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Haryana ACB Nabs DWO Driver Red-Handed Taking Rs 30k Bribe

IEP Chandigarh January 29

As part of their ongoing anti-corruption campaign, the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau caught Pradeep, the District Welfare Officer’s driver, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 in Sonipat district today. Acting on a complaint, the Bureau set a trap for Pradeep, successfully apprehending him as he demanded a bribe in exchange for processing benefits under the government scheme ‘Inter-caste Marriage Shagun Yojana’ for the complainant’s relative.

“Following the complainant’s report, a plan was devised,” explained the Anti-Corruption Bureau spokesperson. “After investigating the facts, we arrested Pradeep red-handed as he took a ₹30,000 bribe in front of witnesses.”

A case has been registered against Pradeep at the Rohtak ACB police station, and the Bureau is actively gathering evidence. The spokesperson urges the public to report any instances of bribery by government officials or employees to the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau’s toll-free numbers – 1800-180-202.

BALKAR SINGH DIRECTS THE OFFICIALS TO EXPEDITE DEVELOPMENT WORK

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

          The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is continuously working to provide better civic facilities to the state’s residents. In pursuit of this goal, Local Government Minister Balkar Singh conducted a review meeting in the presence of Information and Public Relations Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh and MLAs, with Municipal Commissioner, and Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development), Patiala. Additionally, EOs from Municipal Council/Panchayats in Nabha, Rajpura, Samana, Patar, Sanur, Bhadso, Ghagga, Ghanoor, Devigarh, Malerkotla, Ahmedgarh, and Amargarh attended. In the review meeting concerning various development projects, officials were instructed to expedite ongoing development works.

          During the meeting, Local Government Minister Balkar Singh discussed projects under various schemes, including land availability for Sewerage Treatment Plants, Water Treatment Plants, Tranche-3 Amrut, and MDF/PIDB. Furthermore, ongoing development projects under, 24×7 canal water supply project, and the rejuvenation of Patiala’s Baddi Naddi and Choti Naddi were emphasized to maintain high quality.

          Balkar Singh informed the officials that the government has sufficient funds for development works. Therefore, if a Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat requires additional funds for development, they should contact the MLA of their constituency and submit a comprehensive proposal with the action plan to the Head Office in Chandigarh. He also urged officials to share complete information about development works with the MLA of their constituency to align with the needs of the people.

          Minister added that if there are challenges in finding suitable locations for sewerage treatment plants, water treatment plants, and other local-level development works, these issues should be brought to the attention of the MLA and district administration for a prompt resolution. Special attention should be given to conducting development works efficiently.

          Cabinet Minister Balkar Singh instructed the officials emphatically, stating that the outstanding funds must be promptly utilized for welfare projects. Additionally, he emphasized the need for the swift completion of the tender process for new projects, followed by the prompt commencement of the works.

          Minister Balkar Singh highlighted that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to providing a corruption-free administration to the state’s people. Therefore, anyone found involved in corruption will not be spared.

          Present at the occasion were MLAs Ajit Pal Kohli, Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra, Gurdev Singh Dev Mann, Gurlal Singh Ghanuar and Mohamad Jameel Ur Rehman, Ajoy Sharma, Principal Secretary of Local Government, Malwinder Singh, Deepti Uppal, CEO of PMIDC, Uma Shankar Gupta, Director of the Local Government Department, EOs of Municipal Councils/ Nagar Panchayats, and other senior officials of the department.

OATH ADMINISTERED TO PPSC CHAIRMAN JATINDER SINGH AULAKH AND STATE CHIEF INFORMATION COMMISSIONER INDERPAL SINGH

IEP CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 29

          The Punjab Governor Mr Banwarilal Purohit on Monday administered the oath of office to the newly appointed Chairman of Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Mr Jatinder Singh Aulakh and State Chief Information Commissioner Mr Inderpal Singh.

          Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Mr Anurag Verma conducted the proceedings of a  brief and impressive swearing-in-ceremony here at the Punjab Raj Bhawan this evening.

          Mr Jatinder Singh Aulakh, a 1997-Batch former IPS officer of Punjab Cadre, hails from Village Bargari (Faridkot). During his long stint of 33 years in Punjab Police, he rose through the ranks starting as DSP to finally retiring as ‘Intelligence Chief’ in the rank of ADGP. Mr Aulakh did his schooling from PPS Nabha, BA (Honors) from DAV College, Chandigarh and LL.B. and MA History from Panjab University.

          While serving as SSP, he had headed various districts of state including SAS Nagar, Sangrur, Ropar, Jagraon, SBS Nagar and Khanna. He also served as Commissioner of Police Amritsar and Commissioner of Police Ludhiana, IG Patiala and Ferozepur Range, IG Headquarters and Intelligence. He retired in the rank of ADGP as Chief of Intelligence Wing. Mr Aulakh was bestowed the ‘National Award (Special), ‘Police Medal for Distinguished Services’ ‘Police Medal for Meritorious Services’ ‘Chief Minister’s Medal and three DGP Commendation Disc.

          Likewise, eminent Advocate Inderpal Singh also took oath as the Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab. Born in 1963, S. Inderpal Singh is a name to reckon with in the legal sector and is on the panel of Union of India, standing Counsel for British High Commission, elected Member Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana High Court and later on elected Vice Chairman Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana High Court. He was appointed on August 20th, 2022 as Senior Additional Advocate General Punjab.

          Prominent amongst others who attended the function included Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora, Bram Shanker Jimpa and Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Special Chief Secretary to Chief Minister VK Singh, DGP Gaurav Yadav, Director Media to Chief Minister Baltej Singh Pannu, PPSC Members Gurpartap Singh Mann, Supreet Ghuman and Harmohan Kaur Sandhu, State Information Commissioners Asit Jolly and Amrit Pratap Singh Sekhon, Officers of civil and Police administration besides family members of newly appointed Chairman and State Chief Information Commissioner.

Government schemes benefit every section of society-Deputy Chief Minister

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Singh Chautala, stated that the state government has implemented various welfare schemes to enhance the well-being of farmers, labourers, and workers. He mentioned that development initiatives are underway in villages, akin to urban areas, with mines being renovated to provide water to the tail end. Additionally, he noted that approximately Rs. 500 crore will soon be received under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to settle pending compensation for farmers, ensuring their peace of mind.

Sh. Chautala addressed public grievances in the villages of Mandhana, Sui, Nathuwas, Kharak, and Sai in Bhiwani district on Monday.

Responding to villagers’ demands for new road construction, pond development, and cemetery maintenance, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted ongoing government efforts under the Shiv Dham Yojana. This includes constructing sheds in all village muktidhams, erecting boundary walls, and providing adequate drinking water facilities. He also directed the inclusion of Mandhana village pond in the Amrit Sarovar Yojana for renovation.

Emphasising the importance of education in children’s lives, Sh. Chautala mentioned the establishment of e-libraries in villages to facilitate easy studying for competitive exams. Additionally, he noted security camera installations for safety and various developmental projects such as gym construction and lighting installations.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to improving systems, citing initiatives like the Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana and Fasal Bima Yojana. He highlighted the benefits for farmers, such as direct selling of crops from fields and expedited payment transfers to their accounts within 48 hours.

He said  that the government has implemented a special plan to address the issue of waterlogging in fields due to rain in the state. This initiative has brought significant relief to farmers in many villages such as Bawani Khera, Mundhal, Dhanana, Talu, Tigadana, Mitathal, Chang, Gujrani, Mandhana, Jatu Lohari, Pur, Kharak, Kalinga, and others. The arrangement of water drainage has been made by laying pipelines. He said that all formalities will be completed for the reconstruction of roads before the implementation of the Adarsh Aachar Sanhita. This will initiate the work on the remaining roads in the state, including those in the Bhiwani district.

He said that people can now access online facilities, including benefits of pension schemes and ration cards, from the comfort of their homes. The government has made 600 government services available online. As a result, people can avail government services near their homes through CSC centres, and the government has also ensured transparency in the services.

Stringent action to be taken against individuals or institutions involved in discharging polluted water into water sources near industrial areas in the state, says Haryana Chief Secretary

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, has directed officers to take strict action against individuals or institutions involved in discharging polluted water into water sources near industrial or sewage areas in the state. The Chief Secretary chaired a meeting today with officers from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board.

The Chief Secretary mentioned that a plan has been formulated with an expenditure of Rs. 45 crores for the maintenance, cleanliness, and capacity building of drains parallel to drain numbers 6 and 8 in Sonipat-Kundli. He instructed officers of the Pollution Control Board to inspect the dark colored water flowing in these drains. Apart from this, he emphasized the completion of ongoing work by March.

He further stated that the installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with capacities of 10 MLD in Rai and Kundli, 25 MLD in Kakroi, and 30 MLD on Rathdhana Road will be completed soon. Similarly, STPs with capacities of 16 MLD in Badli and 7 MLD in Ganaur, along with the laying of lines for reuse of water, will be undertaken expeditiously.

The Chief Secretary further directed the officers to inspect drain water in Panipat, Samalkha, Karnal, Taraori, and Nilokheri regions and directed the prompt scheduling of meetings for resolving this issue.

The meeting was attended by senior officers, including Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Vineet Garg, MD, Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC), Dr. Yash Garg, and Executive Engineer, Sh. J.P. Singh, besides other senior officers.

Sugar Cane Crushing in Haryana to Reach 416 lakh quintals in 2023-24, says Cooperative Minister

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal today chaired a  review meeting on the efficiency of cooperative sugar mills for the sugarcane crushing season 2023-2024. During the meeting, he directed the officers concerned to increase the crushing capacity ahead of the crushing season and ensure timely sugar recovery in cooperative sugar mills. Besides this, the officers should also ensure that there is no moisture in the stored sugar in warehouses. The estimated target for sugarcane crushing for the 2023-2024 season in the state is set at 4.16 lakh quintals, said Dr. Banwari Lal.

During the meeting, the Cooperation Minister was apprised that as of January 23, 2024, 167.43 lakh quintals of sugarcane have been crushed in sugar mills, resulting in the production of 14.78 lakh quintals of sugar. The sugar recovery rate is 9.37 percent, compared to 9.12 percent in the previous year. The crushing capacity of sugar mills has been utilized at 86.71 percent. Similarly, the sugar recovery rates in Jind Cooperative Sugar Mill are 9.94 percent, Shahabad 9.85 percent, and Sonipat 9.76 percent.

The Minister said that sugar mills with lower sugar recovery rates, such as Rohtak, Kaithal, and Panipat, need measures to improve their recovery rates. The Minister was further apprised that Hafed Sugar Mill, Phaphrana, Assandh, has recorded a sugar recovery rate of 8.73 percent. Private sugar mills, including Saraswati Sugar Mill Yamunanagar, Piccadilly, Bhadson, and Naraingarh, have recorded recovery rates of 9.37 percent, 9.55 percent, and 10.43 percent, respectively.

The Minister was informed that the daily crushing capacity in cooperative sugar mills is 1750 tons in Jind, 5000 tons in Shahabad, 2200 tons in Sonipat, 3500 tons in Karnal, 1900 tons in Palwal, 2500 tons each in Gohana and Maham, 5000 tons in Panipat, 2500 tons in Kaithal, and 3500 tons in Rohtak.

Sugarfed has purchased 167.56 lakh quintals of sugarcane at a cost of Rs. 646.46 crores

It was informed during the meeting that Sugarfed has made payments of Rs. 444.94 crores to farmers from its resources. Dr. Banwari Lal emphasized the need to ensure timely payment to farmers for sugarcane purchases. Sugarfed has purchased 167.56 lakh quintals of sugarcane at a cost of Rs. 646.46 crores in the current season. The average selling price of sugar from April 2023 to December 2023 was Rs. 3704.40 per quintal.

The Minister was informed that the DNIT has been received from National Federation Delhi for the execution of plant and machinery of Panipat Old Sugar Mill. The evaluation of the plant and machinery will be done by the National Sugar Institute Kanpur.

Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Dr. V. Raja Shekhar Vundru, and Managing Director, Haryana State Federation of Cooperative Sugar Mills, Sh. Sanjay Joon and other officers also remained present on this occasion.

Haryana CM Approves Improvement of 10 ODR Roads in Fatehabad District worth more than Rs. 23 crore

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

In a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and facilitating seamless transportation across Haryana, the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, has granted administrative approval for Improvement of 10 ODR Roads in Fatehabad District. This project encompasses the improvement of ODR’s at an estimated cost of Rs. 23 crore. The roads serving rural areas of production and providing them with outlet to market centres, tehsil headquarters, block development headquarters, railway stations etc. are known as Other District Roads (ODRs).

Giving more information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that a recent assessment conducted by the State Engineering Department, Hisar, had identified these 10 roads in Fatehabad Constituency that urgently require special repair and improvement to ensure smooth traffic flow, especially for heavy vehicles.

The spokesperson stated that these projects include Widening and Strengthening of Bighar to Dhani Mia Khan and Dhani Chaplamori road of Fatehabad district spanning 6.945 km with an estimated cost of Rs. 3.60 crore, Badopal to Bhana road spanning 5.450 km with an estimated cost of Rs. 2.80 crore, Nehla to Sabarwas via Siwani spanning 6.08 km with an estimated cost of Rs. 3.03 crore, Fatehabad Majra road to Dhani Bikaneria spanning 1.650 km with an estimated cost of Rs. 98 lakh, Dharnia to Chaplamori road spanning 3.03 with an estimated cost of Rs. 1.76 crore, Sheikhupur Daroli to Dhani Purbian road spanning 1.570 km with an estimated cost of Rs. 1.03 crore, Fatehabad to Bighar road (Guru Teg Bahadur road) spanning 5.80 km with an estimated cost of Rs. 6.70 crore, Strengthening and Relaying of CC Block on Dhanger to M.P. Rohi with an estimated cost of Rs. 1.67 crore.

He further stated that these initiatives reflect the Haryana Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and will undoubtedly bring substantial benefits to the public by improving road networks and connectivity across the state.

Haryana to Fill Over 13,000 Group D Posts through Staff Selection Commission, says Chief Secretary

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, has directed  various departmental officers to upload details of vacant Group D positions on the portal within three days.

The Chief Secretary was presiding over a meeting with senior officers of the departments here today. District Officers joined through video conferencing. The Director General, Human Resources Department has been nominated as the appointing authority in this regard.

Sh. Kaushal said that the Haryana Staff Selection Commission will be recruiting over 13,000 Group D posts, including 500 for various departments, boards, and corporations. For this, a demand letter has been sent to the Commission by the departments. There will be a common cadre of these employees, who will be deployed in various departments and districts.

        The Chief Secretary directed administrative secretaries and heads of departments to resend the demand letter to the Commission, ensuring consistency in the number of posts requested. The number of posts sent in the demand letter by the departments should also be the same as before. This time the name of the post and designation of each district will be specified through the portal developed by HKCL, he informed.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the Development and Panchayat Department, Sh. Anil Malik, Principal Secretary of the Human Resource Department, Sh. D. Suresh, Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sh.  Ravi Prakash Gupta, Director-General of the Higher Education Department, Sh. Rajiv Rattan, besides other senior officers were present.

Chandigarh, January 29

 The Haryana Cabinet meeting is set to be held on Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal at 11 a.m. in the Main Committee Room, 4th floor, Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh.

Promote cooperative farming for small farmers, says Banwari Lal

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal, said that efforts should be made to promote cooperative farming for small farmers so that they can be encouraged. In addition, the model of Sanjhi Dairy will also be implemented soon.

The Cooperation Minister stated this while chairing a meeting of officers of cooperatives, HAFED, PACS, and Dairy development held here today. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Managing Director, Haryana State Federation of Cooperative Sugar Mills, Sh. Sanjay Joon, Managing Director, HAFED, Sh. J.Ganesan, Registrar Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, and many other senior officers.

The Minister emphasised that if small farmers engage in cooperative farming, their costs will decrease, and they will benefit more. Additionally, to increase the income of cooperative federations and motivate youth towards self-employment, Vita booths will soon be set up in every housing society of the state. This initiative will be completed with the support of RWAs. He said that locations for Sanjhi Dairy in 6 districts have been identified, and a model for accommodating 240 to 280 animals has been prepared for early implementation.

Dr. Banwari  Lal informed that bylaws have been prepared for 776 PACS. In addition, registration has been done for the CM PACS portal in Hisar. Warehousing centres are also being established in Panchkula, Charkhi Dadri, and Nuh to facilitate proper storage at reasonable rates. The Minister said that  592 Kisan Samridhi Kendra have been started in the state, and the process of establishing the remaining ones is ongoing.

The Cooperative Minister said that warehouses with a capacity of 6 lakh metric tons are being prepared for the cooperative sectors. The cost for these warehouses will be Rs. 275 crore. In addition to this, 19 warehouses are being prepared with the assistance of AIM. Furthermore, a turmeric plant has been set up in Radaur at a cost of Rs. 7.6 crore, where people will be provided turmeric oil at a reasonable rate, said the Minister. He said that the work of a 100 MT capacity flour mill in Jatusana has also been completed at a cost of Rs. 13.50 crore.

Dr. Banwari Lal stated that a Mega Food Park is being established in Rohtak at a cost of Rs. 179.75 crore. Additionally, Primary Processing Centers are being set up in Narwana, Mankapur, and Bawal. A wheat seed plant is also being installed in Expert House and in Kaithal.

NRI Grievance Redressal Cell created in Haryana on the initiative of the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal

IEP Chandigarh, January 29

On the initiative of Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, NRI Grievance Redressal Cell has been established for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), especially those of Haryana origin, to address their issues and complaints under single roof. The centre has been set up at the Haryana Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh. A circular to this effect has been issued by the Office of the Chief Secretary.

Recently, during the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat representatives of more than 10 companies from Japan, the United States, and African countries had a one-to-one meeting with the Chief Minister. They extensively discussed the possibilities of investing in Haryana. Investors sought information about the industrial and employment incentive policies of the Haryana government and expressed their desire to expand their existing units in Haryana and invest in new locations under the policy.

During this interaction, foreign investors and NRIs requested the government’s assistance in providing a quick resolution to difficulties and complaints. In response to this, and in line with this initiative, the Complaint Resolution Centre for Non-Resident Indians has been established.