IEP Chandigarh, January 19

Haryana  Urban Local Bodies Minister, Dr. Kamal Gupta today chaired a review meeting with the District Municipal Commissioners, Commissioners, Municipal Corporation and officers of the Urban Local Bodies department here today.

During the meeting, he said that it is our collective responsibility to achieve the goal of making cities clean under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat Mission.’ Accordingly, we need to focus on planning and implementing initiatives for a clean India, including the proper management of solid and liquid waste.

The Urban Local Bodies Minister stated that the officers should ensure accountability at every level to complete tasks promptly. He said that providing public amenities for the common people is not just our duty but also our responsibility, said the Minister.

Dr. Kamal Gupta directed the officer to ensure the self-verification of properties owned by urban local bodies by January 25, 2024. He directed the officers to strive to complete the self-certification process of properties of state government and autonomous bodies by January 31, 2024.

In the case of ULBs, where the work of self-certification of properties is still pending, the Minister directed the officers to complete at least 25 percent work by January 31, 2024.

During the meeting, Dr. Kamal Gupta reviewed various aspects, including property tax, property ID, Mukhyamantri Shehri Svamitva Yojana, PM SVANidhi, provision of amenities for irregular colonies, the status of infrastructure and basic structures, the status of vacant plots between colonies, a work plan for the development of recently regularized colonies, review of activities related to CM announcements, Divya Nagar Yojana, review of Citizen Service Centers, Jan Samvad, the status of Swachh Bharat Mission, and the situation of waste collection and street cleaning.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. V. Umashankar, Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Sh. Vikas Gupta, Director, Urban Local Bodies Department, Sh. Yash Pal and other senior officers also remained present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal stated that the present state government has implemented several initiatives for systemic change in the state since 2014. Utilizing technology, the benefits of welfare schemes are being delivered to people at their doorsteps through portals.

Sh. Manohar Lal said this while addressing the gathering at the program held today in Panchkula.

He said that the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ is reaching every village and ward in the state, providing timely solutions to people’s problems and delivering the benefits of schemes promptly.

The Chief Minister said that some opposition parties call the present state government the “portal government.” He stated that using the portal has made life easier for the people of the state, and the public will surely give a befitting reply to such parties.

The Chief Minister stated that the BJP works with an ideology that works for the welfare of society and the nation beyond personal interests. After swearing as the Prime Minister of India in 2014, Sh. Narendra Modi has initiated many revolutionary changes while upholding the spirit of radical system changes introduced by the former Prime Minister, Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Sh. Narendra Modi, working with the vision of “India First,” has transformed the image of the country. From being counted among the last countries in the world, today India has now become the fifth-largest economy, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

He said that Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi is one of the world’s best leaders, and today the entire world acknowledges the strength of India. He has implemented many welfare schemes, including the Ayushman Bharat Yojana providing free medical facilities of up to Rs. 5 lakh annually and the PM Ujjwala Yojana, providing free gas cylinders and stoves. These schemes have transformed the lives of the poor, said the Chief Minister.

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, MP and BJP State President, Sh. Nayab Saini, Mayor Panchkula, Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, MLAs, Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Sh. B B Bharti, Publicity Advisor, Sh. Tarun Bhandari also remained present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh.  Dushyant Chautala said that today is a historic day for the state as an MoU has been signed between the state government and Alliance Air. Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that after the air connectivity from Hisar, there will be growth in the manufacturing, defense, and industrial sectors in the district, becoming a significant source of revenue for the state.

The Deputy Chief Minister revealed that the Haryana government has signed an MOU with Alliance Air. Flights from Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar will commence in April. In the first phase, seven routes have been finalized, including Hisar to Chandigarh, Hisar to Delhi, Hisar to Jaipur, Hisar to Kullu, Hisar to Ahmedabad, Hisar to Jammu, and Hisar to Dharamshala. He said that the discussions are going on with several other companies in this regard.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that developing Maharaja Agrasen Airport as an Integrated Aviation Hub is one of the top priorities of the state government. The works for the second phase of the airport are nearly complete.

He informed that the new terminal building of Maharaja Agrasen Airport will be ready by January 2026. The construction work for the air traffic control tower, the drum on both sides of the runway, and the extension of the terminal building will be completed soon. Maharaja Agrasen Airport will be a world-class airport, putting Hisar district on the global map.

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

Haryana Cooperation and Public Health Engineering Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal said that the government has approved the strengthening and improvement of 32 roads in the Bawal region to provide better transportation facilities for the people. The estimated cost for the construction and improvement of these roads is around Rs.30.31crores.

Dr. Banwari Lal stated that the government is focused on improving and strengthening the road infrastructure in the state and even efforts are made to connect each district to the national highways. Additionally, communications routes have been expanded for farmers to bring their produce to the markets. Many roads have been constructed in the Bawal region for these purposes, and funds have been allocated for the remaining roads.The construction work of these roads will commence soon.

Dr. Banwari Lal highlighted that the approved roads include link roads, approach roads, and roads connecting to other districts. He specified the allocated funds for various roads, such as Rs.1.37 crores for the Gumina to Bhandor Approach Road, Rs.1 crore for the Balwari to Balwari Temple Road, Rs.1.10 crores for the Khori to Chimnawas Road, Rs.2.30 crores for the Bass Doda Approach Road, Rs.4.15 crores for the Jarthal to Nandrampur Bass Road, Rs.1.10 crores for the Sampli to National Highway 8 Link Road, Rs.1.65 crores for the Bass Doda to Ahrod Road, more than Rs 1.89 crore on village Khijuri to Jonawas road and more than Rs.5.57 crores for the Nandrampur Bass Approach Road.

Dr. Banwari Lal stated that roads connecting Niganiawas to Raliawas Rs. 34.12 lakhs, Hussainpur to Daliaki Road Rs. 70 lakhs, Kanuka to Bhandor Road, Rs. 58 lakhs, Punsika Approach Road Rs.30 lakhs, Khori to Railway Station Road Rs. 90 lakhs, Manethi Approach Road Rs.60 lakhs, Dhani Bhandor to Punsika Road Rs.70 lakhs, and Bharunath Ashram Approach Road have also been approved with estimated cost of Rs.30 lakhs. 

He further said that Rs. 40 lakh will be spent on Kanuka to Santo road connecting Rajasthan border, Rs 60 lakh from Dhamlawas to Shamdhi Sthal, Rs. 31 lakh on Panwar to Rajasthan border (Jat Bhagola) link road, Rs 35 lakh on Panchor to Sampli approach road, Narsinghpur Garhi approach road will cost Rs 25 lakh, Gothra Tappa Khori approach road will cost Rs 75 lakh, Kasoli to Bhagthala road will cost Rs 50 lakh, Ibrahimpur to Bhagthala road will cost Rs 40 lakh, National Highway 8 to village Niganiawas link road will cost Rs 21.78 lakh. Similarly, an amount of Rs 30.53 lakh will be spent on village Nikhri to Niganiawas road, Rs 15.9 lakh on Majri Duda approach road, Rs 57.81 lakh will be spent on Bhatsana approach road with other roads included.  

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

Haryana Labour Department organized a seminar on ‘Creating Awareness on Safety and Health in Factories and Establishments’ in Gurugram. An exhibition displaying the latest security equipment was also organized here. In which various management employees and factory owners were also present in large numbers.

The Seminar was driven by the theme “The Best Investment is Investment in Health and Safety” which was fully emphasized by Sh. Rajeev Ranjan, Principal Secretary to the Government of Haryana, Labour Department.

In his address, Sh. Rajeev Ranjan motivated all the industry owners and Management to make Safety and Health of their workers first priority and highlighted that investing in health and safety not only safeguards employees but also enhances overall business efficiency and productivity of the workers.

The need for making safety as a habit was stressed upon and articulated the Dangers of neglecting the health and safety was through multiple examples. He stated that the tools necessary to achieve workplace safety goals includes quality training, regular inputs on awareness, following best practices at workplace and the use of proper safety equipment.

Sh. Rajeev Ranjan underscored the Labour Department’s initiatives for ease of doing business including the auto-renewal system, transparent inspection policy, and removal of the No Objection Certificate requirement. The mental aspects of safety and health were also stressed upon recognizing their crucial role in a holistic approach to workplace safety.

All the participants were inspired and made commitment for safer and healthier workplaces for their industrial workers. Various technical aspects, safety procedures, precautions and safety in chemical / hazardous industries were discussed by Industry safety experts such as Sh. H. Vishwanathan (Deputy Director General, DGFASLI), Dr. Sanjay Misra, CEO, M/s LCS Services Pvt Ltd, and Sh. B.S. Yadav, Senior General Manager, M/s Hero MotoCorp, Gurugram.

In a ceremony highlighting the commitment to workplace safety, the Haryana Safety Health and Welfare Awards were presented to deserving factory and construction site owners. This accolade recognizes those who have set exemplary standards in safety and health management. The categories for these awards included: Lowest Accident Frequency Rate, Longest Accident-Free Period, Best Welfare Conditions, Best Canteen Arrangements, Best Creche Arrangements, Best Sports Facilities for Workers in Factories, Best Environment in Factory Premises, Best First Aid Arrangements, Best Precautionary Measures.

The seminar was made successful by Labour Commissioner, Haryana Sh. Maniram Sharma, and factory wing officers of Haryana labour Department. Labour Commissioner appreciated the management for their interest and declared that such safety seminars shall be conducted on regular basis in future.

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

The Haryana government is outlining pilot projects on a cluster mode for the progress of agriculture and farmers. These projects aim to boost crop diversification, micro-irrigation schemes, livestock improvement, and other agriculture-allied activities. Additionally, the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran will formulate new schemes to promote organic farming, natural farming, and cooperative farming.

A decision in this regard was taken by Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal while chairing the third meeting of the General Body of Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran held here today.

Energy Minister, Sh. Ranjit Singh, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. J.P. Dalal, Cooperation Minister, Dr. Banwari Lal, Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Devender Singh Babli, and Chairman, Haryana Bureau of Public Enterprises and Chairman, Executive Committee, Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran, Sh. Subhash Barala also attended the meeting.

Sh. Manohar Lal, while giving directions to the officers concerned, emphasized the need to adopt new agricultural systems alongside traditional farming practices to increase income and progress for small and marginal farmers, considering the decreasing size of arable land.

He highlighted the immense possibilities in the livestock sector for farmers to enhance their income. Cooperative farming is also crucial for addressing the challenges of small land holdings and promoting food processing industries.

He directed the members of Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran to prepare pilot projects in collaboration with relevant departments, inspiring farmers along the lines of Israel’s cooperative farming technique.

Prepare demonstration farms for integrated farming, CM

The Chief Minister said that the state government is encouraging initiatives like the “Mera Pani Meri Virasat” scheme and Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) technology to promote crop diversification and water conservation. He suggested creating demonstration farms for integrated farming and ensuring that farmers receive detailed information through visits to such farms.

He highlighted the continuous decline in groundwater levels, emphasising the need for establishing micro-irrigation projects in these areas. In areas where the groundwater level is 30 meters, solar energy-based agricultural borewells should be installed, and the state government is ready to provide new subsidies for the same. The government is also prepared to bear the expenses for water and electricity, said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that reservoirs should be constructed for the conservation of rainwater in the Shivalik and Aravalli mountain ranges so that water coming from the mountains can be collected and later used for irrigation and other needs. He directed officers of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department to prepare a pilot project for this.

Sh. Manohar Lal stated that checking the quality of soil is essential along with soil health. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides today is causing several serious health diseases. Therefore, we need to move towards producing chemical-free grains. The solution to this is natural farming, said the Chief Minister.

He said that any village declared as a chemical-free farming village by its Panchayat will ensure that the government purchases all types of crops at a price 10 to 20 percent higher than the MSP. Branding and packaging of crops will be done in the fields, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

A budget of more than 300 crores has been allocated for new Gaushalas

The Chief Minister said that a tripartite agreement should be made between the Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Development and Panchayat Department, social organizations, and the Gau Sewa Aayog to open new cowsheds. Wherever Panchayat land is available, new cowsheds should be opened. Basic infrastructure will be made available, and social organizations will have to come forward to operate the gaushalas, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

He further informed that the budget for the Gau Sewa Aayog has been increased from Rs. 40 crores to Rs. 400 crores for the conservation of the gau vansh and the care of cattle. In this, Rs. 300 crores have been allocated for establishing new gaushalas, informed the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that under the concept of Sanjha Dairy, one can also engage in the livestock dairy business. He said that the state government has formulated a  scheme ‘Van Mitra’ to promote green cover, under which local youth will take care of plants planted by the forest department for up to 3 years. For this, the department will designate 500 to 700 trees in each village and assign them to the Van Mitras. A reward of Rs. 10 per tree will be given to the Van Mitras for the care of each tree, he said.

Sh. Manohar Lal directed that the forest department officers also prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Van Mitras.

Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner,  Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Sh. TVSN Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Sh. Ankur Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary,  Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Development and Panchayat Department, Sh. Anil Malik, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Smt. Ashima Brar and members of the working group also remained present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, January 10

In a bid to revitalize the cooperative landscape in Haryana, Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at empowering Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS). These measures target improved healthcare access, fuel availability, and overall service delivery through PACS across the state.

After presiding over the second meeting of state level cooperative development committees here today, he said that 84 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) have secured in-principle approval to operate under the esteemed PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Additionally, provisional approvals have been extended to six PACS for the establishment of petrol and diesel outlets. All panchayats have now been covered in the state by PACS in the state, he added.

Boosting Healthcare access:

Mr. Kaushal said that 7 PACS namely Kail and Gundiana in Yamuna Nagar, Dhurala and Umri in Kurukshetra, Bass Krishna, Narnaund Kisan, and Matloda in Hisar have secured drug licenses. This allows them to participate in the esteemed PM Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra scheme, providing affordable medicines to rural communities.

Enabling Fuel Accessibility:

Mr. Kaushal further said that provisional approvals have been granted to 6 PACS namely  Ondha in Sirsa, Sawant in Karnal, Nangal Chaudhary Bhojawas in Mahendragarh, and Jamal Pax in Sirsa – for establishing petrol and diesel outlets. This will address the need for readily available fuel in rural areas while creating entrepreneurial opportunities for PACS members. Additional land is being identified for outlets in Basai, Gurugram, and Ghasera, Nuh.

Enhancing Service Delivery:

He said that 417 PACS are now equipped with on-board facilities of Common Service Centers, bringing essential services closer to rural residents. Registration for additional PACS is underway. Officers were instructed to actively monitor service provision.

Grain Storage Project:

Work is progressing on the world’s largest grain storage pilot project in the cooperative sector. Apart from this, 5 packs Gannauli, Raipurrani, Morni, Kakkar Majra, and Manak Tabra have been identified in Panchkula. Apart from this, Kari Dharani in Charkhi Dadri and Tawadu, Ghasera, Firozpur Jhirka, Rawli and Singer in Nuhan have also been selected for grain storage in the cooperative area.

Computerization Initiative:

Computerization of PACS is in full swing, with pre-testing aiming for completion by February 29th. This initiative will provide a comprehensive ERP solution for various PACS activities, encompassing financial services, procurement, PDS operations, business planning, warehousing etc, he added.

Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh January 10

In a significant stride towards curbing illegal mining activities, the Department of Mines and Geology in Haryana has been joining hands with HARSAC to establish a dedicated Control and Command Center, said the Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal after presiding over meeting of State Level Task Force Committee on Mines & Geology here today.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Real-Time Monitoring

Mr. Kaushal further said that the center will employ cutting-edge Satellite Remote Sensing technology to offer real-time insights into illegal mining, drawing inspiration from the successful application used for monitoring stubble burning in agricultural fields.

Deployment of Police Force to Check Mining Activities

        Mr. Kaushal stressed the importance of deploying a static and mobile police force in district offices and mining sites to conduct raids on suspected locations. Emphasizing the need for meticulous geo-referencing at various mining sites, he highlighted the significance of addressing both legal and illegal mining activities.

Successful Launch of HMGIS Portal

Applauding the department’s technological advancements, Mr. Kaushal highlighted the successful launch of the HMGIS portal across the state, replacing the older e-Rawaana system. The integration of photo CCTV at weighing bridges has further enhanced transparency and accountability. The new system has seamlessly connected 1157 weighbridges, resulting in the generation of 2,46,560 e-rawanas as of January 9.

Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Monitoring

Mr. Mandip Singh Brar, Director General Mines and Geology informed the meeting about the department’s concerted efforts in collaboration with HARSAC to devise a mechanism for monitoring GPS-equipped vehicles. He said that the Transport Department is concurrently formulating a scheme mandating GPS installations in all commercial vehicles, enhancing overall tracking capabilities.

Geo-Referencing and Drone Deployments

It was further apprised in the meeting that in response to recent events and the obligations towards the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the department has intensified mining recovery efforts. Stringent actions are being taken, including the imposition of Environmental Cess. To further combat illegal mining, geo-referencing is being meticulously carried out at various mining locations, and drones are set to be deployed for enhanced monitoring.  Addressing security concerns, the department has taken swift action on the recommendations provided by Mr. Justice L.N. Mittal (Retd.). A specialized team, Haryana State Enforcement Bureau (HSEnB), has been constituted in collaboration with police personnel to oversee operations.

Mass Awareness Campaign

Looking ahead, the department is gearing up for a mass awareness campaign in collaboration with NGOs, Social Activists, and local leaders. Recognizing the crucial role of local stakeholders, including Sarpanches, Panches, Nambardars, Chowkidars, and Patwaris, they are empowered with responsibilities and potential rewards for their contributions in identifying and reporting illegal mining activities. Haryana is on the forefront of adopting comprehensive strategies to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices, Director General Mines and Geology added.

Among those present in the meeting includes Additional Chief Secretary, Mines and Geology Department, Mr. Arun Kumar Gupta. Additional Chief Secretary Environment, Forests and Wildlife Department, Mr. Vineet Garg, ADGP/HSEB Mr. Arshinder Singh Chawla, Principal Secretary, Transport Department, Mr. Navdeep Singh Virk and other senior officers.

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

The Haryana Government has undertaken a comprehensive reassessment of the roles and responsibilities assigned to its Divisional Commissioners.

Giving this information here today, the Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal said that the revamped framework is intended to bolster their current duties, fostering increased involvement in pivotal areas. This realignment is poised to result in a more effective and accountable administration in the state.

Enhanced Oversight by Divisional Commissioners

Divisional Commissioners will hold monthly meetings with Deputy Commissioners to monitor all court cases pertaining to land revenue, land evictions, and maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens, etc., pending with the Deputy Commissioners or Sub Divisional Magistrates concerned. They will also review court cases pending with them for over six months.

Coordination for Law and Order

Divisional Commissioners will also hold monthly review meetings regarding the law and order situation with IG Range/Commissioner of Police. Deputy Commissioners, and SSP/SP. They will further send a monthly report to the Chief Secretary, mentioning sensitive and flare-up issues like missing persons, major incidents, suspension of mobile internet services, and drone bans during VIP/VVIP visits etc.

Development and Property Tax Oversight

Divisional Commissioners will hold review meetings with both District Municipal Commissioners and CEOs of Zila Parishads. These meetings will focus on monitoring development work in urban and rural areas respectively. For urban areas, the focus will be on development progress, property tax collection, and property ID issues. For rural areas, the review will cover rural development initiatives.

Procurement and PDS Oversight

During the procurement season, Divisional Commissioners will supervise the procurement process in mandis. They will ensure that the Public Distribution System (PDS) functions optimally, and at least two monthly checks will be conducted to ensure PDS shops operate smoothly.

Divisional Commissioners to Verify Girdawari Entries and Review Compensation

Divisional Commissioners will be responsible for verifying 1% of girdawari entries and reviewing compensation related to girdawari. The Additional Chief Secretary/Financial Commissioner Revenue (ACS/FCR) will issue necessary instructions to all concerned in this regard. Divisional Commissioners will then submit a monthly report on all the above mentioned tasks to the Chief Secretary.

IEP Chandigarh, January 9

Chairman of Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao, expressed optimism that the goal of zero stubble burning can be achieved through collective efforts. Emphasizing the dual benefits of stubble management which has increased farmer income and other environmental advantages, he highlighted the success of District Kaithal in securing the top position in the state by reducing stubble burning incidents by 60%.

Speaking at an event in Kaithal district to honour representatives of various Gram Panchayats for their commendable work in stubble management, Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao praised the collaborative efforts. He stated that the district’s achievement had been appreciated by the Supreme Court and the Central Government, underscoring the positive impact of stubble management at the state level since 2021.

Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao stressed the collective responsibility of preventing environmental pollution, emphasizing that stubble burning not only depletes soil fertility but also poses health risks. He encouraged continued efforts in this direction, envisioning a future where incidents of stubble burning become a thing of the past in the state.

The Chairman mentioned the government’s incentive programme for Gram Panchayats transitioning from red to yellow and green zones. Gram Panchayats maintaining the green zone are set to receive incentives, and plans are underway to further promote and support such environmentally responsible practices.