IEP Chandigarh, September 7

The 4th Sherpa meeting of G-20 countries, which began in ITC Grand Bharat resort of district Nuh on 3rd September, ended with showcasing some of the most vibrant Indian classical and light music, instrumental orchestra celebrating its music diversity composed by Shri Madho Prasad followed by gala dinner.

On the last night of September 6, the universal thread of music kept the spectators spellbound through a symphony of diverse Indian classical and light music. The presentation began with Chaturanga; an amalgamation of various styles and forms of music that is presented by teenagers, adolescents and the disabled. It was followed by Raga Yaman, which expresses the optimism of a lover and his beloved. This musical combination is an artful blend of pitch around the tones of the raga. The cultural night ended with Raga Kalavati, a simple but modern pentatonic classical Hindustani raga. It is a midnight raga rendition and is generally associated with the pangs of separation and nostalgia.

Since the 4th and final Sherpa meeting was held in district Nuh of Haryana, it provided opportunity to showcase Haryana, especially, it’s rich cultural heritage and traditions before the foreign delegates through variety of cultural programs based on Haryana’s folk. The Haryanavi ‘Pagri’ (head gear ) was tied on the heads of delegates as a mark of respect. Pagri is like crown ; a symbol of ‘shan’ ( pride) of Haryana, which is tied on the head of a person whom utmost honour is to be given. The delegates were also apprised by the strengths and achievements of Haryana through a short audio visual documentary prepared by Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture Department of the state. This documentary was kept running continuously throughout the day at the exhibition stall strategically placed at the entrance of Prithvi Ballroom of the resort, a place fixed for meals and cafeteria of the delegates. Folders highlighting strengths of Haryana state were also distributed among the delegates. The model of ‘Virat Swaroop’ of Lord Krishna, who have a believed to have shown his viraat Swaroop ( huge form ) to Arjuna while giving celestial message of holy Gita in Kurukshetra of Haryana, was also placed adjoining to the exhibition stall.

The police of both the districts, Nuh and Gurugram was seen vigilant and law and order was strictly maintained. Police presence was seen on entire stretch from Delhi- Haryana border to the venue. The traffic was also well regulated, no traffic jam occurred on this stretch during the days of the meeting.

During their stay here, the Sherpas of G-20 member countries and representatives from other invitee countries had deliberations in 12 sessions, spread over three days to finalise the Leaders’ Declaration for the forthcoming G20 Summit in New Delhi. Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, led these intense deliberations. The text of the Leaders’ Declaration will advocate for a fairer and more sustainable world for all. In addition to the formal meetings, the Sherpas had a chance to foster deeper relationships in the informal setting of a ‘Sofa Talk.’ These candid conversations are a vital aspect of diplomacy, building trust and collaboration. They allow representatives to connect on a personal level, strengthening the bonds of understanding and cooperation among nations. The delegates began their day with yoga session to rejuvenate their minds and bodies.

India’s Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that India’s G20 Presidency has been truly significant, not only for showcasing our rich cultural heritage, but also for its unwavering commitment to representing the interests of the Global South and advocating for a fairer and more sustainable world. This presidency has seen India’s advocacy for the permanent membership of the African Union, a dedicated Women’s Working Group backed by all G-20 nations and considerable citizen’s engagement, truly making it a people’s presidency. Through 150 captivating cultural programs and the involvement of over 7,000 artists, it revitalised tourism, promoted cross-cultural understanding and extended beyond traditional G20 boundaries. By fostering participation at all levels – federal, social, diplomatic, global, economic to name a few as well as putting forth priorities that reflect a better world for all, it has embodied its guiding theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or One Earth, One Family, One Future, he added.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Home and Health Minister Anil Vij today said that Ambala will soon get a flight and in this direction, an amount of Rs 133 crores has been transferred to the account of Ambala Defense Estate Officer by the Haryana government for 20 acres of land to establish a Civil Enclave along with Ambala Air Force Station today.  Vij said that he is determined to start the flight service from Ambala soon and the transfer of Rs 133 crore to the Defense Estate Officer will now speed up the upcoming process for this project. He said that soon a terminal will be constructed for the Civil Enclave adjacent to Ambala Air Force Station at a cost of Rs 16 crore. He said that a Civil Enclave is to be established in Ambala under the RCS UDAN program and now the formalities for acquiring land for the airport have been completed.

It is noteworthy that due to the efforts of Home Minister Anil Vij, Civil Enclave is being established along with the Air Force Station in Ambala. It was a challenging task to get availability of 20 acres of land along with the Air Force Station for the Civil Enclave in Ambala. The vacant land of Military Dairy Farm was declared technically suitable by the Airport Authority of India and other departments. This land was under the Defense Ministry and the Civil Enclave could be built only when the land was handed over to the state government. This was a challenging task and Home Minister Anil Vij completed this challenging task to transfering an amount of Rs 133 crore to the Defense Ministry for 20 acres of land by the Haryana Government.

The terminal of Civil Enclave in Ambala will be constructed on the land of Military Dairy Farm, right next to the Air Force Station. After checking-in at the terminal, passengers will be taken by bus to the aircraft inside the Air Force station. Only the runway of the Air Force station will be used for take-off and landing of planes.

It is noteworthy that it is proposed to name the airport to be built in Ambala Cantonment as “Amba Airport Ambala Cantonment”. In this regard, Home Minister Anil Vij has recently sent a proposal to Chief Minister Manohar Lal in which it has been suggested to name Ambala Airport as Amba Airport Ambala Cantonment. Ambala district was named after Amba Devi and there is also a temple of Amba Devi in Ambala. This ancient temple has special significance.

IEP Chandigarh

National Students’ Union of India’s (NSUI) Jatinder Singh on Wednesday was elected as the president of Panjab University Campus Students’ Council. He bagged 3,002 votes as against 2,399by his nearest rival Divyansh Thakur of CYSS. Ranmeekjot Kaur of SATH was elected vice-president, while Deepak Goyat of Indian National Students Organisation’s (INSO) bagged the post of secretary. Gourav Chahal of PUHH was elected joint secretary of the council. Nine candidates were competing for the post of PUCSU president while four were in fray for the post of vice president, secretary, and joint secretary of PUCSC. Only four of the 21 were women.  The voting for the Panjab University Student Council, Chandigarh started at 9:30 am and ended at 12 noon.  A total of 179 polling booths were set up in 69 departments for voting. UT administration had made elaborate security arrangements with the deployment of around 1,200 police personnel on the PU campus and at local colleges.  The election witnessed 66% polling. Out of 15,693, 10,323 polled in. Vice president Ranmeekjot garnered 3644 votes, surpassing the runner-up Anurag Vardhan, who received 2962 votes. In the previous year, ‘Sath’ made its debut in PU council elections, earning 386 votes for their presidential candidate and 982 votes for the joint secretary candidate.

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed extension building of District Jail Bhiwani, where he made several significant announcements for the welfare of prisoners. During his address, the Chief Minister announced to start tele-medicine facility for prisoners in all jails in the state. Additionally, he allocated a budget of Rs 10 crore to improve the dietary provisions for prisoners, resulting in an increase of Rs 10 per day for their meals.

Highlighting the contribution of the Jail Department in generating revenue for the government, the Chief Minister said that petrol pumps would be set up outside 11 jails across the state. He also announced to provide facilities to Prison Department personnel in Haryana State Transport buses on the lines of police personnel. Apart from this, it was also announced to introduce the online transfer policy to enhance convenience for jail employees in couple cases.

In honour of Teacher’s Day, the Chief Minister announced an additional grant of Rs 1 crore for the benefit of the jail inmates. He urged jail staff to commit to treating prisoners with dignity and respect, emphasizing their role in the rehabilitation and development of individuals. He stressed that the transformation of a criminal into a responsible member of society is a challenging, jail staff should work as teachers and make an important contribution in improving the future of criminals.

Khattar underscored the government’s commitment to improving prison conditions, mentioning plans to expand capacity from accommodating 22,000 to 26,000 inmates. He highlighted ongoing jail construction projects, including the upcoming jails in Fatehabad and Rewari. Additionally, he informed about the construction of a jail training center in Karnal, set to be completed by December.

The Chief Minister said that people make mistakes, and when they reform and reintegrate into society, they contribute positively. He proposed that, akin to “Sewarth Jaiye, Shiksharth Aaiye” outside schools, a similar message, “Sajaarth Jaiye, Sudharth Aaiye” should be written in the jail. He urged jail staff to change their approach from hostility to empathy, fostering a caring environment for prisoners.

Khattar also mentioned the establishment of industry within state prisons, tapping into the hidden talents of inmates and providing them with honorariums for their work. Efforts were underway to determine appropriate remuneration rates. Apart from this, high security is being maintained in jails of the state.

Speaking about legislative changes, the Chief Minister mentioned that the Government of India was planning amendments to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Evidence Act to deter individuals from engaging in criminal activities.

Haryana Jail Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala that the concept of prison started from England and currently Australian prisons are considered the best. He said that efforts are being made to provide better facilities in the jails of Haryana as well. He said that three-tier security arrangements are being made in Rohtak jail. He said that the citizens of the state are feeling cordial under the guidance of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, TVSN Prasad, emphasized the government’s focus on strengthening administrative and governance structures. He assured that efforts were being made to ensure the humane treatment of inmates in state prisons, including the construction of new facilities and expansion work. Additionally, provisions for snipers to combat narcotics were being explored.

Director General of Prisons, Mohammad Akil, detailed the construction of the new jail, spanning approximately 12 acres and costing Rs 29.98 crore. The expanded facility now has a capacity for 774 inmates, accommodating both male and female prisoners. The expansion included the construction of five barracks for male prisoners and one for female prisoners, with a capacity of 126 and 114, respectively. This expansion has increased the total capacity from 561 to 1335 prisoners in the old jail.