Haryana Government to Provide Free Pilgrimage for Senior Citizens Via Train
MoU Signed Between Haryana Government and Railways
Chandigarh, March 10 - Under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, the Haryana Government will now facilitate free train travel for eligible elderly devotees to visit various pilgrimage sites. For this purpose, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Haryana Government and IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).
On behalf of the Haryana Government, Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang, and on behalf of IRCTC, Circle Regional Manager (CRM) Harjot Singh Sandhu signed the MoU.
Director General K. Makarand Pandurang stated that the Haryana Government launched the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana to facilitate free visits for eligible elderly devotees of the state to various religious places. Under this scheme, thousands of eligible senior citizens from different districts have already been taken to pilgrimage sites, including Ayodhya, through the Volvo buses of the Haryana Transport Department.
Following the directions of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the government has now planned to arrange pilgrimage visits by train as well. In line with this initiative, the MoU has been signed between the Haryana Government and IRCTC. On this occasion, Harsh Deep and Nitin Sharma from the Railways and Additional Director of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh. Ranbir Singh Sangwan, along with other officials, were also present.
Pilgrimage Destinations
Sh. Pandurang informed that under the agreement with IRCTC, devotees from Haryana will be taken to several major pilgrimage destinations including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Patna Sahib, Nanded Sahib, Pushkar Ji, Vaishno Devi, Shirdi, and Shani Shingnapur. Additional pilgrimage sites may also be included in the future as required.
Free Food and Accommodation Arrangements
He further informed that each train will consist of 11 coaches, out of which 10 coaches will be reserved for devotees and one coach will be for the serving staff. During the journey, arrangements for food and beverages, transportation from the nearest railway station to the pilgrimage sites, and accommodation will also be provided free of cost by the Haryana Government.
Under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, senior citizens aged 60 years and above from Haryana whose annual income is less than ₹1.80 lakh are eligible for free pilgrimage tours to sacred places. Eligible individuals can avail the benefit of the scheme by registering on the official pilgrimage portal.
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Haryana Employees and Pensioners to Get Treatment in Four Major Hospitals in Punjab: Health Minister Arti Singh Rao
Advanced treatment available for serious diseases such as cancer, spinal injuries and liver ailments
Chandigarh, March 10: Taking an important step towards further strengthening healthcare facilities for Haryana Government employees, pensioners and their dependents, Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has facilitated access to treatment in four major hospitals in Punjab.
The Health Minister informed that the Haryana Government has empanelled four reputed hospitals in Punjab to provide medical treatment to government employees, pensioners and their family members. These include Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Mullanpur, Punjab (a unit of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai), Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Sangrur, Punjab (also a unit of Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai), Regional Spinal Injuries Centre, Sector 70, Mohali, and Punjab Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Phase 3B1, Sector 60, Mohali. These hospitals provide advanced treatment for serious ailments such as cancer, spinal injuries and liver-related diseases.
The Health Minister said this decision has been taken with the objective of ensuring better and specialized medical facilities for state employees and pensioners. She said that in many cases, treatment of serious diseases requires specialized hospitals, and the empanelment of these institutions will help patients receive timely and better treatment.
A spokesperson of the Health Department further informed that as per the government’s instructions, in the event of any emergency, disaster, epidemic, or a surge of patients in government hospitals, these empanelled hospitals will also provide facilities such as ambulances, ICU/CCU, burn units, wards, beds and mortuary services as required.
These instructions have come into effect from the date of issuance. Detailed information can also be obtained from the official website of the Haryana Health Department.
Arti Singh Rao stated that the Haryana Government is continuously working to provide better healthcare facilities to the employees, pensioners and the general public of the state, and such initiatives will continue in the future as well.
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Media support essential for HPV vaccination campaign: NHM Haryana
Chandigarh, March 10- The Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) Haryana, has appealed for support from media and public relations platforms for the success of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign being carried out in the state.
In a statement issued here, the Mission Director informed that the Government of India has decided to include the HPV vaccine in the routine immunization programme. At the global level, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, while in India it is the second most common cancer affecting women. According to experts, most cases of cervical cancer are caused by high-risk Human Papillomavirus infection in the genital tract.
The special national campaign for the HPV vaccine was launched on February 28, 2026, and will continue for three months. During this campaign, the vaccine is being administered under a single-dose schedule. Proper arrangements have been made for the deployment of trained health workers, proper storage of the vaccine and strict monitoring of safety. This system will also help create a strong foundation for including it in the routine immunization programme in the future.
The Director further informed that girls aged 14 years, who have completed their 14th birthday but have not yet turned 15 are eligible for the HPV vaccination. Eligible girls will be vaccinated at designated health centres, provided they have not received any dose of the HPV vaccine earlier.
The Director said that the role of the media is very important for the success of the campaign. In this regard, cooperation has been sought for organising media workshops, promoting HPV vaccination camps through mass communication platforms, and spreading positive messages about vaccination through social media.
The Director, NHM Haryana said that with the support of the media, awareness among people will increase and more eligible girls will be able to benefit from the vaccination, which will help in the prevention of cervical cancer in the future.
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Bengal Moving Rapidly on the Path of Change: CM Nayab Singh Saini
Youth of Bengal Determined to End Injustice and Corruption: CM
CM Addresses Parivartan Sankalp Yatra in 24 Parganas
Development and Transparent Governance Key for Bengal’s Progress: CM
Chandigarh, March 10 : Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the people of West Bengal are ready to bring in a change in order to build a ‘Viksit Bengal’. He emphasized the importance of transparent governance, welfare-oriented schemes, and development-driven politics under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister was addressing a public gathering during the Parivartan Sankalp Yatra at Kulpi in 24 Parganas, West Bengal on Tuesday. He said that he felt honoured to come to Bengal from the land of Haryana, where Lord Shri Krishna delivered the message of the Bhagavad Gita.
The Chief Minister said that Bengal is the land of hardworking fishermen and farmers. The people here have played a vital role in shaping the nation’s history and culture. Bengal’s rich cultural heritage has influenced the entire country. The people of Bengal are a source of pride and inspiration for the nation. This land has produced great personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. The brave sons of Bengal played a significant role in giving a new direction to India’s freedom struggle. He said that Bengal gave the nation the mantra of “Vande Mataram,” which ignited the flame of nationalism across the country and continues to inspire people even today.
People of Bengal Want Freedom from Fear and Corruption
The Chief Minister said that this is not merely a political programme but a call for change to remove the weak and corruption-ridden government of Bengal. The people of Bengal want development and change and seek freedom from fear and corruption. The large gathering at the public meeting reflects that Bengal is now moving rapidly on the path of transformation.
He said that 24 Parganas is known for its hardworking people, especially fishermen and farmers living along the coast. However, farmers are not getting adequate facilities and market support, youth are unemployed, and corruption, appeasement, and violence have become widespread. He said that the government has also failed to compensate people for losses caused by natural disasters and cyclones. Drainage systems collapsed, crops were washed away, and even the compensation money was lost to corruption. The corruption in Bengal is no secret, and the government is doing great injustice to the people.
Youth of Bengal Determined to End Injustice and Corruption
The Chief Minister said that the land whose great leaders guided the country and sacrificed everything for India’s independence is now witnessing such unfortunate conditions. The youth of Bengal are determined to remove the present government from power. He said that instead of creating opportunities, the government has driven industries away from Bengal. Public anger is growing against the government. He also alleged that the state government has turned Bengal into a safe haven for infiltrators, which is posing a threat to democracy.
He said that schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to provide quality healthcare services to poor and needy people. In Haryana, treatment up to ₹5 lakh is being provided free of cost in hospitals under the scheme. So far, 27 lakh families have benefited from the scheme, for which the Central Government has provided ₹450 crore. However, the Bengal government has failed to extend the benefits of this important scheme to the poor. He expressed concern that many eligible people in Bengal have been deprived of its benefits due to administrative and political reasons. In contrast, the Haryana Government is continuously working to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach all eligible beneficiaries without discrimination.
India’s Global Standing Strengthened as the Fourth Largest Economy
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country is progressing at an unprecedented pace and India’s global reputation has increased as the fourth-largest economy in the world. This has been made possible due to the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership and development-oriented governance.
He said that the government is implementing several schemes to empower women socially and economically. He added that a nation cannot progress fully without empowering women. Therefore, the government has decided to make three lakh women “Lakhpati Didis.” Under the Lado Lakshmi Yojana, financial assistance of ₹2100 is being provided to women. So far, ₹750 crore has been distributed to women in five instalments under the scheme.
The Chief Minister said that despite having a woman Chief Minister, women in Bengal are not safe and incidents of atrocities against them continue. He also referred to the alleged disrespect of the President of India on the soil of Bengal on International Women’s Day. He said that in the upcoming elections, the people of Bengal, especially women, will teach the state government a lesson.
He said that despite being a small state, Haryana, under the double-engine government model, is implementing several important initiatives for development and public welfare. When the intentions of the government are clear and policies are designed in the public interest, their benefits directly reach the people.
The Chief Minister emphasized that policies should encourage industries and generate employment opportunities for youth. Development-oriented governance prevents the migration of industries and creates better employment opportunities for young people within their own states.
Highlighting the need for corruption-free governance and transparency, the Chief Minister said that the people of the country want development, good governance, and accountability. He appealed to the people to support development-oriented politics and contribute to building a strong and prosperous Bengal.
On his arrival at the programme, the villagers welcomed the Chief Minister by showering flowers.
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On his arrival at the programme, the villagers welcomed the Chief Minister by showering flowers.
DC Constitutes Inquiry Committee Under Manesar SDM to Probe Wall Collapse at Sidhrawali Project
Chandigarh, March 10: In connection with the incident of a wall collapse at the Signature Global project in village Sidhrawali in Gurugram district late last night, the district administration, Gurugram has ordered an inquiry. Notably, seven workers lost their lives and four others were injured in the accident.
Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram Sh. Ajay Kumar has constituted a committee of officials under the chairmanship of SDM Manesar to investigate the matter. The committee has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry into the causes of the incident and submit its report within a stipulated time frame.
In the constituted committee, SDM Manesar Sh. Darshan Yadav has been appointed as the Chairman. Other members include the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Pataudi, District Town Planner (Enforcement), Gurugram, and Executive Engineer-II, Public Works Department (Buildings & Roads), Gurugram.
The district administration stated that the committee will thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident, fix responsibility, and submit its report to the Deputy Commissioner’s office within the prescribed time.
Earlier, SDM Manesar Sh. Darshan Yadav visited the accident site on Tuesday and inspected various aspects related to the incident.
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Media support essential for HPV vaccination campaign: NHM Haryana
Chandigarh, March 10- The Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) Haryana, has appealed for support from media and public relations platforms for the success of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign being carried out in the state.
In a statement issued here, the Mission Director informed that the Government of India has decided to include the HPV vaccine in the routine immunization programme. At the global level, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, while in India it is the second most common cancer affecting women. According to experts, most cases of cervical cancer are caused by high-risk Human Papillomavirus infection in the genital tract.
The special national campaign for the HPV vaccine was launched on February 28, 2026, and will continue for three months. During this campaign, the vaccine is being administered under a single-dose schedule. Proper arrangements have been made for the deployment of trained health workers, proper storage of the vaccine and strict monitoring of safety. This system will also help create a strong foundation for including it in the routine immunization programme in the future.
The Director further informed that girls aged 14 years, who have completed their 14th birthday but have not yet turned 15 are eligible for the HPV vaccination. Eligible girls will be vaccinated at designated health centres, provided they have not received any dose of the HPV vaccine earlier.
The Director said that the role of the media is very important for the success of the campaign. In this regard, cooperation has been sought for organising media workshops, promoting HPV vaccination camps through mass communication platforms, and spreading positive messages about vaccination through social media.
The Director, NHM Haryana said that with the support of the media, awareness among people will increase and more eligible girls will be able to benefit from the vaccination, which will help in the prevention of cervical cancer in the future.
About 1 million people die every year in India due to tobacco-related diseases: Dr. Brahmdeep
27 percent of cancers are directly linked to tobacco consumption
Chandigarh, March 10 – On the occasion of “No Smoking Day” on March 11, Director of Mental Health Haryana and senior psychiatrist Dr. Brahmdeep appealed to people to stay away from tobacco and smoking. He said that smoking and tobacco consumption are among the leading causes of preventable deaths and diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco causes about 8 million deaths globally every year, while in India alone more than 1 million people die annually due to tobacco-related illnesses.
He further stated that around 27 percent of cancers in India are directly linked to tobacco consumption, including lung cancer, oral and throat cancer, as well as serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), increased severity of asthma, and complications during pregnancy.
Dr. Brahmdeep explained that smokers have about a 2–4 times higher risk of heart disease and a 20–25 times higher risk of lung cancer.
He added that tobacco smoke not only harms the person who smokes but also severely affects the health of people around them—especially children and women. He emphasized that positive changes in the body begin very quickly after quitting smoking. Within 20 minutes, blood pressure and pulse begin to return to normal; within 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood normalize; and within 2 to 12 weeks, lung function and blood circulation start improving. After one year, the risk of heart disease drops by about 50 percent; after five years, the risk of stroke reduces significantly; and after ten years, the risk of lung cancer is reduced by nearly half.
He informed that under the guidance of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Tobacco Cessation Centers have been established in all civil hospitals and medical colleges across the state, where trained doctors and paramedical staff provide counseling, treatment, and necessary guidance.
Dr. Brahmdeep advised people who wish to quit smoking to set a specific quit date and make a firm commitment, avoid keeping cigarettes or tobacco products nearby, take deep breaths or drink water when cravings arise, engage in other activities, seek support from family and friends, and consult a doctor or tobacco cessation center if needed. He also recommended regular exercise, yoga, and maintaining a healthy daily routine.
He appealed to all citizens to stay away from tobacco, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and motivate others to do the same, so that a healthy and tobacco-free society can be created.