IEP Chandigarh / Sri Muktsar Sahib, February 24      

    The Punjab government is doing every possible effort for the development of villages and the individuals and panchayats who have done the overall development of the villages will be specially honoured by the Government, said Dr. Baljit Kaur Social Security, Women and Child  Development Minister Punjab distributed grants to the panchayats of about 17 villages at village Khunnan Kalan in Malout Assembly Constituency.          She said that Punjab government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is constantly striving for the welfare of the people of the state.          The Cabinet Minister said that development works are being done in the state to raise the standard of living of the people so that the people can benefit from basic facilities.          She said that Rs. 51 lakh  for village Khunnan Kalan, Rs. 55 lakh 50 thousand for village Tamkot, Rs. 46 lakh 46 thousand  for village Lakdwala, Rs 33.50 lakh for Dhigana, Rs. 23 lakh  for Sotha, Rs. 19.50 lakh  for village Chak Duhewala,  Rs 18.60 lakh for Shergarh Gyan Singh Wala, Rs. 18.26 lakh for Lakhmereyana, Rs. 17 lakh for Khane Ki Dhab, Rs. 16 lakh for Aulakh village, Rs. 15.40 lakh for Tarkhanwala village, Rs. 6 lakh for Udang village, Rs. 4.25 lakh for Ram Nagar Khazan and Rs. 4.50 lakh  for village Bam village for various development works.           During her visit, RO to provide clean water to the residents of Madrasa village.  Also inaugurated the renovation of the system which has been restarted with the support of Indian Bank and also assured a grant of Rs 2 lakh for the Anganwadi Center of Village Madrasa.          On this occasion, besides others, Jashan Brar District President Aam Aadmi Party, Block President Simarjit Singh, Deputy General Manager R.K.  Joshi, Zonal Manager Amritsar Anil Kumar Indian Bank, Dilbagh Singh, Gurpreet Singh Saran, Angrez Singh, Sukhdeep Singh and Mahaveer Singh Madrasa were also present.

IEP Chandigarh

The 12^th Panjab University Rose Festival was inaugurated today by Prof. Renu Vig, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Panjab University at Prof. R.C. Paul Rose Garden.

Prof. Harsh Nayyar, Director Research & Development Cell, Prof. Krishan Kumar, Secretary to Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jatinder Grover, Dean Student Welfare, Prof. Y.P. Verma, Registrar, Prof. Jagat Bhushan, Controller of Examinations were the Guests of Honour.

Prof. Rajat Sandhir, Dr. Navdeep Goyal, Prof. Yojna Rawat, Prof. Sukhbir Kaur, Dr. Parveen Goyal and other Senators. Dr. Suman Sumi, PUTA and other PUTA members; Sh. Honey Thakur, President PUSA (NT) and other PUSA (NT) members, Mrs. Namita Gupta, Director, Public Relations, graced the occasion along with Wardens of Hostels and representatives of various Unions of Panjab University. The faculty, non-teaching employees, students and general public were present in large number.

The Chief Guest, along with other dignitaries, visited the Prof. R.C. Paul Rose Garden and various exhibitions put up by Natural Biodiversity, Enactus, Deptt. of Geology, Ankur School, Govt. Home Science College, Deptt. of Environment Science etc.. Prof. Vig, being a scientist herself, showed keen interest in exhibitions on various themes like environment, geology, waste management etc.. She admired the ambience of the garden and said that the Horticulture Division has put up a wonderful show. The other dignitaries also appreciated the efforts of Horticulture Division for maintaining the garden and organizing such a mega event. 

Er. Anil Thakur, Divisional Engineer (Hort.) and Organiser of the festival thanked the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, other P.U. Authorities and all stake holders of the festival and said that without their constant support and guidance, we cannot organise such a mega event. He apprised the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor that the Panjab University Rose Festival is one of its kind event in Panjab University where all teaching, non-teaching employees and their wards and students, participate with full enthusiasm. He further introduced the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor to an added event this year, exhibition on Horticulture aspects of Panjab University. The Horticulture Division is always committed towards excellence in whatever it organizes and will strive to achieve better in future.

Flower Competition was also held today. About 400 participants put up their displays in the competition in 92 categories.

The visitors were seen enjoying the performances of Folk Artists, Nachhar, Kachhi Godi, Stick Walkers etc., arranged by North Zone Cultural Centre.

In the evening, Hasya Kavi Sammelan was held at Old Convocation Ground, on 24.02.2023 at 6:00 pm. A new event introduced this year, Open Mic, wherein singers, comedians and other artists can showcase their talent was also held in the evening.

On the second day of the festival, competitions of Rangoli and Painting will be organized. During the evening Parwaz Rock Band Performance & Laughter Show by Sh. Jagdeep Singh Bheema will be held at Old Convocation Ground followed by Mr. & Ms. Rose Competition. On third day, competitions of Rose Prince & Rose Princess and Fancy Dress will be organized. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Panjab University will crown the winners of Rose Prince & Rose Princess Competition. During the evening, Performance by Punjabi Singer Lovejeet & Punjabi Singer Jassi Khan will be held at Old Convocation Ground.

IEP Chandigarh

Dr. Suneet Madan’s English poetry book titled ‘Poinsettia’ was launched by The Narrators Performing Arts Society uniquely through an Art-Lit Adaptation – a musical performance directed by Nisha Luthra, Founder and Director of The Narrators. The launch of the book which has a total of 60 poems took place at the Tagore Theatre’s mini auditorium, Sector 18.

Vivek Atray, Author and a former IAS officer,   Samrita Kaur Gill, IRS(C & IT) and Dr. Pushpinder Kaur, a professor and the poet’s mother graced the occasion with their presence to unveil the book.

 Dr. Suneet Madan said at the launch , “‘Poinsettia’, is my maiden poetry book, and I have tried to develop a new style which I have named ‘Duplet Verses’, in the collection of poems. Each word summarises my innermost views on life and living. It’s a unique format which I have been writing for the last two decades and has evolved over time.”

“The name ‘Duplet’ was given recently after my confabulations with many English Literature Professors who equated it with imagism, which is basically the use of minimalistic words to express one’s feelings. ‘Duplet Verses’ uses two words per line and the combination is made in such a manner that it encapsulates the entirety of what a proper sentence would have achieved, ” added Dr. Madan.

Director, Nisha Luthra said, “Any book we launch is like a baby to us which we nurture through promotions and long rehearsals and planning so that we deliver an immaculate Art Lit Adaptation. Each poem of ‘Poinsettia’ touches the inner chords of one’s heart which we tried to deliver through this performance. The duplet verses written by Dr. Suneet has the power to tell layers of stories and resonate so as to transform her book into a full fledged performance.”

It is to be noted that Dr. Madan’s poems find wide acceptance in forums of international repute.

Meanwhile, the event started with the Art-Lit Adaptation, a musical performance by actors portraying a narrative developed from several poems of ‘Poinsettia’. The mesmerizing performance was directed by Nisha Luthra and enacted by Divjot Gulati, Raja Subramanyam, Shivam Dhall, and the poet, Dr. Suneet Madan herself. Light operation and set execution was done by Arpan Maity, backstage was managed by Harpreet Singh, and the Assistant Director was Rajan Batheja.

It’s noteworthy that an alumnus of IIT Bombay, CEPT University Ahmedabad, KUK and Panjab University Chandigarh, Dr Suneet has received a number of accolades at international levels. Her poems and short stories have been anthologized in English, Hindi and Punjabi.

The author, Dr Suneet Madan underlined, “’Poinsettia’ signifies a life journey.  There is a metaphoric reason for having the title as ‘Poinsettia’. ‘Poinsettia’ is a plant that is formed by a flower but it has  many leaves too, same is  with life as it  seems like a flower -something good, however at times it might not be so.”

The book was unveiled by the dignitaries after the performance followed by a talk led by Poet Shweta Malhotra with Dr. Madan  and the director along with a book-signing session.

The Master of Ceremonies was Poet Reema Rana, who successfully led the mesmerizing evening ahead.

IEP Chandigarh, February 24

Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam is committed to provide uninterrupted power supply to the consumers.

Several ambitious programs are being run by the Nigam for quick resolution of the problems of the consumers.

The Chairman Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum, Kurukshetra of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam along with the members of the Forum would take the proceedings of the forum in the office of SE/OP Circle, UHBVN, Panchkula, SCO-96, 1 st Floor, Sector-5, Panchkula to redress the grievances/to hear the complaint of the consumers (belonging to Panchkula District only) and to entertain new complaints from 11:00 AM to 04:00 PM on February 27, 2023 (Monday).

The CGRF shall take all grievances/complaints of consumers like billing problem, voltage complaints, problems in metering, disconnection and reconnection of power supply, interruptions, failure of power supply, efficiency, safety, reliability, noncompliance of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission orders etc. However, the cases of theft and unauthorized use of electricity, offences and penalties as specified under section 126 and section 135 to 139 of Electricity Act, accidents and inquiries as under section 161 of the Act would not be considered by the Forum.

All the consumers should avail the opportunity for the redressal of their grievances.

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.

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.

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.