*Haryana Chief Minister urges people to draw inspiration from Veer Sahibzada sacrifices*

*Also urges to carry out mass movement against drug addiction*

*With PM's efforts, ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ is observed nationwide every year on December 26 – CM*

Chandigarh, 26 December – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, on the occasion of ‘Veer Bal Diwas’, called upon the people to draw inspiration from the sacrifices made by the Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He urged parents to teach their children the values of courage, sacrifice, and dedication, just like those exhibited by the Sahibzadas, and instill these values in their lives. This will be our true tribute to their unparalleled sacrifice.

He also appealed to religious leaders and social institutions to unite in launching a mass movement against social evils like drug addiction, so that this grave issue can be eradicated from its roots and the youth can be saved.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at the state-level Veer Bal Diwas function organized in Kurukshetra today.

Paying tribute to the valiant Veer Sahibzadas, the Chief Minister said that the sacrifice of Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh serves as an inspiration for making the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the nation. "The immortal saga of the Veer Sahibzadas, who gave their lives at such a young age, is written in golden letters in the annals of history," he added.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi for the decision to annually observe the martyrdom day of the Veer Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas. He said that with the Prime Minister’s efforts, Veer Bal Diwas is now observed with deep reverence across the country every year on 26th December. The Chief Minister further said that between 20 to 27 December, 1704, all members of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family sacrificed their lives for the protection of religion and the welfare of the common people. He described the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s family as the greatest sacrifice in the history of the world. Their sacrifices were made to protect the country, religion, and society, and to safeguard the weak and helpless. Through their actions, they delivered a timeless message of truth, justice, and righteousness to all of humanity, he added.

Paying homage to the great Veer Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Ji who avenged the martyrdom of Sahibzadas, the Chief Minister said that he was the first Sikh commander who broke the myth of the Mughals being invincible. Fulfilling the resolution of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, he laid the foundation of Lohgarh, the capital of the sovereign Sikh state, which is located in Yamunanagar district of Haryana.

*Describes Sikh community as courageous, Highlights sacrifices of 10 Great Gurus for nation and society*

Describing the Sikh community as a courageous and valorous community, the Chief Minister highlighted that Sikhism has gifted the country with 10 great Gurus, each of whom made countless sacrifices for the nation and society. He said that all the Gurus, including Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, shared a deep connection with the holy land of Haryana. He also mentioned Kushal Dahiya, a resident of Badkhalsa village in Sonipat, Haryana, who gave his life to bring the revered head of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, the Chadar of Hind, to Anandpur Sahib.

Referring to the Kapalmochan Tirtha in Yamunanagar, Sh Nayab Singh Saini highlighted its historical significance, stating that it was from this sacred place that the first Patshah, Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, introduced the concept of Langar, Sangat, and Pangat as part of the vision of Sarvadharm Sambhaav (equal respect for all religions). He further said that after the Bhagani War, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji stayed at Kapalmochan for 52 days and initiated the practice of ‘Dastarbandi’. Similarly, he mentioned that Lakhnaur Sahib in Ambala district was the maternal home of Akalpurkh Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, where he spent his childhood. He also pointed out that over time, eight of the Sikh Gurus visited Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra and other regions of Haryana, further strengthening the deep spiritual and historical connection between the Gurus and the land of Haryana.

*Haryana govt. commemorates 400th Prakash Parv of Guru Teg Bahadur*

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that following the decision of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi to celebrate the 400th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji across the country as part of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the Haryana Government organized a state-level function in 2022 on the historic land of Panipat. This event commemorated the 400th Prakash Parv of 'Hind Ki Chadar' Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji. The ground where the function was held has been named 'Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Ground'. The Chief Minister also highlighted that, previously, the state had organized similar state-level events to commemorate the 550th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the 350th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

The Chief Minister said that 70 Kanal of land has been allocated to Gurudwara Shri Chilla Sahib in Sirsa. He also highlighted that the upcoming medical college in Yamunanagar will be named after Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Ji. Similarly, a college in Assandh has been named in honour of Baba Fateh Singh Ji, the younger son of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In addition, the V.L.D.A. College has been established in Lakhnaur Sahib in the name of Mata Gujri. The Chief Minister further mentioned that the Panchkula to Paunta Sahib National Highway is renamed Guru Gobind Marg to honour the great Guru. He also shared that various public spaces, including roundabouts, gates, libraries, and roads, across Haryana are named after the Gurus, further preserving and promoting the legacy of the Sikh Gurus.

The Chief Minister said that Lohgarh Bhagwanpur is being developed as a prominent tourism hub. To facilitate this, the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Trust has been established in Lohgarh. To encourage religious tourism, Haryana has launched the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana, providing financial assistance to pilgrims visiting prominent Sikh shrines such as Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, Nankana Sahib, Hemkund Sahib, and Patna Sahib.

*BJP observing Veer Bal Diwas at every Mandal level - Mohan Lal Badauli*

Haryana BJP President Sh Mohan Lal Badauli praised Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi for honouring the supreme sacrifices of Sikh Gurus for the country. He said that the nation's progress depends on remembering and sharing their sacrifices with future generations. He thanked Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini for recognizing the sentiments of Haryana’s people and honouring the state’s gurus and martyrs. He expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister’s efforts and urged that this work continue to drive progress, adding that BJP workers are observing Veer Bal Diwas at every Mandal level.

*PM declares Veer Bal Diwas to highlight overlooked chapter of history*

Earlier, Director General Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh. K.M. Pandurang welcomed the Chief Minister and said that this day honours the supreme sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh Ji's sons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, who gave their lives at a young age to protect their faith and principles. The Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi, decided to commemorate this day as Veer Bal Diwas to bring attention to a chapter of history that had been overlooked for many years. As a result, a state-level function is being organized here today to remember their valor and sacrifice.

OSD Dr. Prabhleen and Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Prof. Somnath Sachdeva also spoke on this occasion.

Former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha and many prominent leaders of the Sikh community were also present on this occasion.

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Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs raids Uklana warehouse in Hisar: Wet wheat bags found in truck and warehouse

Directions to suspend four District Food and Supplies department officers, Rajesh Nagar

FIR registered against Food and Supply Inspector Vikas Kumar

Chandigarh, December 26 – Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar conducted a raid at the Uklana warehouse in Hisar district today. During his inspection he directed strict action, including an FIR against the warehouse in-charge, Vikas Kumar, Food and Supply Inspector, on finding wet wheat bags. He also directed immediate suspension of District Food and Supply Officer Amit Kumar, Food Inspector Vikas Kumar, Assistant Food and Supply Officer, Sandeep Singh and Sub Inspector Food and Supply Sachin with immediate effect.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said Sh.Rajesh Nagar visited the Uklana warehouse for a surprise inspection. During the inspection, he found wet wheat bags stored in a truck. Upon entering the warehouse, he discovered more bags containing wet wheat. He immediately called the warehouse in-charge, Vikas Kumar, who claimed to be in Kurukshetra. The minister asked him to share his live location, but Vikas Kumar could not do so. Within 10 minutes, he arrived at the site.

Following this, the Minister directed an FIR to be registered against the inspector. Several other irregularities were also found in the depot, which had been the subject of complaints for some time. Sh. Nagar said that no negligence or corruption will be tolerated in the department. If any such case is found, strict action will be taken against it.

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Meeting of District Public Relations and Grievances Committee held under the chairmanship of Cabinet Minister Krishan Lal Panwar

Out of 15 grievances, 7 were resolved on the spot

The second meeting of the committee constituted to create new districts and sub-divisions in the state will be held soon

Chandigarh, December 26 – Haryana Cabinet Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar said that the second meeting of the committee, formed by the state government to create new districts, sub-divisions, and tehsils, will be held shortly.

Sh Panwar made the statement while addressing the media after presiding over a meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievances Committee in Hisar on Thursday. He mentioned that the committee has received several proposals for the creation of new districts and sub-divisions, including one proposal to establish Hansi as a district. A meeting has been convened by the committee to discuss these proposals. He also highlighted that 20 points had been outlined for the creation of new districts, all of which have been thoroughly discussed by the committee.

During the meeting, the Cabinet Minister resolved 7 out of 15 public grievances on the spot and instructed that an inquiry committee, led by senior officials, be formed for 8 other cases, with a report to be submitted in the next meeting. Sh Panwar said that the state government is fully committed to addressing the issues of every individual and is taking concrete steps to ensure that no one faces any problems. He also said that "Samadhan shivirs" are being held daily across all 22 districts of the state to resolve people's grievances effectively.

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Improvement of Anganwadi Centers a Priority for State Government: Shruti Chaudhary

Chandigarh, December 26 – Haryana Women and Child Development Minister, Shruti Chaudhary, said that improving Anganwadi centers is a key priority for the state government.

During her visit to several villages in the Tosham constituency today, the Minister conducted a surprise inspection at the Anganwadi center in Golagarh village. She checked the attendance of all officers and employees present at the center and reviewed their records.

In her inspection, the Minister directed the staff to maintain the registers in a regular and organized manner. She stressed the importance of properly documenting the records of pregnant women and children, ensuring accurate details about their nutrition and care. She also emphasized the need for prompt action to address any issues faced by women or children.

In addition, the Minister suggested installing a complaint box at each center to allow women to submit their concerns. She instructed officials to prioritize addressing these complaints and taking appropriate action.

Through this visit, Minister Shruti Chaudhary reaffirmed her commitment to enhancing the operations of Anganwadi centers and providing better facilities for women and children in Haryana.

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All transfer orders must be issued through HRMS portal: Chief Secretary

Failure in adhering to instructions to attract disciplinary action

Chandigarh, December 26 - The Haryana Government has directed all heads of departments, managing directors and chief administrators of all boards and corporations to strictly adhere to established guidelines regarding transfer of an employee from one station to another.

According to instructions issued by Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi, all transfer orders, including temporary ones, must be issued through the HRMS (Human Resource Management System) module. Any order issued outside this system will be treated as invalid. Employees transferred without HRMS-issued orders will not be allowed to join at their new stations and must continue in their current positions. Joining reports must also be submitted online via the HRMS module.

The government noted instances where transfer orders were issued by various departments, boards and corporations without obtaining the necessary advisory from the Chief Minister's Office or using the HRMS module. Such violations are against established rules and disrupt the transparent management process. The government has reiterated that no transfers, whether for employees in Group A, B, C and D shall occur without the Chief Minister’s transfer advisory. Upon receipt of such an advisory, the transfer order must be immediately issued through the HRMS module. Failure to adhere to these instructions will attract disciplinary action.

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*Will make efforts to bring primary cooperative societies into profit: Dr Arvind Sharma*

*Cabinet Minister launches district-level cooperative awareness campaign in Gohana*

Chandigarh, December 26 – Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma has said the resolution of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Cooperation Minister Sh. Amit Shah is to bring the benefits of cooperatives to every household. For this, the Cooperation Department under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has geared up to bring primary agricultural cooperative societies into profit. Together, we will make the youth, especially women, self-reliant and will work to make them job providers instead of job seekers, the Cabinet Minister said.

Dr Arvind Sharma stated this during the inauguration of a district-level cooperative awareness campaign in Gohana on Thursday, moving forward on the resolution of ‘Sahakar se Samridhi’. Dr Arvind Sharma said on the lines of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat, a special action plan is being prepared to bring primary cooperative societies in Haryana into profit. Our goal is to provide information about every scheme of cooperative societies to farmers, women and youth so that they can decide on taking benefits of schemes to become self-reliant and contribute to the country and society. He said we have to strengthen the belief of providing employment rather than getting employment by bringing a positive change in our mindset. Dr Arvind Sharma said the products of cooperative societies are being praised by the Army in India to people in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. We will promote cooperative products abroad together so that people associated with our cooperative societies can get their benefits. He said cooperative societies have to repay loans on time and we will make efforts to bring them into profit through better marketing system. He said the department is considering that youth should start their own work by selling the products of cooperative institutions at private places. This will also ensure their self-employment.

The Cabinet Minister launched three schemes launched by the Sonipat Central Cooperative Bank Limited, namely Mhare Bujurg-Mhari Dharohar, Veerangana Laxmibai Bachat Yojana and Nari Shakti Utthan Yojana. He distributed loan cheques worth Rs 4.16 crore to 208 groups in the joint scheme for self-help groups of State Cooperative Bank and District Cooperative Bank.

Apart from this, officers and employees who did excellent work were honoured on the occasion. The Cabinet Minister directed to continue the awareness campaign in Gohana till Saturday.

Ganaur MLA Sh. Devender Kadyan, Dr Arvind Sharma's wife Dr Rita Sharma, Chairman of cooperative institutions Sh. Dharambir Dagar, Sh. Amarpal Rana and Sh. Hukum Singh Bhati, Registrar of Haryana Cooperative Societies Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, HAFED MD Sh. Mukul Kumar, Harcofed MD Suman Balhara, Joint Registrar Harpreet Kaur, Sh. Naresh Goyal and Sh. Yogesh Sharma, Chief Mahant of Gaukarna Dham Baba Kamal Puri Maharaj, Additional Registrar Kavita Dhankhar and Virendra Dahiya, SDM Gohana Anjali Shrotriya, MD Sugar Mill Ankita Verma, former Mayor Manmohan Goyal and Renu Dabla, BJP District Treasurer Sh. Balram Kaushik and others were present on the occasion.

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*Haryana Government announces Public Holidays and Special Days for 2025*

Chandigarh, December 26-The Haryana Government has announced the public holidays for 2025, which apply to all public offices under the State Government. According to the notification issued by Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi, the State Government has notified certain dates in the 2025 calendar as Special Days. However, these will not be designated as public holidays.

The notification states that all Saturdays and Sundays will be observed as holidays throughout the year.

The list of Public Holidays include Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Jayanti on 6 January, Guru Ravidas Jayanti on 12 February, Maha Shivratri on 26 February, Holi on 14 March, Id-ul-Fitr on 31 March, Mahavir Jayanti on 10 April, Dr. BR Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April, Parshuram Jayanti on 29 April, Akshya Tritya on 30 April, Maharana Pratap Jayanti on 29 May, Sant Kabir Jayanti on 11 June, Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day on 31 July, Independence Day on 15 August, Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti on 22 September, Shaheedi Divas/Haryana War Heroes’ Martyrdom Day on 23 September, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra on 2 October, Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti/Maharaja Ajmidh Jayanti on 7 October, Diwali on 20 October, Vishvakarma Day on 22 October, Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti on 5 November and Christmas on 25 December.

Some festivals and occasions which fall on closed day have been excluded from the list of Public Holidays. These include Republic Day on 26 January, Basant Panchmi/Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti on 2 February, Shaheedi Diwas/Martyrdom Day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & Sukhdev on 23 March, Ram Navmi on 6 April, Vaisakhi/Chhath Puja on 13 April, Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) on 7 June, Raksha Bandhan on 9 August, Janmashtmi on 16 August and Haryana Day on 1 November.

*Special Days in 2025*

Special Days in 2025 include Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Jayanti on 23 January, Sant Ladhu Nath ji Jayanti on 12 March, Hasan Khan Mewati Shaheedi Diwas on 15 March, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jayanti on 11 April, Sant Dhanna Bhagat Jayanti on 27 April, Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji Jayanti on 29 April, Shri Guru Gauraksh Nath Memorial Day on 23 May, Mateshwari Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti on 31 May, Veer Banda Bairagi Balidan Diwas on 9 June, Bhai Lakhi Shah Vanzara Jayanti on 4 July, Bhai Makhan Shah Labana Jayanti on 7 July, Kavi Baaje Bhagat Jayanti on 15 July, Maharaja Daksh Prajapati Jayanti on 27 July, Shri Guru Jambheshwar Ji Jayanti on 26 August, Bhagwan Vishwakarma Jayanti on 17 September, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti on 31 October, Sant Namdev Jayanti on 12 November, Virangana Jhalkari Bal Jayanti on 22 November, Sant Sain Bhagat Maharaj Jayanti on 4 December and Maharaja Shoorsaini Jayanti on 20 December.

*Public Holidays under Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881*

The State Government has also declared several holidays applicable to all sectors except Judicial Courts in accordance with Section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881. These include all 52 Sundays of the year, Republic Day on 26 January, Guru Ravidas Jayanti on 12 February, Maha Shivratri on 26 February, Holi on 14 March, Id-ul-Fitr on 31 March, Annual closing of Bank Account (1st working day of April) on 1 April, Mahavir Jayanti on 10 April, Dr. BR Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April, Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) on 7 June, Independence Day on 15 August, Janmashtami on 16 August, Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra on 2 October, Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti on 7 October, Diwali on 20 October, Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti on 5 November and Christmas on 25 December.

*Restricted Holidays*

The Restricted Holidays list includes Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti on 23 February, Good Friday on 18 April, Buddha Purnima on 12 May, Maharishi Kayshap on 24 May, Guru Arjan Dev's Martyrdom Day on 30 May, Muharram on 6 July, Hariyali Teej on 27 July, Milad-un-Nabi or Id-E-Milad on 5 September, Karva Chauth on 10 October, Goverdhan Puja on 22 October, Chhath Puja on 28 October, Guru Teg Bahadur's Martyrdom Day on 25 November, Guru Brahmanand Jayanti on 24 December and Shaheed Udham Singh's Jayanti on 26 December. Employees, including those outsourced, have the flexibility to select any three holidays from this list of Restricted Holidays.