Chandigarh, July 6 – Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that the state has witnessed a technological revolution in electricity distribution and consumer services. The number of electricity consumers in the state has reached 81.92 lakh, out of which 49.15 lakh consumers now pay their electricity bills through digital modes. This not only reflects Haryana’s digital literacy but also signifies increased convenience, transparency, and time savings for consumers.

Rising trend of digital payments – Vij

Sh. Vij said that the trend of digital payments is growing rapidly in Haryana. The responsibility of power distribution lies with UHBVN (Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam) and DHBVN (Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam). Over 60 percent of their total monthly revenue is now received via online platforms. Consumers, both in cities and villages, are paying through net banking, credit/debit cards, RTGS, UPI, and other digital platforms. This has not only expedited the billing process but also eliminated the need to stand in long queues.

Digital revolution in consumer services – Vij

He said that electricity consumers now receive a range of services online, not just bill payments. Services like new connections, load increase/decrease, name change, grievance redressal, and meter transfers are all available through online portals. Consumers can also register complaints via the toll-free number 1912. A central customer service center in Gurugram, and call centers in Panchkula and Gurugram, have been set up. The Panchkula center has 80 seats in winter and 180 in summer, allowing for quick resolution of complaints.

Technological improvements and use of smart metering – Vij

Sh. Vij said that automated meter reading (AMR) has been implemented in urban feeders under technical reforms in Haryana. The electronic meter reading system has reduced manual intervention and improved billing transparency. Smart grid systems have been extended in industrial areas like Manesar and Kundli, enhancing reliability and quality of power supply.

‘Mhara Gaon–Jagmag Gaon’ Scheme: Transforming rural India – Vij

He highlighted the ‘Mhara Gaon–Jagmag Gaon’ scheme, which has transformed the rural landscape of Haryana. Under this initiative, 24-hour power supply has been ensured in 5,887 villages. Rural consumers are also now utilizing digital services, which has brought a significant improvement in their lifestyle.

Historic decline in technical and commercial losses – Vij

Sh. Vij noted a historic reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses over the past 13 years. In 2012-13, the loss was 29.31percent, which has now reduced to just 10.52 percent as of January 2025. UHBVN reduced losses from 35.60 percent to 9.38 percent, and DHBVN from 23.29 percent to 11.35 percent . This achievement is due to smart metering, line loss control, technical reforms, and increased consumer accountability.

Transformer damage rate also falls dharply – Vij

He informed that the transformer damage rate has also decreased significantly. In 1997-98, it was 30.45 percent, which has now come down to 4.74 percent in 2024-25. Even though the number of transformers has increased from 1.46 lakh to 7.08 lakh, the reduction in damage rate proves the strengthening of the power distribution system. This success is attributed to regular maintenance, timely repairs, modern technology, and improved monitoring.

Cyber Fraud: A new challenge in the digital age – Vij

Sh.Vij acknowledged that with the rise in online payments, cyber fraud cases have also emerged. Consumers sometimes fall prey to fraudulent calls or links. The Discoms receive complaints related to such fraud. There is an urgent need for consumer awareness and robust security measures by the Discoms to tackle this issue.

Sh. Vij said that Haryana’s electricity consumers have now become fully high-tech. Digital services, technological reforms, and 24-hour power supply have made the state a leader in the energy sector. In the coming times, the adoption of smart technologies and renewable energy will further accelerate this progress.

Chandigarh, July 6 – A grand jungle safari project, coming up in the Aravalli Hills, is going to redefine Haryana’s identity.

This ambitious project will not only promote green tourism in the state, but will also prove to be an important step towards the conservation of wildlife. With the aim of giving shape to this project, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini along with Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal and Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh visited Vantara, Jamnagar in Gujarat and gained information in this regard.

This jungle safari in Haryana will be developed in an area of about 10,000 acres, in which various types of animals, birds and natural biodiversity will be preserved. This safari will be equipped with modern technology and special arrangements will be made for eco-friendly tourism.  The development of safari in the Aravalli hills will provide new employment opportunities to the local youth in tourism, guiding, hospitality and other sectors. Also, this project will strengthen the regional climate and ecology.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini himself is reviewing this big project from time to time. He has given clear instructions to the Forest and Environment Department that the project should be completely eco-friendly. This project will prove to be a milestone in environmental protection, promoting tourism and creating new employment opportunities.

The Forest and Environment Department and the Tourism Department will jointly give shape to this project. The government aims to make this safari a major attraction for tourists from the country and abroad and make Haryana a leader in the field of eco-tourism.

Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, this jungle safari project will not only be a tourist destination but will also be an inspiration for generations to come.

Chandigarh, July 6 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, India has entered the ‘Amrit Kaal’ and is moving towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. In this journey, the role of the BJP offices becomes even more important. He said that the Prime Minister has given the ‘mantra’ of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” and these offices will help bring everyone’s efforts together and lead them in the right direction.

The Chief Minister was addressing BJP workers after the virtual inauguration of three new district-level BJP offices in Jhajjar, Sirsa, and Kurukshetra by the BJP National President, Sh. J.P. Nadda, held at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Sunday. He said these new offices will strengthen the organisation, promote a greater sense of service, and reinforce the commitment of the party workers.

The Chief Minister said that today on the 125th birth anniversary of Jana Sangh founder Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, is going to add a golden chapter in the development journey of Haryana and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Over the next two years, programmes will be held nationwide to commemorate his ideals, values, and commitment—especially to inspire the young generation.

He said this is a humble tribute to the great personality, who once raised his voice against the division of India and said, “Two flags, two constitutions, two prime ministers cannot exist in one nation.” He sacrificed his life for the unity and integrity of India. The Prime Minister fulfilled his dream of an Akhand Bharat by abrogating Articles 370 and 35 from Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister said that this office also serves as a mirror for those political parties that practice dynastic and family-based politics. Their offices are often treated as private property of a few families, where ordinary workers have no say. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party is a party where even a worker who pastes posters at a booth can, through hard work and talent, rise to the position of Chief Minister or Prime Minister, he said.

The biggest example of this is our Prime Minister,  Sh. Narendra Modi and I, who stand before you as humble workers, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Congratulating the party workers, the Chief Minister said that together, we must reach every household in Haryana, win every heart, and ensure Haryana’s greatest contribution to the Prime Minister’s vision of  ‘ Viksit Bharat- Viksit Haryana’.

He emphasized that these offices should not be limited to meetings only. They should become public forums (Chaupals) where people’s issues are heard, efforts are made to resolve them, and government schemes are effectively communicated.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that we are all workers of an organization that places the nation first,  the organization second,  and the family third. It is the result of the tireless efforts of our workers that the Bharatiya Janata Party has been entrusted with the responsibility of public service for the third consecutive time at both the Centre and in Haryana.

He said that for the past 11 years, our leadership has continuously made India proud on the global stage. He added that due to the hard work and dedication of our workers, the BJP has now become the world’s largest democratic party with more than 14 crore members. In Haryana alone, the party has over 46 lakh members. All party workers deserve congratulations for this achievement, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Chief Minister said that the Bharatiya Janata Party was established in 1980 to establish India as a strong, prosperous, and powerful nation on the world stage. From the first national president, Bharat Ratna late Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to the current leadership under Sh. Jagat Prakash Nadda, the party has expanded tremendously, fulfilling the continuous expectations of the people.

He said that workers are the greatest strength of any organization, and party offices play a key role in ensuring smooth functioning. Keeping this in mind, BJP offices are being constructed at all sub-divisional headquarters across the state. With the inauguration of offices in the three newly included districts, the BJP offices have now been built in 20 districts. Only Panipat and Mahendragarh remain, and offices in these districts will also be completed by the end of August, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Chandigarh, July 6: Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state is working on all possibilities to promote tourism. He said that Rs. 92 crore will be spent on the development of Yadavindra Gardens in Pinjore and Tikkar Taal in Morni. This is expected to significantly boost tourism in the region. He also shared plans to make next year’s Mango Mela even more grand.

The Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 32nd Mango Mela held in Pinjore on Sunday. Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma attended as the Chief Guest, while Health Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao was present as the Special Guest.

During his address, Dr. Sharma said that this year’s Mango Mela witnessed a record-breaking crowd of 2.5 lakh visitors. For the first time, mango growers were provided dedicated sale stalls, resulting in sales worth Rs.25 lakh. He also shared plans to meet the Chief Minister soon to request an extension of the mela duration and to introduce schemes to support farmers who are preserving rare mango varieties.

Health Minister, Kumari Arti Singh Rao congratulated Dr. Sharma for the massive response to the 32nd Mango Mela. She said that the event offered a great platform for mango farmers from across the country. Such events help preserve traditions and promote unity and prosperity, she added.

Kumari Arti Singh Rao also highlighted that under the guidance of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana has taken strong steps to economically empower farmers.

MLA, Kalka, Smt.Shakti Rani Sharma praised the Tourism Department for organizing such a wonderful event in her constituency. She appealed to the Tourism Minister to further develop Pinjore, Yadavindra Gardens, and Morni on a larger scale.

OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Vice- Chairman, Shivalik Development Board, Sh. Om Prakash Devinagar, MD, Tourism Haryana, Dr. Shaleen, GM, Sh. Ashutosh Rajan, BJP District President, Sh. Ajay Mittal and other dignitaries also remained present.

Chandigarh, July 5 – In a significant step towards strengthening Chandigarh’s green cover and environmental sustainability, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria launched a mega tree plantation drive in the premises of the Punjab & Haryana Civil Secretariat.

The initiative marks the formal commencement of Van Mahotsav 2025 – a citizen-driven environmental movement aimed at enhancing green spaces through active public participation. As part of the ambitious plan, more than 1 lakh saplings will be planted at 253 designated locations across Chandigarh. During today’s launch event, around 300 saplings were planted within the Secretariat premises itself.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor underscored the critical importance of environmental conservation in the face of rising ecological challenges. He encouraged the CISF personnel and citizens to actively participate in this noble campaign, highlighting the power of collective effort in protecting and nurturing the environment.

The event witnessed the presence of several key dignitaries, including the Home Secretary, Chandigarh, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar; Chief Conservator, Forest Department, Sh. Saurabh Kumar; Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Sh. Amit Kumar; and Commandant and Unit Commander of CISF Unit Punjab & Haryana Civil Secretariat Chandigarh, Sh. Lalit Pawar, along with other CISF members.

Chandigarh, July 5 – The Haryana Government has brought 10 services of the Labour Department within the ambit of the Right to Service Act, 2014, ensuring a defined timeline for their delivery.

 According to notification issued in this regard by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, the registration of the principal employer’s establishment and licence for contractors under provision of contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 (Central Act 37 of 1970) must be completed within 26 days. Approval of plans from the Factory Department and issuance of factory licences under the Factories Act, 1948 (Central Act 63 of 1948) must be provided within 45 days.

Shop registration under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishment Act, 1958 (Punjab Act 15 of 1958) is to be completed within 1 day for basic verification and within 15 days if Know Your Customer (KYC) verification is involved. Renewal of licence for contractors under the provisions of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 (Central Act 37 of 1970) is to be processed within 26 days. Renewal of factory licence under the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948 (Central Act, 63 of 1948) is to be done in 45 days.

Apart from this, the registration of establishments engaged in the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (Central Act 27 of 1996) is to be completed within 30 days. Registration of principal employer’s establishment under the provisions of Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 (Central Act 30 of 1979) must also be completed within 26 days.

Registration/Renewal of construction workers as beneficiary of Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board (HBOCWW Board) is to be done within 30 days. Delivery of benefits under various Welfare Schemes of Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board must be ensured within 90 days.

Additionally, designated officers, first grievance redressal authorities, and second grievance redressal authorities have been notified to facilitate timely service delivery.

Chandigarh, July 5 – More than 30 representatives of Municipalities, along with Municipal Councillors and Chairmen from across the country visited the old and new Parliament in New Delhi today.

On this occasion, they interacted with Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla and listened to his views. Most of the representatives also requested to organize conferences like the two-day ULB conference held in Gurugram again and to provide an opportunity to see the largest Panchayat. They also thanked the Haryana Assembly Speaker for organizing such a conference for the first time in the country and shared the experiences gained in the conference. Many officials also requested to create a post on the lines of the Chairman in the Municipal Council and release a separate budget.

On this occasion, Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla asked the representatives to return from here with a resolution to communicate directly with the people of their area and to fulfill their expectations and aspirations.

Haryana Assembly Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan and Deputy Speaker Sh. Krishan Lal Middha were also present on this occasion.

The Lok Sabha Speaker expressed gratitude to all the representatives on reaching the historic House and said this House was made by the sacrifice of freedom fighters and revolutionaries. After this, this House has also witnessed the process of making the Constitution of the world’s largest democracy under the leadership of Baba Saheb BR Ambedkar. He further said that this House has not only played a key role in shaping the nation’s progress but also in upholding the rights and responsibilities enshrined in the Constitution. Alongside the vision of building a New India, he emphasized that the inspiration to shape its spiritual and cultural identity has also been drawn from the legacy of the revolutionaries.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said the conference of municipal representatives from all over the country will give more strength to local governance. He hoped that the members will take new inspiration and energy from this conference. Along with this, they will give the benefits of the experience, training, innovation, ideas and brainstorming done in the conference to the people of their region.

All the representatives also praised the Haryana Government for hosting the two-day conference.

Chandigarh, July 5 – Haryana’s Civil Aviation, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sh. Vipul Goel represented the state in the Civil Aviation Ministers’ Conference held in Dehradun.

Speaking on this occasion, he said due to the efficient leadership and foresight of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, today the state’s civil aviation department is touching new heights. Due to their clear vision and strong will, Haryana is now making its strong presence felt on the national stage in the aviation sector.

The objective of this two-day seminar was to strengthen the dialogue and coordination between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, Airport Authority of India (AAI), DGCA and other related organizations along with the civil aviation departments of all the states. In this, important discussions were held to share the needs and proposals of the states and to take policy making to the practical level.

The Cabinet Minister expressed his gratitude to Union Civil Aviation Minister Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu and Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for this innovative event and said, “The number of new airports built in the country under the UDAN scheme and other initiatives is historic. This is a change which is now visible on the ground.” He also thanked Uttarakhand Chief Minister Sh. Pushkar Singh Dhami for hosting the programme.

Hisar Airport: A step towards becoming the aviation hub of North India

Sh. Vipul Goel said the Hisar Airport was inaugurated in the month of April and regular flights have started from there, which is a historic achievement for the state. He said the presence of the Prime Minister added dignity to the occasion. “I request Union Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu to visit Hisar soon and support the state in airport expansion plans,” he said. He also said that Hisar is the third airport in the country which has immense possibilities of expansion. Spread over 7200 acres, this airport has a 4000 meter long runway, excellent road and rail connectivity, and modern infrastructure which can establish it as a major aviation hub of North India. He said the work of MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility is in progress in Hisar, for which he expected full cooperation from the Central Government. He also proposed that “wherever expressways and highways are being built in the country, it should be made mandatory to develop strips for air ambulance services along with the road. This will give new impetus to emergency services.”

The Haryana Government has also started the work of developing heliports in Gurugram and Faridabad. Also, Vipul Goel requested the Chandigarh Administration to provide land for helipad to the state so that helicopter connectivity can be provided from Chandigarh to various districts of Haryana.

Coordination of sports and training with aviation

He also informed that the Civil Aviation Department is not limited to only passenger flights, but recreational aviation and sports activities are also being promoted in the state. “International level sports complexes are being built in Bhiwani and Mahendragarh. Also, we are setting up flying training institutes so that pilots can be prepared for the country and Haryana can play a leading role in this,” he added.

At the conclusion of the programme, Vipul Goel reiterated that the Haryana Government and the Civil Aviation Department of the state under the leadership of the Chief Minister are working with full dedication to realize the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’. He said, “We need the continued support of the Central Government and we are ready to give our full contribution on behalf of the state.”

Chandigarh, July 5: Member of Parliament from Chandigarh and former Union Minister Shri Manish Tewari inaugurated newly installed CCTV cameras in the Mauli Jagran area, funded through a ₹5 lakh grant from his MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund.

He was accompanied by Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky and several senior leaders.

In his address, MP Tewari emphasized that these CCTV cameras will play a crucial role in curbing criminal activities in the area. He reiterated his firm commitment to ensuring public safety and stated that no effort would be spared in addressing the needs of the people of Chandigarh. He also listened to other concerns raised by local residents during the visit.

Shri Tewari extended his gratitude to the administration, especially Executive Engineer Kuldeep Singh and SDO Rajdeep Surya, for their significant contributions in executing this public welfare project.

Speaking on the occasion, H.S. Lucky also assured that every possible step would be taken to ensure the safety of residents. He lauded MP Tewari’s continued efforts to resolve the issues faced by the people of the Lok Sabha constituency and remarked that only the Congress Party truly understands and works for the needs of the public.

Among those present were, included Thakur Kartar Singh, Former Mayor Surinder Singh, Thakur Surinder Singh alias Kaka, Block President Harbhajan Singh, Mukesh Rai, Vinay Mishra, Lekhpal, Rajdeep Sidhu, Mohammad Imran, and Wasim Mir.