CM pays tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Balidan Diwas

His thoughts continue to inspire us all,” says the CM

PM fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s vision by abrogating Article 370 says the CM

Chandigarh, June 23 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Monday paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his Balidan Diwas. The Chief Minister offered floral respects at Dr. Mookerjee’s statue and also planted a sapling to give a message of environmental conservation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Dr. Mookerjee’s ideas, patriotism, and supreme sacrifice are still a source of inspiration for every Indian. He recalled how Dr. Mookerjee stood firmly for the unity of the nation, stating, “There cannot be two Prime Ministers, two flags, or two constitutions in one country.” Due to his tireless efforts, the 'permit system' implemented in Jammu and Kashmir ended, strengthening the bond of unity.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini Saini also expressed pride in the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, who fulfilled Dr. Mookerjee’s vision by abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, moving towards 'Akhand Bharat'.

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Chief Minister urges Vice Chancellors to emphasize skill development programs to boost youth employability

Each university directed to run at least 10% of programs in collaboration with industry partners

State Government plans to establish a Model Skill College and Model Skill School in every district

CM Nayab Singh Saini urges Vice Chancellors to enhance research, employment, rankings, and education quality

Haryana State Research Fund (HSRF) with Rs 20 crore allocated to promote research across higher education institutions

Chief Minister presides over meeting with newly appointed Vice Chancellors of Haryana Universities

Chandigarh June 23: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has called upon the Vice Chancellors of universities across the state to place special emphasis on skill development programs aimed at enhancing the employability of the youth. He emphasized that universities should collaborate closely with industries to bridge the gap between education and employment. Each university should run at least 10% of its programs in collaboration with industrial partners. This initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for the state's youth while addressing the evolving needs of various industries, he added.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was presiding over a meeting with the newly appointed Vice Chancellors of different Universties of the State, here today. Assuring the Universities complete guidance, resources, and support of the State Government, the Chief Minister stated that Haryana must transform into a state that not only awards degrees but also provides meaningful direction and purpose to its youth.

Model Skill Colleges and Model Skill Schools to provide specialized, practical education for competitive job market success

The Chief Minister further outlined the State Government’s vision to establish a Model Skill College and a Model Skill School in every district of Haryana. These institutions will focus on providing specialized skill education to students, equipping them with practical expertise to thrive in the competitive job market. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce that aligns with the demands of modern industries and contributes to the overall economic growth of Haryana.

Vice Chancellors urged to enhance institutional rankings to elevate Haryana globally

Sh Nayab Singh Saini urged the Vice Chancellors of the state’s universities to intensify efforts towards improving research output, employment opportunities, institutional rankings, and overall quality of education. He emphasized the importance of working with complete integrity and adopting a fair, non-discriminatory approach to fulfill Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. He said that Vice Chancellors must focus on enhancing the rankings and ratings of their respective institutions to elevate Haryana’s presence on both the national and international stage. Emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership, it was underscored that working with integrity, impartiality, and a non-discriminatory approach is essential. This is not only critical for academic excellence but also for fostering a more inclusive and sustainable institutional culture.

Chief Minister stresses urgent need for rapid and effective implementation of NEP 2020 in educational institutions

Highlighting the significance of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Chief Minister described it as a historic document and stressed the urgent need for its rapid and effective implementation across educational institutions. Sh Saini called upon the Vice Chancellors to align their strategies with the key dimensions of the NEP to foster innovation and holistic development. He further urged universities to maximize their contributions toward realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat – Viksit Haryana, thereby playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic progress of the state and the nation.

Universities to leverage HSRF for research on social issues and rural challenges in Haryana

The Chief Minister said the Haryana State Research Fund (HSRF) has been established to promote research across higher education institutions in the state. With an initial allocation of Rs 20 crores, HSRF is the first fund of its kind dedicated to encouraging innovative research efforts. The Chief Minister directed universities to make optimum use of this fund, particularly focusing on research that addresses pressing social issues and challenges faced by villages in Haryana. He emphasized that the fund should be strategically utilized to foster impactful studies that contribute to the development and welfare of rural communities.

Students to be prepared not just academically, but also ethically and socially for future challenges

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the importance of quality assurance in higher education by urging all universities and their affiliated colleges to obtain NAAC accreditation. He highlighted the need for faculty development, comprehensive student guidance, and active involvement in social projects as institutional priorities.

Sh Saini stressed the critical role of imparting value-based education to students to prepare them not only academically but also ethically and socially for future challenges. He urged the Vice Chancellors to elevate their universities to the highest standards of education, aspiring even to achieve global recognition.

OSD to Chief Minister Dr Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of Dr B.R Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa Prof. Vijay Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi University, Meerpur, Rewari Prof. Aseem Miglani, Vice Chancellor of Gurugram University Prof. Sanjay Kaushik, Vice Chancellor of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University Jind Prof. Rampal Saini, Vice Chancellor of of Dada Laxmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts, Rohtak Prof. Amit Arya and Vice Chancellor of Sh Vishwakarma Skill University Dudhola Palwal Prof Dinesh Kumar were present in the meeting.

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Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expresses grief over the demise of Smt. Parmeshwari Devi, mother of former Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu

Plants Triveni under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative

Chandigarh, June 23: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep grief over the demise of Smt. Parmeshwari Devi (91), mother of former Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu.

The Chief Minister visited her residence in Rohtak to offer his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

The Chief Minister paid tribute to Smt. Parmeshwari Devi by offering flowers on her portrait. He said that Mata Parmeshwari Devi was a deeply religious woman who dedicated her life to the welfare of society and the underprivileged.

While interacting with the media, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has inspired people to become more environmentally conscious by giving the meaningful message of planting a tree in the name of one’s mother.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister planted a Triveni tree at the residence of former Finance Minister Captain Abhimanyu.

Former Education Minister Sh. Ram Bilas Sharma, former MP Sh. Ramesh Kaushik, former MLA Sh. Lila Ram and other dignitaries also paid tribute to the departed soul.

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Vehicle Location Tracking Devices to be Installed in Public Transport Vehicles for Women’s Safety in Haryana

Chief Minister holds review meeting with Transport Department officers

CM issues strict directives on road safety; scientific studies to identify causes of road accidents

Chandigarh, June 23- In a significant move to strengthen the safety of women and children in the state, the Haryana Government has decided to equip all public transport vehicles in the state with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD). This decision was taken during a review meeting of the Transport Department held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. On this occasion, Cabinet Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar was also present.

The Chief Minister directed officers to implement the scheme in a time-bound manner and set clear timelines. He emphasized that department-wise or district-wise targets should be set to ensure timely completion. He further directed integration of this system with the emergency response service 112. This initiative is expected to be a milestone in establishing a safe transport system for women in the state.

The Chief Minister was apprised that the VLTD system has been developed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, under the Nirbhaya Framework. Its objective is to make the public transport system secure, transparent, and technologically enabled, offering real-time location data and emergency alert features. The Chief Minister also reviews budget announcements and directed fast-tracking of the execution of these announcements.

*CM gives strict directions for road safety; scientific analysis to identify causes of accidents*

Expressing concern over road accidents, the Chief Minister gave clear directions for conducting scientific studies to identify the causes. He directed a thorough investigation of each accident, including road conditions, overspeeding, stray animals, or any other possible factors, so that those shortcomings can be addressed to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Chief Minister also gave specific directions to monitor the fitness of school transport vehicles. He stated that all school buses must undergo regular inspections, with attention paid to their technical condition. A meeting with school transport operators should be called soon, where they must be given clear guidelines, and after a fixed timeline, non-compliance should result in challans and vehicle seizure. Children’s safety is our responsibility, he said.

He also directed that roadways drivers be required to submit medical certificates at regular intervals. This step is aimed at prioritizing both passenger safety and drivers’ health.

*Alternate options to reduce revenue deficit to be explored*

To address the challenge of revenue deficit, the Chief Minister directed officers to explore various innovations and commercial possibilities. He suggested evaluating alternatives such as advertising on buses, parcel transportation, and establishing bus stands under the PPP model. Additionally, options for providing online bus booking to tourist destinations should be explored. He also directed that the number of AC buses and their routes should be increased for public convenience.

*City bus services, CM reviews expansion and directs increase in electric buses*

The Chief Minister, while reviewing the city bus service, directed an increase in the number of electric buses, along with the establishment of charging stations. It was informed in the meeting that the procurement process for 375 electric buses under the City Bus Service Scheme is underway. Additionally, under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, action is being expedited for the purchase of 250 more electric buses. Currently, city bus services are operational in 9 cities.

It was also informed in the meeting that the state is focusing on the establishment and expansion of driver training and research institutes (ITDRs) equipped with modern facilities to strengthen road safety. These institutes aim to promote safe driving practices, train professional drivers, and encourage research related to traffic management.

Presently, 4 ITDRs are operational in Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Kaithal, and Karnal. Furthermore, 3 new ITDRs are under development in Nuh, Faridabad, and Bhiwani. In addition, the establishment of a Regional Driver Training Centre (RDTC) in Gurugram is being fast-tracked.

It was also informed that under the registered vehicle scrapping facility, 20 licenses have been issued in the state, of which 8 scrapping centers are operational. The process for establishing Automated Testing Stations is also underway. From April 1, 2025, fitness testing of all transport vehicles will be conducted only through Automated Testing Stations, as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. The Pasco Automated Vehicle Fitness Center in Gurugram has been issued a registration certificate.

Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department Sh. T. L. Satyaprakash, Transport Commissioner, Sh. Atul Kumar, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture Department, Sh. K. M Pandurang, Director General, State Transport Sh. Sujan Singh, and other senior officers also remained present on the

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*Libraries inaugurated at anganwadi centres in village Budanpur and village Kedarpur to foster learning and growth among children*

Chandigarh, June 23- Women and Child Development department (WCD), Government of Haryana, has organised an inspiring event of inauguration of Libraries at Anganwadi Centres in Village Budanpur and Village Kedarpur, Panchkula. The libraries were inaugurated by Smt. Sonia Rastogi, wife of Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi. The IAS Officers’ Wives Association has contributed 10 ceiling fans, 4 water purifiers, hand puppets, building blocks, animal toys, storybooks, and colouring books. Their contribution reflects a growing citizen-led movement to support and strengthen early childhood care and education in Haryana.

This initiative aims to promote early childhood learning and joyful education through well-equipped and vibrant spaces at Anganwadi Centers, where children from marginalized communities can access books, toys, and educational materials.The new libraries will provide enhanced educational resources and a stimulating environment for deprived children attending the Anganwadi Centers, further strengthening pre-school education in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Sonia Rastogi, who has been instrumental in mobilizing support for the repair and upgradation of Anganwadi Centres in District Panchkula, besides arranging materials for libraries, reiterated her commitment to supporting the Department’s vision for improved child welfare services.

At the Anganwadi Centre in Village Kedarpur, the celebrations included a series of engaging community activities such as the ‘God Bharai’ ceremony for pregnant women, cake-cutting to celebrate the girl child, and tree plantation, symbolizing growth and nurturing of both children and the environment. In addition, at the library inauguration occasion, Anganwadi Workers showcased 'Best out of Waste' materials for pre-school activities and displayed low-cost, nutritious recipes to educate and encourage the local community on healthy child-rearing practices.

Former Director General, Health Department, Dr. Usha Gupta, stressed the importance of nutritional benefits of millets (Mota Anaaj) and sprouts, and she emphasised their importance for women and children's health. The initiative is aligned with the goals of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, and the State Government of Haryana under the POSHAN Abhiyaan and Saksham Anganwadi 2.0. It also contributes to the larger objective of transforming Anganwadi Centers into Anganwadi-cum-Pre-schools under the Rashtriya Shiksha Niti, with over 4,000 Centers already upgraded across the State.

Women and Child Development department, Joint Director, Smt. Rajbala Kataria appreciated the contribution and initiative taken by the IAS Officers Wives Association for coming forward to contribute to the basic needs of Anganwadis and play schools such as fans, water purifier, toys, learning materials for children. She asked the Association to contribute for the far flung areas where the Anganwadis and play schools lack the facilities.

District Programme Officer, Panchkula, Smt. Savita Nehra, and WCDPO Pinjore, Smt. Aaru Vashisht and other dignitaries also remained present during the event.

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Under PM ’s leadership, the past 11 years have been remarkable: Gaurav Gautam

Chandigarh, June 23 – Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, said that after the year 2014, India entered a truly transformative era. These 11 years have not just been about governance, but about shaping a stronger, more self-reliant nation that takes pride in its ancient heritage while moving forward in modern development.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam was speaking at a press conference in Manesar on the occasion of the Central Government completing 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. MLA from Pataudi, Smt. Bimla Chaudhary, was also present.

Sh. Gautam said that the focus of the Modi government has always been on the poor, farmers, women, and youth—considered the four pillars of good governance. With the mission of uplifting the last person in society, 29 crore people have been brought above the poverty line in the past 11 years. Under the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, tap water has reached 15 crore rural households. Through the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’, 4 crore families have been given permanent homes. The ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ has helped move the country toward becoming open-defecation-free, preserving the dignity of women.

He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership has been marked by courage and putting the nation first—whether it was the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the surgical strike after the Pulwama attack, or recently connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India through the Chenab Bridge.

Sh. Gautam recalled how before 2014, the country struggled with corruption and nepotism. But in the last 11 years, transparency, technology, and progress have been at the center of every policy, earning India global respect.

India's achievements in science and technology—like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and the Digital India initiative—have made it a world leader in innovation. From being the 10th largest economy in 2014, India now ranks as the fourth largest and fastest-growing economy.

He also shared that women empowerment has been a key goal of this government. The “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, which started in Haryana, has brought real change at the grassroots level.

In the education and infrastructure sectors too, significant progress has been made. The number of universities in the country has grown from 490 in 2014 to 1,213 today. Similarly, the number of airports has increased from 74 to 160. Mega infrastructure projects like ‘PM Gati Shakti’, ‘Bharatmala’, and ‘Sagarmala’ have transformed India’s connectivity and logistics.

Speaking about Haryana's contribution to this growth, Sh. Gautam said the state has played a key role in improving farmers’ welfare, attracting investment, and producing medal-winning athletes. He noted that the Prime Minister has always shown special support for Haryana through several major projects.

Haryana is home to India’s first Skill University, set up in Palwal, as part of the government’s focus on skill development. Comparing support for athletes, Sh. Gautam pointed out that under the Congress government (2004–2014), players received only Rs.38.45 crore in cash awards. In contrast, from 2014 to 2024, the present government awarded Rs. 592.84 crore—showing a strong commitment to sports and athletes under the guidance of the Prime Minister and Haryana’s Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Saini.

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Role of BLOs is crucial: Responsible from voter list preparation to distribution of voter slips — A. Sreenivasan

Election Commission of India launches training program for BLOs; Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar inaugurates the 13th batch

Chandigarh, June 23 — Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. A. Sreenivasan, said that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) play a vital role in successfully conducting the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. From preparing error-free voter lists to distributing voter slips to the electorate, BLOs shoulder important responsibilities.

He said that to empower and enhance the skills of BLOs, the 13th batch of training for Booth Level Officers (BLO) Supervisors began at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi today.

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Sh. Gyanesh Kumar inaugurated the programme with an address to the 379 participants (111 from Uttar Pradesh; 128 from Madhya Pradesh; 67 from Nagaland, 66 from Meghalaya and 7 from Chandigarh). Over 5,000 BLO/BLO Supervisors have been trained in the last three months by ECI in New Delhi.

In his inaugural address, CEC, Sh. Gyanesh Kumar said that these training programmes are essential to ensure that the preparation of electoral rolls and elections are conducted strictly in accordance with the Representation of People Act 1950, 1951, Registration of Electors Rules 1960, Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and the instructions issued by the ECI from time to time. He added that there can be nothing more transparent than law in any democracy and the elections in India are held as per law.

The CEC also underlined that the participants, through the training, will familiarise themselves with the provisions of first and second appeals against the final electoral rolls as published with the DM/District Collector/Executive Magistrate under section 24(a) of RP Act 1950 and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State/UT under section 24(b) respectively. He also encouraged the BLOs and BLO Supervisors to make the electors also aware of these provisions during their field level verification.

Notably, no appeals were filed from Meghalaya, Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh after the completion of the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise as of 6th-10th of January 2025.

The training is designed to enhance participants' practical understanding especially in the areas of voter registration, Form handling, and field-level implementation of electoral procedures. Participants will also receive practical training on the IT tools. The officials will also be provided technical demonstrations and training of EVMs and VVPATs including mock polls.