Category Archives: News

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Punjab To Launch ‘Sikhya Kranti’ to Mark Completion of Rs 2,000-Cr Infrastructure Projects in 12K schools

Chandigarh, April 6:

In a landmark move to revolutionize the state’s education system, the Punjab Government is all set to launch ‘Sikhya Kranti’— a 54-day education festival beginning April 7, to inaugurate newly developed infrastructure projects worth ₹2,000 crore in 12,000 government schools across the state.

Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains announced the initiative during a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to creating an equitable and modern learning environment that empowers students to thrive in the modern times. The massive infrastructure development program includes the construction and renovation of schools, the introduction of modern learning facilities, he added.

“This initiative is a testament to the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to providing quality education for all children,” the Education Minister said, while adding that the government schools have been provided with all the required basic amenities, including clean drinking water, high-speed WiFi connections, separate toilets for girl and boy students, desks and chairs, and boundary walls, as mandated by the CM Mann.

He said that Punjab is the first state to appoint campus managers and security guards in schools, in addition to starting bus services for students. Over 10,000 students are currently availing this facility. The Education Minister also highlighted that over Rs 200 crore is spent annually on the upkeep of government schools.

On the first day of the education festival “Sikhya Kranti”, S. Bains said, various infrastructure development projects would be inaugurated in over 350 government schools by the Cabinet Ministers and other dignitaries. Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, along with the State Incharge Sh. Manish Sisodia, will inaugurate a School of Eminence at SBS Nagar. 

Inviting the people of Punjab to witness the “Sikhya Kranti”, S. Bains said that all people should visit their nearby schools to be a part of this festival of education.

Highlighting the ambitious program, S. Harjot Singh Bains said that 6,812 schools now have new or repaired boundary walls, covering nearly 1,000 kilometres, ensuring a safer learning environment. 5,399 new classrooms have been constructed to augment classroom facilities. Additionally, 2,976 toilets have been built in 2,934 schools, while 7,166 toilets have been repaired across 4,889 schools. To support students’ learning needs, 1,16,901 dual desks, tables, and chairs have been provided, ensuring that every student has a designated place to study. Furthermore, 359 school playgrounds have been developed to promote physical activity. As many as 2,261 smart classrooms have been equipped with Smart Interactive Panels in 1,886 schools, integrating technology into education for a more engaging learning experience.

The Education Minister said that 118 existing Government Senior Secondary Schools are being converted into Schools of Eminence in the first phase, while, 14 SoE schools have already been dedicated to the public. These schools will be the centers of excellence, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to enable peer learning across institutions, and enhance the learning experiences of our children through contemporary schooling practices in the world of school education. Schools of Eminence will cater to students of classes 9th to 12th. All educational streams have been introduced in these schools. Free uniforms are being provided to students. Apart from this, Online/offline coaching for different competitive exams like Armed preparatory forces, NEET, JEE, CLAT, NIFT etc are also being provided to students, he added.

‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’ CONTINUES ON DAY 37 AS PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 54 DRUG SMUGGLERS AFTER 337 RAIDS

CHANDIGARH, April 6:

          Continuing the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state consecutively for the 37th day, Punjab Police on Sunday conducted raids at 337 locations leading to the arrest of 54 drug smugglers after registration of 37 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 5169 in just 37 days.

          Police teams have also recovered 411 grams heroin, 1617 intoxicant tablets/pills and Rs 34400 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.

          The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

          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.    

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 150 Police teams, comprising over 900 police personnel, under the supervision of 66 gazetted officers have conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 364 suspicious persons during the day long operation

          Meanwhile, Punjab Police has devised a comprehensive strategy and such operations will be continued till the scourge of drugs eradicated from the state.

Haryana achieves significant milestone in GST collection, surpassing the National growth rate

Chandigarh April 4: Haryana has reached a significant milestone in SGST (State Goods and Services Tax) collection, outperforming the national growth rate and setting impressive records in the financial year 2024-25.

While sharing the details, Excise and Taxation Commissioner Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh stated that, against the budget target of Rs 37,498 crore for SGST in the financial year 2024-25, the Excise and Taxation Department has collected Rs 39,153 crore, exceeding the target by Rs 1,655 crore. This accomplishment marks a significant achievement, as the state has surpassed its SGST revenue target for the fiscal year.

Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh emphasized that Haryana has delievered exceptional performance in GST collections, surpassing national growth averages and setting significant records for financial year 2024-25. The state’s achievements are a testament to its strong economic growth and efficient tax administration.

Haryana’s total Gross GST Collection for FY 2024-25 hits Rs 1,19,362 Crore

He highlighted that Haryana’s total Gross GST collection for March 2025 stands at Rs 10,648 crore, reflecting a 12% increase compared to March 2024. The national average growth rate for March 2025 is 8.79%, placing Haryana 6th highest in growth percentage among major states. Additionally, for the entire financial year 2024-25, Haryana’s total Gross GST collection amounts to Rs 1,19,362 crore, marking a remarkable 16% growth over financial year 2023-24. This is the highest growth rate among all states, exceeding the national average of 10%.

 Haryana SGST Collection (Pre-IGST Settlement) sees 15% growth in FY 2024-25

Furthermore, Haryana’s SGST collection (pre-IGST settlement) for financial year 2024-25 stands at Rs 23,285 crore, reflecting a 15% increase over financial year 2023-24. This represents the second highest growth rate among major states, while the national average growth rate is 10%.

After the IGST settlement, Haryana’s SGST collection for financial year 2024-25 totals Rs 39,743 crore, which is 14% higher than the previous fiscal year. The national growth average in this category stands at 11%.

He said that this outstanding performance demonstrates Haryana’s continued commitment to effective tax administration and fiscal management, further solidifying its position as a key contributor to the national economy.

Haryana Excise and Taxation Department surpasses overall revenue target for FY 2024-25

Sh Vinay Pratap Singh said that the Haryana Excise and Taxation Department has exceeded its budget target for the financial year 2024-25, achieving remarkable results in various tax collections. For the financial year 2024-25, the State Government had allocated a budget target of Rs 61,950 crore for the Excise and Taxation Department. The Department has successfully made a net collection of Rs 63,371 crore, achieving 102.3% of the allocated target.

Haryana’s excise duty collection surpasses target with 12% growth

He said that the collection under SGST amounted to Rs 39,153 crore, surpassing the target of Rs 37,500 crore and exceeding last year’s collection (excluding cess) by 13.77%.

 The collection under Excise Duty amounted to Rs 12,701 crore, exceeding the budget target of Rs 12,650 crore, and showing a growth of 12% over last year’s collection.

The collection under VAT and CST reached Rs 11,517 crore, reflecting a 1.6% increase over last year’s collection.

Haryana gives highest subsidy in the country to farmers adopting DSR technology- Shyam Singh Rana

Chandigarh, April 4 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, said that the state government is providing a subsidy of Rs. 4,000 per acre to farmers adopting Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) technology, which is the highest in the country.

He said that Haryana is a leading state in promoting sustainable rice cultivation. Unlike traditional transplanting methods that require excessive water, DSR eliminates the need for transplanting seedlings, resulting in significantly lower water consumption and labor costs, said the Minister while speaking at a programme organized in Kurukshetra.

The programme was organised by the Agriculture Department in collaboration with Savannah Seeds to promote water-conservation-based farming. During this detailed discussions  were held regarding the benefits and challenges of adopting DSR. Officers of the Farmers and Agriculture Department from various districts participated in the event.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana also shared the  details about the state government’s schemes that assist farmers in transitioning toward sustainable agriculture. He emphasized that water conservation is a key concern for Haryana’s farmers. The government is committed to promoting DSR as a viable alternative by providing financial assistance, training, and access to advanced seed technologies, said the Minister.

He further said that paddy is a major Kharif crop in Haryana, and farmers face challenges such as declining groundwater levels and rising labour costs. Traditional paddy farming requires approximately 3,000–4,000 liters of water per kilogram of rice produced, making it a highly water-intensive process. Keeping this in mind, the state government is actively promoting DSR to conserve water and enhance agricultural efficiency.

CEO and MD of Savannah Seeds and Chairman of the Federation of Seed Industry of India, Sh. Ajay Rana emphasized the role of technology in ensuring the success of DSR.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi Reviews Preparations for CDS and NDA Examinations

Chandigarh, April 4 – Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi reviewed the preparations for the upcoming CDS Examination-I, 2025, and NDA and NA Examination-I, 2025, scheduled to be held on April 13 in Faridabad and Gurugram districts.

The Chief Secretary stated that 12 examination centres have been set up in Faridabad and 27 in Gurugram. He directed officials to ensure adequate security arrangements at all examination centres, especially at the entrance gate, rear gate and parking. No disturbances or protests should be allowed near the examination venues. Additionally, proper security should be in place for the transportation of sensitive examination materials. At least 10 police personnel, including women personnel, should be deployed at each examination centre.

Sh. Rastogi emphasized that candidates and examination officials should not face any inconvenience in commuting. Sufficient buses should be arranged for their transportation. Adequate power supply must also be ensured at all centres for a hassle-free examination process.

He further stated that the use of mobile phones, bluetooth devices, and other IT/communication equipment is strictly prohibited at the examination centres. To strengthen security measures, jammers are being installed at all venues. Examination officials should be adequately sensitized to ensure a fair and smooth examination process, he added.

DGP Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur, Managing Director, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Ltd, Sh. A. Sreenivas, Special Secretary, Monitoring & Coordination, Dr. Priyanka Soni, Commissioner of Police, Faridabad, Sh. SK Gupta, Commissioner of Police, Gurugram, Sh. Vikas Kumar Arora, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Strict action to be taken against the accused and SHO for negligence in case involving intimidation and threat to the only son of  deceased family

Chandigarh, April 4 – Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Rajesh Nagar said that following the death of Keshav’s family in village Yara of Kurukshetra district, strict action has been ordered against the accused in the case involving intimidation, threats, snatching of cash and jewellery by relatives. In addition, action will be taken against the Station House Officer (SHO) of Shahbad police station for negligence, despite the complaint being filed. The matter will now be investigated by CIA-2, and the  SDM of Shahbad and the ASP will also conduct a special investigation.  Minister has also directed that police personnel be assigned temporarily for Keshav’s security.

Mr. Rajesh Nagar made these statements during the monthly meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee in Kurukshetra today. During the meeting, the Minister resolved 3 out of 5 old complaints and 11 out of 12 new complaints on the spot.

Addressing Keshav’s complaint, the Minister reassured him, stating that there was no need to fear anyone. He encouraged Keshav to directly contact him on his mobile if he faced any further threats or intimidation. The Minister also provided Keshav with his personal contact number for direct communication.

Speaking to journalists, the Minister said that strict action would be taken against any officer who fails to attend a meeting without prior notice.

Prime Minister to lay foundation stone of the Third Unit of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant

Chandigarh, April 4 – On the occasion of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of the third unit of the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar.

Ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit, the Commissioner and Secretary, Development & Panchayats and Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture departments, Dr. Amit Agrawal,  inspected the venue located near village Kail, located on the Panchkula–Saharanpur Highway in Yamunanagar district on Friday.

During this he issued necessary directions to the officers concerned for the programme. Following the inspection, he held a meeting with all district officers in the conference hall of the district secretariat.

Divulging further details, Dr. Amit Agrawal shared that on April 14, 2025, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of a new 800 MW power generation unit to be established at the Yamunanagar Thermal Power Plant. He will also address a public gathering on the occasion.

Dr. Agrawal  further shared that a large number of people are expected to attend the event; therefore, designated routes for parking, helipads, and vehicles should be clearly marked to ensure smooth traffic management and facilitate easy access to the rally venue for attendees.

He directed the Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department to complete the work related to the stage, pandal, and parking on time.  Besides this, the Executive Engineer of the Public Health Engineering  Department should also ensure arrangements for clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, directed Dr. Agrawal.

Dr. Agrawal further shared that the establishment of the new unit will not only boost power generation in the state but also create employment opportunities for the youth. He further informed that an exhibition will be organized at the event to inform about the government’s public welfare policies. Separate parking arrangements will be made at different locations for vehicles, said Dr. Agrawal.

On this occasion, Commissioner Ambala Division , Sh. Anshaj Singh, Managing Director, Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited Sh. Ashok Meena,  Deputy Commissioner Yamunanagar,  Sh. Parth Gupta, Additional Director (Admn.), Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, and officers from other departments, were also present.

Drug-free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 campaign will start from Hisar

Chandigarh, April 4

To combat drug addiction in Haryana, the state-level Drug-Free Haryana Cyclothon 2.0 campaign will kick off from Hisar on April 5. The campaign will be inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

An official spokesperson shared details about the event, stating that the route for the cyclothon has been mapped from Gate No. 1 of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU), Hisar, to Fletcher Bhawan (the HAU Administrative Block). He added that the Hisar district administration has completed all necessary preparations for the successful execution of the state-level event.

The spokesperson further said that the journey will begin in Hisar and continue through Bhiwani district. This cyclothon is more than just an event; it marks the beginning of a social movement, with participation from thousands of youth, students, police, army personnel, and members of NCC, NSS, and various community groups. This event is expected to be a historic step towards making Haryana drug-free.

The spokesperson also said that over 43,000 cyclists from Hisar district have already registered for the cyclothon, and the number is continuing to grow. This overwhelming participation is on track to set a new record. The event tomorrow will serve as a powerful source of energy and inspiration for the entire state.

The cyclothon, which starts in Hisar, will conclude on April 27 in Sirsa, passing through several districts of the state along the way. On its first day, the journey will move from Hisar towards Bhiwani and pass through Ladwa, Sultanpur, Umra, Ratera, Dhani Kirwar, Tosham, Sagban and Bapodra.

CM visits Gaushala in Pinjore, announces Rs.21 Lakh for Kamdhenu Gaushala Seva Sadan

Chandigarh, April 4- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has appealed to the people of the state to work towards making Haryana green, prosperous, and clean. 

The Chief Minister participated as a Chief Guest in a programme organised at Kamdhenu Gaushala Seva Sadan in Pinjore, Panchkula district, and offered his services at the Gaushala. He inaugurated the compressed biogas plant made from cow dung and laid the foundation for a cow cremation center and a new shed. He also announced a grant of Rs. 21 lakh to the Kamdhenu Gaushala Seva Sadan. 

The Chief Minister appealed to the people of Haryana to make the state green, prosperous and clean.

He said that earlier, Haryana had only 215 Gaushalas with around 1,074 cattle. Since the BJP government took charge, the number of registered Gaushalas has increased to 650, in which about 4 lakh cows and Nandi are being taken care of. The State government has also significantly increased the budget from Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 595 crore. 

The Chief Minister said that thousands of cows are safe in the gau abhyarans (cow sanctuaries) in Panipat, Hisar, and Panchkula. The government has allocated Rs. 270 crore as a grant for cattle fodder, and in the last financial year, Rs. 166 crore was given to 608 Gaushalas for the same.

*State government is working on various plans to support cow welfare*

He also stated that the government is working on various plans to support cow welfare. The land designated for grazing will be provided to Gaushalas to grow fodder for cattle. The Prime Minister is serious about cows and the government of India has also implemented

*Gobar-Dhan Yojana to support such initiatives*

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has set a target of practicing natural farming on 1 lakh acres of land in this financial year and encouraged farmers to adopt natural farming methods.  State government is taking strict measures to protect cattle, including imposing a 10-year prison sentence for cow slaughter and a 7-year sentence for cattle smuggling, Chief Minister added.

He appreciated the efforts of Kamdhenu Gaushala Seva Sadan for  making organic pesticides and other products from cow dung and urine, benefiting agriculture.

*Gaushalas in the state should become self-reliant*

He also said the need for all Gaushalas to become self-reliant by producing items like paint, pots, phenyl, hand washers, bio-coal, soap, and other products. 

Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji expressed happiness over the Chief Minister’s visit to the Gaushala during the Navratri festival and praised the government’s commitment to cow protection.

Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, said that the government has implemented several schemes for Gaushala. There are 650 registered gaushala in the state, all of which are being provided adequate supported under the state government’s schemes. 

The Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana also announced a grant of Rs.11 lakh for the Kamdhenu Gaushala Seva Sadan.

MLA, Kalka, Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Mayor, Panchkula, Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, Chairman, Haryana Gau Seva Aayog, Sh. Sarvan Garg and other dignitaries also remained present. 

Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak initiates construction work of a park in Sarna

Chandigarh/Pathankot, April 4:

The Cabinet Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak today initiated the construction work of a park in assembly constituency Bhoa which would come up at a cost of Rs. 54 Lakh besides laying the Foundation stone of Pathankot – Madhopur Road which would cost Rs. 2.15 crore. It is noteworthy that with the sincere efforts of Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak, the people of Sarna would get a beautiful park and residents of Khanpur along with residents of dozens of other villages would get the gift of a new Road after almost 10 years.

The park would be equipped with 6 ft. Wide walking track, open gym and space for yoga apart from a digital gate, music systems and beautiful plants, said the Minister addressing people at Sarna.

Divulging more, he said the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is scaling new heights of progress. He also mentioned that Pathankot would get as many as 6 stadiums apart from the libraries thus taking care of both sports and academic aspect.

Among others present on the occasion included Chairman The Hindu Cooperative Bank Satish Mahindru, District President Aam Aadmi Party and Halqa Incharge Amit Mantu, District President BC Wing Naresh Kumar, Block Presidents Sohan Lal and Barjinder Kaur apart from Chairman Market Committee Pathankot Vikas Saini.