IEP Chandigarh

Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Haryana, Dr Amit Agrawal on Wednesday launched the ‘Smart Solar Hub startup’ started by Ishank Bansal and Arjun Mittal, two students of University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), Panjab University.

Launching the startup named Envinova of Solar Energy, Dr Agrawal said, “Today is the time of startups and along with jobs, the youth should focus more on self-employment. There are immense employment opportunities in areas like solar energy and e-commerce.”

He said that Haryana is at the third position in the country in terms of startups. Out of 60,000 new startup companies, 5,000 companies are in Haryana, which is 12 percent.

Appreciating the startup project of the students, Dr Agrawal said that to promote startups, the state government has formulated a new startup policy; under which it has encouraged setting up new startups in the state by giving different types of rebates and exemptions.

This technology will prove effective in making cities more livable and sustainable

Dubbed as Smart Solar Hub, the start-up Envinova aims to increase public interaction in outdoor spaces with accessible energy and connectivity. Through this, the focus has been on how urban living can be improved by popularizing technology in public life. This technology will also prove effective in making cities more livable and sustainable.

IEP Chandigarh, January 25

 Slamming the BJP government at centre for not including the tableau of state in the Republic Day parade, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said that this anti-Punjab stance of the Union government is unwarranted and undesirable. In a statement issued here today, the Chief Minister said that every year Republic Day Parade celebrations include a spectacular ceremonious parade, which is a tribute to India, its unity in diversity and its rich cultural heritage through various states’ tableaus. He said that the state of Punjab has also been regularly featuring in the tableau parade showcasing the critical importance of this border state with its rich history, colourful and vibrant culture and pivotal point for defining events which shaped the history of the great nation. Bhagwant Mann said that it is a matter of great disappointment that this year despite the presentation of ideas to the selection committee on important themes like Watan Ke Rakhwale – emphasising the significant role of Punjab in India’s military might and anndata, Nari Shakti- through valour of Mai Bhago ji and the revered events in history of freedom struggle along with tales of bravery and supreme sacrifices through Battle of Saragarhi, the tableau of state of Punjab has not been selected for the Republic Day Parade. The Chief Minister said that though the selection committee even appreciated the ideas but it is disheartening that the people of this great country along with the whole world will be bereft from the rich cultural and historical tribute, which Punjab will have showcased. He recalled that Punjabis had made enormous sacrifices to free our motherland from its yoke of British imperialism. Bhagwant Mann said that despite of being merely two percent of the country’s population 80% of the martyrs either executed or exiled during the freedom movement were Punjabis. The Chief Minister said that even after independence the Punjabis have been instrumental in the prosperity and overall development of the country besides safeguarding the borders of the nation from the external aggressions. He said that the state government wanted to showcase this stellar role of Punjabis in the freedom struggle through the Tableau. Bhagwant Mann bemoaned that the Union government had hatched a conspiracy by not allowing Punjab to showcase its achievements to the world. The Chief Minister lamented that though the country is celebrating 75th year of its independence but due to reasons best known to them, the Union government is skeptical of those patriots who have steered the country to freedom. He said that this reflects the myopic mindset of the BJP led government which is at the helms of the affairs in the country. Bhagwant Mann said that the BJP government is probably hesitant to reflect the contribution of the state in the national freedom struggle. The Chief Minister said that it is ironical that only BJP ruled states have been allowed to participate in the Republic Day parade from North India. He said that non-BJP ruled states especially Punjab and Delhi have been deliberately kept out of the parade by the BJP. Bhagwant Mann said that this type of discriminatory treatment with Punjab and Punjabis is highly condemnable and intolerable. 

IEP Chandigarh, January 25

The Congress continues to grow after the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Haryana as a large number of former MLAs and senior leaders from other parties continue to join the party under the leadership of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and State President Chaudhary Udaybhan. 

Shiv Shankar Bhardwaj, former MLA and JJP candidate from Bhiwani, former minister from Jind Late Mangeram Gupta’s son and JJP candidate Mahavir Gupta, State Vice President of BJP Kisan Cell Satish Rana, Maharaj Sukhbir Das, Naveen Sangwan, Kapil Sharma and Rajendra Sharma along with half a dozen leaders joined Congress along with hundreds of their workers.

The joining ceremony took place in the meeting of party delegates, MLAs, former MLAs, working presidents and senior leaders convened at the state Congress office for ‘Haath se Jodo Haath’ campaign. Bhupinder Hooda and Chaudhary Udaybhan welcomed all the leaders to the party. 

He said in the last few months, more than 15 former MLAs of other parties including BJP-JJP and about 50 big leaders have joined the Congress. “Leaving the ruling parties, the leaders and workers are joining the Congress. This shows that the coming time in the state belongs to the Congress and this time the people are definitely going to vote for a Congress government in the state,” he said. 

Former Delhi Congress President and senior leader Subhash Chopra, who has been made Haryana’s convenor for ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign, was present in the meeting. He congratulated all the leaders and workers for the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Haryana. “The yatra has given a new direction to the country and the party. This direction has to be taken to every village, booth and every house under the campaign ‘Haath se Jodo Haath’,” he said.  

“The misdeeds of the central and state government have to be exposed in front of the public. The Bhupinder Singh Hooda government had made Haryana the number one state in terms of development in the whole country. That is why we have to make Haryana the number one state in the country by electing a Congress government again,” he added.

Addressing the meeting, PCC president Chaudhary Udaybhan said Congress has got tremendous strength in the state due to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. “The ‘Haath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign starting right after this, will pave the way for Congress’s victory in 2024, because the BJP at the Center and the BJP-JJP government of Haryana have betrayed every section,” he said.  

He said the campaign will be formally started in the whole country from the 26th. “In Haryana too, meetings will be held in all the blocks till 31st. This program will run for 2 months and during this time the Congress will tell the people about the failures of the government,” he said.

Along with this, the charge sheet prepared by the Congress against the government will be made available to the public. “The BJP government has done exactly the opposite of the promises it had made before coming to power. Till now this government’s policy has been the same – support of some, development of oneself and betrayal of all,” he stated. 

Bhupinder Singh Hooda thanked all the leaders and workers present in the meeting for making ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ a success. He said the participation of lakhs of people everywhere in the Yatra proved that the people are looking at the Congress as an alternative. 

He also called upon everyone to join the ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign with enthusiasm and hard work like a yatra. He said if the party leaders and workers go among the public, they should not only know about their problems but also tell what kind of decisions will be taken if the Congress government is formed in future. 

“For example, when our workers go to the village and booth level, they should find out whose ration card and whose pension has been cut by the BJP-JJP government, so that the facility can be reinstated after the formation of the Congress government,” he said.

Hooda told reporters that today a resolution in support of sugarcane farmers and condemning the nominal rate hike by the government was passed in the meeting. He said the farmers are demanding a rate of Rs 450 per quintal and their demand is completely justified. At least the rate of Rs 400 should have been given by the government without delay. He reminded that the rate of sugarcane was increased by 165% during the Congress regime, but BJP has increased only by 20% during 8 and a half years. He said the nominal rate hike is a dirty joke with the farmers.

IEP Chandigarh, January 25

The Congress continues to grow after the Bharat Jodo Yatra in Haryana as a large number of former MLAs and senior leaders from other parties continue to join the party under the leadership of former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and State President Chaudhary Udaybhan. 

Shiv Shankar Bhardwaj, former MLA and JJP candidate from Bhiwani, former minister from Jind Late Mangeram Gupta’s son and JJP candidate Mahavir Gupta, State Vice President of BJP Kisan Cell Satish Rana, Maharaj Sukhbir Das, Naveen Sangwan, Kapil Sharma and Rajendra Sharma along with half a dozen leaders joined Congress along with hundreds of their workers.

The joining ceremony took place in the meeting of party delegates, MLAs, former MLAs, working presidents and senior leaders convened at the state Congress office for ‘Haath se Jodo Haath’ campaign. Bhupinder Hooda and Chaudhary Udaybhan welcomed all the leaders to the party. 

He said in the last few months, more than 15 former MLAs of other parties including BJP-JJP and about 50 big leaders have joined the Congress. “Leaving the ruling parties, the leaders and workers are joining the Congress. This shows that the coming time in the state belongs to the Congress and this time the people are definitely going to vote for a Congress government in the state,” he said. 

Former Delhi Congress President and senior leader Subhash Chopra, who has been made Haryana’s convenor for ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign, was present in the meeting. He congratulated all the leaders and workers for the success of Bharat Jodo Yatra in Haryana. “The yatra has given a new direction to the country and the party. This direction has to be taken to every village, booth and every house under the campaign ‘Haath se Jodo Haath’,” he said.  

“The misdeeds of the central and state government have to be exposed in front of the public. The Bhupinder Singh Hooda government had made Haryana the number one state in terms of development in the whole country. That is why we have to make Haryana the number one state in the country by electing a Congress government again,” he added.

Addressing the meeting, PCC president Chaudhary Udaybhan said Congress has got tremendous strength in the state due to Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. “The ‘Haath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign starting right after this, will pave the way for Congress’s victory in 2024, because the BJP at the Center and the BJP-JJP government of Haryana have betrayed every section,” he said.  

He said the campaign will be formally started in the whole country from the 26th. “In Haryana too, meetings will be held in all the blocks till 31st. This program will run for 2 months and during this time the Congress will tell the people about the failures of the government,” he said.

Along with this, the charge sheet prepared by the Congress against the government will be made available to the public. “The BJP government has done exactly the opposite of the promises it had made before coming to power. Till now this government’s policy has been the same – support of some, development of oneself and betrayal of all,” he stated. 

Bhupinder Singh Hooda thanked all the leaders and workers present in the meeting for making ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ a success. He said the participation of lakhs of people everywhere in the Yatra proved that the people are looking at the Congress as an alternative. 

He also called upon everyone to join the ‘Hath Se Hath Jodo’ campaign with enthusiasm and hard work like a yatra. He said if the party leaders and workers go among the public, they should not only know about their problems but also tell what kind of decisions will be taken if the Congress government is formed in future. 

“For example, when our workers go to the village and booth level, they should find out whose ration card and whose pension has been cut by the BJP-JJP government, so that the facility can be reinstated after the formation of the Congress government,” he said.

Hooda told reporters that today a resolution in support of sugarcane farmers and condemning the nominal rate hike by the government was passed in the meeting. He said the farmers are demanding a rate of Rs 450 per quintal and their demand is completely justified. At least the rate of Rs 400 should have been given by the government without delay. He reminded that the rate of sugarcane was increased by 165% during the Congress regime, but BJP has increased only by 20% during 8 and a half years. He said the nominal rate hike is a dirty joke with the farmers.

IEP Chandigarh, January 25

While safeguarding the interest of the sugarcane farmers, Haryana Chief Minister today announced a hike of Rs. 10 per quintal. After this hike now the sugarcane farmers will be paid Rs. 372. This will come into force from this crushing season. The current price of sugarcane in the State is Rs.362 per quintal.

While addressing a press conference held at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir, today, Sh. Manohar Lal said that safeguarding the interest of farmers is the utmost priority of the State Government.

“I urge the farmers that the prices have been hiked and now they should bring their sugarcane to the mills so the mills can run smoothly. Closure of sugar mills is neither in the interest of the farmers nor of the mills”, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister said though the current sugar price has not increased as expected still we are giving high prices for sugarcane crops as compared to the sugar price. The sugar mills are constantly facing financial losses but still, we have time and again safeguarded the interest of the farmers, he added.

He informed that at present the sugar mills of the state are facing a loss of Rs. 5293 crores. Average cost of sugar production is Rs. 4341 per quintal, which is much higher than the selling price of sugar i.e. Rs. 3400 per quintal. An amount of Rs. 1005 crore was provided as loan to the Co-Operative Sugar Mills and Rs. 329 crore was given as subsidy to all Co-Operative and Private Sugar Mills in last two years (2020-21 and 2021-22) as financial assistance, he added.

The percentage of sugar recovery in the cooperative mills is 9.75 percent while the percentage of private mills is 10.24, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

He further shared that to increase the sugar recovery and to make the mills financially stable, the capacity of cooperative sugar mills is being increased along with setting up ethanol and energy plants. Besides this, the renovation of mills has been done.

Recommendations of the Committee

The Chief Minister said that the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P Dalal and after considering the demands of the sugarcane farmers the committee had submitted its report. The Committee has held several meetings with the farmers, cooperative department, private mills, and subject experts and recommended the hike, along with other important recommendations, he shared.

He informed that the Committee recommended to diversify all Co-Operative Sugar Mills by installing Ethanol Plants, Power Co-generation in sugar mills commercial use of Bio-products like molasses, bagasse, press mud etc.  Further, the Committee recommended to improve quality of the sugarcane for better sugar recovery percentage. The Committee suggested the Cooperation Department to explore some innovative business model including private participation for smooth economic viable concept for the running of Sugar Mills, he asserted.

As per assessment by the Agriculture Department, the cost of cultivation has increased due to increase in costs of inputs, labor charges, etc. The Committee deliberated at length the issues viz. the constraints of financial viability, huge financial losses faced by the Co-operative Sugar Mills. Further, the Committee was of the view that despite heavy financial losses, State Advised Price (SAP) of sugarcane may be increased, further shared Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister said that due to cold weather conditions, the mustard crop has been damaged. Regular Girdawari will be started from February 5 to assess the damage and farmers will be given compensation for the damage.

We have always ensured timely payment to sugarcane farmers

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said that since he has assumed power, timely payment to sugarcane farmers has been assured. An amount of Rs. 2628 crore has been paid in the year 2020-21, hence there is no pendency for this year. Similarly, in the year 2021-22, Rs. 2727.29 crore has been paid except PDC of Naraingarh Sugar Mill for Rs. 17.94 crore.

He further informed that directions have been issued to the cooperative sugar mills to make payment to the farmers within a week. Farmers have also been offered that if they wish to run the sugar mills, the government can also consider this subject.

IEP Chandigarh, January 25

Gillco Group is organising a ‘Run for Health’ marathon in tricity on Feb 5 where Indian actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman will take part as event’s brand ambassador.

Tejpreet Singh Gill Group MD said, “Run for Health’ is an initiative to promote health and fitness among individuals of every age group. Thousands of participants will take part in it for a good cause.”

80 years old ultra-marathoner Amar Singh Chauhan with experience of over 100 marathons will also be an integral part of this marathon. 

IEP Raipur

 Hartek Foundation, established in 2021 with a vision to uplift the lives of the underprivileged through sustainable efforts, celebrated Republic Day with primary school students in its adopted Raipur village, Punjab.

 The event, which was the first of its kind at the school, engaged students in a variety of activities, including quizzes, drawing competitions, and dance performances. The winners of the competitions were awarded by the foundation.

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate Republic Day with the students of Raipur and are proud to be a part of this community,” said Ms. Keerti Hartek Singh, Founder and Chairperson of Hartek Foundation. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for education and personal growth to the children of Raipur. We also want to make this a smart village and work towards the upliftment of the people and students.”

The Hartek Foundation aims to bring about changes in a systematic and sustainable manner, focusing on capacity building and improving living conditions to pave the way for greater career opportunities for the less-privileged communities.