Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini pays tribute to Acharya Bhikshu Swami Ji at 300th birth anniversary celebrations

Principles of 'Ahimsa' and 'Anekantavada' of Bhikshu Swami Ji are need of hour: Chief Minister

Build a value-based society by drawing inspiration from the teachings of great leaders

A Developed India is possible only when society is guided by strong moral character: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, July 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the thoughts and principles of great personalities continue to guide us on the right path in life. If we adopt their ideals and put them into practice, it becomes possible to build a society grounded in morality and strong character. The dream of a developed India can be realised only when every individual in society is imbued with moral values. If we aspire to build a strong and self-reliant nation, the foundation must be a morally upright and principled society. This vision can be achieved only by drawing inspiration from the lives and teachings of great personalities.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the 300th birth anniversary celebrations of Acharya Shri Bhikshu Swami Ji in here today. He paid his respects to all the revered saints present on the dais, including Munishri Vinay Kumar Alok Ji, Munishri Sudhakar Ji, Munishri Abhay Kumar Alok Ji, Munishri Naresh Ji and Swami Sampurnanand Brahmachari Ji Maharaj. He expressed his gratitude and said it was his privilege to be among the devotees of the Terapanthi community on this auspicious occasion.

He said that India is a land of saints, and it is because of them that our cultural heritage remains vibrant. The Chief Minister praised the austere lifestyle of Jain monks, describing them as symbols of sacrifice and self-discipline in today’s materialistic world. He added that the principles laid down by the saints and sages continue to given direction to humanity.

Acharya Bhikshu Swami Ji was a visionary social reformer and a pioneer of ideological revolution

The Chief Minister said that Acharya Shri Bhikshu Swami Ji was not merely a monk, but a courageous and revolutionary thinker. He challenged the prevailing distortions in religion and gave spirituality a rational and enlightened direction. Born in Vikram Samvat 1783 in Kantalia village, the early life of 'Bhikkhan', as he was known before becoming an Acharya, was marked by sacrifice, penance, and a deep pursuit of truth. In Vikram Samvat 1817, he founded the Terapanth sect—not merely as the inception of a new tradition, but as a bold movement to restore religion in its purest and most principled form. The foundational principle of "one Acharya, one discipline, one ideology" became the hallmark of Terapanth, symbolizing discipline, unity, and unwavering devotion.

Bhikshu Swami Ji's thoughts are relevant in today's era

The Chief Minister said that the teachings of Acharya Bhikshu Ji remain highly relevant even in today’s times. He emphasized that non-violence is not merely the absence of physical conflict, but also the purity of thought, speech, and action, this, he said, is the true essence of non-violence. In today’s tense and increasingly intolerant environment, such a principle can play a vital role in uniting society. Speaking about Anekantavad, he described it as the very soul of democracy, a philosophy that encourages respect for diverse perspectives. He further stated that the message of Aparigraha serves as a moral antidote to the modern tendencies of consumerism, hoarding, and corruption.

Youth must practice self-discipline and follow ideals

The Chief Minister said that Acharya Bhikshu Ji believed that when an individual transforms for the better, society and the nation will naturally follow. He emphasized that the strong foundation of any nation must rest on moral values. Addressing the youth in particular, the Chief Minister urged them to draw inspiration from the life of Acharya Shri Bhikshu Swami Ji, to read about his teachings, and to imbibe his thoughts. He described Acharya Ji’s life as a profound example of fearlessness, truth, self-restraint, and service to the nation. He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing toward the goal of becoming a developed nation. However, this vision can only be realized when our society is rooted in character, discipline, and moral integrity.

On this occasion, Munishri Vinay Kumar Alok Ji and Munishri Sudhakar Ji shed light on the life of Munishri Bhikshu Ji Maharaj and the foundational principles of the Terapanth sect. They said that while it may be easy to speak about the teachings of great personalities, it is far more challenging to put those teachings into practice. They emphasized the need for everyone to adopt these values in their daily lives. A key feature of the Terapanth tradition, they said, is the principle of "one Guru, one discipline," and the unwavering faith of its followers in their Guru.

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हरियाणा की महिला एवं बाल विकास मंत्री श्रीमती श्रुति चौधरी नई दिल्ली में केंद्रीय पर्यावरण, वन और जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्री श्री भूपेंद्र यादव से शिष्टाचार मुलाकात करते हुए।

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CMOs Directed to Reverse Track Abortions of Upto 24 Weeks of Pregnancy

ACS-Health Sudhir Rajpal Chairs Weekly Meeting Of State Task Force (STF) For Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana

Haryana’s sex ratio improves to 904 till July 7 this year, up from 903 in corresponding period last year

Chandigarh, July 8 – Under the directions of Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao, the weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana was held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal here today. The meeting focused on intensifying efforts to curb illegal abortions and further improve the state's sex ratio under the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign.

The meeting highlighted the recent success of government initiatives: Haryana’s sex ratio improved to 904 till July 7 this year, up from 903 in the corresponding period last year.

The Additional Chief Secretary emphasized the need for stringent enforcement against illegal abortions, instructing officials to take strict punitive measures, including revoking the licences of doctors found complicit. In one such case, two nursing homes were sealed in Nuh district over illegal abortion practices. Further, all Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have been asked to take action against BAMS doctors and quacks engaged in illegal abortion activities and submit a report every week.

Officials informed that consistent field-level efforts have led to a noticeable rise in birth registration figures for June as compared to May. To further strengthen the drive, the Additional Chief Secretary directed senior officers to collaborate with ASHA and Anganwadi workers to identify and register unregistered children, particularly in slum and low-income areas of Palwal, Nuh, Gurugram, and Faridabad. The goal is to complete all pending registrations within one month.

In a parallel effort to curb illegal practices, the ACS instructed CMOs to initiate reverse tracking of abortions conducted upto 24 weeks of pregnancy. The aim is to identify the medical practitioners involved in such procedures and initiate strict action in cases of violations. A comprehensive procedure for reverse tracking has already been shared with all CMOs.

Regarding the regulation of IVF centres, the task force decided that couples with one or two living female children seeking another child through IVF must obtain prior permission from the District Appropriate Authority.

The meeting was also informed that due to an intensified crackdown on illegal Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) centres, around 500 such centres have been shut down across the state. This has also led to a significant decline in legal MTPs over the past two months.

The Woman and Child Development Department shared that awareness campaigns under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, initiative are being actively carried out in public parks, and telecom companies are being engaged to disseminate the message through mobile alerts.

Secretary, Health Department and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Sh. Rippudaman Singh Dhillon, and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting.

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Haryana Revolutionizes Criminal Justice: Swift Sentences, Digital Leap Mark Landmark Reforms

Chandigarh, July 8 - Setting a national benchmark through advanced technology, upgraded forensic infrastructure, and intensive training under India’s new criminal laws, Haryana has emerged as a frontrunner in the country’s justice reform movement. The impact of these sweeping changes is already evident most notably in a case where a death sentence was awarded within just 140 days in the rape of a minor, exemplifying the state’s commitment to fast, victim-centric justice. Spearheading an ambitious revamp across police functioning, prosecution, investigation, and courtroom procedures, Haryana’s model has been lauded for its “holistic and technology-driven” approach, as stated by Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra.

Haryana's Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, attending an exhibition on three New Criminals Laws organised by Delhi Government at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. While interacting with media persons today at the exhibition Dr. Misra stated that the backbone of Haryana’s reforms is a massive capacity building initiative that has trained over 54,000 police personnel in the nuanced provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The training emphasized not only legal understanding but also victim-sensitive investigation, digital integration, and modern evidence handling. In parallel, over 37,800 officers have been onboarded onto the iGOT Karmayogi platform, promoting continuous, self-paced legal education one of the most extensive digital skilling drives among state police forces, she added.

Dr. Misra said Haryana’s digital policing leap is anchored by full-scale implementation of platforms like eSummon and eSakshya. Over 91.37% of summonses are now issued electronically, while 100% of searches and seizures are digitally recorded. Notably, 67.5% of witness and complainant statements are being captured using the eSakshya mobile application, standardizing evidence collection and improving transparency across investigations. Dr. Misra said that the state approach to gender-sensitive justice is fortified by Fast Track Special Courts under the POCSO Act in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Panchkula, ensuring swift trials in heinous crimes against women and children.

Dr. Misra informed that under the new criminal laws, witness examination has now extended beyond traditional courtrooms whereby witnesses can now be examined at “designated places”. Designated places include government offices, banks and other such places as may be notified by the government. Haryana has made tremendous and exemplary progress in this direction and 2,117 designated places have been set up for witness examination via audio/video electronic means across all districts, thereby significantly enhancing accessibility and convenience. Further, video conferencing rooms/facility has been made available exclusively for women/vulnerable witnesses in all districts.

The state has also significantly expanded its forensic infrastructure, with mobile forensic vans deployed in every district and two in larger districts. A substantial Rs. 68.70 crore investment has enabled the procurement of modern cyber forensic tools. The government has approved 208 new forensic posts, with 186 vacancies already filled, further strengthening investigative depth.

Dr. Misra further informed that the seamless integration of platforms like TraKea and MedLEaPR into the workflow has ensured that post-mortem and medical examination reports are now filed digitally within seven days, accelerating both charge sheet filing and case adjudication. Haryana is also leveraging biometric and digital identification tools such as NAFIS and Chitrakhoji to strengthen crime-tracking systems.

Dr. Misra said judicial access has been modernized through the Nyay Shruti pilot project in Karnal, where five district courts are now equipped with video conferencing cubicles. Over 50% of police personnel and 70% of accused individuals are now participating in judicial proceedings remotely, significantly reducing logistical challenges and saving both time and public resources. These reforms are not just theoretical they are delivering results.

In addition to the 140-day death sentence conviction, several other criminal trials have concluded in under 20 days, demonstrating Haryana’s ability to deliver swift, efficient, and transparent justice. In high-priority Chinhit Apradh (identified crimes) cases, the conviction rate has exceeded 95% in multiple districts. Furthermore, through Chinhit Apradh initiative, 1,683 heinous cases have been rigorously fast-tracked and monitored at the highest levels, Dr. Misra added.

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2000 sports nurseries opened in state to hone talent of players: Gaurav Gautam

Master athletes are an inspiration for the youth of Haryana: Sports Minister

Chandigarh, July 8 - Haryana Sports Minister Sh. Gaurav Gautam said those with a healthy body and healthy mind play an important role in the progress of any state and country. Following this tradition, the master athletes of the state have not only kept themselves healthy but have also increased the pride of Haryana by winning medals in national and international master athletics competitions. Our master athletes are an inspiration for the youth of the state and these athletes will play an important role in making Haryana drug free.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the felicitation ceremony of the winning players of the World and National Masters Athletics Championship organized by Haryana Master Athletics Association in Panchkula today.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam said Haryana has become a powerhouse of sports. The sports policy of the state is the best in the country. To enhance the talent of the youth, 2000 sports nurseries have been opened in the state, in which more than 37,000 players are writing a new history.

He said due to the sports policy of the state, our players are bringing glory to the country by winning medals in the Olympics, World Championship, Asian and Commonwealth Games. The government is also giving full respect and honour to the players.

He said from the year 2004 to 2014, the state government had spent only Rs 38 crore on the players, whereas from the year 2014 to 2024, the government has spent Rs 592 crore on the players of the state.

He said the state government is not only giving financial strength to the players but is also spending up to Rs 20 lakh on the treatment of players in case of injury during the game. With the aim of promoting sports, the government is also providing loans up to Rs 5 crore to the players at affordable rates to open sports academies. The Sports Minister assured the players that they will be given maximum encouragement under the sports policy. The minister also announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh to Haryana Masters Athletics Association from his voluntary quota.

On this occasion, State President of Haryana Masters Athletics Association, Sh. Ajay Mittal, General Secretary Sh. Ramkishore Sharma and other dignitaries were present.