People of Punjab should work towards change & building a prosperous state:CM Archives - Chandigarh City News

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

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Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that BJP’s politics is not based on taking votes, but on ensuring the dignity and development of every citizen. The government does not believe in appeasement, but works towards empowerment. It does not create vote banks, but 'development banks'. He urged the people of Punjab to be ready for change and work towards making the state prosperous. He added that once BJP forms the government in Punjab, those involved in the illegal drug trade will run away from the state. The Chief Minister said this while addressing a delegation of the Rai Sikh community at Sant Kabir Kutir, Chandigarh, on Tuesday. When compared with Punjab, Haryana’s model of good governance is an excellent example of service Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that while the Punjab government has made only attractive promises, the present Haryana government has implemented ‘reservation within reservation’ on the ground, ensuring appropriate representation of Rai Sikh youth in government and administration according to their population. Compared to Punjab’s situation, Haryana’s governance model is a fine example of service. He said that although there is a significant population of the Rai Sikh community in Punjab as well, policies there are still confined to announcements. Rai Sikh community is an example of shared heritage, sacrifice, and valour The Chief Minister said that BJP follows the principle of ‘Antyodaya’. The very name Sant Kabir Kutir symbolizes equality and brotherhood. The government stands with every individual who contributes to nation-building through hard work. The Rai Sikh community is not merely guests from a neighboring state, but represents a shared heritage of sacrifice and valour that has protected the nation’s borders and culture for centuries. The history of this community is an enduring saga of courage, sacrifice, and determination. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, India is transforming. In the new India, the identity of a community is determined not by its past, but by its present, its capability, and its hard work. Today, opportunities, platforms, and the right to progress belong to everyone. A community that has always stood firm for truth and the nation He said that the Rai Sikh community has never learned to bow, but has always stood firm for truth and the nation. Through hard work in agriculture, education, service, and trade, the community has contributed significantly to nation-building and upheld the teachings of the Gurus. He said that democracy is meaningful only when the benefits of development reach the person standing at the last mile. With this objective, the Haryana government understood the long-standing concerns of the Rai Sikh community and included them in the ‘Deprived Scheduled Castes’ category. This is not just a change on paper, but a commitment to bring them into the mainstream. The government is determined that no community or section should be left behind in the race of development. Government committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Rai Sikh community and the ideals of Sikhism The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Rai Sikh community and the great ideals of Sikhism. By celebrating the birth anniversaries (Prakash Parv) of Sikh Gurus at the state level, the government has demonstrated that respect for religion and culture is paramount. The government is not just running administration, but working to wipe the tears of the underprivileged and secure the future of their children. Together, efforts will be made to build a framework of social harmony and development that ensures the participation of the Rai Sikh community. On this occasion, OSD to the Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Political Secretary to CM Sh. Tarun Bhandari and members of the Rai Sikh community delegation were present. No.IPRDH/2026 Japanese Companies Showing Increased Trust in Haryana for Investment– CM Nayab Singh Saini Daikin Air Conditioner Company to Invest ₹1000 Crore in Haryana Research and Development Centre to be Set Up in Haryana: Chief Minister Chandigarh, April 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the positive impact of the state government’s industry-friendly policies is now clearly visible. In this direction, Daikin Air Conditioner Company is making an investment of approximately ₹1000 crore in Manesar, which will create new employment opportunities for more than 500 youth in the state. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was interacting with a Japanese delegation at Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh. The Japanese delegation expressed special gratitude to the Chief Minister, who honoured them by presenting a copy of the Gita. Major Research and Development Centre to be Established in Manesar The Chief Minister said that Japanese companies’ confidence in investing in the state has increased significantly, and they are now eager to invest. Under this investment, a state-of-the-art Research and Development (R&D) centre will be established in Manesar. This will be the largest and first of its kind centre in the country, which will not only promote technological innovation but also further strengthen Haryana as an industrial hub. New Dimension to Japan–Haryana Relations The Chief Minister said that this is a direct outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during his visit to Japan in October 2025. Japan’s trust in Haryana’s policies and industrial environment has deepened, which is reflected in this investment. This will open doors for more foreign investments in the future and create employment opportunities for youth. In this way, the Chief Minister’s Japan visit is proving successful. Special Focus on Ease of Doing Business The Chief Minister said that the state government’s main objective is to promote “Ease of Doing Business” and reduce the “Cost of Doing Business.” For this, the government has taken several reformative and necessary steps, making it easier for industrialists to invest. He said that the government has implemented a single-window system for the convenience of industrial investors, under which all required NOCs are provided at one place. This has simplified and expedited processes, increasing the attraction of foreign companies towards the state. Investment Rising Due to Industry-Friendly Policies The Chief Minister said that due to industry-friendly schemes and facilities implemented by the state government, Haryana is becoming the first choice for investors. The government remains committed to further boosting investment and creating new employment opportunities. On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Arun Gupta, Director General, Industries & Commerce, Dr. Yash Garg, HSIIDC MD Sh. Sushil Sarwan, Advisor to CM, Foreign Cooperation Department, Sh. Pawan Choudhary, Daikin MD Sh. Kanwal Jeet Jawa and several senior officials were present. No.IPRDH/2026 Ensuring dignity of women, a moral as well as legal responsibility: Harvinder Kalyan Awareness Programme on sexual harassment of women at workplace held in Haryana Vidhan Sabha Chandigarh, April 21 – An awareness programme on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, was organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat on Tuesday. The programme was held in the presence of the Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan and Deputy Speaker, Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, with Chairperson, Department of Laws, Panjab University, Dr. Vandana Arora, delivering an expert presentation on the subject. Addressing the gathering, Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said that ensuring the dignity and safety of women at the workplace is not only a matter of social and moral responsibility but also a legal obligation. He emphasised that the Vidhan Sabha, being the highest institution for law-making at the state level, requires all its employees, directly or indirectly associated with the legislative process, to have a thorough understanding of workplace-related laws. He said that awareness leads to better law-making, while training enhances efficiency. A responsible citizen must uphold values within family, society and the workplace. Referring to women’s safety, he said that society must reflect on the kind of environment it wishes to provide when women step out for work. He further said that as envisioned by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi under the goal of a Viksit Bharat 2047, it is essential to create a safe and empowering environment for women. He emphasised the need to build a value-based society rooted in cultural ethos. Deputy Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Krishan Lal Middha highlighted the importance of women in Indian traditions through various customs and practices. He said that the happiness and prosperity of a household are closely linked to the well-being of women, and that daughters contribute equally to the prosperity of both their parental and marital homes. He said that due to the campaigns like ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, positive changes have been seen in the society. Chairperson, Department of Laws, Panjab University, Dr. Vandana Arora, elaborated on the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. She said that the legal framework for prevention of workplace sexual harassment originated from the Supreme Court’s 1997 Vishaka Guidelines, which later led to the enactment of the law by Parliament. She said that the Act applies to all sectors—public, private, organised, and unorganised. Under the Act, organisations employing ten or more persons are required to constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), while Local Complaints Committees (LCC) at the district level address cases where ICCs are not available. These committees have powers equivalent to those of a civil court. She also highlighted that false complaints may invite disciplinary action, and strict confidentiality is maintained regarding identities and proceedings in such cases. Secretary, Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Rajiv Prasad introduced the programme and emphasised that a safe workplace is essential to ensure equality, dignity and economic empowerment of women. He also referred to historical perspectives to underline the significance of women in Indian society. No.IPRDH/2026 Observers and Nodal Officers appointed for Haryana Municipal Elections Chandigarh, April 21 – Secretary, Haryana State Election Commission, Sh. Gaurav Kumar said that the Commission has appointed General, Police and Expenditure Election Observers, along with Nodal Officers (complaints), to ensure free, fair, transparent and peaceful conduct of the municipal elections scheduled for May 10 in Municipal Corporations Ambala, Panchkula and Sonipat, Municipal Council Rewari, and Municipal Committees Uklana, Sampla and Dharuhera. He said that IAS and HCS officers have been appointed as General Observers, IPS officers as Police Observers, and senior officers from the Excise and Taxation Department as Expenditure Observers. Appointments for Ambala, Sonipat, and Panchkula He said that for Municipal Corporation Ambala, Sh. Sanjeev Verma has been appointed as General Observer, Sh. Om Prakash as Police Observer and Sh. Jitender Dudi as Expenditure Observer. Sh. Abhishek Garg, Sh. Manish Ghaghat and Sh. Saurabh Goel have been designated as the Nodal Officer (complaints). Sh. Gaurav Kumar said that for Municipal Corporation Sonipat, Ms. Vaishali Singh has been appointed as General Observer, Sh. Rajender Kumar Meena as Police Observer and Sh. Arvind as Expenditure Observer, while Sh. Sushil Sharma will serve as Nodal Officers (complaints). For Municipal Corporation Panchkula, Sh. D. Suresh has been appointed as General Observer, Sh. Abhishek Jorwal as Police Observer and Sh. Harveer Singh Chauhan as Expenditure Observer, with Sh. Sukhdev Singh designated as Nodal Officer (complaints), he added. For Municipal Council Rewari, Sh. Jag Niwas has been appointed as General Observer, Sh. Surender Pal as Police Observer and Ms. Preeti Chaudhary as Expenditure Observer. Sh. Jitender Kumar has been appointed as Nodal Officer (complaints) for both Rewari and Municipal Committee Dharuhera. Sh. Gaurav Kumar said that for Municipal Committee Uklana (Hisar), Sh. Utsav Anand has been appointed as General Observer, Ms. Mamta Kharab as Police Observer and Sh. Ajay Sihag as Expenditure Observer, with Sh. Dharmender as Nodal Officer (complaints). He said that for Municipal Committee Sampla (Rohtak), Sh. Narendra Kumar has been appointed as General Observer, Sh. Faisal Khan as Police Observer and Sh. Hanish Gupta as Expenditure Observer, while Sh. Joginder Mor will serve as Nodal Officer (complaints). He said that for Municipal Committee Dharuhera (Rewari), Sh. Tarun Kumar Pawaria has been appointed as General Observer, Smt. Sangeeta Kalia as Police Observer and Ms. Preeti Chaudhary as Expenditure Observer. Smt. Anju Arora, Assistant State Election Commissioner, has been appointed as the Central complaints Nodal Officer at the State Election Commission Headquarters in Panchkula, who will coordinate all complaints. Directions for prompt grievance redressal The Secretary informed that all nodal officers have been directed to ensure priority disposal of complaints received before and during the election period, including those related to the Model Code of Conduct, general public, political parties and compliance with Commission instructions. As far as possible, complaints should be resolved within 48 hours. A grievance redressal cell will be established under each nodal officer, and proper records of all complaints will be maintained. He reiterated that ensuring a free, fair, transparent and orderly election process is the Commission’s top priority, and any irregularity will be dealt with promptly. No.IPRDH/2026 New Employment Opportunities to Emerge in Haryana through Farm Tourism and Homestays Global market for farm tourism and homestays stands at ₹5,000 crore per annum Tourism Department’s Commissioner & Secretary Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, holds meeting with farm tourism and homestay operators across the state Chandigarh, April 21: The Haryana Government aims to take tourism in the state to new heights through farm tourism and homestays, which will create new employment opportunities for the youth. To achieve this, issues faced by farm tourism and homestay operators will be resolved on a priority basis. This was stated by Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner & Secretary of the Haryana Tourism Department, during a meeting held on Tuesday at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh, with farm tourism and homestay operators. Additional Director of the Tourism Department, Mamta Sharma and other officials were also present. He said that the Haryana Government is making serious efforts to promote tourism activities in the state. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is personally taking keen interest in the development of farm tourism and homestays in the state. During the meeting, farm tourism and homestay operators apprised the department of issues related to various departments and requested their resolution. They stated that the global annual market for farm tourism and homestays is ₹5,000 crore and is continuously growing. If the Haryana Government addresses the challenges faced by this sector, the state can achieve significant progress in this field. Operators also highlighted difficulties related to necessary facilities and approvals required from different departments in detail. Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal directed operators to submit their issues in writing within the next five days. Based on these inputs, a comprehensive Farm Tourism and Homestay Policy will be formulated in coordination with all departments and will be presented for Cabinet approval. Once implemented, it will ensure smooth functioning of these services. Additionally, services related to this sector will be notified under the Right to Service Act to ensure timely delivery within a stipulated period. Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal further stated that the Haryana Government is also studying policies implemented by other states related to agro-tourism and homestays to make Haryana’s policy more effective. He added that, as per the directions of the Chief Minister, tourism and hospitality will be promoted on par with other industries in the state to generate maximum employment opportunities. He also informed that the Central Government has included farm tourism and homestays under the Ease of Doing Business framework. No.IPRDH/2026 Kurukshetra to Become a Global Tourist Attraction as the Land of the Gita: Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal Tourism Department’s Commissioner & Secretary and KDB Member Secretary Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal holds meeting to discuss holistic development and beautification of Kurukshetra Chandigarh, April 21: A comprehensive plan is being prepared by the government to develop Kurukshetra as a major tourist attraction for visitors from across the country and the world, as the sacred land of the Gita. Under this plan, a master plan has been drafted for major projects from Pipli to Jyotisar, which will soon be presented for approval before Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. This was stated today by Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner & Secretary of the Tourism Department and Member Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), during a meeting held at Haryana Niwas. Officials from the Kurukshetra Development Board, District Administration, Kurukshetra, and the Tourism Department were present in the meeting. Dr. Agrawal said that, as per the directions of the Chief Minister, a plan has been prepared to develop Kurukshetra as a religious city and the land of the Gita in such a way that it attracts tourists from across the globe. Under this initiative, plans have been made to develop the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra and other important sites of Kurukshetra. A visit to the Kendra provides answers to many of life’s questions. He further stated that the remaining construction work of the G-Block of the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra will be completed based on the themes of Glorious India and the Saraswati-Sindhu Civilization. The main entrance of the centre will be enhanced with grand mural designs. The centre will represent a journey into the soul of India, and officials have been given special directions for its development. Instructions have also been issued to establish a souvenir shop, food court, and photo shop within the centre. Keeping in view the summer season, directions have been given to extend the visiting hours so that more people can visit. Dr. Agrawal informed that the Government of India plans to develop 50 world-class ‘iconic sites’ across the country, one of which will be in Haryana. For this, names of three sites from the state will be sent to the Central Government, including Kurukshetra. If selected under this scheme, the development of Kurukshetra will accelerate significantly and prove to be a milestone in tourism development. Officials have been directed to start identifying suitable locations for this initiative. He added that the Chief Minister is very serious about developing Kurukshetra as the land of the Gita and will soon hold a meeting in this regard. Directions have also been given to undertake special publicity campaigns across the state to raise awareness about all tourist sites in Kurukshetra, especially the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, so that more people visit these destinations. He also emphasized organizing regular public participation activities in Kurukshetra. Further, detailed directions have been issued for the beautification of all chowks, roads, and spaces under the newly constructed elevated railway track in Kurukshetra. During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Kurukshetra Vishram Kumar Meena joined online, while KDB Chief Executive Officer Pankaj Setia, Honorary Secretary Upender Singhal, Additional Director of Tourism Department Mamta Sharma, and other officials were present in person. No.IPRDH/2026 KMP Expressway to Emerge as Gateway to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’- Rao Narbir Singh Five new cities planned under Panchgram Development Authority, 135-km corridor to be developed on Singapore model Chandigarh, April 21- Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, said the 135-km Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway will emerge as a gateway to the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision and a key driver of the state’s industrial growth. He said the government has constituted the Panchgram Development Authority to develop five new cities along both sides of the expressway, keeping in view the projected population for 2031. The corridor will be developed on the Singapore model, transforming the region into a hub of modern urbanisation and industrial expansion. Emphasising the importance of the National Capital Region (NCR) in achieving Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s long-term vision, the Cabinet Minister said, the KMP Expressway will provide robust connectivity and world-class infrastructure to accelerate investment, employment and economic activity. The state has also introduced key amendments to its industrial policy to further boost growth, he added. He underlined that the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) should not remain confined to revenue generation alone, but must focus on providing efficient services, faster clearances and an investor-friendly ecosystem. Highlighting future plans, Rao Narbir Singh said Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has announced the establishment of 10 new Industrial Model Townships (IMTs) by 2030, of which five have already been approved and are under development. He further shared that the industries department saw a substantial increase in budget allocation last year, with further enhancement planned in the upcoming budget. Of the proposed IMTs, three will be developed in the NCR region with the KMP Expressway as their focal point. The five new cities, he said, will emerge as major hubs of attraction and economic activity, while also helping ease population pressure on Delhi. Rao Narbir Singh further said that Haryana, once the frontrunner of the Green Revolution, has already established Gurugram as a global IT hub, and with the upcoming IMTs, the state is set to lead India’s next phase of industrial growth. With seamless connectivity to Delhi and proximity to both IGI Airport and the upcoming Jewar Airport within about 30 minutes, the region offers a highly attractive destination for domestic and global investors, he said. No.IPRDH/2026 Ensure HPV vaccination for adolescent girls to prevent Cervical Cancer: Arti Singh Rao Health Minister listens public grievances in Chandigarh Chandigarh, April 21 – Haryana Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao, urged people to ensure that adolescent girls receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect them from cervical cancer. She said that this vaccine is being administered free of cost. The Minister said this while listening to public grievances from across the state in Chandigarh. She said that the government will administer this vaccine to approximately 3 lakh adolescent girls in the state. The initiative aims to ensure the health and safety of young girls. She further said that Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini had launched the HPV vaccination programme in Haryana on February 28. The vaccine provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which are the primary causes of cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11. The target beneficiaries are girls who have completed 14 years of age but are below 15 years. The Minister said cervical cancer originates in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, and is mainly caused by long-term infection with HPV. HPV-16 and HPV-18 types are particularly dangerous. Factors such as smoking, early marriage and pregnancy, multiple childbirths, and a weakened immune system increase the risk. She directed the concerned officers to ensure that all medical and paramedical staff confirm that adolescents are not on an empty stomach at the time of vaccination. It was also emphasised that OTP-based or written consent from parents or guardians must be obtained before vaccination. Ms. Arti Singh Rao said the state government is continuously working to improve women’s health and reduce the incidence and mortality rate of cervical cancer. She added that several steps are being taken to strengthen awareness, timely screening, and access to better treatment facilities. The Minister reiterated that the government aims to ensure timely diagnosis and proper treatment for every woman, to eliminate cervical cancer at its root. No.IPRDH/2026 Haryana Tribunal, Town and Country Planning launches online appeal filing system to enhance ease of access and transparency Chandigarh, April 21- Haryana Tribunal, Town and Country Planning, has taken a significant step towards digital governance and citizen convenience by developing and launching an Online Appeal Filing System. The system was formally inaugurated by Justice Rajan Gupta, in the presence of senior dignitaries, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Director, Town and Country Planning, Sh. Amit Khatri, Chairman, HRERA Panchkula, Sh. Parneet S Sachdev and Members of the Tribunal. Sharing information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that under the provisions of the Haryana Scheduled Roads and Controlled Areas Restriction of Unregulated Development Act, 1963, legal action against unauthorized constructions is undertaken by the concerned District Town Planner (DTPO). Aggrieved persons have the statutory right to file appeals before the Tribunal against such actions. Until now, appeals were required to be filed physically by visiting the Tribunal office, either in person or through legal counsel. This often involved considerable time, effort, and expense. The spokesperson said that with the introduction of the Online Appeal Filing System, the process has been significantly streamlined and modernized. Citizens can now conveniently file their appeals online through the designated portal, eliminating the need for physical visits. The system is expected to enhance accessibility, ensure transparency, and reduce both time and cost for the general public. This initiative reflects the Tribunal’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient service delivery and improving access to justice. No.IPRDH/2026 FCR Dr. Sumita Misra Completes Self-Enumeration for Census 2027 Chandigarh, April 21 – Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, who is also designated as State Nodal Officer for Census 2027, took a significant step towards promoting digital participation in the upcoming Census 2027 by successfully completing her self-enumeration through the online census portal at the Civil Secretariat here today. The exercise highlighted the availability and ease of the online self-enumeration facility, which allows citizens to submit their Census details in a convenient and time-bound manner, reducing the need for physical visits. Dr. Sumita Misra emphasized the importance of accurate and timely data for effective policy planning and implementation. She encouraged citizens across the state to make use of the online self-enumeration facility, which is designed to be user-friendly, secure and convenient. Director, Census Operations, Haryana, Sh. Lalit Jain and Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Hema Sharma, were present on the occasion.

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People of Punjab should work towards change & building a prosperous...

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