National Education Policy will bring a big change in country: Governor

Bandaru Dattatraya felicitates students at 34th convocation of Kurukshetra University

Chandigarh, February 18 – Haryana Governor Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya said due to the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the National Education Policy-2020 has been implemented in the country. This education policy is going to bring a big change in the country. This will give a new guidance to the young generation through innovation, technology, research, education, culture and moral values. When all the students move forward with new thinking, then by the year 2047, a developed India of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's dreams will definitely be created.

The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, was addressing the students after giving PhD, postgraduate and graduate degrees at the 34th convocation of Kurukshetra University today.

While congratulating the students who received degrees and gold medals, Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya said the bright future of the country can be seen in these students. After this 34th convocation, a new journey will begin in the lives of all the students. Parents and teachers will have a lot of expectations from this journey. Some students will be looking for jobs and some will move forward towards their business. He said looking at the talent of the students, it is seen that after receiving degrees from Kurukshetra University, most of the students will achieve a position not as job seekers but as job providing institutions.

He said many challenges will come up in this new path. All the students have to face these challenges and achieve their goal. To achieve this, the students will have to move forward with hard work and honesty.

Congratulating and wishing Kurukshetra University on getting A-plus-plus grade and 41st ranking of NIRF, the Governor said due to the hard work of the university administration, teachers and employees, the university is moving ahead at a fast pace on the path of progress. This university is the oldest university of the state, therefore, the students will have to always keep in mind the education and values received from Kurukshetra University.

India will soon become a Vishwaguru: Education Minister

Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said after getting the degree from this convocation, the youth should enter their social life and move forward by setting the goal of life. He said today we have the challenge of making India the most powerful country in the world and to deal with this challenge, the youth will have to take a resolution. It is the resolution of every Indian that by the year 2047, we should make India the most powerful country in the world, and India should again move on the path of becoming a Vishwaguru.

He said constant emphasis is being laid on providing quality education in the state. We are determined to implement the National Education Policy in the state by 2025. All educational institutions have prepared a roadmap in this direction, he said.

Kurukshetra University among leading universities in country: Vice Chancellor

Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva while welcoming the guests at the ceremony said in this convocation, degrees have been awarded to about 2000 students and PhD degrees to 130 registered PhD holders and gold medals and merit certificates to 91 registered students. This university has implemented the National Education Policy-2020 first in the country. 23 new academic programs have been started in the university, 63 patents have been obtained and 2 incubation centers have been built. The university has secured third place in the field of sports among 1150 universities, third place in the country in cultural activities and is ranked first among government universities.

Deputy Commissioner Neha Singh, Superintendent of Police Varun Singla, Vice Chancellor of Ayush University Dr. Kartar Singh Dhiman, Vice Chancellor of Sanskrit University Dr. Ramesh Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor of Horticulture University Dr. Ramesh Kumar Malhotra along with the Dean, Director, Chairperson, teachers, employees and students of the university were present on the occasion.

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Honorary degree of Doctor of Literature conferred upon CM Nayab Singh Saini

Honorary degree given for outstanding contribution in social and political field by Kurukshetra University

Youth will have important contribution in building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047: Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, February 18 - Haryana Governor and Chancellor of Kurukshetra University Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya today felicitated Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini with the Honorary degree of Doctor of Literature for his outstanding contribution in social and political field at the 34th convocation of the university. Along with this, former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath, who did remarkable work in the field of science and increased India's pride in space, was also honoured with an honorary degree and Goyal Peace Prize by the university.

In the convocation ceremony, degrees were awarded to about 2000 students, PhD degrees to 130 registered PhD holders and gold medals and merit certificates were awarded to 91 registered students.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's vision is that when we celebrate 100 years of India's Independence, our country should become a developed nation. India should become the dream of those revolutionary heroes who sacrificed everything to liberate India. By realizing this vision, the youth will have the most important contribution in making a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047. Therefore, the youth have to become mentally, physically and morally strong and achieve the goals of life.

The Chief Minister congratulated and wished the students who were honoured with PhD degrees and received medals and said that this is not just a degree, but an honour for your hard work. He also congratulated the parents and faculty members of the students. He congratulated and wished former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath on being honored with an honorary degree and Goyal Peace Prize by the university.

Haryana created a distinct identity in education, sports, research and industrial sectors

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad laid the foundation stone of Kurukshetra University in 1956. Since then, the university has travelled a long journey of development. He said Haryana has made a distinct identity as a leading state in the country by progressing in education, sports, cultural, research and industrial sectors. Kurukshetra University has a significant contribution in this identity. He said on the strength of the capacity of such educational institutions, Haryana has fully implemented the National Education Policy.

Government's goal is to provide quality education to every child

The Chief Minister said till a decade ago, daughters in Haryana had to go to far-flung colleges to get higher education. Due to this, most of the daughters were deprived of education. Understanding their pain, the government prepared a roadmap and resolved to establish a college every 20 kilometers. In the last 10 years, 79 colleges were opened, out of which 30 are for girls only. He said the government's aim is that every child gets quality education near his home.

He said the state government is also emphasizing on skill development of youth along with education. As per the demand of the time, education from school to university has been linked with skills. Apart from this, effective steps are being taken like NSSQF in schools, PAHAL scheme in colleges, incubation centers in universities and MoUs with industries to provide training as per the needs of industries in technical institutes.

He said for this year's budget, the government has also sought suggestions from the youth so that an inclusive and developmental budget of every section can be made. He said the youth of Haryana are touching new heights today through startups, which is a matter of pride.

2 lakh more jobs will be given in state

The Chief Minister said before 2014, there was such an environment in Haryana that the youth had to go to the MLA, minister or even the Chief Minister to get a government job. There was disbelief among the youth that getting education does not get a job. The present government has worked to break this notion in the last 10 years. Our government has provided government jobs to the youth without ‘kharchi-parchi’, and only on the basis of merit. In the last 10 years, 1.75 lakh youth were given jobs. In the coming time, the government will work to provide 2 lakh more jobs.

Earlier, Governor Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, MLA from Kalka Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, former Chairman of ISRO Dr. Dr. S. Somanath and Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva released a souvenir on the occasion.

*Samarpan Mahasatsang is guiding our lives in the right direction: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini*

*CM Nayab Singh Saini attends the Samarpan Mahasatsang organized by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji in Karnal*

Chandigarh, February 18- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini attended the Mahasatsang organized by Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji in Karnal on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, he stated that the Samarpan Mahasatsang is an invaluable gift, guiding us toward the right direction in life. By embracing the teachings of Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji, we can lead happier and more peaceful lives. He further expressed that it is a great blessing for both Haryana and Karnal to have this land sanctified by the divine sermons of the saints.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini first sought blessings from Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji.

He expressed, "I have come to the Samarpan Mahasatsang to seek blessings for public service and the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state." He went on to acknowledge that Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji founded the 'Art of Living' organization in 1982 for the betterment of humanity. Through this initiative, he has guided millions towards peace, balance, and harmony. "Gurudev Ji, you are a symbol of simplicity, service, knowledge, and sacrifice. You are leading a spiritual revolution, showing a new path to the world. You have traveled across many countries, tirelessly working to promote peace, cooperation, and brotherhood worldwide.

*We adopt peace and harmony in our lives, and it spreads in society– Chief Minister*

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that by embracing peace and harmony in our lives, we contribute to spreading these values throughout society. He commended Guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji for his efforts to unite every section of society through Mahasatsang. "India is the sacred land of sages, saints, mahatmas, pirs, and prophets," he said, adding that this great land symbolizes knowledge, devotion, power, and action. Since the Vedic period, an unbroken stream of mutual love and brotherhood has flowed across this land. He further highlighted that our culture is rich in values such as universalism, Antyodaya, Sarvodaya, charity, tolerance, generosity, global vision, harmony, simplicity, and modesty. The Chief Minister urged the new generation to adopt our ancient culture and traditions.

On this occasion, Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda, Karnal MLA Sh Jagmohan Anand, Assandh MLA Sh Yogendra Rana, and other distinguished guests were also present.

*Education Minister seeks blessings from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar*

Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, humbly bowed at the feet of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji Maharaj during the Samarpan program organized by Art of Living and sought his blessings. The minister expressed gratitude for Maharaj Ji's presence in the holy land of Karnal, extending a warm welcome. He acknowledged that the company and blessings of such a revered soul had truly enriched their lives. He said that the darshan and blessings should inspire courage and determination to walk the path of righteousness, guiding others to pursue a life of welfare and peace.

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*Nomination papers of 55 candidates for Mayor post, 268 for President post found to be correct: State Election Commissioner*

Chandigarh, February 18 - Haryana State Election Commissioner Sh. Dhanpat Singh said that in the Urban Local Body elections, except Panipat Municipal Corporation, after scrutiny of nomination papers in all other local municipal bodies, nomination papers of 55 candidates for the post of Mayor in the respective Municipal Corporations, 268 for the post of President in Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations and 2874 for the post of ward members were found to be correct.

The State Election Commissioner said that nomination papers of 6 candidates in Municipal Corporation Faridabad, 2 in Gurugram, 7 in Manesar, 9 in Hisar, 6 in Karnal, 5 in Rohtak and 6 candidates for the post of Mayor in Yamunanagar Municipal Corporation were found to be correct.

He further informed that nomination papers of 5 candidates for Municipal Council Ambala Sadar, 14 for Pataudi Jatoli Mandi, 6 for Thanesar and 9 for Sirsa for the post of President have been found to be correct.

Similarly, nomination papers of 11 candidates for Nagar Palika Barara, 19 for Bawani Khera, 25 for Loharu, 9 for Siwani, 4 for Jakhal Mandi, 13 for Farukh Nagar, 12 for Narnaund, 10 for Beri, 15 for Julana, 12 for Kalayat, 10 for Siwan, 3 for Pundri, 4 for Indri, 8 for Nilokheri, 13 for Ateli Mandi, 8 for Kanina, 14 for Tawadu, 9 for Hathin, 6 for Kalanaur, 8 for Kharkhoda and 7 candidates for the election of the post of President in Radaur have been found to be correct.

He said nomination papers of 6 candidates were found to be correct for the by-election for the post of Mayor of Ambala Municipal Corporation and 8 candidates for the by-election for the post of Mayor of Sonipat Municipal Corporation. Nomination papers of 5 candidates were found to be correct for the by-election for the post of President of Sohna Municipal Council, 4 in Assandh Municipal Council and 5 in Ismailabad. Along with this, nominations of 2873 candidates were found to be correct for the post of ward members in all the concerned Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipalities.

The State Election Commissioner said that those candidates who want to withdraw their nominations can do so on 19th February between 11 am to 3 pm. The candidates who remain in the fray after 3 pm on 19th February will be allotted election symbols on the same day. After this, the list of candidates contesting the elections and polling stations will be pasted at the designated place on 19th February itself. Voting for all these posts will be held on 2nd March from 8 am to 6 pm.

He informed that nomination papers for Nagar Nigam Panipat will be filled on all working days from 21st February to 27th February except gazetted holidays. After this, scrutiny of nomination papers will be done on 28th February. After that, candidates who want to withdraw their nomination can do so on 1st March between 11 am to 3 pm. On the same day, after 3 pm, election symbols will be allotted to the candidates. On 1st March itself, the list of candidates contesting the election and polling stations will be pasted in public places. After this, voting will be held on 9th March from 8 am to 6 pm. After the completion of the entire election process, counting of votes will be done on 12th March from 8 am and the election results will be declared on the same day.

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Strict actions are being continuously taken against those involved in illegal mining

Fifty vehicles have been seized in Mahendragarh district since December 2024, with a total of Rs 33,52,600 in royalty and fines recovered

12 FIRs registered

Chandigarh, February 18: The Haryana government is taking strict and continuous measures to curb illegal mining in the state. In Mahendragarh district also, the Mining Department, in collaboration with the district administration, is actively inspecting hilly and river areas. Since December 2024, 50 vehicles have been seized by the department. A total of Rs 33,52,600 in royalty and fines has been recovered from 10 vehicle owners. Cases have been registered against 21 vehicles that failed to pay the fine. Additionally, 12 cases have been registered against persons involved in illegal mining activities.

A spokesperson of the Mines and Geology Department said that as part of the ongoing campaign to curb illegal mining, Deputy Commissioner, Mahendragarh has formed inter-departmental teams in addition to the Mining Department. Furthermore, through the Superintendent of Police, strict instructions have been issued to the SHOs of all police stations to enhance surveillance and take legal action. Apart from this, the Deputy Commissioner has directed to prevent illegal mining within village boundaries by holding meetings with the Sarpanches of the villages, all Sub-Divisional Officers, the District Development and Panchayats Officer, and the District Mining Officer.

The spokesperson said that during an inspection of illegal mining in the Nangal Choudhary area, a truck carrying illegally mined stones from Rajasthan was seized near Shahbazpur village. Further departmental legal action is being taken. The department is committed to fully curbing illegal mining to ensure the fair exploitation of natural resources and prevent revenue loss to the state, he added.

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Handmade products of Uganda a favourite of buyers at Surajkund International Crafts Fair

Ugandan nationals all praise for arrangements made at Surajkund International Crafts Fair

Chandigarh, February 18 - At the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair being held in Faridabad, youth are buying products and decorative items made in Uganda at the F-40 shop. These products are eco-friendly as well as useful in everyday life.

Anchala, who hails from Uganda, said she has come to such an international level craft fair for the first time and she is feeling happy after coming here. She would like to come here again. She says that the way the Government of India and the Government of Haryana have supported Uganda, it will increase the trust between the two countries and the artists of that country will get more opportunities to come here.

She said all these products are handmade. There are many tribes living in Uganda who earn their income by making similar handmade products. Along with Anchala, a woman named Hazara from Uganda at her shop also praised the arrangements made at the Surajkund mela under the guidance of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and the leadership of Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma. She said this international craft fair has a unique identity. Women are liking the jewellery, decorative items, bangles and other products made in Uganda. Tourists are also buying bags made from banana leaves. Paintings related to nature by Ugandan artists are also being liked by tourists.

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Youths exhibit sculpture skills at Surajkund International Crafts Fair

Principal Secretary Kala Ramachandran appreciates artwork of participants

Chandigarh, February 18 - Young participants are giving their best in the sculpture competition organized at the Art and Cultural Gallery of the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Faridabad. Principal Secretary of Haryana Tourism Corporation, Smt. Kala Ramachandran observed the sculpture competition to be held till February 21. During this, she also praised the skilled work of the artisans participating in the competition.

The competition is being organized at the Surajkund mela premises with the aim of making young sculptors more proficient in their art under the guidance of Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner of Haryana Art and Cultural Affairs Department and Director General K.M. Pandurang and under the direction of Additional Director Sh. Vivek Kalia. While encouraging the craftsmen, Smt. Kala Ramachandran said young sculptors are playing an important role in developing the vanishing sculpture art. The Surajkund mela is providing an international-level platform to these participants. This will give global recognition to the talent of the participants.

On the occasion, Art Officer (Sculpture) of the Department of Art and Cultural Affairs, Hriday Kaushal, said through this competition, young participants are learning the nuances of sculpture. Tourists are also reaching in large numbers to see the sculptures. He said all the participants in the competition are engaged in the work of carving stones and giving them the shape of a sculpture with hard work for 8 to 10 hours daily.

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Shruti Choudhry takes part in All India State Water Ministers’ Conference in Udaipur

For water management, government working on principle of reduce, recycle and reuse: Shruti Choudhry

Chandigarh, February 18 - State Irrigation Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry attended the All India State Water Ministers’ Conference in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The Cabinet Minister said the country's water crisis and rain water harvesting were discussed in the conference. She said this conference will prove to be an important milestone in shaping India's water security future.

While addressing the conference, she said various schemes are going on in Haryana for water conservation. Adequate work is being done to deliver water to every district. For water management, the state government is continuously working on the three-R principles i.e. reduce, recycle and reuse. The state has so far achieved water saving of about 4.6 billion cubic meters (75%) of the target set in the integrated water resources schemes. Among the major achievements, direct sowing of rice has been adopted on a large scale in about 4.54 lakh acres. 788 effective ponds are being renovated and 12,000 crore liters of wastewater is being used for irrigation and urban management. Many projects to use treated wastewater for agriculture are about to be completed.

During this, she also urged the Government of India to expedite the final process of the MoU of the Kishau Dam Project. She said this will give us 709 cusecs of water, which will be helpful in achieving our goal of water secure Haryana. She also demanded the construction of Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal and Mavi Barrage from the Central Government.

Important aspects of water management are being discussed in the conference, including effective governance, cross-border cooperation, innovative financing and community participation. This conference will also emphasize on technical solutions, efficient water use and better coordination in various sectors. The conference, which will run till February 19, will take India closer to achieving the Prime Minister's vision of a water-secure, developed India by 2047 where access to safe and adequate water will be ensured for all citizens.

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Decrease of Rs 14 crore recorded in amount defrauded by cyber criminals this year: DGP

Taking action against cyber criminals, Haryana Police arrested 4 times more criminals in January 2025 compared to last year

Chandigarh, February 18 - The effective strategy devised by the Haryana Police to protect people from cyber criminals has started yielding remarkable results. In January 2025, a decrease of Rs 14 crore was recorded in the amount defrauded by cyber criminals compared to January 2024. Not only this, the Haryana Police has succeeded in sending 433 more cyber criminals behind bars in January 2025 as compared to the previous year.

Giving information about this, Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur said due to the awareness campaign being run by the Haryana Police, the defrauded amount has decreased to Rs 72.84 crore this year as compared to Rs 86.18 crore in January 2024. As a result of the prompt action of the Haryana Police, a significant increase has also been recorded in the amount saved from cyber criminals in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Taking strict action against cyber criminals, the Haryana Police has arrested 4 times more criminals in January 2025. While 138 cyber accused were arrested by the Haryana Police in January 2024, 571 accused have been arrested in January 2025, out of which 130 accused are from Haryana and 441 accused are from other states.

It is noteworthy that the Haryana Police has saved an amount of approximately Rs 268.40 crore from the clutches of cyber criminals in the year 2024, while this amount was only Rs 76.85 crore in the year 2023. In this way, three times more amount has been saved from cyber criminals in the year 2024 as compared to the year 2023 and five times more amount has been saved as compared to the year 2022. Similarly, where 2165 cases were registered against cyber criminals in the year 2022, 2747 cases were registered in the year 2023 and 5511 cases have been registered in the year 2024. Similarly, 1078 cyber criminals were arrested by the Haryana Police in the year 2022, 1909 in the year 2023 and 5156 in the year 2024. Out of the criminals arrested in the year 2024, 70 percent (3555 criminals) are residents of other states. In the year 2024, an average of 14 cyber criminals have been arrested daily by the Haryana Police.

The Haryana Police, which was at the 23rd position in the country in September 2023 in terms of the rate of blocked amount of cyber fraud, has now reached the first position. For this achievement and efficient implementation of cyber helpline 1930, the Haryana Police was also honoured by the Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah on September 10, 2024. As a result of these actions taken by the Haryana Police to control Cyber Crime, the rate of blocked amount in cyber fraud and the recovery being done by the cyber police stations, which was 7 percent in September 2023, has increased to 36 percent in December 2024, which is the highest in the country. Not only this, if a complainant files a complaint within 6 hours of cyber fraud, up to 70 percent of the defrauded amount is being blocked, which is the highest in the entire country.

While appealing to the general public, Sh. Kapur said in this era of technology, most people are active on online platforms. If any person calls and introduces himself as an officer of CBI, ED or police and talks about digital arrest, then be immediately alert because no agency does digital arrest. Along with this, people should not fall into the trap of fake share trading being broadcast on social media platforms. Before investing, be sure to officially confirm the company and website. Along with this, people should not pick up WhatsApp video and audio calls coming from abroad, especially from Cambodia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc. The Haryana Police is continuously running awareness campaigns on print and social media to make the people of the state aware about the methods adopted by cyber criminals.

The only way to avoid cyber crime is caution and vigilance, so people should be vigilant and contact helpline number-1930 immediately if there is any apprehension of cyber crime.

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Dr. Vivek Joshi appointed new Election Commissioner of India

Chandigarh, February 18 – Dr. Vivek Joshi, a distinguished 1989-batch IAS officer from the Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the new Election Commissioner of India.

The announcement came after a selection committee, chaired by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, recommended Dr. Joshi’s name for the esteemed position. He will join the three-member Election Commission, which includes Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sh Gyanesh Prakash and fellow Election Commissioner Sh Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

Dr. Joshi, who has been serving as the Haryana Chief Secretary since November, 2024, brings with him a wealth of experience in public administration. He was repatriated to Haryana in October 2024 at the request of the state government and subsequently appointed to the role of Chief Secretary.

Prior to his appointment in Haryana, Dr. Joshi had an extensive tenure in central deputation with the Government of India. He served as Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training in the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensioners. His illustrious career also saw him holding the position of Secretary in the Department of Financial Services and as the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs. His tenure with the Government of India spanned from 2001 to 2006 and again from 2010 to 2017, and from 2019 to 2024.

Before his central deputation, Dr. Joshi held several significant roles in Haryana, including Chief Executive Officer of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, Principal Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, Member Secretary of the 5th State Finance Commission, and Commissioner for Ambala Division. He has also served as Deputy Commissioner for Hisar, Jind, and Panchkula, among other positions.

As Haryana’s Chief Secretary, Dr. Joshi has been at the forefront of several key initiatives aimed at improving governance and public welfare. One such initiative was the “Swachh Haryana Mission,” launched in December 2024. The campaign, which ran until January 31, 2025, focused on enhancing cleanliness in government offices across the state, optimizing office spaces, and disposing of outdated materials.

Dr. Joshi holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Roorkee and a PhD in International Economics from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland. His remarkable academic and professional background positions him as an asset to the Election Commission, where his leadership and expertise will be significant in ensuring the smooth functioning of the country’s electoral processes.

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Women purchasing daily kitchen products in large numbers at Surajkund Mela

Kitchen products available at various shops near gate No. 1

Chandigarh, February 18 : Women are purchasing kitchen products in large numbers at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela. These products are designed to make daily kitchen tasks more efficient and time-saving. Many women have shown a keen interest in these items, seeking ways to simplify their cooking and preparation routines. Akash, owner of shop number-27 near Gate No. 1, shared that his stall is witnessing a high demand for stain removers, which allow people to remove stains from clothes without the need for water.

Oil-absorbing magic towel

Women are also purchasing magic towels in large numbers at this shop. Akash explained that the magic towel absorbs oil stains, and once the towel is rubbed in water, the oil vanishes without the need for soap or detergent. The oil absorbed by the towel disappears automatically when it is rinsed, making it a convenient and effective solution for stain removal. Similarly, women are purchasing sink wires in large numbers. These sink wires allow for the easy removal of waste stuck in sink pipes while washing utensils. Additionally, face massagers and other essential items are also being bought in significant quantities. It was mentioned that, in today's fast-paced world, these products are like inventions for working women. With their help, women can save time and complete tasks in the kitchen more quickly.

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Haryana ACS issues stringent directions for MTP & Ultrasound Centres inspections

Chandigarh, February 18– Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Health and Family Welfare, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, has issued a stern directive to officials of the Health Department to conduct thorough inspections of all MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) and Ultrasound Centres within this week. Stringent action will be taken against any centres found violating health authority norms, with non-compliance treated as an immediate violation.

He also instructed that if any doctor is found involved in malpractices at these centres, the Health Department must notify the Haryana Medical Council for the immediate cancellation of their medical registration.

In a review meeting with the officers of the Health and Women & Child Welfare Departments here today, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal made it clear that those involved in illegal practices, particularly sex determination and gender-based discrimination, will face severe consequences. "Our priority is to ensure a balanced gender ratio in Haryana, and we are on track with the success of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) program. Anyone found violating these crucial norms, especially in malpractices such as sex determination, will not be spared," he added.

Further tightening the controls, the ACS ordered the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to track and analyze all abortion cases and maintain a close watch on MTP centres to prevent any unethical practices. He said that all ultrasound machines must have functional trackers that send SMS alerts to health authorities if sex-determination tests are performed.

In addition, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal suggested exploring the possibility of providing Rs. 100 incentive to pregnant women who will do self-registration on the State portal, an initiative currently under consideration.

It was informed in the meeting that Haryana has successfully improved its sex ratio at birth by taking strict punitive actions against sex-selective abortion, providing counselling to parents and families, closely tracking pregnancies, and running awareness campaigns aimed at changing societal perceptions about the value of girls.

This meeting was attended by DGHS Dr Manish Bansal, Director PNDT Dr Simmi, Chief Medical Officer, Panchkula, Dr. Mukta Kumar, along with other senior officers from the Health and WCD Departments.

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Chairman Sh. P.K. Das sets remarkable record by settling 214 cases in just 10 months

Chandigarh, February 18: Sh. P.K. Das, Chairman of the Haryana State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (HSEIAA), has set a remarkable record by successfully settling 214 cases during his tenure of about 10 months. Many companies bringing significant projects in the state have expressed gratitude to Sh P.K. Das for receiving Environmental Clearances (EC) promptly, enabling smooth project progress without delays.

Giving information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that the total cost of projects granted environmental clearance during the 10-month tenure of Sh. P.K. Das amounts to Rs. 2,62,670 crores. Notably, private companies involved in these projects have committed to contributing Rs. 163 crores towards improving the condition of government schools in the state.

During Sh. P. K. Das's tenure as Chairman, several important projects were granted early environmental clearances, facilitating their timely progress. Notable projects include the Mata Amritanandamayi Hospital in Faridabad, AIIMS in Rewari, Kalpana Chawla Medical College in Karnal, Government Medical Colleges in Yamunanagar and Sirsa, the Civil Aviation Cluster in Hisar, and the Maruti Industry in Kharkhoda.

Sh. P.K. Das said that significant efforts have always been made to ensure the rapid development of the state. In Authority "my priority has been to work in a transparent and efficient manner," he remarked. He said that these companies were asked to invest Rs. 163 crore for the development and improvement of infrastructure in schools located near their project sites. Additionally, the Authority has made it clear that companies operating in the mining sector must take responsibility for maintaining the roads of Panchayats. Furthermore, they are required to develop a fruit tree garden on five acres of Panchayat land and hand it over to the Panchayat for long-term sustainability.