All Preparations complete for counting of votes in municipal body election, Extensive security arrangements in place: Haryana State Election Commission

Chandigarh, May 12 – A spokesperson of the Haryana State Election Commission said that all necessary arrangements have been completed for the counting of votes for the General and Bye-Elections to municipal bodies held in the state. Directions have been issued to the concerned District Election Officers and Returning Officers to ensure that the counting process is conducted in a fair, transparent, peaceful and orderly manner.

The spokesperson said that the counting of votes for the municipal body elections will begin at 8:00 AM on May 13, 2026, at the designated counting centres. The counting process will be conducted as per the prescribed rules and guidelines, and every stage will be monitored by the concerned officer to maintain transparency and credibility.

The spokesperson said that extensive and robust security arrangements have been made at all counting centres. Only authorised persons will be allowed entry at the counting venues. CCTV surveillance, barricading, deployment of adequate police force and all basic facilities have been ensured at the centres.

The spokesperson further said that special police security will be provided while transporting the EVMs from the strong rooms to the counting centres and again after the counting process to ensure their safe movement. Strict monitoring of anti-social and undesirable elements has also been directed.

The spokesperson said that special checking drives will be conducted around the counting centres to prevent the carrying of weapons and suspicious activities. To maintain law and order, unnecessary gathering of people near the counting centres will not be allowed, and strict action will be taken against anyone creating disturbance or noise.

The spokesperson said that officers of the district administration and police department have been directed to remain alert and prepared to deal with any untoward situation so that the counting process can be conducted peacefully and safely.

The Commission has appealed to all candidates, election agents and supporters to cooperate with the administration in maintaining law and order during the counting process and not to pay attention to any rumours.

The spokesperson said that General Observers and the respective Returning Officers have been deployed at each counting center to ensure the timely resolution of any issues, complaints, or queries arising during the counting process. Candidates, election agents, and other authorised individuals may approach the concerned officers to seek clarification or address any doubts and concerns.

Notably, the municipal body elections held on May 10, 2026, by the Haryana State Election Commission were conducted peacefully, fairly and successfully. Voting was held for Ambala, Panchkula and Sonipat Municipal Corporations, Rewari Municipal Council, and the municipalities of Dharuhera, Sampla and Uklana. Besides this, bye-elections for various wards in different municipal bodies across the state were also conducted successfully.

===================================

19th Meeting of Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board Held Under Chairmanship of CM Nayab Singh Saini

Special incentive packages approved for various industrial projects; investment and employment to get a boost

Major investments approved in drone, auto components, battery and manufacturing sectors

Chandigarh, May 12 -- The 19th meeting of the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board (HEPB) was held late Monday evening in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. Several key decisions were taken in the meeting regarding the grant of special incentive packages and other relief measures to various industrial units with the objective of promoting industrial investment, manufacturing capacity and employment generation in the state. The projects approved during the meeting are expected to bring large-scale investments and create new employment opportunities for local youth in Haryana.

The special incentive packages for the projects were approved by HEPB based on the recommendations of the Executive Empowered Committee (EEC) headed by the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Industries and Commerce Minister Sh. Rao Narbir Singh was also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, BEUMER India Private Limited was granted approval for a special incentive package of Rs. 43.05 crore under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy-2020. The company will establish a state-of-the-art intralogistics systems manufacturing facility in Jhajjar district, which will create employment opportunities for 138 youth in Haryana along with strengthening modern industrial infrastructure.

Similarly, AITMC Ventures Limited was granted approval for a special incentive package of Rs. 58.51 crore under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy-2020. The company will establish a drone and drone components manufacturing hub in Hisar district, which will boost the defence and aerospace manufacturing sector and create employment opportunities for 800 youth in Haryana.

The meeting also approved a special incentive package of Rs. 31.68 crore for Abhiuday Print Industries Private Limited under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy-2020. The project will promote investment in the advanced packaging materials manufacturing sector and provide employment opportunities to 105 youth in Haryana.

Similarly, Mark Exhaust Systems Limited was granted approval for a special incentive package of Rs. 39.95 crore under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy-2020. The company will establish an auto components manufacturing unit in Jhajjar district, strengthening the state’s auto components manufacturing sector and generating employment opportunities for 123 youth in Haryana.

The meeting approved a special incentive package of Rs. 35.21 crore for Canpack India under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy-2020. The company will expand its aluminium can manufacturing capacity in Mewat district, creating employment opportunities for the youth of Haryana.

In addition, ATL Battery Technology (India) Private Limited was granted a final extension of one year in the investment timeline for its project approved under the IT & ESDM Policy-2017. The company is setting up a lithium-ion cell and battery manufacturing project at Sohna in Nuh district.

The meeting also approved a special incentive package of Rs. 89.91 crore for Subros Limited under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy-2020. The company will establish an auto components manufacturing facility at Kharkhoda in Sonipat district, which will promote the automobile and auto components sector in the state and create employment opportunities for 215 youth in Haryana.

Similarly, Jai Bharat Maruti Limited was granted approval for a special incentive package of Rs. 43.76 crore under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy-2020. The project will further promote investment and employment generation in the automobile and auto components sector in the state.

Additionally, as per the request of Kandhari Beverages Private Limited, the previously approved special package under the Enterprise Promotion Policy-2015 was revised, and a modified special incentive package of Rs. 157.83 crore was approved.

Among those present in the meeting were Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General of Industries and Commerce Department Sh. Yash Garg, along with other senior officers. =================================================

*Haryana Takes Major Leap in Disaster Preparedness, Statewide Flood Mock Drill to Cover 13 Districts on May 14*

*First-of-its-kind large-scale exercise in coordination with NDMA aimed at strengthening flood response systems and community preparedness*

Chandigarh, May 12 — The Haryana Government will conduct a large-scale State-level flood mock drill simultaneously across 13 flood-prone districts on May 14. The exercise, being organised in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is being described as one of the most comprehensive disaster preparedness exercises ever undertaken in the state.

The large-scale exercise is part of Haryana’s broader strategy to improve institutional preparedness and ensure better coordination among departments and emergency agencies in the wake of recent flood experiences in 2023 and 2025. Addressing a Table Top Exercise and orientation session ahead of the mock drill, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra said the state government has drawn valuable lessons from previous flood situations and is now focusing on proactive preparedness instead of reactive response.

Dr. Misra said the upcoming exercise is far more than a routine simulation. “This is a practical preparedness initiative designed to strengthen Haryana’s capability to respond effectively to future flood emergencies,” she stated, underlining the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and minimising disaster-related losses through advance planning and coordinated action.

The flood mock exercise will be conducted simultaneously in Gurugram, Ambala, Faridabad, Fatehabad, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Panipat, Palwal, Sirsa, Sonipat and Yamunanagar districts. To ensure realistic emergency simulations, the drill will be organised at two separate locations in each district, allowing authorities to assess operational readiness and response mechanisms at multiple levels.

The exercise will involve coordinated participation from various government departments, police, health services, Fire and Emergency Services, SDRF, NDRF and local administrative teams. Officers believe the initiative will significantly strengthen inter-agency coordination and emergency response efficiency during actual flood situations.

One of the key highlights of the exercise is the emphasis on community participation and grassroots involvement. Aapda Mitra volunteers, Indian Red Cross Society members, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Bharat Scouts and Guides, NYKS volunteers and several local NGOs will actively participate in the drill.

Dr. Misra stressed that disaster management cannot succeed without community involvement and public awareness. She directed all district administrations to ensure adequate publicity ahead of the exercise so that citizens understand that the activities are part of a planned mock drill and not a real emergency situation. She also instructed officers to ensure complete safety for civilians and students during the exercise.

The mock drill will also benefit from national-level expertise. Brigadier Ravinder Gurung (Retd.), Senior Consultant with NDMA, will supervise and guide the exercise from the State Headquarters. In addition, officers from the Assam State Disaster Management Authority — Mukta Ram Deka and Kishore Dutta — will participate in the exercise, reflecting growing inter-state cooperation and exchange of best practices in disaster management.

District administrations have also been directed to verify the availability and operational readiness of resources listed on the India Disaster Resource Network (IDRN) portal to ensure that emergency resources are not only documented but are actually functional and accessible during crises.

The Haryana Government has made it clear that the exercise is intended to become part of a long-term improvement process. Dr. Sumita Misra directed that learnings and observations emerging from the Table Top Exercise and the May 14 mock drill will be documented and integrated into future disaster preparedness policies and response strategies across the state.

With the government, administration, emergency agencies and community organisations working in close coordination, Haryana is positioning itself as a proactive and disaster-ready state. The May 14 exercise is being viewed as a landmark step in transforming disaster management from a reactive system into a robust culture of preparedness and resilience.

Sh. Krishna S. Vatsa, Member, NDRF, emphasized the effective utilization of resources available with NDRF and SDRF. He also stressed the importance of coordination with early warning systems to mitigate emerging situations effectively.

The meeting was attended by Sh. Dusmanta Kumar Behera, Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Sh. Rahul Hooda, Special Secretary, Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Col. J. S. Sandhu, Advisor Civil Military Affairs, Western Command Chandi Mandir, Sh. Rishi Mahajan, Second in Command, 7th Battalion NDRF, Bhatinda, Sh. Surender Paul, Director, Meteorological Centre, IMD, Chandigarh.

===============================

*Haryana’s Tele-MANAS Helpline Emerges as Lifeline for Thousands, Over 16,000 Citizens Seek Mental Health Support*

*State’s free tele-counselling initiative breaks stigma barriers, expands access to emotional care from cities to villages*

Chandigarh, May 12 — The State Government’s Tele-MANAS mental health helpline has emerged as a powerful support system for citizens battling emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.

Since its launch in November 2022, the helpline has received more than 16,000 calls, reflecting growing public trust in accessible and stigma-free mental healthcare services. Citizens can access the service free of cost by dialling the toll-free numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, which are operational for mental health counselling and psychosocial support throughout Haryana.

In a major step towards strengthening crisis intervention mechanisms, Tele-MANAS have now been integrated with Haryana’s 112 Emergency Response System. Under this arrangement, suicide-related distress calls received through the emergency helpline are immediately diverted to trained Tele-MANAS counsellors for urgent psychological support and counselling.

Health officers say this integration has significantly improved the state’s ability to provide timely mental health intervention during emergencies and has added a critical layer of support within Haryana’s public health and emergency response framework.

The initiative, launched under the National Tele Mental Health Programme, has handled 16,159 calls as of May 10, 2026, offering free, confidential, and compassionate counselling support to people across the state. The growing response as a clear sign that conversations around mental health are gradually becoming more open and accepted in Haryana.

Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Haryana, Dr. Sumita Misra said the initiative represents a transformative step towards making mental healthcare accessible to every citizen, regardless of geography or social background. She said the government is committed to ensuring affordable, timely and confidential mental health services for all sections of society.

Dr. Misra emphasized that Tele-MANAS is more than just a helpline. “It is helping change the conversation around mental health and encouraging people to seek help without hesitation,” she noted, adding that reducing stigma remains one of the most important aspects of mental healthcare delivery.

*Nearly 10,000 Calls in Just One Year*

One of the most striking indicators of the initiative’s growing impact is the sharp increase in usage over the past year. Between May 2025 and April 2026 alone, the helpline received 9,669 calls — accounting for more than 60 per cent of the total calls since the service began. Health officers say the surge reflects rising awareness, increasing trust in counselling services, and improved outreach efforts across the state.

Dr. Misra stated that the free of cost service can be availed by dialling the toll-free numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416, which is operational for mental health counselling and psychosocial support throughout Haryana.

*Rural Haryana Shows Strong Participation*

What makes the initiative especially noteworthy is its deep reach into rural Haryana. According to official data, a majority of calls have come from rural and semi-urban areas, indicating that the service has successfully bridged a long-standing gap in mental healthcare access beyond major cities.

The data also provides insight into the nature of mental health concerns being reported. The most common issues include sadness, examination stress, anxiety, grief, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. Around five per cent of the calls were related to children and adolescents, highlighting the growing need for emotional support among younger age groups and families. Approximately 40 per cent of the calls received during the last year were linked to diagnosed mental health disorders, underlining the importance of early intervention and continuous counselling support.

At the core of the Tele-MANAS initiative is a team of 20 trained counsellors who provide emotional support, crisis intervention, guidance, and referrals to citizens facing psychological distress. The counselling teams work continuously to ensure that help remains available to anyone in need.

Dr. Misra appreciated the efforts of the counsellors and healthcare teams, saying their dedication has played a crucial role in building public confidence in mental health services. She noted that increasing utilisation of the helpline reflects a positive social shift in the way people perceive emotional well-being and psychological support.

The Haryana Health Department has indicated that the government plans to further strengthen mental healthcare delivery by expanding awareness campaigns, improving community outreach, and enhancing tele-counselling infrastructure. The focus will remain on ensuring that mental health support reaches every citizen, including those living in remote villages and underserved areas.

With rising public participation, increasing awareness, and sustained institutional support, Tele-MANAS is rapidly emerging as one of Haryana’s most impactful healthcare initiatives — providing emotional support, hope, and timely intervention to thousands of citizens across the state, one call at a time.

=================================================

Special Action Plan Being Prepared for Holistic Development of the State: Krishan Kumar Bedi

Modern Sports Stadiums, Hospitals and Bridges to Transform Narwana Region

Chandigarh, May 12 — Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that development works are progressing rapidly across the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The state government is preparing a special action plan for the holistic and comprehensive development of all constituencies, and an extensive and visionary roadmap is being implemented effectively for the development of the Narwana region.

The Social Justice and Empowerment Minister was chairing a review meeting today with senior officers of various departments. Detailed discussions were held regarding strengthening basic infrastructure and expediting development projects in the Narwana constituency.

During the meeting, directions were issued to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) at the earliest for various projects, including sports stadiums, bridges, roads, veterinary hospitals, health centres, bus stands, parks and public buildings. Development works related to Chief Minister’s announcements were also reviewed in detail.

Sh. Bedi said that the objective of the state government is to connect every region of Haryana with the mainstream of development. The government is working with the resolve to ensure the welfare of villages, the poor, farmers, youth, women and every section of society. He directed officers to ensure quality and transparency in development works and to implement schemes on the ground within stipulated timelines so that people can directly benefit from them.

He said that modern sports stadiums would be developed to promote sports activities in the region. Roads and bridges would be constructed to improve transportation facilities, while health centres and veterinary hospitals would be expanded in rural and urban areas to strengthen healthcare services. In addition, instructions have been issued to prepare DPRs at the earliest for bus stands, parks and other public buildings for the convenience of the general public.

Sh. Bedi said that the government is seriously working towards the development of the Narwana constituency, and many important projects will materialize in the coming time, which will transform the region’s prospects and future. He informed that 16 roads would be repaired at a cost of approximately Rs. 48 crore, out of which work on 9 roads will commence soon.

He further informed that the upgradation work of a 100-bed hospital building will begin shortly to provide better healthcare facilities to citizens. Besides this, a grand park will be developed in Narwana at a cost of approximately Rs. 4 crore to provide better public recreation and leisure facilities.

Sh. Bedi also informed that a Community Health Centre will be constructed in Ujhana, a veterinary dispensary in Frain Kalan, a veterinary hospital in Narwana and a hockey stadium in the area. In addition, railway overbridges will be constructed on the Narwana-Tohana road route and the old NH-65, with an estimated cost of more than Rs. 60 crore.

The meeting was attended by Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department Anil Kumar Dahiya and senior officers from the Health, Transport, Animal Husbandry, Sports and Urban Local Bodies Departments.

===========================================

*CM Approves Rs. 621.90 Lakh for installation of 50 shallow tubewells along Gurgaon Canal/Rajasthan Link Canal*

*Waterlogged villages of Nuh district to get major relief, thousands of acres of land to become cultivable again*

*Important step by the Government towards strengthening groundwater development and irrigation facilities*

Chandigarh, May 12 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has approved Rs. 621.90 lakh for the installation of 50 shallow tubewells along the Gurgaon Canal/Rajasthan Link Canal under a Chief Minister’s announcement. This important decision has been taken to strengthen irrigation facilities and promote groundwater development in the state.

Sharing information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that this project will be implemented under the scheme “Ground Water Development and Other Related Activities”. The office of the Chief Engineer/YWS and Superintending Engineer, YWS Circle Faridabad, has been appointed as the nodal agency for the successful implementation and monitoring of the project.

The spokesperson said that more than 15 villages of Nuh district have been facing the problem of waterlogging for a long time. Due to the continuously high water level in these areas, water remains standing in the fields, making thousands of acres of land unsuitable for farming. Farmers face difficulties every season and are unable to grow crops on their land.

To provide a permanent solution to this problem, 50 shallow tubewells will be installed along the Gurgaon Canal/Rajasthan Link Canal. These tubewells will help in draining out excess water, reducing the problem of waterlogging and making thousands of acres of land cultivable again. This will provide major relief to farmers in the affected villages and help them restart farming on their land.

The spokesperson further said that the project will not only solve the problem of waterlogging but will also improve groundwater management in the area and strengthen the economic condition of farmers. The state government is continuously taking effective steps to protect the interests of farmers and expand irrigation facilities in the state.

===========================================

*Haryana Board Class 12 result stands at 84.67%; Charkhi Dadri emerges as the top-performing district*

*Girls outperform boys once again: Girls’ pass percentage exceeds boys’ by 6.52%*

*84.98% students from villages pass, surpassing urban areas*

Chandigarh, May 12 – The Board of School Education Haryana on Tuesday announced the results of the Annual Senior Secondary (Class 12) Examination-2026. During a press conference held at the Board headquarters in Bhiwani, Board Chairman Dr. Pawan Kumar shared detailed statistics related to the examination results. Once again, girls in the state demonstrated their academic excellence by outperforming boys.

Addressing the press conference, Dr. Pawan Kumar stated that a total of 2,42,856 candidates had appeared for the examination this year, out of which 2,05,618 students passed successfully. He informed that the overall pass percentage stood at 84.67 percent. The pass percentage among girls was recorded at 87.97 percent, while that of boys stood at 81.45 percent. Thus, girls outperformed boys by 6.52 percentage points, once again proving their academic superiority.

He further informed that among all districts of Haryana, Charkhi Dadri secured the first position with the best performance in the state, while Nuh remained at the bottom of the list. A close competition was also witnessed between rural and urban areas, where the pass percentage in rural regions stood at 84.98 percent, slightly better than the 83.91 percent recorded in urban areas.

Dr. Pawan Kumar also stated that the pass percentage of private schools was 87.94 percent, whereas government schools recorded 82.44 percent. The improved performance of both categories of schools reflects positive signs of progress in the state’s education system.

He further informed that the Board also declared the results of the Haryana Open School examinations. The pass percentage for fresh category candidates was 42.15 percent, while the re-appear category recorded a pass percentage of 50.09 percent. In the Open School category as well, girls outperformed boys with an 11.23 percent lead.

Congratulating the successful candidates, Dr. Pawan Kumar wished them a bright future. He said that the results are the outcome of the hard work and dedication of both teachers and students. He also stated that students who are not satisfied with their marks can avail the facility of rechecking and re-evaluation. Interested candidates may apply online within 20 days from the date of declaration of the result on the Board’s website at BSEH Official Website.

==========================================