has been allotted till date adding that it should be released at the earliest. He said that the state faced a full scaled insurgency in the late seventies and eighties, and now is fighting a proxy war with Pakistan to thwart drug trafficking carried out by Pakistan supported stage actors. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 552 kms of International Border shared with Pakistan is porous which is marked by fencing gap of around 43 kms and riverine gap of 35 kms adding that this  makes state vulnerable to cross border drug trafficking.

The Chief Minister said that state’s location along the notorious ‘Golden Cresent’ drug route makes it a key transit point for narcotics and other contraband adding that now drug is consumed by the local population at an alarming level. He said that due to Increased vigil and border fencing, drug trafficking is now majorly done through drones and it poses less chances of getting caught due to which it has become a National problem which is being left to Punjab to fight on its own. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with its meager resources, the State is fighting a herculean task to fight against the drug abuse.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab Police has raised Anti-Narcotics Task Force with 861 officers/officials who are trained to deal with the drug trafficking. He said that Further each District/Commissionerate of the state has established Narcotic Cell to deal with the drug problem and the state Government has also constituted a State Level ‘Punjab Narcotics Prevention Campaign Committee’ under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary, Punjab and District Mission Teams under the District Magistrates at district level to co- ordinate between all the stakeholders for curbing the drug abuse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that A State level Nodal Officer for ‘Anti-Drug Program’ has also been nominated by the Government and state has also commissioned an Anti-Drug Helpline ‘Safe Punjab’, which gives a platform to the citizens to report any drug trafficking incident or any help required for the treatment of drug addict.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that out of the total 1905 complaints received on this helpline, action has been taken in 856 complaints and FIRs in 31 cases have been registered. He said that the state Government has adopted a policy of Enforcement-Deaddiction- Prevention (EDP) to fight this menace of drug abuse and Under this policy, drug laws are strictly implemented, deaddiction services are provided and drug awareness is spread to prevent the youth and citizens from falling into the drug trap. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the last two and half year the state government has registered around 31,500 cases under NDPS Act in which 43,000 accused have been arrested with 3,000 kg of heroin, 2,600 kg of opium and 4.3 Cr of pharmaceutical drugs.

The Chief Minister said illegally acquired property of drug traffickers worth Rs.449 Crore has been frozen  from the Competent Authority and With its training and capacity building a conviction rate of 82.5% has been achieved by the State, which is highest in the Country. He said that Habitual offenders of drug trafficking have been detained under PITNDPS Act and the State has developed a software ‘Punjab Artificial Intelligence System’ (PAIS 2.0) as an advance tool designed to help Punjab Police in tracking and analyzing crimes. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it has a database of 3,32,976 criminals including more than 1 lakh drug offenders which include features like drug seizures data, voice analysis, and criminal link tracking to better handle cases related to narcotics.

The Chief Minister said that With over 18 million searches conducted and 30,804 active users, PAIS provides real-time insights, helping officers make quick decisions and allocate resources effectively adding that it is a powerful tool in the fight against drug related crimes. He said that Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal office at Chandigarh, Amritsar and Regional Office at Amritsar has been given access of PAIS 2.0. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for deaddiction of drug addicts, free of cost medicines are provided to the addicts in 529 Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) clinics. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 17 OOAT clinic have also been established in the Jails and state government has set up 213 Private as well as Government Deaddiction Centers and 90 Rehabilitation Centers for treatment of drug addicts.

The Chief Minister said that 97,413 addicts were admitted in these  Deaddiction and Rehabilitation Centers whereas around 10 lakh patients have undergone treatment in these centers during 2022-2024. He said that in order to prevent the youth from falling into the trap of drug abuse, Government has launched Buddy Program in all the Private/Government Schools, Colleges & Universities and this program aims to prevent drug abuse among the younger generation, particularly students by providing knowledge, imparting behavioral skills and developing a system for self/group monitoring and support. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Around 29,000 students have been enrolled in this program and 19,523 Village Defense Committees have also been constituted across the State.

The Chief Minister said that drug problem in Punjab is impacting the socio-economic balance, leading to a significant increase in crime, domestic violence and health issues affecting not only the State but Country as a whole. He said that the Narco-Terror drug trade business in Punjab has links with the international cartels who smuggle drugs from Pakistan, Afghanistan and other Countries into the State. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that drug trade in Punjab is believed to be the source of funding of terrorist activities in the State leading to destabilizing National Security.

Batting for A national response to tackle problem of drug, the Chief Minister said that it is necessary to check this problem as it can imbalance the socio-economic structure of the society. He said that Increased and generous central funding is required to support anti-drug initiatives, rehabilitation services, awareness campaigns and law enforcement efforts. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Border Security Force (BSF) deployed on the Pakistan border in Punjab is required to be strengthened.

Raising another issue, the Chief Minister said that In the last five years, 1247 drone sightings have been reported and 417 drones have been recovered which is a minuscule of the total recovery as at present there are only 12 Jamming system operational on 552 kms of International Border. He said that these cater to only 1/5 of the entire border stretch and has 4/5 of the entire border is without Jamming system. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a huge cache of drugs and arms have been recovered so far adding that this recovery can be far more for which atleast, 50 more advanced technology Jamming Systems are required.

Speaker Sandhwan expresses grief over demise of MLA Gurpreet Gogi

Chandigarh, January 11

Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has expressed deep grief over the demise of MLA Gurpreet Gogi.

In a press statement issued today, the Speaker said that 57-year-old Mr. Gurpreet Gogi was elected MLA from Ludhiana West in 2022. The Speaker remembered Gogi’s dedication to his work and said that Mr. Gogi and Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal had a long discussion yesterday regarding re-converting Budha Nallah into Budha Darya.

The Speaker said that as a leader, he will always be remembered for his services to the society especially to the Ludhiana region.

The Speaker prayed before Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to family to bear loss.

CM condoles sad demise of MLA Gogi 

Ludhiana, January 11:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday mourned the sad and untimely demise of MLA Gurpreet Singh Gogi who passed away on Friday night.

In a condolence message, the Chief Minister, who attend the cremation of deceased MLA, described Gogi as a hardworking, dedicated and committed colleague. He said that it was a huge personal loss for him and an irreparable loss for the Aam Aadmi party, as Gogi was a committed foot soldier of the party. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Gogi had worked tirelessly for the well being of people especially of his constituency.

The Chief Minister said that he was saddened to learn about the death of Gogi adding that the deceased leader has left a void in AAP and in hearts of the people. Meanwhile, Bhagwant Singh Mann laid a wreath on the body of Gogi and prayed to the Almighty to give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.

Education system in Haryana to be transformed, Chief Minister holds an important meeting with the officials of the Education Department      

Chandigarh, January 11: In a bid to establish Haryana as a global education hub, the state government, led by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, is set to implement radical reforms in the education sector. The Chief Minister has directed officers to ensure that quality education is provided across all schools by maintaining the student-teacher ratio as per the National Education Policy. A comprehensive action plan is currently being developed to address the teacher shortage in schools. As a result, from the upcoming academic session, no school in the state will face a shortage of teachers.

             The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting with officers of the Elementary Education, School Education, and Higher Education Departments late Friday evening. Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda also attended the meeting.

            Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini directed that a comprehensive plan should be prepared by rationalizing the arrangement of teachers in schools so that if there is a shortage of teachers in any school, it can be met. He emphasized that there is no actual shortage of teachers in Haryana, but rather, the allocation of teachers should be adjusted according to the number of students. He further stressed that all necessary arrangements should be completed before the start of the new academic session.

Public confidence should be instilled to encourage more children to receive education in government schools

          The Chief Minister emphasized the need to build public confidence in government schools to encourage more children to enroll and receive education there. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality education to every child. In line with the National Education Policy, he said that Bhagavad Gita should be included in the curriculum up to class eighth to instill moral values in students.

To ensure holistic development, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of making sports and cleanliness compulsory in schools. Additionally, he called for enhancing the skills of teachers so they can effectively adopt new teaching methods. He also directed that basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, and overall cleanliness be maintained in schools and colleges.

 Number of Model Sanskriti Schools should be increased at block level

            Sh. Nayab Singh Saini stated that the Haryana Government has established Model Sanskriti Schools at the block level, which are affiliated with the CBSE Board. These schools offer education in Mathematics and Science, along with English medium. Due to high demand and competition for admission, he emphasized the need to increase the number of Model Sanskriti Schools at the block level.

 All tasks must be completed within the stipulated time frame, and any unnecessary delays will not be tolerated under any circumstances

            While reviewing the Chief Minister’s announcements, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that all pending development works be expedited. He emphasized that a specific time limit should be set for each task, and work must be completed within that time frame. He warned that unnecessary delays would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The Chief Minister asked the Chief Secretary to authorize XEN-level officers from other departments to handle the tendering related processes for the engineering wing of the Education Department. He also stressed that strict action should be taken against contractors who fail to complete their work within the stipulated time.

            The Chief Minister said that every child attending school should be monitored to track their future educational path, including which institution they enroll in after completing 12th grade. If any student is studying outside Haryana, their information should also be recorded to ensure that no child in the state is deprived of their fundamental right to education.

            The Chief Minister further emphasized that the goal of the present state government is to make Haryana a global center for education. In the age of AI, significant changes must be made to modernize education. He urged all officers and employees to take their responsibilities seriously and be well-prepared with all relevant information when attending meetings. The Chief Minister also stressed that all officers and employees should improve their work systems, as any negligence at any level would not be tolerated.

 A framework should be developed for conducting competitive exam preparation through smart classrooms in colleges, which will greatly benefit children from rural areas

            While reviewing the Higher Education Department, the Chief Minister directed officials to submit a report on the facilities, including infrastructure, in every college, so that any deficiencies can be addressed promptly. He also emphasized the need to develop a framework for arranging competitive exam preparation through smart classrooms in colleges, ensuring that children from rural areas have access to better resources for their exam preparations.

            The Chief Minister directed that buildings of the colleges which are under construction should be completed as soon as possible. He also emphasized the need to ensure that students do not face any difficulties in classes held in temporary buildings until the new ones are finished. Additionally, he instructed that solar panels should be installed on college buildings. Every college should have a boundary wall, along with proper water and toilet facilities. Furthermore, continuous arrangements should be made for the repair and maintenance of buildings as required.

A large reading room to be set up in Panchkula

            The Chief Minister stated that the present state government is committed to setting up reading rooms in cities to provide quality reading material to students. As part of this initiative, a large reading room should be established in Panchkula on a priority basis, ensuring that students from Panchkula do not need to travel to Chandigarh. He also mentioned that, given the government’s effort to establish a college every 20 kilometers, a reading room should be set up in each college. These reading rooms will remain open even after college hours, allowing students to visit and study.

Complete goals within the stipulated time period to fully implement the National Education Policy – Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda

          In the meeting, Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda directed officers to ensure that both short-term and long-term goals for the full implementation of the National Education Policy are completed within the stipulated time period. He emphasized that special attention should be given to the distribution of reading materials in schools. According to the new policy, he also highlighted the importance of making special efforts to teach foreign languages in schools. This will enable students to become proficient in foreign languages alongside their mother tongue, enhancing their chances of securing employment opportunities at the global level.

Streamline the working system on time; strict action will be taken for any deficiencies – Mahipal Dhanda

            The Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, directed that teachers who have been posted at the same position in field offices for extended periods should be instructed to go to schools and teach students. He emphasized the need for officers to correct their working systems promptly and ensure that schemes are implemented effectively at the ground level. He warned that if any deficiencies are identified during the next review meeting, strict action will be taken against the concerned individuals.

            Sh. Mahipal Dhanda also mentioned his visit to Sarthak School in Sector 12, Panchkula, where he reviewed the arrangements. He stated that every school should strive to become an ideal school like Sarthak School. He emphasized the importance of transforming the education system to improve the quality of schools, so parents are encouraged to send their children to government schools. The Minister further instructed that all arrangements should be in place before the new academic session to avoid any issues in schools.

            It was informed in the meeting that the norms of the National Education Policy have been fully implemented up to class 3, and the policy will be fully implemented up to class 7 by this year. Changes have been made to the curriculum in accordance with the education policy, and textbooks aligned with the new curriculum will be provided in this academic session. Furthermore, a plan is underway to sign a MoU with the French Embassy to teach French, allowing students to learn foreign languages in schools.

            It was also informed that smart classrooms have been established in 22 colleges to promote digital education, and 83 labs have been set up in 48 government colleges. The concept of multidisciplinary teaching has been implemented in line with the new National Education Policy.

            Chief Secretary Dr Vivek Joshi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education Department Sh Vineet Garg, Principal Secretary of School Education Department Sh Pankaj Agarwal, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Yashpal Yadav, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana Conducts Surprise Inspection of Radaur Bus Stand

Chandigarh, January 11

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana conducted a surprise inspection of the Radaur Bus Stand in Yamunanagar and directed the concerned Haryana Roadways General Manager, Sh. Sandeep Kumar, to ensure that the bus stand is kept clean. He said that all passengers should have access to adequate facilities at the bus stand, including cleanliness and access to drinking water.

While addressing the officials at bus stand, Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the Radaur Bus Stand should be ranked first in the state for cleanliness. In response, the officials assured him that they would make every effort to ensure Radaur Bus Stand achieves high ranking.

Rao Narbir Singh Inaugurates Night Shelter on Darbaripur Road in Badshahpur, Gurugram

Chandigarh, January 11

Haryana Industry and Commerce, Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, today inaugurated a night shelter built by the Municipal Corporation on Darbaripur Road in Badshahpur, Gurugram. During the event, he also addressed the concerns of the people present and gave necessary instructions to the concerned officials.

Sh. Rao Narbir Singh said that night shelters are currently operational at various locations in Gurugram. He further directed the district administration to set up temporary night shelters at crowded places as needed. He said that the State Government, which is continuously working towards the upliftment of the underprivileged, has committed to ensure that no one is forced to sleep in the open and endure the harsh cold during the severe cold wave. To address this, all necessary arrangements, including night shelters and blanket distribution, have been made.

He said that a sufficient number of night shelters have been established by the state government in every district, and charitable organizations have also stepped forward to help. He added that it is everyone’s responsibility to stand with those in need during their distress. Sh. Rao also said that due to the continuous changes in weather, the cold wave may persist for several more days. In this situation, we must encourage people to take cautionary and preventive measures for their health.

The Cabinet Minister said that night shelters are currently being operated in Gurugram city at various locations, including Railway Station Road, Kadipur, Bhim Nagar, Sohna Chowk, Rajiv Chowk, and Community Center Kanhai, in addition to Darbaripur Road in Badshahpur. He said that it is our moral responsibility to take any economically disadvantaged person, mentally ill person, or worker such as a laborer or rickshaw-puller  found sleeping in the open to a night shelter with full sympathy.

Minister of State for Sports Calls Upon Youth to Draw Inspiration from the Life of Swami Vivekananda

Chandigarh, January 11

Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Gaurav Gautam, urged the youth of the state to take inspiration from the life of Swami Vivekananda during the celebration of National Youth Day. He said that the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda are a constant source of motivation for the youth. His message of “Arise, Awake and stop not till the goal is reached” plays a significant role in the overall development of young individuals. As a result, Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary is celebrated annually as National Youth Day on January 12.

Mr. Gautam extended his best wishes to 75 participants from Haryana who are taking part in the National Youth Festival at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and encouraged them to give their best, bring laurels, and make the state proud. He said that today’s youth represents the future of the country, and they should adopt the ideals of Swami Vivekananda to harness their strength, develop a positive attitude, and shape a strong mindset. In an era where technological and social challenges are on the rise, the young generation must possess self-confidence and a sense of responsibility toward society to overcome these challenges.

The Minister Sh. Gaurav Gautam further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is consistently working towards the development of the youth.

Anter-Rajyastariya Sachiwalya will strengthen cooperation in combating Drug Trafficking across Northern India: CM

Chandigarh, January 11

Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that in line with the vision of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the state has made significant progress in combating drug trafficking.  He said that under the several  initiatives taken by the present state government, the conviction rate in cases under NDPS Act has increased from 48 percent in 2023 to 54 percent in 2024, reflecting the state’s enhanced efforts to address drug-related crimes.

        The Chief Minister  shared this  information  while  virtually attending a meeting chaired by Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah on Drug Trafficking and National Security at New Delhi on Saturday.

3,445 Villages and 774 Wards declared Drug-Free, 26,000 Drug Peddlers Arrested

Sh.  Nayab Saini further informed that 3,445 villages and 774 wards have been declared drug-free in the state. There are no active drug dealers in these areas, and addicts are receiving treatment at de-addiction centers. Over the past five years, the state has made significant strides in curbing drug trafficking, with around 26,000 drug peddlers arrested and sent to prison. Last year alone, nearly 5,000 individuals were arrested for drug-related crimes, including 1,000 identified as major drug traffickers, with a large quantity of drugs seized from them.

Over 50 Crore Rupees Seized and 161 Nasha Mukti Kendras Established

        In addition to law enforcement measures, the state government has seized over 50 crore rupees in drug money and dismantled around 100 illegal encroached establishments. Haryana has also established 161 Nasha Mukti Kendras (de-addiction centers) across the state to support individuals on their recovery journey, said the Chief Minister.

Fast-Track Courts and Quick Forensic Reports Accelerate Legal Proceedings

        The Chief Minister said that the state government has made concrete efforts to implement the MANAS helpline, which encourages drug addicts to seek treatment at de-addiction centers.

        Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini further informed that to expedite legal proceedings, Haryana has established fast-track courts and is ensuring quick reports from forensic science labs (FSL) for the timely resolution of drug-related cases. This system has been effectively implemented to ensure successful outcomes in tackling drug trafficking.

Haryana established Anter-Rajyastariya Sachiwalya to Boost Cooperation with Neighboring States

        Sh. Nayab Singh  Saini informed that Haryana has established Anter-Rajyastariya Sachiwalya in Panchkula to enhance cooperation with neighboring states in the fight against drug trafficking. This new platform will facilitate the sharing of crucial information about drug trafficking and movement across northern states: Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. The primary objective of this initiative is to strengthen joint efforts and improve coordination in tackling drug-related issues in the northern region of India.

Saints, Spiritual Leaders, and Sports Personalities Join Drug-Free Haryana Campaign

The Chief Minister also appreciated the active involvement of saints, spiritual leaders, and sports personalities in the Drug-Free Haryana campaign, recognizing their important role in spreading awareness and encouraging community participation in the movement.

Anti-Narcotics Task Force Set Up to Tackle Drug Trafficking Across the State

Additionally, an Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been constituted in the state, with 11 units operating across Haryana. The task force is also conducting SCORD and DCORD meetings at regular intervals, shared  the Chief Minister.

Chief Secretary, Dr. Vivek Joshi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department Dr. Sumita Misra, Director General of Police Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur and other senior officers of police department also attended the meeting.

Ambala Cantonment’s Domestic Airport to Be Operational by February: Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij

Chandigarh, January 11

Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Mr. Anil Vij informed that the construction of a domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment is a significant achievement for the state government. The airport is expected to become operational by February. It will provide connectivity to Haryana, Western UP, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. He said that large flights will be able to land and take off from the airport in any weather conditions.

During inspection of the domestic airport in Ambala Cantonment today, Minister Mr. Vij informed that all preparations for the airport are almost complete. Security equipment is on its way and will be installed at the gates and other areas shortly.

The Minister also gathered information from the Superintendent Engineer regarding the works related to the airport and the security equipment being installed. The officer informed him that the security equipment will arrive soon and be installed at the designated locations. The Minister directed the concerned officials to level and clean the vacant spaces on the airport premises to enhance the area’s appearance.

Speaking to the media, Minister Vij said that all preparations for the Ambala Cantonment domestic airport have been finalized. He said that land for the airport had been acquired from the Defense Ministry for Rs. 133 crore, with an additional of Rs.40 crore allocated for the structure. The building has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 16 crore. While some equipment is still to be installed, all necessary arrangements have been made, and installation will begin as soon as the equipment arrives.

The Minister further informed that Ambala, a historic railway junction connecting several states, will benefit greatly from the new airport, which will further enhance the beauty of Ambala Cantonment. He also disclosed about his recent meeting with the Union Aviation Minister in Delhi, which helped accelerate the airport’s development. He assured that adequate security arrangements will be implemented shortly.

Request to the Aviation Minister – Inclusion of Airlines like Indian Airlines and IndiGo

Mr. Vij also informed that the state government has signed agreements with airlines to operate flights from Ambala and Hisar. He expressed a request to the Union Aviation Minister to include airlines such as Indian Airlines and IndiGo. The inclusion of these airlines will facilitate flights to other states. The largest flights will be able to land at the domestic airport and operate in any weather conditions.

Superintendent Engineer, Mr. Harpal Singh, Executive Engineer, Mr. Ritesh Agarwal, and other officials were present during the visit.