Category Archives: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

Nominations for post of Mayor, Ward Members of Panipat Municipal Corporation poll can be filled till February 27: State Election Commissioner

Chandigarh, February 21 – Haryana State Election Commissioner Sh. Dhanpat Singh has said that nomination papers for elections to Municipal Corporation Panipat will be filled from February 21 to February 27 on all working days (except Sunday, February 23 and gazetted holiday declared on account of Mahashivratri on February 26).

He said the nomination papers will be scrutinized on February 28. After that, candidates who want to withdraw their nomination can do so on March 1 from 11 am to 3 pm. Election symbols will be allotted to the candidates after 3 pm on the same day. On March 1 itself, the list of candidates contesting the election and polling stations will be pasted in public places. After this, voting will be held on March 9 from 8 am to 6 pm. On completion of the entire election process, counting of votes will be done from 8 am on March 12 and the election results will be declared on the same day. For the convenience of the candidates contesting the elections, a single window has been set up at the district level to give all types of NOCs.

The State Election Commissioner said along with the post of Mayor in Panipat Municipal Corporation, elections will be held for ward members in 26 wards. A total of 365 polling booths have been set up in all 26 wards. According to the ward-wise final published voter list of Panipat Municipal Corporation, there are a total of 4,8,534 voters, out of which 2,17,559 are male voters, 1,90,962 are female voters and 13 are other category voters.

No. IPRDH/2025

Top officials meet with association representatives to discuss VLDA demands

Chandigarh, February 21 –Additional Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar and Commissioner and Secretary Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department Mr. Vijay Singh Dahiya, held a meeting today with representatives from three associations to discuss the demands of Veterinary Livestock Development Assistants (VLDA) at the Haryana Civil Secretariat. During the meeting, the representatives of the association also submitted a demand letter.

While listening to the representatives’ demands, Dr. Saket Kumar said that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, the government is fully committed to the welfare of its employees. As such, all demands will be considered with due attention and sympathy.

During the meeting, it was shared that the state government is dedicated to ensuring the health care of livestock across Haryana. Mobile vans are also being deployed to provide health services to animals. Veterinary Livestock Development Assistants (VLDAs) are consistently fulfilling their duties with dedication.

The representatives of the association presented several demands, including a change in the designation of VLDA, a revision of the VLDA diploma name, amendments to the service rules, the introduction of an online transfer system, and the establishment of a Diploma Veterinary Council. In response, Dr. Saket Kumar assured that these demands would be addressed and resolved at the earliest.

Dr. Saket Kumar further stated that committees will be formed to make policy decisions on some of the demands. These committees will include professors from Lala Lajpat Rai Veterinary and Animal Science University (LUVAS) in Hisar, as well as representatives from the association.

Director General Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Dr. LC Ranga, along with representatives from the Diploma Veterinary Association, Veterinary and Livestock Extension Association, and Diploma Veterinary Association Haryana were also present in the meeting.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini raises Haryana’s water issue before Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal

Chandigarh, February 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, while presenting Haryana’s interests before the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal, said that the final decision on the report submitted by the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal on 30th January 1987 should be made at the earliest so that Haryana can receive its rightful share of water without further delay.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting with the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal, which visited Chandigarh.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini extended a warm welcome to Justice Sh. Vineet Saran, Chairman of the Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal, Member Justice Sh P. Naveen Rao, and Sh. Suman Shyam on behalf of the 2.80 crore people of Haryana. He said that the Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal had submitted its report on January 30, 1987. Since that day, people of all ages in Haryana – from children to the elderly – have been eagerly awaiting a final decision on this matter.

The Chief Minister expressed his hope that the Tribunal would deliver a prudent and fair judgment, one that would be widely respected across the country.

He said that water conservation for future generations is not only a priority for India but has also become a global concern. To address this, comprehensive water conservation plans must be developed. He said that former Prime Minister Late Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee had initiated plans to link rivers, a vision that is now being advanced by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. The Haryana government has also taken significant steps toward establishing a framework for river linkage.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the SYL issue remains critical for Haryana, with the Hon’ble Supreme Court ruling in Haryana’s favour. However, the state has yet to receive its rightful share of water from Punjab. He pointed out that Haryana has repeatedly raised the demand for its water share across multiple forums, but the Punjab government has made no progress on this matter. He expressed hope that the SYL issue would be resolved soon.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Haryana, Sh Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh Anurag Agarwal and the Advocate Generals of Haryana and Punjab were also present on this occasion.

CM approves renovation of roads in 4 districts at cost of Rs 54 crore

Chandigarh, February 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has given administrative approval to renovation of 873 km-long roads in 4 districts, namely Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Karnal and Yamunanagar, at a cost of about Rs 54.22 crore. This improvement in road network and connectivity will greatly benefit the public and will provide convenience in transportation.

Giving detailed information, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar said special repair of 11 roads will be done in Bhiwani district, whose total length is 47.7 km. Also, 4 roads of 18.6 km length will be widened and strengthened. These will cost Rs 8.17 crore and Rs 3.95 crore, respectively. Apart from this, 94 roads of 265 km length will be repaired under the annual repair category in Bhiwani, which will cost Rs 2.19 crore.

Similarly, 109 roads of 252 km length will be repaired under the annual repair category in Fatehabad district, which will cost about Rs 2 crore. Also, 7 roads of 24.3 km length will be widened and strengthened at a cost of about Rs 12.65 crore.

He further informed that special repair of 14 roads will be done in Karnal district, whose total length is 31.36 km. Also, 9 roads of 21.32 km length will be widened and strengthened. These will cost Rs 6.51 crore and Rs 6.44 crore, respectively.

Apart from this, under the annual repair category, 112 roads of 185.49 km length will be repaired in Yamunanagar district, which will cost Rs 1.72 crore. Also, special repair of 6 roads will be done at a cost of Rs 4.28 crore, whose total length is 12.83 km. At the same time, 7 roads of 14.39 km length will be widened and strengthened at a cost of about Rs 6.26 crore.

Workshop organized on PM Internship Scheme at Haryana Civil Secretariat

Chandigarh, February 21 – A workshop was organized at Haryana Civil Secretariat today to review the PM Internship Scheme announced for the youth in the Union Budget, 2024-2025.

 In this workshop, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Smt. Anuradha Thakur shared detailed information about the scheme. Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department, Haryana, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar was also present on this occasion.

It was informed in the workshop that in the Budget speech for the financial year 2024-2025, PM Internship Scheme has been announced, under which internships will be provided to one crore youth in 500 big establishments of the country. During this period, a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 will be given by the company and a lump sum allowance of Rs. 6,000 will be given by the Government of India.

Smt. Anuradha Thakur informed that the Ministry has launched the portal www.pminternship.mca.gov.in for online registration for PM Internship Scheme, on which companies and interested candidates can register for internship. In this scheme, youth between 21 and 24 years of age, who have graduation qualifications like 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic Diploma, Engineering, BA, BSc etc., can apply and avail the benefits of the scheme. Interested youth can register till 12 March in the second phase of this scheme. Under this scheme, 5646 vacancies are available for internship in big companies in the second phase, for which youth can apply immediately.

She said that after successfully completing internship in big companies, either the same company can consider giving permanent job to the best candidates or the youth’s chances of getting job quickly in other companies increase.

Director General of Technical Education Department Sh. Prabhjot Singh, Director of Skill Development and Industrial Training Department Captain Manoj Kumar, Director of Higher Education Department Sh. Rahul Hooda, along with other officers participated in the workshop.

MoU signed between Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal and Kochi University, Japan in presence of CM Saini

Chandigarh, February 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state and Central Governments are working for the welfare of farmers, which is directly benefiting them. Farmers are moving towards economic progress with the help of initiatives being run by the government for their upliftment. In this connection, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed today between Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal and Kochi University, Japan for the benefit of farmers. With this, universities of both the countries will work on modern technologies beneficial for farmers in the field of horticulture.

          An MoU was signed between Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal and Kochi University, Japan in the presence of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana in Chandigarh for research on a technology called Internet of Plants (IOP).

*Farmers should leave traditional farming and move towards profitable horticulture farming: CM*

          The Chief Minister said that now the time has come for farmers to do profitable farming. For this, they should leave traditional farming like wheat and paddy etc. and move towards profitable horticulture farming. For this, the Haryana Government and the Central Government are providing all possible help to the farmers. He said that Haryana is called the food granary of the country and horticulture crops are needed along with agriculture. The area and production of horticulture crops is continuously increasing in the state. Seeing higher income, farmers are also moving towards horticulture crops.

*Immense possibilities to increase the area under poly house*

          He said that special attention is needed to reduce the effects of increase in average temperature and change in rainfall pattern due to climate change. For this, it has become very important to promote protected farming. He said that in Haryana, horticultural crops are being produced in poly house in about 4,000 acres, while horticultural crops are being cultivated in low-tunnel in about 6,400 acres. There is immense possibility of increasing the area under poly house.

*This agreement will prove to be a milestone in increasing the income of farmers*

          Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that supply chain and cold chain management is required to reduce the post-harvest loss in fruits and vegetables. In this context, the Haryana government has decided to work under Japan’s JICA project. He said that he is very happy that MHU Karnal and Kochi University, Japan will work together so that such modern scientific technology will be made for Haryana and made available to the farmers. This will increase the production, quality and possibilities of more income from horticultural crops. This agreement will prove to be a milestone for increasing the income of farmers, which will benefit not only the farmers of Haryana but the entire country.

          On this occasion, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana expressed happiness over the agreement and said that in the last few years, due to various welfare schemes of the government in the field of horticulture, the interest of farmers has increased, due to which the area of horticulture has increased to 10 lakh acres. The government is running many schemes to increase the income of farmers, in which farming in poly house is an important step.

          Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Prof. Suresh Malhotra said that a historic agreement has been signed today. Under this, sensor technology will be used on fruit, vegetable, flower and spice crops inside the greenhouse, through which Internet of Plots (IOP) modules will be prepared for various crops on the scientific principles of temperature, humidity, photosynthesis etc. in the greenhouse. In this field, both universities will work together so that such modern scientific technology is be developed for Haryana and made available to the farmers. This will increase the production, quality and possibilities of more income of horticultural crops.

          President of Kochi University, Japan, Prof. Ukeda Hiroyuki praised the efforts being made by the Haryana Chief Minister and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister to increase horticulture farming in the state. He said that a historic agreement has been signed today.

          On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, HoD-Special of Horticulture Directorate, Sh. Arjun Singh Saini, Research Director Prof. Ramesh Goyal, Registrar of MHU Karnal, Sh. Suresh Saini and members of Japanese delegation along with other officials were present.

HARJOT BAINS’ EFFORTS PAYS-OFF; ₹17.56-CR TENDER ISSUED FOR REPAIR OF ALGRAN BRIDGE OVER SWAN NADI

Chandigarh, February 21:

          The persistent efforts of Punjab Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains have yielded yet another positive outcome with the Public Works (B&R) Department (PWD), Punjab issuing a tender worth Rs. 17.56 crore for the repair of the Algran bridge over Swan Nadi.

          This bridge is a critical lifeline, connecting over 100 villages of Ropar district and also serving a vital link between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. This development is a significant milestone, given Bains’ long-standing efforts to get this bridge repaired.

          In a press communiqué issued here today, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that this tender will be for nine months for the repair of this crucial bridge. The interested contractors can visit the official website of the state government to access the tender documents and submit their bids till March 20, 2025.  

          Highlighting the importance of the bridge, S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the bridge is not only a crucial transportation route between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, besides connecting Ropar district with Hoshiarpur, but also a key pathway for pilgrims, tourists, and local residents.

          Additionally, the project will provide much-needed respite to daily commuters who have long faced inconvenience due to the bridge’s poor condition. The initiative is also set to alleviate the burden on alternative routes, which have been overburdened due to the bridge’s inaccessibility, thereby improving overall connectivity and safety in the area.

          With the tender now issued, the work is expected to begin soon, sparking a hope among the people of the region for better road infrastructure and social-economic development of the region, the cabinet minister added.

PUNJAB POLICE BUSTS TARGET KILLING MODULE BACKED BY GANGSTER GOLDY DHILLON; TWO HELD WITH 5 PISTOLS, INTOXICANT PILLS

CHANDIGARH/PATIALA, February 21:

          Amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Patiala Police has busted a target killing module being operated by foreign-based gangster Goldy Dhillon with the arrest of its two operatives from Rajpura, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Friday.

          Those arrested have been identified as Malkit Singh alias Max, a native of village Rodala in Ajnala, Amritsar and presently residing in village Sempali in Fatehgarh Sahib and Sandeep Singh alias Deep, a resident of Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib.

          Police teams have also recovered five pistols— including three .32 caliber, one .30 caliber and one .315 caliber country-made pistol— along with 15 cartridges and 1300 intoxicant tablets from their possession, besides, impounding their black-coloured Honda Activa Scooter (PB 23 AA 0795).

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigations have revealed that both the arrested accused persons were wanted in two criminal cases pertaining to extortion and were also tasked by their handler Goldy Dhillon to execute target killings in Mohali and Rajpura. Both the arrested accused persons have a history of criminal activities, with multiple cases pertaining to NDPS act, Arms Act, attempt to murder, extortion, dacoity, snatching, etc registered against them, he added.

          The DGP said that further investigations are on to establish backward and forward linkages in this case. More arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days, he added.

          Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala Nanak Singh said that police teams of Special Cell Rajpura received a reliable input that two operatives of Gangster Goldy Dhillon are on the way to deliver intoxicant tablets to someone at Sirhind-Rajpura road, following which, they have a plan to carry out a target killing in Rajpura.

          Acting swiftly, the Special Cell Rajpura led by Inspector Harry Boparai launched an intelligence-based operation and managed to locate and arrest both the accused persons after recovering weapons and drugs from their possession, he said.

          The SSP said that two prominent persons, who had also received threat calls from foreign-based gangster, were on target of the arrested accused persons. Further investigations are on, he added.

          A case FIR no. 13 dated 19/2/2025 has been registered under section 22 of the NDPS act and section 25 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadar Rajpura in Patiala.

250 Building Projects Worth Rs 2000 Crore Underway in Punjab: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Chandigarh, February 21

Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Thursday said that the Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads) is currently executingnearly 250 building projects worth approximately Rs 2000 crore across 15 client departments. These works, funded by the respective departments and executed by PWD, demonstrate the department’s commitment to developing and upgrading Punjab’s building infrastructure.

PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that PWD (B&R) is prioritizing the construction of Health infrastructure, including 18 Child Care Blocks (CCBs) worth Rs. 264 crore and 18 Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHL) labs, with 4 already under construction. The PWD has also made significant strides in constructing Aam Admi Clinics, with around 420 clinics already built across the state. Furthermore, the department will undertake works worth Rs 3000 crore for Medical Colleges at Malerkotla, Sangrur, SAS Nagar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, SBS Nagar, and Moga in the FY 2025-26. He said that this initiative aims to enhance the state’s capacity for public health diagnostics and provide quality healthcare facilities to its citizens.

Highlighting the PWD’s efforts extended to Education Sector, the another priority sector of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that the PWD (B&R) is working on 56 Schools of Eminence, with 19 ongoing and 10 Schools have already been completed. He said that these schools aim to provide high-quality educationinfrastructure across Punjab to children of all strata of society.

The Minister informed that the judicial infrastructure has also received a significant boost, with granting of administrative approvals amounting to Rs. 250 crore in the current fiscal year 2024-25. He said that the key projects include the development of Judicial Court Complexes (JCC) in Khanna, Patran, and Fazilka, featuring components such as courtrooms, residential accommodations, and computer rooms to accommodate the increasing caseload. “Additionally, the repair and maintenance of judicial complexes, undertaken separately under the head 2059, ensure that existing judicial facilities remain in good condition”, said the PWD Minister.

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO further added that the PWD (B&R) is committed to ensuring the upkeep and functionality of existing infrastructure, including the repair and maintenance of Judicial Court Complexes, Government Buildings, and Government Quarters. In FY 2024-25, funds amounting to Rs. 40 crore are being spent for the upkeep of Government Buildings.

The PWD Minister also highlighted that the department has played a crucial role in executing numerous monuments, memorials, and public buildings across the State. He said that the Architectural Wing, associated with the Department, provides services such as evolving building plans, designing green buildings, and landscaping for various state government departments. “Special attention is given to ensuring unimpeded access by incorporating ramps, lifts, escalators, and other facilities for persons with disabilities (divyangjan)”, he added.

FM Cheema Hands Over Appointment Letters to 8 Newly Recruited Employees

Chandigarh, February 21

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise, and Taxation Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, today handed over appointment letters to 7 clerks and 1 peon appointed on compassionate grounds in the Excise and Taxation Department.

Congratulating the newly appointed employees, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema emphasized the importance of dedication and hard work in their new roles. He highlighted the crucial role the Excise and Taxation Department plays in strengthening the state’s economy and expressed hope that these employees will fulfill their responsibilities with utmost commitment.

Highlighting the Punjab government’s significant achievement under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the state has successfully employed over 50,000 youth. He said that this initiative not only provides employment opportunities to the maximum number of young people but also addresses the shortage of human resources in various government departments, ultimately strengthening them.