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.

Chandigarh, December 31, 2025

The inhuman gang rape of a woman in Faridabad has shaken the entire state of Haryana. Reacting strongly to this heinous crime, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh launched a sharp attack on the BJP government, calling the incident a living example of the complete collapse of law and order under BJP rule.

In his statement, Rao Narendra Singh said,

“Giving a lift, forcing a woman into a car, raping her, roaming around with her for hours and then throwing her on the road—this incident exposes the utter failure of the BJP government. Under BJP rule, criminals are emboldened and women are feeling unsafe.”

Referring to the incident that took place on the Faridabad–Gurugram Road, he said that a married woman aged between 25–28 years was given a lift and made to sit in an Eco van. The accused allegedly gang-raped her inside the moving vehicle for nearly 2–3 hours, assaulted her, and then threw her onto the road while the vehicle was still moving. The victim sustained serious injuries to her head and face, requiring stitches, and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.

Rao Narendra Singh said that this incident raises serious questions about women’s safety in the state. He asked,

“When women are not safe, what claims is the government making? The failure of the police administration and the government’s insensitivity have given criminals a free hand.”

Demanding immediate action, Rao Narendra Singh said:

The accused must be arrested immediately and the case should be tried in a fast-track court.

The victim should be provided adequate compensation and complete security.

He further demanded a high-level investigation into the entire incident and strict action against the responsible officials.

Rao Narendra Singh concluded by saying,

“There will be no compromise on the safety of Haryana’s daughters. The BJP government must take moral responsibility for this crime.”

Sirsa / Chandigarh / December 31

The demand to develop the Sirsa–Ellenabad–Hanumangarh road as a National Highway has once again gained momentum. In this connection, All India Congress Committee General Secretary, former Union Minister, and Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has written a letter to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, seeking a feasibility study and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the route. In her letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Kumari Selja said this road is a very important connectivity route linking the border areas of Haryana and Rajasthan. Granting it National Highway status would significantly benefit agriculture, logistics, trade activities, and industrial development in the region. At present, the narrow road causes serious difficulties in movement, resulting in major hardships for farmers and traders.

MP Kumari Selja said the Sirsa, Ellenabad, and Hanumangarh regions are primarily agriculture-based, with large-scale production of crops such as cotton, wheat, and mustard. Due to inadequate road infrastructure, farmers incur higher costs and delays in transporting their produce to markets. With National Highway development, not only will transportation become smoother, but investment in sectors such as cold storage, warehousing, and food processing will also receive a boost.

Kumari Selja said this route could be linked to the proposed Bikaner–Chandigarh Industrial Corridor and the Bharatmala Project, giving fresh momentum to industrial and border areas of North India. She also emphasized that the route is strategically important, as it connects areas close to the international border. The MP urged the Union Minister to initiate a feasibility study and DPR at the earliest in the public interest so that the road can be developed as a National Highway. People of the region have welcomed Kumari Selja’s initiative and expressed hope that the demand will be fulfilled soon, giving a new direction to regional development.

:-The Vacant posts for reserved categories are against the spirit of the Constitution:-Kumari Selja

Expressing deep concern over the teacher recruitment crisis, Kumari Selja said the current selection process of the Haryana Public Service Commission is weakening the state’s education system. Due to the mandatory requirement of 35 percent qualifying marks, thousands of eligible candidates—many of whom hold PhDs, NET qualifications, and years of experience are being excluded from selection. This is causing the greatest harm to educationally backward regions like Sirsa, which already suffer from a severe shortage of teachers. Kumari Selja said the vacant posts meant for reserved categories go against the spirit of the Constitution. If the government truly wants to reform education, it must immediately abolish impractical policies such as “Not Found Suitable.” Filling all posts, providing opportunities to qualified candidates, and strengthening the education system is the government’s responsibility. She warned that if a decision is not taken soon, the Congress party will raise this issue forcefully from the streets to the legislature.

Chandigarh, December 31 — Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij strongly responded to allegations of a scam against the government made by Congress leader Randeep Surjewala in the workslip scam case in the Labour Department. He said that “Sh. Surjewala, unlike you, we do not hide scams. If a scam has occurred, it has been exposed. I have written to the Chief Minister for a high-level investigation, and the Chief Minister has also ordered that the investigation be completed immediately in the remaining nine districts so that a decision can be taken in this matter.”

He also said that as elections approach in Bengal, Mamata Banerjee suddenly remembers the entire Mahabharata; once the elections are over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar.’

While speaking to media persons, Labour Minister Anil Vij took a dig at Surjewala, saying that it is possible that this case dates back to their (Congress’s) time. It is not yet clear since when this irregularity has been occurring, nor during whose tenure it happened.

*“As soon as elections approach, Mamata remembers the Mahabharata; once they’re over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar’”: Anil Vij’s sharp jibe at Mamata*

Reacting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks—made after Union Minister Amit Shah’s entry into West Bengal—that Dushasana came to Bengal at Shakuni’s behest, Energy Minister Anil Vij said in his characteristic style, “Elections have approach in Bengal, so Mamata Banerjee remembers the entire Mahabharata. Once the elections are over, it’s back to ‘Allahu Akbar.’”

*Our BJP government in Haryana is a government that delivers: Vij*

Responding to a question about new roadmaps for his departments with a view to 2026, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that something new happens here every day; the government does something new every day. This is why, for the third time, the aware people of Haryana have formed a BJP government. This has happened for the first time because this is a government that works.

*Anil Vij’s counter to Deepender Hooda on the Aravalli issue: “Is Hooda accusing the Supreme Court?”*

Responding to MP Deepender Hooda’s allegation that the entire Aravalli issue is being played out for donations amounting to Rs.10,500 crore, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Deepender Hooda is making baseless and unfounded statements. What happened in the Aravalli matter was done by the Supreme Court, and the stay on its decision was also imposed by the Supreme Court. This means he is accusing the Supreme Court. If he is saying that such a decision was taken for that amount of money, then is he accusing the Supreme Court?

CHANDIGARH, December 25:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 299th day, Punjab Police conducted raids at 285 locations on Thursday leading to the arrest of 115 drug smugglers after registration of 87 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 41,775 in 299 days.

          The raids have resulted in recovery of 268 grams heroin, 1860 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 6700 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

          Over 100 Police teams, comprising over 800 police personnel, under the supervision of 61 gazetted officers have conducted 285 raids across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 276 suspicious persons during the day-long operation.

          The state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced 30 persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment today.