Category Archives: News

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 18, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 95 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 11KG HEROIN, 7.5KG OPIUM RECOVERED

CHANDIGARH, March 18:

          With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 18th day, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 95 drug smugglers and recovered 11 kg heroin, 7.5 kg opium and ₹31000 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 2231 in just 18 days.

          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.

          Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla said that the Punjab Police’s intensive fight against drugs is gaining momentum, with a significant show of public support. He informed that, as part of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, Malerkotla Police jointly with Civil Administration has organised a Sampark meeting at village Ferozpur Kothala, PS Sandaur, where 40 panchayats have passed a resolution to jointly combating the drug menace and fostering a stronger police-public partnership.

          Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 250 Police teams, comprising over 1600 police personnel, under the supervision of 97 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 539 locations across the state leading to the registration of 61 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 599 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.

          The Special DGP said that with 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 six persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment, while, organised 137 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention.

KEJRIWAL ANNOUNCES FINAL BLOW TO DRUG MENACE IN STATE, MASS MOVEMENT TO BE STARTED FROM APRIL 1

Ludhiana, March 18:

Blowing the bigul for launching a decisive war against drugs in the state, the former Delhi Chief Minister and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced a mass movement against the menace from April 1.

Addressing a mammoth gathering here in Indoor Stadium, the former Delhi Chief Minister said that on April 1 more than three crore Punjabis will stand against the scourge of drugs by decimating a handful of smugglers who are ruining the generations of state for minting money. Arvind Kejriwal said that the state government will launch a mass movement against drugs on April 1 adding he urged every resident to be a soldier in this war against drugs. He said that every party worker will go to villages to eliminate drugs from the state, adding that this will be a decisive war against drugs.

National Convener of AAP also launched an anti-drug helpline number 9779100200 and exhorted the people to give any information related to selling of drugs in their area on this number. He said that the identity of the caller will not be disclosed to anyone but exemplary action against drug smugglers will be taken. Likewise, Arvind Kejriwal said that drug census will be conducted across the state to ascertain the extent of drugs prevalent in the state.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that as a part of this census teams will visit every household to check the extent of drugs present in the cities and villages. He said that the identity of drug victims will be kept secret but corrective measures will be taken subsequently.  Arvind Kejriwal further said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms will be opened in every village of the state adding that this will help in channelizing unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction and make them an active partner in socio-economic progress of the state.    

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that 5000 new Home Guards are being recruited and they will be deployed in the border districts of the state. He said that the state government has done foolproof planning in the last three years and now implementation has been made. Arvind Kejriwal said that the Ministers of the previous regimes used to patronize drugs and ruined the generations of Punjab for their lust for power.

The National Convener of AAP said that these leaders had sheltered drugs, sand, transport, cable and other mafia just for the sake of their vested interests. He said that these leaders were routed out from power and were succeeded by the government whose leader had publically sworn that drugs will be wiped out in four months. However, Arvind Kejriwal said that nothing tangible happened as this epicurean monarch remained inaccessible to the people and just used his office for enjoying the power without bothering about masses.

The former Delhi Chief Minister said that now the crusade against drugs has been embarked with full might and this scourge will be wiped out from the state soon. He said that the drug lords are being put behind the bars, supply lines of drugs are being snapped and properties of smugglers are being destroyed/ confiscated. Arvind Kejriwal categorically said that the kingpin of drugs and once powerful ministers who were involved in this heinous crime will also not be spared and they will also be put behind the bars.

The National Convener of AAP said that anti-drone technology will be put in place by the state government to check the supply of drugs from across the border as 70% of drugs was being supplied from Pakistan. He said that baffled by strict action against drugs the anti-national forces are trying to destabilize progress and prosperity in the state adding that grenade attacks across the state are part of this conspiracy. Arvind Kejriwal said that this will not be tolerated and strict action will be taken against such forces inimical to the state.

The former Delhi Chief Minister warned these forces that this is not the government of Congress, Akali or BJP and the nefarious designs of these forces will be thwarted by the AAP government, who is serving the people of state. He said that a complete facelift of the state is taking place under the regime of the Bhagwant Singh Mann government. Arvind Kejriwal said that Congress, Akalis and BJP had left a dilapidated civil hospital for the Ludhiana residents but now it has been completely renovated.

The National Convener of AAP said that this hospital had more than 30,000 rodents but now the state government has embarked on a major revolution to uplift the healthcare sector. He said that in the coming 3-4 months land registry will be made corruption free, adding that a number of reforms are being planned in the state and all the public dealing services will be given at the doorsteps of the common man. Arvind Kejriwal said that those Punjabis who are not having Ayushman card will be issued Sehat cards for free healthcare facilities adding that this is just the beginning and works of public welfare will be accelerated in the coming days.

WORKING ZEALOUSLY FOR FULFILLING THE DREAMS OF GREAT FREEDOM FIGHTERS AND MARTYRS: CM

Ludhiana, March 18:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday said that the state government is working tirelessly for realizing the dreams of the great freedom fighters and martyrs.

Addressing the gathering in the Indoor Stadium here today, the Chief Minister, accompanied by National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal said that every action of the state government is aimed at the well being of the common man. He said that education, health, power and other sectors had acquired a centre stage in the political agenda of the parties due to the concerted efforts of AAP and its national convener Arvind Kejriwal. He said that prior to this none of the political parties had ever bothered about these core sectors that are most important for every common man adding that due to such works even those leaders who boast of having 56 inches chest are afraid of him.

The Chief Minister said that the people of state had given a huge verdict to AAP by electing 92 MLAs in the Punjab Assembly during 2022 Vidhan Sabha polls. He said that the leaders who had defied the state and had shown grave disrespect to Sri Guru Granth Sahib are now paying for their sins. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that those who claimed that they will rule for 25 years don’t have 25 leaders with them now as people had taught them a befitting lesson for their misdeeds.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is cleaning the mess created by the previous regimes. He said that the drug mafia was patronized by the earlier governments but his government has launched a crusade against drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said meticulous planning has been done to wipe out the menace of drugs from the state and now war against drugs has begun.

The Chief Minister said that apart from snapping the supply lines of drugs the state government has put the big fishes involved in this crime behind the bars. He said that apart from this due focus is being laid on the rehabilitation of the victims of drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the property of the drug peddlers is being seized and destroyed adding that this noble cause cannot be accomplished without active public support.

Citing the example of Narangwal village where illegal property of drug smugglers was razed last week, the Chief Minister said that the properties of the drug smugglers are being confiscated/ razed. He said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drugs and a decisive war has been launched to wipe out this menace. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the war against drugs is being transformed into a mass movement so that Punjab can be made completely drug free.       

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that the state government has crackdown against the corrupt officers in Punjab. He said that those officers who were seeking license for corruption by going on mass leave in support of their dishonest officers have been shifted. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the pressure tactics by harassing the common man is unwarranted and undesirable adding that this will not be tolerated at any cost.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the traditional parties are envious of him because he hails from a common family and is working tirelessly to ensure welfare of people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders had always believed that they have divine right to rule the state due to which they are not able to digest that a common man is running the state efficiently. He said that these leaders have befooled the people for a long time but now people are not getting swayed by their misleading propaganda.

The Chief Minister said that Punjabis are excelling in every field and are proving their mettle across the globe. He said that the captain of the Indian Women Cricket team hails from Punjab adding that majority of the Hockey players in Indian team are from the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is providing every necessary infrastructure to the sports for grooming them well for the national and international events.

Earlier, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Arvind Kejriwal, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora welcomed the dignitaries and felicitated the business tycoons present in the function.

No Place for Drug Traffickers in Punjab – Tarunpreet Singh Sond

Chandigarh/Moga, March 18:

As part of Punjab Government’s “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign, Cabinet Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond held a special meeting with the civil and police administration officials of Moga district. During the meeting, he emphasized that there is no place in Punjab for drug traffickers who are destroying the youth of the state.

Announcing the government’s firm stance, the Minister stated that the Punjab Government will not rest until the state is completely free from drugs and drug traffickers are eliminated. He directed the administration to formulate a master plan for eradicating drugs in Moga and launch a widespread awareness campaign in schools and colleges to educate youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse, ensuring that future generations do not fall into this trap.

Mr. Sond emphasized the need for collective efforts to make the anti-drug campaign successful under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann. He urged village panchayats to conduct awareness activities at the grassroots level to uproot the menace of drugs. He also stressed the importance of street plays in towns and villages to educate people about drug abuse and directed civil and police administration to coordinate their efforts effectively.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Mr. Sond called upon district officials to consider drug eradication as their social responsibility and work with full commitment. He instructed that panchayats should actively participate in this mission and encourage people to report drug dealers without fear, assuring that their identities would be kept confidential.

The Minister also appealed to families to take their addicted members to government-run de-addiction centers, assuring that the government is committed to rehabilitating them and giving them a chance to lead a healthy life.

Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, Mr. Sond said, “Either quit the drug trade or leave Punjab.” He asserted that the state government is determined to save its youth and will not spare those leading them astray. He also mentioned that illegally acquired properties of drug traffickers are being seized and demolished to deter others from engaging in such activities.

Deputy Commissioner, Moga Mr. Sagar Setia informed the Minister that besides de-addiction efforts, large-scale preventive actions are already underway. He mentioned that rehabilitation centers are being strengthened to ensure proper treatment and counseling for drug victims. Additionally, skill development programs and employment opportunities are being provided to help rehabilitated individuals reintegrate into society.

The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the state government’s helpline number 9779100200, urging people to share any drug-related information, assuring them that their identities will remain confidential.

SSP Moga, Mr. Ajay Gandhi briefed the Minister on the ongoing crackdown on major drug traffickers and assured that their entire networks will soon be dismantled. He reaffirmed that the police, with public support, will leave no stone unturned in making this campaign successful.

Prior to the meeting, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond addressed the media, reiterating that eradicating drugs from Punjab was a key promise of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann before coming to power. He stated that from day one, the government has been working tirelessly to make Punjab drug-free and restore its glory.

He shared recent achievements under the “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh” campaign, which commenced on March 1, 2025. Between March 1 and March 16, 2025, the following seizures and arrests were made:

1,651 FIRs registered

2,575 arrests made

95.264 kg of heroin seized

1,128 kg of poppy husk confiscated

52.316 kg of opium recovered

16 kg of marijuana seized

4.632 kg of hashish recovered

7,25,666 intoxicating pills confiscated

1,733 liters of illicit liquor (Lahan) seized

Drug money amounting to over ₹64.26 lakh recovered

279 intoxicating injections confiscated

Mr. Sond assured that the Punjab Government has given the police and administration full freedom to act against drug traffickers, ensuring that no trafficker will escape legal action. He emphasized that strict action is being taken without any political interference.

During his visit, the Cabinet Minister was accorded a Guard of Honor at the District Administrative Complex by the Punjab Police.

Prominent attendees included MLA Moga Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, MLA Baghapurana Mr. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, MLA Dharamkot Mr. Davinderjit Singh Ladhi Dhons, MLA Nihal Singh Wala Mr. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Mr. Baljit Singh Chaani, Chairman of improvement Trust Mr. Raman Mittal, Chairman of the District Planning Board Mr. Harmandeep Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Jagvinderjit Singh Grewal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ms. Charumita, along with other senior officials from civil and police administration.

Vigilance Bureau arrests Panchayat Secretary for accepting Rs 15,000 bribe; BDPO evades arrest

Chandigarh, March 18, 2025

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its continued efforts to combat corruption, on Wednesday arrested Parmjit Singh, a Panchayat Secretary from village Jhall Bimbri in Kapurthala district for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 15,000. However, the co-accused in the case, Hardyal Singh, Block Development and Panchayats Officer (BDPO) of Kapurthala, managed to evade arrest by fleeing the scene.

An official spokesperson for the Punjab VB informed that the arrest was made following a complaint filed by a resident of village Jhall Bimbri. The complainant alleged that both the BDPO and the Panchayat secretary had demanded a bribe of Rs 20,000 in exchange for issuing a bank check to pay the construction costs of a street.

He further added that after conducting a preliminary inquiry, a VB team laid a trap, leading to the arrest of the Panchayat secretary while he was accepting Rs 15,000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses. The BDPO, however, escaped before he could be apprehended.

The spokesperson added that a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against both accused at VB police station Jalandhar. The arrested Panchayat Secretary would be presented before a competent court tomorrow. Further investigation into the case was under progress, he said.

Budget will help to improve infrastructure in state hospitals: Arti Singh Rao

Chandigarh, March 18

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao today praised the budget presented by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini as Finance Minister and said this year, the budget of the Health Department has increased by 8.17 percent as compared to last year. She said with a budget of more than Rs 10,000 crore, while the infrastructure in the hospitals of the state will be strengthened, modern facilities and equipment will be increased in government health institutions.

Arti Singh Rao said that many medical colleges are being completed in the state and during this year, the MBBS seats will increase to 2485. This will help in meeting the shortage of doctors in the state.

She said in the last 10 years, we have increased 1485 seats of MBBS, 754 seats of post graduate degree and diploma, 30 seats of DM and MCH. Today, the state has 2185 MBBS seats, 1043 seats for post graduate degree and diploma and 37 seats for DM and MCH.

The Health Minister said at present, “Day Care Centres” are running for cancer patients in Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Ambala, Yamunanagar and Faridabad, and the announcement made in today’s budget to open “Day Care Centres” in the remaining 17 districts will provide great convenience to cancer patients. He also thanked the Government of India for approving an investment of Rs 201.59 crore in the year 2025-26 for 70 Advanced Life Support Ambulances and other structural improvements in the district hospitals of 14 districts to increase the treatment facilities during accidents and trauma. This will reduce deaths due to lack of timely treatment. She appreciated the Chief Minister for the government’s focus on Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathic systems of medicine and said that this would help the people of the state in maintaining good health. She welcomed the proposal made by the Chief Minister in the budget to upgrade the District Hospitals of Hisar and Panipat from 200 to 300 bedded hospitals, to upgrade the District Hospital of Jhajjar from 100 to 200 bedded hospitals, to equip all the District Hospitals with modern services and latest equipment and to create a Critical Care Block of 50 beds in each District Hospital and in every Government Medical College. She said the Chief Minister has shown that he is concerned about the health of the people of the state.

Budget reiterates govt’s commitment to implement National Education Policy first in country: Mahipal Dhanda

Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said special provisions have been made in the state’s budget for the year 2025-26 to implement the National Education Policy first in the country. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, as Finance Minister, has prepared the budget in accordance with the norms of the budget framework, which is commendable.

Reacting to the budget, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that the Chief Minister has consulted all stakeholders to prepare the budget outline and has given place to important suggestions in the budget. The pre-budget consultation talks with the MPs, ministers and MLAs of the state in Panchkula were very important, in which the MLAs of the ruling and opposition parties gave important suggestions. The MLAs also praised the Chief Minister wholeheartedly for this initiative.

He said 197 Government Model Sanskriti Vidyalayas are functioning in the state to provide quality education in accordance with the National Education Policy. In the financial year 2025-26, a new Model Sanskriti School will be opened in the state within every 10 km radius.

It has been decided to develop one Government Model Sanskriti Vidyalay in each district as a Center of Excellence in Sports to hone the talent of the youth of Haryana in sports, which is welcome. Haryana already has a name in the world in sports. These Excellence Centers will provide a new platform to the emerging sports talents.

The minister said collective efforts are being made by Vishwakarma Skill University, Palwal, Haryana Education Board Bhiwani and Education Department to implement the National Education Policy in the state. A total of 12 schools are running in double shift in districts Ambala, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Fatehabad, Charkhi Dadri and Mahendragarh in the state. In the financial year 2025-26, a provision has been made to run these schools in single shift by creating infrastructure as per the requirement. He said the talented students of the state are already bringing laurels to the country and the state in sports. Now in the budget, students have also been encouraged to participate in Mathematics Olympiad. There is a plan of organizing ‘Haryana Math Olympiad’ every year for the students of Class 10th to 12th, which is a good initiative. This will give the youth an opportunity to know the method of our ancient Vedic mathematics.

He said students will be given the opportunity to choose and promote their career in accordance with the National Education Policy. By starting their own startup, students will not only make themselves self-reliant but will also provide employment to other youth. Entrepreneurship competitions will be organized in every district from the academic session 2025-26 and the selected teams will be given an amount of Rs 1 lakh to convert their idea into a business model. He said in the interest of the safety of students and teachers, PM Shri School and Model Sanskriti Schools are being established in every cluster. He informed that for the first time in the budget, a provision has been made to install CCTV cameras for security, surveillance and discipline in 1497 government schools in the state. Apart from this, there is also a mention of building e-libraries in 197 Government Model Sanskriti Schools and all 250 PM Shri Schools and keeping them open for general public use after school hours.

State budget gives special focus on sports: Gaurav Gautam

Haryana’s Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, while welcoming the budget for the year 2025-26 presented by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in the Assembly, said this budget will provide opportunities to the youth of Haryana in accordance with the sports policy of the state. In the coming time, new sporting talent of the state will bring glory by winning medals in national and international competitions.

He said many new proposals have been made in the budget 2025-26 to further strengthen Haryana’s sports infrastructure, provide better resources to emerging players and establish the state as a global sports power.

He said the new sports excellence centers will be opened in 5 universities of the state, namely Maharishi Dayanand University, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Kurukshetra University and Indira Gandhi University, Rewari. He said in the budget, it has been decided to start the “2036 Vijayibhav” scheme with the aim of bringing maximum medals by the players of Haryana in the Olympic Games to be held in the year 2036 for which a provision of Rs 20 crore has been made. This is a unique initiative taken in the budget of any state. This will definitely encourage the players of Haryana and as per the vision of the Chief Minister, Haryana will make its mark in the 2036 Olympics.

Similarly, a provision has also been made in the budget for the proposal of Khiladi Bima Yojana in the financial year 2025-26, under which the players will be given medical coverage of up to Rs 20 lakh, whose premium will be paid by the government. He said in the same way, in order to motivate and encourage the players, a reward of Rs 50 lakh, 30 lakh and 20 lakh will be given to the 3 best akhadas every year at the state level.

He said that for better operation and maintenance of sports complexes of the state, two sports complexes will be given to run on PPP mode on pilot basis.

He said it is the priority of this government to keep the youth away from drugs. Under this, the Haryana Sports Equipment Provision Scheme has been started in 2023-24, in which there is a provision to allocate equipment for eight sports like volleyball, football, basketball, handball, boxing, wrestling, judo and cricket through municipal bodies and panchayats.

Chief Minister demands GST exemption on 10 agricultural implements from Centre

Chandigarh, March 18

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that an amount of Rs 150 crore will be transferred to the accounts of approximately 70,000 beneficiaries who have been verified so far, for the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, by the 20th of this month.

The Chief Minister made this statement in response to a question raised by MLA Shishpal Keharwala during the ongoing budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

The Chief Minister informed that under the scheme, 70,000 beneficiaries have registered on the portal and  these registrations have been verified by the department. A total of Rs 150 crore will be transferred to their accounts  by the 20th of this month.

He further stated that the department has created a portal to facilitate the provision of housing for the poor in the state, where applicants are verified after registration.  If anyone has the guarantee of providing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, it is Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, he added.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is committed to provide better higher education opportunities to the youth, particularly to daughters across the state. For this purpose, the government has established colleges within a 20-kilometer radius across the state. If there are any issues with the roads leading to these institutions, they will be promptly repaired.

The Chief Minister made these remarks in response to a question raised by MLA Raghuvir Tewatia during the ongoing budget session in the Haryana Assembly here today.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that injustice was done to the youth during the police inspector recruitment in 2008 under the Congress government, which is a matter of concern. He said that the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in its judgement, had expressed its concerns about the recruitment process followed at that time.

The Chief Minister made these remarks in the House while speaking on the issue of nepotism in recruitment during Congress rule raised during the zero hour of the ongoing budget session in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

He highlighted how the top performing candidates were sidelined and not recruited, while others were selected. He also said that during the recent assembly elections, the youth were misled by the Congress leaders with promises that if they provide 50 votes, they would secure a job.

Rs 150 crore will be transferred to the accounts of 70,000 beneficiarie under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana

Chandigarh, March 18

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that an amount of Rs 150 crore will be transferred to the accounts of approximately 70,000 beneficiaries who have been verified so far, for the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, by the 20th of this month.

The Chief Minister made this statement in response to a question raised by MLA Shishpal Keharwala during the ongoing budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

The Chief Minister informed that under the scheme, 70,000 beneficiaries have registered on the portal and  these registrations have been verified by the department. A total of Rs 150 crore will be transferred to their accounts  by the 20th of this month.

He further stated that the department has created a portal to facilitate the provision of housing for the poor in the state, where applicants are verified after registration.  If anyone has the guarantee of providing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, it is Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, he added.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is committed to provide better higher education opportunities to the youth, particularly to daughters across the state. For this purpose, the government has established colleges within a 20-kilometer radius across the state. If there are any issues with the roads leading to these institutions, they will be promptly repaired.

The Chief Minister made these remarks in response to a question raised by MLA Raghuvir Tewatia during the ongoing budget session in the Haryana Assembly here today.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that injustice was done to the youth during the police inspector recruitment in 2008 under the Congress government, which is a matter of concern. He said that the Punjab and Haryana High Court, in its judgement, had expressed its concerns about the recruitment process followed at that time.

The Chief Minister made these remarks in the House while speaking on the issue of nepotism in recruitment during Congress rule raised during the zero hour of the ongoing budget session in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

He highlighted how the top performing candidates were sidelined and not recruited, while others were selected. He also said that during the recent assembly elections, the youth were misled by the Congress leaders with promises that if they provide 50 votes, they would secure a job.

501 vacant posts of nursing officers will be filled soon: Arti Singh Rao

Chandigarh, March 18

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said 501 vacant posts of nursing officers in the state will be filled soon, for which a demand has been sent to the Haryana Staff Selection Commission. Apart from these, the vacant posts of doctors will also be filled soon. The vacant posts of Class IV employees will be filled through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam.

The Health Minister was responding to a question asked by a member of the House during the budget session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly today.

Arti Singh Rao said at present, 3969 posts of medical officers are sanctioned, out of which 3192 posts are filled and out of 644 sanctioned posts of senior medical officers, 425 posts are filled. Steps are being taken to fill the vacant posts.

Responding to a question related to the vacant posts of doctors in the Yamunanagar Civil Hospital, she said 67 posts of doctors are sanctioned at the hospital, out of which 43 posts are filled.

She informed that on March 8, 2025, appointment letters have been issued to 561 newly appointed medical officers by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and they will be given posting stations soon. The state government is working to meet the shortage of doctors. She also informed that in February 2024, appointment letters were issued to 1365 nursing officers.

She further informed that the recruitment for the vacant posts of Class IV employees in the Health Department will be done through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, and she will hold a meeting with the concerned officials of the corporation and give instructions for recruitment as soon as possible.

Permanent buildings to be constructed for 50 ESI dispensaries in Haryana: Anil Vij

Haryana Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said about 50 ESI dispensaries will be shifted after constructing permanent buildings. He was replying to a question during the Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha today.

Sh. Anil Vij informed that the ESI dispensary at Kundli is already being operated from a rented premises. The HSVP has allotted 1.23 acres of land in Sector-58, Kundli. The final decision for purchase of land and construction of dispensary would be taken by the Employees State Insurance Corporation, New Delhi.

He informed that ESIC, New Delhi has given in-principle approval for setting up of a new 150-bed ESI hospital at Sonipat. For this, the HSIIDC has offered 6.35 acres of land in Industrial Area Rai (Sonipat). The hospital will be constructed there after getting approval from ESIC, New Delhi.

The Labour Minister also informed that about 50 ESI dispensaries in the state are being run in rented buildings, which the government wants to construct permanently. In the budget presented by the Chief Minister, a provision has been made to take land for this from HSVP and panchayats at concessional rates, so that these dispensaries can be shifted permanently.

Haryana Animal Husbandry Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the government will soon fill the vacant veterinary posts in the state. 

Sh. Rana was responding to a question during the Vidhan Sabha session today.

He said that out of the 1,184 sanctioned veterinary posts in the state, 1,027 are currently filled. The remaining vacancies will also be filled soon, and a letter has been sent to the concerned department for the same.

501 vacant posts of nursing officers will be filled soon: Arti Singh Rao

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said 501 vacant posts of nursing officers in the state will be filled soon, for which a demand has been sent to the Haryana Staff Selection Commission. Apart from these, the vacant posts of doctors will also be filled soon. The vacant posts of Class IV employees will be filled through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam.

The Health Minister was responding to a question asked by a member of the House during the budget session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly today.

Arti Singh Rao said at present, 3969 posts of medical officers are sanctioned, out of which 3192 posts are filled and out of 644 sanctioned posts of senior medical officers, 425 posts are filled. Steps are being taken to fill the vacant posts.

Responding to a question related to the vacant posts of doctors in the Yamunanagar Civil Hospital, she said 67 posts of doctors are sanctioned at the hospital, out of which 43 posts are filled.

She informed that on March 8, 2025, appointment letters have been issued to 561 newly appointed medical officers by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and they will be given posting stations soon. The state government is working to meet the shortage of doctors. She also informed that in February 2024, appointment letters were issued to 1365 nursing officers.

She further informed that the recruitment for the vacant posts of Class IV employees in the Health Department will be done through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam, and she will hold a meeting with the concerned officials of the corporation and give instructions for recruitment as soon as possible.

Haryana Power, Labour and Transport Minister Sh. Anil Vij said as per the present policy, the cost of shifting of existing dhanis from A.P. feeder to R.D.S. feeder will be borne by the beneficiary, which will not include the cost of transformer. He was responding to questions raised by Nangal Chaudhary MLA Smt. Manju Chaudhary during the Question Hour of the Budget Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha today.

The Power Minister said for new dhani connections, where the length of the line is more than 300 metres from the phirni and upto 3 km, 50 per cent of the cost of the line and the entire cost of the transformer is borne by the corporation.

Chandigarh, March 18- Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said approximately 8 acres of land of Gram Panchayat Silana has been leased to the Higher Education Department for construction of building of Government College, Rewari. The Architecture Department of Haryana has been requested to prepare the drawing of the building.

Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said this in response to a question asked by a member of the House during the Assembly session today.

He informed that at present, a total of 184 government colleges are running in Haryana, out of which 141 colleges are running in their own buildings and 43 colleges are running in alternative buildings. At present, the classes of the college are running from Government Senior Secondary School, Rewari, in which a total of 373 students are studying.


Government will shift overhead power lines in Mahendragarh: Anil Vij

Haryana Energy, Labour and Transport Minister Sh. Anil Vij said the state government has prepared a comprehensive plan to shift the electricity wires in areas where overhead power lines pose a security threat to residential areas.

Sh. Anil Vij gave this information during the Assembly session in response to a question by Mahendragarh MLA Sh. Kanwar Singh. He said 163 such places have been identified in Mahendragarh Assembly constituency where electricity wires are passing above residential houses. The proposal to shift these wires has been approved and this work is planned to be completed within six months.

He said it has been decided to shift these lines in the interest of the public at an estimated cost of Rs 55.84 crore on government expense.

Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh.Krishan Lal Panwar said that a total of 72 works were approved in the last 4 years under the Vidhayak Adarsh Nagar Avam Gram Yojana (VANGY) in Baroda constituency.

Out of these, 58 works have been completed, four are in progress, and 10 are at different stages of development, which are likely to be completed by September 30, 2025. 

Development and Panchayat Minister Sh. Panwar said this while responding to a question asked by MLA, Baroda, Sh. Induraj Singh Narwal in Haryana Vidhan Sabha today.

DGHS to conduct CHC wise sex ratio analysis: ACS Sudhir Rajpal

Chandigarh, March 18– Haryana Additional Chief Secretary Health and Family Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal instructed the Director General Health Services (DGHS) to conduct Community Health Centre (CHC) wise sex ratio analysis in  the state. Strict action must be taken against CHCs showing poor performance in this regard.

He was presiding over a meeting with officers from the Health, Women and Child Development (WCD), and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) departments here, to review the progress of various measures being implemented to further improve sex ratio at birth.

The ACS also laid emphasis on a focused, multi-departmental approach to address this challenge.

In the meeting, Sh. Rajpal also directed the WCD Department to ramp up Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities aimed at further improving the sex ratio in the state. He proposed the use of awareness vans to educate communities on the importance of gender equality and the need to improve the sex ratio. In addition, he suggested screening short films about the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative in cinema halls across the state. He also encouraged the promotion of cultural practices like “Kuan Puja” to celebrate the birth of a girl child.

Sh. Rajpal further emphasized the need for better tracking of pregnancies by the Health Department. He instructed that every pregnancy must be registered in first trimester on the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) portal. If registration is not completed, it should only be allowed with special permission from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the concerned district. Action should be taken against responsible person for any negligence in non-registration of pregnancies.

In addition, the Additional Chief Secretary laid significant emphasis on inspecting Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) centers. He directed the Health Department officers to carry out raids on such centers involved in illegal practices of sex determination. He  said that the Ayush Department should also be involved in monitoring BAMS practitioners for any illegal practices related to sex determination.

To further combat the illegal sale of MTP kits, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal directed FDA officials to report on the progress of the online and offline sale of MTP kits to the CMOs across the state. He also said that it should be ensured that MTP kits should only be placed at registered locations.

In a move to recognize and promote positive role models, Sh. Rajpal suggested that female sarpanches with only girl children be involved as brand ambassadors in campaigns aimed at improving the sex ratio. He directed officers to identify five such sarpanches from each district for this initiative. In addition, he recommended conducting counseling sessions for families with a single girl child through the 104 helpline.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Manish Bansal, Director General Health Services (DGHS), Smt Monika Malik, Director WCD department, Dr. Mukta Kumar, Chief Medical Officer of Panchkula, and other senior officials from the Health, WCD, and FDA departments.