Chandigarh, May 8 – On the recommendation of Haryana’s Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij, the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL) has suspended Avneet Bhardwaj, SDO/OP, Sub-Division, DHBVNL, Farrukhnagar, Gurugram with immediate effect. Orders in this regard have been issued by the Managing Director of DHBVNL.

According to the orders, the SDO has been suspended with immediate effect under Regulation-7 of the DHBVN Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 2019 on account of non-performance and lack of control in his role as SDO/OP, Sub-Division, DHBVNL, Farrukhnagar.

During the suspension period, his headquarters will be fixed in the office of SE/OP Circle, DHBVNL, Hisar, where he will be required to mark his attendance on each working day. Additionally, during the suspension period, Avneet Bhardwaj will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per Rule-83 of the Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016.

It is noteworthy that the Energy Minister had recently recommended his immediate suspension based on a report highlighting Avneet Bhardwaj’s unsatisfactory performance, following which this action was taken.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao said keeping in mind the current tense situation with Pakistan and the situation arising from the point of view of national security, the state government has decided to impose a ban on the leave of all officers and employees working in the Health Department with immediate effect.

She clarified that this decision has been taken to ensure continuity, efficiency and quick response of health services in the state. The Health Minister said in this hour of crisis, the health system of the state should remain fully active so that any emergency can be dealt with and necessary medical facilities can be made available to the general public immediately.

Under this, instructions have been issued to all Civil Surgeons and Chief Medical Officers of Haryana that they should not allow any leave to their subordinate employees, whether it is casual or pre-approved, till further orders. All officers/employees have been directed to ensure that no person leaves the district headquarters and remains present at their workplace. If any officer or employee is required to take leave in extreme circumstances, then it will be mandatory to obtain prior permission from the Director General, Health Services, Haryana. No employee will be allowed to go on leave without prior permission.

The Health Minister said we all have to work in unity at this time. The Health Department is the backbone of the state and it is most important for it to remain active in a situation like war or emergency. She appealed to all health workers to perform their duties with full loyalty, dedication and service spirit and avoid any kind of laxity.

She also assured that all necessary resources and support will be provided by the government so that there is no hindrance in health services. She directed the officials to review the preparations of all hospitals and health centers and strengthen all necessary arrangements.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today issued a strong response to the stance taken by the Punjab Government on the ongoing water dispute. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab neither respects the Constitution nor the country’s constitutional institutions. He added that the Punjab Government has disregarded the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the water issue, which he termed unfortunate.

Addressing media persons after offering prayers at the historic Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Panchkula, the Chief Minister said, “Today I have had the good fortune to bow my head at Nada Sahib Gurudwara and pray for the welfare of the country and the state.

He said that Punjab, the land of the Gurus, has always spread the message of harmony and welfare. When Punjab and Haryana were one, there was no discrimination. But today, the Mann government is creating unnecessary conflict for political gain. We are not demanding Punjab’s share of water, we are merely asking for Haryana’s share of drinking water, he added.

*Disregarding the High Court verdict is an insult to the constitutional bench*

While thanking the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the court has delivered its decision after carefully considering and hearing both parties. Taking a dig at the Chief Minister of Punjab, he remarked that refusing to accept the High Court’s verdict amounts to an insult to the constitutional bench. “Disregarding constitutional decisions has unfortunately become a habit for them,” he added.

He said that the Constitution is supreme and it is the duty of persons like us holding constitutional offices to uphold and respect the authority of the judiciary. Defying the court’s order, locking the dam, and staging a protest is not only improper but also sets a wrong precedent.

*Punjab CM withholding water for political gains*

He further stated that the people of Haryana are facing a serious drinking water crisis. He said that water is essential for life. Yet, the Punjab Chief Minister is withholding it for political mileage. When the dam water levels were lower than today, Haryana still received its rightful share. What has changed now. This is nothing but politics over water.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Mann government must accept the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He urged Punjab Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann to refrain from politicizing the issue of water. There are numerous other matters to engage in political debate—please do not politicize Haryana’s rightful share of water, he said.

*Nation stands with Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism*

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini strongly condemned the recent attacks by neighbouring country, describing the targeting of innocent civilians, including women and children, as deeply reprehensible. He commended the Indian Armed Forces for launching Operation Sindoor and delivering a strong and decisive response to terrorism. He staid that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism through firm foreign diplomacy. Today, the entire nation stands united with our armed forces in their resolute action. The country is firmly behind our soldiers in this critical fight against terrorism, he added.

*Unfortunate that Mann is politicizing even in times of national crisis*

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that even in the current sensitive circumstances facing the country, Sh. Mann continues to indulge in politics, which is deeply unfortunate. This is contempt of the High Court’s decision. The Chief Minister said that it is the responsibility of all those in constitutional positions to uphold and respect the authority of the judiciary. He added that the Haryana Government has already apprised the Punjab and Haryana High Court of the present situation and assured that whatever decision the Court delivers, Haryana will fully accept and abide by it.

Media Secretary Sh. Praveen Attrey was also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Mines and Geology Minister, Sh Krishan Lal Panwar said that the department has been receiving persistent complaints regarding heavy vehicles arriving from Rajasthan, allegedly carrying stone loads beyond the permissible limit and offloading them in Haryana’s crusher zones. Such activities, he said, pose a risk of significant revenue loss to the state exchequer. He added that under the Haryana government’s e-Ravana system, the maximum permissible vehicle load is capped at 55 tonnes. Any vehicle found exceeding this limit is liable to a penalty of Rs 4 to 5 lakh.

Taking these complaints seriously, Sh Panwar carried out surprise inspection to the Pali Crusher Zone on Thursday. The primary aim of the inspection was to assess ground realities and prevent any potential revenue leakage.

During the visit, the minister conducted a thorough inspection of a crusher unit, which lasted for nearly an hour. He examined critical records including truck loading data, weight registers, challan copies, and gate entry logs to ensure compliance. He said that strict action would be taken against anyone whether a government official or a private operator found involved in revenue theft. The government’s stance is clear and revenue theft will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Principal Advisor, Urban Development, Sh. DS Dhesi said the state government wants to upgrade the basic infrastructure and services of cities as per the latest standards, keeping urban development as a priority. In such a situation, we have to move forward in the direction of planned development by implementing technology-based schemes and public participation.

The first inter-agency coordination meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Sh. DS Dhesi with Divisional Commissioner Sh. Sanjay Joon, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Vikram Singh and officials of other concerned departments and agencies on various projects in Faridabad district.

Sh. Dhesi said the progress report of various projects of Faridabad was discussed in the meeting. While reviewing these projects, he directed that all the works should be completed within the stipulated time. He said such development works which directly affect the lives of the general public need to be ensured with transparency and accountability. During this, information was taken about the trial of Mirzapur’s 80 MLD capacity STP. Apart from the completion of the trial, instructions were issued during the meeting to make it fully functional by completing other formalities. Similarly, instructions were also given to start the construction work of another 20 MLD STP, which was passed in the recently concluded sixth meeting of FMDA under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

During the meeting, instructions were given to form a joint committee on the subject of smart toilets and submit a report. It was also decided that a three-member committee would report on the average cost of expenditure on the aspects necessary to ensure the improvement and working of the toilets as well as the current condition of the toilets.

During this, the possibilities of considering the city surveillance system through CCTV were also discussed. Regarding the proposal related to bus queue shelter, it was said that it should be implemented on a pilot mode. In the initial period, 25 bus queue shelters should be installed. Instructions were given to complete the road and sewage related works under construction under Smart City in Fatehpur Chandila through MCF.

The MCF and FMDA will work together by forming SOPs to improve the sewerage system. For this, a control room system will be prepared. In this, the SDO level officer will listen to the problems of the public and work on its solution.

During the meeting, it was decided that after brainstorming on the use of treated water in corporate institutions, hospitals and other educational institutions, guidelines should be given to use it in gardening. For this, the Deputy Commissioner will soon organize a meeting at his level.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the State Government is committed to work in collaboration with the Central Government for the betterment of farmers in Haryana. Many new opportunities have opened up in the field of agriculture, and we will use these opportunities in the right way.

          Sh. Rana was speaking at the National Conference on Krishi Kharif Abhiyan-2025 in New Delhi today. Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan was present as the Chief Guest on this occasion.

          Agriculture Ministers and other senior officials of more than 10 states participated in this conference and many experts also joined virtually and agreed to work together with the Central Government for the advancement of the agriculture sector.

          Thanking the Union Agriculture Minister, the Agriculture Minister of Haryana said, “Organizing the National Conference on Krishi Kharif Campaign-2025 is very important, and I express my gratitude to the Union Agriculture Minister. This conference has provided new guidelines and opportunities for our farmers. We are proud that the Central Government is constantly striving for the advancement of the agriculture sector.”

          He said two new varieties of rice have been developed by agricultural scientists, which will increase production. Now the crop will be ready 20 days earlier, water will be saved, and methane gas emission will be reduced. Soon, these varieties will be made available to the farmers. After 2014, our scientists have developed 2,900 new varieties. He further said the main objective of the Haryana Government is also to increase production, reduce the cost of production, ensure fair prices of products, provide assistance to farmers in times of disaster and promote the cultivation of fruits and flowers. Sh. Rana expressed hope that this conference will definitely play an important role in the agricultural development of India.

Chandigarh, May 8 – Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma, a valiant soldier from village Nagla Mohammadpur in Palwal district, who attained martyrdom in a cross-border attack in Poonch, was cremated with full state honours today. The air of his native village echoed with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” and “Dinesh Kumar Sharma Amar Rahe” as people gathered to pay their last respects.

          With tearful eyes, the martyr’s parents, brothers, wife, and children bid an emotional farewell to the brave son of the soil.

          A large number of dignitaries, including Union Minister of State Sh Krishan Pal Gurjar, Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh Vipul Goyal, Minister of State for Food and Supplies Sh Rajesh Nagar, Minister of State for Sports Sh Gaurav Gautam, and Hodal MLA Sh Harinder Singh, were present during the cremation. They joined the family in laying floral tributes and saluting the supreme sacrifice made by Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar Sharma.

          Soldiers of the Indian Army and Haryana Police performed the ceremonial last salute. His mortal remains were consigned to flames by his father, Sh Daya Chand, who expressed immense pride in his son’s service to the nation. The martyr’s mother, Smt. Meera Devi, overcome with grief, raised the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and said she was proud of her son’s martyrdom.

          Earlier in the day, as personnel of the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps brought the martyr’s mortal remains to his village, villagers gathered for a final glimpse of their brave and beloved son, paying tribute with folded hands and heavy hearts.

          Born on January 30, 1993, Dinesh Kumar Sharma joined the Indian Army on September 15, 2014. He was posted as Lance Naik on the Poonch border, where he laid down his life in the line of duty.