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Gurugram Metro shown impressive progress by earning revenue of Rs. 34.24 crore in 2022-23- CS

IEP Chandigarh February 24

Gurugram Metro has shown very impressive progress in the last 10 months vis-à-vis last year. It has earned the total revenue of Rs.34.24 crores in 2022-23 upto January against 6.78 crores of the same period of last year 2021-2022 showing improvement by 405 percent.

While stating this during the 51th meeting Of Board of directors of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited (HMRTC), the Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, who is also the  Chairperson of HMRTC said that the revenue has been increased due to increase in ridership as well as other commercial and marketing activities. Daily ridership has also gone upto 42000 passengers per day in this financial year from 8500 passengers per day last year.

The Chairman appreciated the revenue performance of last ten months of HMRTC and asked to constitute a Committee to find out new ways and means to increase the ridership by providing last mile connectivity to the daily users and to garner more non-fare revenue by developing parking lots, auctioning/tendering of advertisements, rentals etc.

Sh. Kaushal said that the Board has also given the nod to the project of Metro connectivity from Rajiv Chowk to Panchgaon by HMRTC. Total length of MRTS alignment will be approximately 35 KM with 20 stations. It was apprised in the meeting that the Metro project of 28.5 KM long between HUDA City Centre to Cyber City, Gurugram project has also been included in PM Gati Shakti Projects. This project is already approved by PIB and is now with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for final approval.Sh. Kaushal said that metro connectivity between Faridabad and Gurugram will also be considered on double decker via-duct in arrangement with National Highways Authority of India.

He said that the Government of NCT Delhi will be requested to give clearance of DPR  from Sarai Kale Khan (SKK)-Shahjahanpur-Neemrana-Behror (SNB) and Sarai Kale Khan (SKK)-Panipat RRTS corridors. The NCT Government will also be urged to provide their financial commitments for these projects. The projects will provide the efficient and environment friendly transport system to the daily commuters as well as the general public. It will also give impetus to the commercial development in Gurugram and its nearby area.

He informed that Governor of Punjab-cum-Administrator, UT, Chandigarh will be apprised about the proposal of Passenger Rapid Transport (PRT) Pod cars to connect new International from old Domestic terminal, Chandigarh Airport.

During the meeting CEO, GMDA, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Finance, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, ACS, Town and Country Planning, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, and CA, HSVP-cum-MD, HMRTC, Sh. Ajit Balaji Joshi, Director (OP & BD), HMRTC, Sh. Karan Singh and other board members were present.

Necessary for opposition to be strong in democracy: Chief Minister

IEP Chandigarh, February 24

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the state government is realizing Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s vision of Antyodaya in true sense and the poorest of the poor, whose income is less than Rs 1 lakh, are being given benefits by planning to make their income up to Rs 1.80 lakh.  A special provision of Rs 2,000 crore has been made in the budget for the year 2023-24, through which bank loans will be made available for self-employment in Antyodaya fairs.

He said that those people who could not return the loans taken from the banks on time and the banks had stopped giving loans again after giving their CIBIL score; would be helped by the government.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at a programme organized in Panchkula today. Taking a dig, he said that the Congress gave the slogan of eradicating poverty but in vain. “In the last 8 years, we have focused on uplifting the last mile citizen of society,” he added.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that in the previous government, middlemen were allowed to take land from farmers at cheap rates in the name of land acquisition; but the present government has stopped it. “Now the farmer can offer to sell his land to the government on his consent at collector rate or market price,” he added.

He said that the Congress is misleading the youth in the name of unemployment. In the year 2017, the CMIE agency showed Haryana’s unemployment rate at 2 percent and later in the same month it showed 12 percent, 24 percent and 36 percent. “The Parivar Pehchan Patra is a unique document which is not there in any country. Many states have studied the PPP scheme of Haryana,” he asserted.

3600 elderly persons living alone

Based on the Parivar Pehchan Patra data, the Chief Minister said that there are around 3600 persons in the age group of 80 years or above who are living alone. “The government has decided to take care of these people in old age homes by paying the full expenses. To ensure the well-being of the elderly, the Prahari Scheme has also been announced in the budget of 2023-24,” he said.

He said that Haryana is the first state in the country where Old Age Samman Allowance is being given at Rs 2,750 per month. Similarly, Haryana’s per capita GST collection also ranks first among 19 big states of the country. The Chief Minister said that the scope of Ayushman Yojana has also been increased and under this, now more than 29 lakh families have been included and free treatment facility up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided in government and private hospitals.

“The government has recently decided that families with an annual income of more than Rs 1.80 lakh can also take advantage of the CHIRAYU scheme. For this, they have to deposit Rs 1,500 per month. The meaning of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas is moving forward by working hard,” said the Chief Minister. He said that sugarcane producing farmers should also go towards micro irrigation. A target has been set to bring 2 lakh acres of area under sugarcane cultivation.

On the occasion, School Education Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal, Yamunanagar Mayor, Sh. Madan Chauhan, Publicity Advisor, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Sh. Tarun Bhandari, former MLA, Dr. Pawan Saini, former MLA, Smt. Latika Sharma and other dignitaries were also present.

Secondary and Senior Secondary Examination commencing from February 27 to March 28, 2023 in 1476 centres


IEP Chandigarh February 24

To ensure fair and cheating-free conduct of the Secondary and Senior Secondary Examination, the Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal on Friday directed the Deputy Commissioners to impose Section-144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) around all centres in the respective districts to prevent gathering and curb cheating in the examination. The Examination will be held from February 27 to March 28, 2023 in 1476 centres across the state.

        Presiding over a virtual meeting with Deputy Commissioners regarding reviewing the arrangements for conducting secondary and senior secondary examination in the state, Sh. Kaushal directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the repair work of boundary walls of schools and windows of class rooms by the District Education Officers. Besides they should also ensure the adequate arrangement of furniture for proper sitting arrangement of the candidates appearing in the examination.

Sh. Kaushal further directed that adequate police arrangements should be made two hours before the commencement of the examination to prevent external interference at the examination centres and photostat shops around the examination centres will remain closed during the examination. Ensuring smooth conduct of the examination, media entry should be prohibited inside the examination centres, he added.

Sh. Kaushal further directed the officers concerned to ensure entry of candidates 30 minutes before the commencement of the examination. He said that around 302 flying squads have been constituted to strictly check cheating and other irregularities.

It was apprised in the meeting that same as last year, control room is being set up at the Board of School Education headquarters, Bhiwani and six control rooms at district level. During the examination, the board will maintain a strict vigil though the control room at all the examination centres of the state.

Board of School Education, Chairman, Dr. V.P. Yadav, Special Secretary, Human Resources Department, Sh. Aditya Dahiya and other officers were present in the meeting.

Commission took suggestions from various political parties on BC reservation in local bodies

IEP Chandigarh, February 24

Haryana Backward Classes Commission Chairman and Justice Darshan Singh (Retd) has invited suggestions from various political parties to make provision for reservation for backward classes in local bodies.

In the meeting held at Haryana Niwas, office bearers of various political parties gave their suggestions to give appropriate reservation as per the provisions made in the constitution of reservation for backward classes in the elections of municipal committee, municipal council and municipal corporation. Representatives of several political parties including BJP, Congress, CPI, BSP, INLD, JJP CPIM gave their suggestions and also presented a memorandum to the Chairman of the commission.

Office bearers of various political parties said that till now people of backward classes have not received proper representation in the local bodies institutions. Therefore, they suggested that 27 percent reservation should be made as for backward classes. Apart from this, many political representatives also demanded a separate reservation provision should be made for disadvantaged people according to the population.

Representatives of political parties thanked the Chairman of the Commission, Sh. Darshan Singh for making provision for reservation for backward classes in the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Commission has made strenuous efforts to connect people and also visited most urban areas and discussed issues with people.

On this occasion, members of Haryana Backward Classes Commission, Sh. Shyam Lal Jangra, Sh. Surender Kumar Gakkhad, Member Secretary, Sh. Inderjit, Superintendent, Smt. Rosy Rani and officials of the Commission and parties were present.

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana will be started

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Reiterating its commitment to Antyodaya Utthan, the state government will launch Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana. Under this scheme, assistance will be provided based on the age of the person at the time of death or permanent disability of a family member with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh on the basis of Parivar Pehchan Patra data.

This information was given by Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, who is also the Finance Minister, while presenting the budget for the year 2023-24 during the budget session of the Vidhan Sabha today.

The Finance Minister said that under this scheme, Rs. 1 lakh up to the age of 6 years, Rs. 2 lakh above 6 years and up to 18 years, Rs. 3 lakh above 18 years and up to 25 years, Rs 5 lakh above 25 years and up to 40 years and Rs 2 lakh assistance has been proposed from the age of 40 years to 60 years. “This benefit will also include an amount of Rs 2 lakh received under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana in the age group of 18 to 40 years,” he added.

Rs 11,250 crore sent to beneficiaries through DBT in the year 2022-23, saved Rs 1182 crore by removing 36.75 lakh fake beneficiaries

The Finance Minister said that the state’s DBT portal became operational in September, 2017. On the DBT portal, 142 schemes have been onboarded, out of which 58 are centrally sponsored schemes and 84 are state schemes. He said that in the year 2022-23 till December, 2022, Rs 11,250 crore has been transferred through DBT to the beneficiaries. After the launch of this scheme, an estimated saving of Rs 1182 crore has been achieved by eliminating 36.75 lakh fake beneficiaries.

Responsibility of taking care of citizens assigned to specific departments

Sh. Manohar Lal said that using the data available in the Parivar Pehchan Patra database, the government has decided to assign the responsibility of taking care of citizens to specific departments. He said that the age group up to 6 years has been assigned to the Department of Women and Child Development, so that every needy child can be taken care of, irrespective of whether the child is currently attending an Anganwadi centre or not.

The age group above 6 years and up to 18 years has been assigned to the school education department to ensure that no child remains out of school. Similarly, the age group above 18 years and up to 25 years has been assigned to the higher education department to ensure that every youth is either educated or gets skilled for jobs.

The age group above 25 years and up to 40 years has been assigned to the Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department to ensure skill, entrepreneurship and employment for the youth of this age group.

The Finance Minister said that the age group of 40 to 60 years would be taken care of by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department and people above 60 years of age would be taken care of by the Services Department. “It is an ambitious program to take the government to the people of the state,” he added.

Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the government has set up the ‘Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas’ to consolidate the existing insurance schemes, ensure standardized and simplified claims process and provide benefits directly to the people. “The Nyas is implementing the Mukhyamantri Karamchari Durghatna Bima Yojana for group C and D category employees and safai karamcharis working in high risk areas, Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Bima Yojna for small businessmen for accidental death or permanent disability and Mukhyamantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana to provide social security cover to the Antyodaya families,” he said.

In addition, the revised guidelines of Mukhyamantri Vyapari Ksyhatipurti Bima Yojana to provide compensation in cases of loss of assets due to natural calamity or fire to street vendors, small traders and businessmen; whose annual turnover is up to Rs.1.50 crore, have been notified recently. This scheme will also start from April 1, 2023.

State Audit Department to be created for internal audit

The Finance Minister said that the government has notified the ‘Haryana Public Finance Accountability Act, 2019’ to conduct internal audit in all departments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. He said that the government proposes to create a state audit department to conduct internal audit of local bodies and non-governmental organizations that receive financial assistance from the government, use due process, safeguard government assets and prevent misuse of resources.

“As far as possible the internal audit will be conducted in faceless mode through the portal set up for the purpose. This will ensure transparency and greater accountability in public expenditure,” he added.

We are moving towards becoming a stronger and better society and state: Chief Minister

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, who is also the Finance Minister, while presenting the budget for the year 2023-24 in the budget session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha today, said that we are moving towards becoming a stronger and better society and state.

“By consolidating our achievements while entering ‘Amrit Kaal’, we will take new Haryana to new heights of development on its strong foundation. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India has emerged as a shining star in the global economy and at the same time Haryana is also playing a leading role in the economic development of the nation,” he said.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that under the visionary and progressive leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and with our collective efforts; the state has been able to keep the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to a minimum. “Due to the judicious policies and financial measures of the government in the past years, the economy of the state has regained momentum. For this, I salute the service spirit and contribution of the residents of the state, Covid warriors and all those who are helping us in this difficult time,” he added.

Greater focus on capital outlay

The Finance Minister said that the state government has focused on increasing capital outlay. He said that Haryana is one of the three states whose capital outlay was higher than the budgeted target; while the country’s average for all states was 21.3 percent lower than the target.

Estimated additional capital investment of about Rs 7500 crore by public sector undertakings in this year

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the State Public Sector Undertakings are playing an important role in development by investing substantial capital. “It is estimated that the State Public Sector Undertakings will make an additional capital investment of about Rs 7500 crore in the coming financial year,” he said.

The Finance Minister said that the state’s Public Sector Undertakings have shown considerable improvement and the financial position of many undertakings has strengthened. “It is proposed that in the year 2022-23, all profit-making State Public Sector Undertakings will transfer 25 percent of their profit to the state government; so that it can contribute towards meeting the development goals of the government,” he added.

He said that Haryana’s ‘Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Vision-2030′ document reflects the government’s commitment for the all-round development of the state. “It mentions that our vision is to develop Haryana as a vibrant, dynamic and regenerative unit of federal India,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

“A state where the fields yield bountifully, the wheels of industry move smoothly, no one feels deprived, there is a sense of complete satisfaction among the people, a sense of pride among the youth, women not only get security and equal opportunities; rather they feel empowered and let the principle of Antyodaya be the priority and we help make the state a better place for its citizens with the mantra ‘Minimum Government and Maximum Governance,” said the Finance Minister. He said that the motto of ‘Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas’ reflects the idea that the state government will not leave anyone behind in achieving the goal.

First Budget of the dawn of Amrit Kaal, Manohar Sarkar presents biggest-ever budget in the State’s history

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, today presented a budget of Rs. 1,83,950 crores, the biggest in the State’s history.

In this year’s budget, there is an increase of 11.6 per cent over Revised Estimates 2022-23 of Rs. 1,64,808 crores. Not only this, while presenting the first Budget of the dawn of Amrit Kaal, the Finance Minister announced that no fresh taxes will have been imposed in the Budget as the State Government aims to build a Resilient and Resurgent Haryana.

“I feel fortunate that I have got the opportunity to present first Budget of the dawn of Amrit Kaal which will be a time for national development and glory. This budget will build a strong foundation to fulfill the grand vision of a developed India. We will make a prosperous and capable India, in every way by 2047,” asserted the Finance Minister.

Sh. Manohar Lal while presenting the state budget 2023-24 during the ongoing session of State Vidhan Sabha here today said that with the inclusion of Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas, one lakh houses for Antyodaya families, extension of CHIRAYU-Ayushman Bharat Yojana benefits for families with annual income up to Rs 3 lakh, increase in social security pension from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 2750 and eligibility income increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, welfare of every section has been ensured.

Besides this, in this  year’s budget, thrust has been laid on setting up Haryana Parivar Suraksha Nyas,  construction of 1 lakh houses for Antyodaya families, development of residential sector in 10 industrial sectors and 10 cities through land pooling, land partnership, e-Bhoomi, waiver of interest arrears on renewal fee in cities etc.

He said that the media persons too will get the benefits of the cashless medical facility as availed by the for Government employees. Besides this, National level Scientific Training and Rehabilitation Centre for Sports (STRCS) will be setup 95) to assist in the training efforts of sportspersons who aim to compete nationally and internationally and to nurture them in case of injuries.

The Finance Minister further announced that the benefit of CHIRAYU-Ayushman Bharat would also be extended to families of all anganwadi workers, chowkidars etc. Along with this, a special provision has been made in the budget for the promotion of natural farming. Also, mapping of every child in the 6 to 18 years age group is being mapped so as to ensure that no child remains deprived of educational opportunities, informed Sh. Manohar Lal.

65.8 percent mapped for the schemes aimed at achievement of SDGs

The Finance Minister said that like in the past, he has aligned the Budget allocation with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An outlay of Rs. 1, 20,958 crore of total expenditure of Rs. 1,83,950 crore being 65.8 percent has been mapped for the schemes aimed at achievement of SDGs being implemented in the State. This allocation has been made for those schemes which are being implemented to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

This budget is different from the budget of other financial years. After 25 years, when we will celebrate the centenary year of independence, how Haryana will be in terms of prosperity and prosperity, this budget has laid the foundation for building an advanced Haryana.

He said that an outlay of Rs 57,879 crore, which is 31.5 per cent, and Rs 1,26,071 crore, which is 68.5 per cent, have been proposed for the creation of capital assets in the budget.

Growth rate estimated to be 7.1 percent

The Finance Minister said that this budget also reflects our commitment for the development of the state as per the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Vision-2030. Haryana contributes about 3.86 per cent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is more than proportionate to its size or population. It is a matter of pride for Haryana that the GSDP growth rate is estimated to be 7.1 percent in the year 2022-23.

Haryana’s share in GDP to increase from 3.52 percent in 2014-15 to 3.86 percent in 2022-23

The Finance Minister said that the rate of growth of the State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP) has been more than the country’s Gross Domestic Product and the per capita income of the state has been more than the country’s per capita income. The annual compound annual growth rate of Haryana’s GSDP at constant prices from 2014-15 to 2022-23 has been 5.62 percent, while the nation’s GDP growth rate during the same period has been 4.58 percent. As a result, the share of Haryana in the nation’s gross domestic product has increased from 3.52 percent in the year 2014-15 to 3.86 percent in the year 2022-23.

He informed that the the trends in sectoral composition of Haryana GSDP show that the share of Primary sector, Secondary sector and Tertiary sector in GSDP are likely to be 19.6 percent, 29.7 percent and 50.7 percent respectively in 2022-23.

Haryana’s per capita income likely to be Rs 2,96,685 in the year 2022-23

While presenting the budget, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the national per capita income at current prices was Rs 86,647 in 2014-15, which is likely to increase to Rs 1,70,620  in 2022-23, whereas for Haryana, it has increased from Rs 1,47,382 in 2014-15 to Rs 2,96,685 in 2022-23. 

He informed that in budget estimates 2023-24, revenue receipt at Rs 1,09,122 crore, comprising of tax revenue of  Rs 75716 crore and Rs 12651 crore as non-tax revenue have been projected. In tax revenue receipt, GST, VAT, Excise and stamp and registration are the major sources of revenue receipt. The share of central tax is Rs 11,164 crore and grant-in-aid is Rs 9,590 crore. Besides this, capital receipt of Rs 71173 crore have been projected.

Fiscal Deficit of GSDP is 2.96

The Finance Minister said that Haryana has always remained successful to maintain the fiscal parameters within the norms stipulated by the Central Finance Commission and Government of India. Fiscal deficit has been contained at 3.29 percent of GSDP in Revised Estimates (RE) 2022-23 as against the permissible limit of 3.5 percent of GSDP. For 2023-24, fiscal deficit of 2.96 percent of GSDP is projected which is within the allowed limit.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that the overall debt stock has also been successfully contained within the prescribed limit. The debt to GSDP ratio in RE 2022-23 is 25.78 percent as against the limit of 33.3 percent of GSDP. For 2022-23 debt stock is projected at 25.45 percent of GSDP, much below the stipulated norms of 33.1 percent of GSDP. We will continue to exercise fiscal prudence as this is the only path to sustainable economic development, said the Finance Minister.

Haryana to have 4 additional Veterinary Polyclinics

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

Committed to ensure the care and protection of stray cows, the provision for the Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog has been increased from Rs. 40 crore to Rs. 400 crore.

Gram Panchayat land will be made available with the concurrence of the Gram Panchayats for new Gaushalas registered with the Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog. The Gaushalas will be linked to the GOBAR DHAN scheme under which biogas plants will be constructed in every district, announced Sh. Manohar Lal while presenting the state budget 2023-24 during the ongoing session of State Vidhan Sabha here today.

“I hope that with these two measures, we will ensure the care and protection of stray cows while also eliminating the occurrence of accidents being caused by stray cattle on the roads,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Finance Minister further announced the enhancement of financial assistance to Gaushalas housing stray cattle appropriately so that the Gaumata in the Gaushalas are cared and protected.  There are 632 Gaushalas registered with Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog in the State of Haryana, which are housing around 4.6 lakh stray cattle.

Meanwhile, acknowledging that animal husbandry has an important role in enhancing rural incomes and generate employment opportunities, the Manohar Lal led government has introduced the Haryana Pashudhan Utthan Mission (HPUM) which will be implemented through the Haryana Livestock Development Board (HLDB).

The Mission will work with the Shri Vishwakarma Skill University and the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Animal Sciences (LUVAS) to provide training, and support to young entrepreneurs desirous of opting for Animal Husbandry as an occupation whether rearing of cattle, buffalo, sheep, or goat and piggery, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Haryana to have 4 additional Veterinary Polyclinics 

The Finance Minister said that there are presently 7 Veterinary Polyclinics in the State which provide advanced veterinary care and treatment to animals. Two Polyclinics are under construction in Kurukshetra and Panipat and one has been announced in Charkhi Dadri.

Now the government has planned to construct 4 additional Veterinary Polyclinics in Palwal, Fatehabad, Mahendragarh, and Ambala.  The Government will also establish two state-of-art Government Veterinary Pet Clinics in Gurugram and Faridabad to provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services to pets, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

State Government committed to realize the national goal of making agriculture futuristic: CM

IEP Chandigarh, February 23

With an increase of 19 percent, agriculture and allied sectors found prominence in Manohar Sarkar Budget 2023-24. For this financial year, an amount of Rs. 8316 crore has been announced for agriculture, allied and cooperation sectors.

“Agriculture and allied activities contribute 18.5 percent to the economy of the State. The contribution of Haryana’s farmers to the economic development of India is well recognized,” said Sh. Manohar Lal who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister while presenting the State Budget for the year 2023-24 during the ongoing session of the State Vidhan Sabha here today.

He said that Haryana is the only State that provides assurance on the Minimum Support Price for 14 crops.  Over 9 lakh farmers register regularly on Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB), shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Finance Minister further shared that the widespread adoption of MFMB has made it easier for the State to undertake several unique initiatives such as Mera Pani Meri Virasat, financial support for Direct Seeded Rice, promotion of oilseeds and pulses and providing Bhawantar Bharpayee support where the market price falls below MSP.

The Finance Minister further informed that the Government has been able to ensure the direct transfer of benefits to farmers besides streamlining procurement processes and payments to farmers within 48 hours of approval of the purchase.

In the last two years, over Rs. 45,000 crore transferred directly into the accounts of the farmers

The Finance Minister further shared that in the last two years, the Government has transferred over Rs. 45,000 crore directly into the accounts of the farmers on procurement of their crops besides Rs. 428 crore for implementation of different schemes in agriculture.

“I am proud to share that our efforts in increasing incomes in agriculture, Haryana was conferred with the Best State Agribusiness Award-2022 by the Indian Agriculture and Food Council,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

A project worth Rs. 27 crore prepared to promote the cultivation of millets

The Finance Minister informed the House that since the year, 2023 will be celebrated as the Millet Year; a project of Rs. 27 crore is being prepared to promote the cultivation of millets through cluster demonstration, distribution of hybrid seeds, certified seed production, integrated nutrient and pest management.

He said that the Government of India is actively promoting the cultivation and consumption of millets in Haryana. In order to improve the productivity of bajra cultivation, a Nutri-Cereals Research Station was established by Chaudhary Charan Singh

“Haryana Agriculture University (CCS HAU) at Gokalpura in Bhiwani district will become functional in 2023,” further informed the Finance Minister.

Sh. Manohar Lal further informed that the Government will popularize the consumption of bajra through bringing out recipe book for various items based on bajra.

“I hope that Haryana will lead the way in improving the productivity of bajra cultivation, its branding and marketing through various products,” he added.

Government sets a target of 20,000 acres for the adoption of Natural Farming

The Finance Minister said that in 2023-24, the government has set a target of 20,000 acres for the adoption of Natural Farming of which demonstrations will be laid out over 6,000 acres.

“Two training centres have been established at Gurukul in Kurukshetra and Gharaunda in Karnal. Three more training centres are proposed to be established in 2023-24 located in the CCS HAU Hisar, HAMETI Jind and Mangiana in Sirsa,” shared the Finance Minister.

In 2022-23, 2238 farmers identified and provided support for the adoption of Natural Farming over 5906 acres against the target

The Finance Minister said that it was last year only when, he had announced a new programme on Natural Farming, and now he is happy to state that, with the guidance of experts in the area, the implementation of the scheme has commenced.

“In 2022-23, 2238 farmers have been identified and provided support for the adoption of Natural Farming over 5906 acres against the target of 2500 acres set in the Budget Address last year,” shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

Focusing on Precision Agriculture, the project will be initiated in the Sirsa district

The Finance Minister said that the State Government proposes to focus on Precision Agriculture which enables climate-smart agriculture through judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing water usage through micro-irrigation techniques, crop health monitoring through drone imagery, soil health monitoring, local area disease and pest surveillance and increasing adoption of solar pumps.

“The project will be initiated in Sirsa district and based on the learnings, it will be expanded to other districts in phases. Taking forward the initiative of the Central Government for the adoption of Kisan Drones in agricultural activities, the Government plans to impart training to 500 young farmers in drone operations,” shared the Finance Minister.

The scheme introduced for facilitating farmers to adopt green manuring

The Finance Minister said that Green manuring or Dhaincha cultivation increases soil organic matter and improves soil health, realizing this, the State Government has introduced a scheme where the farmer will be facilitated to adopt green manuring through dhaincha cultivation where the Government will bear 80 percent of the cost of Rs. 720 per acre and the farmer has to contribute only 20 percent of the cost.

VIGILANCE REGISTERS CASE AGAINST THREE CONTRACTORS, THREE FIRMS FOR COMMITTING FRAUD DURING TRANSPORTATION OF FOOD GRAINS IN SANGRUR GRAIN MARKETS

IEP Chandigarh, February 23    

      Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing campaign against corruption in the state, has registered a criminal case against three contractors and three firms after finding fraud in allotment of tenders for transportation of food grains, clubbing of clusters for transportation and labor tenders in various grain markets of Sangrur district. Further investigation in this case was under progress.          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against contractor Paramveer Singh resident of Dhanula, district Barnala, contractor Jaswant Rai, resident of village Malewal, district SBS Nagar, contractor Rajiv Kumar Jaiton, M/s: Zimmidara Transport Company Khanna, M/s: Zaildar Contractors, M/s: Jagroop Singh & Sandeep Kumar Malerkotla.          Giving details, he added that during the investigations it was found that at the time of allotting tenders for food grain’s transportation, the above said accused during the year 2019-20 in conniving with each other and decreased the number of clusters for transportation besides cartage, and labour tenders. Earlier to this, there were about 58 clusters for transportation, 50 clusters for cartage and about 180 clusters for labor work due to which small contractors were used to participate in the tender process. Due to the competition among the contractors, tenders having lower rates were allotted but in the year 2020-21, the said clusters were made very big without any valid reason so that as per the new policy, small contractors couldn’t fulfill the high turnover condition and participate in the tenders.          He further informed that in connivance with officials/employees of the department, the said accused had made 39 clusters for transportation, 21 clusters for cartage, 8 clusters for labour and cartage and 21 clusters of labour separately.          The spokesperson added that after obtaining the list of vehicles registered in the gate passes from the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Sangrur, it was found that there were many vehicles having registration numbers of scooters/motorcycles/cars etc., while the transportation work could not be done through such vehicles.          He informed that during the probe, it was found that government money has been embezzled by these accused on the basis of fake gate passes. In this regard, FIR No. 06 dated 22/02/2023 under sections 409, 420, 467, 468, 471, 120-B of the IPC and Ssections 13(1)(a), 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act. has been registered in Vigilance Bureau Patiala police station.