Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today flagged off a special train carrying pilgrims from Ambala to Ayodhya. He also announced that in the last week of April, another special train will be flagged off for devotees to visit Sri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra.
Before this, addressing the pilgrims, the Chief Minister said that today is a historic and emotional moment for Haryana. He said flagging off this special pilgrimage train from the sacred land associated with Lord Krishna to the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya Dham is a matter of great pride and honour. Congratulating the pilgrims, he said that the grand, divine, and newly built temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya is a matter of pride for the entire nation. It is the result of collective good deeds that people witnessed the consecration of Shri Ram Lalla and now have the opportunity to visit the temple.
Nayab Singh Saini said that this journey to Ayodhya is not just a physical journey but a spiritual transformation. He added that when pilgrims stand on the banks of the Saryu River, visit Hanumangarhi, and step into the grand Ram Temple, they will feel the energy that once made India a ‘Vishwa Guru’.
He informed that the Haryana Government has entered into an agreement with the Railways for pilgrimage travel. Under this arrangement, about 700 elderly people from seven districts are being sent on this first train. Adequate arrangements for food and security have been made to ensure a comfortable journey. He also thanked the officials of the Railways for ensuring special arrangements so that devotees do not face any inconvenience.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to ensuring that elderly citizens and economically weaker devotees are not deprived of pilgrimage due to financial constraints. With this objective, the government has launched the ‘Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana,’ and today’s train is a symbol of that promise and trust. He added that earlier also, devotees from Kaithal, Karnal, Ambala, and Jind were facilitated to visit Ayodhya through buses.
He said that pilgrimage sites like Ayodhya are sources of spiritual energy in Indian culture. For visits to the Sindhu River, which has nurtured Indian civilization, the ‘Swarn Jayanti Sindhu Darshan Yojana’ is being implemented, under which financial assistance of ₹10,000 per pilgrim (up to a maximum of 50 pilgrims) is provided annually. Similarly, under the ‘Kailash Mansarovar Yatra’ scheme, financial assistance of ₹50,000 per pilgrim (up to a maximum of 50 pilgrims) is provided annually.
The Chief Minister further informed that under the ‘Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana,’ pilgrims from the state visiting Sri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara (Nanded), Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib, and Sri Patna Sahib are provided financial assistance of ₹6,000 per pilgrim. He extended his best wishes for a safe and blessed journey to all the pilgrims.
On this occasion, former minister Aseem Goel, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department K. Makarand Pandurang, OSD to the Chief Minister Vivek Kalia, and several other dignitaries were present.
No issue related to LPG cylinders in Haryana, supply continuing uninterrupted: Rajesh Nagar
Rajesh Nagar urges more consumers to opt for PNG connections
Haryana Food and Supplies Minister Rajesh Nagar said there is no issue related to LPG cylinders in the state and the supply of gas cylinders is continuing smoothly without any disruption. He appealed to all consumers that wherever PNG gas supply is available, they should opt for PNG connections in greater numbers.
Rajesh Nagar informed that today, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, a meeting was held by Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Sh. Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy Sh. Pralhad Joshi, and the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, with Food and Supplies Ministers of all states to review the current situation.
During the meeting, suggestions were taken from all participants and possible challenges were discussed in detail. He said the supply of LPG in the state is completely normal and there have been no reports of any shortage from anywhere.
The Minister further stated that all arrangements for crop procurement in mandis across the state have been completed. Instructions in this regard have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners. He added that he has personally visited some mandis where most of the arrangements were found to be satisfactory.
Clarifying on the availability of petrol and diesel, Rajesh Nagar said that fuel supply in the state is continuing without interruption. He explained that the temporary issues reported at some petrol pumps were due to technical faults in vehicles, which were promptly resolved. He expressed confidence that just as the state collectively faced the challenges during the COVID-19 period, the government and administration are fully alert and prepared to handle the current situation as well. He assured that the Chief Minister and the entire team are continuously monitoring the situation and will not allow any inconvenience in the state.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence should be used as supportive tools in justice system: Justice Augustine George Masih
Justice Masih inaugurates regional conference on ‘Advancing Rules of Law through Technology: Challenges and Opportunities’
Justice Augustine George Masih, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, said that technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used in the judicial system to make the justice delivery process smoother and more effective, but the final responsibility for decision-making must always remain with judges.
Justice Augustine George Masih made these remarks while addressing a North Zone Regional Conference on the theme “Advancing Rules of Law through Technology: Challenges and Opportunities,” organized with the joint collaboration of the National Judicial Academy, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and the Chandigarh Judicial Academy.
He said that justice is not merely about disposing of cases in a technical or mechanical manner; it also involves a human perspective and sensitivity. Technology, algorithms, and AI can assist the judicial system by providing information and expediting processes, but they cannot be seen as decision-makers. In the present circumstances, the authority and responsibility for judicial decisions must remain with judges.
He further stated that digital and electronic technologies hold immense potential and can help improve transparency and efficiency in the judicial system. However, it is equally important that the benefits of these technologies effectively reach ordinary citizens and litigants, and that they are adequately informed and trained in their use.
Justice Augustine George Masih emphasized that the purpose of technology is not to replace justice but to make judicial processes more effective, transparent, and time-bound. Stressing the need for cooperation among the judiciary, executive, and other institutions, he said that merely identifying challenges in the judicial system is not enough; concrete and practical solutions must also be presented.
Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Sheel Nagu, highlighted the growing role of technology in the judicial field and said that it is becoming an important means to make the justice system more effective, transparent, and accessible. However, he added that safeguarding the fundamental principles of justice while using technology is equally essential.
The Chief Justice said that the rule of law is not just a principle but a guarantee of justice, fairness, and equality for every citizen. Every court order and proceeding aims to strengthen this trust. In the present era, technology has impacted nearly every sphere of life, and the justice system is no exception. Digitization of court processes, electronic preservation of records, and modern communication methods have made judicial functioning faster and more efficient.
He stated that alongside technological advancement, the core principles of the justice system—fairness, transparency, accessibility, and reasoned decision-making—must always remain paramount. Technology can assist judicial processes, but the final decision and responsibility will always lie with the judge. While technology has simplified procedures and helped reduce delays, it is equally important to ensure that access to justice is not hindered for citizens with limited resources. The justice system must remain inclusive so that no section of society feels deprived of justice due to technological changes.
Former Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Aniruddha Bose, said that the role of technology in the judicial system is continuously increasing, but the ultimate power of delivering justice must always rest with human wisdom and sensitivity. He noted that the National Judicial Academy organizes two regional meetings annually for each of the five regions of the country, where contemporary issues related to the judiciary are discussed in depth. Today, technology has secured an important place in the judicial process. It not only serves as administrative support and a tool for legal research for judges but is also being used in some cases to predict possible outcomes of decisions.
Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Suvir Sehgal, while expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests and judges present at the inaugural session, said that such inspiring addresses and visionary guidance aimed at strengthening institutional capacity provide new energy to the judicial system. He expressed confidence that the discussions in the upcoming technical sessions of the conference would prove highly useful and would contribute significantly to strengthening the rule of law in the digital age.
On this occasion, Chief Justices and judges from various High Courts, including those from Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Allahabad, and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, along with numerous participants from the northern region, were present.
No shortage of petrol, diesel and cooking gas in Haryana: CM Nayab Singh Saini
Opposition should not mislead the public, but cooperate in times of crisis: CM
Strict action will be taken against those indulging in black marketing and hoarding
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini assured the people of the state that in view of the situation developing in Central Asia, there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas in the state and there is no need to panic. He warned those involved in black marketing and hoarding of petroleum products and said that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty.
The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference in Chandigarh. On this occasion, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department K. Makarand Pandurang, Additional Director (Administration) Smt. Varsha Khangwal, and Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Attrey were present.
Nayab Singh Saini said that amid the war-like situation in Central Asia, some people are spreading misinformation about shortages of essential commodities, whereas everything is normal in the country and the state. He thanked Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for reducing excise duty on petroleum products, stating that this will help keep the prices of diesel, petrol, and gas stable for the general public.
The Chief Minister said that whenever the country has faced any crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always stood with the people with a firm resolve of “Nation First.” Whether it was the COVID period, the Afghanistan crisis, or other challenging situations, he has united the country each time. He added that the Prime Minister is in contact with global leaders to promote peace and protect India’s interests.
He said that the “Nation First” and “India First” policy has already shown results, including bringing back Indian citizens and ensuring the smooth passage of trade through the Strait of Hormuz, and now the reduction in excise duty is helping mitigate adverse impacts. He reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or gas in the state, and people should avoid panic buying to prevent unnecessary pressure on the system.
He informed that he has personally held meetings with petroleum companies, and the supply situation of petrol, diesel, and gas in the state is the same as it was four months ago. Adequate stock is available. There are 4,032 government petrol pumps in the state, with an average daily sale of 4,804 kilolitres of petrol and 12,003 kilolitres of diesel. Oil marketing companies have increased terminal operations, sped up dispatches, deployed field officers and prioritized morning supplies, ensuring normalcy.
Regarding cooking gas, he said the situation is fully satisfactory. The state receives about 2 lakh cylinders daily and distributes around 1.9 lakh cylinders. Adequate stock is available at bottling plants, and refill norms of 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas are being followed. Supply of commercial LPG is also ongoing, with special attention to hospitals, schools, and essential institutions.
He added that currently 1.73 lakh commercial cylinders are in stock. The central government has implemented a 70 percent allocation framework for commercial LPG. He thanked the Prime Minister, noting that domestic LPG production has been increased from 40 percent to reduce import dependency.
The Chief Minister said strict action is being taken against black marketing and hoarding. As of March 24, 928 LPG cylinders and 4 vehicles have been seized, 66 accused have been identified, and 8 FIRs have been registered.
He said police patrolling has been intensified in sensitive areas, and strict action is being taken against rumor-mongers. To ensure uninterrupted gas supply, the state has also reduced the lease rent for laying PNG pipelines from ₹3 lakh per kilometre for 10 years in advance to ₹1,000 per kilometre as a one-time charge, benefiting both companies and consumers.
Currently, Haryana has 28,377 kilometres of PNG pipeline. The state aims to achieve 13,33,603 PNG connections, out of which 5,59,761 have been installed and 3,32,162 are operational. Work is underway to activate the remaining connections. The government has also introduced deemed permission to accelerate PNG expansion, and domestic connections are expected to double in the next three months.
There are 586 CNG stations in the state, and pipeline expansion is progressing rapidly in districts such as Bhiwani, Palwal, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Jhajjar, Karnal, and Kaithal.
In terms of natural gas infrastructure, Haryana has strong pipeline networks, including a 455 km Chhainsa–Jhajjar–Hisar pipeline, a 921 km Dadri–Bawana–Nangal pipeline, and a 132 km Dadri–Panipat pipeline. The HVJ-GREP-DVPL network is fully operational, while the Mehsana-Bathinda pipeline is partially operational. Petroleum product pipelines such as Rewari-Kanpur, Jamnagar-Loni, and Mundra-Delhi are fully functional, while the Piyala-Jewar pipeline is under construction.
Overall, the supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG in Haryana is stable, and there is no need for panic. The Chief Minister said he held a meeting with all Deputy Commissioners yesterday and confirmed that there is no shortage anywhere. The Prime Minister also reviewed the situation with Chief Ministers of various states and assured uninterrupted supply.
War rooms have been set up at the state level under the Chief Secretary and at the district level under Deputy Commissioners to address public concerns. The Chief Minister appealed to citizens to understand the Prime Minister’s resolve and cooperate with the government during this time. He emphasized the need to spread awareness about the situation and government measures so that people remain informed.
He also urged opposition leaders not to mislead the public by spreading rumours of shortages but to cooperate during times of crisis. He remarked that seeking political gain during disasters has been the agenda of the Congress, but people will not be misled.
