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Home Minister Anil Vij, despite the cold weather on Saturday, received hundreds of complainants from across the state at his residence, hoping for justice

IEP Chandigarh

Seeking justice from Haryana’s Home and Health Minister Sh. Anil Vij, despite the cold on Saturday, hundreds of complainants from across the state reached his residence in Ambala. Several cases of immigration frauds were presented before the Home Minister today, for which he directed the SIT (formed for immigration fraud) to take action.

        A complainant from Kaithal informed Home Minister Anil Vij that agents cheated him of Rs. 6 lakhs in the name of sending him to Germany on a work visa. He mentioned that initially, the agents sent him to Russia instead of Germany, and after staying there for a few days, instead of sending him further, he was asked to return to India. After that, the agents sent him to Dubai via Sri Lanka and assured that he would soon be sent to Germany. After staying in Dubai for a few months, he was sent to Kazakhstan where the police caught him. Subsequently, in July last year, he was deported to New Delhi on a flight. Upon returning to the country, when he asked the agents for his money back, he was threatened.

        Similarly, in another case of immigration fraud, agents cheated a youth from Yamunanagar by promising to send him to Portugal, duping him of Rs. 9 lakhs. The youth informed Home Minister Anil Vij that the visa shown to him by the agents for sending him to Portugal was fake. Likewise, a young woman from Kurukshetra mentioned that agents cheated her of Rs. 21 lakhs in the name of sending her to England on a study visa. Meanwhile, a youth from Kurukshetra stated that he was duped of Rs. 9.50 lakh in the name of sending him to USA

        A complainant from Bhiwani informed Anil Vij that a fraudster in Bhiwani cheated him of Rs. 21.65 lakh in the name of getting him a job in the Income Tax Department. After that, neither did he get the job nor did he get his money back. He filed a case at Bhiwani Police Station, but the police did not take any action. The Home Minister directed the State Crime Bureau to investigate the case.

        A complainant from Kaithal informed Home Minister Anil Vij that his son was murdered a few months ago. The police filed a case, but so far neither the culprits have been caught nor has the police conducted a proper investigation. The Home Minister directed the SP of Kaithal to form a separate SIT for the investigation. Likewise, a woman from Kaithal accused her husband of suicide and appealed for an investigation. On this, Home Minister Vij directed the SP of Kaithal to re-examine the case.

Governor Punjab and Administrator UT hands over accidental insurance cover of 40 lacs to the kin of deceased employee of Municipal Corporation

IEP Chandigarh

Banwarilal Purohit, Governor, Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh today handed over the first accidental insurance cover of Rs. 40 Lakh to the kin of deceased employee of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in a programme held at Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38 in the presence of Sh. Anup Gupta, Mayor, Sh. Vijay Namdeorao Jade, IAS, Finance Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, MCC and Sh. Chaman Lal Shienhmar , Field General Manager, Punjab & Sind Bank, Chandigarh region.

While addressing the beneficiaries and other employees of the MCC, the Governor said that the Municipal Corporation has set an example of good governance through this scheme which secures the future of the families of employees who lose their lives, by providing insurance coverage to each and every one of their employees whether regular, contractual or outsourced.

 He also congratulated and thanked the Punjab & Sind Bank for this noble step, which has offered  maximum benefit of insurance cover to all MCC employees.

Sh. Anup Gupta, the Mayor said that this insurance cover is a big relief to the employees and their families. Earlier, in case of any accidental death of an outsource employee,  MCC was unable to give relief to the family  of the deceased employees.

He further informed that the MCC has extended this social security net to each one of its 11000 employees  working in the different wings including 925 door to door waste collectors, 543 daily wagers, 76 contract basis and 5272 on the outsourced staff, 1100 employees of Lions firm which is looking after the sanitation work.

Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, MCC said that since,  November, 2022 when the agreement with the Punjab and Sind Bank was signed, as many as 50 employees have lost their lives. In 46 cases of natural  death, benefit of Rs. 2.50 lakh has been given to the families of the deceased. Two employees have lost their lives in accidents and today, benefit of Rs. 40.00 lakh was being given to the kin i.e. to Smt. Prema Devi, wife of late Sh. Ram Bali, Gardner of horticulture wing, MCC by Hon’ble Governor Punjab and Administrator Chandigarh and the remaining cases were under process.

She further said that zero balance salary accounts of all category of employees i.e. regular, contractual, daily wagers, outsourced, such as door to door waste collectors, safaimitras, safaikarmacharis have been opened in the P&SB, which offered insurance scheme including in death case Rs. 40 lacs accidental coverage, total disability Rs. 40 lacs accidental coverage; Rs. 40 lacs for death due to animal bite, insect bite, snake bite.

Sh Chaman Lal, FGM, Punjab and Sind Bank added that in case of partial disability, the insurance cover is to be given as per the percentage of the disability as mentioned in the schedule; Air accidental Rs. 1.20 crores; child education benefit from 12 years to 22 years upto two girls child Rs. 24 lacs (Rs. 12 lacs each), one girl and one boy, Rs. 12 lacs plus Rs. 6 lacs, two boys Rs. 12 lacs (6 lacs each) and in case of natural death Rs. 2.50 lacs will be given.

The Commissioner added that in the last year, 21 safaimitras, 8 malis, 5 drivers and even 2 senior assts have lost their lives of which families of 23 outsourcing employees and 23 regular employees have been given insurance amounts.

Swachh Survekshan 2023: President to award Chandigarh on 11th January at New Delhi

IEP Chandigarh

The event to felicitate the cities, award ceremony for Swachh Survekshan 2023 is being organized by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs   is being held at Bharat Mandapam, ITPO, New Delhi on 11th January.

While sharing this information here today, Ms. Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh said that intimation has been received today that Chandigarh is being given  National award which the city shall receive from Her Excellency, the President of India.

She said that Mayor and senior officers of Chandigarh Administration and Municipal Corporation will be  attending the award ceremony at New Delhi on 11th January, 2023.

She added that it is a matter of great pride for the city that Chandigarh is being felicitated with a National Award. She also expressed happiness that Chandigarh has retained it’s Water Plus status, for the third year in row and thanked the residents of the city for their Cooperation and support to all the initiatives of Municipal Corporation. 

Ayushman-Chirayu Haryana Yojana, Extending Healthcare Benefits to Antyodaya Families

IEP Chandigarh, January 5

In a significant stride towards ensuring healthcare for all, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has successfully implemented the Ayushman-Chirayu Haryana Yojana. Through this scheme, nearly half of the state’s population is now eligible for free medical treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh in both government and private hospitals. The scheme has already issued over 1.03 crore Ayushman-Chirayu cards, encompassing 74, 33,548 Chirayu cards and 28, 89,000 Ayushman cards, bringing quality healthcare within their reach.

 This visionary scheme, an extension of Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana, has become a beacon of health and hope for the people of the state. The Scheme, launched to bridge the healthcare gap, has reached new milestones, transforming the lives of the people of the state.

Approximately 8 lakh families with incomes ranging from Rs. 1.80 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh are now eligible for the scheme

 Originally, the Ayushman Bharat scheme covered families with an annual income of Rs 1.20 lakh, based on the SECC-2011 data. Recognizing the need for inclusivity, the Manohar Lal-led Government expanded the scope through the Chirayu Haryana Yojana, raising the annual income limit to Rs. 1.80 lakh. Thereby, more than 28 lakh families in the state benefited from this expansion.

Taking this a step further, the Chief Minister has now expanded the scope of the Chirayu Haryana Yojana by raising the annual income limit from Rs 1.80 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh. This move ensures that even families with moderate incomes can access healthcare benefits, preventing economically disadvantaged families from being deprived of treatment for serious illnesses. Such families can avail themselves of the scheme by paying an annual premium of Rs. 1500. Approximately 8 lakh families with incomes ranging from Rs. 1.80 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh are now eligible for the scheme, raising the total number of beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu Haryana to nearly 38 lakh.

Empowering Communities

 The registration process launched on Haryana Day, marked a turning point in the lives of families with incomes between Rs 1.80 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. The response was overwhelming, with 39,534 families registering in the first phase. Remarkably, more than 9,700 families paid the premium through the portal from November 5, 2023, to December 31, 2023, ensuring immediate access to healthcare benefits from January 1, 2024, for one year.

 New Year, New Inclusions

Welcoming the New Year, the Chief Minister bestowed a special gift upon Asha workers, HKRNL, and NHM employees, and other categories, recognizing their tireless efforts in the healthcare sector. As of January 1, 2024, 4754 Asha workers, who earn an annual income of Rs. 1.80 lakh, and 24,051 HKRNL employees, not covered under ESI and other such schemes, will now be eligible for the scheme. Additionally, 7814 contractual employees of the NHM will also benefit from the Ayushman-Chirayu Haryana Yojana. All these categories will give an annual contribution of Rs.1500 per family to avail the scheme benefits.

 Online Convenience for Beneficiaries

 Beneficiaries can easily register to get their Ayushman-Chirayu cards online at https://chirayuayushmanharyana.in/ or visit their nearest Common Service Centers or PMAM counters in public hospitals.

 Notably, the Chirayu Haryana Yojana stands tall as a model for inclusive and accessible healthcare. Through strategic expansions, compassionate inclusions, and a commitment to simplicity, Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal’s vision is translating into a reality where health is not a privilege but a fundamental right for every resident of Haryana. As the scheme continues to evolve, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership and the positive impact it can have on the lives of the people of the state.

In another incident, the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) today declared the final results for a total of 642 postgraduate teacher positions in Physical Education and Fine Arts. Among these, 388 candidates for Physical Education and 254 for Fine Arts have been selected. Among these, a physical education teacher belongs to Mewat cadre.

The Secretary of the Commission, Sh. Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, stated that the selection has been made for 254 postgraduate teachers in Fine Arts. He said that along with this, the result of the subject knowledge test for 12 posts of Mining Officer and 4 posts of Assistant Mining Engineer has also been declared today. The examination for these two positions was conducted on October 22, 2023, and the interview dates will be announced soon.

 Sh. Ahuja informed that the Commission has exercised utmost care in preparing the results of the mentioned examinations, and any right to rectify errors will be retained by the Commission. Further information regarding this can be obtained from the Commission’s website http://hpsc.gov.in. He informed that the Commission has started the recruitment process for the posts of postgraduate teachers of 19 subjects, out of which the process for 9 subjects has been completed, the recommendation of which has been sent to the government. The examination for the remaining 10 subjects, out of which the process for 9 subjects was conducted on December 30-31 last month, will be completed soon. Along with this, the PGT exam for computer subject could not be conducted due to a court case.

67th National School Handball-19 Sports Competition Inaugurated in Hisar

IEP Chandigarh, January 5

Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Dr. Kamal Gupta today inaugurated the 67th National School Handball-19 (Boys and Girls) Sports Competition 2023-24 in Hisar today. As many as 1100 players of 27 teams from different states and institutions of the country have been participating in this competition. All these matches are to be held on league cum knockout basis.

While addressing the players Dr. Kamal Gupta said that sports foster unity and brotherhood within society and the nation. When athletes participate in competitions, their goal extends beyond just winning; it encompasses upholding sportsmanship, fostering competition, nurturing mutual affection, and promoting brotherhood.

Dr. Gupta emphasized that when a player steps onto the field with a sound mind and body, their mindset remains positive, enabling them to excel in competitions. During the event, he led all participants in a pledge to abstain from alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances. Additionally, Dr. Gupta generously donated Rs. 3,01,000 from his discretionary grant to support the sports competition.

454 donated blood at Mega Camp organized by PGI Employees Union

IEP Chandigarh

The PGI Employees Union (Non Faculty) organized its 5th Mega Blood Donation Camp under aegis of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Chandigarh and with the support and cooperation of its associate Unions / Associations namely; PGI Engineers Association, PGI Ministerial Staff Union (Group B&C), PGI Drivers Welfare Association, PGI Medical Laboratory Attendants Association, PGI Security Guard Union and PGI Hospital Attendant Association. The PGI Safai Karamchari Union, PGI H.A. Contract Workers Union, PGI Security Guard Contract Workers Union and PGI S.A. Contract Workers Union also participated.

      The inauguration of he camp took place at Zakir Hall, PGI, Chandigarh, with D Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMR, cutting the ribbon and lighting the ceremonial lamp.  Dr. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, Dr. R. R. Sharma, Prof. & Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sh. Pankaj Rai,Deputy Director, Er. Narinder Malik, Executive Engineer (retd.) & Chairman Benevolent Fund Scheme, Sh. Gursharan Singh, Chief Security Officer, Sh. Daljeet Singh, Sr. Accounts Officer were also present to grace the occasion.

Sh. Balwinder Singh Swaraj Engines, Sh. Ritesh Singh, Dabur, who sponsored gifts under CSR also graced the occasion.

Sh. Pawan Kumar, Northern Region Organising Secretary Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Sh. Badri Parsad, and Sh. Malkit Singh, BMS, Chandigarh graced the occasion to boost morale of donors as Guest of Honour.

The camp registered a total of 513 volunteers out of which 454 donors able to donate blood 9:30 am to 4:15 pm. 59 volunteers were declared unfit for various reasons. In view of time constraint, the volunteers who reached after 4:15 were politely sent back.

67 donors were first timers, including 56 male and 11 female. Each blood donor was given gifts of more than Rs. 1000, which included 1 Liter Desi Ghee, 1 Litre JHuice, One Coffee Mug and Water Bottle as token of love and appreciation by PGI Employees Union (NF) besides refreshment of Real Juice, Orange, Banana, Burfi, Samosa/Bread Pakora/Cutlets, Biscuits, and Tea.

Dr. Vivek Lal, Director, PGI also donated blood. Ashwani Kumar Munjal, General Secretary made his 156th blood donation. Sh. Sanjeev Kumar Battan, Accounts Officer, PGI made his 50th and Ms. Neelam, Sector 41 made her 40th blood donation.

The Union presented shawls to Hon’ble Dr. Vivek Lal, Director, Chief Guest, Dr. Vipin Koushal, Sh. Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director Administration, Dr. R.R. Sharma, Prof. & Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine, and representatives of BMS, Swaraj Engines, Dabur.

Sh. Nand Kishore, Munjal Caterers, Sector 15 A sponsored lunch for 100 for Organisers.
M/s Dabur India, Swaraj Engines, Zydus Wellness were co-sponsors. M/s Dabur India provided 150Kg Cow Ghee, 700 Real Juice. M/S Swaraj Engines provided 300 Water Bottles, M/S Marketwave Agencies gave Rs. 10,000 Sh. Ankit Munjal and Sh. Chetan Munjal contributed Rs. 51,000 for Blood Donation Camp.

Union conveyed sincere thanks to Sh. Narinder Malik, Smt. Bindia, Sh. P.S. Gill, Sh. Sushil Battan, Sh Ajay Sharma, Sh. Madan Mohan Verma, Sh. Mohan Lal Gupta, Sh. Ashok Parmar, sh. Naresh Garg, Sh. Ravinder Kumar Jaiswal, Sh. Beant, Sh. Lalit Pant, Sh. Himmat Rawat, Sh. Jeendra Gupta, Sh. Ramroop, Sh. Raman Sharma, Sh. Adhiraj Sharma, Sh. Rinku Bhagat, Sh. Kavinder Kalyan, Sh. Sanjeev Kanojia, Sh. Dev Raj, Sh. Harish Kumar, Sh. Parminder Singh, Sh. Rinku and Sh. Kavinder Kalyan, Sh. Rajesh Chauhan and others who volunteered their services to make the blood donation camp a grand success.

Balkar Singh directs officials to immediately spend unused funds under various schemes for development works

IEP Chandigarh, January 5

          Local Government Minister Balkar Singh held a review meeting at Municipal Bhawan Sector 35 Chandigarh, discussing development works with head office and field officials, along with MLAs. He instructed officials to promptly utilize the unspent funds for the welfare of the people according to issued guidelines.

          Minister Balkar Singh highlighted the Punjab government’s commitment, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to provide basic facilities and a pollution-free environment. The state government is actively involved in development work across Punjab to achieve this goal.

          During the meeting, the Minister discussed projects under Swachh Bharat Mission and Amrut Mission, emphasizing the need for officials to complete ongoing projects efficiently. He also addressed issues related to finding suitable locations for sewage and water treatment plants, stressing the resolution of any delays through coordination with MLAs and district administration.

          Emphasizing the government’s ample funds for development, the Minister urged the purchase of equipment and machinery for urban local units to ensure a clean environment for residents.

          Officials were instructed to share comprehensive information with MLAs about development works in their constituencies. The Minister emphasized the timely implementation of development-related schemes and proper utilization of funds.

          The Cabinet Minister urged officials to work diligently and honestly, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing a corruption-free administration. He warned that those involved in corruption would not be spared.

          The meeting was attended by MLAs Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, Amit Rattan, Naresh Kataria, Balkar Sidhu, Ranbir Singh Bhullar, and Master Jagsir Singh, along with the Secretary of the Local Government Department Ajoy Sharma, PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal, and other officials.

Punjab government declares holidays in Anganwadi centres of  state till January 14: Dr. Baljit Kaur

 IEP Chandigarh, January 5

          The Punjab government has declared holidays for children aged 3-6 years till January 14, 2024 in view of the winter weather across all the Anganwadi centres of state.

          Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that it is very difficult for small children to come to Anganwadi centres due to the extreme cold season. She directed that children aged 3-6 years should be given ration that could be taken to their homes from Anganwadi workers during holidays.

          The Cabinet Minister directed Child Development Project Officers to report daily on the nutrition tracker and ensure that the benefits of other schemes apart from pre-school education are given to the beneficiaries as before.

Haryana Labour Department launches WhatsApp channels for labourers and construction Workers

IEP Chandigarh, January 5

The Haryana Labour Department has launched two dedicated WhatsApp channels aimed at improving communication and assistance for labourers and construction workers under the Haryana Labour Welfare Board and Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

        WhatsApp has become an integral part of our daily lives, and recognizing its potential to enhance services and engagement, the Haryana Labour Department is taking a significant step towards making information and support easily accessible to our valued workforce.

        With a goal of enhanced accessibility and ease of communication, the Haryana Labour Welfare Board along with the Haryana Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board have announced the launch of dedicated WhatsApp channels. This pioneering initiative is aimed at streamlining the process of disseminating vital information and facilitating the reach of various welfare benefits to workers in the state.

Key Features of the WhatsApp Channels:

Instant Information: Labourers and workers can now receive instant information on their rights, benefits, welfare schemes, and more by simply sending queries or keywords to the official WhatsApp numbers.

Timely Notifications and Updates: Stay informed with periodic updates, announcements, and notifications about upcoming activities , programmes , registeration camps and welfare schemes related events and initiatives.

Maximising outreach: The Haryana Labour Department has planned a range of activities and campaigns through these WhatsApp channels to empower and support our labour force. This will also help in building a an informed and more connected labour community

Awareness Campaigns: Now it will become easier for the workforce to learn about their rights, responsibilities, health and safety tips, and Digital literacy modules through informative campaigns.

Training and Workshops: Access skill development resources and soft skills training materials.

Reminders: workers can stay updated on scheme enrollments and important deadlines.

        The Boards are dedicated to refining and enhancing the whatsapp channels, adapting to the evolving needs and feedback of the worker community. This approach underscores their resolve to stay at the forefront of innovative labor welfare solutions.

        “Our commitment to your welfare is unwavering, and we aim to make your experience with the Haryana Labour Department more convenient and accessible than ever before.”

Enrollment onto these WhatsApp channels is straightforward and open to all workers, employees, and contractors. Clear instructions and support will be provided to assist users in joining and navigating the channels.

Haryana’s Mahendragarh District Gears Up to Attract Tourists with Rich Historical Heritage

IEP Chandigarh, January 5

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that Mahendragarh district boasts a rich historical heritage and is poised to emerge as a significant tourist attraction in the near future. The coalition government remains committed to the preservation of these cultural treasures.

        The Deputy Chief Minister shared his remarks with journalists following an inspection of the conservation efforts at the historic Chhatta Rai Bal Mukund Das in Mahendragarh. He said that soon, tourists would have the opportunity to explore this historical site, with the preservation work nearing completion. A budget of Rs 620.38 lakh has been allocated for the restoration of the state-protected monument, renowned as Birbal’s hive. While 70% of the conservation work is already accomplished, the remaining 30% will be addressed through separate tenders.

        Highlighting the abundance of historical sites in Mahendragarh district, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized its potential to become a sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists.

The uniqueness of Diwan Ray-e-Rayan Mukand Das’s hive lies in its historical significance

        Constructed by Mukand Das, Diwan Ray-i-Rayan of Narnaul during Shah Jahan’s reign (1628-1666 AD), this grand edifice is meticulously designed and famously known as Birbal’s hive. It has retained its original layout without any alterations. The southern wall’s platform in this four-storey mansion adds a regal touch, with a grand entrance on the west side featuring a depiction of an elephant fight. The ceilings, tops of entrances, and the pavilion at the north-east corner showcase net-vaulting traces, enhancing their allure. The inward path from the entrance, featuring four sharp turns, leads to open courtyards surrounded by differently sized rooms and verandahs. The two large rooms on the southern side, once with mezzanine floors, have unfortunately collapsed. The verandah’s marble pillars have square bases, while their shafts are polygonal.

        Key features on this floor include a cradle balcony in the southern wall and a spacious hall in the south-west corner above the main entrance. The balcony boasts a rectangular cradle, topped by a bungalow-style curved roof, with all lower floor pillars crafted from marble. The hall’s western wall promotes cross-ventilation through three openings. Adjacent to the mansion stands a structure with pronounced Rajasthani characteristics, believed to be the entrance to the mansion’s enclosure. Now referred to as Moti Mahal, it features a central arched opening and projecting balconies on the upper level, showcasing the distinctive Hindu architectural element of chhajja or deep caves.