CHANDIGARH, January 25:

          On the recommendations of the Punjab Government, the Governor of Punjab on Sunday announced the names of the Punjab Police officers/officials, to be awarded the Chief Minister’s Rakshak Padak award and Chief Minister’s Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty on the occasion of Republic Day-2026.

          The Governor of Punjab announced the names of one PPS officer DSP Sunam Udham Singh Wala Harvinder Singh and four police officials including Inspector Nirmal Singh, Head Constable Sukhmanpreet Singh, ASI Balbir Chand and Senior Constable Dharampal Singh for Chief Minister’s Rakshak Padak award.

          Similarly, four PPS officers including AIG SPU Baljit Singh, SP Headquarters Faridkot Manvinderbir Singh, DSP Investigation Daljit Singh and SP Davinder Kumar are among 19 officers/officials who have been selected for the Chief Minister’s Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty. The remaining officials include Inspector Mandeep Singh, Inspector Rushika, Inspector Prabhjot Kaur, Inspector Kulwant Singh, Inspector Sumit Mor, Inspector Pushvinder Singh, SI Gurpal Singh, SI Bhupinder Singh, ASI Gurjant Singh, ASI Gurvir Singh, ASI Gurpreet Singh, ASI Kuljit Singh, HC Mandeep Singh, HC Sukhwinder Singh and Senior Constable Anu Bala.

          Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav congratulated the awardees and thanked the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann for recognizing the services of the Punjab Police officers/officials. He said that such recognitions play a significant role in encouraging the Police force to work with more dedication and devotion.

Chandigarh, January 21, 2026:

The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Panjab University, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the District Bureau of Employment and Enterprises (DBEE), Mohali, organised its second annual Placement Camp cum Workshop for distance learners ranging from Class XII to postgraduate programmes.

Several reputed organisations with pan-India presence actively participated in the recruitment and shortlisting process. These included Xeam Ventures, Bhaskar Jyoti, Satvik Solar, Murari Services, Quess Corp, Adecco, Teleconference, Terracie Technology Ltd., Genius HR Tech, Paytm, GoOne Communication, Aditya Birla Capital, Digital Call System Pvt. Ltd., and Aerial Telecom System.

The placement camp witnessed an encouraging response, with 545 students registering for the drive. Fourteen companies participated, offering students valuable exposure to industry expectations, career pathways, and placement opportunities. As a significant outcome of the event, 101 candidates were shortlisted.

Senior university functionaries, including Prof. Y P Verma Registrar, Prof Meenakshi Goyal Director Research and Prof Meena Sharma Director, Central Placement Cell, visited and interacted with the participating companies and students. They encouraged learners to focus on perseverance, continuous skill acquisition, and informed career planning.

The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Harsh Gandhar, Director, CDOE, who welcomed the students and participating companies and introduced the invited dignitaries. In her address, she highlighted the changing dynamics of the job market, the growing importance of upskilling and reskilling, and the need for distance learners to complement academic knowledge with practical competencies.

The primary objectives of the programme were to enable students to become self-reliant in financing their further education, bridge the gap between academia and industry, and equip learners with market-relevant skills. The workshop sessions were conducted by Mr. Amit Setia, Vice President, Xeam Ventures, along with DBEE officers Ms. Sukhaman Kaur and Ms. Sukhman Bath, who served as resource persons. The sessions focused on employability-oriented training, including CV preparation, interview readiness, and familiarisation with contemporary workplace expectations.

The successful organisation of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the CDOE faculty led by convener Dr Ravinder reinforcing Panjab University’s commitment to enhancing employability and career readiness among distance learners.

Chandigarh/Panchkula.

With regard to the Municipal Corporation elections to be held in Ambala, Panchkula and Sonipat in the year 2026, the Indian National Congress has intensified its preparations. There is tremendous enthusiasm among Congress workers across the state, and the organization is fully prepared to enter the electoral arena with strength and discipline.
Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President Rao Narendra Singh informed that the Congress will contest the Municipal Corporation elections with full vigor, and a solid and practical strategy is being worked out to ensure victory. In this sequence, with the objective of conducting the entire election process in a well-organized, effective and result-oriented manner, the party has constituted special district-level election committees.
Rao Narendra Singh said that the constituted committees will play an important role in organizational coordination, election preparations, campaigning, public outreach and successfully completing all election-related formalities. He expressed confidence that on the strength of public issues, a clear development agenda and a strong organizational structure, the Congress will hoist the flag of victory in the Municipal Corporation elections.
The state Congress leadership made it clear that the party will further strengthen grassroots-level public contact and will go among the people by making the problems of every section of society key election issues. He said that the people are troubled by the oppressive attitude of the BJP in the state and will not tolerate it any longer. Congress is the only alternative that stands firmly on the ideology of public welfare, socialism, equality and inclusive development.
Rao Narendra Singh said that all Congress leaders and workers will fight this election unitedly and in a disciplined manner, ensuring victory.
Members of the District-Level Election Committees are as follows:
Panchkula Municipal Corporation Election Committee:
Rao Narendra Singh, State President
Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Leader of Opposition
Varun Chaudhary, Member of Parliament
Chandramohan, MLA
Sanjay Chauhan, District President
Ambala Municipal Corporation Election Committee:
Rao Narendra Singh, State President
Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Leader of Opposition
Varun Chaudhary, Member of Parliament
Nirmal Singh, MLA
Chetan Chauhan,AICC Secretary,
Pawan Aggarwal, District President (Urban)
Parvinder Pal Singh, District President (Cantt.)
Dushyant Chauhan, District President (Rural)
Sonipat Municipal Corporation Election Committee:
Rao Narendra Singh, State President
Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Leader of Opposition
Satpal Brahmachari, Member of Parliament
Sanjeev Kumar Dahiya, District President (Rural)
Kamal Diwan, District President (Urban)
Surender Pawar, Former MLA
Jaivir Singh Balmiki, Former MLA
Jai Bhagwan Antil
The Pradesh Congress expressed confidence that all appointed members will discharge their responsibilities with full dedication, commitment and sincerity. Haryana Congress will contest this Municipal Corporation election battle in unity and, with the blessings of the people, will hoist the flag of victory.

Chandigarh, January 4 – Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is continuously working to provide quality and accessible health services across the state. The objective of the government is to ensure quality medical treatment for every citizen. Schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Chirayu Haryana Yojana, and the modernisation of government hospitals have greatly benefited the poor and middle-class families. Facilities have been expanded from primary health centres to district hospitals and medical college hospitals. With modern equipment, specialist doctors, free medicines, and diagnostic services, people are receiving better health security.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam was addressing the gathering after inaugurating a government dispensary at the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) Camp at Palwal district today.

The Sports Minister shared details of the health services to be provided at the dispensary, including regular OPD services, primary treatment, availability of medicines, and vaccination facilities. He said that qualified medical staff has been deployed at the dispensary to ensure timely and proper treatment for patients.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that the government’s priority is to provide accessible, affordable, and quality health services to the common citizen. With the start of this dispensary, elderly people, women, and children of the area will benefit the most, and they will not have to travel far for minor health issues. He expressed hope that the dispensary will play an important role in improving the health of local residents and that more facilities will be added here in the future.

Chandigarh, January 2;

          The State level Republic Day Celebration would be held at Patiala where the Governor of Punjab Mr. Gulab Chand Kataria would unfurl the National Flag and take the salute from march past on January 26th 2026. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann would unfurl the flag at Hoshiarpur. Mr. Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha would unfurl the flag at Sangrur where as Mr. Jai Kishan Rauri, Deputy Speaker, Punjab Vidhan Sabha would unfurl the flag at Barnala.

Disclosing the Schedule of all Cabinet Ministers, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Harpal Singh Cheema would unfurl the flag at Bathinda, Mr. Aman Arora at Pathankot, Dr. Baljit Kaur at Ferozepur, Mr. Sanjeev Arora at Faridkot, Dr. Balbir Singh at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Mr. Hardeep Singh Mundian at Amritsar, Mr. Lal Chand at Malerkotla, Mr. Laljit Singh Bhullar at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mr. Harjot Singh Bains at Fazilka, Mr. Harbhajan Singh at Ludhiana, Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal at Jalandhar, Mr.Tarunpreet Singh Sond at Roopnagar, Dr. Ravjot Singh at Mansa, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khudian at Tarn Taran and Mr. Mohinder Singh Bhagat would Unfurl the flag at S.A.S. Nagar

Chandigarh, January 1 — Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao stated that the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations for human use containing more than 100 mg of Nimesulide in Immediate Release dosage form have been banned with immediate effect in Haryana. The primary objective of this decision is to protect people from potential adverse effects and to ensure that only safe and approved medicines are used in the state. She clearly stated that the government will not compromise in any manner when it comes to public health.

The Health Minister said that this decision has been taken entirely keeping in view the interest and safety of the people. Medicines are meant to provide relief to patients, not to endanger their health. When scientific evidence points towards risks associated with a medicine and safer alternatives are available, it becomes the government’s duty to take firm decisions in public interest.

She further informed that the Health Department has issued strict instructions to drug manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors, chemists, and medical stores to comply with this ban. Regular inspections and monitoring mechanisms have also been put in place, and strict action will be taken against violators.

The Health Minister also appealed to doctors and healthcare professionals to prescribe safe alternative medicines strictly in accordance with prescribed medical guidelines and to provide correct information to patients.

State Drugs Controller Sh. Lalit Kumar Goyal stated that giving priority to public health, the state has effectively implemented the notification issued by the Government of India, under which the manufacture, sale, and distribution of all oral formulations containing more than 100 mg of Nimesulide in Immediate Release dosage form have been prohibited.

He said that after an in-depth evaluation of scientific evidence and consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, the Government of India concluded that oral medicines containing more than 100 mg of Nimesulide could pose risks to human health, while safer alternatives are available. In line with this, the Haryana Government has implemented the notification without any delay.

By promptly enforcing the Central Government’s notification, the Haryana Government has once again demonstrated its firm commitment to taking science-based decisions and protecting the health of the people.

Chandigarh, January 1 – The Haryana Government is continuously taking concrete steps to honour senior citizens and to benefit from their experience in building society. In this direction, applications have been invited under the State Award For Old Persons Scheme for the year 2025–26 to recognize senior citizens and promote their welfare.

Sharing information in this regard a spokesperson of the Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare and Antyodaya (Seva) Department said that the scheme will provide recognition and encouragement to senior citizens who have done outstanding work in fields such as social service, art, sports, and bravery.

The spokesperson said that under this scheme, awards will be given in various categories including Centenarian Award, Best Mother, Courage and Bravery, Lifetime Achievement, as well as to senior painters, sculptors, musicians, and sportspersons. In addition, awards will also be given for Best Panchayat, Best Voluntary Organisation, Best Old Age Home, and Best Day Care Centre.

Under the award scheme, in the art and sports categories, the first prize will be Rs. 50,000, the second prize Rs. 30,000, and the third prize Rs. 20,000. Similarly, in institutional categories such as Best Panchayat and NGO, the first prize will be Rs. 1,00,000, the second prize Rs. 75,000, and the third prize Rs. 50,000.

The spokesperson further shared that interested individuals or institutions can apply online along with certificates and documents of their achievements on the department’s portal https://award.socialjusticehry-gov.in till 11:59 pm on January 12, 2026. Individuals or institutions that have received this award in the past three years will not be eligible to apply again in the same category.

Chandigarh, Dec 24 –  Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh Amit Shah today inaugurated the Atal Smriti Blood Donation Camp in Panchkula. Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was also present on the occasion. The program aimed to provide blood to patients in need and to promote awareness about the importance of blood donation in society.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh Amit Shah encouraged the blood donors and honored them with flowers and fruits, appreciating their noble contribution. He said that blood donation is a selfless act that saves lives. A total of 211 units of blood were collected during the camp.

The blood donation camp was supported by teams of doctors and medical staff from PGI Chandigarh, GMCH Sector-32 Chandigarh, Civil Hospital Panchkula, and Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital, Solan (Himachal Pradesh). All medical teams ensured that the blood donation process was carried out safely and efficiently.

Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Smt. Aarti Singh Rao, Additional Chief Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department Sh Sudhir Rajpal, along with a large number of enthusiastic blood donors were also present on this occasion.

Chandigarh, Dec 24 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today flagged off a run dedicated to public service, organized by the trainees of Batch No. 93 of the Haryana Police, from Yavanika Park in Sector 5, Panchkula.

Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the run, organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, symbolizes unity, discipline, and the spirit of national service. He informed that later this evening, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah will administer the oath to the largest police passing-out batch in the history of the Indian Police.

The historic batch comprises a total of 5,061 personnel, including 4,191 men and 870 women. With women constituting 20.75 percent of the batch, this achievement marks a significant step forward in the direction of women’s empowerment, he added.

Target to raise women’s participation in Haryana Police to 25 percent

He said that in 2014, women’s participation in the Haryana Police stood at just 3 percent, which has now increased to over 10 percent. The state government has set an ambitious target to raise this figure to 25 percent in the coming years.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini further stated that the Haryana Police has played a commendable role in the extensive campaign against drug abuse across the state. The newly trained personnel will serve as brand ambassadors for this campaign, spreading awareness and strengthening societal resolve against drugs.

He said that the run marks the successful completion of 39 weeks of rigorous training and signifies the transition from training to the practical application of policing values and the ‘Karma Yogi’ philosophy imbibed by the personnel. In this run, 4,252 recruits from rural backgrounds and 809 from urban backgrounds are marching together, sending a strong message of social unity and harmony across Haryana.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that another notable feature of this batch is its strong educational background, with nearly 85 percent of the personnel being graduates and postgraduates. Of these, 2,390 recruits, more than 50 percent, are under the age of 26, and will infuse fresh energy, a modern outlook, and enhanced efficiency into the Haryana Police.

He said that the run was not merely a physical activity, but a reflection of the self-confidence, discipline, and resilience developed through training programs such as yoga, physical conditioning, and self-defense. He further said that the recruits set a remarkable example of social responsibility by voluntarily donating 1,356 units of blood on April 9, 2025.

Kalka MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, former Assembly Speaker Sh Gian Chand Gupta, District President Sh Ajay Mittal, Director General of Police Sh O.P. Singh, Director of Haryana Police Academy Madhuban Dr. A.S. Chawla, Deputy Commissioner Sh Satpal Sharma, Inspector General of Police Sh Pankaj Nain, BJP State Vice President Smt. Banto Kataria, Sh Om Prakash Devinagar, Sh Deepak Sharma, and several other dignitaries were present on this occasion.