MALERKOTLA; 12th August 2026:

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today inaugurated a new five-storey government school building for girls in Malerkotla, declaring it as a special Independence Day gift for the daughters of Punjab. He said the ₹6.39-crore project was completed for ₹6.34 crore, saving ₹5.25 lakh from the government exchequer, while equipping students with modern facilities including libraries, smart classrooms, common rooms and washrooms.

The new building will bring quality education closer to girls from Malerkotla and surrounding villages, as Punjab’s education model delivers results with 882 government-school students clearing NEET and 361 clearing JEE, while more than 15,000 girls are being provided dedicated bus services to ensure that distance does not interrupt their education. At the same time, 118 Schools of Eminence are being established to expand quality education for children from poor families.

CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that unlike previous governments that merely painted school buildings in the name of Smart Schools, the present government is building an education system that is producing results and has taken Punjab to No. 1 in the country in education. He also warned that the BJP would attempt to spread hatred in Punjab ahead of the elections, urging people not to fall for such provocations.

Sharing a few snippets after inaugurating the school, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today, inaugurated the new five-storey government school for girls in Malerkotla. The project was completed at a cost of ₹6.34 crore, saving ₹5.25 lakh from the government exchequer. This is a special gift for our daughters on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. Through our sustained efforts, Punjab today ranks first in the country in education. The success of 882 students from government schools in NEET and 361 students in JEE is a major example of this transformation. To ensure that girls continue their education without interruption, special bus services are being provided to more than 15,000 girl students. Inquilab Zindabad.”

Addressing a large gathering after inaugurating the building,  CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “The new school would provide students with modern educational facilities while also highlighting the Punjab Government’s achievements in education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure and women’s welfare.”

Speaking about Malerkotla’s historical significance, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “I am fortunate to be here in the historic town of Malerkotla, which is a land of unity and love. Punjabis in general and Sikhs in particular can never repay the noble gesture made by the Nawab of Malerkotla, who raised his voice against the execution of the Chotta Sahibzadas at Sirhind. The state government is duty-bound to develop this historic town, and I am honoured to dedicate this newly constructed school building here.”

Expressing gratitude to the people for attending despite the scorching heat, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The huge gathering of people gives confidence to the state government to serve them with greater zeal. Today is a joyous occasion as this new school building is being dedicated to the people. This school will enhance facilities for our students and impart quality education, which is the main focus of the state government.”

Recalling the condition of the school during his tenure as an MP, the Chief Minister said, “When I was an MP, this school used to run in two shifts during winters. Taking the wards back home was difficult and the building was completely unsafe. We have now completed the construction of this building at a cost of ₹6.34 crore, saving ₹5.25 lakh against the approved cost of ₹6.39 crore. The money saved can be utilised for other development works in the school, including RO systems, water filters, smart classrooms and other facilities.”

Describing the new building as a gift for the daughters of Malerkotla, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This school is dedicated to our daughters on the 80th Independence Day. The five-storey building covers an area of 54,000 square feet and will have libraries, washrooms and all the modern facilities required for a good school. Students from Malerkotla and nearby villages will now be able to access quality education closer to their homes.”

Highlighting Punjab’s transformation in education, the Chief Minister stated, “When I took oath of office in 2022, Punjab was at number 27 in education. Today, Punjab is number one. We have surpassed Kerala and other states, and this is the result of strenuous efforts by the state government, including teacher training programmes, Schools of Eminence and other initiatives.”

Pointing to the performance of government-school students, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In 2021, only 80 government-school students had cleared the coveted NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examination. In 2026, this number increased nearly 11 times to 882. This is the difference between our governance and those who never bothered about schools and education.”

Speaking about the changing importance of education, he said, “The time has come when people will be considered wealthy not by the money they possess or the showrooms they own, but by the educational qualifications of their children. We are working to ensure that children from ordinary families get the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.”

Highlighting the government’s initiative to regulate private-school fees, the Chief Minister said, “In the recently concluded Vidhan Sabha session, the state government brought a law benefiting more than 32 lakh students in 7,800 private schools across Punjab. These schools have been directed not to increase their fees by more than five percent in a year.”

Speaking about parent participation in government schools, he said, “For the first time in the history of Punjab, Parent-Teacher Meetings were organised in government schools across the state, with more than 24 lakh parents participating. This reflects the Government’s commitment to involving parents in the education of their children.”

Highlighting healthcare reforms, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have opened 1,090 Aam Aadmi Clinics across Punjab to revamp the healthcare system, and more than 5 crore people have benefited from these clinics. In another major initiative for the residents of this historic town, the state government will soon open Nawab Sher Khan Medical College in Malerkotla. Along with providing quality treatment, the medical college will generate employment opportunities for the youth of the area.”

Talking about infrastructure development, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government is constructing more than 43,000 kilometres of rural link roads across Punjab to facilitate the people. We are also making tireless efforts to make Punjab drug-free, and the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has already broken the backbone of the drug menace.”

Speaking about Punjab’s sporting legacy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab is set to script a historic chapter in Indian hockey as the state is preparing to host the prestigious Asian Hockey Champions Trophy for the first time ever in October this year. This event will further strengthen Punjab’s identity as the cradle of Indian hockey and inspire a new generation of youth to take to sports. Punjab has always been the nursery of hockey, and hosting such an international tournament on our soil will inspire our youth to connect with the sports fields.”

Attributing Punjab’s progress to the AAP government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “This is happening because an honest government is at the helm of affairs in the state with a positive and progressive outlook. Unlike Congress, where leaders are always fighting with each other for power, our Government is focused on Punjab’s development. The people of Malerkotla also witnessed the same kind of theatrics during the Congress party’s meeting here.”

Highlighting progress in agriculture and irrigation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Punjab is witnessing overall progress and prosperity in every sphere, benefiting every section of society. Unlike in the past, our farmers are now getting power during the daytime, which has reduced their ordeal. When I assumed office, only 22 percent of canal water was being used in the state. Today, this has increased to 88 percent.”

Talking about employment and investment, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our government has provided more than 69,000 government jobs to the youth completely on the basis of merit, without any recommendation or corruption. Due to our concerted efforts, major industrial giants from across the world are making a beeline to invest in Punjab. Japanese steel giant Aichi has invested ₹1,100 crore in the state, while Tata Steel has established its second-biggest steel plant in Punjab near Ludhiana after Jamshedpur.”

Highlighting the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The ambitious scheme provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to every resident family in Punjab. Punjab is the first Indian state to offer such comprehensive healthcare coverage. People have already availed free treatment worth more than ₹937 crore, significantly easing their financial burden while ensuring access to quality healthcare.”

Speaking about the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, the Chief Minister stated, “For the first time, we have launched the Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which all women of Punjab above 18 years of age are eligible for benefits. SC women receive ₹1,500 per month, while every woman from Punjab receives ₹1,000 per month. The total target is more than one crore women, and 72.13 lakh beneficiaries are already receiving the benefits. The scheme is benefiting more than 97 percent of women, making it one of the most comprehensive women-centric social protection initiatives in the country.”

Speaking on the need to protect Punjab’s communal harmony, the Chief Minister said, “People must beware of fissiparous forces that want to divide Punjabis on communal lines to attain political power. Punjab is a very fertile land where every seed can grow, but the seed of hatred cannot grow here because our bond of communal harmony is very strong. The BJP’s strategy is to make people fight and riot because this is their bread and butter. But the people of Punjab will never allow these nefarious designs to succeed.”

Highlighting Punjab’s tradition of brotherhood, he said, “Punjab is a land of religious harmony and freedom. People here celebrate festivals together and stand with each other in good and bad times. Punjabis have very strong social bonds, and divisive forces cannot break this unity. The nefarious designs of the BJP will never succeed in Punjab.”

Talking about the work being done by the state government, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Our Government is opening new schools and hospitals, constructing roads and making every effort for the well-being of society. Congress and Akalis, however, remain concerned only about themselves and their families and have little concern for Punjab and Punjabis.”

Taking potshots at the Akali Dal Chief Sukhbir Badal, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Sukhbir Singh Badal should stop living in a fool’s paradise. The days are gone when these parties used to play musical chairs and wait for their turn in power. They safeguarded each other’s interests while in power, due to which their misdeeds were never exposed.”

He affirmed, “Now the people have elected AAP, and the broom is cleansing the political system of Punjab. Sukhbir may never get another turn in power, but the time will certainly come when his entire family will be in jail for their misdeeds. The sins of the Badal family are unpardonable, and the people will never forgive them for the crimes committed against Punjab and its people.”

CHANDIGARH/FEROZEPUR/BATHINDA, August 12:

          Continuing his whirlwind tour for the third consecutive day to review preparations for the upcoming Independence Day-2026 as mandated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday directed officers to maintain heightened vigilance as he visited Ferozepur and Bathinda to chair comprehensive Range-Level Law and Order Review Meetings.

          “I’ve directed officers/officials to maintain heightened vigilance through strengthened patrolling, enhanced surveillance, preventive policing, effective crowd management, and a swift, coordinated response to any emerging challenge,” he said.

          In Ferozepur, DGP Gaurav Yadav reviewed the security preparedness of Ferozepur and Faridkot Ranges, with a focused assessment of the districts of Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Moga.

          As part of ground-level verification, the DGP also personally checked the Hi-tech Naka at Talwandi Bhai in Ferozepur.

          After completing security reviews of Ferozepur and Faridkot Ranges, the DGP visited Bathinda and chaired a comprehensive security review meeting with officers of Bathinda Range. The review was focused on the Independence Day policing plan, visible and effective deployment, security at celebration venues and public congregation points, and preparedness for every eventuality, he said.

          Marking a significant boost to technical policing, DGP Gaurav Yadav also inaugurated the renovated state-of-the-art Integrated Command and Control Centre (I3C) of Bathinda Police built at a cost of ₹2.75 crores.

          The upgraded facility integrates emergency response to 112 calls, city-wide CCTV surveillance featuring 282 cameras at 59 strategic locations, wireless connectivity, video analytics, and real-time crime monitoring data, he said, while adding that the new centre will boost police technical capability in Bathinda and act as a force multiplier.

          Reaffirming the commitment of Punjab Police to ensure a safe and secure Independence Day celebration, the DGP emphasised proactive, people-centric policing to ensure that citizens celebrate national day across the state with confidence, pride, and a strong sense of security.

          The review meetings were attended by key officials including IGP Faridkot Range Nilambari Jagdale, DIG Bathinda Range Harjeet Singh, DIG Ferozepur Range Snehdeep Sharma, SSP Mansa Bhagirath Meena, SSP Bathinda Dr Jyoti Yadav, SSP Moga Sartaj Chahal, SSP Sangrur Ravjot Grewal, SSP Tarn Taran Surendra Lamba, SSP Sri Muktsar Sahib Abhimanyu Rana, SSP Ferozepur Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, SSP Fazilka Gagan Ajit Singh, SSP Faridkot Gurbans Singh and Staff Officer to DGP Punjab Rishabh Bhola.

Chandigarh, August 12- Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed the officers regarding the preparation of a special action plan to complete basic infrastructure facilities, including electricity and water supply, in the Global City being developed in Gurugram within the next three months. He also directed officers to prepare an action plan for developing a world-class iconic tower in the Global City.

The Chief Minister gave these directions while chairing the fourth meeting to review the State Pragati Portal  on Wednesday. He further directed that an action plan for the expansion of the Pinjore airstrip must be prepared.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that once the Global City is completed, it will provide not only modern basic infrastructure but also greater employment opportunities for the youth. The Global City is being developed over 1,000 acres at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore, and 80 per cent of the physical progress work has already been completed. The remaining work will be completed by December this year, he said.

The Chief Minister said the Global City is being developed as a smart and well-planned urban centre. Along with educational and healthcare institutions, it will have malls, theatres, luxury hotels, community centres, marriage palaces and other facilities. A Namo Bharat Metro train will also operate in the city, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He said a dedicated water treatment plant and a green lake will also be developed, while work will be undertaken to connect the city with the Dwarka Expressway to ensure smooth and convenient connectivity.

Train services at Nangal Chaudhary Logistics Hub to commence from August 23

The Chief Minister said that the Integrated Multi-Modal Logistics Hub has been developed at Nangal Chaudhary. Work relating to electricity, irrigation, roads, external rail siding and the internal rail yard has been completed.

He said an internal in-motion weighbridge is also being installed at the logistics hub, which will be completed within the next six months. The Chief Minister will welcome the special train that will operate on this facility on August 23.

The Chief Minister said extensive infrastructure is being developed at the Integrated Manufacturing Cluster (IMC) in Hisar. The Industrial Manufacturing Cluster will house a Skill Development Centre, Convention Centre and Exhibition Hall, Logistics Park and Multi-Speciality Hospital, besides facilities for defence and aerospace, agro-food processing, garment and textile industries and other industrial units.

He said facilities, including water supply for the airport and a 220-kV power substation, are being developed at the IMC. Work is also underway to construct the boundary wall around 1,578 acres of land in the first phase of the airport project.

100-room five-star hotel to come up at Yadavindra Gardens, an Adventure Park to be developed at Tikkar Tal

The Chief Minister said that under Swadesh Scheme 2, Yadavindra Gardens in Panchkula will be further developed as an employment-generating and tourism destination.

He said that, in addition to the renovation of the Gardens, a high-end integrated wedding, convention, and hospitality destination will be developed there. A 100-room hotel will also be constructed, while the Pinjore airstrip will be expanded.

He further said that an Adventure Park will be developed at Tikkar Tal, while the existing Adventure Park at Thapli will also be further developed.

Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh. K. M. Pandurang, Special Secretary, Monitoring and Coordination, Smt. Priyanka Soni, Managing Director, HSIDC, Sh. Sushil Sarwan, Director, Tourism, Sh. Parth Gupta, along with other senior officers, also attended the meeting.

Chandigarh, August 12: Hariyali Teej was celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervour at the Chandigarh residence of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, ‘Sant Kabir Kutir’. On the auspicious occasion during the month of Sawan, the entire Chief Minister’s residence was filled with the vibrant colours of Haryanvi culture, the melodious strains of folk songs and the aroma of traditional delicacies.

The celebrations formally commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Guests arriving from across the state were given a warm welcome at the entrance amid the beats of dhols and nagadas and traditional folk songs. The entire premises was beautifully decorated with colourful swings, marigold flowers and traditional Haryanvi rural handicrafts.

Several prominent women from the fields of politics, social service and administration attended the special cultural gathering. Smt. Anita Kataria, wife of the Governor of Punjab; Smt. Mitra Ghosh, wife of the Governor of Haryana; and Smt. Suman Saini, wife of the Chief Minister of Haryana and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Council for Child Welfare, were prominently present at the event.

Women and guests from across Haryana also attended the celebrations, including Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry; MLAs Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Smt. Savitri Jindal, Smt. Renu Bala and Shelly Chaudhary; BJP State President Dr. Archana Gupta; Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes Smt. Banto Kataria; and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women Smt. Meena Parmar, among other distinguished women.

The guests and women thoroughly enjoyed the traditional Sawan swings installed in the premises of the Chief Minister’s residence. Amid the pleasant monsoon season, women enjoyed swinging high on the peengs and sang traditional Teej folk songs. Women also performed Haryanvi folk dances, bringing the rich cultural heritage of Haryana alive and creating a festive atmosphere.

A major attraction of the Teej celebrations was Haryana’s traditional cuisine. Special delicacies associated with the festival were prepared at the Chief Minister’s residence, and guests relished traditional dishes including ghevar, suhali, gulgule and shakkarpare.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the guests present at the event and to the people of the state on the occasion of Teej. In his warm address, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of Teej and said that Teej is not merely a cultural festival, but a celebration of greenery, joy and the rich traditions of our society, as greenery is nature’s true adornment.

Emphasising the importance of strengthening relationships, he said that just as the deeper the colour of mehendi on our hands, the stronger should be the trust in our social harmony and family relationships.

The Chief Minister laid special emphasis on the bright future and empowerment of daughters and made an emotional appeal to society to educate and encourage them to move forward. In his heartfelt message, he said that just as the swings rise higher during Teej, the dreams of our daughters and their aspirations should soar even higher.

He said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had launched the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign from the land of Panipat. It was a national resolve to change the mindset of society. Haryana transformed this resolve into a mass movement. He said he was proud that today, the daughters of Haryana are bringing glory to the Tricolour and the state in every field—from sports arenas to scientific laboratories, from the armed forces to administration, and from agriculture to startups. He said this was evident from their achievements in the Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow recently.

The Chief Minister said that the state government views women as a powerful force for nation-building. Therefore, several schemes are being implemented to make women economically self-reliant. To further strengthen their financial independence, the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana in Haryana provides eligible women with monthly assistance of Rs. 2,100, offering them a foundation of dignity and social security. So far, around 10 lakh women have been provided assistance amounting to Rs. 2,042.31 crore. Initiatives such as ‘Har Ghar-Har Grihini’ also provide relief to household budgets. Under this scheme, eligible women are provided LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 per month.

Smt. Suman Saini, wife of the Chief Minister and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Council for Child Welfare, extended her greetings to everyone on the occasion of Teej. She said that Teej is not merely a festival but a celebration of Haryana’s rich cultural heritage, love for nature and respect for women’s empowerment. Such events play an important role in connecting the younger generation with its roots and folk traditions.

At the conclusion of the event, kothli was also presented to all the women. The grand celebration concluded with prayers and wishes for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the state.

Panchkula: In a major initiative aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Haryana, the Haryana State Information Commission will launch a massive statewide capacity-building programme for nearly 25,000 State Public Information Officers (SPIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs), including approximately 6,300 Sarpanches functioning as SPIOs at the village level, commencing from Wednesday.

The year-long programme forms the centrepiece of a comprehensive package of administrative, technological and institutional reforms being undertaken by the Commission to make the RTI mechanism faster, more transparent, accessible and citizen-centric. Announcing the initiatives at a curtain raiser event held at Commission’s office, Chief Information Commissioner TVSN Prasad said the Commission was undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of its functioning so that the RTI mechanism becomes more responsive to citizens and cases are disposed of with greater speed, efficiency and consistency.

Mega training programme for 25,000 SPIOs and FAAs

The Commission is embarking upon one of the most comprehensive RTI capacity-building programmes undertaken in the State, with the objective of training nearly 25,000 SPIOs and FAAs over approximately one year. Significantly, the programme will also cover around 6,300 Sarpanches, who function as SPIOs at the village level. The programme will commence on August 12, 2026, and will combine online and offline modes of training to bring virtually the entire SPIO and FAA machinery of Haryana within a structured capacity-building framework.

The Chief Information Commissioner said the objective of the programme was not merely to acquaint officers with the technical provisions of the RTI Act, but to develop a deeper understanding of the spirit, purpose and citizen-centric philosophy of the legislation.

“The real objective of the RTI Act is to facilitate the flow of information to citizens. A culture of information-sharing has to replace a culture of information-denial. Our effort is to ensure that SPIOs understand not merely what information can be denied, but, more importantly, what information can and should be provided,” said Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad.

Strengthening the First Appellate Authority

The Commission has identified the functioning of the First Appellate Authority as a crucial area requiring focused attention. The training programme will specifically seek to strengthen the first appellate mechanism so that grievances are effectively addressed at the departmental level itself, thereby reducing avoidable litigation and pendency before the State Information Commission.

The Commission has observed that, in a number of cases, First Appellate Authorities have not been exercising their statutory powers to the extent envisaged under the RTI Act. The training will therefore focus on the role, responsibilities and adjudicatory functions of FAAs, including the need to pass appropriate and reasoned orders in accordance with the statutory framework.

Similarly, SPIOs will be trained in preparing reasoned, legally sustainable and citizen-oriented responses, rather than relying upon routine or standardised replies. The Commission believes that a stronger first appellate mechanism and better-quality responses by SPIOs will reduce unnecessary litigation and substantially improve the overall efficiency of the RTI framework.

Training in collaboration with ASCI and HIPA

For the programme, the Commission has collaborated with the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, and the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA). The Commission will also seek expert assistance from renowned law schools. Experts and experienced resource persons will conduct training sessions covering the practical and legal nuances of the RTI Act. The programme will employ both online and offline modes and is envisaged as one of the most comprehensive RTI training programmes of its kind, with the objective of creating a more informed, responsive and accountable information-disclosure machinery across the State.

100% hybrid hearings to accelerate disposal of RTI cases

Another major reform will be the adoption of 100 per cent hybrid mode of hearing of RTI cases. The facility will enable appellants and respondents to participate in hearings without necessarily having to travel to the Commission’s office.

“This will be a major relief for litigants, particularly citizens who otherwise have to travel long distances merely to participate in a hearing. At the same time, it will enable the Commission to utilise its time and resources more efficiently and facilitate expeditious disposal of cases,” said Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad.

The Commission has also initiated measures to ensure that all records required for effective adjudication are made available by the SPIOs while attending hearings online from their respective offices. This is expected to substantially reduce avoidable delays and unnecessary adjournments.

Central Registration Unit on the pattern of the High Courts

As part of the institutional restructuring, the Commission has introduced a Central Registration Unit (CRU) on the pattern of the registration system followed by the  High Courts.

Under the new system, cases will undergo structured registration and scrutiny, followed by marking at the Registrar level. The initiative is intended to bring greater uniformity and efficiency in the registration, listing and allocation of cases.

The Commission has also moved away from the earlier practice of generally distributing departments among individual Information Commissioners. Under the revised system, Information Commissioners will handle multiple departments, facilitating a more balanced and efficient distribution of cases.

Second appeals and complaints to go online

Taking another major step towards digital accessibility, the Commission will soon introduce e-filing of second appeals and complaints through its web portal.

At present, the online facility is available for RTI applications and First Appeals. The proposed system will extend this digital facility to the next stage of the RTI adjudicatory process, enabling citizens to approach the Commission electronically without the need for physical filing.

‘Live Link’ for priority hearing

Another citizen-centric feature proposed on the Commission’s web portal is a “Live Link” through which litigants will be able to indicate their requirement for a priority hearing by selecting an available date and time.

The facility is intended to provide urgent consideration in appropriate cases while bringing the process of seeking priority hearing within a structured and transparent digital framework.

Improvement in procedure adopted while hearing appeals

The Commission has also streamlined its hearing procedure. Cause lists for every Bench are uploaded on the Commission’s website, and appeals are being heard in a structured, stage-wise manner. The process envisages an initial hearing, including urgent mentions wherever required, followed by notice to respondents for written and oral submissions, as appropriate, and thereafter arguments, final hearing and decision. All decisions are uploaded on the Commission’s website, thereby facilitating public access to the Commission’s adjudicatory work.

Commission moves towards paperless functioning

The Commission has also taken a decisive step towards paperless functioning. As part of the initiative, the entire record of the Commission is being digitised. The move will facilitate electronic access to case records, improve record management and significantly reduce the possibility of files or documents being misplaced. The system is being developed on the lines of paperless practices increasingly being adopted by the Hon’ble High Courts and other judicial institutions.

Quarterly journal and ‘Important Cases Bulletin’

In another initiative aimed at improving transparency and disseminating the Commission’s jurisprudence, the Commission proposes to introduce a quarterly journal along with an “Important Cases Bulletin” on its web portal. The portal will provide access to important decisions passed by the Commission, enabling citizens, public authorities, SPIOs, FAAs, legal practitioners and other stakeholders to understand the evolving interpretation and application of the RTI Act in Haryana. The initiative will also promote consistency and awareness among public authorities by making significant decisions readily accessible.

“Reforming the system, not merely processing cases”

Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad said the initiatives were part of a larger effort to transform the Commission from a case-processing institution into a more accessible, technology-driven and citizen-centric adjudicatory institution.

“The success of the RTI Act cannot be measured merely by the number of cases disposed of. It has to be measured by how effectively information reaches the citizen. Our endeavour is therefore to reform the entire chain, from the filing of an RTI application and the functioning of the SPIO and FAA to the hearing, adjudication and dissemination of the Commission’s decisions,” he said.

The event was attended by Information Commissioners Sh. Amarjit Singh, Sh. Karamvir Saini, Smt. Neeta Khera, Sh. Sanjay Madaan and Sh. Ajay Sura.

The Chief Information Commissioner thanked his colleague Commissioners, the entire team of the State Information Commission, departments of the Government and, importantly, stakeholders from the public at large for their collaborative efforts.

He also expressed the Commission’s appreciation to members of the media for joining the effort to improve the services of the Commission to the citizens of Haryana and to position the RTI Act as an effective instrument for strengthening transparency, accountability and ease of living.

Chandigarh: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has announced that the Congress party will hold a major protest demonstration on August 19 regarding the demand for the regularization of Kaushal Nigam workers and other issues.  Senior party leaders, the Haryana Congress in-charge, the state party president, MPs, MLAs, office bearers, and party workers will participate in the event. Senior leader Ashok Arora has been entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating this protest.  Addressing a press conference at his residence, Hooda stated that the Congress demands the regularization of all employees engaged under the ‘Kaushal Nigam’ (Skill Corporation) and insists that future recruitments be permanent rather than contractual.

“During the assembly elections, the BJP had announced the regularization of 125,000 ‘Kaushal’ workers to garner their votes. However, even after nearly two years, these contractual employees have not received any law or official notification regarding their regularization. Consequently, the threat of losing their jobs constantly looms over them; the government frequently dismisses these workers on one pretext or another,” he said.

He pointed out that while ‘Kaushal’ workers are paid a meagre ₹15,000–₹20,000 for their work, permanent employees receive a salary of at least ₹60,000 for the same tasks. ‘Kaushal’ workers should also receive pay parity with them.

“The BJP had spread misinformation among these employees and their families during the elections, falsely claiming that a Congress government would remove them from their jobs. In reality, both then and now, the Congress has demanded that HKRN daily-wage workers be made regular government employees and be granted all facilities, such as equal pay, healthcare benefits, leave, travel allowances, and reservation, comparable to those of regular staff,” he stated.

“Future recruitments should be conducted on a regular basis based on merit. Neither the concerned department nor HKRN considers the contractual personnel deployed through HKRN as their own employees (HKRN maintains that it acts merely as an intermediary, not an employer); the demand is for the government to grant them legal status,” he added.

Chandigarh: After Assurance from Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij, the Joint Action Committee of the unions announced the withdrawal of its proposed three-day strike from August 11 to 13. A meeting was held on  Monday under the chairmanship of Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij with representatives of various employee unions, associations and Morchas of the Energy Department. 

During the meeting, representatives of the Joint Action Committee stated that they had decided to withdraw the proposed strike following the assurances given by Energy Minister  Anil Vij regarding their three major demands — formation of an Agri DISCOM, grant of a licence to a parallel private power company, and installation of smart meters.

 Regarding the formation of an Agri DISCOM, Vij said that although it was announced by the Chief Minister in the Budget speech, no concrete action has so far been initiated at the departmental level. He clarified that he has also not yet held any formal discussion with the Chief Minister on the matter. However, if any decision or discussion takes place on the issue in the future, stakeholders will be consulted.

Clarifying the position on the smart meter project, the Energy Minister said that no fresh tender has currently been issued for the procurement of smart meters. He also stated that consumers will continue to have the option of choosing either prepaid or postpaid smart meters. 

Regarding the creation and re-creation of various posts in all four power corporations, union representatives were informed that a proposal in this regard would be sent to the Rationalisation Commission shortly. The Energy Minister directed officials to request the Commission to complete the process within a stipulated timeframe so that the matter could be resolved at the earliest. Similarly, union representatives thanked the Energy Minister for his decision regarding the online transfer policy, under which technical posts below the level of Junior Engineer have, for the time being, been kept outside the online transfer policy.

 The Minister also directed the concerned officials to make promotions to various categories of posts in accordance with the applicable rules and the roster register. Regarding medical cashless and mediclaim facilities, the Minister assured union representatives that a meeting would be held with the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department to raise the issues faced by employees of the Energy Department.

 Regarding salary increment for employees working under DC rates in the power corporations, Vij said that such employees working against various posts should be provided rates at par with those under HKRN. He directed the department to send a case to the Government/Chief Secretary in this regard. The issue of risk allowance for employees was also discussed. Vij informed the union representatives that employees engaged in various hazardous duties should receive a risk allowance. He said that a committee would be constituted to examine the matter and submit its report within a stipulated period.

 Similarly, the issue of electricity allowance was discussed. Sh. Anil Vij directed officials to study the electricity allowances being provided by power corporations in all states across the country and present a detailed report on the matter in the next meeting. In addition, Vij directed that ex-gratia benefits in cases of death or accidents while on duty should be applicable without the condition of five years of service. Officials informed the meeting that a proposal in this regard has already been sent to the Government.

 During the meeting, the demand raised by the HSEB Diploma Engineers Association to increase the quota for the promotion of Junior Engineers from 35 per cent to 50 per cent was also discussed in detail.  Vij assured the representatives that the matter would be examined and suggestions would also be sought from employee representatives. Similarly, the association raised the issue of providing cadre-specific Assured Career Progression (ACP). The Energy Minister said that the matter would be placed before the department’s internal sub-committee for detailed examination, and suggestions from employee representatives would also be sought.

 Following the discussion on these issues and the assurances given by Sh. Anil Vij, the HSEB Diploma Engineers Association also withdrew its proposed strike.

 The meeting was attended by Sh. Devendra Hooda, Chairman, AHPC Workers Union, Hisar; Sh. Bijender Barar, Sh. Yashpal Deshwal, Sh.Rajendra Rana and Sh. Ravinder Dhankhar from the Haryana Bijli Karamchari and Engineers Joint Sangharsh Morcha; Sh. Abhimanyu Dhankhar, State President, HSEB Diploma Engineers Association; Sh. Vipin Bhardwaj, General Secretary; and other representatives including Krishan Pal, Pradeep Kumar, Vikas, Pankaj Kumar and Aman Kumar, along with office-bearers of various employee organisations and unions.