Chandigarh, July 2 – In a significant move to support the aspirations of daughters and bring joy to families from backward classes, the Haryana government has enhanced the financial assistance being provided to eligible families of backward classes under the Mukhyamantri Vivaah Shagun Yojana. The amount of shagun has been increased by Rs 10,000 for eligible families, ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of a joyous and dignified wedding. The state government is committed to enabling every backward class family to celebrate their daughters’ marriages with pride. This increase will bring smiles to thousands of families and foster greater social harmony across the state.

Sharing details in this regard here today, an official spokesperson informed that following the approval of the proposal by Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, the financial assistance under the Mukhyamantri Vivaah Shagun Yojan for eligible backward class families in the state has been increased from Rs 41,000 to Rs 51,000 on the occasion of a daughter’s marriage.

Describing the decision as a significant relief for economically weaker sections, the spokesperson said that this move ensures direct financial support from the government for the marriage of daughters belonging to disadvantaged communities. This assistance is not merely financial aid, it stands as a symbol of dignity and social inclusion, ensuring that no poor family feels helpless during their daughter’s marriage due to financial hardship.

With the increase in the shagun amount approved by Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, the scheme marks a major milestone in the welfare of backward classes. It will directly benefit thousands of eligible families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh.

Now these eligible beneficiaries will receive Rs 51,000 as shagun

The spokesperson further said that the objective of the scheme is to provide social dignity and security to girls from economically weaker and backward sections by offering financial assistance for their marriages. Under the revised provisions, backward class families living below the poverty line will now receive Rs 51,000 as shagun for the marriage of their daughters. In addition, female sportspersons from any category will be eligible for a grant of Rs 51,000 as a social incentive at the time of their own marriage. The same amount will also be extended to divyang couples, where either the bride or the groom is a person with a disability, to support them on the occasion of their marriage.

These beneficiaries are already getting the benefit of the scheme

The spokesperson also highlighted that under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, financial assistance in the form of a shagun amount is being extended not only to backward classes but also to other deprived and socially weaker sections of society. Eligible families belonging to Scheduled Castes, Vimukta Castes and the Tapriwas community are provided Rs 71,000 as shagun on the occasion of a daughter’s marriage. In addition, widows, divorced women, orphans, or destitute women are also being provided financial assistance of Rs 51,000 upon their remarriage provided they did not avail the benefit of the scheme during their first marriage. Furthermore, if both partners in a newly married couple are divyang, they are also getting Rs 51,000 under the scheme.

He said that ensuring inclusive and equal opportunities for the welfare of backward classes remains a top priority for the state government. The aim is to enable every individual to lead a life of dignity and self-reliance. The enhancement of the shagun amount reflects this commitment and is part of the government’s broader vision to empower deprived communities by providing them with equal opportunities and the means to live with pride.

Application process is simple and transparent

The spokesperson further informed that to avail the benefits of the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, it is mandatory to register the marriage within six months from the date of the wedding. The application process has been made extremely simple, user-friendly to ensure that eligible families from both rural and urban areas can access the scheme without difficulty. Beneficiaries can apply online by visiting the official portal shadi.edisha.gov.in.

Chandigarh, June 30 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini directed that untapped sewerage or industrial effluent should not be discharged into drains anywhere in the state. He directed the concerned departments to identify all such locations and take effective measures to completely prevent the inflow of polluted water into the drains. In the initial phase, action should be taken in Ambala, Kurukshetra, and Yamunanagar districts, with significant improvements achieved within the next three months.

The Chief Minister gave these and other directions while chairing a review meeting to assess the progress of the announcements made in the budget speech here today.

Addressing the officials, he stressed that all commitments made in the budget speech must be fulfilled promptly so that the people of the state can benefit at the earliest.

It is noteworthy that Sh Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, had made several important announcements in the state budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 during the assembly session held in March this year.

While reviewing the progress of the Jungle Safari to be developed in the Aravalli region, the Chief Minister said that animals that are harmless to humans should be housed there. He instructed that the Jungle Safari must be established in accordance with the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. Considering the monsoon season, seeds of plants that can naturally grow and stabilize in the environment should also be sown. He also reviewed other announcements of Environment and Forests Department and provided necessary directions to the officials.

During the review of the progress of the Tourism and Heritage Department’s announcements, the Chief Minister said that Rs 100 crore has been allocated in this year’s budget to enhance public participation in festivals, fairs, and celebrations across the state. He asked the Tourism and Heritage Department to coordinate with the Information and Public Relations Department to ensure the successful organization of these events, fostering enthusiasm and joy among all sections of the population.

He further stressed the importance of preserving and beautifying the heritage of Yadavendra Garden in Pinjore, so that tourists from across the country can visit and enjoy the site. It was also informed in the meeting that the Central Government has sanctioned over Rs 90 crore for the redevelopment of Yadavendra Garden and Tikkartal in Morni.

*International Surajkund Crafts Fair to be organized between Dussehra and Deepawali festival*

It was also informed in the meeting that this year International Surajkund Crafts Fair will also be organized for the second time between Dussehra and Deepawali festival, so that a strong platform can be provided to the public and they can enjoy this cultural festival to the fullest.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini also reviewed the progress of budget announcements made for the Sports Department and directed to complete them on time.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department Anand Mohan Sharan, Chairman of Haryana State Pollution Control Board Vineet Garg, Principal Secretary, Sports Department Navdeep Virk, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Heritage Department Kala Ramachandran, Commissioner and Secretary, Finance Department Mohammad Shayin, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yashpal Yadav and other officers were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, June 30: Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini has taken decisive action in the fight against corruption by suspending Tehsildar Bhavnesh Kumar, posted in Sirsa district, with immediate effect.

As per the official order issued by the government, Bhavnesh Kumar’s headquarters during the suspension period will be the office of the Director, Land Records, Panchkula. This step has been taken under the state government’s strict ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards corruption.

Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini said that corruption, in any form and at any level, will not be tolerated.

This action reflects the government’s firm resolve to promote honest and transparent administration across the state.

Chandigarh, June 28:  Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that during the Emergency, women endured atrocities equal to those faced by Loktantra Senanis and bravely withstood that dark period. He emphasized that the contribution of women as guardians of democracy in the national interest will never be forgotten. He appealed for the events of this dark chapter in India’s democratic history to be widely shared, so that future generations remain informed and vigilant.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini was addressing the Women’s Mock Parliament organized on Saturday at Gurugram University to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency.

During the event, the Chief Minister also observed the proceedings of the mock parliament. He stated that this session, dedicated to women’s empowerment, serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed against women during the Emergency and as a tribute to their courage and sacrifice.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also honored Loktantra Senanis who stood against the injustices of that period. Those felicitated included State President of the Loktantra Senani Sangathan, Sh Mahavir Bhardwaj, along with Sh S.B. Gupta and Shrichand Gupta.

Women’s role in resisting the assault on democracy is commendable

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that when the Emergency was imposed in the country, there was neither political instability nor any natural calamity. Yet, the Congress government enforced it upon the people out of selfishness and a narrow mindset. The Emergency, imposed 50 years ago, not only violated political rights but also launched a brutal assault on the freedom, dignity, and rights of women. Many women were jailed, their voices silenced, and they were confined to their homes, simply for speaking out against government injustice. It was a period when both democracy and women’s dignity were severely suppressed.

He said that organizing a meaningful and thought-provoking event like the ‘Women’s Mock Parliament’ serves as a reminder of the inhuman acts committed during the Emergency. Describing the Emergency as a dark chapter in the history of Indian democracy, he remarked that people were subjected to more suffering during that time than even under British rule. He said that in the general elections held after the Emergency, women participated with greater enthusiasm than ever before. The role and responsibility undertaken by women during that period is truly commendable.

The Constitution was trampled during the Emergency

The Chief Minister said that the Constitution was trampled during the Emergency, and this is not a matter to be taken lightly. It reminds us of a time when there was an attempt to silence the voice of the entire nation. That was a period when the country was turned into a prison to protect the power of a single family, disregarding the Constitution. Today, with so many aware mothers and sisters present here, he expressed confidence that no one will ever be able to crush the democratic spirit of this nation again. He added that the Emergency was imposed on the night of June 25, 1975, through a misuse of the Constitution, resulting in the curbing of every citizen’s rights.

Prime Minister honored those who suffered during the Emergency

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi honored those who sacrificed their lives during the Emergency. He said that while many who contributed to protecting the Constitution were being forgotten, Sh Modi made efforts to bring their stories to the public’s attention by remembering those who opposed that dark chapter. He also expressed concern that today; the dignity of the opposition in Parliament is declining. The opposition is not only undermining democracy but is also working to disrespect individuals holding constitutional positions.

India is moving towards becoming a developed nation

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity in Parliament. He urged the opposition to fulfill its responsibility by ensuring smooth proceedings that serve the national interest. He expressed concern over the repeated disruptions caused by the opposition, calling it a serious issue that not only wastes valuable parliamentary time but also hampers the country’s development. The Chief Minister stated that the state is advancing the positive vision of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, with Haryana playing an unmatched role in realizing the dream of a developed India. Under the leadership of Sh Narendra Modi, he affirmed, India is steadily moving toward becoming a developed nation.

Chief Minister congratulates Mahila Morcha

While congratulating the BJP Mahila Morcha Haryana during the Women’s Mock Parliament, the Chief Minister said that they have created a platform where women are not only speaking out but also leading. He praised how women are not just raising questions but also offering solutions. “This is democracy, the soul of the Constitution, and the fundamental mantra of the BJP,” he said. Saluting women’s power, he added, “Today, standing in this Mahila Sansad, I assure you all that the India for which our countrymen sacrificed during the Emergency, and the democracy for which millions of mothers wept through the night, will never have its dignity compromised again.”

On this occasion, Industry and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Sohna MLA Sh Tejpal Tanwar, Pataudi MLA Smt Bimla Chaudhary, Gurugram MLA Sh Mukesh Sharma, Kalka MLA Smt Shakti Rani Sharma, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Badoli, BJP Mahila Morcha State President Smt Usha Priyadarshi, Gurugram Mayor Smt Rajrani Malhotra, former MP Smt Sunita Duggal, Deputy Commissioner Sh Ajay Kumar, Commissioner of Police Sh Vikas Arora, along with Loktantra Senani and other dignitaries, were present.

Chandigarh June 28: Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh Harvinder Kalyan today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for seven development projects worth over Rs 3.76 crore in the Gharaunda assembly constituency. He said that all pending works are being expedited, and construction has begun on a training center for women self-help groups (SHGs).

Sh Harvinder Kalyan laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 1278-meter-long road from the PWD road to the crematorium in village Bharatpur. This project, to be undertaken by the Panchayati Raj Department, is estimated to cost Rs 57.25 lakh. He also laid the foundation stone for a new sub-health center in Sadarpur village, with a project cost of Rs 67.26 lakh.

In addition, the Vidhan Sabha Speaker inaugurated a 220-meter-long connecting road constructed by the Marketing Board, linking Mundi Garhi–Garhi Khajur Road to village Bassi. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of 14 classrooms at the Government Senior Secondary School in Garhi Khajur, at an estimated cost of over Rs 1.92 crore. Furthermore, he inaugurated a hall built for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by the Panchayati Raj Department, as well as a newly constructed room at the Mahila Chaupal in the same village.

Addressing the villagers, the Vidhan Sabha Speaker said that there was a long standing demand to build a sub-health center in Sadarpur village, which is now going to be fulfilled. He said that significant development work has been carried out in the Yamuna belt, including the construction of chaupals, schools, streets, and community centers. The embankments of Yamuna are being strengthened to prevent floods.

On this occasion, Sh Harvinder Kalyan encouraged the daughters of the village to work hard and pursue higher education. He urged them to aim high, become officers, and bring pride to their village and the nation. He assured them that there would be no shortage of resources to support their education.

Chandigarh:

Chandigarh, June 28: Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Buildings and Roads) Minister, Sh Ranbir Gangwa, said that the birth anniversary of revered deity Maharaja Daksha Prajapati will be celebrated at the state level on July 13 in Bhiwani. Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini will attend the event as the chief guest. Several ministers, MLAs, and other dignitaries will also participate in the program.

Addressing a press conference in Jagadhri today, Sh Gangwa said that the state government is committed to honoring saints and great personalities, which is why their anniversaries are being officially celebrated at the state level.

He highlighted that in recent months, the state government has celebrated Sant Kabir Jayanti in Sirsa, Maharishi Kashyap Jayanti in Indri, Parshuram Jayanti in Rohtak, and Bhagat Dhanna Jayanti in Uchana, among others. Continuing this tradition, the birth anniversary of Maharaja Daksha Prajapati will now be marked with a grand state-level celebration in Bhiwani on July 13.

Sh Gangwa called upon the people to participate in large numbers and make the event a grand success.

He further said that Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini is committed to honoring all sections of society and is working to take every community along on the path of Haryana’s continuous development.

Chandigarh, June 28

The Haryana Government has constituted the Seventh State Finance Commission (7th SFC) to examine and recommend the distribution of financial resources between the State Government and local self-governing bodies. A notification to this effect was issued here today by the Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi .

As per an official notification, former Chief Secretary of Haryana, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Commission. Shri Anshaj Singh, IAS, will serve as the Member Secretary.

The Commission has been constituted under the provisions of Articles 243-I and 243-Y of the Constitution of India, Section 213 of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and Rule 3 of the Haryana Finance Commission Rules, 1994. The purpose of the Commission is to make recommendations on key fiscal matters concerning Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), thereby improving decentralised governance and financial autonomy at the grassroots level.

The Commission’s mandate includes recommending principles for the distribution of net proceeds of taxes, duties, tolls, and fees levied by the State between the Government and the PRIs—namely, Zila Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, and Gram Panchayats. It will also advise on the taxes and fees that may be assigned to or appropriated by these rural local bodies, along with grants-in-aid to them from the Consolidated Fund of the State. Furthermore, the Commission will suggest measures to strengthen the financial health and revenue-generating capacity of PRIs.

Similarly, the Commission will make recommendations regarding the urban local bodies. These include the distribution of State tax proceeds between the Government and Municipalities, the taxes that may be assigned to Municipalities, the structure of grants-in-aid to them, and the steps needed to bolster their financial sustainability.

While formulating its recommendations, the Commission is required to take into account several important considerations to ensure fiscal responsibility and equity. These include the need to maintain a balance between the State’s receipts and expenditures and to generate sufficient surplus for capital investments. The Commission must also assess the overall resource availability of the State Government and the various demands on those resources, particularly expenditure related to civic administration, maintenance and upkeep of public infrastructure, recurring costs of plan schemes, and other committed financial liabilities. Additionally, the financial requirements, resource-raising potential, and scope for expenditure rationalization of the Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities will be carefully evaluated to strengthen their fiscal autonomy and efficiency.

The Seventh State Finance Commission has been directed to submit its final report to the Governor of Haryana by 31st March, 2026. The report will cover a five-year fiscal period, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, and its recommendations will play a critical role in shaping local governance finances during this timeframe.

The headquarters of the Commission will be located in Panchkula, with office space allocated in the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management (SJHIFM).

Chandigarh, June 27 -In the meeting of the High Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC), and High Powered Works Purchase Committee (HPWPC) held here today under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, approval was granted for contracts and procurement of various goods worth over Rs 718 crores . Following negotiations with various bidders, the committees succeeded in saving over Rs 26 crores by finalizing reduced rates during the meeting.

Cabinet Ministers Sh Mahipal Dhanda, Sh Vipul Goyal, Sh Shyam Singh Rana, Sh Ranbir Gangwa and Smt Shruti Choudhry were present in the meeting.

During the meeting, contracts worth approximately Rs 132 crore were approved for the manufacturing and supply of transmission line towers, sub-station structures, HT underground cables, and related components by Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam for the financial year 2024–25. In addition , approval was also granted for strengthening the distribution infrastructure to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in the Naraingarh Division of Ambala District. The project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 53.86 crore.

During the meeting, approval was granted for the purchase of approximately 220 lakh doses of the FMD+HS dual vaccine by the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, aimed at preventing foot-and-mouth and hemorrhagic septicemia diseases in cattle. The total cost of the procurement is estimated at Rs 73.45 crore. It was informed in the meeting that Haryana is currently free from both diseases, and regular vaccination campaigns are conducted to maintain this status. The vaccination is administered twice a year, at six-month intervals.

Projects worth over Rs 127 crore of GMDA approves

During the meeting, the project to further improve the quality of purified water by upgrading the existing 120 MLD STP at Berhampur was also approved. This project is expected to cost approximately Rs 33.88 crore. Additionally, the meeting approved the upgradation of the existing 100 MLD STP in Gurugram city and the establishment of a 75 MLD tertiary treatment plant, with a  estimated cost of Rs 51.34 crore.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini directed that greater efforts be made to increase the utilization of treated water. He emphasized that treated water should be supplied to industries according to their requirements to reduce the consumption of clean water and curb groundwater extraction.

The meeting also approved the purchase and maintenance of non-medical equipment worth Rs 26.95 crore for Shri Sheetla Mata Devi Medical College, located in Sector 102A, Kherki Majra, Gurugram. Additionally, the relocation of recycled water pipelines at various locations along the Dwarka Expressway was also approved at an estimated cost of Rs 14.90 crore.

The projects of the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority were also approved in the meeting. Pipelines will be laid to improve the water supply in Faridabad, which will significantly benefit the NIT and Ballabhgarh areas. This project is estimated to cost approximately 13.85 crore rupees. Additionally, approval was granted for the cleaning and maintenance of the master sewerage and drain lines in Faridabad city, with a project cost of Rs 21.35 crore. Furthermore, a bus depot will be constructed in Sector-61 of Faridabad to support electric buses under the city bus service, including a provision for a charging station. This project received approval for Rs 18.48 crore.

Additionally, the construction of a Girls’ Hostel at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences in Rohtak at a cost of Rs 23.64 crore, a 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital (MCH) block at the Civil Hospital campus in Sonepat district at a cost of approximately Rs 49 crore, and a 100-bed MCH at the SHKM Government Medical College campus in Nalhar, Nuh district, at a cost of Rs 27.95 crore were also approved.

 In the meeting, several infrastructure projects were approved, including the construction of a ROB on the Jind-Panipat railway section and the Delhi-Ambala section in Panipat district; the extension of the existing two-lane ROB to four-lane ROB at  level crossing (LC) 575B on the Mumbai-Delhi railway line on the Ballabhgarh-Pali-Dhauj-Sohna road in Ballabhgarh; and the construction of a RUB at LC number 576 on the Delhi-Mathura railway line, crossing Delhi-Mathura road to Mujesar in Faridabad district. These projects will cost approximately 109 crore rupees.

Principal Advisor Urban Development Sh DS Dhesi, Additional Chief Secretary of School Education Department Sh Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Irrigation and Water Resources Department Sh Anurag Aggarwal, Commissioner and Secretary-I Finance Department Mohammed Shayin, Director General of Supply and Disposal Department Sh Pankaj, besides administrative secretaries of the concerned departments were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, June 26 :

The Election Commission of India (ECI), under the Chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, has started proceedings for the delisting of 345 Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) which have failed to fulfil the essential condition of contesting even a single election for the last six years since 2019 and the offices of these parties could not be physically located anywhere. These 345 RUPPs are from different States and UTs across the country.

It has come to the notice of the Commission that of the over 2,800 RUPPS, currently registered with ECI, many RUPPs have failed to fulfil the essential conditions which are required to continue as an RUPP. Thus, a nationwide exercise was conducted by the ECI to identify such RUPPs and 345 such RUPPs have already been identified till now. In order to ensure that no party is unduly de-listed, the CEOs of the respective States/UTs have been directed to issue show-cause notices to such RUPPs following which, these parties will be given an opportunity through a hearing by the concerned CEOs. The final decision regarding the de-listing of any RUPP shall be taken by the Election Commission of India.

Political parties (National/State/RUPPs) in the country are registered with the ECI under the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act 1951. Under this provision, any association once registered as a political party, gets certain privileges and advantages such as tax exemptions amongst others.

This exercise has been conducted with the aim of cleaning up the political system and de-listing of such parties which have not contested any election to Lok Sabha or Legislative Assemblies of States/UTs or bye-elections since 2019 and those which could not be physically traced as well. These 345 RUPPs have been identified in the first phase of this exercise, which shall be continued with the objective of cleaning up the political system.