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Local Government Minister Balkar Singh Honors Winners of City Beauty Competition

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

 Balkar Singh, Local Government Minister, distributed trophies and certificates to the winners at a State Level ceremony held at Punjab Municipal Bhawan, Sector 35, Chandigarh. He expressed his satisfaction with the quality of entries and announced that more initiatives would be taken to encourage and recognize the transformative efforts made by cities and wards across the State in creating beautiful, innovative, and inclusive public spaces.

Local Government Minister Balkar Singh said that The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, organized the City Beauty Competition, wherein Municipal Corporations and Councils from various cities participated. A total of 46 entries from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the State qualified for the competition. The competition focused on judging wards and public spaces against five key pillars: Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, Aesthetics, and Ecology. Aesthetics held the maximum weightage of 50%.

Balkar Singh further added that after a thorough evaluation by a jury consisting of Town Planners, Heritage, Environment, and Fine Arts Experts, the top five entries in different categories were selected. The winners include UBDC Canal Waterfront Project in Amritsar for the Waterfront category, goal Bagh Amrit Project for the Park category, Sarabha Nagar Ward in Ludhiana for the Ward category, Phase-3B2 Market in SAS Nagar for the Commercial Space category, and the Redevelopment of Walled City Project near Golden Temple in Amritsar for the Heritage category.

          Minister Balkar Singh recommended these five winning entries to the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, for participation in the National Level City Beauty Competition. This signifies the commitment of the State towards fostering aesthetically pleasing and sustainable urban environments.

Haryana Unveils Comprehensive Plan for Air Quality Improvement in Delhi-NCR Region

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

In a major step towards tackling air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, Haryana Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal disclosed the state’s action plan for the year 2024-25. The plan focuses on transitioning the state’s bus fleet to cleaner alternatives, including electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel buses.

Mr. Kaushal shared this information after participating in a virtual meeting convened by the Union Cabinet Secretary on air quality management in Delhi and the NCR region. The plan includes stringent timelines and action items for the replacement of BS-III/IV Diesel Buses.

E-Buses for Gurugram and Faridabad: Mr. Kaushal stated that State Transport Haryana has finalized the procurement of 375 e-buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model for operation in nine Municipal Corporation cities of Haryana. He assured that all 375 e-buses would be inducted by June 2024. Mr. Kaushal also mentioned the procurement of 200 e-buses through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), initiated for induction in Gurugram and Faridabad (100 e-buses each). The induction of all 200 e-buses is expected to be completed by December 2024. State Transport Haryana plans to add 500 new Standard BS-VI diesel buses and 150 HVAC BS-VI diesel buses meeting the latest BS-VI emission norms during the financial year 2024-25. All these proposed new buses will be inducted into the bus fleet by November 2024, he added.

He emphasized that only BS-VI compliant buses will be in operation by all depots of Haryana destined for Delhi. All BS-III compliant buses will be phased out from NCR depots before October 2024. All State-owned BS-IV compliant buses of adjoining cities of Delhi, namely Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat, will be transferred to Non-NCR depots by October 2024. In their place, BS-VI compliant diesel buses will be allotted, enhancing the fleet’s environmental sustainability.

Presently, approximately 1030 BS-III compliant diesel buses are in operation in Haryana, with around 500 buses serving NCR depots. Mr. Kaushal stated that all 500 BS-III buses will be condemned and phased out from NCR depots by October 2024.

To address vehicular emissions, approximately 10 lakh vehicles have been color-coded in NCR districts to date. There is 100% adherence to regulations, with Registering Authorities refraining from issuing RCs without the mandatory affixation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and Colour-Coded stickers, as per the prescribed guidelines.

Mr. Kaushal informed that Dust Control and Management Cells (18 numbers) have been constituted by ULB, PWD, HSVP, NHAI and HSIIDC in NCR. Nodal officers have been appointed to oversee these cells.

Additionally, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has successfully launched a web portal for Dust Pollution Control Self-Assessment, facilitating the registration of construction projects on plots exceeding 500 square meters in the NCR. As of January 16, 2024, 738 sites have been registered, showcasing a proactive approach to environmental management. He also highlighted the deployment of a significant number of mechanical sweeping machines in the NCR. He said that 534 Anti Smog Guns have been installed at the construction sites in NCR for dust suppression.

The Automotive Research Association in Pune has been entrusted with investigating pollution levels and carbon emissions in selected Haryana cities, including Gurugram, Panipat, and Sonipat. Plans for five additional districts, namely Rewari, Jhajjar, Jind, Rohtak, and Charkhi Dadri, are already underway, for which tenders have been issued.

Sh. Kaushal emphasized the Haryana Government’s proactive stance on stubble management, noting the establishment of paddy straw-based 2G ethanol plant by IOCL at Baholi, Panipat. This plant, with a total capacity of 100 KLPD each, is set to consume 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy straw annually. The state boasts 23 operational crop residue-based briquetting plants with a cumulative capacity of 2.30 lakh TPA.

Furthermore, Haryana actively supports the establishment of paddy straw-based Compressed Biogas Plants (CBG) under the SATAT initiative by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. To date, 165 letters of intent have been issued by oil marketing companies for a total capacity of 1263 TPD, showcasing a commitment to alternative uses for paddy straw. Looking ahead, thermal power stations in the state are slated to incorporate 5-7 percent paddy straw into their fuel mix for power generation, a strategic move managed by the Energy Department (NRE). This initiative aims to further utilize paddy straw efficiently, with specific areas allocated for its procurement.

Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh.Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Vineet Garg and other officers were present in the meeting.

Haryana CM takes blessings at Gurudwara Lakhnaur Sahib on the occasion of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

On the occasion of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal paid obeisance at Gurudwara Lakhnaur Sahib in Ambala district on Wednesday. He offered prayers for the prosperity, well-being, and happiness of the country and state residents.

The Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the gathering on the celebration of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birth anniversary, being observed with grandeur across the country.

The Chief Minister said that the Gurudwara Lakhnaur Sahib, intimately associated with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, holds memories of him and his mother.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that remembering the courage, valour, sacrifices, and contributions of our Gurus is a source of inspiration for the younger generation.

“The history and valour of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family continue to inspire us. He directed officers to enhance the beauty of the Gurudwara Sahib’s parking with tiles and beautify the historical well,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Earlier, MLA, Sh. Aseem  Goel, on behalf of the Ambala city residents,  welcomed the Chief Minister upon his arrival and conveyed congratulations to everyone on Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birth anniversary.

On this occasion, the Gurdwara Management Committee and Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee office bearers presented shawls, swords, and a portrait of Guru Gobind Singh Ji to the Chief Minister.

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij gives directions to constitute SIT to investigate different cases

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Haryana Home and Health Minister Sh. Anil Vij today resolved public grievances from all over the state at his residence in Ambala and directed the concerned officer for prompt action.

In such a case a mother and son from Karnal said that it his maternal grandfather’s property has been taken over by some people of miscreant nature. Not only this, on the contrary a case also has been registered against him. To which, Home Minister Sh. Anil Vij directed SP Karnal to constitute SIT and conduct investigation for the matter. Similarly, in another case, one of the complainant, a resident of Adampur alleged that he has been accused of fake molestation and assault charges,  the Home Minister directed the Superintendent of Police of Hisar to constitute an SIT and investigate.

A woman from Naraingarh told Sh.Vij that she was duped out of Rs 22 lakh by luring her into making gold jewellery at a low price. Home Minister Sh. Vij directed Ambala Superintendent of Police to register a case and conduct an investigation.

In another case, a Rohtak family reported that miscreants had taken over their plot and the police have lodged a complaint against them only. Taking cognizance of this complaint, Anil Vij directed the Superintendent of Police of Rohtak to re-investigate the matter.

Home Minister directs Kurukshetra Superintendent of Police to take action in a case of dowry harassment

A married woman resident of Shahabad in Kurukshetra, said that she was harassed by her in-laws for dowry, but the police did not take any action. The Home Minister directed the Superintendent of Police of Kurukshetra to take action in this matter.

Apart from this, the woman from Rohtak said that she filed an assault case against her in-laws, but the police cancelled the FIR without conducting a proper investigation. The Home Minister directed the Superintendent of Police of Rohtak to conduct an investigation for the matter.

Directions to Hisar SP if action is not taken in murder case

In another complaint reported to the Home Minister, a woman resident of  Mandi Adampur said that the police did not take any action in the murder case. The Home Minister directed the SP of Hisar to take action and investigate the matter. Additionally, a family from Yamunanagar said their daughter had left home with a man. The girl now wants to return home, but the young man has taken her daughter hostage. In this matter, Sh. Vij called the SP of Yamunanagar and gave directions to take action in the matter.

Directions to Ambala Municipal Council officers to take action regarding construction of crematorium

Citizens from Ambala Cantt, including Sai Ka Bagh, Shivala Mandi, and Shekh Majra, reached the darbar of the Home Minister. They mentioned that there is no cremation ground in their area, and they have to travel 11 kilometres to Ram Bagh for the last rites. The Home Minister has directed municipal officers to take action in this matter. Similarly, a complainant from Ghari Sikandra village in Yamunanagar informed that watchmen are being appointed in the village through a voting process.

Despite receiving the highest votes, someone else is being appointed as a watchman in their village. In this case, Home Minister Anil Vij has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Yamunanagar to investigate the matter.

For the progress of farmers, the state government is initiating pilot projects in a cluster mode: CM

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

The Haryana government is outlining pilot projects on a cluster mode for the progress of agriculture and farmers. These projects aim to boost crop diversification, micro-irrigation schemes, livestock improvement, and other agriculture-allied activities. Additionally, the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran will formulate new schemes to promote organic farming, natural farming, and cooperative farming.

A decision in this regard was taken by Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while chairing the third meeting of the General Body of Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran held here today.

Energy Minister, Sh. Ranjit Singh, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P. Dalal, Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal, Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Devender Singh Babli, and Chairman, Haryana Bureau of Public Enterprises and Chairman, Executive Committee, Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran, Sh. Subhash Barala also attended the meeting.

Sh. Manohar Lal, while giving directions to the officers concerned, emphasized the need to adopt new agricultural systems alongside traditional farming practices to increase income and progress for small and marginal farmers, considering the decreasing size of arable land.

He highlighted the immense possibilities in the livestock sector for farmers to enhance their income. Cooperative farming is also crucial for addressing the challenges of small land holdings and promoting food processing industries.

He directed the members of Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to prepare pilot projects in collaboration with relevant departments, inspiring farmers along the lines of Israel’s cooperative farming technique.

Prepare demonstration farms for integrated farming, CM

The Chief Minister said that the state government is encouraging initiatives like the “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology to promote crop diversification and water conservation. He suggested creating demonstration farms for integrated farming and ensuring that farmers receive detailed information through visits to such farms.

He highlighted the continuous decline in groundwater levels, emphasising the need for establishing micro-irrigation projects in these areas. In areas where the groundwater level is 30 meters, solar energy-based agricultural borewells should be installed, and the state government is ready to provide new subsidies for the same. The government is also prepared to bear the expenses for water and electricity, said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that reservoirs should be constructed for the conservation of rainwater in the Shivalik and Aravalli mountain ranges so that water coming from the mountains can be collected and later used for irrigation and other needs. He directed officers of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department to prepare a pilot project for this.

Sh. Manohar Lal stated that checking the quality of soil is essential along with soil health. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides today is causing several serious health diseases. Therefore, we need to move towards producing chemical-free grains. The solution to this is natural farming, said the Chief Minister.

He said that any village declared as a chemical-free farming village by its Panchayat will ensure that the government purchases all types of crops at a price 10 to 20 percent higher than the MSP. Branding and packaging of crops will be done in the fields, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

A budget of more than 300 crores has been allocated for new Gaushalas

The Chief Minister said that a tripartite agreement should be made between the Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Development and Panchayat Department, social organizations, and the Gau Sewa Aayog to open new cowsheds. Wherever Panchayat land is available, new cowsheds should be opened. Basic infrastructure will be made available, and social organizations will have to come forward to operate the gaushalas, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

He further informed that the budget for the Gau Sewa Aayog has been increased from Rs. 40 crores to Rs. 400 crores for the conservation of the gau vansh and the care of cattle. In this, Rs. 300 crores have been allocated for establishing new gaushalas, informed the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that under the concept of Sanjha Dairy, one can also engage in the livestock dairy business. He said that the state government has formulated a  scheme ‘Van Mitra’ to promote green cover, under which local youth will take care of plants planted by the forest department for up to 3 years. For this, the department will designate 500 to 700 trees in each village and assign them to the Van Mitras. A reward of Rs. 10 per tree will be given to the Van Mitras for the care of each tree, he said.

Sh. Manohar Lal directed that the forest department officers also prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Van Mitras.

Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner,  Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sh. TVSN Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Sh. Ankur Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary,  Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Development and Panchayat Department, Sh. Anil Malik, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Smt. Ashima Brar and members of the working group also remained present on this occasion.

People are benefiting from the welfare schemes of the Central and State governments: Kamlesh Dhanda

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Haryana Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi in the Country and Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal in Haryana, equitable development is taking place. Implementation of schemes for the welfare of every section has been undertaken, she said.

The Minister said that the Chief Minister,  Sh. Manohar Lal has formulated various schemes for the efficient management of Gaushalas in the state, ensuring the well-being of livestock.

During the program organized at the Gaushala in Madhad in Kaithal, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda gave a cheque of Rs. 22,08,750 to representatives of Gaushala.

The Minister said that the registered Gaushalas in the state have been allocated funds based on the number of cattle. The Chief Minister’s effort is to ensure that there is no problem in the care and feeding of as many cattle as there are in the state.

She said that the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been organized by the government, through which the benefits of government schemes have been delivered to the poor. This Yatra has covered both rural and urban areas to extend the benefits of government schemes to the last person standing in the line, said the Minister.

Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda also heard the grievances of the people and directed the officers to address these issues on the spot. The Minister also administered the Viksit Bharat oath to the people present.

Earlier, the Minister visited the Shri Kapil Muni Tirth Complex, where she prayed at the temple. A cleanliness campaign was also carried out here.

Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda said that this campaign is being carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and a cleanliness campaign is being conducted at every religious place until January 22.

The Chief Minister, along with all ministers, MPs, MLAs, and the general public, is participating in this campaign, said Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda.

Mohali DC Urges the Eligible Sikh Voters to get enrolled as Voters before Feb 29 

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 17 

District Administration has marked Gurpurab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji with a distinction in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district, which has been carved out in the name of the eldest Son of Guru Sahib, Sahibzada Ajit Singh. Divulging details, the Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Aashika Jain who has been the instrumental in making the idea practical on the previous day by visiting multiple Gurdwara Sahiban in the district, said that special camps were held at all the Gurdwara Sahiban to keep the people well aware and enrolled as voter for Gurudwara Board (SGPC) Elections.

She said that the Patwaris in rural areas and Municipal Staff in urban areas were put on duty to set up help desks at all Gurdwara Sahiban to get maximum mileage from the sacred occasion of Gurpurab as the hundreds of people thronged the Gurdwaras on this day to pay obeisance. The Deputy Commissioner said that at most of the places, the people were informed well before organising the camps through announcements from the Gurdwara Sahiban. She said that the idea to capture the eligible voters has worked well and we have got a very good response.

She said that district administration would continue the move till February 29 to benefit the maximum number of people with the right to vote for Gurdwara Board Elections. Mrs Jain said that the Gurdwara Elections made it mandatory to have fresh electoral rolls before the election, so we are registering the voters by approaching them with innovative ideas. The Deputy Commissioner repeatedly appealed to the eligible Sikh voters to come forward and register themselves as Voters for Gurdwara Board Elections. The eligibility criteria for becoming a voter for Gurdwara Board Elections is to be Keshadhari Sikh with minimum age 21 years or above, non-drinker, non-smoker and non-trimmer, as mentioned in Sikh Gurdwara Act, 1925, Section 49, she added.

Director General of Police Initiates Progressive Measures for Police Welfare in Panchkula

IEP Panchkula, January 17

Haryana Director General  Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, marked a significant stride in police welfare by inaugurating the Central Mess for police personnel at the Sector-14 police station in Panchkula today. During his visit, Kapur meticulously examined the arrangements at the central mess and actively participated by sharing a meal with the officers.

This newly inaugurated mess, the second in Panchkula district, follows the successful launch of a similar facility at the MDC police station earlier. Kapur took the opportunity to inspect the police station’s essential amenities and offered crucial directives to the officers present.

Emphasizing the welfare initiatives for policemen, Kapur highlighted the department’s commitment to not only providing on-site dining facilities through canteens but also addressing the employment needs of their unemployed children. The Director General Police disclosed that the department is initiating crèches across the state to facilitate working women police officials in ensuring the well-being of their children.

In a groundbreaking move, Kapur disclosed an action plan tailored to employ the children of police personnel, aligning opportunities with their educational qualifications. To achieve this, the department is actively engaging them in diverse training courses, empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods.

This strategic approach underscores the Haryana Police Department’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of its officers and their families.

Chandigarh Mayoral elections today – Congress-AAP confident of victory despite BJP’s efforts

IEP Chandigarh


Ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for January 18 in Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal met on Wednesday. A coalition has been formed between AAP and Congress for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. While AAP is contesting for the mayoral position, Congress has fielded candidates for the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. There is a concerted effort to defeat BJP with mutual consent between AAP and Congress. Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal stated that no matter how clever BJP tries to be, this time the math is in favor of our coalition, and we are poised to take control of the municipal corporation. This victory will set the stage for success in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

On Tuesday, AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed confidence that the opposition alliance ‘India’ will secure victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections and that this triumph will mark the beginning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. AAP and Congress had formed an alliance on Monday for the elections scheduled to take place on January 18 in the union territory of Chandigarh. Both parties are part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India).

Raghav Chadha stated that he is confident that the ‘India’ alliance will defeat the BJP in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. He said, “The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will witness the first major showdown between BJP and the India alliance. It will set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”

Prior to this, there were allegations against Congress mayoral candidate Jasbir Banti of trying to align with BJP, leading to a commotion at the municipal corporation office on Tuesday night, even reaching the High Court. However, Jasbir Banti clarified that he is with his party and will withdraw his candidacy before the elections.

Haryana DGP Meets Telecom Companies, Addresses Network Issues for Helpline Numbers 112 and 1930

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Director General Police Shatrujeet Kapur met with representatives of telecom companies to address network problems faced with helpline numbers 112 and 1930.

During a meeting with representatives of telecom companies, Kapur provided a comprehensive list of identified problem areas and issued instructions to rectify them promptly. The objective of the meeting was to find a permanent solution to network-related challenges faced by Haryana 112 and Cyber Helpline No. 1930.

The meeting included a thorough review of call connectivity to these helpline numbers from each district. It was revealed that police station in-charges and officers statewide engage in trial calls to the cyber helpline number 1930 at various times each month. The goal is to ensure the availability of calls on the helpline numbers mentioned.

Representatives from BSNL claimed a 100% phone connection success rate within their network. In response, Director General Kapur directed officials from all telecom companies to investigate areas where phone connectivity issues persist and resolve them promptly. He emphasized that telecom companies should guarantee that calls to 1930 connect seamlessly, even in roaming situations, ensuring individuals can register complaints without hindrance.

The trial results indicated an 86% success rate in connecting phones to the helpline number 1930 across various networks. Kapur, acknowledging the progress, instructed authorities to work towards achieving a 100% connection rate.

In a decisive move, Kapur instructed telecom service provider companies to address connectivity issues in districts identified in the list provided to them. He emphasized the importance of resolving these problems to ensure citizens in these districts do not encounter any hindrances while making calls.

During the meeting, it was revealed that signal problems had been identified in districts such as Kurukshetra, Jhajjar, Hansi, Sirsa, Rewari, Nuh, and Charkhi Dadri. Comprehensive data regarding network-related problems in all districts has been shared with telecom companies, urging them to take necessary steps to enhance connectivity.