Chandigarh, January 10. Haryana’s decisive crackdown on organized crime and extortion rackets is now yielding strong, visible results. Compared to 2024, the state recorded a remarkable 40% reduction in extortion-related incidents in 2025. Not only this, but police teams successfully foiled nine major targeted-murder conspiracies, preventing large-scale criminal violence and restoring public confidence.

High-Level Review at Police Headquarters

These developments were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Director General of Police Ajay Singhal at the Police Headquarters. Opening the session, DGP Singhal highlighted the growing threats posed by gangsters and their overseas handlers, making it clear that no individual spreading fear or intimidation in the state will be spared.

Zero Tolerance for Terror-Like Activities

Emphasizing an uncompromising approach, DGP Singhal stated that individuals who create an atmosphere of fear among citizens will be treated on par with terrorists and dealt with under the harshest provisions of law. He stressed that the only effective way to dismantle organized crime is to examine the entire structure of these gangs and strike at the core sources of their power.

STF Presentation Highlights International Links

During the meeting, IG STF Satish Balan delivered a detailed presentation outlining the operational architecture and technological mechanisms used by organized criminal groups. He revealed that several gangsters operate from foreign locations, managing their network through social media platforms, encrypted applications and internet-based calling systems. Using virtual numbers and fake online identities, these criminals issue instructions, coordinate operations and even attempt recruitment from abroad.

Close Surveillance on Criminals Operating From Overseas

IG Balan informed attendees that STF is maintaining continuous surveillance on such individuals and is working in close coordination with international agencies to facilitate their deportation. DGP Singhal stressed the need to strengthen this coordination further, noting that no country wants to shelter criminals, and cooperation at the global level is essential.

Rising Influence of Gangsters on Youth a Serious Concern

The meeting also raised concern over the growing trend of young people being influenced by gangsters through rapidly expanding social media channels. Criminals lure impressionable youth into performing minor tasks and gradually push them into serious offences, while gang leaders remain protected in remote or foreign locations.

Focus on Prevention and Public Awareness

To counter this trend, officials recommended expanding awareness and counselling programs among youth alongside ongoing technical surveillance. They also emphasized the need to map specific regions where criminal influence is rising, enabling targeted prevention measures at the grassroots level.

Directive to Strike at the Root of Organized Crime

The meeting concluded with a strong directive from DGP Singhal to intensify and sustain the campaign against organized crime. He stated that this fight cannot end with arrests alone—it must continue until the entire ecosystem of organized crime, including its financial foundation, is dismantled completely.

Chandigarh/Narnaul.
January 10, 2026

The Congress party has adopted an aggressive stance against the Central Government’s attempts to alter the original structure of MNREGA. Under the “Save MNREGA Campaign,” the party has begun organizing press conferences across the state as part of a well-planned strategy. As part of this campaign, press conferences were held simultaneously at all district headquarters, including Narnaul, under the leadership of State Congress President Rao Narendra Singh.
Addressing the press conference, Rao Narendra Singh said that MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), implemented by the UPA government in 2005, is a rights-based law that provides every rural household with a legal right to demand employment. He said that for the past 20 years, MNREGA has remained the lifeline of rural India.
Rao Narendra Singh stated that during the difficult period of the COVID pandemic, MNREGA provided employment to 4.6 crore families. The scheme functions as the backbone of rural livelihood security. Every year, 5 to 6 crore families receive employment under MNREGA, which helps reduce migration from rural areas to cities. He added that women’s participation accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total person-days generated under MNREGA.
The State President said that the UPA government ensured that even the last person in society had the right to demand work. Any unemployed person in rural areas could demand work from the government without any qualification, and employment had to be provided within 15 days.
He alleged that the Central Government is now preparing to scrap MNREGA and replace it with the (GRAM G) – Viksit Bharat Rozgar Aajeevika Guarantee Mission Bill, which abolishes the legal guarantee of work, weakens village communities and panchayats, and gives the Central Government the authority to decide in which states the scheme will be implemented and in which it will not.
Rao Narendra Singh said that earlier, nearly 90 percent of MNREGA expenditure was borne by the Central Government, with only 10 percent borne by state governments. Now, however, up to 40 percent of the burden is being shifted to the states. State governments are already under heavy debt, and in such a situation, they will be unable to make payments, leading to the gradual shutdown of MNREGA.
He warned that this would result in a sharp increase in rural unemployment, exploitation of families without minimum wages, increased migration to cities, and the erosion of powers and rights of gram panchayats.
During the press conference, District President Satbir Yadav said that this is a well-planned conspiracy by the BJP government against MNREGA. He termed it the daylight murder of MNREGA, a robbery of the rights of crores of workers, and a direct attack on the livelihood of the working class. He said the right of the poor to demand work is being snatched away. He added that over 90 percent of MNREGA beneficiaries come from Dalit and backward classes, and this is a conspiracy to deprive them of social justice.
State Youth Congress President Nishit Kataria said that under the MNREGA scheme introduced by the Congress government, every family was guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of work by law. Now, beneficiaries will be left without any legal guarantee, and work will be available only in villages selected by the Central Government.
District Women Congress President Dr. Raj Sunesh said that MNREGA legally guaranteed minimum wages, but after the changes made by the Modi government, work will not be available during crop-harvesting seasons and wages will be fixed arbitrarily by the government.
Calling the situation extremely shameful, Rao Narendra Singh said that gram panchayats are now being sidelined. Earlier, development work in villages was carried out through gram panchayats with the support of MNREGA mates and employment assistants. Now, the government will decide who works where and on what, and workers will not even receive assistance from mates or employment assistants.
He asserted that the Congress party will continue its struggle—from the streets to Parliament—to protect MNREGA and the rights of rural workers.
Those present on the occasion included Mahender Ratan, Manoj Patikara, Youth Block President Ravindra Mandi, Ram Singh Joya, Tota Ram Kohli, Advocate Kuldeep Bhardgarh, OBC President Vikram Awana, former judge Rakesh Yadav, Professor Bhup Singh, Seva Dal President Ajit Yadav, Avinash Mandi, Shyam Sunder Soni, Chairman Dalip Singh, Professor Rajbir, Shakti Mandhana, Rewari Youth President Raj Prakash, and several other Congress workers.

Chandigarh, January 8 – In a significant update to streamline recruitment for top administrative posts, the Haryana Government has released a comprehensive revision of the syllabi for the Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) and Allied Services examinations through an Extraordinary Gazette notification. A notification in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

For the Preliminary Examination, candidates will face two objective papers totaling 400 marks. Paper I on General Studies delves into general science, drawing from everyday observations expected of an educated individual; current national and international events; broad aspects of Indian history, including the National Movement’s resurgence and independence; Indian and world geography with focus on physical, social, and economic features, agriculture, and resources; Indian polity, economy, culture, and mental ability through reasoning. Haryana-specific elements like its economy, people, social institutions, culture, and language are integrated throughout. Paper II, the Civil Services Aptitude Test, tests comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy (Class X level), and data interpretation from charts, graphs, tables, and sufficiency questions.

The Main Written Examination introduces a more robust structure with six descriptive papers, each of three hours’ duration and 100 marks, totaling 600 marks—a key change eliminating optional subjects and introducing four General Studies papers, as confirmed in recent HPSC updates. Paper I (English and Essay) evaluates reading serious prose, precise expression through precis writing, passage comprehension, usage, vocabulary, grammar, composition, and an essay on a chosen topic stressing orderly ideas and conciseness. Paper II (Hindi and Hindi Essay in Devnagri script) covers English-to-Hindi translation, letter/precis writing, prose/poetry explanations, idioms, corrections, composition, and a topic-based essay.

General Studies-I explores Indian art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times; modern Indian history from the 18th century, freedom struggle stages and contributors; post-independence consolidation; world history including industrial revolution, wars, colonization, and philosophies like communism and socialism; Indian society’s diversity, women’s roles, population, poverty, urbanization, globalization effects, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism; world physical geography, resource distribution, industry locations, geophysical phenomena like earthquakes and cyclones, and critical changes in geography, flora, fauna, with Haryana linkages.

General Studies-II covers the Indian Constitution’s evolution, features, amendments, federal structure challenges, devolution to local levels, separation of powers, dispute mechanisms, comparisons with other nations; Parliament and legislatures’ functioning; executive and judiciary structures, pressure groups; Representation of People’s Act; constitutional bodies; statutory/regulatory institutions; development policies, NGOs, SHGs; welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, health, education, poverty, hunger; governance aspects like e-governance, transparency, civil services’ role, India-neighborhood relations, international groupings, diaspora, global institutions, and Haryana issues.

General Studies-III addresses Indian economy planning, resource mobilization, growth, employment, inclusive growth, budgeting; agriculture including crops, irrigation, subsidies, MSP, PDS, food security, animal rearing, food processing; land reforms; liberalization effects, industrial policy; infrastructure like energy, ports, transport; science-technology applications, IT, space, biotech, IPR; environment conservation, disasters; extremism linkages, internal security challenges from cyber, media, organized crime, border issues, security forces, with Haryana relevance.

Finally, General Studies-IV on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude uses case studies to probe attitudes towards public life probity, covering ethics essence in actions, human values from leaders, attitude influences, foundational civil service values like integrity and empathy, emotional intelligence, moral thinkers; public service ethics, dilemmas, accountability; governance probity including RTI, codes, citizen charters and corruption challenges.

Chandigarh, January 8-  Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that India has witnessed a decisive and positive transformation over the past eleven years, driven by transparent governance, citizen-centric policies, and effective implementation of welfare initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. He said that the most significant outcome of this period has been the restoration of public trust, with citizens increasingly feeling that the government truly belongs to them. This sense of ownership and confidence among the people, he emphasized, represents the true and enduring meaning of good governance.

The Chief Minister said this while addressing a programme organised in Panchkula on Wednesday, where he underlined that public expectations have evolved significantly. Citizens now demand accountability, efficiency, and long-term solutions that improve the quality of life. This shift, he said, marks a mature democratic transition towards performance-driven governance.

On the occasion, he launched the National Education Evaluation and Validation (NEEV) Portal, designed to strengthen the implementation of the National Education Policy through continuous evaluation and data-based monitoring.

Meanwhile, in the presence of the Chief Minister, Memoranda of Understanding were also signed under the ‘Gyan Setu’ initiative between the Golden Jubilee Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management and various universities to promote academic collaboration, research integration, and institutional capacity building.

*National Education Policy Anchored in Skills, Innovation, and Self-Reliance*

The Chief Minister said that the initiatives unveiled mark a defining moment in Haryana’s education reforms. The objective is to build an education ecosystem that goes beyond conventional degrees and focuses on skills, innovation, and employability. Referring to the Vision Document–2047, launched in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047, he said Haryana is positioning education as a central pillar of long-term development.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further said the National Education Policy reflects a forward-looking framework that integrates knowledge with practical skills, enabling youth to become self-reliant and economically productive. The MoUs signed under the Gyan Setu initiative will ensure that academic research and institutional expertise are aligned with governance priorities and societal needs, he said.

*Historic Budgetary Support to Strengthen Research Culture*

Highlighting a major policy milestone, the Chief Minister said that the state budget has provided Rs. 20 crore for research for the first time, signalling the government’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation across higher education institutions. He emphasized that universities should focus on problem-driven research that addresses pressing challenges such as waterlogging, environmental sustainability, and urban infrastructure, thereby contributing directly to policy formulation and development planning.

*Welfare-Oriented Governance Has Improved Quality of Life*

The Chief Minister stated that since 2014, governance in India has shifted towards inclusive and outcome-oriented welfare delivery. Initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu, Har Ghar Nal Se Jal, Mhara Gaon–Jagmag Gaon, and the Ujjwala Yojana have expanded access to healthcare, drinking water, electricity, and clean cooking fuel. These programmes, he said, have reduced everyday hardships and significantly enhanced the dignity and well-being of citizens, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini shared that India’s economic progress reflects the success of sustained reforms, with the country emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy and moving steadily towards becoming the third-largest. This economic growth, he said, must be reinforced through strong institutions, skilled human capital, and innovation-led development.

*AI-Enabled Pre-Budget Feedback Portal Encourages Citizen Participation*

The Chief Minister informed that an AI-based pre-budget feedback portal has recently been launched to enable citizens, students, and stakeholders to share suggestions in the budget formulation process. He emphasized that the budget represents collective aspirations and that greater public participation will result in more inclusive and effective policy decisions.

*Focused Push on Crop Diversification and Modern Horticulture*

Addressing agricultural reforms, the Chief Minister said the government is actively encouraging farmers to adopt crop diversification and modern horticulture practices to enhance income while protecting environmental health. Measures include promotion of natural farming, reduced chemical usage, establishment of Centres of Excellence, and development of export-oriented infrastructure. He highlighted the ultra-modern horticulture market being developed at Ganaur as a key initiative to provide farmers with better market access and improved price realization.

*Universities Called Upon to Align Education with Industry Needs*

During a focused interaction with Vice-Chancellors, the Chief Minister urged universities to design skill-based training programmes aligned with industry requirements. He suggested the development of a dedicated digital platform where industries can post their workforce needs, enabling institutions to tailor academic and training modules and improve employment outcomes for graduates.

*Research and Innovation Central to Haryana Vision–2047*

Earlier, Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi emphasized that universities must play a pivotal role in realizing the objectives of Haryana Vision Document–2047, particularly in transitioning the state towards a robust manufacturing and services economy. He highlighted the creation of the Haryana State Research Fund with an allocation of Rs. 20 crore to support research and innovation.

Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department,  Sh. Vineet Garg stressed the importance of introducing new-age courses in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, aligned with industry demand. He also underlined the importance of resource sharing among institutions and noted that government colleges established at regular intervals are being developed in accordance with NEP-2020 standards.

OSD to Chief Minister and Director General, Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, Dr. Raj Nehru, said the NEEV Portal has been developed to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of NEP-2020 implementation. The portal will facilitate phased data submission by schools, colleges, and universities, enabling evidence-based planning and informed policy decisions, he said.

Chandigarh, January 8- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a clear roadmap to align India’s education system with the demands of the 21st century. However, the real success of any policy depends on its timely and effective implementation. Thus, to bridge the gap between policy intent and execution on the ground, the state government has developed the NEEV Portal, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while interacting with mediapersons after an MoU exchange programme held in Panchkula on Thursday.

He described the NEEV Portal as an intelligent, data-driven decision support system that links policy formulation with institutional implementation. The portal enables objective, continuous and technology-enabled assessment of various provisions of NEP 2020.

The Chief Minister said that the primary objective of the NEEV Portal is to ensure transparent, impartial and sustained evaluation of NEP 2020 compliance in educational institutions. Through real-time data, performance indicators and predictive analytics, the portal continuously monitors the education ecosystem, clearly identifying institutions that are performing in line with the policy and those that require improvement, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the portal functions not only as a monitoring mechanism but also as an effective tool for timely corrective action and strategic guidance. He informed that in the first phase, the NEEV Portal is being implemented in universities and will subsequently be extended to colleges and, at a later stage, to schools and other educational institutions. This phased rollout will help ensure uniformity, improved quality standards and greater preparedness for NEP 2020 across the state.

Sh. Nayab Sinmgh Saini further said that the government’s vision is to develop a globally competitive education system by 2047. Through the NEEV Portal, digital tracking of 100 per cent compliance with NEP 2020 across universities, colleges and other educational institutions will be made possible by 2047.

Referring to the MoUs, the Chief Minister said that under the ‘Gyan Setu’ initiative, the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management has entered into partnerships with around 28 reputed academic institutions. The objective of these collaborations is to connect academic knowledge with real administrative and social challenges, ensuring that research outcomes contribute directly to governance and societal problem-solving, said Sh. Nayab Sinmgh Saini.

He shared that these collaborations will support the impact evaluation of key government schemes, capacity-building programmes, and enhanced internship and field engagement opportunities for students. This will strengthen the policymaking process while also providing young scholars with valuable exposure to real-world administrative functioning.

The Chief Minister said that the NEEV Portal and the ‘Gyan Setu’ initiative, taken together, will play a crucial role in making Haryana’s education system future-ready, inclusive and aligned with global standards. These initiatives will help ensure that education becomes a strong foundation for skills development, innovation, employment generation and overall social progress, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Remarks by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Gurus are deeply unfortunate

Responding to a question on the remarks made by former Delhi Chief Minister Ms Atishi against the Gurus, the Chief Minister said that the Gurus sacrificed not just their lives but entire generations to uphold religion, humanity and the nation. He said that such a mindset towards the Gurus is deeply unfortunate. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the teachings of the Gurus continue to inspire society and provide strength and direction to future generations.

Replying to another question, the Chief Minister said that during his tenure as Delhi Chief Minister, Sh Arvind Kejriwal prioritised the opening of liquor vends instead of strengthening the education system. He pointed out that separate liquor shops were opened for women, something that happened only in Delhi across the country.

Answering yet another question, the Chief Minister said that during the Congress regime, jobs were distributed arbitrarily. In contrast, the present government is providing employment purely on merit, without recommendations or monetary influence. He added that nearly two lakh jobs have been provided so far under this transparent system.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department,  Sh. Vineet  Garg, OSD to Chief Minister and Director General,  Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, Dr. Raj Nehru, and Media Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey were present on the occasion.