IEP Chandigarh, April 1

The Haryana Government has won the hearts of foreign delegates attending G-20 meetings with its art and culture, food and hospitality. A grand programme was organized at the historic Yadavindra Garden in Pinjore on Friday night, in which the foreign guests were introduced to the culture of Haryana and the country.Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P. Dalal and Development and Panchayats Minister, Sh. Devender Babli along with senior officials also attended the programme. The event was organized to acquaint the delegates with the tradition and rich art culture of India’s Atithi Devo Bhava and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.Foreign guests welcomed with traditional musical instruments and TilakThe Yadavindra Garden was drenched in colorful lights and the foreign guests were welcomed by Haryanvi artists dressed in traditional clothes by playing drums at the main gate. After this, the guests were welcomed by applying Tilak and with traditional folk songs.The main attraction of the programme was the cultural programme. The artists effectively demonstrated Haryanvi folk style while presenting traditional folk dances Lur, Ghoomar, Dhamaal, Phag, Falgun etc, associated with various festivals and other occasions in the state. The foreign guests also posed for group photographs with the Chief Minister, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Development and Panchayats Minister and senior officials.Chief Minister appeared in unique styleChief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Sh. JP Dalal felicitated the representatives of G-20 member countries. During the entire programme, the Chief Minister was seen in a unique style. He also interacted with the artists and encouraged them. He also played the drums along with the artists, which made them more enthusiastic and excited.Hospitality impressed foreign guestsThe delegates highly appreciated the hosting of Haryana and described the respect and hospitality received here as incomparable. They also appreciated Haryana’s cuisine at Ratri Bhoj, art-culture based painting exhibition and cultural programmes. During the Ratri Bhoj, different cuisines as well as dishes prepared from millet as part of International Millet Year; were also served.On the occasion, Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. DS Dhesi, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Amit Agrawal, Director General of Police, Sh. PK Agarwal, ADGP CID, Sh. Alok Mittal, Panchkula Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Mahavir Kaushik and other officials were present.

IEP Chandigarh, April 1

Haryana Government has deputed various Administrative Secretaries as districts incharge to ensure smooth and hassle-free procurement of Rabi crops in grain markets across the state.   In this regard, a letter has been addressed to Administrative Secretaries by the Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal here today.In the letter, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal stated that the procurement of Wheat, Barley and Gram is commencing from April 1, 2023 while the procurement agencies like Food, Civil Supplies, HAFED, Haryana Warehousing Corporation (HWC) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) have already started procuring Mustard from March 20, 2023 in grain markets across the state. The State Government has set up 408 purchase centres for wheat procurement, 103 purchase centres for mustard, 25 grain markets for barley and 11 purchase centres for gram in the state.Payment of rabi procurement will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of farmers’Smooth and hassle-free crop procurement is the top most priority for the State Government. That’s why the Administrative Secretary have been appointed for the inspection of grain markets based in districts of the state. Online payment will be made directly to the bank account of farmers who have registered for Minimum Support Price on ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal of the state government, reads the letter.All parameters will be mapped and monitored through e-procurement platformThe letter further states that mapping and monitoring of all parameters would be done through the e-procurement platform. Besides this, a checklist of important aspects for reviewing and inspection will be submitted to the district incharge before starting the procurement and during the procurement process. The detailed guidelines have also been given to the officers to control wheat and other procurement during Rabi procurement season 2023-24.Responsibility assigned to the officersUnder the list of Administrative Secretaries appointed as District Incharge in all the districts, Mr. T.V.S.N. Prasad to Karnal, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal to Palwal, Dr. Sumita Misra to Panchkula, Mr. Ankur Gupta to Ambala, Mr. Anurag Rastogi to Gurugram, Mr. Anand Mohan Sharan to Sonipat, Mr. Raja Shekhar Vundru to Mahendergarh, Mr. Ashok Khemka to Nuh, Mr. Vineet Garg to Fatehabad and Mr. Anil Malik to Faridabad district.Similarly, Dr. G. Anupama to Kurukshetra, Mr. Apoorva Kumar Singh to Panipat, Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta to Yamunanagar, Mr. Vijayendra Kumar to Sirsa, Mr. D. Suresh to Charkhi Dadri, Mr. Rajiv Ranjan to Kaithal, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal to Bhiwani, Mr. Vikas Gupta to Rohtak, Mr. Vijay Singh Dahiya to Jind, Mrs. Amneet P. Kumar to Hisar, Mr. T.L. Satyaprakash to Jhajjar and Mr. Mohammad Shayin to Rewari district.These officers will personally visit the grain markets of the districts allotted to them and supervise all the procurement preparations and ensure complete control over all procurement related work.

IEP Chandigarh, April 1

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal today virtually interacted with the beneficiaries of “Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Yojana”. During the interaction, he called upon the people of the state to conserve water for future generations. Giving the title of “Amrit Krantikari Mitra” to the farmers who contributed in water conservation, he said that the government is taking effective steps to overcome water crisis on earth. He said that water is essential for survival of human life on earth. He urged the people of the state to come forward and participate in the grassroot implementation of such initiatives of the state government. Lauding the progressive farmers for conserving water by adopting “Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Yojana”, he said that groundwater depletion and drying up of water bodies has been a major concern of the government. The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Water Resources Authority has prepared a village-wise report of ground water availability. This report reveals that out of 7,287 villages of Haryana, 3,041 villages are facing a water crisis and the government is making concrete efforts to solve the problem of water shortage. Out of these villages, groundwater has been critically depleted in 1,948 villages. If decreasing of water level continues in the same pattern, then the future generations have to face critical consequences, he added.“Mera Pani Meri Virasat” was launched on 6th May, 2020        The Chief Minister said that in order to overcome the water crisis and conserve water for the coming generations, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had also given a call to start a campaign for water conservation. Taking inspiration from this campaign, Haryana took initiative to launch a unique scheme “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” in the state from May 6, 2020. In this direction during Kharif season-2020, stress was given to grow less water consuming crops like maize, cotton, millet, pulses, vegetables and fruits by replacing paddy.  Similarly, in Kharif season-2021, the government had included oilseeds, pulses, onion, fodder and other crops under this scheme. While ‘Poplar and Safeda’ were also included in Kharif season-2022 under this scheme.The Chief Minister Mr. Manohar Lal informed that under this scheme, financial assistance of Rs. 7,000 per acre is provided to the farmers for adopting crop diversification. This incentive amount has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of the farmers in two instalments. The first release instalment is Rs 2,000 at the time of registration on the Mera Pani-Meri Virasat portal and the second release instalment is Rs 5,000 after the crop ripens. He said that the target has been set by the state government to sow alternative crops on 2.50 lakh hectares replacing paddy area every year.The Chief Minister further informed that 20 to 25 percent of water can be conserved by adopting DSR (Direct Seeded Rice) technology for paddy cultivation. That’s why the government has made a provision to provide financial assistance of Rs 4,000 per acre for adopting DSR technology. He expressed gratitude to the farmers who saved 31,500 crore liters of water in Kharif-2022 by adopting DSR on 72,000 acres. The total amount of Rs. 29.16 crore at the rate of Rs 4,000 per acre was provided to those farmers who adopted DSR technology.The Chief Minister said that if the farmers will adopt alternative crops replacing paddy in the blocks containing low ground water level, then 80 per cent subsidy will be offered on micro-irrigation and drip irrigation systems. He said that adopting this system can help the farmers to maintain the ground water table in some blocks of the state. Water Conservation in agricultureThe Chief Minister said that under the ‘Underground Pipeline Scheme’ an amount of Rs. 10,000 per acre, upto a maximum of Rs 60,000 per farmer, is given for laying underground pipelines for irrigation. Under this scheme, an amount of Rs. 8.34 crore has been given as grant to 1957 farmers so far. The state government has also set a target to cover 2 lakh acres of area under sugarcane cultivation with micro-irrigation systems in the next 3 years.Bore wells for recharging ground waterThe Chief Minister informed the farmers that ‘Atal Bhujal Yojana’ has been started to improve groundwater in 36 identified blocks of 14 districts of the state.  He said that under “Mera Pani-Meri Virasat Yojana” work is going on to raise the underground water level.  For this, construction work of 1,000 water recharge bore wells is in progress in 8 dark zone declared sections of the state.Similarly, 86 rain water harvesting structures have been built in the state.  Water is being released for recharging in Krishnavati river and Masani barrage.Calling upon the farmers to conserve maximum water, the Chief Minister said ‘Jal Hi Jeevan Hai’. Survival on earth is possible due to the presence of water, he added.On this occasion, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. D. S Dhesi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. V. Umashankar, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Smt. Sumita Misra, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Director General of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. K.Makarand Pandurang, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Joint Director (Admin), Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Sh. Gaurav Gupta were also present.

IEP Chandigarh/Ludhiana, April 1

In a boost to road infrastructure and green cover in the industrial hub of the state, local bodies minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar inaugurated different road reconstruction and park refurbishment projects worth around Rs 3.35 crore on Saturday. The projects included reconstruction of road from Haibowal main puli (bridge over buddha nullah) till Railway lines alongside Buddha nullah at a cost of Rs 1.58 crore, inauguration of recently renovated five parks on old GT road (near Chhawani Mohalla and Manna Singh nagar) at a cost of around Rs 1 crore and reconstruction of road in Qila Mohalla near SAN Jain Public school at a cost of around Rs 77 lakh.Accompanied by MLA Madan Lal Bagga in Ludhiana North constituency and MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi in Ludhiana Central constituency, minister Dr Nijjar stated that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led state government is working to boost the infrastructure across the city. In that course, projects worth crores are also being taken up in Ludhiana city. Minister Dr Nijjar lauded MLA Bagga and others for naming one of the recently renovated parks in the name of Sahibzada Baba Fateh Singh.Dr Nijjar further stated that the authorities have been directed to get the works completed in stipulated time periods and ensure that there is no compromise with the quality of development works. Dr Nijjar stated a plethora of development projects are being taken up in the city with an aim to provide better infrastructure and facilities to the public at ground level.Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Atam Nagar MLA Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Ludhiana South MLA Rajinderpal Kaur Chhina, Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Sahnewal MLA Hardeep Singh Mundian, MC Commissioner Dr Shena Aggarwal, Chairman of Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) Tarsem Singh Bhinder, councillor Rakesh Prashar among others were also present on the occasion. Cabinet ministers Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar and Brahm Shankar Jimpa also participated in Bhagwan Bala Ji yatra which was organised in old city areas on Saturday. (Sub-head) Minister Dr Nijjar appreciates MC Ludhiana for record all-time high recovery of property tax: Local Bodies minister Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar appreciated MC Commissioner Dr Shena Aggarwal for record all time high recovery of property tax by Municipal Corporation Ludhiana during the financial year (2022-23).Against the annual recovery target of Rs 100 crore, MC Ludhiana has recovered around Rs 125 crore during the financial year 2022-23. This is the record all-time high recovery of tax during a particular financial year since the tax was introduced by the government in the year 2013-14.Dr Nijjar stated that these funds are used to take up development works and to provide basic amenities to the residents. 

IEP Chandigarh, April 1

Handing over appointment letters to 1320 Assistant Lineman of PSPCL, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today said that the state government has set a new benchmark by giving government jobs to 28362 youth in the first year of its tenure.

Addressing the gathering during a function here at Tagore Bhawan, the Chief Minister said that this job brings a lot of responsibility for the selected candidates as they have to serve the society with missionary zeal. He said that they have been selected completely on the basis of merit and have done a lot of hard work to get this post. Bhagwant Mann welcomed the youth to the family of Punjab government and expressed hope that they will discharge their duty with honesty and sincerity.

The Chief Minister said that there is no short cut for success and only hard work can fulfill all the dreams of a common man. However, he said that this is not the final destination as a lot of more is yet to come in their lives. Bhagwant Mann said that the newly selected candidates should continue their hard work and success will come to them in one form or another.

The Chief Minister also asked the candidates to avoid the company of people with negative thoughts as they hamper the progress of the state. He said that people had brought a paradigm shift in the politics of the state by forming the AAP government in the state. Bhagwant Mann said that those who were living in palatial houses during their heydays of power were ousted from the political scene of the state.

The Chief Minister said that as Power is the catalyst of growth in any state so PSPCL is the backbone of Punjab. He said that being an agrarian state meeting the power supply is a big challenge for any government. Bhagwant Mann said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that due to strenuous efforts of the government, the days of long cuts have ended in the state as Punjab is heading towards becoming power surplus.

The Chief Minister said that due to the efforts of his government the power generation in the state has been enhanced by 83%. Bhagwant Mann said that the supply of coal for power generation from Pachwara coal mine has resumed after a long time. He said that till now 5 lakh Metric ton coal has been fetched from this coal mine and has played a key role in augmenting power supply.

The Chief Minister said that due to concerted efforts of his government, the Union government has agreed to waive off the mandatory RSR (Rail-Sea-Rail) condition for coal supply from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) to Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL). Bhagwant Mann said that he had raised this issue of arbitrary decision with the Power Minister during a meeting after which a decision had been taken in this regard. He said that the state government is firmly committed to secure the interests of the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to strengthen the PSPCL. Bhagwant Mann said that he has already asked all the departments to submit their pending bills to the PSPCL so that its financial situation is further strengthened. He said that apart from traditional methods of generating power various other modes of producing power are also being encouraged in the state.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government is promoting crop diversification in a big way to save the water and electricity in Punjab. He envisioned that this will help in lessening the pressure for power on the PSPCL adding that the spare electricity can be used for growth of other sectors too. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed to safeguard the interests of the state and its farmers by ensuring proper marketing of the alternative crops. 

The Chief Minister said that every step of his government is aimed at improving the condition of the common man. He said that 600 units of free power, employment, transformation of the schools and hospitals and other decisions are acting as game-changers in the state. Bhagwant Mann vowed that every decision of his government will ensure the well being of the common man and the state.  

The Chief Minister said that the Education, Health and Employment sectors are three core areas of his government. He said that the current year will witness major changes in these three areas as the state government is zealously working on it. Bhagwant Mann said that the major focus of the state government is to check the brain drain from the state by upscaling infrastructure and manpower in these sectors.

Earlier, Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries.