IEP Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday categorically said that the state government will not send its tableau in the rejected categories list of the Modi led Union government as the martyrs of the country don’t need NoC from BJP.

In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that the great martyrs including Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Mai Bhago, Ghadri Baabe and others cannot be kept in rejected category. He said that the union government is trying to belittle their contribution and sacrifice of these heroes by not including their tableaus in the Republic Day parade. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this cannot be tolerated as it is the grave insult of these great patriots and national leaders.

The Chief Minister said that the Union government had in a letter written on December 30 asked the state government as per clause 8 of the MOU signed with the states for Republic Day parade, the State/UT, which will not be selected for Republic Day Parade will be given an opportunity to display the tableau during Bharat Parv to be organized at the Red Fort, New Delhi during January 23 – 31. He said that in this parv stalls of all States & UTs based on their famous food, cuisines, traditions, product, Handicrafts and festivals will be showcased. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that after the ‘Bharat Parv’ the tableaux of States/UTs may be displayed in the respective State’s/UT’s Functions as per their discretion.

However, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that the state will not send its tableaus as per it as the martyrs of the country don’t need NOC of BJP adding that Punjab knows how to respect the patriots and martyrs. He said that these are the heroes of the country and the entire country is indebted to them for their supreme sacrifices made for the nation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government don’t need support of the union government to showcase their heroes rather it is capable enough to pay tributes to them.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Principal Secretary, Labour Department, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan announced a significant initiative for the welfare of the laborers and workers in the state. The new system aims to streamline the application process for welfare schemes provided by the Haryana Labour Welfare Board and Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

According to Mr. Ranjan, the newly launched information system will furnish comprehensive details to beneficiaries of both boards, offering clear explanations for rejected applications through SMS notifications. Workers will now receive specific reasons for rejection, including information on document deficiencies or incomplete submissions.

The Principal Secretary said that this system ensures immediate responsiveness. Every rejected application will now be accompanied by detailed SMS explanations, clarifying the grounds for rejection, such as document inadequacies or incomplete information. Reminder SMS notifications will be sent on the 7th and 14th days following an objection, prompting timely responses. On the 21st day, a final reminder SMS will be sent, emphasizing the need to address objections promptly to avoid automatic rejection. Workers can conveniently reply using the provided link.

Mr. Ranjan said that this system not only simplifies communication but also facilitates beneficiaries in quickly addressing any issues with their applications. The objective is to ensure that every worker in Haryana can access their entitled benefits smoothly. The initiative is expected to reduce the time and effort spent by workers on the application process, enabling them to promptly improve applications and receive more benefits.

He further explained that in the previous system, workers only received rejection information via SMS without explanations, leaving them unable to identify mistakes and requiring repeated calls or in-person visits to labour offices. The new initiative aims to alleviate such difficulties and empower workers to apply again with improved applications more efficiently.

IEP Chandigarh

Addressing a long-standing request from Haryana’s traders and business community to settle pending tax payments from before the implementation of GST, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal today launched the One Time Settlement-2023 (OTS) Scheme through the Excise and Taxation Department. The scheme will be operational from January 1, 2024, to March 30, 2024.

From January 1, 2024, to March 30, 2024, businesses have the opportunity to settle pre-GST tax liabilities under the OTS-2023 scheme. Taxes are categorized into four groups, with exemptions from interest and penalties for cases related to seven tax acts in effect before GST. Additionally, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal announced the opening of a GST Training Institute in collaboration with HIPA, Gurugram.

During the inauguration of OTS-2023 at Gurugram, on Sunday, the Chief Minister also extended New Year wishes to the state. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Dushyant Chautala, who oversees the Excise and Taxation Department, also addressed the programme.

Benefit of the Scheme will be available in four categories

Under the OTS scheme, the tax amount is divided into four categories, starting with an undisputed fee category for cases without dispute. Taxpayers will pay 100% of the amount in this category, with no penalties or interest.

For disputed taxes under Rs 50 lakh, taxpayers will pay 30% of the outstanding amount. For disputed taxes above Rs 50 lakh, they will pay 50%.

The third category applies to undisputed taxes assessed by the department where no appeal was made. Taxpayers will pay 40% if the amount is below Rs 50 lakh and 60% if it’s above Rs 50 lakh. This category also offers relief from penalties and interest.

The fourth category includes outstanding amounts due to differences in tax rates. Here, the government has discounted the amount, requiring taxpayers to pay only 30% of the total.

While offering tax relief, the OTS scheme also provides easy installment options. Taxpayers with outstanding amounts below Rs 10 lakh must pay the entire sum in one lump sum before March 30th. For Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, the amount can be paid in two installments of 52% each. If the outstanding is more than Rs 25 lakh, the payment can be spread across three installments: 40% in the first 90 days, 30% in the next 90 days, and 30% in the final 90 days.

This One Time Settlement Scheme addresses outstanding tax issues from the Excise and Taxation Department until June 30, 2017. It specifically resolves concerns related to seven VAT-related acts, including the Haryana Value Added Tax Act, 2003, the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, the Haryana Local Area Development Tax Act, 2000, the Haryana Tax on Entry of Goods in Local Area Act, 2008, the Haryana Luxury Tax Act, 2007, the Punjab Entertainment Fee Act, and the Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973.”

Expanding Welfare Programs

The Chief Minister emphasized that the dispute resolution program was born from a commitment to public welfare and societal service. The One Lump Sum Settlement Scheme-2023 stands as a testament to this dedication. He further highlighted the success of numerous programs in alleviating people’s struggles.

Urban Ownership Scheme Widens its Reach

Specifically, the Chief Minister announced the expansion of the Urban Ownership Scheme, an initiative granting ownership rights to shopkeepers occupying local body land. This expansion will now encompass shopkeepers who pay rent to the local body for their shops built on land managed by various departments. He reiterated the dual benefits of the scheme: providing relief to honest taxpayers while simultaneously boosting state revenue.

While addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Singh Chautala said that the Haryana Government has implemented this new scheme for the welfare of traders and industrialists. A new bill was also passed in the last assembly session for this purpose, enabling traders to receive exemptions in outstanding tax cases for the period till June 30, 2017. He said that when Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal discussed the implementation of the scheme, granting one-time exemption to traders in cases of outstanding tax amounts, he promptly gave his consent. Today, he himself has come to announce the program. He said that the state government, during its tenure, has initiated various schemes to provide relief to traders. Among these, a new scheme has been launched today, offering traders relief through the waiver of interest and penalties on seven types of outstanding taxes. Despite being a small state, Haryana ranks among the first five states in the country in terms of tax collection, owing to the cooperation of officers, employees, and taxpayers of the Excise and Taxation Department. Today, Haryana boasts the best infrastructure in the country regarding taxation.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the state has collected Rs 46 thousand crore in taxes thus far. After the implementation of the new OTS scheme, if businessmen, chartered accountants, and tax lawyers cooperate, it is expected that tax collection in the state by March 31 can reach Rs 66 thousand crores. This surpasses the Chief Minister’s target of Rs 58 thousand crore for the department. Responding to the demands of traders and industry organizations, the government plans to establish branches of the GST Tribunal in Gurugram and Hisar. To modernize their working style and easily resolve GST and tax collection issues, employees and officers of the department have received training from national-level institutions such as CBI and Central Excise. He assured the businessmen and advocates present that if needed, a help desk and online chatbot would be established in the Resource Building for the new scheme.

Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena welcomed the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to the programme. Principal Secretary of the department, Sh. Devinder Singh Kalyan, provided necessary information related to various aspects of the scheme and revenue collection in the state. Meanwhile, Sh. Bal Kishan Aggarwal, Chairman of Traders Welfare Board, Haryana, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for the schemes benefiting traders in the state. Various business organizations and the Tax Bar Association of the state thanked the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister by presenting shawls and bouquets on the occasion of the scheme’s inauguration.

Principal Advisor, Urban Development to Chief Minister, Sh. D.S. Dhesi, Gurugram Division Commissioner, Sh. RC Bidhan, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Nishant Kumar Yadav, Police Commissioner, Sh. Vikas Arora, and other senior officers and dignitaries were also present at the event.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal visited Vatsalya village in Vrindavan on Sunday to extend warm wishes to Sadhvi Ritambhara Didi on her 60th birth anniversary.

Honoring Tradition and Values

“The tradition of saints is timeless,” he remarked. “Their guidance inspires us to live a methodical life and strive for continuous progress. Since ancient times, saints have instilled good values in society.”

The Chief Minister said that the land surrounding Vrindavan is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where the deity performed many wondrous feats. He then recalled Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, delivered amidst the chaos of the Kurukshetra war. The Gita explains how to live a meaningful life and captures the essence of human existence. Today, its message of karma and peace continues to resonate throughout the world.Lord Shri Krishna, while preaching the Gita in Kurukshetra, conveyed a message to Arjun to fulfill his duty. He emphasized the need to engage in war for the well-being and peace of mankind.

Serving Humanity and Awaiting a New Dawn

The Chief Minister said that Ritambhara Didi is undertaking a unique service in Vatsalya village, awakening mankind and providing spiritual inspiration.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal expressed anticipation for a long-awaited day, scheduled for January 22nd, when Ramlala is set to arrive in Ayodhya. He announced plans to celebrate Diwali on this auspicious day, anticipating two Diwali celebrations in the upcoming year.

Building a Healthy and Empowered Future

Emphasizing the importance of societal health, he called for a campaign against issues like drug addiction. The Chief Minister stressed that eliminating drug addiction is crucial for the well-being of future generations.

Reflecting on the success of the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haryana, Chief Minister, Sh.Manohar Lal said that the number of daughters in Haryana has increased from 871 to 932. The target is to further raise this figure to 950.

Farewells, Blessings, and New Beginnings

        Bidding farewell to 2023, Chief Minister offered heartfelt wishes for the coming year to saints and the public. He, along with several saints, unveiled three books: “Sadhvi Ritambhara and Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan,” “Nar Se Narayan,” and “Vatsalya Murti.”

The event was graced by the presence of Union Cabinet Minister, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Sh. Keshav Prasad Maurya, Cabinet Minister, Sh. Lakshmi Narayan, Sh. Parmanand Giri Maharaj, Ritambhara Didi, Sh.Anant Dev Maharaj, Sh.Jagat Prakash Tyagi Maharaj, and other saints, leaders, and dignitaries.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Home and Health Minister, Shri Anil Vij on Sunday to addressed public grievances at his residence, providing directives to the concerned officials for necessary action.

A complainant from Kaithal shared an unfortunate incident where his brother fell victim to an agent’s deception, leading him to be sent to Belarus instead of Portugal. Having paid approximately five lakh rupees in installments, the brother was promised a journey to Portugal but found himself stranded in the forests of Belarus. Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij promptly instructed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to look into this matter and initiate an investigation.

An ITBP jawan from Palwal reported a case of his house being unlawfully accessed, vandalized, and himself physically assaulted with an intention to seize the property. Despite filing a case, no action had been taken. The Minister directed the SP Palwal to take stringent measures in addressing this issue. Furthermore, a military personnel from Palwal claimed false implications in a case, prompting Minister Vij to instruct SP Nuh to conduct a re-investigation.

A Sonipat resident alleged assault by her in-laws, leading Home Minister to instruct the Police Commissioner, Sonipat, to take appropriate action. In Karnal, an elderly individual accused his daughter-in-law of falsely implicating him in a molestation case. Additional complaints included a person from Hisar facing a fabricated assault case and a Kaithal resident asserting unauthorized occupation of his plot. Sh. Vij addressed these issues by directing concerned officials to take prompt action.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal extended warm wishes and greetings for the New Year 2024 to all the people of the state and the brave soldiers who guard the borders of the nation. He prayed that the coming year shall usher in prosperity and happiness in everyone’s lives.

In a message issued here today, the Chief Minister said that New Year brings new energy, new enthusiasm and new zeal. The New Year is an opportunity to make new resolutions. He said that the main goal of the government is to fulfill the principle of ‘Sarvajan Hitay-Sarvjan Sukhay’ which is the foundation of Antyodaya. We will ensure more intensity in the campaign to make public welfare services accessible to the general public with complete transparency. The Chief Minister said that in the last nine years, we have tried to develop a culture of Good Governance in order to curb corruption and the state government is very much successful in strengthening the system to a large extent.

He said that the state government is committed towards the welfare of every resident and equitable progress of the entire state, following the spirit of ‘Haryana Ek-Haryanavi Ek’ and the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’. He said that today Haryana is counted among the most developed and leading states of the country due to the cooperation and hard work of the people of the state. The remarkable work done in the direction of transforming the system and providing good governance through the use of new technology is being appreciated all over the country.