CM Offers Prayers at Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan with Family

Prays for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Haryana, lays foundation stone of first floor of Shri Krishna Kripa Dham

Chandigarh, August 5- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on late Tuesday evening offered prayers at the world-renowned Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. He was accompanied by his wife Smt. Suman Saini, son Aniket and daughter Vanshika. The Chief Minister offered a floral garland to Thakur Shri Banke Bihari Ji and prayed for peace, prosperity, happiness and the well-being of the people of Haryana.

The Chief Minister said it was his great fortune to visit the sacred land of Vrindavan and seek the blessings of Shri Banke Bihari Lal, Shri Radha Vallabh Lal Ji, and other revered shrines. He said every particle of Vrindavan is sacred as it is the land where Lord Shri Krishna performed his divine leelas. He also noted the spiritual bond between Vrindavan and Haryana, saying that Lord Shri Krishna journeyed from this sacred land with his family to the holy city of Kurukshetra.

Upon his arrival, the Chief Minister was welcomed by the temple authorities and devotees. Offering prayers, he prayed for the holistic development of Haryana, prosperity of farmers, a bright future for the youth and continued progress of the nation. Thereafter, the Chief Minister, accompanied by his family, visited Shri Radha Vallabh Lal Ji Temple and Shri Krishna Kripa Dham, where they also offered prayers.

*The Sacred Land of Vrindavan Inspires Spiritual Peace and Devotion- CM*

The Chief Minister said the holy land of Vrindavan is a revered centre of faith for lakhs of devotees across the world. He said offering prayers at the revered Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple fills devotees with spiritual peace and positive energy.

Describing the spiritual significance of Vrindavan, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the sacred dust of Vrindavan is as precious as sandalwood for devotees. Vrindavan is not merely a place; it is the divine land where love attained its ultimate union with the Almighty, he said.

The Chief Minister said it was on this sacred land that Lord Shri Krishna performed his divine childhood leelas, stole butter, subdued the serpent Kaliya, and lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Braj, leaving behind timeless messages of faith, courage and compassion.

He said visiting this sacred land was a matter of immense privilege for him, adding that every devotee who comes to Vrindavan experiences the divine presence of the Almighty. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to visit the holy town, the Chief Minister thanked Geeta Manishi Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj for his blessings and guidance.

*CM Lays Foundation Stone for First Floor of Shri Krishna Kripa Dham*

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the construction of the first floor of the proposed Satsang and Residential Complex at Shri Krishna Kripa Dham in Vrindavan. Congratulating the devotees on the occasion, he said the expansion of the complex would provide improved facilities and greater convenience to the large number of devotees visiting the Dham.

Praying to Lord Shri Krishna and Radha Rani, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini wished for peace, prosperity and a bright future for the people of Haryana. He prayed that the State continues to progress on the path of development, every family is blessed with happiness and prosperity, and the spirit of brotherhood and social harmony grows stronger.

The Chief Minister performed the foundation stone-laying ceremony amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. The proposed construction is being undertaken under the blessings of Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj. On the occasion, he extended his best wishes for the development of the Dham, received the blessings of saints and seers, and appreciated the institution's contribution towards spiritual and social causes. Devotees and other distinguished guests present at the programme accorded him a warm welcome.

During the visit, Haryana BJP State President, Dr Archana Gupta, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Haryana BJP State General Secretary (Organisation), Sh. Phanindra Nath Sharma, and several other dignitaries were also present.

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Dr Arvind Sharma Leads Grand Reception for Sacred Kalash Vandan Yatra of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji in Gohana*

Chandigarh, August 5- Haryana Cooperation and Tourism Minister, Dr Arvind Sharma, on late Tuesday evening led a grand reception for the Sacred Kalash Vandan Yatra carrying the sacred soil from the birthplace of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji at Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi, on its arrival in Gohana. The yatra, flagged off by Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini from Gurugram.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Arvind Sharma said Sant Guru Ravidas Ji's teachings inspire society to rise above caste-based discrimination and embrace humanity, equality, brotherhood and social harmony. He said the Kalash Vandan Yatra is not merely a religious event but also a medium to carry the saint's timeless message to every section of society. He urged people to follow Guru Ravidas Ji's ideals to strengthen social harmony and eliminate discrimination.

The reception witnessed enthusiastic participation from public representatives, social organisations and devotees. Participants also reaffirmed their commitment to imbibe the ideals of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji and work towards strengthening social harmony.

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Chandigarh, August 5- Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has declared the results of 35 examinations of M.Sc. (NEP) Second Semester (Regular and Re-appear) conducted in May 2026.

Sharing more details, the University spokesperson said the results of the Regular Second Semester examinations have been declared for M.Sc. Biochemistry, Chemistry, Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology and Zoology.

The spokesperson further informed that the results of the Re-appear examinations have also been declared for M.Sc. Agricultural Biotechnology (Third Semester), Biochemistry (Second and Third Semesters), Biotechnology (Third Semester), Bioinformatics (Third Semester), Botany (Third Semester), Chemistry (Second and Third Semesters), Computer Science (Third Semester), Environmental Biotechnology (Second and Third Semesters), Environmental Science (Second and Third Semesters), Forensic Science (Second and Third Semesters), Food Technology (Second and Third Semesters), Microbiology (Second Semester), Microbial Biotechnology (Second and Third Semesters), Medical Biotechnology (Second and Third Semesters), Physics (Third Semester) and Zoology (Second and Third Semesters).

The spokesperson said that the examination results will be available on the University's official website.

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Link Officers appointed for smooth functioning of HSSC & HPSC

Chandigarh, August 5: The Haryana Government has appointed Link Officers to ensure smooth functioning of official work of the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) and Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) in the absence of the officers concerned due to leave, training, tour, election duty, transfer or retirement.

The orders, issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, provide for designated Link Officers to look after the work of the concerned officers during their absence or in case of a vacancy.

As per the orders, the Deputy Secretary, Haryana Public Service Commission, has been designated as Link Officer-I for the Secretary, Haryana Staff Selection Commission, while the OSD, Haryana Staff Selection Commission, has been designated as Link Officer-II.

Similarly, the Secretary, Haryana Staff Selection Commission, has been designated as Link Officer-I for the Deputy Secretary, Haryana Public Service Commission.

The order states that the concerned officer shall be duty-bound to inform the designated Link Officer before proceeding on leave, training, tour or election duty.

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Haryana to Honour Commonwealth Games 2026 Medal Winners on August 7- Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam

Chief Minister to felicitate medal winners and participating athletes at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula

Cash Awards Worth Rs 13.47 Crore to be Distributed Under Haryana's Sports Policy

Chandigarh, August 5- Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said a grand State-level felicitation ceremony will be organised on August 7, 2026, to honour Haryana's medal winners and participating athletes who brought laurels to the country at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026. The function will be held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector 3, Panchkula.

Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will attend as the Chief Guest and present cash awards and commendation certificates to the athletes.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam said Haryana's athletes once again demonstrated their outstanding sporting excellence on the international stage at the Commonwealth Games. He said 10 athletes from the State won medals, including seven gold, two silver and one bronze. Under the Haryana Government's Sports Policy, cash awards amounting to Rs 13.47 crore will be distributed to the medal winners and participating athletes.

The Minister said each of the seven gold medallists will receive Rs 1.50 crore, while each of the two silver medallists will be awarded Rs 75 lakh. The bronze medallist will receive Rs 50 lakh. He further said that 13 participating athletes will also be honoured with Rs 7.50 lakh each as an incentive to encourage them.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government's foremost objective is to provide the youth of the State with world-class sports facilities and an excellent training environment. He said the Government is committed to ensuring that talented athletes receive every possible support at the grassroots level so that they can compete fearlessly at international events and win more medals for the country.

The Minister said that on Tuesday, he had personally received Haryana's Commonwealth Games medal winners on their return from Scotland at Delhi International Airport, where they were accorded a grand civic reception with traditional drumbeats and floral garlands.

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High-Level Monitoring Committee Constituted to Prevent Sewer Accidents- Ranbir Gangwa

Senior officers to conduct special inspections across 14 Public Health Engineering circles to ensure strict compliance with safety norms

Chandigarh, August 5- While strictly adhering to the directions of Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister Sh. The Public Health Engineering Department has constituted a high-level monitoring committee comprising senior officers to strengthen safety measures during sewer works across the State. The committee has been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with all prescribed safety protocols and preventing the recurrence of sewer-related accidents.

Sharing more details in this regard, an official spokesperson of the department said that the committee will comprise the Chief Engineer at Headquarters, the Superintending Engineer of the concerned Public Health Engineering Circle and the Executive Engineer of the respective division.

The spokesperson said that inspection responsibilities have been assigned to the officers, namely, Chief Engineer Sh. Pradeep Kumar, who will oversee Hisar and Jind circles; Sh. Rajeev Batish will monitor Ambala and Kaithal; Sh. Rajesh Bansal will inspect Sirsa and Bhiwani; Sh. Shailendra Singh will oversee Jhajjar and Narnaul; Sh. T.R. Panwar will monitor Rohtak and Rewari; Sh. D.K. Saini will inspect Karnal and Sonipat; and Sh. Jaswant Singh will oversee Palwal and Gurugram Public Health Engineering circles.

The spokesperson further shared that the committee will undertake periodic field visits to the assigned circles to verify compliance with all prescribed safety standards, the use of mandatory safety equipment and adherence to operational guidelines during sewer works. Any deficiency or negligence detected during inspections will be addressed immediately by initiating appropriate corrective measures.

The spokesperson said that as per the department's directions, the committee will submit its inspection reports to the Chief Engineer, Haryana, following which the reports will be placed before Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa to facilitate prompt decisions for further strengthening the safety mechanism.

*Safety of Workers Top Priority, directs Ranbir Gangwa*

The spokesperson said the Cabinet Minister has clarified that ensuring the safety of personnel engaged in sewer works is the highest priority of the Public Health Engineering Department. Furthermore, as per the directions of the Minister, any negligence in complying with safety norms will not be tolerated at any level, and strict action will be taken against the officers or agencies concerned in accordance with the rules wherever lapses are found.

The spokesperson said that the Cabinet Minister had also stated that the department is committed to ensuring that sewer works are carried out in a completely safe manner and that any recurrence of accidents resulting in loss of life is prevented. The Minister has also directed that the committee will conduct surprise inspections from time to time and submit its reports, said the spokesperson.

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India's Fourth-Place Finish at Commonwealth Games a Matter of Pride for the Nation- Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam

Sports Minister encourages athletes to uphold discipline, hard work and sportsmanship at inaugural Sant Guru Ravidas North Zone Girls Volleyball Championship in Panchkula

Chandigarh, August 5- Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said India's fourth-place finish at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 is a matter of great pride and honour for the entire nation. He said Indian athletes have earned global recognition for the country through their talent, discipline and relentless hard work, and expressed confidence that the younger generation would draw inspiration from their achievements to attain greater success on the international stage.

The Minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 1st Sant Guru Ravidas North Zone Girls Volleyball Championship in Panchkula as the Chief Guest on Wednesday. Women's volleyball teams from various northern states participated in the championship. The event was attended by players, coaches, sports officials and a large number of sports enthusiasts.

Addressing the participants, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said sports are not merely about winning or losing but serve as the greatest school of discipline, self-confidence, perseverance, leadership and teamwork. He said sports equip individuals to face life's challenges with determination while fostering positive values and energy in society. He urged every athlete to set clear goals and pursue them with dedication, adding that there is no shortcut to success.

The Minister said Haryana has long established itself as the country's sporting powerhouse, with its athletes consistently bringing laurels to India at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international competitions. He said these achievements reflect not only the hard work of the athletes but also the State's strong sporting culture.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is giving the highest priority to the welfare of sportspersons. He said the State is strengthening sports infrastructure by developing modern facilities, expanding stadiums, providing world-class training and ensuring the availability of advanced sports equipment. The Government's objective, he added, is to ensure that no talented athlete is deprived of opportunities due to a lack of resources.

Highlighting the achievements of women athletes, the Minister said daughters of Haryana are setting new benchmarks in sports, just as they are excelling in every other field. He said their outstanding performances at the international level have brought immense pride to both the State and the nation. Expressing confidence in the participants of the championship, he said they have the potential to represent India and win medals for the country in the future.

Former Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, former Kalka MLA, Smt. Latika Sharma, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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Agriculture Minister Welcomes Sacred Kalash Vandan Yatra in Yamunanagar

Sacred Kalash carrying soil from Seer Govardhanpur ceremonially flagged off for all 16 organisational mandals of the district

Chandigarh, August 5- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana welcomed the Sacred Kalash Vandan Yatra carrying the sacred soil from the birthplace of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji at Seer Govardhanpur, Varanasi, on its arrival in Yamunanagar.

Organised to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj, the yatra received a grand welcome with drumbeats, floral showers and devotional chants. After special prayers at Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Model Town, the sacred kalash was ceremonially flagged off for all 16 organisational mandals of the district, enabling devotees across the district to pay obeisance to the sacred soil.

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the Kalash Vandan Yatra would carry the message of social harmony, equality and the teachings of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji to every corner of Haryana.

He said the yatra also received a grand welcome at Alipura village in the Radaur Assembly constituency and would continue visiting Guru Ravidas temples across the State till February 20, 2027. Referring to Guru Ravidas Ji's timeless message, ‘Man Changa To Kathoti Mein Ganga,’ the Minister said it continues to inspire people to lead a life guided by righteousness and equality.

Yamunanagar MLA, Sh. Ghanshyam Das Arora, Yamunanagar Mayor, Smt. Suman Bahmani, former Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.

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Mandkola Primary Health Centre in Palwal Upgraded to Community Health Centre- Health Minister

Chandigarh, August 5- In a major step towards strengthening healthcare services and improving access to quality medical facilities in rural areas, the Haryana Government has accorded administrative approval to upgrade the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Mandkola in Palwal district into a Community Health Centre (CHC). The decision will benefit residents of Mandkola and dozens of surrounding villages by providing advanced healthcare facilities closer to their homes.

Divulging more information in this regard, Haryana Health Minister, Ms Arti Singh Rao said Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini had announced the upgradation of Mandkola PHC into a CHC in the State Budget presented in March this year. She said the Chief Minister has now fulfilled that budget announcement by granting formal approval.

The Minister added that the present Government remains fully committed to implementing every public commitment and budget announcement within a stipulated timeframe.

The Health Minister said the upgradation of the PHC into a Community Health Centre will significantly strengthen healthcare services in the area. In addition to general medical care, residents will now have access to specialist services in obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and general surgery.

She further said the upgraded CHC will provide 24x7 emergency services, increased bed capacity, modern laboratory testing, X-ray and other diagnostic facilities under one roof. This will reduce the need for thousands of residents of Mandkola and neighbouring villages to travel to Palwal District Hospital or other cities for routine treatment or emergency medical care, resulting in substantial savings of both time and money.

The Minister said residents have welcomed the Government's people-centric decision and expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Health Minister, Ms Arti Singh Rao.

=========================================================Several Key Decisions Taken for Conservation and Development of Saraswati River; Detailed Report to be Prepared by IIT Roorkee

Saraswati Will Flow, Tourism Will Grow; Groundwater Level Will Also Improve: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chief Minister Chairs Meeting of Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, August 5: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Saraswati River is not only a centre of religious faith but also a living witness to India’s ancient civilisation and culture. He said the state government has accorded the Saraswati revival project the highest priority.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was chairing a meeting of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board at the Civil Secretariat on Wednesday. During the meeting, he also released a report detailing the achievements and activities of the Board. Detailed discussions were held on important issues related to the holistic development, conservation and public awareness of the Saraswati River, and several key decisions were taken. Officials of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board also presented details of ongoing activities and upcoming plans before the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation arrangements at all religious sites in the Pehowa area.

Directing officials to expedite the work, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that all works, including those at Adi Badri, should be completed at a fast pace. He said the project would not only help develop sources of drinking water and irrigation but also promote religious tourism in the Pehowa area. During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that a 350-acre Saraswati reservoir is being developed and that excavation work involving 10 lakh cusecs of earth has so far been successfully completed from the main reservoir, marking a major achievement in the project.

Taking a status report on the construction of the barrage, the Chief Minister directed Irrigation Department officials to accelerate the work without any delay. He made it clear that technical shortcomings or any laxity in adhering to timelines would not be tolerated and directed officials to conduct regular reviews of the project themselves. Discussions were also held on the development of Pehowa and other related aspects. The beautification of the Prachi Saraswati tributary, construction of steps and cultural programme sheds, among several other important projects, were also discussed. These projects are estimated to cost approximately Rs. 56 crore. The Saraswati Board has prepared an integrated plan for all these developmental activities.

Officials of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board informed the Chief Minister that ghats equipped with modern facilities are being constructed along the Saraswati River. Modern bridges will also be constructed to facilitate smooth connectivity. Work is also underway towards the renovation of ancient temples, construction of water conservation structures, cleaning and beautification of ponds, demarcation and cleaning of the river, and development of the riverfront as a world-class tourist destination. In addition, the establishment of a museum and interpretation centre in Pehowa in coordination with the concerned departments is also being considered.

*Signage Boards to Be Installed at Key Locations*

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that conservation of the historic river would not be possible until the general public is made aware of its significance. To achieve this objective, he directed that large signage boards be installed at 40 to 50 important locations in and around the area. These boards will provide detailed information about the historical, mythological and cultural significance of the Saraswati River, enabling citizens to actively participate in the river revival campaign.

*No Untreated Water Should Enter the River Under Any Circumstances*

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini issued environmental directives to protect the Saraswati River from pollution. He said that all liquid waste management systems around the Saraswati River must remain fully operational. If any system is non-functional, the concerned officials must get it repaired and ensure regular follow-up.

He said that untreated water from nearby villages must not be allowed to enter the Saraswati River under any circumstances. To ensure this, it was decided that the maintenance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) would be ensured through coordination among the concerned departments, including Municipal Corporations, Panchayati Raj and the Irrigation Department. Officials were directed to ensure that all STPs remain operational at full capacity and that the quality of river water is monitored regularly.

*Proposal to Seek Consultancy from IIT Roorkee Also Approved*

The meeting also approved a proposal to seek consultancy from IIT Roorkee for water linkage between the Tons Basin and Saraswati Basin and sustainable groundwater management. The primary objective of the consultancy is to ensure sustainable water recharge in the Saraswati River.

With the support of IIT Roorkee, a detailed report will be prepared to study how water from the Tons River and seasonal streams can be brought to the Saraswati River. The Tons River is considered a major and perennial tributary source of the ancient Saraswati River system and originates from a glacier. The quantity and quality of water available from various sources will also be assessed. In addition, scientific methods will be developed to raise groundwater levels and ensure long-term water security.

Officials said that this initiative would provide a strong scientific foundation to the Saraswati revival project. It would not only help ensure a continuous flow of water in the river but also promote groundwater recharge in surrounding areas, which is extremely important for a state like Haryana.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Chief Principal Secretary Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretaries Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Sh. A.K. Singh, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department Sh. Pankaj Yadav, Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang, CEO, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board Sh. Kumar Supravin, Vice Chairman Sh. Dhooman Singh Kirmach, OSD to the Chief Minister Sh. B.B. Bharti, former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha, and Chairman Ashish Sharma Chakrapani.

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World Bank Collaboration to Strengthen AI-Based Good Governance, Skill Development and Data-Driven Decision-Making System in Haryana: CM Nayab Singh Saini

AI to Improve Air Quality; Haryana to Establish New Identity in Data-Driven Governance

Haryana’s AI Model to Be Showcased at Korea Digital Summit; CM Receives Special Invitation

Chandigarh, August 5: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today held a meeting with a delegation of the World Bank in Chandigarh and discussed in detail ways to give a new direction to Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, skill development and data-driven administration in the state. The Chief Minister said that Haryana does not want to limit technology merely to innovation; rather, the government’s objective is to ensure that its benefits reach the common citizen directly. He said that technology is meaningful only when it makes people’s lives easier and makes government services more transparent, faster and more effective.

During the meeting, World Bank officials informed the Chief Minister that the AI Sandbox developed by the World Bank in collaboration with the Haryana Government will be showcased on the global stage at the Korea Digital Summit, to be held in Korea from October 19 to 22. IT ministers and digital sector experts from across the world will be apprised of its achievements during the summit. World Bank officials also invited Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini to participate in the summit.

*PPP 2.0, Data Lake and AI Model to Further Strengthen Digital Haryana*

The Chief Minister described the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) as one of the state’s most important digital initiatives and said that it is enabling eligible beneficiaries to receive the benefits of government schemes in a timely and transparent manner. He said that several states across the country are studying this model. Keeping in view the needs of the times, PPP 2.0 will now be developed to make it more modern and user-friendly.

He said that Haryana intends to move forward towards seamless exchange of information among various departments by developing a comprehensive Data Exchange Policy and Data Lake. This will make policy formulation and administrative decision-making more accurate and effective.

The Chief Minister urged the World Bank to expedite the launch of the Haryana AI and Development Project and said that the proposed AI Gurukul under the project would equip youth with skills aligned with future requirements. Special focus would also be laid on training as per industry requirements and developing skill centres in every district.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also suggested developing a dedicated AI model for Haryana. He said that this model, by understanding the state’s laws, rules and government procedures, would help officials take quick and accurate decisions and provide citizens with faster, simpler and quality services.

*AI to Improve Air Quality, Technology to Enable Effective Pollution Control*

The Chief Minister requested the World Bank’s cooperation in developing an Air Quality Decision Support System to make air quality management in the state more effective. He said that officials who recently returned from a study tour of China had shared information about the modern systems being adopted there. Haryana, too, under its Clean Air Programme, will rapidly move towards effective control of air pollution by adopting globally advanced technologies and AI-based solutions.

He also sought the World Bank’s cooperation in studying the challenges faced by various government departments and developing simple, practical and cost-effective technological solutions for them.

*250 Startups Showcase Strength; Innovations to Now Directly Benefit Citizens*

The Chief Minister appreciated the AI Sandbox established by the World Bank and said that the platform is providing an opportunity to test new technologies in a safe and effective manner. He informed that around 250 companies and startups participated in the recently held Innovation Challenge, which is a testament to the rapidly developing innovation ecosystem in Haryana. These innovations will now be implemented across various government departments so that their direct benefits reach citizens.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the World Bank’s continued support and expressed confidence that through joint efforts, Haryana would further strengthen its identity among the leading states in the country in the areas of responsible and safe Artificial Intelligence, better governance, greater employment generation and citizen-centric services.

The meeting was attended by Chief Minister’s Chief Principal Secretary Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary Sh. Arun Gupta, CEO of ARJUN Council SPV Sh. J. Ganesan, World Bank Regional Director (Digital and Artificial Intelligence, Asia-Pacific) Sh. Mahesh Uttamchandani, and several other senior officials.

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Work on Second Phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 Campaign Underway

More than 42.69 lakh notices prepared; notices being served to concerned electors through BLOs

Chandigarh, August 5: As per the directions of the Election Commission of India, the process of making the electoral roll error-free and updated under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-2026 is continuing. Under this campaign, notices are being issued to electors in cases involving unmapped electors and various types of discrepancies.

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer A. Sreenivas said that a total of 44,86,035 notices were required to be generated by July 31, 2026, of which 42,69,239 notices have been prepared so far. These notices are being served to the concerned electors through Booth Level Officers (BLOs), while the process of issuing notices in the remaining cases is also being expedited. Meanwhile, as of August 5, 2026, 8,942 applications in Form-6, 194 in Form-7 and 8,294 in Form-8 have been received.

During the Special Intensive Revision campaign, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are carrying out various election-related tasks, including door-to-door verification, distribution and collection of forms, and disposal of claims and objections. Considering the scale and importance of the work during the campaign, each BLO and BLO Supervisor will also be given a one-time honorarium of Rs. 6,000 in addition to their annual honorarium.

The Chief Electoral Officer has appealed to all eligible electors to check their names in the draft electoral roll. If the name of any eligible elector is not included in the list, they should apply by filling Form-6. In case of any error in the elector’s details, Form-8 should be filled and submitted to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or the BLO by August 30, 2026, so that the name of every eligible elector can be correctly included in the final electoral roll.

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Haryana Brings Issuance of Petrol Pump NOC Under Right to Service Act

Chandigarh, August 5: The Haryana Government has brought one service of Revenue & Disaster Management Department under the ambit of the Right to Service Act.

As per a notification issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, the stipulated time limit for issuance of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for petrol pumps has been fixed at 45 days.

The notification specifies that the City Magistrate concerned will be the designated officer responsible for providing the service. The Deputy Commissioner of the district concerned has been designated as the first appellate authority, while the Divisional Commissioner of the division concerned will serve as the second appellate authority.

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J.C. Bose University Opens State-of-the-Art Research Facilities Across India

J.C. Bose University Launches Online Booking Portal for Advanced Research Facilities

Chandigarh, August 5: J.C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA, Faridabad, has launched an Online Booking Portal for its Central Research Facility (CRF), making its state-of-the-art research facilities accessible to researchers, academicians, scientists, and industry professionals across the country. External users can now book sophisticated scientific instruments online on a user-charge basis, while internal academic users will have free access. The initiative aims to promote collaborative research, maximize the utilization of advanced research infrastructure, and build a self-empowered research ecosystem.

The portal [https://jcboseust.ac.in/outreach/crf/crf_booking] was inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rajive Kumar, in the presence of Prof. Shamsher, Vice Chancellor, Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur. Developed by the University's IT Cell, the portal is the result of the dedicated efforts of Mr. Ankit Pannu, System Analyst, and Dr. Anurag Prakash Sunda, Deputy Director (CRF). Dr. Anuj Arya, Deputy Director (CRF) and Dr. Somvir Bajar, Associate Director (CRF) were also present on the occasion.

Introducing the initiative, Dr. Ravi Kumar, Director (CRF), informed that the University has established the Central Research Facility with an investment of nearly ₹24 crore through support from the Haryana Higher Education Department, DST-PURSE, and RUSA. The facility houses advanced scientific instruments for material characterization, chemical and biological analysis, computational studies, and other interdisciplinary research. He added that, besides the Central Research Facility, the University has established and is in the process of developing several Centres of Excellence in emerging technologies, including Electric Vehicle Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Anti-Drone Technology, and the Siemens Mechatronics Centre, further strengthening the University's research and innovation ecosystem.

While sharing his experiences during his tenure at AICTE, Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajive Kumar said that advanced research infrastructure created under various government-funded projects often remained underutilized because access was largely confined to individual institutions. He noted that many such facilities also faced maintenance challenges after the completion of the projects due to limited usage. He said opening these facilities to researchers from other institutions would ensure optimum utilization of public resources, strengthen collaboration, and enable institutions lacking expensive equipment to undertake high-quality research.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shamsher appreciated the initiative and observed that J.C. Bose University possesses several advanced research instruments that are not available even in many premier institutions. He expressed confidence that the facility would significantly benefit researchers engaged in advanced research in science and engineering. At the end of the program, Prof. Munish Vashishth, Dean (Institutions), proposed the formal vote of thanks.