IEP Chandigarh, October 4

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan has congratulated the people on the occasion of the holy festival Dussehra and called upon them to uphold the traditions of tolerance, harmony and compassion.

S. Sandhwan said that Dussehra, celebrated in the context of Lord Ram’s victory over Lanka and it guides us to follow goodness and high values. He said that the festival of Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil and events related to Dussehra will always inspire us to uphold the ideals of moral values. S. Sandhwan has appealed to the people to celebrate this festival with spirit of communal harmony and amity.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Mr. Jai Krishan Singh Rauri has also congratulated the people on Dussehra and wished them a good life.

IEP Chandigarh

One of India’s highly industrialized state, Haryana sees a steady rise in victims of child marriages in the last 3 years, according to official figures. Even as the government takes a creditable step in declaring child marriages “void abinitio” through the new law, the state ranked 15th in child marriages in the country according to Census 2011. Census 2011 reported around 2.5 lakh children were married off before reaching 18 years in the state, which constituted approximately 2% of all married children in the country. In order to fight against the practice, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi’s Children’s Foundation (KSCF) announced their upcoming “Child Marriage Free India” campaign at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh today. The state consultation was held to mobilise all stakeholders of child protection to move together and help in the realisation of Child Marriage-Free India. KSCF co-organised the consultation with Department of Women & Child Development (WCD), Government of Haryana. KSCF began nationwide consultations after the recent appeal by Kailash Satyarthi for a sustained campaign across the country to make India child marriage-free.

 At the state-level consultation the key points discussed were appointment of Child Marriage Prohibition Officer (CMPO), mandatory FIR registration in cases of child marriage and incentivization of parents to motivate them to not marry their under-age children.

The National Family Health Survey-V (NFHS 2019-21) reports that nationally 23.3% women between the age group of 20-24 were married off before attaining the age of 18. In this context, it is important to highlight the status of child marriage in Haryana, according to the report of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2021. During the last 3 years, victims of child marriages in the state rose from 20 in 2019 to 33 in 2021. The NCRB data, however reported that only 86 cases of child marriages were registered under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006. This means there has been gross under-reporting of child marriage cases, also as Haryana reports a poor sex-ratio, there have been cases of minor girls being trafficked into the state for child marriage. This was highlighted from the recent case in Kaithal in May this year, where a 14-year old girl from Bihar was trafficked and sold as a child bride in the state.

 In this context, the consultation deliberated on pertinent issues linked to child marriage and legal applications to stop the evil practice. Among the key issues discussed in the consultations included mandatory registration of FIR in cases of child marriage to ensure appropriate action takes place, linking child marriage with Juvenile Justice (care and protection) Act and POCSO Act for penalising the perpetrators of crime. Further, it was deliberated on appointment of CMPO at the district level across the country and adequate and proper training to the official and incentivization for the parents.

Key dignitaries present on this occasion included Commissioner and Secretary, WCD, Government of Haryana, Amneet Preet Kumar and Country Head, Access to Justice Programme, KSCF-US, Ravi Kant among others.

Highlighting the poor state of education among girls in the state, Commissioner and Secretary, WCD, Government of Haryana, Amneet Preet Kumar said, “Around to 40 to 45 percent girls in the state do not receive secondary or higher education and so they are incapable of contributing in the development of the state. And this issue has become a challenge for us and needs to be changed. The campaign to stop child marriage should be taken up at village level and all departments and NGOs should come together to make Haryana child marriage free. KSCF should prepare a work plan in accordance to the finding report on today’s discussion”.

Welcoming the recent move of the state government in declaring child marriages as “void abinitio”, Country Head, Access to Justice Programme, KSCF-US Ravi Kant, said, “Sex-ratio in Haryana being one of the poorest in the country, cases of child marriages continue to be seen in the state. I hope the new law will benefit the state government in curbing this illegal practice after its enforcement. However, it is now the responsibility of all stakeholders including the law enforcement agencies and civil society groups to collaborate and work collectively to make a child marriage free Haryana”.

IEP CHANDIGARH

Dharam Pal, Adviser to the Administrator explained that entire Sukhna Lake area where public will be allowed to view air show on 6th and 8th October have been divided into 7 zones with seprate entry staircase.  Each zone is also mapped with 11 alighting points.  General public while booking the entry passes will have the option of selecting alighting points of their choice.  With one mobile number, entry passes can be generated for two persons only.  Each entry pass is coded with QR code which will be valid only with valid photo ID Card.  Further on each entry pass, zone No., alighting point and entry staircase will be prominently displayed.  General public are advised to reach the alighting point as mentioned on their entry pass by their own arrangements, with or without vehicle, where CTU buses will be parked to transport them to their respective zones.

Further, Sh. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator launched the ‘Chandigarh Tourism App’ that would allow citizens to obtain Entry Pass for Air Show scheduled to be held at Sukhna Lake on 6th and 8th October 2022.

The App developed by NIC Chandigarh can be downloaded from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It will be registered through a mobile number and OTP. The QR code will be generated for entry pass which will be scanned by Government staff the entry points alongwith their valid photo ID Card.

It is for the information of general public that with one mobile only one Entry Pass for two persons only can be generated. Advisory regarding the protocols to be followed for attending the air show are also mentioned on the App. The App will facilitate the citizens for a hassle free and organized conduct of the Air Show. Every person carrying the pass should carry a valid photo ID card.
 
CTU shuttle service will be provided for pick and drop from the Alighting Point to the Sukhna Lake and back for which an online payment of Rs. 20 can be made through the App.

Public is also advised not to bring any eatables on 6th and 8th as food attract the birds which can obstruct the airshow.

IEP Chandigarh, October 3

The Election Commission of India on Monday announced the schedule of bye-elections in seven assembly constituencies across six states. In Haryana the by-election will be held in Adampur Assembly Constituency-47 for which the model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect.. Voting will be held on November 3, 2022.

As per the schedule released by the commission, the notification will be issued on October 7, 2022. The last date for filing nominations is October 14, while the scrutiny of nominations will be held on October 15. Nomination papers can be withdrawn by the candidates till October 17. Voting is scheduled on November 3, 2022 and the counting of votes will be done on November 6, 2022.

The Commission has decided to use EVMs and VVPATs at all polling stations in the bye-elections. Adequate number of EVMs and VVPATs has been made available and all steps have been taken to ensure smooth conduct of polling with the help of these machines.

Voter’s identity will be mandatory at the time of voting in the bye-election. Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be the main document for voter identification. However, the voter can also produce any one of the alternate photo identity documents specified by the Commission for his/her identity.

These optional photo identity documents include Aadhaar card, MGNREGA job card, photo passbook issued by a bank or post office, health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour, driving license, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, passport, pension documents, service identity cards with photo issued to employees by the Central and State Governments, PSUs or public limited companies, official identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs, MLCs and Unique Disability ID cards.

The model code of conduct will come into force with immediate effect in those districts in which the whole or any part of the assembly constituency falls.

IEP Chandigarh, October 3

Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh Sanjeev Kaushal said that the State Government is committed to the welfare of farmers and adequate arrangements have been made for the procurement of the Kharif crops in the State.

Sh Kaushal was interacting with media persons after paying obeisance at the historical Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula here today.

He said that the State Government has made all necessary arrangements for the procurement of paddy in the State which has begun from October 1. The mandis have been properly cleaned and old stock of paddy has been lifted.  Besides, the arrangement of nutritious food at subsidized rates has been made under the Atal Yojana for the farmers visiting the mandis.

Sh Kaushal said that proper arrangement of milling has been made in the mandis and the traders are also giving their cooperation. Regarding the gate pass, he said as the entire process has been computerized, farmers would not face any problem regarding the gate pass.

He said that with a view to ensure the procurement of crops in a systematic manner, officers of the level of Additional Chief Secretary have been deputed in each district of the State. These officers would make at least three visits to their respective districts so as to ensure that farmers do not face any kind of problem.

IEP Chandigarh, October 3

The Fourth Roundtable Conference on the Global City held under the Chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, on October 3, 2022 at Dubai, has created a buzz amongst the Real Estate community of the UAE.

The Global City is a marquee project of the Government of Haryana being developed through its infrastructure development arm, Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) and aims at redefining the concept of urban development and what cities of the future shall look like through its sustainability focused future oriented infrastructure planning and design. The Roundtable conference was conducted to understand and consider the valuable inputs and seek interest of major Real Estate Developers and Real Estate focused funds prior to official launch of the Projectand followed similar earlier conferences conducted at Gurugram and Mumbai with leading Indian stakeholders.

In his address Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Mahohar Lal spoke about his vision of developing the Project as the Central Business District of Gurugram with an intensive focus on modern technology fields, future oriented industries, low carbon green infrastructure and ease of living. Highlighting the livability and environmental crises that face the world’s cities today, the CM spoke about how the Global City has been designed by a team of the brightest minds in planning and engineering to offer an unprecedented urban living experience while preserving the surrounding nature and giving shape to the cherished goals of sustainable cities and communities. Through the creation of this unique, modern urban ecosystem that would act as fulcrum for new technology and innovation industries, the CM spoke about positioning Gurugram on the global map. The Roundtable Conference was followed by one-on-one discussions with the Chief Minister with the Real Estate Companies. 

The Roundtable Conference kicked off with a Welcome and Context Setting Address by Sh. Aman Puri, Consul General, Consulate General of India, Dubai, followed by an introduction of the delegates and a detailed presentation on the Global City Project delivered by Sh. Vikas Gupta, MD HSIIDC.  In the presentation it was highlighted that the Global City Project is a mixed land use project envisioned to be developed as a “City within a City” over approx. 1080 acres at the heart of Gurugram’s upcoming Residential and Commercial hub in Sectors 36B, 37A and 37B and along the 8-lane under construction Dwarka Expressway. MD HSIIDC explained in detail how the project would serve as a paradigm for a futuristic city in terms of quality of life, infrastructure and ambience. Built with a motto of Live Work & Play, it was explained that the project ecosystem would provide futuristic workspaces, modern retail spaces, residential towers, meticulously planned expansive green spaces and multi-modal connectivity options of Dedicated Bus Corridors, MRTS (Metro) and Heliport facilities. The contemporary planning methodology of the project based on transit-oriented development and keeping in mind the new normal post the pandemic and the distinctive value proposition on offer to investors in the form of first mover advantage, potential of high returns, security of investment etc. were particularly emphasized.

Post the detailed presentation, the deck was thrown open to the various Real Estate Developers to provide their inputs on the project from the point of view of planning, infrastructure, marketing, positioning and support that would be required from HSIIDC/ Govt. of Haryana to ensure the successful implementation of the project. The invitees lauded the visionary thinking of the Govt. of Haryana for the development of the project and showcased keen interest to invest in the Project. The suggestions offered by the delegates focused on,

·                    Allowing greater flexibility in planning to the developers

·                    Developing landmark projects such as International Financial Services Center (IFSC), Universities etc. which would act as an anchor/ magnet for potential investors

·                    Different development and project phasing strategies that may be adopted by HSIIDC

·                    Payment mechanisms and forms of governmental support such as single window mechanism that may be offered to investors to further enhance interest of developers etc.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. DS Dhesi, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and & Chairman HSIIDC, Sh. V Umashankar , MD HSIIDC Sh. Vikas Gupta.

The Real estate Company representatives included the top leadership from leading real estate developers and funds of UAE such as Sobha Realty, Nakheel, Emaar, Lulu Group, DP World, Sharaf Group, Ellington Properties, Dubai Investments, Gulf Islamic Investments, Al-Marjan, Al-Hamra, Tabreed, Danube Properties, Dalands Properties and Tabreed amongst others.

IEP Chandigarh, October 3

Punjab Information and Public Relations Minister Mr. Aman Arora on Monday cornered Congress MLAs including Leader of Opposition for acting as a ‘B’ team of BJP, which has launched ‘Operation Lotus’ to topple the Aam Aadmi Party Government in Punjab and creating ruckus during the proceedings of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Session.

Congress should introspect before pointing finger at Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government, said the Cabinet Minister, while adding that strict actions are being taken against culprits indulging in anti-social activities within no time.

Replying to LoP Partap Singh Bajwa over law and order situation in Punjab, Mr. Aman Arora said that the CM Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has been trying to improve law and order situation, which had deteriorated during the previous governments.

Reminding the opposition about the mess they had created during their party regime in Punjab, Mr. Aman Arora said that numerous target killings including Gurdeep Pehalwan, Mahinderpal Bittu, two ASIs, Comrade Balwinder Singh, Brigadier Jagdish Gagneja and Mata Chand Kaur had taken place during the tenure of Congress and SAD-BJP governments. “Wasn’t the law and order situation the worst during your government,” questioned Mr Aman Arora, while adding that the law and order situation had not deteriorated in the blink of an eye. “We are cleaning the mess created by the previous governments,” he added.

On the escape of Gangster Lawrance Bishnoi’s accomplice Deepak Tinu, who is an accused in Sidhu Moosewala murder case, the Cabinet Minister said that Mann Government had immediately issued lookout circular and ordered to launch a manhunt to nab the escapee, while, the errant Mansa CIA Staff Incharge Pritpal Singh has been dismissed and arrested promptly. “Unlike previous governments, prompt action is being ensured now,” said the Minister.