*CM Nayab Singh Saini Meets High-Level Russian Delegation to Explore India–Russia Joint Ventures in Advanced Drone Technology*

*Russian Technology Firms Discuss Investment Opportunities in Haryana’s Drone and Aerospace Sector*

*Sisai Set to Emerge as a Hub for Advanced Drone Manufacturing*

Chandigarh, October 14: In a significant step towards positioning Haryana as a global hub for drone manufacturing, aerospace and advanced technology, a high-level Russian delegation met Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh to explore opportunities for investment, technology transfer, joint research and industrial collaboration in the state.

The discussions focused on two proposed India–Russia joint ventures at Drone City Haryana, established by AVPL International in Sisai, Hansi. The proposed projects envisage the manufacturing of advanced helicopter drones and the development of GPS/GNSS-independent drone navigation technology using Indian semiconductor chips.

The six-member delegation comprised four representatives from leading Russian technology organisations and two senior Indian representatives. The Russian delegation included Mr. Leonid Artemov, Director, Skolkovo Foundation; Mr. Aleksandr Zaporozhskii, Project Manager, Skolkovo Foundation; Mr. Alexey Urbanskiy, CEO, Omnitech LLC; and Mr. Sergey Lebedev, CEO and Co-Founder, 4GNSS LLC / Orient Systems Group. The Indian representatives were Lieutenant General Rakesh Kumar Anand, Director General, Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society, and Sh. Deep Singh Sisai, Founder and Chairman, AVPL International (AITMC Ventures Limited). The delegation discussed opportunities for developing an advanced drone manufacturing ecosystem in Haryana through international technological cooperation and proposed joint ventures.

During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Chief Minister of the proposed collaboration between Russia's Omnitech LLC and AVPL International for establishing an advanced helicopter drone manufacturing facility at Drone City Haryana in Sisai. The proposed project envisages manufacturing, assembly, research, testing and technological development facilities for advanced unmanned helicopter platforms. According to the proposal, the helicopter drone would have a flight range of up to 250 kilometres and a payload capacity of up to 200 kilograms. The project aims to promote technology transfer, indigenous manufacturing, research and industrial production in Haryana.

The proposed helicopter drones could be used for industrial logistics, disaster management, the delivery of essential supplies to remote and inaccessible areas, and other civilian and industrial applications. If the joint venture is finalised, the project could create new opportunities for the development of a specialised helicopter drone manufacturing sector in Haryana, strengthening the state's position in advanced aerospace and unmanned aerial systems manufacturing.

The delegation also discussed a second proposed India–Russia joint venture with 4GNSS LLC / Orient Systems Group for developing advanced drone navigation technology capable of operating without GPS/GNSS signals. The proposed technology aims to enable drones to complete their designated missions even when satellite navigation signals are unavailable. The project envisages exploring the use of Indian semiconductor chips, indigenous technological development and manufacturing in India. The initiative could contribute to the advancement of drone research, autonomous navigation and aerospace electronics while creating opportunities for domestic technology development.

Notably, the Haryana Government has already taken significant steps to promote drone and aerospace manufacturing in the state. At the 19th meeting of the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board (HEPB), chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, a special incentive package of ₹58.51 crore was approved for AITMC Ventures Limited. The approval was granted under the Haryana Enterprises and Employment Policy, 2020, for developing a drone and drone-component manufacturing hub in Hisar district.

The Chief Minister has also emphasised the need to establish Haryana as a leading destination for drone manufacturing, research and innovation. During a review meeting held on September 28, 2026, he directed officials to prioritise research in drone manufacturing, provide facilities to startups and strengthen technical skill development among young people, with the objective of developing Haryana as the Drone Capital. The proposed collaboration with Russian technology companies represents a potential opportunity to advance these priorities through international partnerships, technology transfer and high-value manufacturing.

Drone City Haryana at Sisai is an important initiative in this direction. The foundation stone of the project was laid by the Chief Minister in September 2025, while its first phase was inaugurated in May 2026 by Haryana Government Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi.

Before arriving in Haryana, the Russian delegation met Union Minister for Civil Aviation Sh. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi on October 12, 2026. The delegation subsequently visited Drone City Haryana at Sisai to familiarise itself with the manufacturing, research and technical training facilities available at the site. Representatives of AVPL International and the Drone Tech Multi-State Cooperative Society also discussed opportunities for technological cooperation and joint ventures with the Russian companies.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, OSD to CM Sh. Vivek Kalia, and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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**Haryana brings mental health institutions under a six-category regulatory framework; registration, patient safety norms tightened**

**Rs. 25,000 permanent registration fee prescribed; de-addiction centres face mandatory patient reporting, safeguards against physical restraint and stricter oversight**

Chandigarh, October 14 - Haryana has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework covering six categories of mental health establishments, including standalone mental health establishments, psychiatric departments of medical colleges, psychiatric wards of multi-specialty hospitals, de-addiction centres, centres for psychosocial rehabilitation and other institutions. It brings their registration, staffing, patient safety, treatment records, and institutional accountability under prescribed standards.

Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra, said here on Wednesday that the Mental Healthcare (State Mental Health Authority) Regulations, 2026, notified by the state Health Department on October 9 under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, establish a framework for regulating mental healthcare institutions across the state.

The regulations prescribe a Rs. 25,000 fee for permanent registration, require documentary evidence of compliance with minimum standards, and introduce provisions on professional qualifications, patients' rights, medical records, physical restraint, privacy, hygiene, fire safety, and accessibility.

Dr. Misra said the regulations classify mental health establishments into six categories, A to F, based on their nature and services. Institutions must follow the applicable registration process under Section 65 of the Mental Healthcare Act. The framework extends beyond conventional mental hospitals and de-addiction centres to psychiatric departments in medical colleges, psychiatric units in general hospitals, residential rehabilitation facilities and specified institutions providing treatment for substance use disorders.

The regulations prescribe minimum standards for accommodation, sanitation, medical equipment, staffing, and emergency preparedness. They include provisions for adequate ventilation, separate beds, clean bedding, water supply, sanitation facilities for male and female patients, power backup, and safe biomedical waste disposal.

The standards prohibit residents from sleeping on the floor and require institutions to maintain arrangements for privacy, personal dignity, and safety.

*Strict safeguards against physical restraint*

A significant provision concerns the use of physical restraint on patients undergoing mental healthcare. The regulations require institutions to minimise restraint, train staff in alternative crisis management methods, and document when physical restraint is necessary.

For inpatient facilities, restraint is permitted only to prevent patients from harming themselves or others, with authorisation from the medical practitioner on duty or consultant psychiatrist.

Institutions subject to the reporting requirement must submit monthly restraint reports to their respective District Mental Health Review Board within the first week of the following month.

The regulations also address patient confidentiality, protection against discrimination, gender-sensitive treatment, access to medical records and procedures for registering advance directives concerning future mental healthcare.

*Mandatory monitoring of de-addiction patients*

Standalone de-addiction centres classified under Category D are required to register all patients on the Haryana De-addiction Monitoring System Portal. Specified Category F institutions providing emergency treatment for substance use disorders must ensure psychiatric supervision and upload patient information to the same portal.

The regulatory framework also has implications for de-addiction and rehabilitation institutions operating under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.

The Haryana SEWA Department, via a September 18 communication referring to a September 9 directive from the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, asked district authorities to expedite registration of existing Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts and De-addiction Centres not registered with the State Mental Health Authority. Member-secretaries of district-level committees, were asked to facilitate registration, ensure compliance with applicable standards and obtain copies of valid registration certificates.

*Mental healthcare access in every district*

The regulatory framework must be implemented alongside the government's broader obligations under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Section 18 of the Act provides for access to mental healthcare, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, rehabilitation, community-based support and services for children and older persons.

The Act requires government-run or government-funded minimum mental health services in every district. It also provides treatment arrangements where services are unavailable locally. Overall, the regulations aim to improve the quality of mental healthcare, strengthen public confidence in treatment facilities and protect individuals and families seeking psychiatric, rehabilitation and de-addiction services.

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*Officials Must Ensure Availability of Improved Fodder Seeds for Dairy Animals: Shyam Singh Rana*

*Farmers to Be Encouraged to Set Up Indigenous Cow Dairies, Says Minister*

Chandigarh, October 14: Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana has directed officials to work towards ensuring the availability of improved fodder seeds for dairy animals in the state so that people can get good-quality milk. He also directed officials to explore the possibility of formulating a policy in this regard.

Sh. Rana was chairing a meeting of senior officials of the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, LUVAS University, the Haryana Livestock Development Board and the Haryana Gau Seva Aayog at his office in Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department; Dr. Prem Singh, Director; Dr. Vinod Kumar Verma, Vice-Chancellor of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (LUVAS), Hisar; and other officials.

The Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister said that dairy animals should be fed fodder grown without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. He stated that the use of DAP, urea and other chemical fertilisers in fodder cultivation could make the fodder toxic, potentially allowing chemical residues to enter the human body through milk. He directed officials to encourage livestock farmers to grow fodder using organic and natural fertilisers and to ensure the availability of improved-quality seeds. He added that a policy could also be formulated if required.

Sh. Rana further directed officials to prepare a subsidy-related scheme to encourage farmers to establish dairies for indigenous cows. He said this would help conserve and improve indigenous cattle breeds. He added that Jeevamrit, prepared using cow urine, could also be used as a natural fertiliser in organic and natural farming.

The Minister also directed officials to prepare a scheme for establishing “day-boarding animal hostels” on panchayat land for village cattle. Under the proposed arrangement, animals would be able to move freely within the enclosed premises during the daytime, similar to a pasture, while livestock owners could take them back home at night.

Sh. Rana also reviewed the Chief Minister’s announcements and budget announcements related to the department. He directed officials to ensure that all announcements are implemented within the stipulated timelines.

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*Haryana Government Establishes 141 ‘Safe Cradle Centres’ Across the State to Protect Newborns*

*Urges people to hand over children to designated safe cradle centres instead of abandoning them in bushes or other unsafe places*

Chandigarh, October 14: The Haryana Government is fully committed to the protection and welfare of children. In this direction, the Women and Child Development Department, Haryana, has established 141 ‘Safe Cradle Centres’ across the state to fulfil its commitment to “Empowered Women – Safe Childhood – Prosperous Haryana.”

Sharing this information, a government spokesperson appealed to the public not to abandon newborns or children on roads, in deserted places, under trees, in dustbins, outside hospitals or at any other unsafe location under any circumstances of helplessness or inability to provide care. One wrong step can put an innocent child’s life at risk. If any parent or individual is unable to care for a child for any reason, they should hand over the child to these government-established safe cradle centres instead of abandoning them in bushes or other unsafe places.

The spokesperson informed that these Safe Cradle Centres have been established at various locations across the state, including child care institutions, Primary Health Centres, civil hospitals and other designated institutions. The spokesperson clarified that if a Safe Cradle Centre is not available in a particular area, the child can also be safely handed over to the Child Welfare Committee constituted in every district.

Assuring citizens, the spokesperson stated that the identity of any person comingj forward to safely hand over a child will be kept strictly confidential. This will enable anyone to ensure the safety of an innocent child without fear or hesitation.

The spokesperson appealed to the public to collectively resolve that no newborn or child should be found abandoned or in an unsafe situation, and that every child should have the opportunity for a safe future.

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*Haryana Government Closely Monitoring Crop Procurement in Mandis, Strict Instructions Issued to Ensure Farmers Face No Inconvenience: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Rajesh Nagar*

*IAS-Rank Officers Appointed to Monitor Procurement Arrangements in Mandis; Farmers’ Convenience Is Government’s Priority: Rajesh Nagar*

*Haryana Government Committed to Farmers’ Welfare, Preparations for Crop Procurement in Mandis Complete: Rajesh Nagar*

Chandigarh, October 14: Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that the state government is fully committed to ensuring smooth procurement of farmers’ crops. Ministers and MLAs of the state government are regularly visiting mandis to review procurement arrangements. The Chief Minister has also issued clear instructions to the concerned officials to ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience while selling their produce.

Sh. Nagar was interacting with media persons today during the World Standards Day 2026 celebration program organised by the Northern Regional Office of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in Chandigarh.

He informed that a meeting had been held with all District Food and Supplies Controllers (DFSCs) via video conference two days ago to review the arrival of crops in mandis across various districts and assess procurement arrangements. So far, he had not received any information regarding complaints related to the procurement process. He added that moisture-related issues had arisen at a few locations due to waterlogging in low-lying areas, but these had been resolved by allowing the affected areas to dry. Necessary preparations have also been made in view of the weather forecast, he added.

Responding to a question about farmers’ complaints, the Minister of State said that the Chief Minister had recently held a meeting with departmental officials to review the status of crop procurement in mandis. Arrangements at all mandis were discussed during the meeting, and officials were directed to ensure the prompt resolution of farmers’ problems.

Sh. Nagar said that the Chief Minister himself belongs to a farming family and understands farmers’ problems and needs very well. Keeping this in mind, Deputy Commissioners and DFSCs in all districts have been instructed to ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience in mandis. In addition, officers of IAS rank have been appointed as nodal officers in all mandis across the state to ensure effective monitoring of the procurement process.

He further stated that he remains in regular contact with farmers and office-bearers of farmers’ unions. Farmers had recently met him at his office in Chandigarh. He had also spoken over the phone with farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni. Sh. Nagar said that he had not received any complaints so far and was personally visiting mandis to review procurement arrangements.

He reiterated that the state government is committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests and is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the crop procurement process continues smoothly.

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*Standards Are Essential for Affordable Clean Energy, Consumer Safety and Sustainable Development: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister*

*Quality Must Not Be Compromised in the Pursuit of Affordability; Standards Build Consumer Confidence: Rajesh Nagar*

*BIS Certification, Standard Mark and Legal Metrology Play a Crucial Role in Protecting Consumers: Rajesh Nagar*

*Haryana’s MSMEs Can Strengthen Competitiveness by Adopting Indian Standards for Emerging Clean-Energy Technologies: Rajesh Nagar*

Chandigarh, October 14: Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar on Wednesday said that standards are fundamental to ensuring product safety, consumer protection, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development. He said that standards must serve as instruments of quality, safety, sustainability and inclusive development, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7—Affordable and Clean Energy and the broader Sustainable Development Goals. The Minister called for making quality a shared responsibility and standards a common pathway towards a more sustainable Haryana and a better India.

While addressing the celebration of World Standards Day 2026, organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Northern Regional Office here in Chandigarh. He said that standards may often appear to be technical documents, but their impact is directly felt in the everyday lives of citizens—from the quality of food and essential commodities to the safety of electrical appliances and the accuracy of weighing and measuring instruments.

He said that this year’s theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 7—Affordable and Clean Energy,” highlights the importance of accessible, reliable and sustainable energy in achieving economic growth and improving quality of life. Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that affordable and clean energy is not merely an environmental objective; it is also essential for agriculture, food security, industrial development and public services. He said that India’s transition towards renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric mobility, energy storage and green hydrogen is opening new opportunities for citizens and industry. However, these technologies must be safe, reliable, energy-efficient and fit for their intended purpose. Standards provide the technical foundation needed to ensure that the clean-energy transition takes place safely and sustainably.

Emphasising the relevance of standards for Haryana, the Minister said that the state’s strong agricultural base, expanding industrial sector, growing MSME ecosystem and developing urban centres all depend on reliable energy and quality infrastructure. He stressed that affordability must go hand in hand with quality, safety and performance. Highlighting the role of the Bureau of Indian Standards, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that BIS plays a vital role in developing and promoting Indian Standards across sectors, including solar energy systems, wind energy, energy storage, electric mobility, charging infrastructure, power transmission and energy management. These standards help build confidence among consumers and businesses while supporting the adoption of clean-energy technologies.

As Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Nagar also underscored the direct connection between standards and consumer welfare. He said that the quality of commodities supplied through public distribution systems, food products and packaging, storage and warehousing facilities, and the accuracy of measurements used in trade have a significant bearing on public health, food security and consumer interests. Referring to foodgrain storage infrastructure, he highlighted the importance of Indian Standards IS 16144:2014, which provides a code of practice for foodgrain storage godowns, and IS 609:2020, which provides guidance for improving existing foodgrain storage structures. He said that adherence to appropriate standards helps strengthen food quality, storage practices and consumer protection.

The Minister further stated that standardisation, certification and legal metrology complement one another in ensuring fairness in the marketplace. Consumers should be able to purchase products with confidence that their quality, quantity, safety and performance meet applicable requirements. He emphasised the importance of the BIS certification system and the Standard Mark in building consumer trust. However, he said that consumer awareness is equally important. Citizens should know what the Standard Mark signifies, how to verify its authenticity and how to lodge complaints against substandard products or the misuse of certification marks.

Sh. Rajesh Nagar appreciated the consumer awareness and outreach initiatives undertaken by the BIS Haryana Branch Office, including engagement with consumer organisations and SHINE programmes across districts. He said that such initiatives bring awareness about standards, quality assurance and consumer rights closer to citizens and encourage informed purchasing decisions. Discussing coordination between BIS and the Haryana Government, the Minister said that the State Level Coordination mechanism supports cooperation between BIS and state authorities in implementing quality requirements, including Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and action against the misuse of Standard Marks. He also highlighted the role of State and District Consumer Commissions, the Consumer Helpline and awareness initiatives in strengthening consumer protection.

He also said that the Legal Metrology Organisation plays an important role in ensuring fairness in commercial transactions through the inspection and verification of weighing and measuring instruments and checks on the net contents of packaged commodities. Effective implementation of Quality Control Orders, he added, helps prevent substandard products from reaching consumers and supports quality assurance across sectors such as automobiles and engineering, steel and metals, textiles, electrical goods and consumer products.

The Minister also acknowledged BIS’s engagement with micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). He said that MSME outreach programmes conducted across districts help enterprises understand Indian Standards, certification requirements and quality-control practices. Adopting standards should be viewed not merely as a regulatory requirement but as an opportunity to improve quality, strengthen competitiveness and build consumer confidence.

Sh. Rajesh Nagar congratulated the Bureau of Indian Standards on organising World Standards Day 2026 and appreciated its continued efforts to strengthen the quality ecosystem. He called for coordinated efforts by government departments, industry, standards institutions and consumer organisations to promote a culture in which quality is valued, standards are understood, compliance is respected and consumers are empowered.

In the programme, the BIS officials welcomed Sh. Rajesh Nagar, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, by presenting him with a bouquet of flowers. The minister was also honored by presenting him with a shawl.

The programme was attended by Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi, Deputy Director General, Northern Regional Office, BIS, Sh. Deepak Kumar Singla, along with senior officials, industry representatives, consumer organisations, academicians and other dignitaries.

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*Specialist Doctors to Be Trained at NIA, Panchkula*

*NCISM Approves 70 Seats Across 14 Postgraduate Courses; New Admissions to Begin in 2026–27*

*PG Courses to Boost Ayurveda Education, Research and Innovation*

Chandigarh, October 14: The scope of Ayurveda education and healthcare at the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Panchkula, is set to expand, with the institute preparing to train specialist doctors and promote research, scientific studies and innovation. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has approved 70 seats across 14 postgraduate (PG) courses at NIA, Panchkula. Admissions to these courses will begin in the academic session 2026–27.

The NCISM has issued a Letter of Permission (LoP) to NIA, Panchkula, for launching 14 PG courses with 70 seats. Operating as an off-campus centre of the deemed-to-be university, the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, NIA, Panchkula, has opened new avenues for higher education in 14 disciplines of Ayurveda.

At present, the institute has 100 seats for the Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) programme. Its first batch commenced in the academic session 2024–25, followed by admissions for the 2025–26 batch. Counselling for the third batch for the 2026–27 academic session is currently underway, with two rounds already completed.

Dean Professor Gulab Chand Pamnani said the achievement had been made possible through the tireless efforts of the institute's Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) Sanjeev Sharma, under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. The approval of 14 PG courses would provide fresh momentum to Ayurveda education, the training of specialist practitioners, and research and scientific studies.

Dean-in-Charge Professor Satish Gandharva expressed his gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Professor (Dr.) Sanjeev Sharma for securing recognition for the PG courses at NIA. He said that NIA, Panchkula, was establishing its distinct identity as a new centre for Ayurveda education, healthcare and research in North India. The introduction of PG courses would further promote Ayurvedic healthcare and help young aspirants fulfil their ambitions of pursuing specialised higher education.

*Higher Education to Be Offered in 14 Ayurveda Disciplines: Prof. Gulab Chand Pamnani*

Dean Professor Gulab Chand Pamnani said the new PG courses would cover Ayurveda Samhita, Siddhanta and Sanskrit; Rachana Sharir; Kriya Sharir; Dravyaguna Vigyan; Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana; Roga Nidana and Vikriti Vigyan; Agad Tantra and Vidhi Vaidyaka; Swasthavritta and Yoga; Kaumarbhritya (Bal Roga); Kayachikitsa; Panchakarma; Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga; Shalya Tantra; and Shalakya Tantra.

Five seats have been allocated to each course. Of the five seats in Shalakya Tantra, three are earmarked for the treatment of ear, nose and oral diseases, while two are designated for ophthalmology.

Young aspirants will have the opportunity to secure admission to the 70 PG seats in the academic session 2026–27.

*Approval of 14 PG Courses to Give Fresh Impetus to Higher Ayurveda Education: Prof. Sanjeev Sharma*

NIA Vice-Chancellor Professor (Dr.) Sanjeev Sharma said the approval of 70 seats across 14 postgraduate courses was a major achievement for the institute. The courses would provide fresh momentum to higher education in Ayurveda and help train specialist doctors in various disciplines.

He said the institute aimed to provide students with an excellent academic environment, quality training and practical experience so that they could use their expertise to deliver better healthcare services to society. The new PG courses would also encourage students and faculty members to pursue research and scientific studies.

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