Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on participated in a Common Yoga Protocol practice session at the Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex. Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, and several other dignitaries also joined the Chief Minister in the yoga practice session.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan inaugurated the session by lighting the ceremonial lamp and performed all the yoga practices prescribed under the Common Yoga Protocol for the International Day of Yoga. Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog, Dr. Jaideep Arya, along with yoga instructors, guided the participants through the protocol, including prayer, loosening exercises, standing, sitting, prone and supine yoga postures, pranayama, meditation, and concluding peace prayers.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that yoga takes us on a journey from “I” to “We” and helps connect us with ourselves as well as society. While the entire world celebrates the International Day of Yoga on June 21, he emphasized that yoga should not be observed only for one day but adopted as a lifelong commitment. He informed that the state-level International Day of Yoga celebration in Haryana will be held in Panchkula. He urged the people of the state to regularly participate in yoga programmes in their vicinity and contribute to the nation’s progress by maintaining good physical and mental health through yoga.
The Chief Minister said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced yoga to the world through the United Nations in 2014, countries across the globe recognized its significance and warmly embraced India’s initiative. He noted that this ancient practice was also mentioned by Lord Krishna in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Owing to the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, yoga has become a global movement. He described it as a historic achievement for India and a testament to the country’s cultural strength, reflecting worldwide recognition and respect for India’s eternal traditions. Today, the entire world celebrates the International Day of Yoga.
He further informed that the theme of the 12th International Day of Yoga this year is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.” The Haryana Government is also moving forward with its resolve to build a drug-free Haryana through yoga. In line with its commitment, yoga has been included in the curriculum, and yoga clubs have been established in schools, colleges, and universities. The government has set a target of establishing gymnasiums in every village of Haryana. So far, 883 gymnasiums have been opened, and 859 Yoga Assistants have been appointed. AYUSH dispensaries and sub-health centres have been upgraded as Ayushman Arogya Kendras, where yoga instructors have also been deployed.
He said that conducting yoga training sessions within the Haryana Vidhan Sabha complex itself sends a strong message that Haryana’s leadership and public representatives follow a yogic lifestyle. Such a lifestyle, he added, forms the foundation of good governance and public service. The government has also made provisions for a daily yoga break in industrial units. Sharing his personal experience, the Chief Minister said that amid his busy schedule, he takes a five-minute break for yoga exercises, which helps him regain energy and remain productive.
Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said that yoga is India’s ancient and glorious cultural heritage that has shown the world the path to healthy living. He emphasized that yoga is not merely physical exercise but a holistic way of life that establishes harmony between the body, mind, and soul. In today’s stressful lifestyle, irregular routines, and growing health challenges, the importance of yoga has become even greater.
He said it is a matter of pride that, due to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the United Nations recognized June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, and today millions of people across numerous countries have made yoga a part of their daily lives. He added that the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 can only be realized if every citizen remains healthy. He also appreciated Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for promoting yoga in Haryana and making meaningful efforts to steer the youth away from substance abuse.
Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog, Dr. Jaideep Arya, said that the Common Yoga Protocol is a standardized and scientifically designed series of yoga practices developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. It has been designed so that people across the world can perform yoga together in harmony on the International Day of Yoga. Its objective is to familiarize people of all age groups and abilities with the fundamentals of yoga, its health benefits, and its role in promoting mental well-being. The protocol places various stages in a systematic sequence to gradually prepare both the body and mind.
Among those present on the occasion were Chief Whip of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Ramkumar Kashyap, MLAs Randhir Singh Panihar and Kanwar Singh Yadav, Vice Chairman of the Haryana Yog Aayog Roshan Lal, along with officers and employees of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.
ACS Dr Sumita Misra calls for seamless inter-state action to dismantle illegal sex determination networks
In a significant step towards strengthening the campaign against illegal sex determination, Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra has initiated efforts to further enhance inter-state cooperation with Uttar Pradesh under the PC&PNDT Act.
In a letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Medical Health and Family Welfare) Amit Kumar Ghosh, Dr Misra underscored the shared commitment of both states towards improving the sex ratio at birth and advancing the objectives of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. She emphasized that coordinated enforcement and administrative support are essential to eliminate illegal practices that threaten the rights and dignity of the girl child.
Highlighting Haryana’s sustained and proactive enforcement strategy, Dr. Misra noted that the state’s PC&PNDT teams have been consistently conducting decoy operations and raids against illegal operators involved in sex determination activities. Between January 2024 and March 2026, Haryana carried out 84 such raids, including 37 operations in Uttar Pradesh, reflecting the state’s determination to pursue offenders even beyond its borders.
She acknowledged the valuable support extended by several district administrations in Uttar Pradesh and stressed that stronger institutional coordination between district authorities, police and health departments can further enhance the effectiveness of enforcement actions. Such cooperation, she said, is vital for successful raids, registration of FIRs, prosecution of offenders and securing convictions under the law.
Dr. Misra requested the Uttar Pradesh government to issue appropriate directions to District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officers in districts adjoining Haryana so that visiting PC&PNDT teams receive prompt administrative and police assistance whenever required. She also emphasized the need for sustained follow-up of court cases arising from such operations to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
Officers said the initiative reflects Haryana’s zero-tolerance approach towards illegal sex determination and its commitment to protecting the girl child through robust enforcement, public awareness and inter-state collaboration. The Health Department believes that stronger coordination between neighbouring states will help dismantle illegal networks more effectively and contribute to further improvement in the sex ratio at birth.
Haryana Invites Applications for Commissioner & Chief Commissioner Posts in Right to Service Commission
The Haryana Government has invited applications for the appointment of a Chief Commissioner in the Haryana Right to Service Commission following the retirement of the incumbent Chief Commissioner, T.C. Gupta, IAS (Retd.), on May 27, 2026. The government has also invited applications for the appointment of a Commissioner in the Commission.
An official notification issued by Chief SecretaryAnurag Rastogi stated that the Haryana Right to Service Commission, constituted under the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, is responsible for exercising the powers and performing the functions assigned to it under the Act. The Commission, headquartered in Chandigarh, consists of one Chief Commissioner and up to four Commissioners. As per the provisions of the Act, the Chief Commissioner must be a serving or retired officer holding the rank and status of the Chief Secretary of Haryana or Secretary to the Government of India.
The selected candidate will hold office for a term of five years from the date of assuming charge or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The position is not eligible for reappointment. Salary, allowances, and service conditions will be governed by the provisions of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, as amended on June 28, 2019.
To facilitate the selection process, the Haryana Government has constituted a Search Committee to identify and recommend suitable candidates to the Statutory Committee established under Section 13(1) of the Act for the appointment of the Chief Commissioner.
Applicants are required to disclose whether any criminal case has been registered against them, whether they have been charge-sheeted for any criminal offence, and whether they have been convicted by any competent court of law.
Eligible and interested candidates may submit their applications in the prescribed format to the office of the Commissioner & Secretary to Haryana Government, General Administration Department, Room No. 44B, 6th Floor, Haryana Civil Secretariat, Sector-1, Chandigarh, by 5:00 PM on July 1, 2026. Candidates serving under the Central or State Government are required to forward their applications through the proper channel.
Similarly, the vacancy of Commissioner is proposed to be filled from among retired officers of the Haryana Government who have held the rank and status of Administrative Secretary or an equivalent position in any State service. Officers of the All India Services belonging to the Haryana cadre are also eligible for consideration.
The appointed Commissioner will hold office for a term of five years from the date of assuming charge or until attaining the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Eligible and interested candidates may submit their applications in the prescribed format to the office of the Commissioner & Secretary to Haryana Government, General Administration Department, Room No. 44B, 6th Floor, Haryana Civil Secretariat, Sector-1, Chandigarh, by 5:00 PM on July 1, 2026. Candidates currently serving under the Central or State Government are required to submit their applications through the proper channel.
