Chandigarh, May 20 :

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday exhorted the newly promoted officers of the Punjab Police Service (PPS) to uphold the glorious legacy of the Punjab Police by making the state free from the scourge of drugs.

Interacting with the 18 Deputy Superintendents of Police who have been promoted as Superintendents of Police, the Chief Minister recalled the rich heritage of the Punjab Police in diligently serving the state and its people. He said that, in addition to effectively maintaining law and order in the border state, the Punjab Police has always acted as a second line of defence, protecting the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann noted that the Punjab Police is also credited with eliminating terrorism from the state, and that its service is unparalleled.

The Chief Minister said that the history of the Punjab Police is replete with gallantry, sacrifice, and countless achievements. He emphasized that the officers now promoted by the state government must ensure that this glorious tradition is carried forward. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab is at the forefront of the nation’s battle against drugs, and the police force plays a vital role in this mission.

The Chief Minister added that, in this context, police officers have a significant responsibility in making Punjab a drug-free state. Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the officers to ensure the resounding success of the Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh campaign, stressing that it is the need of the hour to save future generations from the grip of drugs. He expressed confidence that the newly promoted officers will fulfill their duties with the highest level of professional commitment and dedication to public service.

Chandigarh, May 19 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Monday inaugurated the Rishikulam Wellness Center at the Seva Sadhna evam Gram Vikas Kendra located in Samalkha, Panipat district. On this occasion, he urged citizens to make full use of the facilities available at the center and to incorporate Yoga, Ayurveda, and Naturopathy into their daily lives to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The Chief Minister said that this center is not only a significant step toward rural development but also strengthens our Sanatan traditions and values. On this occasion, he also announced to give Rs. 51 lakh to the institution.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the country today needs two main things, one is secure borders and healthy bodies and this center will raise awareness about health among citizens through its wellness initiatives. He said that the center is also promoting and encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming. He appealed to farmers to avoid the excessive use of chemical pesticides and move toward organic and natural farming.

The Chief Minister highlighted that state-of-the-art Skill Centers are also being run within the Seva Sadhna evam Gram Vikas Kendra, where around 450 youth are receiving skill training and being provided employment opportunities in various sectors. He emphasized that youth play a vital role in building a developed India, and this center is equipping them with the necessary guidance and resources. He also said that every individual associated with the institution bears the responsibility of contributing actively to take the organization to even greater heights.

On this occasion, President, Madhav Jan Seva Nyas, Sh. Pawan Jindal said that this Wellness Center will serve as a cornerstone for those who wish to live a stress-free life. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for inaugurating the center and shared that it would be equipped with all modern amenities.

Speaking to the media after the event, the Chief Minister while responding to a question related to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had asserted that it was time to erase the very foundation of terrorism and our brave soldiers succeeded in eliminating the terrorist threat within just three hours.

Responding to another question about individuals caught on charges of espionage in the interest of national security, the Chief Minister affirmed that police action is being taken against such individuals and will continue in the future as well.

Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, MLAs Sh. Pramod Vij and Sh. Manmohan Bhadana, BJP State President, Sh. Mohan Lal Kaushik, OSDs to Chief Minister Sh. Virender Singh Badkhalsa, Dr. Raj Nehru, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker,  Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, former Minister Sh. Aseem Goel, and other dignitaries remained present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, 19 May . Haryana Police’s Cyber Branch has emerged as an inspiring national model in cybercrime control during the period from April 2024 to April 2025. The state has achieved exceptional success in preventing cybercrimes, arresting fraudsters, and ensuring refund of defrauded amounts to victims. Compared to January to April 2024, the total amount defrauded in April 2025 reduced from ₹71.6 crore to ₹35.5 crore. This significant decline either reflects a reduction in high-value cyber frauds or highlights the success of timely action and effective prevention. Remarkable progress has also been made in the field of recovery. While only 19.5% of the amount was recovered in April 2024, this rate increased to 38.2% in April 2025—nearly double.

DGP Haryana: “Policing today also means activeness in cyberspace”
Director General of Police, Haryana, Mr. Shatrujeet Kapur, remarked that this performance by Haryana is not merely about numbers, but represents a proactive mission-mode approach to combating cybercrime. “Our teams acted in time, used technology prudently, and engaged citizens to establish a new culture of cyber safety. Policing today is no longer limited to physical presence. Prevention and recovery in the cyber domain have become the new benchmarks of policing success,” he stated.

– Investigation Expanded and Digital Disruption Strengthened (September 2023 – April 2025)
Between September 2023 and April 2025, Haryana’s cyber investigation system made notable progress. Where earlier only 24% of the defrauded amount could be traced in cases, this figure rose to 64%, reflecting a 2.7-fold or 166% increase—indicative of the cyber unit’s technical proficiency and investigation quality. The average daily arrest rate nearly doubled during this period. There was also a record rise in mobile number blocking and IMEI blacklisting, with increases of 3.5 times and 2 times respectively. Rapid freezing of bank accounts played a vital role in halting fraudulent transactions swiftly.

Swift and Sharp Results in Four Months: January to April 2025
During the four-month period from January to April 2025, Haryana Police achieved impressive outcomes. Recovery rates increased from 18% to 38%. Blocking of mobile numbers surged 6.6 times to 12,482, and IMEI blacklisting rose 9 times to 1,355. Meanwhile, the number of awareness programs increased from 182 to 335, and citizen participation grew from 45,920 to 67,144—a 46% increase. From February to April 2025, the Mule Account Target Team blocked 2,054 multiple-reported bank accounts, holding ₹20.45 crore. Linked to these accounts, 2,009 mobile numbers were also blocked. Additionally, a URL Hunting Team was established in the Cyber Branch to block fake websites and mobile applications used in cyber frauds. Over the past two months, the team has blocked 355 such websites/apps/social media accounts.

– Rise in Arrest Rate: A Testament to Effective Enforcement of Zero Tolerance Policy
Haryana Police’s Zero Tolerance policy against cybercrime yielded direct results as the average daily number of arrests rose from 18 last year to 21 now—an increase of three more offenders being legally apprehended daily, reflecting real ground-level action. In 2023, this rate was just 5%.

– Public Awareness Campaigns Changed the Scenario
Haryana Police has made remarkable efforts in turning cyber safety into a mass movement. In one year, the number of cyber awareness programs rose by 70% and citizen engagement increased by over 50%. Police teams are visiting schools, colleges, panchayats, and institutions to spread awareness about social media and mobile fraud. As a result, people have become more alert and are promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the Cyber Helpline 1930.

‘Strategic Collaboration and Cooperation is the Key to Success’: Mr. Kapur stated that in this era of technology, cybercrime is a major challenge for the country. Haryana Police has not only strengthened its cyber security framework but also implemented structural reforms. Studying the methods used by cybercriminals in detail, strategic measures were devised to prevent such crimes. In September 2023, the number of technically skilled personnel deployed on Cyber Helpline 1930 was increased from 12 to 70. Meetings were held with bank representatives, encouraging them to collaborate with Haryana Police. As a result, 16 nodal officers from 10 major banks are now working together on one platform to prevent cybercrime.

‘Remarkable Work, Outstanding Results’: Due to these efforts by Haryana Police in cybercrime control, the rate of blocked fraud amounts and recovery by cyber police stations, which was only 8.24% in September 2023, has increased to 38.19% in April 2025—highest in the country. Furthermore, if a complainant reports cyber fraud within six hours, up to 70% of the defrauded amount is being blocked—again, the highest in the country. As of September 2023, Haryana was ranked 23rd in the country in terms of blocked fraud amount rate. Today, it stands at the 1st position. In recognition of this achievement and the efficient implementation of Cyber Helpline 1930, Haryana Police was felicitated by the Union Home Minister, Government of India, Mr. Amit Shah, on 10 September 2024.

Haryana’s Digital Edge Against Cybercrime
Haryana Police’s Cyber Branch has proven that with clear leadership, robust technological capacity, and active citizen participation, both prevention of cybercrime and compensation for its losses are achievable. While other states continue to struggle with the challenge of cyber fraud, Haryana is setting a new benchmark for the country with its solid, technology-based, and coordinated efforts. It shows that security is ensured not only through weapons, but also through information, vigilance, and strategy.

Chandigarh, May 19 – In a significant move to promote film production in the state and preserve Haryana’s rich folk culture, the Haryana Government on Monday provided incentives to six filmmakers under the Haryana Film Policy. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini gave the incentive to the six filmmakers.

In a grand ceremony held on Monday, the Chief Minister gave a draft of Rs. 2 crore each to four films selected by the Governing Council. These films include Chhalaang, Tera Kya Hoga Lovely, Teri Meri Gal Ban Gayi, and Fuffad Ji. Besides this, the film Dada Lakhmi Chand received an incentive of Rs. 1 crore, and the movie 1600 Meter was given Rs. 50.70 lakh as incentive.

Renowned actress Smt. Mita Vashisht, Actors Sh. Yashpal Sharma, Sardar Ammy Virk, Nushrratt Bharuccha, Preeti Sapru, Sumitra Hooda, Usha Sharma, and many other artists, filmmakers, and people associated with the film industry graced the event.

Government’s  aims to make Haryana India’s Next Film Hub

Speaking on the occasion Sh. Nayab Singh Saini stated that many films have already been produced in Haryana and have been well appreciated by the public. This prompted the government to launch a clear and visionary film policy for the first time. The aim is to preserve the state’s rich folk culture and promote it through the medium of cinema. With single-window shooting permissions and subsidy incentives under this policy, Haryana is carving a niche for itself in the film industry, just like in other sectors. This will not only harness the creative potential of Haryana’s youth but has also begun to attract several filmmakers to the state for their ventures. The government is determined to transform Haryana into India’s next film hub, said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister appealed to filmmakers to support the effort of transforming Haryana into a hub for film production, assuring that the Haryana Government stands with them at every step.

Cinema is the most impactful medium for the younger generation, making it essential to ensure access to quality films

He emphasized that cinema is the most impactful medium for the younger generation, making it essential to ensure access to quality films. It is said that cinema may not change society directly, but good cinema can change individuals  and individuals can change society, he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that the Indian film industry is a vast sector providing direct and indirect employment to around 4 lakh people. Approximately 2,000 films are produced annually in India, spanning Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam, and other regional languages. We want Haryana to emerge as a major hub in this dynamic film landscape, he said.

Film Cities to be Developed in Pinjore and Gurugram

The Chief Minister said that the government has decided to establish Film Cities in the state in two phases. In the first phase, a Film City is being developed on 100 acres of land in Pinjore, district Panchkula. The land has already been finalized, and the process of appointing a consultant is underway. In the second phase, a Film City will be developed in Gurugram, where the land  identification  process is currently in progress. Additionally, discussions are being held with Prasar Bharati to begin broadcasting Haryanvi films once a week on Doordarshan, shared Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He further  shared that Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (SUPVA) will be entrusted with the responsibility of starting film-making courses in every university in Haryana. Moreover, in collaboration with the Education Department, SUPVA will also work toward introducing theatre education in every school.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana is more than just a political and administrative entity, it is distinguished by its cultural richness, natural beauty, valorous traditions, and proud way of life. Haryana’s culture is not only vibrant and its folk arts diverse, but its brave soldiers and athletes have brought glory to the state on the global stage. As a result, Bollywood producers and directors have increasingly found Haryanvi backdrops and storylines compelling. He further said that the land of Haryana has given birth to many great artists who have excelled in cinema, acting, and various other fields.

The Chief Minister emphasized that while the government’s goal is to promote Haryanvi films and culture, it also aims to position the state as an attractive destination for film production, not just for Bollywood, but for Hollywood and filmmakers around the world. Beyond filmmaking, Haryana also seeks to become a distinguished brand in film editing.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini appreciated the Department of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture for its commendable work in effectively implementing the film policy at the grassroots level. He  said that a Haryana Film Promotion Cell has been established to bring this policy to the ground. This cell will promote Haryana as a preferred destination for filmmaking, develop the necessary infrastructure, and recommend concessions, incentives, and support for the growth of the film industry. In addition, a Haryana Film Promotion Board has also been constituted, he shared.

The  Chief Minister said that the process for granting shooting permissions in the state has been made entirely online and transparent. Through this portal, film producers from any part of the world can obtain online approval for shooting in Haryana without needing to visit any office physically, he informed.

He said the primary objective of the film policy is to foster a thriving film culture in Haryana, making it a favored destination for film production while creating new employment opportunities. The film policy will aid in developing the infrastructure needed for the production, editing, and exhibition of films. The government will allocate a dedicated budget to promote the film industry.

The more we embrace our Haryanvi identity, the more international we become – Mita Vashisht

Chairperson, Governing Council, Smt. Mita Vashisht, expressed her gratitude to Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, saying that the formation of Haryana on November 1, 1966 was a historic moment, and today, under the Chief Minister’s guidance, a new history has been created by honouring filmmakers and those associated with the film industry, initiating the effort to make Haryana a preferred destination for films.

She said that making a film requires more than just a story, it demands knowledge of a region’s attire, culture, and lifestyle. The more we study our culture, the more deeply we can leave an imprint of Haryana’s stories in cinema. To promote Haryanvi films, she urged that single-screen theatres be reopened in both cities and villages so these films can find audiences and help in promoting Haryanvi culture.

She said that the more we connect with our Haryanvi roots, the more global our identity becomes, meaning that, if we truly internalize our culture and way of life, we can establish a strong Haryanvi identity on the international stage.

Making Haryana a preferred Destination for Film Shooting is the Aim of Haryana Film Policy – K.M. Pandurang

Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Sh. K. M. Pandurang, while welcoming Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, artists, and filmmakers, said that today is a special day. This event has been organized under the Haryana Film Policy to promote filmmaking in the state. He said that the objective behind formulating Haryana’s film policy was to encourage film shoots in Haryana and promote the local culture of the state.

He emphasized that when art receives support, a beautiful confluence of art and culture can be witnessed. With this very vision, Haryana Film Policy is working to promote films. He further said that Haryana’s dialect, tone, and culture are gaining recognition even in Hindi films. To take this further, the Haryana Film Policy was introduced. Under this policy, the government has implemented a single-window system for granting film shooting permissions. Haryana not only offers excellent locations but is also home to talented artists. The core aim of the Haryana Film Policy is to make Haryana a preferred destination for film shooting.

Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forests & Wildlife Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Commissioner and Secretary,  Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Additional Director (Administration), Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, along with folk artists and film industry personalities from across the state remained present on this occasion.