*Chhath Festival serves as a Bridge of Indian Culture and Unites the Nation with a Thread of Faith: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini*

*Where the Soil of Haryana Holds Strength, the Culture of Purvanchal Reflects Emotion and Devotion: Chief Minister*


*Chhath Festival Exemplifies the Spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’*


*Chief Minister Participates in State-Level Chhath Puja Celebration in Panchkula*

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Chhath festival not only serves as a bridge to India’s cultural heritage but also unites people across the nation through a shared thread of faith. It is a beautiful symbol of equality and reflects the deep connection between our culture, devotion, and nature.

The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at the state-level Chhath Puja celebration held in Panchkula today. On this occasion, he extended his greetings and best wishes to everyone on the auspicious festival of faith, Chhath Puja. The Chief Minister also announced that the Chhath Puja Committee, Panchkula, would be supported in fulfilling its demands related to the beautification of the Chhath Ghat.

Earlier, Chief Minister participated in the worship of Chhath Maiya and offered water (Arghya) to the setting Sun at the ghat.

He said that the soil of Haryana possesses both strength and spirit, while the culture of Purvanchal carries devotion and tradition. When these two come together, they strengthen both development and mutual trust. He emphasized that the Chhath festival teaches the values of harmony and equality, where there is no distinction between high and low.

Originally celebrated in Purvanchal, the festival has now transcended state boundaries and is observed with great devotion across the country.

The Chief Minister added that the Chhath festival is a true reflection of the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. He said that as people from Purvanchal have spread across different states through their hard work and dedication, they have also carried their traditions with them. Wherever they went, the Chhath festival followed, and local devotees of Sanatan culture embraced and began celebrating it with equal devotion and faith.

*Ghats have been built for Chhath Puja in several cities across the state*

He said that a ghat has also been constructed in Panchkula for Chhath Puja. Furthermore, a bathing ghat has been constructed in Karnal, the city of the generous Karna, on the Western Yamuna Canal in front of the Suryanarayan Temple at a cost of Rs 4.48 crore. Another ghat has been constructed opposite this ghat on the other side of the canal under the Smart City project. Furthermore, ghats have also been constructed in Panipat and Sonipat.

*Numerous schemes launched in the last 11 years for safety, respect, and prosperity*

Nayab Singh Saini said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, believing in "Shramev Jayate," we have launched numerous schemes for your safety, respect, and prosperity in the last 11 years. Recognizing the potential of women, the Prime Minister has made a provision to reserve 33 percent of seats in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly for women.

*Crores of Rupees Spent for the Welfare of Construction Workers in the Last 11 Years*

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has spent Rs 3,866 crore over the past 11 years for the welfare of construction workers under various schemes. In addition, the Haryana Labour Welfare Board has spent approximately Rs 778 crore for the welfare of workers during the same period. He stated that under the “Kanyadaan Scheme,” families of registered workers receive financial assistance of Rs 1,01,000 for the marriage of each daughter. Similarly, a shagun amount of Rs 21,000 is provided for the marriage of a son or the worker themselves.

The Chief Minister further said that under the “Antyodaya Aahar Yojana,” subsidized meals are being provided to workers through 175 canteens operating across the state. These canteens are managed by women members of self-help groups, promoting women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. He also informed that financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh is being provided for the rehabilitation of workers suffering from silicosis — a serious lung disease affecting workers engaged in construction and industrial activities.

*Providing Cashless Healthcare Services to ESI Beneficiaries*

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that comprehensive healthcare services are being provided to workers and their dependents through seven ESI hospitals, 93 dispensaries, three Ayurvedic dispensaries, and one mobile dispensary across the state. In addition, 157 empanelled private hospitals are offering cashless healthcare services to ESI beneficiaries, ensuring timely and quality medical care for the working community.

*Permission Granted to Establish New ESI Hospitals in Four Cities*

The Chief Minister informed that the government has granted permission to establish 100-bed ESI hospitals in Hisar, Rohtak, and Ambala, and a 150-bed ESI hospital in Sonipat. He added that the Direct Financial Assistance Scheme has been implemented to help every worker own a home. Under this scheme, eligible construction workers are provided direct financial assistance of up to Rs 2.5 lakh under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana.

The Chief Minister further stated that construction workers often face the risk of accidents at work sites. To ensure timely compensation and support in such cases, the state government has introduced a worker-friendly compensation policy. Under this policy, any shortfall in compensation for an accident occurring during construction work costing less than Rs 10 lakh will be reimbursed directly from the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Fund.

On this occasion, former Speaker of Haryana Legislative Assembly Gian Chand Gupta, Mayor of Panchkula Kulbhushan Goyal, District President Ajay Mittal, Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma, Police Commissioner Shivas Kaviraj, Deputy Commissioner of Police Srishti Gupta, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Attrey, Chairman of Panchkula Chhath Puja Committee Sanjay Kumar, President Kashi Nath, Vice-President Chandreshwar Chaurasia, General Secretary Indrajit Chaurasia and a large number of devotees of Chhath Maiya were present.

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Exemplary work against drug abuse to be honoured, Negligence will face strict action - Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

Reintegrating youth affected by drug addiction into mainstream society is a key priority

Efforts to combat drug abuse to be strengthened, HSNCB presence boosted in Border Areas

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini issued clear directives to strengthen the campaign against drug abuse, stating that police officers and staff in areas where commendable work is being carried out will be recognized and honoured. The Chief Minister also said that strict action will be taken wherever negligence or laxity is observed. He added that the impact of action taken against negligent officials should be clearly visible, sending a strong message that those performing exemplary work against drug abuse will be rewarded, while strict measures will be taken in areas where drug abuse persists.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting to review the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan scheme here today.

He directed that villages declared drug-free be regularly re-evaluated and that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau’s presence be strengthened in border areas. He also instructed that experts be included in the teams to ensure effective control over the drug supply. The Chief Minister called on all concerned departments to intensify the joint campaign against drugs, focusing equally on enforcement, de-addiction, and awareness, and to actively involve Panchayats as partners in the effort.

Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, in coordination with other relevant departments, should launch a comprehensive campaign to ensure the thorough screening of youth affected by drug addiction. He called for detailed investigations to identify the sources and routes through which drugs are being supplied, enabling the complete disruption and control of the drug supply chain. The objective, he said, is not only to prevent drug abuse but also to reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society.

He said that the Narcotics Control Bureau, SEWA Department and the Health Department should jointly intensify efforts to eradicate drug abuse at its roots. In addition, all concerned departments must ensure the active participation of Panchayats in this vigorous campaign. Panchayats and Sarpanches who make notable contributions should be recognized and honoured. He said that all departments should work in close coordination and take concrete measures to make Haryana a drug-free state.

Also reviews projects progress on State Pragati Portal, Directs timely completion

Following this, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the progress of seven different projects costing more than Rs 75 crore each on the State Pragati Portal. He directed officials to invite representatives from departments whose projects are being delayed due to inter-departmental issues to the upcoming meeting. The Chief Minister said that the presence of the relevant departments at such meetings will ensure the prompt resolution of these issues, facilitating timely project completion and the swift delivery of benefits to citizens.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects, including the four-lane road from National Highway-9 to National Highway-52 through Mirzapur Road in Hisar district, the Budhlada-Ratia-Fatehabad-Bhattu-Bhadra road, construction of two-lane relief road from Ghogripur to the Haryana-Delhi border, construction of master road from Noida to Gurugram via Faridabad, construction of two link roads providing seamless connectivity from West Faridabad to East Faridabad, the new judicial complex (Tower of Justice) in Gurugram and the 200-bed hospital in Sector-9, Fatehabad. He directed that all these important projects be completed within the stipulated timelines to further accelerate the pace of development across the state.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department Dr Sumitra Misra, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Department Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary SEWA Department G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department A.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department Anurag Agarwal, Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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HCS Officer Arpit Gahlawat gets Additional Charge

Chandigarh, October 27 – The Haryana Government has assigned additional charge to HCS officer Sh. Arpit Gahlawat, Joint Director, Department of Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, and Antyodaya (SEWA). He will now also serve as Joint Chief Executive Officer of the Ayushman Bharat-Haryana Health Protection Authority.

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‘Link Officer’ Appointed for Department of Future

Chandigarh, October 27- To ensure the smooth functioning of the Department of Future in the absence of its Administrative Secretary, the Haryana Government has designated the Administrative Secretary of the Housing for All Department as Link Officer-3.

According to a letter issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in the event of leave, training, tour, election duty, transfer, retirement, or any other reason leading to the absence of the Administrative Secretary of the Department of Future, the Administrative Secretary of the Housing for All Department will look after the work of the Department of Future.

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*Dates of Departmental Examinations Announced in Haryana*

*Examinations to be held from December 15 to December 19*

Chandigarh, October 27 – The Haryana Government has announced the schedule for departmental examinations to be conducted for officers of various departments. These examinations will be held from December 15 to December 19, 2025, at Sarthak Government Integrated Senior Secondary School, Sector-12A, Panchkula.

According to the notification issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, these examinations will be conducted for officers belonging to the departments of Revenue and Disaster Management, Forest, Agriculture and Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Fisheries, Jails, Cooperation, Development and Panchayats, Panchayati Raj, Wildlife Protection, and Elections, including Assistant Commissioners and Extra Assistant Commissioners.

Interested candidates must submit their applications to their respective Heads of Departments or Administrative Secretaries by November 24, 2025. Applications sent directly to the Central Examination Committee will not be accepted. Candidates who, for any reason, are unable to appear in the examination must inform the Secretary of the Central Examination Committee in advance.

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Exemplary work against drug abuse to be honoured, Negligence will face strict action - Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

Reintegrating youth affected by drug addiction into mainstream society is a key priority

Efforts to combat drug abuse to be strengthened, HSNCB presence boosted in Border Areas

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini issued clear directives to strengthen the campaign against drug abuse, stating that police officers and staff in areas where commendable work is being carried out will be recognized and honoured. The Chief Minister also said that strict action will be taken wherever negligence or laxity is observed. He added that the impact of action taken against negligent officials should be clearly visible, sending a strong message that those performing exemplary work against drug abuse will be rewarded, while strict measures will be taken in areas where drug abuse persists.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting to review the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan scheme here today.

He directed that villages declared drug-free be regularly re-evaluated and that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau’s presence be strengthened in border areas. He also instructed that experts be included in the teams to ensure effective control over the drug supply. The Chief Minister called on all concerned departments to intensify the joint campaign against drugs, focusing equally on enforcement, de-addiction, and awareness, and to actively involve Panchayats as partners in the effort.

Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, in coordination with other relevant departments, should launch a comprehensive campaign to ensure the thorough screening of youth affected by drug addiction. He called for detailed investigations to identify the sources and routes through which drugs are being supplied, enabling the complete disruption and control of the drug supply chain. The objective, he said, is not only to prevent drug abuse but also to reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society.

He said that the Narcotics Control Bureau, SEWA Department and the Health Department should jointly intensify efforts to eradicate drug abuse at its roots. In addition, all concerned departments must ensure the active participation of Panchayats in this vigorous campaign. Panchayats and Sarpanches who make notable contributions should be recognized and honoured. He said that all departments should work in close coordination and take concrete measures to make Haryana a drug-free state.

Also reviews projects progress on State Pragati Portal, Directs timely completion

Following this, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the progress of seven different projects costing more than Rs 75 crore each on the State Pragati Portal. He directed officials to invite representatives from departments whose projects are being delayed due to inter-departmental issues to the upcoming meeting. The Chief Minister said that the presence of the relevant departments at such meetings will ensure the prompt resolution of these issues, facilitating timely project completion and the swift delivery of benefits to citizens.

The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of key infrastructure projects, including the four-lane road from National Highway-9 to National Highway-52 through Mirzapur Road in Hisar district, the Budhlada-Ratia-Fatehabad-Bhattu-Bhadra road, construction of two-lane relief road from Ghogripur to the Haryana-Delhi border, construction of master road from Noida to Gurugram via Faridabad, construction of two link roads providing seamless connectivity from West Faridabad to East Faridabad, the new judicial complex (Tower of Justice) in Gurugram and the 200-bed hospital in Sector-9, Fatehabad. He directed that all these important projects be completed within the stipulated timelines to further accelerate the pace of development across the state.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Home Department Dr Sumitra Misra, Additional Chief Secretary Environment Department Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary SEWA Department G Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department A.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Public Works Department Anurag Agarwal, Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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Advisory Issued to All Allopathic Drug Manufacturers Regarding Risky Solvents: Arti Singh Rao

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao holds virtual meeting with Union Health Minister

Chandigarh, October 27 – Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the state government has issued an advisory to all allopathic drug manufacturers regarding the use of risky solvents. Continuous inspections are being conducted, and notices have been issued to drug manufacturers found deficient in prescribed standards. Union Health Minister Sh. J.P. Nadda also appreciated the efforts being made by the state government in the health sector.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao was briefing Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda virtually from Chandigarh about the various initiatives being undertaken by the state government in the health sector.

Present on the occasion were Health Department Secretary Dr. R.S. Dhillon, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration Department Dr. Manoj Kumar, State Drug Controller Sh. Lalit Kumar Goel, and Assistant State Drug Controller Sh. Rakesh Dahiya.

The Health Minister informed that all allopathic drug manufacturers in the state have been instructed to exercise caution in the procurement, storage, and use of risky solvents such as propylene glycol, glycol, and glycerin. She said that inspections for verification of these solvents had already been initiated by the state government. So far, 37 inspections have been conducted and 54 samples have been collected and sent for testing.

Arti Singh Rao further said that joint inspections with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) have also been initiated. Till now, 14 inspections have been carried out, and 31 samples have been taken for testing. Notices have been issued to all firms where discrepancies were found. In addition, 267 samples related to solvents have been collected from Haryana’s sale units and sent for testing.

She also informed the Union Minister that Haryana’s Health Department is already operating on the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS). All licences related to manufacturing and sales are being issued through this portal.

Sh. J.P. Nadda appreciated the excellent work being carried out by the Haryana Government on this portal.

The Health Minister further shared that 33 risk-based inspections (RBI) of drug manufacturing units have been conducted, and action has already been taken in all cases. Twelve firms have been ordered to stop production, and two manufacturing licenses have been cancelled. Additionally, 17 risk-based inspections (RBI) of drug testing laboratories have been conducted, and action has been taken in all cases. The licence of one laboratory has been cancelled.

She also mentioned that a new drug laboratory equipped with all necessary instruments is being established, which will become operational within the next four months. A proposal is being sent to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization to further strengthen the drug regulatory system, which includes setting up three new laboratories in Gurugram, Hisar, and Karnal, with an estimated cost of Rs 91.9 crore.

Arti Singh Rao reiterated that the state government is committed to ensuring the best healthcare for the people of Haryana, and necessary medicines and medical equipment are being provided as required.

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Lohgarh Memorial to Showcase Glorious Heritage of Sikh Community: Union Minister Manohar Lal

Chandigarh, October 27 – Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Sh. Manohar Lal said that the memorial at Lohgarh, Yamunanagar, will not only immortalize the indomitable courage and sacrifice of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji but will also serve as a centre to showcase the glorious heritage of the Sikh community for future generations and as a hub of Indian culture. He said this memorial will become a place of faith and inspiration not only for the people of Haryana but also for devotees from across the country and the world.

The Union Minister was addressing a gathering as the Chief Guest at the event organized at Lohgarh, Yamunanagar, on the occasion of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji’s birth anniversary.

He said that after his victory over Sirhind, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur established Lohgarh as his capital and brought relief to farmers by abolishing the feudal system. Banda Singh Bahadur fought bravely against injustice and sacrificed his life for religion and justice. His sacrifice continues to be a source of inspiration for future generations.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana and Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Building and Roads) Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa were also present on this occasion.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that many brave heroes have laid down their lives to protect the culture and religion of our nation. The country will always remember the sacrifices of these valiant warriors.

At the event, the foundation stone for the construction of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial and state-of-the-art museum was laid, marking the formal commencement of the project. On this occasion, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa and Sh. Shyam Singh Rana each announced a donation of Rs 21 lakh to the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Trust.

Welcoming the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, Director General of Information, Public Relations & Languages Department, Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang, said that on this sacred land, the foundation of the memorial dedicated to the great warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur has been laid today. He added that this memorial would serve as a symbol of the unwavering resolve that connects us to our history, culture, and the glorious tales of our martyrs.

Also present on the occasion were former Cabinet Minister and Founder Trustee of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Lohgarh Trust, Sh. Kanwar Pal Gurjar, former MP from Karnal and Founder Member of the Trust, Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Ambala Division Commissioner Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and other distinguished guests.

Memorial to be Built on 20 Acres

The historic Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial will be constructed on approximately 20 acres of land provided by the Gram Panchayat of Bhagwanpur. In addition, a grand statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur will be constructed through a global design competition.

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*Haryana Government issues transfer/posting orders of 9 IAS officers*

Chandigarh, October 27 - The Haryana Government has issued the posting and transfer orders of 9 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, effective immediately.

According to an order issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Sh. Shyamal Misra, Chief Administrator of the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, New Delhi, and Chief Executive Officer of the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority and Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, has been posted as Chief Administrator, Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, New Delhi and Principal Secretary, Energy Department.

Sh. J. Ganesan, Director, HARTRON, Managing Director, Housing for All, Haryana and Secretary, Housing for All Department, Chief Administrator, Housing Board, Haryana, Managing Director, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited, and Chief Executive Officer, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Haryana Al Development Project (HAIDP) and Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (HCAPSD) and other externally-aided Projects, will now serve as Chief Executive Officer, Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Chief Executive Officer, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, Director General, Housing for All, Haryana and Secretary, Housing for All Department, Chief Administrator, Housing Board, Haryana, and Chief Executive Officer, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Haryana Al Development Project (HAIDP) and Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (HCAPSD) and other externally-aided Projects.

Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena, Managing Director, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited and Secretary, Energy Department, has been posted as Director General, Development & Panchayats, Haryana and Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department.

Sh. Dusmanta Kumar Behera, Secretary to Governor, Haryana, Director General, Development & Panchayats and Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department, has been posted as Secretary to Governor, Haryana, Labour Commissioner, Haryana and Secretary, Labour Department.

Sh. Mani Ram Sharma, Labour Commissioner, Haryana and Secretary, Labour Department and Secretary, Home Department, has been appointed Managing Director, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited, Secretary, Energy Department, and Secretary, Home Department.

Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Special Secretary, Personnel, Training and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Director Training (Ex-Officio), Inquiry Officer, Vigilance, Haryana and Director, Department of Future, Haryana, has been posted as Director, New & Renewable Energy, Haryana and Special Secretary, New and Renewable Energy Department, in addition to his present duties.

Sh. Mahender Pal, Special Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Additional Director, Mines & Geology, Secretary, Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Haryana is now the Managing Director, HARTRON and Managing Director, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited.

Sh. Amar Deep Singh has been posted as Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Haryana.

Smt. Varsha Khangwal, Additional Director (Admn.), Information, Public Relations & Languages, has been posted as Additional Secretary, Vigilance Department, in addition to her present duties.