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Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Hands Over Appointment Letters to Excise and Taxation Inspectors and Clerks

Chandigarh, April 2

Punjab Finance, Planning, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to two Excise and Taxation Inspectors and two Clerks in the Excise and Taxation Department, reinforcing the department’s crucial role in revenue collection

Congratulating the newly appointed officials, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the importance of integrity, dedication, and commitment in public service. He expressed confidence in their ability to contribute meaningfully to the Excise and Taxation Department, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the government’s revenue stream remains robust and transparent.

“The Excise and Taxation Department stands as a cornerstone of the Punjab Government’s fiscal framework. These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our workforce with capable and diligent individuals who will help in effective revenue collection and management,” said Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.

Reiterating Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to employment generation and efficient revenue management, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that this recruitment drive not only reinforces the Excise and Taxation department but also aligns with the Punjab Government’s broader vision of providing employment opportunities to the youth. With a strong emphasis on job creation, economic growth, and empowerment, the government is actively implementing policies that foster career opportunities and sustainable development across the state, he added.

BIKRAM MAJITHIA’S SECURITY SCALED DOWN, NOT WITHDRAWN: PUNJAB POLICE CLARIFIES

CHANDIGARH, April 2:

The Punjab Police on Wednesday refuted reports claiming the complete withdrawal of security for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, clarifying that his security cover had only been scaled down based on a reassessment of threat perception.

An official spokesperson said that the adjustment was made following the latest recommendations of the Security Review Committee.

“Security for any prominent individual is reviewed periodically based on threat assessment. Accordingly, it is either increased or decreased,” the spokesperson said, while adding that Bikram Majithia still retains sufficient security, including an escort vehicle and an adequate number of gunmen, ensuring his safety as per protocol.

Meanwhile, officials reiterated that such decisions are routine and based solely on threat perception reports.

Chief Secretary reviews arrangements for Prime Minister’s visit with officers

Chandigarh , April 1 – Prime Minister,  Sh Narendra Modi will inaugurate air  travel services from Maharaja Agrasen Airport Hisar on April 14, marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. On the same day,the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a new 800 MW unit at the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar. 

The Chief Secretary, Sh Anurag Rastogi reviewed the preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit in a meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh  Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary  to Chief Minister,  Sh Arun Gupta, senior officers from various departments.

Sh Anurag Rastogi directed the officers to ensure robust security and cleanliness arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit. He also directed them to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and adequate provisions for drinking water at the venues.  Considering large public turnout, Chief Secretary stressed the need for effective traffic management to ensure public face no inconvenience.

Strict action taken against illegal mining in Yamuna Nagar; 1692 vehicles checked, one vehicle seized, Fines of Rs. 4.32 lakh was imposed

Chandigarh, April 1- Following the directions of Director General, Mining and Geology Department, Sh. K.M Pandurang, the Mining Department is continuously taking action against illegal mining and transportation in the state. The district administration and mining department in Yamuna Nagar checked 1,692 vehicles. As a result, one vehicle was seized, and fines amounting to Rs.4.32 lakh were imposed on seven vehicles. 

Sharing information in this regard a spokesperson from the mining department shared that the Haryana government is taking strict action against those involved in illegal mining. To ensure this, teams have been formed at various levels for regular monitoring. The administration is committed to curbing illegal mining and transportation in the district, and continuous efforts are being made in this direction. 

The spokesperson said 946 vehicles were checked by the teams of SDM Chhachhrauli. Similarly, the teams under SDM Jagadhri checked 169 vehicles, seizing one vehicle and imposing a fine of Rs. 4.26 lakh. The teams led by SDM Radaur checked 466 vehicles, issuing challans to seven vehicles and collecting fines totaling Rs. 6,000. Besides this, the team under SDM Byaspur checked 111 vehicles. District’s SDMs, police, and mining department officers are conducting round-the-clock inspections, the spokesperson added.

The administration is monitoring illegal mining near the Yamuna River and other areas in the Yamunanagar district. Teams appointed by the district administration are actively checking mineral-vehicles on the roads to ensure they have valid e-Rawanna bills. Strict action is being taken against the culprits.  

CM seeks blessings at Chandi Mata Temple 

Chandigarh, April 1 – Haryana Chief Minister,Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited the Chandi Mata Temple on Tuesday to seek blessings for the health and bright future of the people of the state. 

On the occasion of Navratri, the Chief Minister visited the Chandi Mata Temple in Panchkula to offer prayers. During his visit, he extended his greetings and best wishes for Navratri to the people of Haryana and expressed hope that, with the blessings of Mata Rani, the state would continue to progress rapidly. After this, the Chief Minister reached Yagnyashala and performed Havan. 

MLA, Kalka, Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Mayor, Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta and other dignitaries also remained present.

Government makes robust arrangements for wheat procurement: CM

Chandigarh, April 1 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has made comprehensive arrangements for wheat procurement. All necessary preparations have been completed in the Mandis to ensure farmers do not face any difficulties.

The Chief Minister said this while interacting with the media persons in Panchkula on Tuesday.

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said that all district officers have been directed to make arrangements for wheat procurement. The government will ensure that farmers do not face any problems while selling their crops.

The Chief Minister said that farmers’ welfare is a top priority for the state government. Proper arrangements for gunny bags, cleanliness, and drinking water have been made in the Mandis. To ensure timely payments, guidelines have been issued to make payments to farmers within 48 to 72 hours after the procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This year, the central government has set the wheat price at Rs. 2,425 per quintal, he added.  

Repair work of all damaged roads should be completed by June 15 – Chief Minister

Chandigarh, April 1 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has directed officials to complete the repair work of all damaged roads in the state by June 15. A special campaign should be launched to ensure that tendering and other necessary processes are completed within 15 days, enabling high-quality road repairs before the upcoming monsoon season.

The Chief Minister issued these instructions while chairing a review meeting of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board here today. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana was also present.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the condition of roads, the Chief Minister instructed officials to identify and initiate repairs within 15 days to provide relief to the general public. He further directed that roads transferred to the Zila Parishads in five districts should also be repaired within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring strict quality standards. He said that any negligence or laxity in road repairs would not be tolerated.

It is noteworthy that during the Vidhan Sabha budget session, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini had announced that all roads in Haryana would be renovated within six months, ensuring that no road in the state remains in poor condition.

The Chief Minister also called for expediting road widening projects. He directed officials to work towards increasing the width of roads maintained by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board from 12 feet to 18 feet, considering the growing traffic volume. In addition, he stressed the need for proper repair and maintenance of roads inside all Mandis to facilitate smooth movement for farmers bringing their produce.

During the meeting, it was informed that out of 4,313 roads maintained by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, 465 roads are 18 feet wide. The widening work for 34 more roads is in progress, while the tendering process is underway for an additional 35 roads covering 118 km.

Reviewing the progress of CM announcements, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure timely execution of all commitments. He urged all departments to work in close coordination to facilitate smooth implementation of development projects.

While giving instructions regarding the announcements made in the budget, the Chief Minister said that the concerned departments should make plans and work at a fast pace within the stipulated time frame ensuring 100% execution of all schemes on the ground for maximum public benefit.

During the review, he also issued necessary guidelines regarding key projects, including the Apple Market in Pinjore, the upcoming Flower Market in Gurugram, the India International Horticulture Market in Gannaur, and the Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteen.

Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh Raja Shekhar Vundru, Commissioner and Secretary Development and Panchayat Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, Chief Administrator Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Sh Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, Director Agriculture, Sh Raj Naraian Kaushik, Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, Managing Director HAFED, Sh. Mukul Kumar and other officers were also present in the meeting.

800 MW thermal power plant to be set up in Yamuna Nagar- Anil Vij

Chandigarh, April 1- Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that a new 800 MW thermal power plant will be set up in Yamunanagar. Besides this, thermal power plants will also be established in Hisar and Panipat.

Sh. Anil Vij said this while interacting with the media here today.  

He said that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure an adequate power supply during the upcoming summer season. Transformers have been upgraded, and if any transformer gets damaged, arrangements have been made to replace it immediately. He also directed officers to update the information about the availability of transformers online.

Responding to a question regarding electricity rates, Sh. Vij said that there has been no increase in electricity rates in Haryana for the past eight years. The electricity rates are determined by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission, and at present, there is no proposal to increase them. 

In response to another question regarding illegal vehicles, the Transport Minister said that it is a serious problem and he has personally inspected the situation on the roads several times. He directed departmental officers to take appropriate action against illegal vehicles under the law, he added.

He said drug abuse is  a social issue and society as a whole needs to come forward to eliminate it. He said that changing the mindset of those affected by addiction is the key  solution. 

Regarding the increase in toll tax rates, Sh. Vij stated that the central government is working on making the toll plaza system simpler and more efficient. Plans include installing automatic chips to make toll payment easier and more convenient for travelers.

Haryana State Cold Storage Association meets the Chief Minister

Chandigarh, April 1 – A delegation from the Haryana State Cold Storage Association met Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today and expressed their gratitude for his decision to transition the cold storage market fee system from a lump sum to a slab-based structure and also reducing the slab rate as per their storing capacity.

The implementation of the slab-based lump-sum fee system and also reducing the slab rate as per their storing capacity will provide significant relief to small and medium cold storage operators. Under the new system, fees will be based on their storage capacity, which will not only ease the burden on smaller operators but also encourage new investors and entrepreneurs to enter the sector.

It is worth noting that the Haryana State Cold Storage Association had met with Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini to highlight the challenges posed by the lump sum market fee system. The Chief Minister listened attentively to the association’s representatives and assured them that the issue would be addressed promptly. By amending the market fee system to better align with the industry’s needs, the Chief Minister has demonstrated his government’s commitment to supporting the trade, industry, and agriculture sectors. Under his leadership, the Haryana Government has made several key decisions aimed at promoting transparency and fostering entrepreneurship in trade policies, and this is one such significant step.

The representatives of the Cold Storage Association expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister, highlighting that this decision reflects his trade- and agriculture-friendly approach. They emphasized that the state government’s move will not only provide relief to small and medium cold storage operators but will also help expand cold storage services across the state. This expansion will offer farmers better facilities for storing their crops, thereby strengthening the agriculture sector.

On this occasion, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana, Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Sh Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Chief Administrator of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board Sh Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, C.M.E.O. Board Sh Sunil Sharma, President of the Association Sh Baldev Raj Sethi, and other representatives were also present.

Dr. Prem Singh assumes office as Director General, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Haryana

Chandigarh April 1: Dr. Prem Singh officially assumed the charge of Director General of the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Haryana, today. Prior to this, Dr. Singh served as the Joint Director at the department’s headquarters and brings with him extensive experience, having held several key positions within the department.

Dr. Prem Singh’s extensive knowledge and commitment to the welfare of the animal husbandry and dairy sector are poised to drive significant improvements and advancements in Haryana’s agricultural and rural development. His leadership is expected to strengthen initiatives and projects focused on promoting sustainable growth within the sector.