Chandigarh:

The JRS Eastman Group, a Ludhiana-based conglomerate has announced a pilot initiative to expand its environmental and social responsibility endeavour in Punjab. While addressing a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club, Group’s Chairman Jagdish Rai Singal shared plans to rejuvenate urban wastelands using the Miyawaki forest method, a concept inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s address on “Mann Ki Baat” in June 2023. The initiative aims to transform a 5500 yards of wasteland into a thriving green forest, followed by the development of an additional two acres in association with Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (LMC). A total of Rs one crore are being spent in two phases for this transformation.

The group had  also approached the LMC to rehabilitate abandoned parks using the Miyawaki method. This project aligns with the group’s broader commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality, showcasing its dedication to enhancing environmental health and creating a greener future.In addition to its environmental endeavors, the Group has planned to provide employment opportunities to retired Agniveers under the Govt’s Agniveer scheme. This program, launched in June 2022, recruits young individuals for short-term service in the armed forces.

While 25% of these recruits are absorbed into the defence line, the remaining individuals face the challenge of reintegration into civilian life. Responding to PM Modi’s call for industries to support retired Agniveers, the group has decided to reserve five percent of its future recruitment for them, with a goal to employ 250 Agniveers in the near future. Singal emphasized that Agniveers’ discipline and training would be valuable assets for the company, which currently employs 5,145 workers and aims to reach 10,000 employees by 2029.

Singal urged other industrialists and citizens to contribute to these efforts, stressing the importance of collaborative solutions to societal and environmental challenges. He highlighted the need for private initiatives to complement government programs, stating that the responsibility of creating a sustainable and inclusive future lies with all stakeholders. Singal expressed pride in his company’s dual focus on environmental restoration and social welfare, viewing it as a meaningful way to give back to the nation and future generations. The announcement reaffirms the group’s commitment to creating positive change while setting a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in India.

Chandigarh, December 28:

Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today approved several key decisions aimed at improving the welfare of citizens, enhancing the state’s administrative framework, and promoting economic growth.

Key Decisions Taken:

*Revised Ex-Gratia for Families of Martyrs*: The Cabinet approved an increase in the Ex-Gratia amount for the families of battle casualties of Union Armed Forces personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The amount will now be raised from the existing Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore, fulfilling a promise made by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in his 2024-25 Budget speech. This move acknowledges the sacrifices of martyrs and their families.

*Enhanced Pension for Matribhasha Satyagrahis*: The Cabinet approved an increase in the monthly pension for Matribhasha Satyagrahis of the Hindi Aandolan-1957 from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000, effective immediately.

*Land Allocation for Family of Shaheed Sub-Inspector*: A 200-square-yard plot will be allocated to Smt. Kamlesh Sharma, wife of Shaheed Sub-Inspector Sh. Jai Bhagwan, in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice during a counter-insurgency operation in 1995. The plot will provide much-needed residential accommodation for her family.

*Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana (MMPSY) SOP*: The Cabinet approved the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) for the implementation of MMPSY from 2024-25. Under this scheme, instead of reimbursing premiums for various schemes, Rs. 1,000 per eligible family per year will be transferred to the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU) for compensation payments to families with an income of up to Rs. 1.80 lakh annually.

*Revision of External Development Charges (EDC)*: The Cabinet approved the revision of the Indexation Policy for calculating EDC rates. The Indexation Policy was based on EDC rates for the year 2015 and these had not been increased for last 8 years till date. Prior to the Indexation Policy, the EDC rates were increased by 10 per cent every year. Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal to increase EDC rates by 10 percent every year, hereafter. A consultant will be engaged to determine future base EDC rates.

*Upgradation of Development Zones*: The Cabinet approved the upgradation of Pataudi-Haily Mandi and Farrukhnagar in Gurugram from Low Potential  Zone to Medium Potential Zones, aimed at boosting economic growth of these areas and contributing to the state’s revenue.

*Extension of Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy*: The Cabinet approved the extension of the 2019 Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy and associated schemes until the new policy is notified, supporting industrial growth in the state.

*Cabinet nod to Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication for HPSC Exams*: Aadhaar authentication will now be mandatory for candidates appearing for Group A and B posts in the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) exams. This move is aimed at ensuring the integrity of the recruitment process and preventing fraudulent applications.

*Amendment to Health Department Service Rules*: The Cabinet approved an amendment to the Haryana Health Department Multipurpose Health Supervisors and Multipurpose Health Workers Group ‘C’ Service Rules, 1984.  As per the amendment, the educational qualification for the posts of Multipurpose Health Worker (Male) and Multipurpose Health Worker (Female) will now be 10+2 in any stream. Under the existing departmental service rules, the educational qualifications for recruitment to the MPHW post required 10+2 with science stream.

*Increase in Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity*: The Cabinet approved a 25% increase in the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for state government employees and Judicial Officers, raising the limit from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh, effective from January 1, 2024.

*Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority Act Amendment*: The Cabinet approved amendments to the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority Act, 2021, to enable the Chief Executive Officer to exercise powers under the Haryana New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952, and update provisions regarding the area falling within the Municipal Council of Kalka.

*Haryana Human Resources Management System (e-HRMS 2.0) Policy*: The Cabinet approved the draft Haryana Human Resources Management System (Administration) Policy, 2024. This policy will update and streamline human resource management across all Haryana government departments, with e-HRMS 2.0 serving as a centralized platform for managing placements, transfers, and service conditions etc.

*Amendment to Haryana Contractual Employees Act*: The Cabinet approved to bring an ordinance to amend the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024. Under this amendment, the phrase “in a calendar year” will be replaced with “during a period of one year of contractual service.” This amendment is being introduced to address request raised by contractual employees regarding the calculation of their service days.

*State Government Guarantees for UHBVNL Capex Loans*: The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for providing a state government guarantee of Rs. 800 crore to Canara Bank and Rs. 400 crore to Bank of India, for fresh Capex loans to Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) to meet its capital expenditure requirements for the financial year 2024-25.

Chandigarh, December 28

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the Deputy Commissioners of all those districts where there is a possibility of damage to crops due to the recent rain and hailstorm have been instructed to send a report on this matter.

Talking to journalists after the Cabinet meeting here, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet members expressed concern in the meeting over the rain and hailstorm that has been happening for the last two days in the state. He said at present, reports of damage due to rain and hailstorm have been received in Assembly constituencies of Tosham, Bawani Khera, Loharu, Fatehabad block, Ratia town, Bhattu Kalan, Narnaund, Hansi, Guhla, Kalayat, Kaithal, Siwan, along with areas in Mahendragarh, Kanina Assembly, Hathin block and Bawal block.

Instructions have been given to Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts to send the report of crop damage. Farmers will be able to file report of their losses on the e-reimbursement portal themselves. Instructions have been given to reopen this portal.