Artists showcase Cultural Heritage at National Conference of Urban Local Body Chairpersons
Chandigarh: A grand cultural evening was organized late last evening as part of the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Manesar, Gurugram. The event was graced by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, Cabinet Ministers Arvind Sharma, Aarti Singh Rao, and other dignitaries. Artists from different areas brought alive the rich tapestry of art and culture during the evening. The program began with a Gandharva instrumental music performance, directed by Pandit Chetan Joshi. Accompanied by fellow musicians, Pandit Joshi presented a captivating fusion of Haryanvi folk and traditional Indian instruments, recreating the mythical melodies associated with the Gandharvas. The harmonious blend of folk culture and instrumental music reverberated through the auditorium, enthralling the audience.

Haryana grants extra casual leave to female contractual employees
Chandigarh: The Haryana Government on Friday announced a significant enhancement to the casual leave policy for its female contractual employees. In an order issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, it is stated that female contractual employees, including those deployed through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited, will now be entitled to two days of additional casual leave per month, subject  to a maximum of 22 days in a calendar year, more than double the previous limit of 10 days. This new provision is in addition to the existing 10 days of medical leave provided annually. The revision applies to all female contractual employees working under Outsourcing Policy Part-II and those engaged through HKRNL, the notification added. All administrative secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors/chief administrators/CEOs of boards/corporations/public undertakings, divisional commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), and Registrars of all universities in Haryana have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these new instructions, it stated.

House Sessions should be held in Municipal Corporations, just like Lok Sabha & Vidhan Sabha: Khattar
Chandigarh: Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, who attended the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Gurugram on Friday, said that House sessions should be held in Municipal Corporations, just like Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.  In his address, the Minister emphasized the crucial role such conferences play in capacity building for urban governance. He said that this is the first time a conference of urban local body representatives has been organized on such a large scale, marking a significant milestone. He further advocated for the regular organization of similar events across the country, highlighting the importance of utilizing online platforms to ensure broader participation. “Wider engagement will empower more people to contribute and help transform the face of our cities,” he said. Khattar said that similar to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, urban local bodies should also conduct formal House sessions, chaired by a person elected in the manner of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha.

MC constitutes special task force to trace & dismantle supply chain of banned plastic carry bags entering Chandigarh
Chandigarh: The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has issued a stern warning to all individuals, traders, and commercial establishments found violating the single-use plastic ban in the city. Chandigarh MC Commissioner Amit Kumar, while reviewing the enforcement of the ban, directed the concerned officers of MCC for formation of a special task force to trace and dismantle the supply chain of banned plastic carry bags entering Chandigarh. The Commissioner emphasized that zero tolerance will be shown towards violators, particularly repeat offenders. He warned that strict legal action will be taken, which may include heavy penalties, seizure of goods, and in severe cases, temporary or permanent closure of the establishment. As part of the Plastic Mukt Chandigarh campaign, rigorous enforcement drives have been conducted since the ban came into effect on June 18, 2025. So far 520 challans have been issued, 123 Kg banned plastic carry bags have been confiscated besides selling 423 kg compostable bags.

Public representatives should make cities not only "smart" but also capable, inclusive and sustainable: Hry Deputy Speaker
Chandigarh: Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Krishan Lal Midha on Friday said that representatives of urban local bodies should strive to make their cities not just “smart,” but also capable, inclusive, and sustainable so that the vision of a ‘Developed India’ becomes not just a goal but a ground reality. Addressing representatives of Urban Local Bodies during the closing ceremony of the National Conference in Gurugram, the Deputy Speaker said that Haryana has already set several successful examples in the areas of transparency, e-governance, and citizen participation within the urban local body sector. Whether in Municipal Corporations like Gurugram and Faridabad or in Municipal Councils across other districts, development plans have consistently been created with citizens at the core. He further remarked that the in-depth discussions held during the conference on the theme “Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and the Role of Urban Local Bodies in Nation Building” were not only timely but also highly relevant in advancing the vision of India as a developed nation.