*Children to Learn Through Play-Based Activities at Anganwadi Centres: Shruti Choudhry*

*Emphasis on the holistic development of children aged 3 to 6 years under the ‘Aage Badhe Bachpan’ initiative*

Chandigarh, October 23 — Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that the early years of a child’s life are extremely important for physical, mental, emotional and social development. Keeping this in view, the Women and Child Development Department is providing opportunities for children aged 3 to 6 years to learn through play at Anganwadi centres, with the aim of laying a strong foundation for their education and paving the way for a bright future.

She said that under the concept of ‘Aage Badhe Bachpan’, emphasis is being placed on educating children through engaging activities suited to their age and learning abilities. For this purpose, the department has provided Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM) at Anganwadi centres, enabling children to learn new things naturally through play, conversations and various activities.

Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that play-based learning helps improve children’s language and communication skills. It enables them to develop the ability to listen, speak, express their thoughts and understand others. Alongside this, it also strengthens their thinking, comprehension, memory, reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

She said that activities involving colours, shapes, counting, classification and everyday experiences provide children with opportunities to acquire new skills. Playing in groups and participating in activities help them learn to live harmoniously with others, wait for their turn, cooperate with peers and develop positive social behaviour. Such activities also promote self-confidence, emotional balance and the ability to work independently.

The Women and Child Development Minister said that play-based activities at Anganwadi centres play an important role in preparing children for school admission. These activities develop their interest in learning and help them become better prepared for formal education in the future.

She said that providing every child with equal opportunities to learn and progress is a priority of the government. The Women and Child Development Department is committed to making Anganwadi centres enjoyable and inspiring environments where children can learn through play, discover their talents and take confident steps towards a bright future.

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*Applications Invited for Allotment of Vita Milk Booths; Employment Opportunities for Youth and Women*

Chandigarh, October 23: The Haryana Government is continuously working to provide better self-employment opportunities to citizens and promote the sale of milk and milk products. In this direction, the Hisar-Jind Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited (Vita) has initiated the process of allotting Vita milk booths at various designated locations in Hisar district.

A government spokesperson, sharing details in this regard, said that the State Government has introduced a special reservation policy for the allotment of these milk booths to ensure opportunities for various sections of society. Accordingly, booths at different locations have been reserved for persons with disabilities, women and war widows, Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, dependants of milk producers, women’s self-help groups, and ex-servicemen from the armed forces. Some locations have also been earmarked for the general category.

The initiative will not only ensure the availability of pure and quality dairy products to local residents but will also play a significant role in empowering youth and women by providing them with opportunities for self-employment.

The spokesperson further informed that interested applicants can submit their applications at the office of The Hisar-Jind Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited, along with an application fee of ₹500, a security deposit of ₹5,000, and the required documents.

Application forms, terms and conditions, and detailed information regarding booth allotment are available on the department’s official website, http://www.vita-haryana.gov.in, and can also be accessed by scanning the QR code provided.

The last date for submission of applications is November 23, 2026, by 5:00 PM.

The spokesperson clarified that successful applicants will be required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Municipal Corporation or the competent authority within 15 days of allotment. If permission to establish a booth at the designated location is not granted for any reason, the Union will make efforts to allot an alternative suitable location. However, the security deposit will not be forfeited under any circumstances.

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*Haryana Government Strengthens Early Childhood Education Through ‘Aage Badhe Bachpan’ Initiative*

Chandigarh, October 23: The Haryana Government is committed to the holistic development of children and strengthening their early education. In this direction, the Women and Child Development Department is laying a strong foundation for a bright future for children aged 3 to 6 years through its ‘Aage Badhe Bachpan’ initiative.

A government spokesperson said that children in Anganwadi centres across the state are being provided education through play-based learning. The initiative places special emphasis on improving children’s language and communication skills, enhancing their thinking and comprehension abilities, and fostering emotional balance and self-confidence. Through playful activities, children are also learning about colours, shapes, counting, classification and various skills related to everyday life.

The spokesperson further stated that the programme also promotes social skills among children, such as sharing, cooperation and learning to live harmoniously in a group. These activities help prepare them to enter Class 1 with confidence, enthusiasm and a positive attitude towards learning. To make the teaching and learning process more effective and engaging, the department has provided specially designed Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM).

The spokesperson added that the primary objective of the Haryana Government is to ensure that every child receives the right environment, proper care and opportunities for holistic development during the early years of life.

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*‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat’ Scheme Promotes Water Conservation and Crop Diversification: Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana*

*Farmers Growing Pulses, Oilseeds and Cotton to Receive an Additional Bonus of ₹2,000 per Acre*

Chandigarh, October 23: Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana has emphasised that crop diversification and water conservation are important strategies for curbing the declining groundwater levels, maintaining soil fertility and promoting climate-resilient agriculture in the state.

He said that shifting away from water-intensive monoculture crops such as paddy and sugarcane towards crops requiring less water is essential for the long-term sustainability of agriculture, particularly in water-stressed regions. To prevent the excessive exploitation of precious and increasingly scarce natural resources such as water, the Haryana Government launched the ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat’ scheme, an innovative initiative that provides financial assistance to farmers who replace paddy with alternative crops.

The Agriculture Minister explained that when the scheme was initially launched, farmers were provided financial assistance of ₹7,000 per acre for cultivating alternative crops instead of paddy. At present, farmers who cultivated paddy during the preceding four years but have now shifted to alternative crops are eligible for financial assistance of ₹8,000 per acre.

These alternative crops include cereal crops such as maize; kharif pulses such as moong, arhar (tur), urad and moth; kharif oilseeds such as groundnut, sesame and castor; fibre crops such as cotton; kharif vegetables such as onion; horticultural crops; fodder crops; and agroforestry species such as eucalyptus. Farmers who leave their land fallow are also eligible for the benefit.

He clarified that farmers who were eligible for benefits under the scheme last year will also remain eligible to receive assistance this year.

Announcing the provisions for the current Kharif 2026 season, Shyam Singh Rana said that, in addition to the incentive of ₹8,000 per acre, farmers cultivating pulses, oilseeds and cotton will receive an additional bonus of ₹2,000 per acre.

The entire incentive and bonus amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts in a single instalment through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency in the payment process.

The Agriculture Minister appealed to farmers across the state to participate in this major water conservation initiative and adopt crop diversification. He said that these practices would not only help farmers enhance their incomes but also protect water resources and agricultural land for future generations.

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*Haryana intensifies campaign against drug trafficking; ₹19.52-crore property attached, 6,824 arrests made in 9 months*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi reviews progress at 14th state-level NCORD meeting*

Chandigarh, October 23 – Haryana’s intensified campaign against drug trafficking resulted in property attachments worth ₹19.52 crore and 6,824 arrests from January to September 2026. These details were highlighted at the 14th state-level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today.

The Chief Secretary reviewed enforcement progress and measures to strengthen prosecution, financial investigation and rehabilitation. The meeting also reviewed departmental action under the National Roadmap on Narcotics Control, 2026–29, and follow-up measures arising from the previous state-level NCORD meeting.

ADGP, Haryana State Narcotic Control Bureau (HSNCB), Sh. Sanjay Kumar informed that the value of attached property increased nearly 230%, from ₹5.92 crore in January–September 2025 to ₹19.52 crore in the same period of 2026. The number of individuals whose property was attached rose by 108.97%, from 78 to 163.

These figures highlight Haryana’s increased focus on identifying and targeting financial assets linked to drug trafficking. The state has set a property-attachment target of ₹30 crore by December 2026, with properties worth ₹15.09 crore currently under consideration by the Competent Authority in Delhi.

The ADGP informed that enforcement activity increased during the nine-month period. FIRs registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act rose by 39.93%, from 2,722 to 3,809. Arrests increased by 26.53%, from 5,393 to 6,824, while cases involving commercial quantities rose by 9.83%, from 346 to 380.

Heroin seizures nearly doubled, increasing by 96.16% from 43.176 kg to 84.695 kg. Opium recoveries rose by 82.69%, from 235.550 kg to 430.3 kg. Cocaine seizures increased by 194.47% to approximately 2.96 kg, while MD/MDMA recoveries rose by 235.51% to approximately 1.76 kg.

The review noted improved prosecution outcomes alongside increased enforcement. The conviction rate rose from 53.33% to 58.34%, a gain of 5.01 percentage points and a relative increase of 9.39%.

To strengthen the handling of key cases, 50 NDPS cases have been identified for close monitoring with the Directorate of Prosecution. One case resulted in a conviction with 14 years’ imprisonment and a ₹2 lakh fine.

Officials reported that 12 drug cartels have been identified across Haryana and operations to dismantle them are underway. Authorities have identified 29 fugitives. Two Blue Corner Notices and one Red Corner Notice have been issued, and the matter has been taken up with the Narcotics Control Bureau in Delhi. Districts have been directed to initiate lookout notices and passport revocation proceedings.

Since 2022, 163 habitual drug offenders have been placed under preventive detention. District-wise targets have been set to achieve the state’s goal of 70 preventive detentions during January 2026 to March 2027.

The review addressed measures to improve the quality and reach of investigations. A specialised investigation and financial investigation cell has been established at Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau headquarters. Four training courses have trained 139 police personnel, and instructions requiring financial investigation in all commercial-quantity cases have been reiterated.

A dedicated cell to address drug-related activity involving the darknet, cryptocurrency, and social media is being developed at HSNCB. A cyber expert has served as a consultant since July 2026.

Station House Officers, police post in-charges, and patrolling personnel have been briefed on identifying clandestine synthetic drug laboratories. The Narcotics Control Bureau’s Red Flag Indicators have been displayed at police stations and Superintendent of Police offices to assist detection.

A joint meeting of HSNCB, the Narcotics Control Bureau, and the Excise and Taxation Department on October 13 agreed to prepare a standard operating procedure for precursor-chemical monitoring. Details of firms holding URNs have been shared and verified by the Excise and Taxation Department.

The FDA has prepared a draft procedure for inspecting CCTV systems in chemist shops and verifying the retrieval of footage. The draft Haryana Anti-Narcotics Reward Policy, 2026, covering informers and enforcement personnel, has been forwarded to the Director General of Police for approval.

The meeting also reviewed proposals to improve treatment and rehabilitation. These include bringing all 127 de-addiction centres in Haryana under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, registration framework;

Proposals for additional scientific manpower and notification of service rules for Group C staff in the forensic NDPS division were discussed to strengthen laboratory capacity and support timely submission of drug examination reports to trial courts.

Additional Chief Secretaries (ACS), Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Dr. G Anupama, Sh. AK Singh, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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**Haryana Empowers Sub-Divisional Officers to Exercise Collector’s Powers in Land Rights Cases**

Chandigarh, October 23 - The Haryana Government has empowered Sub-Divisional Officers (Civil) to exercise the powers of a Collector under the Haryana Dohlidar, Butimar, Bhondedar and Muqararidar (Vesting of Proprietary Rights) Act, 2010, in matters relating to the transfer and vesting of proprietary rights over land within their respective territorial jurisdictions.

According to a notification issued by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the Governor has authorised SDMs who are also empowered and notified as Assistant Collectors of the First Grade under the Haryana Land Revenue Act, 1887, to exercise the Collector’s powers under the 2010 Act.

The notification, issued under Section 2(b) of the Act, specifies that the authority will be confined to land falling within the territorial jurisdiction of the respective officer and for which proprietary rights are to be transferred and vested under the legislation.

The notification has been signed by Dr. Sumita Misra, Financial Commissioner Revenue and Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

The move concerns the implementation of the 2010 legislation governing the vesting of proprietary rights in eligible categories of landholders, including Dohlidars, Butimars, Bhondedars and Muqararidars.