Haryana Chief Minister sets out seven key sankalps for a drug-free Haryana, with a focus on awareness, treatment, rehabilitation and positive activities for youth

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people

CHANDIGARH, 13.10.26-Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh on October 13, 2026.

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*Identify suitable open spaces beyond mandis for farmers’ produce- Chief Minister*

*Chief Minister directs officers to protect produce from rain and ensure timely lifting*

*Chief Minister chairs review meeting of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department*

Chandigarh, October 13 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed officers to identify suitable open spaces, in addition to mandis, for farmers to unload and keep their produce during the Kharif procurement season 2026. He said these sites must have the necessary facilities for farmers, along with fencing and other arrangements to keep their produce safe.

The Chief Minister, while chairing a review meeting of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Chandigarh on Tuesday, further directed to ensure that rain did not damage farmers’ produce or disrupt its lifting from mandis. All necessary arrangements for the procurement season must be completed in time, he said.

He said the state government is committed to ensuring farmers’ convenience and protecting their hard-earned produce. Adequate space must be provided for unloading and keeping produce during procurement so that mandis remain orderly and farmers face no difficulty in selling their crops.

Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sh. Rajesh Nagar; Principal Secretary of the department, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar; Director General and Secretary Sh. Anshaj Singh, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Yashpal and other senior officers of the department also attended the meeting.

*Farmers’ convenience and protection of their produce are government priorities*

The Chief Minister directed officers to make proper arrangements for the safe storage of produce at the open spaces identified beyond mandis. With the possibility of rain, particular attention must be paid to protecting produce from getting wet and ensuring its timely lifting. Officials concerned must work in coordination to keep procurement running smoothly and avoid unnecessary waiting for farmers, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also urged farmers to unload their produce only at designated sites and avoid placing it elsewhere. This would help keep their produce safe and maintain orderly procurement operations in mandis.

The Chief Minister said providing better facilities to farmers and safeguarding their produce during the Kharif procurement season were among the government’s highest priorities. He directed officers to monitor all arrangements regularly and ensure that farmers faced no difficulty at any stage, from the sale of their produce to its lifting.

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*Saints and Spiritual Personalities Have Always Guided Society in the Right Direction and Promoted Social Harmony: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini*

*Delegation of Namdev Sabha Meets Chief Minister to Invite Him to Namdev Jayanti Celebrations*

Chandigarh, October 13: Saints and great spiritual personalities have always worked to guide society in the right direction and strengthen mutual brotherhood, harmony and social cohesion through their thoughts, teachings and ideals. Their teachings continue to serve as a source of inspiration for society even today. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini stated this during a meeting with a delegation of Namdev Sabha.

The delegation met Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini at Sant Kabir Kutir, Chandigarh, to invite him as the Chief Guest at the Guru Sant Namdev Prakash Diwas Jayanti celebrations, scheduled to be held on October 18 at Namdev Bhawan in Sector 21, Chandigarh.

Those present during the meeting included Sh. Satbir Verma, former Chairman of the Sabha and Haryana President of Namdev Sabha; Sh. Naresh Marjara, Secretary; Sh. Charanjit Singh; Sh. Sanjeev Gangwa, son of Cabinet Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa and a BJP leader; Sh. Mangilal; and other members of the Sabha.

The delegation briefed the Chief Minister in detail about the preparations for the ceremony and shared information regarding the arrangements being made for the event.

Sh. Satbir Verma, President of the Sabha, said that preparations for the Guru Sant Namdev Prakash Diwas Jayanti celebrations were underway in full swing. Members of the Sabha were continuously reaching out to people to ensure maximum participation in the event. As part of this initiative, they had also visited various districts of Punjab to invite people to attend the celebrations.

Sh. Verma said that the objective of the samaroh was to take the teachings and thoughts of Sant Guru Namdev Ji to the masses and strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, harmony and unity in society. He invited the Chief Minister to attend the celebrations and apprised him of the preparations for the event.

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*Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Launches Portal to Engage Volunteers in School Teaching*

Chandigarh, October 13 : Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday launched the Education Department’s ‘Swamsavak Shikshak Registration Portal’ at the Haryana Civil Secretariat. Through this portal, volunteers willing to teach in schools on a voluntary basis will be able to register themselves. Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda and senior officials of the Education Department were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that many retired teachers, ex-servicemen and individuals associated with the education sector are keen to contribute their free time to society by associating themselves with various government initiatives. The portal has been launched to connect such socially committed individuals and those willing to offer voluntary services with academic activities in the Education Department. It will also help address the shortage of teachers in the state.

He informed that retired teachers from the Education Department, ex-servicemen willing to teach, students of senior classes and individuals interested in teaching as a voluntary service can register on the portal.

A committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner at the district level will be constituted to select suitable and eligible candidates from among the registered volunteers. An officer of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) from the Police Department will also be included in the committee. Based on the committee’s recommendations, eligible volunteers will be associated with the Education Department and given opportunities to participate in academic activities.

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*700 Government School Buildings to Be Constructed Within One Year: Chief Minister*

*Chief Minister stresses improving the quality of education and strengthening school infrastructure at review meeting of School Education Department*

*Reviews infrastructure development, ICT labs and modern building works in 719 model schools*

*Special focus on replacing dilapidated school buildings, installing solar systems on rooftops of all new buildings and filling vacant teachers’ posts*

Chandigarh, October 13: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed the School Education Department to expedite the construction of new buildings in around 700 dilapidated schools across the state by inviting tenders at the earliest. He stressed that special attention must be paid to the quality of construction to provide students with a better learning environment. The new school buildings should incorporate modern design specifications and ensure natural ventilation. Solar systems should also be installed in every school building to ensure that students do not face inconvenience during the summer. He directed that the construction of all these buildings must be completed within the next one year.

The Chief Minister issued these directions while chairing a review meeting of the School Education Department on Tuesday. Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda and senior departmental officials were present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister reviewed various initiatives related to school education in the state, reconstruction of dilapidated buildings, basic facilities in schools, vacant teaching posts, digital education and student safety. Discussions were also held on improving the quality of education, modernising schools and providing students with a better academic environment.

*Haryana Has 14,297 Government Schools*

Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya informed the meeting that the state government operates a total of 14,297 schools across Haryana. Of these, 719 are designated as model schools, including CM-EEE schools located every five kilometres and PM SHRI and Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary Schools located every ten kilometres.

Work is underway to construct new buildings and carry out repairs as required in these schools, establish ICT labs, install at least one two-way communication system in every school, fill vacant teaching positions and provide other essential facilities.

*Computer Labs to Be Set Up in All 719 Model Schools*

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that an ICT lab equipped with at least 10 computers be established in each of the 719 model schools within the current year. He instructed HARTRON to complete the computer procurement process at the earliest.

He also directed that a permanent solution be found to waterlogging problems in government schools. Rainwater harvesting systems may also be adopted for this purpose. The Chief Minister emphasised that all directions issued by him to the department from time to time must be implemented within the stipulated timeframe.

*Drinking Water Quality to Be Tested in All Schools*

The Chief Minister directed that drinking water quality be tested in all 14,297 schools across the state. A list of schools where water quality does not meet the prescribed standards should be prepared and submitted so that the concerned departments responsible for supplying drinking water can take corrective measures. RO systems will also be installed wherever required.

He said that necessary works in schools across all districts would be undertaken through the respective Additional Deputy Commissioners. For this purpose, he directed the Finance Department to release Rs. 1 crore to each district.

The Chief Minister also instructed the department to develop a portal to monitor the progress of works being undertaken in each district. Additional Deputy Commissioners and the Education Department will review school improvement works every month, while the Chief Minister himself will review the department’s progress every three months.

*10 Lakh Saplings Planted Under Plantation Drive*

Officials informed the meeting that a statewide plantation drive had resulted in the planting of 10,47,122 saplings, with the participation of students and teachers from 13,126 schools. A total of 11,77,766 students and 74,419 teachers participated in the initiative.

The initiative is an important step towards raising environmental awareness among students and developing greener surroundings in schools. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the protection and proper maintenance of the saplings planted under the campaign.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure the removal of high-tension electricity wires passing over school premises. He also instructed the department to procure and supply sports equipment to all schools on a priority basis through the tendering process, so that students could develop a sporting spirit from an early age.

He also reviewed issues relating to filling vacant teaching posts, contracts for part-time sanitation workers, the creation of a separate cadre for non-teaching duties, and the status of medical and Leave Travel Concession (LTC) bills of teachers. He issued necessary directions to officials regarding these matters.

Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya; Managing Director, HARTRON, Sh. Yash Garg; Director General, School Education, Sh. Jitendra Kumar; Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Yashpal Singh; Special Secretary, Finance Department, Capt. Manoj Kumar; Director, Elementary Education, Ms. Manita Malik; State Project Director, Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojana Parishad, Swapnil Patil; and other officials were also present at the meeting.

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*Haryana Approves Major Upgrade of Panchkula Pet Animal Medical Centre with Advanced Diagnostic Facilities*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chairs 8th meeting of Governing Council of the Pet Animal Health Society (PAHS)*

Chandigarh, October 13 – In a major initiative to strengthen veterinary healthcare infrastructure, the Haryana Government has approved a comprehensive upgrade of the Pet Animal Medical Centre (PAMC) in Panchkula, including advanced diagnostic equipment, a modern animal ambulance and renovation of the hospital building.

The decisions were taken at the 8th meeting of the Governing Council of the Pet Animal Health Society (PAHS), chaired by Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi on Tuesday, with a focus on making specialised veterinary treatment more accessible, affordable and efficient.

The governing council approved the introduction of an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, and rapid diagnostic testing facilities for canine distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and blood-borne infections. An annual allocation of Rs 1 lakh has been proposed for procuring rapid diagnostic kits.

The council also approved the repair and renovation of the Pet Animal Medical Centre building, which has been providing veterinary services since 2009. To improve accessibility, particularly for large, injured and immobile animals, the council cleared the installation of a 10-passenger lift connecting the hospital's floors. The lift is expected to facilitate access to the ophthalmology and diagnostic units located on the first floor.

Strengthening emergency veterinary services was another priority. The council approved the purchase of a new animal ambulance at an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakh. The proposed vehicle will be equipped with an air-conditioned cabin, emergency oxygen supply, basic first-aid facilities, multiparameter monitoring equipment, a stretcher and intravenous fluid administration facilities.

To ensure the smooth functioning of expanded facilities, the council also approved additional manpower, including two animal attendants or multipurpose workers, an accountant-cum-storekeeper, three security guards and a data entry operator.

These personnel will support specialised treatment units, maintain financial and inventory records, strengthen security and improve digital record management.

Reviewing the centre's performance, the council noted that PAMC has emerged as an important veterinary referral facility for Haryana and neighbouring states.

Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya informed that the centre handled 24,401 outpatient cases during 2025-26, compared with 23,056 in 2024-25 and 21,129 in 2023-24.

Laboratory investigations increased from 3,267 in 2023-24 to 4,407 in 2025-26, while X-ray examinations rose from 1,625 to 1,901 during the same period.

During the first five months of the current financial year, from April 1 to August 31, 2026, the centre recorded 11,106 outpatient cases, including street dog cases, and performed 101 surgeries, 1,807 laboratory investigations, 870 X-ray examinations and 105 ultrasound examinations.

The meeting further examined staffing arrangements and duty schedules to improve the availability of specialist veterinarians and ensure efficient utilisation of hospital resources.

With the addition of modern medical equipment, affordable medicines, improved infrastructure and trained support staff, the Panchkula facility is expected to play a larger role in delivering accessible veterinary healthcare across the region.

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*Identify suitable open spaces beyond mandis for farmers’ produce- Chief Minister*

*Chief Minister directs officers to protect produce from rain and ensure timely lifting*

*Chief Minister chairs review meeting of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department*

Chandigarh, October 13 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed officers to identify suitable open spaces, in addition to mandis, for farmers to unload and keep their produce during the Kharif procurement season 2026. He said these sites must have the necessary facilities for farmers, along with fencing and other arrangements to keep their produce safe.

The Chief Minister, while chairing a review meeting of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department in Chandigarh on Tuesday, further directed to ensure that rain did not damage farmers’ produce or disrupt its lifting from mandis. All necessary arrangements for the procurement season must be completed in time, he said.

He said the state government is committed to ensuring farmers’ convenience and protecting their hard-earned produce. Adequate space must be provided for unloading and keeping produce during procurement so that mandis remain orderly and farmers face no difficulty in selling their crops.

Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sh. Rajesh Nagar; Principal Secretary of the department, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar; Director General and Secretary Sh. Anshaj Singh, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Yashpal and other senior officers of the department also attended the meeting.

*Farmers’ convenience and protection of their produce are government priorities*

The Chief Minister directed officers to make proper arrangements for the safe storage of produce at the open spaces identified beyond mandis. With the possibility of rain, particular attention must be paid to protecting produce from getting wet and ensuring its timely lifting. Officials concerned must work in coordination to keep procurement running smoothly and avoid unnecessary waiting for farmers, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also urged farmers to unload their produce only at designated sites and avoid placing it elsewhere. This would help keep their produce safe and maintain orderly procurement operations in mandis.

The Chief Minister said providing better facilities to farmers and safeguarding their produce during the Kharif procurement season were among the government’s highest priorities. He directed officers to monitor all arrangements regularly and ensure that farmers faced no difficulty at any stage, from the sale of their produce to its lifting.

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*BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha to be strengthened up to booth level under Ajay Khundia’s leadership: CM Sh Nayab Singh Saini*

*Ajay Khundia assumes charge as State President of BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha at ‘Panchkamal’; Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and State President Dr. Archana Gupta extend best wishes*

*Nayab Saini emphasizes reaching the last person in society and ensuring that benefits of welfare schemes reach the needy*

*Dr. Archana Gupta calls upon workers to rise above internal differences and strengthen the Morcha at every booth*

*State BJP President stresses greater participation of Sarpanchs, councillors and other elected representatives in organizational activities*

Chandigarh, October 13 ः Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Saint Ravidas, Maharshi Valmiki, and Saint Kabir propagated the message of equality, humanity, and social harmony, while Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar provided a constitutional foundation for education, equality, and dignity. The BJP's organizational history is also rooted in the spirit of service, dedication, and nation-building. He urged party workers to draw inspiration from Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service and to actively participate in the ongoing 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' across the state.

On Tuesday, at the BJP state office 'Panchkamal', Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini and BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta formally inducted Ajay Khundia as the State President of the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha.

Interacting directly with party workers from across the state, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini remarked that the significance of any organizational position is determined by how effectively the incumbent reaches the last person in society. Congratulating Ajay Khundia on his new responsibility, he expressed confidence that under his leadership, the Morcha would become the voice of the marginalized sections of society and ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reach the needy.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is working for the welfare and protection of the rights of the Scheduled Caste community, guided by the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. He highlighted initiatives such as the constitution of the Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes, the provision of 20 percent reservation for Scheduled Castes in Class I and Class II posts, and measures taken for the welfare of sanitation workers. He said that decision has been taken to increase the accidental insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for sanitation workers and sewer-men in the event of death while on duty. Additionally, schemes such as scholarships for students, free coaching for competitive examinations, financial assistance of up to Rs 71,000 for the marriage of daughters from poor families, and financial aid for house repairs are being implemented.

BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta stated that providing opportunities to members of the Scheduled Caste community in organizational and constitutional roles reflects the BJP's inclusive approach. Citing initiatives such as conferring the Bharat Ratna upon Babasaheb, developing 'Panch-Tirth' , and observing Constitution Day, she accused the Congress party of viewing the Scheduled Caste community merely as a vote bank.

She urged Ajay Khundia to rapidly expand the 'Morcha' down to the 'Mandal' (block) level and ensure the presence of party workers at every polling booth. She emphasized the need to involve Scheduled Caste Sarpanchs, Councilors, Zila Parishad representatives, and other elected officials in organizational responsibilities so that the benefits of government schemes could reach the maximum number of people.

Dr. Archana Gupta stated that Ajay Khundia and his entire team would work towards uniting the community while eliminating caste-based sub-divisions and internal discrimination. She expressed confidence that the Scheduled Caste Morcha would grow significantly stronger at the village, Mandal, and booth levels in the near future.

Cabinet Ministers Krishan Lal Panwar and Krishan Bedi; MLA Pawan Kharkhoda; former BJP State President and Chairman Mohan Lal Badoli; State General Secretary Satyaprakash Jaravta; Chairperson Banto Kataria; Advocate Vedpal; Subhash Kalsana; Captain Yogesh Bairagi; Ishwar Singh Plaka; and Baldev Groha and a large number of senior BJP office-bearers were present on the occasion.

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*“Azadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak” is Ready in Ambala Cantonment; Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate It Soon: Energy Minister Anil Vij*

*“The memorial, built at a cost of ₹800 crore, will be opened to the public after its inauguration”: Anil Vij*

*“The history of the 1857 uprising has been showcased in 23 galleries, with the names of more than 700 brave freedom fighters from across the country inscribed in gold”: Vij*

*“360-degree projection, sound and laser shows, and an open-air theatre with a seating capacity of 2,500 will be major attractions”: Vij*

Chandigarh, October 13: Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij said that the “Azadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak”, constructed at a cost of ₹800 crore in Ambala Cantonment, is now fully ready. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate this memorial, described by Vij as the largest of its kind in Asia, in the near future. It will be opened to the general public following the inauguration.

Vij said the memorial is not merely a monument for Ambala or Haryana but a national memorial for the entire country. It is dedicated to the sacrifices of the brave men and women who participated in the uprising of 1857 but whose contributions did not receive the recognition they deserved in history.

Vij was addressing a press conference in Chandigarh today. He said he salutes every individual who took even a single step outside their home to fight against British rule during the freedom struggle. At a time when the British Empire extended across a vast part of the world, countless Indians—including farmers, soldiers, women and children—laid down their lives for the country's freedom. Recognising and honouring their contributions is our duty, he added.

*An effort to bring the history of the 1857 uprising to the forefront*

Vij said history textbooks have often portrayed the Indian National Congress as the organisation that led the country's freedom struggle, whereas the Congress was established by A.O. Hume in 1885. Twenty-eight years before that, in 1857, a widespread armed uprising against British rule had taken place across the country. Despite the scale of this struggle, the stories and sacrifices of many of its participants remained largely unknown for a long time.

He said that during that period, British authorities shot many Indian freedom fighters after tying them to trees. Yet, they did not receive the tribute and recognition they deserved. The idea of establishing the memorial emerged from the need to give these unsung freedom fighters their rightful place in history.

The Energy Minister said he had raised the demand for the memorial during the tenures of previous governments as well. He had taken up the issue with the governments of the time during various sessions of the Haryana Legislative Assembly. According to Vij, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda had also agreed to the proposal on one occasion, but the project could not move forward.

Vij said that after the Bharatiya Janata Party government came to power in Haryana in 2014, he presented the relevant documents to then Chief Minister Manohar Lal and explained the need to establish the memorial in Ambala Cantonment. He emphasised that it was important to bring the early events of the 1857 uprising in Ambala to light so that their historical significance could receive national recognition.

*Memorial developed on the basis of historical documents and research*

Vij said Dr. K.C. Yadav, the then Head of the Department of History at Kurukshetra University, had referred in his research to the early developments of the 1857 uprising in Ambala Cantonment. Information and historical documents were also collected from other sources. The memorial presents the history of the struggle in Ambala, Haryana and various other parts of the country. A coffee-table book on the subject is also being prepared.

He said the uprising of 1857 spread across a wide geographical area. Historical accounts refer to the use of lotus flowers and chapatis to communicate messages during that period. Keeping this historical context in view, the memorial includes accounts of events that took place in different parts of the country.

To ensure the authenticity of the historical material, a committee comprising five eminent historians from across the country was constituted. Historical documents were also obtained from national archaeological institutions, a library in London and Lahore. The memorial's exhibits have been developed on the basis of these documents and research.

Referring to historical records relating to the 1857 uprising, Vij said accounts indicate that the conflict in Ambala began approximately nine hours before the revolt in Meerut on May 10, 1857. He also referred to the activities of soldiers of the 60th and 5th Native Infantry regiments and accounts recorded in official documents by British officers of the time.

He said various records, including the 1923–24 Gazetteer, had been studied to establish facts relating to the events of that period, the soldiers' revolt and the actions taken by the British administration.

*History of the 1857 uprising across the country showcased in 23 galleries*

Vij said the memorial comprises 23 galleries showcasing the events of the 1857 uprising in Ambala, Haryana, Meerut, Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, Jhansi and other parts of the country. These galleries will familiarise visitors with the events of the period, the struggles of the revolutionaries and their sacrifices.

He said advanced technology had been incorporated into the memorial, including a 360-degree projection system designed to give visitors an immersive experience, making them feel as though they are standing among the revolutionaries and witnessing the historic period at close quarters. Sound and laser shows will also be organised.

A special gallery has been created to pay tribute to the martyrs. Visitors will be able to place their hands at a designated point and offer a digital tribute, with a record of the tribute being maintained.

Vij said the memorial had been conceptualised to help visitors experience the historical period of 1857 and understand the struggles of the freedom fighters. Research has so far identified the names of more than 700 brave freedom fighters, along with their fathers' names and villages. Their names have been inscribed in gold at the memorial. The names of other freedom fighters will also be added in the future as and when authentic information about them becomes available.

*Open-air theatre for 2,500 people and modern facilities*

The Energy Minister said an open-air theatre with a seating capacity of 2,500 people has been constructed within the memorial complex. An auditorium with a capacity of 300 people has also been established.

Visitors may require approximately six hours to explore the memorial in detail. For their convenience, arrangements have been made to organise visitors into groups of 40. A lift installed at the memorial, among the country's largest, will transport up to 40 people at a time from the first floor to the second floor, allowing them to view exhibits related to history and the revolutionary freedom fighters during their visit.

Vij said a 63-metre-high lotus-shaped structure has been built at the memorial, featuring two high-speed lifts. A sky café is also being developed at the top of the structure. A helipad has been constructed within the complex. He expressed hope that the memorial would attract large numbers of visitors from Haryana and other parts of India, as well as from abroad.

*Mobile app and website for ticket booking*

Vij said a mobile application has been developed to provide information about entry and tickets. Visitors will be able to book tickets online through the application and the memorial's website. Eight shops have been established within the complex to sell souvenirs and other memorabilia related to the memorial. Replicas of the memorial will also be available at these shops.

He added that a dedicated substation has been set up to meet the complex's electricity requirements, while a generator has also been installed as an alternative power supply arrangement.

*States invited to celebrate their State Days at the memorial*

Vij said letters had been sent to all states inviting them to organise their annual State Day celebrations at the national memorial. He said the initiative would provide people from different states with an opportunity to connect with the history of the 1857 uprising and learn about the sacrifices made by freedom fighters from across the country.

The Energy Minister said the primary objective of the Shaheed Smarak dedicated to the First War of Independence is to give due recognition and honour to the brave men and women who fought for India's freedom and sacrificed their lives.

The memorial will introduce future generations to their courage, sacrifice and patriotism, while offering visitors an opportunity to understand the history of India's freedom struggle in a broader historical perspective.

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Yoga Enhances Work Efficiency and Quality, Says Mukesh Garg

HERC Organises Yoga Orientation Programme, Dr. Jaideep Arya Highlights Benefits of ‘Y-Break’, Enabling Employees to Practise Yoga Even While Seated at Their Desks

Chandigarh, October 13: Yoga not only keeps the body healthy but also enhances mental abilities, concentration and work efficiency, said Mukesh Garg, Officiating Chairman of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC). He said regular yoga practice helps individuals perform their duties with greater energy and a positive outlook, thereby improving both efficiency and the quality of work.

Garg was speaking at the concluding session of a yoga orientation programme organised at the Commission’s conference hall on Tuesday. HERC Member Shiv Kumar, Secretary Prashant Deshta, and other officers and employees of the Commission attended the programme.

Dr. Jaideep Arya, Chairman of the Haryana Yoga Commission, highlighted the practical benefits of yoga, with particular emphasis on ‘Y-Break’, a short yoga break that employees can incorporate into their daily work routine. He explained that officers and employees who spend long hours sitting at their desks can practise simple yoga exercises for a few minutes without leaving their seats. These exercises do not require a special space or a significant amount of time and can help keep the body active, calm the mind and reduce stress.

Dr. Arya demonstrated various Y-Break activities and guided the participants through the exercises. He explained that incorporating short yoga sessions into a busy office schedule can help employees maintain their physical and mental well-being. The objective of Y-Break is to provide a brief pause during work to refresh the body and mind, enabling employees to resume their duties with renewed energy, improved concentration and greater enthusiasm.

The programme began with short videos on yoga displayed on a tv screen. Dr. Arya subsequently demonstrated various yoga practices and explained how yoga helps maintain a balance between the body and mind.

Highlighting the growing global popularity of yoga, he said that this ancient Indian practice was increasingly being embraced across the world. People are turning to yoga to improve physical fitness, attain mental peace and lead healthier, stress-free lives. He encouraged the officers and employees to make regular yoga practice and Y-Break an integral part of their daily routines.

On the occasion, Dr. Arya presented yoga-related materials to HERC Officiating Chairman Mukesh Garg and Member Shiv Kumar. Garg honoured Dr. Arya by presenting him with a shawl.

Photo Caption: Haryana Yoga Commission Chairman Dr. Jaideep Arya presenting yoga-related materials to HERC officiating Chairman Mukesh Garg and Member Shiv Kumar.

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*BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha to be strengthened up to booth level under Ajay Khundia’s leadership: CM Sh Nayab Singh Saini*

*Ajay Khundia assumes charge as State President of BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha at ‘Panchkamal’; Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and State President Dr. Archana Gupta extend best wishes*

*Nayab Saini emphasizes reaching the last person in society and ensuring that benefits of welfare schemes reach the needy*

*Dr. Archana Gupta calls upon workers to rise above internal differences and strengthen the Morcha at every booth*

*State BJP President stresses greater participation of Sarpanchs, councillors and other elected representatives in organizational activities*

Chandigarh, October 13 ः Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Saint Ravidas, Maharshi Valmiki, and Saint Kabir propagated the message of equality, humanity, and social harmony, while Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar provided a constitutional foundation for education, equality, and dignity. The BJP's organizational history is also rooted in the spirit of service, dedication, and nation-building. He urged party workers to draw inspiration from Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service and to actively participate in the ongoing 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' across the state.

On Tuesday, at the BJP state office 'Panchkamal', Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini and BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta formally inducted Ajay Khundia as the State President of the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha.

Interacting directly with party workers from across the state, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini remarked that the significance of any organizational position is determined by how effectively the incumbent reaches the last person in society. Congratulating Ajay Khundia on his new responsibility, he expressed confidence that under his leadership, the Morcha would become the voice of the marginalized sections of society and ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reach the needy.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is working for the welfare and protection of the rights of the Scheduled Caste community, guided by the spirit of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. He highlighted initiatives such as the constitution of the Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes, the provision of 20 percent reservation for Scheduled Castes in Class I and Class II posts, and measures taken for the welfare of sanitation workers. He said that decision has been taken to increase the accidental insurance cover from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for sanitation workers and sewer-men in the event of death while on duty. Additionally, schemes such as scholarships for students, free coaching for competitive examinations, financial assistance of up to Rs 71,000 for the marriage of daughters from poor families, and financial aid for house repairs are being implemented.

BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta stated that providing opportunities to members of the Scheduled Caste community in organizational and constitutional roles reflects the BJP's inclusive approach. Citing initiatives such as conferring the Bharat Ratna upon Babasaheb, developing 'Panch-Tirth' , and observing Constitution Day, she accused the Congress party of viewing the Scheduled Caste community merely as a vote bank.

She urged Ajay Khundia to rapidly expand the 'Morcha' down to the 'Mandal' (block) level and ensure the presence of party workers at every polling booth. She emphasized the need to involve Scheduled Caste Sarpanchs, Councilors, Zila Parishad representatives, and other elected officials in organizational responsibilities so that the benefits of government schemes could reach the maximum number of people.

Dr. Archana Gupta stated that Ajay Khundia and his entire team would work towards uniting the community while eliminating caste-based sub-divisions and internal discrimination. She expressed confidence that the Scheduled Caste Morcha would grow significantly stronger at the village, Mandal, and booth levels in the near future.

Cabinet Ministers Krishan Lal Panwar and Krishan Bedi; MLA Pawan Kharkhoda; former BJP State President and Chairman Mohan Lal Badoli; State General Secretary Satyaprakash Jaravta; Chairperson Banto Kataria; Advocate Vedpal; Subhash Kalsana; Captain Yogesh Bairagi; Ishwar Singh Plaka; and Baldev Groha and a large number of senior BJP office-bearers were present on the occasion.