Category Archives: Uncategorized

Eligible landless beneficiaries  to soon receive 100-sq-yard plots: CM Nayab Singh Saini

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.

ARMY DESERTER, HIS ACCOMPLICE LINKED TO NARCO-TERROR MODULE HELD WITH HAND GRENADE, PISTOL AND 907GMs HEROIN

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.

Administrative Inaction on Fire Safety Exposed: HHRC Takes Strong Cognizance of Five-Year Delay

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.

Every complaint on CM Window is a symbol of public trust, treat it as a living document and provide honest solutions – Chief Minister

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.

CIC Inderpal Singh Dhana and ACS  D K Tewari, acknowledged Harpreet Sandhu’s certificate of honour 

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.

Gurugram Becomes a ‘Stroke-Ready City’: Marengo Asia Hospitals Launches 24×7 Brain Stroke Helpline with a Soulful Sufi Concert

Gurugram, 12 November 2025 : In a unique initiative to raise awareness about stroke and the importance of timely treatment, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram has launched the city’s first 24×7 Brain Stroke Helpline – 1800-309-0247, under its campaign “Strike Out Stroke (SOS)”. The helpline aims to provide immediate medical assistance to patients and their families when every second counts.

The campaign began with a special Sufi music concert designed to spread awareness about the early symptoms of stroke and the critical importance of the ‘golden hour’ in treatment. Renowned Sufi singer UstadMa Zila Khan performed at the event, touching hearts and conveying a message of healing through her soulful renditions. The concert was held at Orana Conventions, Gurugram.

Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine (MAIINS), Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, said, “Many patients reach hospitals late because their families fail to recognize the early signs of stroke. This helpline connects patients instantly with neurologists and emergency teams, leading to better treatment outcomes.”

Dr Raajiv Singhal, Founding Member, Group Managing Director and CEO, Marengo Asia Hospitals, added,

“At Marengo Asia Hospitals, our objective is not just to deliver advanced neuro care, but to build a strong ecosystem around it – an ecosystem powered by clinical expertise, continuous training, and a deep commitment to innovation. Over the years, we have made a focused efforts towards developing specialised teams, nurturing talent, and creating platforms like the Haryana Neuro Conclave that encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Neuro sciences remain a core strategic priority for us, and we are consistently strengthening our capabilities — from infrastructure and technology to research and skill enhancement. This journey is rooted in effort, discipline, and an unwavering belief in our purpose — to make world-class neurological care accessible, outcomes-driven, and future-ready for every patient we serve.”

Dr Saurabh Lal, Vice President and Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram added, “Our vision is to make Gurugram a ‘Stroke-Ready City’. With a 250-bed multi-super specialty hospital, stroke ICU, rehabilitation unit, and a 24×7 expert neuro team, we are equipped to deliver comprehensive and advanced stroke care.”

With these initiatives, Marengo Asia Hospitals has not only strengthened the landscape of advanced neuro care but has also used the power of music to deliver a strong message of health awareness to the community.

Foolproof security arrangements for polling at Tarn Taran Bye election by ECI: CEO

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.

 Only 5.2% response rate on Women’s Helpline 181 raises serious questions about women’s safety:-Kumari Selja

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.

CM Nayab Singh Saini Launches Paperless Registry System Across the State on Haryana Day

Chandigarh, November 1 – On the occasion of Haryana Day, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced another major gift for the people of the state. The state government has taken another historic step towards digital governance by implementing a paperless registry system across Haryana.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini launched the system digitally during a press conference held at Haryana Niwas today. He informed that the initiative was first started in the Ladwa tehsil of Kurukshetra district on September 29, and has now been expanded to the entire state. From September 29 to October 31, 2025, a total of 917 paperless registries have been successfully completed, demonstrating the success of this system.

The Chief Minister stated that this new system will relieve citizens from the decades-old, complex registry process and will eliminate unnecessary delays in registry-related work. Citizens will now be able to complete most of the procedures from the comfort of their homes — they will only need to visit the tehsil once for photo verification.

He added that this initiative is not only a major step toward transparency and good governance but will also provide genuine convenience to the people of the state. The paperless registry will save both time and resources while curbing any scope for corruption.

Tourism Minister Sh. Arvind Sharma, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes Welfare & Antyodaya Department, Smt. G. Anupama,  Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department Sh. K.M. Pandurang, Special Secretary, Revenue Department, Sh. Yash Pal, and Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Praveen Attrey were also present on the occasion.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society Organises Walkathon

Chandigarh, October 25, 2025: The Sukhna Lake came alive with Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society organising a Breast Cancer Walkathon or ‘Pink Walkathon’ under its ‘Pink October’ campaign as part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025. Hundreds walked to spread awareness about prevention, early detection, and cure related to breast cancer. Participants carried placards and banners with messages to make the public aware of the scourge of breast cancer. It is pertinent to mention here that Neelu Tuli was the Founder President of Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society and had passed away due to cancer on October 26, 2006. Notably, the ‘Pink Walkathon’ was started in Chandigarh first time by Late Neelu Tuli in the year 2005.

Dr. (Prof.) Bhavna Rai, Head, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), flagged off the walkathon at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. The walk proceeded along the lake’s periphery and concluded at the start point.

On this occasion, Renu Saigal, President, Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society, delivered the welcome address, elaborating on the theme and significance of ‘Pink October’, she said that October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month internationally, every year.

A cancer survivor herself, Renu Saigal shared that the World Health Organization (WHO) has set this year’s theme as ‘Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters’. She said that this theme highlights the personal nature of a woman with breast cancer’s journey and the need for quality care regardless of background.

Renu Saigal said, “The walkathon underlined the need for early detection of breast cancer. The message given out at the walkathon was that women should perform regular self-examinations and consult a doctor promptly in case they notice any unusual change or lump in the breast area.”

Wing Commander Ajay Tuli (Retd.), Administrator, Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society, said, “The Society is actively supporting cancer patients and promoting preventive health within the community. Our Society keeps providing needy cancer patients with financial aid as well as help in treatment at PGIMER.”

The walkathon saw participation from NSS students from different schools, NCC cadets, members of Carmel Ex-Students Association (CESA), members of Inner Wheel Club, Rotarians, eminent citizens, doctors & senior citizens among others. Breast cancer survivors also took part in the walk, displaying their victory over breast cancer, this certainly encouraged women who are currently battling the disease.

Certified Zumba expert Priyanka conducted an energetic Zumba session, helping survivors warm up before the walk and later guiding them through simple yoga exercises.Those who supported the walk included CESA, Jaquar and Testing Experts.

Renu Saigal also spoke about Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society’s work in the area of breast cancer awareness and detection; she said, “Apart from regular awareness activities on cancer, the Society conducted as many as 18 cancer screening and awareness camps in 2025 in association with Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, New Chandigarh and Rotary.”