Category Archives: Chandigarh

Haryana drafts Ayush Medical Reimbursement Policy

IEP Chandigarh, April 5

In a big sigh of relief to the government employees, pensioners and their dependents, the Haryana Government has drafted the Ayush Medical Reimbursement Policy. The Policy also aims to uplift AYUSH System through its reach to all Haryana Government Beneficiaries.A decision in this regard was taken in the meeting of the Council of Ministers held here today under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal.As the vast majority of these beneficiaries are getting themselves treated under the AYUSH System of Medicine but due to No empanelled AYUSH Hospitals they were facing difficulty in getting their bills reimbursed.  In view of the difficulties, AYUSH Medical Reimbursement Policy is drafted.As per the Policy, all Government AYUSH Institutions, Private AYUSH Hospitals having NABH certificates and Entry level NABH certificates will get empanelled under this policy. This will give a boost to AYUSH private Practitioners as they can get their hospitals empanelled.The Haryana Government employees, Pensioners and their dependents can avail the benefit of getting their illness treated through Indoor admission in AYUSH empanelled Hospitals under the State Government.Chronic disease Patients who were getting their outdoor charges reimbursed through Allopathy will now get an opportunity of getting themselves treated for the same disease through the AYUSH System and their charges reimbursed.Few Yoga and Naturopathy procedures will also be reimbursed during outdoor treatment of chronic disease patients since there are no medicines prescribed for outdoor patients while getting treatment in yoga and naturopathy hospitals.The Fixed Package rates have been defined in All streams of Ayush i.e Ayurveda (96 packages), Yoga (27 packages) and Naturopathy (30 packages), Unani (85 packages), and Sidha (49 packages). The Private Hospitals empanelled under this policy will charge the fixed package rates from Employees which later on will be reimbursed after the submission of bills to their concerned department.These fixed packages rates can be availed pre-diagnosed conditions/disease conditions which require hospitalization are mentioned in Ayurveda (20 diseases), Unani (50 diseases), Sidha (27 diseases), Naturopathy (8 diseases) and YOGA (8 diseases).The Room rent is also fixed as per the basic salary of the employee, which will be charged by the concerned Hospital as per entitlement and will be fully reimbursable.Non-Package treatment during Indoor admission through Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy in these empanelled Private Hospitals will also be reimbursed at par with room rent entitlement, Lab rates and Cost of medicines given during Admission.The Reimbursable list of Medicines is also drafted under this policy which will be fully reimbursable during indoor admission in Private AYUSH Empaneled Hospitals.

Haryana increases the Employment Generation Subsidy under HEEP-2020

IEP Chandigarh, April 5

In a bid to give a big push to hire local youth from the State and further to attract investment, Haryana has decided to increased the Employment Generation Subsidy under Haryana Enterprises and Employment Policy (HEEP)-2020 from Rs. 36000 to Rs. 48,000 per employee per annum for 10 years in ‘B’ ‘C’ & `D’ category blocks. This increase will be fixed.State Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal here today accorded approval to a proposal regarding the same.The Cabinet has also approved capping the Net SGST Reimbursement/Investment Subsidy at 50 percent so that the maximum Net SGST reimbursement will be 50 percent of the total net SGST paid by the investor firm.The Employment Generation Subsidy was suggested to be provided for capacity building of State domicile skilled/semi-skilled/un-skilled employees having Haryana Resident Certificate who are earning not more than Rs. 40,000 per month as salary on payroll or contract with valid ESI/PF number. However after the Cabinet approval now this subsidy will be fixed at Rs. 48,000 per employee per annum for 10 years in ‘B’ ‘C’ & `D’ category blocks.Further, after the approval of the Council of Minister’s the change in the Quantum of SGST and Employment Generation subsidy will be applicable for industries who have gone into commercial production on or after April, 1, 2023.While, for Industries who have already applied and are availing incentives under SGST and the Employment Generation Scheme, the quantum may remain same as earlier mentioned in the policy.Further, the quantum of incentives under SGST and Employment Generation Scheme for Mega projects and Ultra-Mega projects approved under the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Board before April, 1, 2023 will also remain same as approved by the board.Haryana amended the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Rules, 1964Philanthropic societies or charitable institutions who want to establish Gaushala, Biogas Plant, Panchgavya products, Veterinary Hospital and Research and Training Centre and for the cultivation of fodder will now be able to get the Shamilat deh land on lease basis for a period of upto 20 years as the Government has amended rule 6, sub-rule (2A) of Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Rules, 1964. In a Gaushala, the lessee shall have to house and maintain atleast 50% stray cattle of the total cattle population at all points of time during the lease period.A decision to this regard was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal held here today. These rules may be called the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Haryana Amendment Rules, 2023.After the said amendment, now the Gram Panchayat will be allowed to lease out its land by way of allotment for a period upto 20 years at the rate not less than Rs. 5100 per acre per year to charitable organization, with a history of philanthropic contributions to society and whose antecedents have been verified and which is recommended by the District Level Committee and the Haryana Gau Sewa Aayog.Any land in shamilat deh will be allowed to be leased out for establishment of gaushala in the ratio of 0.75 acre for every 100 cattle (minimum 50% must be stray cattle) proposed to be housed after construction of gaushala.         Any land in shamilat deh will be allowed to be leased out @ 2 acres land to a gaushala having 1500 cattle (minimum 50% must be stray cattle) for the purposes such as Biogas Plant, Panchgavya Products, Veterinary Hospital, Research & Training Centre only.The lands earmarked for charand will be allowed to be leased out for the cultivation of fodder by gaushala in the ratio of 1.5 acres for every 100 cattle (minimum 50% must be stray cattle) proposed to be housed after the construction of gaushala. 

Haryana establishes the ‘Quality Assurance Authority’ to improve quality control systems for engineering works

IEP Chandigarh, April 5

As announced by the Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, the State Government has established the ‘Quality Assurance Authority’ (QAA) in Finance Department to ensure zero corruption, improve quality control systems for engineering works and enhance quality control system.  The Authority will adopt a 1+4 Tier process for quality assurance.A proposal in this regard was approved by the State Cabinet in its meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister here today. The Authority shall consist of a Chairperson and two members.The Chairperson will be a person who is or has been, an officer of the Government of the rank and equivalence of Secretary in the State Government or Engineer-in-Chief in the Central or State Government or a person who has experience in quality management with at least 25 years experience in Government or academician from an Institute of eminence & repute and will be appointed by the State Government.Further, one Member will be appointed by the State Government from amongst officers in the State Government or any organization owned and controlled by the State Government of the rank of Chief Engineer or above. The Administrative Secretary of the Finance Department or an officer, not below the rank of Secretary to Government, to be nominated by him to represent him on his behalf will be a Member.The Authority will establish and notify norms and standards for quality and its management in engineering works and will notify norms and standards for accreditation of quality testing laboratories and centres.The Authority will accredit quality testing laboratories and centres on basis of standards and monitor their integrity in the quality testing process and will establish norms and standards for internal quality assurance in engineering works carried out by State Government departments implementing engineering works and organizations owned and controlled by the State Government.The Authority will monitor adherence to internal quality assurance standards by the State Government departments implementing engineering works and organizations owned and controlled by the Government.The Authority will establish, accredit and monitor third-party quality assurance, control and management in engineering works by State Government departments implementing engineering works and organizations owned and controlled by the State Government.The Authority will audit the internal quality assurance mechanisms in engineering works by State Government departments implementing engineering works and organizations and will also do audit based on complaints or directions from the State Government or the State Anti Corruption Bureau, the quality of engineering works executed by State Government departments implementing engineering works and organizations owned and controlled by the State Government.Haryana Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal here today decided that there will be five options i.e. (A, B, C, D and E) available in each question of Haryana Civil Services Examination (Executive Branch). If a candidate is attempting a question, he/she will have to darken the appropriate circle A, B, C or D and if not attempting a question, then, he/she will have to darken E circle. If none of the circles is darkened, one fourth (0.25) mark shall be deducted. If any candidate not darkening any of the five circles in more than 10% questions, will be disqualified.

Haryana Health Minister launches online portal for empanelment of private hospitals, private hospitals will get empanelment certificate online

IEP Chandigarh, April 5

In order to provide transparent and better and quick health services to the people in Haryana, today, Haryana Health and Family Welfare Minister Sh. Anil Vij launched a portal and a software. Sh. Vij launched the online portal for empanelment of private hospitals here today and now the process of empanelment of private hospitals will be online and online empanelment certificates will be issued to the Private Hospitals. Similarly, Sh. Vij also launched the Randomization and Real Time Inspection Software (Drug Wing) of the Food and Drug Administration Department for inspection of drug licensee’s institutions. Haryana is the first state in the country to launch this software.        He said that Haryana Government is committed to provide best healthcare facilities to its employees, pensioners & their dependents, especially tertiary & super-specialty healthcare facilities. The same is facilitated through empanelment of private hospitals in addition to government health institutions. To ensure highest quality standards, only JCI/ NABH accredited hospitals are taken on the panel, since 2017. There is no fee for empanelment.He informed that Presently, the applications for empanelment are submitted in hard copy, in DGHS office by hand or by post. The applications are taken on file and processed at various levels, starting from clerk to final approval by Hon’ble Health Minister. There were reported delays in processing of files due to various reasons, such as submission of incomplete application/ invalid documents by applicant hospitals, postal delays, undue communications for completing the application, loss of documents during such communications etc. It also created unrest among applicant hospitals due to non-availability of tracking system for the status of their applications, leading to undue visits to DGHS office or higher offices.        He said that health department has developed an online portal for processing applications of private hospitals for empanelment with Haryana Govt. The empanelment portal was unveiled by Hon’ble Health Minister, Haryana on 05.04.2023 from his office in Haryana Civil Secretariat. The applications with complete set of required valid documents will be submitted on the portal. Login I’ds have been created at 4 levels: PM branch (ASMO/DD), DGHS, ACS (Health) and Hon’ble HM for processing and subsequently, for approving/ rejecting the applications.        The online empanelment portal enables efficient, quick processing of applications as well as facilitates real time tracking, currently 423 private hospitals on panel        The online empanelment portal will enable efficient and expeditious processing of such applications. It also has feature of real time tracking of the application. The shortcomings, if any, will be highlighted on the portal for rectification by applicant hospitals. There will be no requirement to visit any office. It also has Dashboard for authorities to monitor the functionality/ pendency of applications; along with Dashboard for users (State Govt. employees/ pensioners) with complete information regarding each empanelled hospital e.g. period of empanelment, scope of services, no. of beds, details of doctors, etc. The ‘online empanelment portal’ is another example of Haryana Government’s commitment towards proficient, transparent and swift service delivery. At present, there are 423 (211 multi-specialty and 208 single specialty) private hospitals on the empanelment of the state government.

Haryana Govt promoting startups: Dushyant Chautala

IEP Chandigarh, April 5

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that the state government is promoting and supporting startups in the state so that youth can become entrepreneurs and job providers.Taking this initiative ahead, a startup policy has been framed by the government to provide concessions to youth to begin their Startups, he added.        The Deputy Chief Minister said this while addressing as the chief guest at the “Startup Symposium and Industry Ignite-2023” programme organized at CII Auditorium, Chandigarh here today.        Speaking about the vision of Haryana Government at the programme, he said that the state government is coming up with the project of Global City to be set up on about 1,000 acres in the month of May, which may help the state in terms of development.        Inspiring the youth to learn new technologies related to electric vehicles and aerospace, he said that the coming times will create new employment opportunities in the filed of these technologies. He said that the Haryana Government has started several new courses under the “Haryana Skill Development Mission” to impart and enhance new skills among the youth of the state. Advanced practical knowledge is being imparted to the youth by linking technical colleges with the industries so that the youth can get  suitable job or begin their own startups, he added.

Requested Union Minister to provide relaxation in quality norms of wheat being procured during Rabi season 2023-24: Dushyant Chautala

IEP Chandigarh, April 5

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Shri Dushyant Chautala written to Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal to take necessary action in order to provide relaxation in quality norms of wheat which are being purchased during Rabi Marketing Season 2023-24 by the procuring agencies of the State.Deputy Chief Minister said that the procurement of wheat started in Haryana from 1st April 2023. He told that untimely rains and hail storm began just before harvesting in the month of March, 2023 which has flattened and slashed the standing crops in Haryana.Sh. Dushyant Chautala  said that the reports have been taken from major procuring districts i.e. Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Jind and Yamuna Nagar regarding lustre loss to the wheat crops due to heavy rains in the month of March, 2023. Most farmers were caught by surprise by the repeated rain and hail storm that has lashed fields full of mature crops. It can curtail production and adversely affect the quality of grains.He said that keeping this in mind, the Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has been written to provide relaxation in quality norms of wheat being procured during Rabi Marketing Season 2023-24.

Vigilance Bureau arrests CA for extorting bribe Rs 26 lakh

IEP Chandigarh April 5

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) during its anti-corruption campaign, has arrested a chartered accountant (CA) Ankush Sareen, resident of Ludhiana, for taking a bribe of Rs 26 lakh in the name of income tax officers at Chandigarh.          Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the VB said this case has been registered against the above said CA, who is practising privately, after investigation of an online complaint lodged at the Chief Minister’s anti-corruption action line.          Giving details he added that the complainant Parminder Singh Sidhu, resident of village Malsian, district Ludhiana, has alleged that the above said CA had taken Rs 26 lakh in two instalments for giving a bribe to the income tax officers in lieu of settlement of a notice served to his relatives residing in USA regarding an income tax return.          The complainant further informed that he had handed over Rs 25 lakh cash to the CA at his residence on 15-01-2023 and also made a video. After this, CA Ankush Sareen had obtained Rs 1 lakh more for junior officers of income tax department from the complainant on 26-01-2023.          The spokesperson said during an enquiry from the IT department, the complainant came to know that said notice of IT department had not been filed and he realised that said CA had taken a bribe fraudulently in the name of income tax officers by making him fear of heavy penalty and had not given further to anyone. Then he called the said CA to return his money back as his work had not been done but he didn’t.          The spokesperson added that the VB unit of Ludhiana range has investigated the allegations levelled in the complaint and registered a corruption case at VB police station Ludhiana against the above mentioned CA after finding him guilty for extorting a bribe money by making him fear of heavy penalty. Further investigation in this case was under progress, he informed.

Aashika Jain directs to ensure regular cleaning drives in periphery of the defence airport

IEP SAS Nagar, April 5

A joint meeting of civil and IAF authorities was held to discuss important issues pertaining to the Air Force Station and surrounding infrastructure under the chairpersonship of Deputy Commissioner Ms. Aashika Jain. The various issues pertaining to the Air Force Station were deliberated upon.Executive Officer, MC Zirakpur  informed that cleaning of drains has been carried out by the Municipal Council and work related to cleaning of drain is being carried out by XEN Drainage and same will be completed in two more days. IAF authorities expressed their satisfaction over already completed work of cleaning of drains.A joint visit by all concerned civil and IAF officers is also planned for the coming week to monitor progress and identify pending issues.  MC SAS Nagar, MC Zirakpur as well as BDPO Mohali were directed to ensure regular cleaning drives of the area in periphery of the defence airport, similar direction was given to XEN Drainage to ensure biannual cleaning of all drains. Regarding access to three crash gates of the Indian airforce station, it was informed that all gates are now clear of any kinds of encroachment and all concerned local authorities were directed to get the access made/get the necessary repair works done.Regarding concern expressed by defence authorities over drone flying near defence area, they were informed that prohibitory orders are already in place and any such violation if still noticed may be immediately brought to the notice of police to be dealt as per law.It was also decided that a joint coordination meeting with IAF officers will be made a monthly feature now onwards as there is an overlap of jurisdiction of several departments /officers in the area located in periphery of the defence airport. So it was decided that this joint meeting will be attended by all concerned officials of the district like MC SAS Nagar, MC Zirakpur, GMADA, BDPO Mohali, Drainage as well as police, so that all issues raised by IAF are not just assigned to respective officers but are also redressed by concerned officials in time bound manner.It was appreciated by the IAF officials that defence lands were mutated by the revenue officials in favour of the defence authorities. This long pending issue was resolved through coordination between both organisations and active contribution of revenue officials.The meeting was attended by ADC (General) Aminder Kaur Brar, ADC (UD) Damanjit Singh, EO MC Zirakpur and officials of IAF.

Over 1600 complaints received in 24 hours for charging exorbitant fees and funds by private school: Harjot Singh Bains

IEP Chandigarh, April 3

          The Punjab government has received gigantic number of complaints on the email addresses issued by Punjab State School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains to file complaints to prevent frivolous loots by private schools such as exorbitant fees hike, buying books of a particular publisher, frequently changing colour and design of uniforms and shoes among other things.

          Disclosing this, the Education Minister said that in the last 24 hours, more than 1600 complaints have been received on email, which have been sent to the Education Minister Task Force constituted at the district level, for redressal of the complaints. The task force will visit the schools to verify the facts and submit the report to the regulatory authority.

          The Education Minister said that looting in the name of education will not be allowed in the state as per the guidelines of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

          He said that notices have been issued to 30 private schools of the state for not following the government instructions. The Punjab Regulation of Fees of Unaided Educational Institutions Bill 2016 and 2019 has been violated by these schools. These schools have been asked to submit their response in this regard within 7 days.

          He said that the notice has been issued to Ram Ashram School of district Amritsar; Gurukul Public School, ICSE and Eastwood International School, Doomwali, CBSE of district Bathinda; Pine Grove Public School, Bassi Pathana of district Fatehgarh Sahib; Panacea Sen. Sec. Public School, CBSE, Saint Kabir Gurukul SSS, CBSE, Assumption Convent School Abohar, ICSE, Aspire International School Gobindgarh, CBSE, LRS DAV Sr Sec Model School Abohar, CBSE of district Fazilka; Galaxy Star Public School, ICSE of district GURDASPUR; Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Phalahi, CBSE of district Hoshiarpur; Sacred Heart Convent School, Utala, ICSE, Spring Dale Public Sen Sec School Khanna Khurd,  CBSE, Ram Lal Basin Public School of district Ludhiana;  Sh. Guru Nanak Dev Academy Jhunir, Sardoolgarh CBSE, Jindal International School, Rampur Mander, English Grammar School Bareh, Teh. Budhlada, CBSE, NRM Holy Heart Convent School, Budhlada, NRM Holy Heart Convent School, Boha, Bhs Sen. Sec. School, Barnala, Mother’s Dream Public School, Budhlada, CBSE  of district Mansa; Asra International School Rajpura CBSE, Sant Baba Ranjit Singh Public SSS, DHURI, CBSE, Steelmans Punjab School Channo, CBSE, Heritage Public School, Bhawanigarh, CBSE, Gyansh Global School Salempur Sherpur Dhuri, CBSE, Sanskar Valley Smart School Bhawanigarh, CBSE, British Convent School, Sunam, ICSE of district Sangrur and Skonis World School, Ghatour, CBSE, Rayat Bahra International School, Sahauran, CBSE of district SAS Nagar.

Suggestions from public till 15 April with regard to new sports policy

IEP Chandigarh, April 3

          In order to make Punjab regain its first position in sports, new sports policy fulfilling the ground realities will be implemented soon. A draft has been prepared with the suggestions of experts from department of sports and to make it more efficient, suggestions from people have been sought till April 15.

          Today, in a press statement, Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that new sports policy would prove helpful in fulfilling the promise of making Punjab a number one state made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Till April 15, 2023, players and concerned people can send their suggestions via email suggestions.sportspolicy.punjab@gmail.com so that these suggestions can be added into sports policy before finalising the draft.

          The Minister said that the sports policy will strengthen the sports department and see recruitment of more coaches, increase the seats in the sports wings, create a sports-friendly environment, and provide financial assistance to the players to prepare for international competitions, including all important events of every sport for a cash prize, giving jobs to players, incentives to coaches doing a good job and starting awards for coaches, preparing a common calendar by the sports department in collaboration with the departments of school education and higher education and scholarships for players.

          It’s worth mentioning, that Gold Medalist Hockey Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Surinder Singh Sodhi, Former Chief Coach of Boxing and Dronacharya Awardee Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu, Vice President of Punjab Olympic Association and Ex DGP Rajdeep Singh Gill, Sports Director of Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Saboo Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma along with the representatives of Sports Authority of India, N.I.S., School and Higher education have been included in the experts committee of sports policy.