SANGRUR, 22nd December:

Continuing his campaign to interact with the people at grassroots level to give fillip to the development of the villages, the Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the move is aimed at ensuring world class civic amenities to the villages at par with the cities.

Interacting with the people, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, amidst huge round of applause from the masses, said that the holistic growth of villages was the need of hour to give further impetus to all round development of the state. “The state government is already making all out efforts for ensuring public welfare and giving impetus to development of villages. This gigantic task could not be possible without active support and cooperation of the general public,” he added.

Striking an emotional chord with the people, the Chief Minister said that the people and their elected representatives should regularly monitor the ongoing development works in the state adding that this will help in quality execution of work. He exhorted people to make sure that concerted efforts of the state government for giving fillip to the development of villages are successful with their assistance and guidance. “The majority of the population of the state live in villages so the state government was committed to ensure unprecedented development in them,” he noted.

The Chief Minister asserted, “The Punjab government is committed to provide facilities at par with cities to facilitate people and no stone was being left unturned for this noble cause. The sole aim of holding such events was to prepare a road map for giving further impetus to ongoing development of the state and especially in the villages.”

Laying thrust on the comprehensive development of rural areas, he said that the state government has already sanctioned a number of projects for accomplishing this task adding he solicited the support of the general public in strengthening rural infrastructure to further accelerate the pace of development.

Later on interacting with the media persons, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has no dearth of funds for the development of Punjab adding that all the issues like garbage heaps, street light, sewage problems or others will be resolved soon. “In the last four years unprecedented development has taken place across the state as the Punjab government has never complained about any fund shortage. Contrary to the previous regimes which had landed the state in debt trap his government has been repaying the debts,” he affirmed.

Citing the examples, he said that the state government has bailed out the electricity board, repaid the loans of the sugar mills, Markfed and others. “The Punjab government has been managing many old debts so that past liabilities are cleared, without halting any new development projects. The government has created more than 58,000 jobs, new buildings of the schools have been built, 43,000 kilometres of roads are being constructed as the state government has managed the expenditure with financial prudence,” he pointed out.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has been making strenuous efforts for raising the standard of life in Punjab adding that earlier no one had ever heard that the students from state are becoming pilots. However, he said that now the state government has bought seven planes for imparting this world class training to the students so that they can get into high-level jobs now. “Dreaming is everyone’s right and not just that of the rich class due to which this government is providing benefits to ordinary people, not just to the wealthy,” he asserted.

In a fervent appeal to the newly elected Zila Parishad and Block Samiti Members, the Chief Minister said that the elections last for only 10–15 days but once elected, these elected representatives belong to everyone. “The members represent everyone and even those who didn’t vote for them, so it is their bounden duty to serve the people with missionary zeal. Work must be done for the well being of all, so that Punjab can progress and become frontrunner in every arena,” he affirmed.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against the menace of corruption due to which several reforms have been initiated. Citing the example of property registrations, he said, “The process is very easy nowadays as people don’t have to visit the offices for mutation or deed verification as online facilities are available. People have to just visit the sub-registrar office only for a quick photo and within 15–20 minutes, their registration is done.”

The Chief Minister said that several services have been shifted to online which has considerably reduced corruption adding that RTO offices across the state have gone faceless due to which people can renew or upgrade their licenses online. “Due to patronization by previous regimes, the curse of corruption was deep-rooted, but the state government has been making concerted efforts to uproot it. Nothing ends overnight, but the state government is trying vehemently to make Punjab corruption free,” he added.

When asked to comment on the centre government’s recent move to change the name of MGNREGA, the Chief Minister said that the change in nomenclature will hardly make any difference. “Name changes don’t feed the poor but the daily wage laborers only care that they get work, so that they can feed their families. Hardly any change was witnessed when Allahabad was renamed to Prayagraj or when a station named Sarai Kale Khan became Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar,” he noted.

The Chief Minister said that it was a sorry state of affairs that even cleanliness didn’t improve in these cities after the changing of names. All of us should be thankful that the country’s name hasn’t been changed yet by those at the helms of the affairs. Taking a jibe over Congress, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the leaders of the Grand Old party of the country are stuck on debating names, while we focus on real work.

Slamming the Union government for not releasing the legitimate share of the state in funds, the Chief Minister said that the centre government has illegitimately halted funds thereby putting unnecessary load on states. “This is unwarranted and undesirable as it is against the basic spirit of federalism in the country. The Punjab government is committed to safeguard the interests of Punjab and Punjabis and will vehemently oppose the step motherly treatment by the centre,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will soon launch the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna that will open doors of quality healthcare for 65 lakh families in state by allowing them to avail cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh in both government and private hospitals across Punjab. “Likewise, the Punjab government will roll several more people-oriented schemes in the next budget session for the well being of the public. The Punjab government is committed for the welfare of every section of society and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause,” he affirmed.

Assailing the Shiromani Akali Dal for misleading the people through slanderous campaigns through AI technology, the Chief Minister said that due to their fad for this new technology that they have forgotten their real work. “While AAP is spreading its wings across the country, the Akali Dal has been decimated in a few belts of the state with just two or three seats. Due to its people friendly and development oriented policies AAP has got the support from every section of society,” concluded CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Chandigarh, December 21:

Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government continues its sustained drive towards building a Rangla Punjab and ensuring all-round development of the state. In line with this vision, the Public Works Department has been consistently working to provide a robust and reliable road network for the people of Punjab.

Sharing details, Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO said that during this financial year, against proposed upgradation  of 840 kms of plan roads at an estimated cost of Rs.663 crore, 501.76 kms have already been completed. An amount of Rs.334.31 crore has been spent under this scheme so far. He informed that construction of 31 bridges was planned during 2025-26 with a financial provision of Rs.155 crore. Of these, work on 29 bridges is currently in progress, while construction of two bridges has been completed. An expenditure of Rs.30.99 crore has been incurred under this scheme.

The Cabinet Minister further said that financial year 2025-26 has proved to be a year of growth for the department. He informed that under the NABARD scheme during 2025-26, construction of 125 kms of roads and 10 bridges had been planned with an outlay of Rs.192 crore. Under this scheme, works of 52 kms of roads and 8 bridges have already been completed.

He further said that construction of 641 kms of roads has been planned during 2025-26 under PMGSY with an allocation of Rs.600 crore, out of which 273.96 kms have already been completed and Rs.243 crore has been spent. Similarly, under National Highways projects, construction of 70 kms of roads has been planned at a cost of Rs. 430 crore, of which 32.39 kms have been completed. An amount of Rs.351.46 crore has already been spent under this head, he added.

PWD has embarked on a drive for Special Repairs/Modernization of 10262 Link roads at a cost of Rs. 1543 Crore. The works have already been started in respective market committees. Additionally widening, modernization & new connectivity of 7767 Km Link Roads at an estimated cost of Rs. 2920 Crore has been taken in hand. Bids for the works have been invited and works are likely to start shortly.

 Keeping in view the importance of Plan Roads such as State Highways/MDRs/ODRs a special program  for upgradation of 2834 Km of Plan Roads at an estimated cost of Rs 2363 Crore has been devised. Bids for all these works will be allotted shortly.

Chandigarh, December 20-   Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government will soon allot 100-square-yard residential plots to landless and needy families. About 7,000 such beneficiaries will be linked with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and after that they  will  be provided the prescribed financial assistance for house construction.

The Chief Minister was addressing Dhanyawadi Rally and Jan Samvad  programmes in the villages Prahlad Pur, Badarpur and Bani of Ladwa Constituency, district Kurkshtera on Saturday. After the events, he listened to public grievances and issued on-the-spot directions for the prompt resolution. He also announced grants of Rs. 21 lakh each for development works in Prahladpur, Badarpur and Bani.

In Prahladpur, the Chief Minister assured that all demands raised by Sarpanch, Suman Saini would be forwarded to the concerned departments for implementation. He announced Rs. 47.46 lakh for a drinking water pipeline and Rs. 11 lakh for construction of a community hall.

In Badarpur, he assured fulfillment of all 16 demands placed by Sarpanch Karmveer and announced Rs. 43.31 lakh for a drinking water pipeline. He also assured that all demands raised by the Sarpanch of village Bani would be addressed.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that under the Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana, around 15,500 families have already been provided 30-square-yard plots. Soon, eligible applicants will receive an additional allotment of 30-square-yard plots as the second installment under the scheme. He added that the government will shortly announce new government recruitments to provide jobs to youth.

He recalled that during the elections, the government had promised to issue appointment letters to youth even before the swearing-in ceremony, and after forming the government for the third time, this commitment was fulfilled first. For the first time in the state’s history, 25,000 youths were given government jobs simultaneously on merit, without ‘Parchi Kharchi’ .

The Chief Minister said that free dialysis facilities are being provided to kidney patients in all state hospitals, medical colleges and the health university. Additionally, women from families with an annual income below Rs. 1.80 lakh are being provided LPG cylinders at Rs. 500. Around 15 lakh women are already availing this benefit. He urged eligible women who have not yet applied to do so and take advantage of the scheme.

He further stated that Haryana has become the first state in the country to implement Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all 24 crops, fulfilling the government’s promise to farmers. Due to crop damage caused by recent waterlogging, an amount of Rs. 116 crore has been directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts. Under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana,  an amount of Rs. 430 crore has also been credited to farmers whose millet crops were affected.

The Chief Minister said that families residing on Panchayat land have been granted ownership rights at the 2004 collector rates under a special government policy. He further shared that under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme, under which eligible women receive Rs.2,100 per month. So far, two installments have been paid to 10 lakh women.

He added that remaining eligible families can apply for the Lado Lakshmi Scheme. Applications must be submitted online through a mobile app. The government is receiving between 3,000 and 4,000 new applications daily.

During the visit, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also halted his convoy in Babain village to hear public grievances and ensured their redressal.

CHANDIGARH, December 20:

          In a major breakthrough against the narco-terror nexus amidst the ongoing drive to make Punjab a safe and secure state as per directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) SAS Nagar has apprehended an Army deserter identified as Rajbir Singh alias Fauji from Raxaul town located near the Indo-Nepal border in Motihari, Bihar, while he was attempting to flee the country via Nepal, and recovered 500 grams heroin and one hand grenade from his possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Saturday.

          The development came close on the heels of the arrest of his associate identified as Chirag, a resident of Kashi Ram Colony in Fazilka, and 407 grams heroin along with one 9MM pistol was recovered from his possession. The latter was operating as a courier for accused Rajbir and played a significant role in channelising the proceeds of drug trafficking back to him, thereby acting as a crucial link in the narcotics supply chain.

          DGP Gaurav Yadav said that preliminary investigation of arrested accused Rajbir revealed that the latter joined the Indian Army in 2011 and deserted in February 2025 after he and his associates were booked in an espionage case, registered under sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Official Secrets Act at Police Station Gharinda in Amritsar Rural earlier this year.

          Investigation has further established the role of both the arrested accused persons in the conspiracy behind the grenade attack on a Women Police Station in Sirsa, Haryana, said the DGP, while adding that accused persons Rajbir and Chirag had delivered the hand grenades to Gurjant Singh of Amritsar Rural, who has since been arrested by Haryana Police, and also channelised financial assistance through Chirag. The funds provided to Gurjant were further passed on to the assailants and were utilised for carrying out the said grenade attack, he added.

          The DGP said that further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case.

          Sharing more details, AIG SSOC SAS Nagar D Sudarvizhi said that probe has also revealed that in 2022, arrested accused Rajbir came in contact with some Pakistan-based entities through social media and in lieu of access to heroin consignments, he began supplying sensitive and confidential military information and introduced other Army personnel to these handlers. Following the registration of the case, Rajbir absconded and used Nepal as a hideout, frequently moving between Punjab and Nepal and continued his drug trafficking operations, she said.

          The AIG said that Rajbir further disclosed that his Pakistan-based handlers were facilitating his escape from India to Europe via Nepal. After obtaining transit remand, the accused was brought to Punjab, she added.

          In this regard, a case FIR No. 14 dated 10.12.2025 has been registered under section 21 of the NDPS Act, section 25(1) of the Arms Act and 61(2) Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station SSOC SAS Nagar.

Chandigarh:

The Haryana Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of the alarming deficiencies in fire safety arrangements across the State and expressed deep concern over the inexcusable five-year delay in procuring critical equipments such as “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders”. The Commission has unequivocally stated that such prolonged inaction—particularly in high-rise buildings and densely populated urban areas—represents a direct threat to the lives and safety of ordinary citizens.

In its order passed in SuoMotu Case No. 1000/3/2022, the Commission observed that “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders” which serve as critical safety and accessibility mechanisms directly contribute to fire safety, emergency evacuation, and structural functionality in multi-storeyed buildings and public spaces. They provide an independent and mechanically assisted means of escape when conventional staircases or lifts become inaccessible during fire, earthquake or structural hazards while also enabling fire and emergency services to reach higher floors swiftly from the outside. In addition, these systems ensure universal accessibility for the elderly, differently-abled persons and patients, thereby reducing panic, overcrowding and stampede risks during evacuation. Unlike lifts, hydraulic systems can function even during power failures, thereby offering reliable, alternative vertical access in critical situations. Their absence could compromise public safety and hinder disaster preparedness, while their integration ensures compliance with modern building safety standards and urban infrastructure norms.

The Commission examined the provisions of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975. The above said Act, deals with grant of licence to any owner desiring to convert his land into a “Colony”. Section 3 of Act, 1975, is specifically meant for application for licence. Clause (e) of Section 2 of Act, 1975, defines “development works” means internal and external development works. Clause (g) of Section 2 of Act, 1975, which defines “external development works” clearly includes work of “Fire Stations” as well. Sub-section (3) of Section 3 of Act, 1975, clearly envisages that applicant who is desirous for grant of licence is required to pay development charges, if the “external development works” as defined in Clause (g) of Section 2 are to be carried out by the Government or any other local authority. Importantly, the definition of “external development works” also contains an enabling clause covering “any other work” necessary for planned and safe urban development. In this scenario, inclusion of “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders” aligns with the intent behind incorporating ‘fire stations’ as “external development works” under Section 3 of Act, 1975, as both are essential safety measures designed to protect human life.

In the light of above the Commission has recommended that “Hydraulic Platforms” and “Turn Table Ladders” be formally recognized as part of “external development works” under the Act, 1975. Consequently, the payment/contribution provisions applicable to other “external development works” should extend to these installations, ensuring financial and regulatory recognition. Such inclusion would not only align with the legislative intent of the Act, 1975, to provide comprehensive and safe urban infrastructure but also enhance safety standards, particularly in multi-storey buildings and public structures.

In its order, the Commission referred to the recent major fire tragedy in Hong Kong and cautioned that if such disasters can occur even in developed countries, the risk becomes far more serious in our State in the absence of essential fire-fighting equipments. The Commission made it clear that the Government should not wait for catastrophic incident before taking decisive action.

The Commission strongly reiterates that the Government of Haryana must treat this matter with utmost urgency and seriousness. Any further delay would expose the public to irreparable but avoidable harm. The procurement process should be expedited without procedural dilatory tactics, and that a clear, time-bound action plan be placed before the Commission well before the next date of hearing.

Compliance Reports in this regard have been requisitioned from the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Haryana, Town & Country Planning, and Urban Estates Department, Chandigarh; Director General, Town and Country Planning Department, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Director General, Fire and Emergency Services, Haryana, Panchkula. Above said authorities have been called upon to present their respective reports remotely via video conference to this Commission on 10.2.2026 so that interaction may be more fruitful.

Chandigarh, Dec 15 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that every complaint registered on the CM Window is not merely a formal entry, but a living symbol of the public’s trust. He said that it is the responsibility of the concerned intellectuals to address these complaints with complete honesty, integrity and transparency, and to play an active role in their resolution. Since these officials are directly connected to the Chief Minister through this platform, their accountability to the public increases manifold.

The Chief Minister was interacting with intellectuals associated with the CM Window from all districts of the state at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, here on Monday.

He said that collective efforts are required to make the CM Window a strong and reliable system, one that every citizen can take pride in and trust, with the assurance that their grievances will be resolved in a timely and effective manner. Sustaining this trust, he added, will ensure that the administrative machinery functions with greater dedication, sensitivity and efficiency.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini informed that the CM Window portal was launched on December 25, 2014, with the objective of providing prompt solutions to the problems faced by common citizens. So far, a total of 14,82,924 complaints have been received on the portal, out of which 14,12,136 complaints have been resolved. This, he said, reflects the government’s firm commitment to prioritizing public grievance redressal.

He further remarked that when a citizen registers a complaint on the CM Window, it is not merely an issue being reported, but an expression of trust in the Chief Minister and the government. Therefore, it is imperative that this robust platform remains transparent, responsive and sensitive, so that public confidence continues to grow stronger.

The Chief Minister also shared that to ensure effective disposal of complaints at the district level, samadhan shivirs are being organized every Monday and Thursday under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner. To date, 1,47,299 complaints have been received through these camps across the state, of which 1,19,597 have already been resolved, while work is progressing rapidly on the remaining cases. He urged the officials associated with the CM Window to thoroughly examine each complaint and ensure fair, transparent and timely resolution, thereby strengthening the trust of the complainants.

On this occasion, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Kaushik, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh Bharat Bhushan Bharti, State General Secretary Dr. Archana Gupta, General Secretary Sh Surendra Poonia and several other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh:

Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab, Mr. Inderpal Singh Dhanna, along with the Additional Chief Secretary – Governance Reforms, Government of Punjab, MR D. K.Tewari, IAS today graciously acknowledged the Certificate of Honour conferred  to  the State Information Commissioner Punjab Mr Harpreet Sandhu,  by the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India,  for authoring the book dedicated to  350th Martyrdom Year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib, on the Constitutional Day event in New Delhi on 26th November 2025 .

          Mr.Dhanna said that it is a great achievement of Mr. Harpreet Sandhu and it is  also a proud moment for the Punjab State information commission. He said,Mr Sandhu ‘s tireless efforts to promote Punjab’s rich Sikh heritage and culture is commendable.

Chandigarh,  November 9:

In view of the sensitivity of the Border district of Tarn Taran, in which Bye poll is going to be held for Tarn Taran Assembly Constituency on 11.11.25, Election Commission of India (ECI) had made foolproof security arrangements through District Election machinery and had finalized the deployment plan in consultation with Observers deployed by ECI.

Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C informed that 12 Companies of Central armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed in the Assembly Constituency, which is one of the largest deployment of CAPF ever by ECI in any bye election.

The CEO also said that as per the Deployment plan, all 114 Polling station Locations, covering 222 Polling Stations will be covered by CAPF. Apart from CAPF, all Polling stations will have CCTV cameras with webcasting which will be closely monitored at Returning officer, DEO and CEO level under overall supervision and monitoring of ECI. He added that all the critical polling station locations will also be covered by 46 Micro observers.

CEO Punjab also informed that all the assured Minimum facilities have been provided in all 222 Polling stations and assured that any violation of law and order will be dealt strongly by the election machinery. He further urged all the voters of AC Tarn Taran to come forward and exercise their franchise freely and fearlessly during Polling to be held on 11.11.25 from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Chandigarh / 8th, November.

The General Secretary of All India Congress Committee, former Union Minister, and Member of Parliament from Sirsa, Kumari Selja, has expressed deep concern over the Haryana Police’s only 5.2% response rate on the Women’s Helpline 181, calling it alarming. Kumari Selja said that this statistic exposes the government’s negligence and insensitivity regarding women’s safety in the state. 

In a statement released to the media, Kumari Selja said that Helpline 181 was launched with the objective of providing immediate assistance to women in distress, but such a poor response rate clearly shows the huge gap between the government’s claims and the ground reality. Kumari Selja said that the BJP government has reduced the crucial issue of women’s safety to mere publicity and data manipulation. The MP said that if out of every 100 calls made to the helpline, action is taken on only 5, it reflects not only the failure of the administrative system but also a betrayal of the trust of women. 

Kumari Selja demanded that the Chief Minister take this report seriously, order an independent investigation into the functioning of the helpline system, and make all details public transparently. Kumari Selja said that citizens have the right to know how many total calls were received, how many received immediate help, and in how many cases action is still pending. She said that only transparency can restore public confidence, and women must feel assured that the state machinery stands with them. Kumari Selja said that women’s safety is not a matter of politics but of responsibility and sensitivity. The government must review the helpline system in collaboration with the Women’s Commission, police, and social organizations, and take immediate corrective steps wherever needed.

Kumari Selja said that the Congress Party is continuously fighting for the safety and dignity of women. If the state government fails to take concrete action, the Congress Mahila Morcha will launch a statewide awareness campaign on women’s safety. She concluded by saying, The daughters of Haryana don’t need speeches, they need safety. Making Helpline 181 effective, transparent, and reliable is the government’s responsibility. If the government fails to take women’s safety seriously, Congress will raise this issue from the streets to the Parliament.