Chandigarh, March 1

Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh. Dhanpat Singh, informed that after the last date for withdrawal of nominations, 4 candidates will contest for the Mayor’s post and 103 candidates will contest for the 26 ward member posts in the Panipat Municipal Corporation. All candidates have been allotted their election symbols.

            Sh. Dhanpat Singh further shared  that a total of 365 polling booths have been set up across the 26 wards of Panipat Municipal Corporation. According to the ward-wise voter list, there are a total of 4,08,534 voters, out of which 2,17,559 are male voters, 1,90,962 are female voters, and 13 are other voters. He shared  that voting will take place on March 9, 2025 from 8 AM to 6 PM. After the completion of the entire election process, the vote counting will take place on March 12, 2025 starting at 8 AM, and the results will be announced on the same day.

Chandigarh, March 1

Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh. Dhanpat Singh informed that on March 2 all government offices, boards, corporations, and educational institutions will remain closed due to the local urban body elections.

            He said that a notification in this regard has been issued by the Chief Secretary stating that under Section 135B of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, employees working in any trade, business, industrial establishments, or any private institutions, who are voters in these urban local bodies (Municipalities/Corporations), will be granted a paid holiday on March 2. Employers will not deduct any leave nor will there be any salary cuts for this holiday.

            Sh. Dhanpat Singh further shared that under Section 52 of The Factories Act, 1948, all factories in the concerned urban bodies on March 2 will be closed. Employees working in these factories, who are voters in the urban local body elections, will be granted a paid holiday. Similarly, under Section 28 of The Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, all shops and commercial establishments will be  also be closed a paid holiday will be granted to employees who are voters in these urban local bodies.

            The State Election Commissioner further shared that the Labor Commissioner, Haryana, has been directed to ensure strict compliance with these orders. If any complaints are received against any private business, shopkeeper, or factory owner regarding this matter, strict legal action will be taken under the relevant laws.

Chandigarh, March 1, 2025

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) hastaken a major step toward environmental conservation by supporting thestate-wide expansion of Green Crematoriums. The initiative, presented byretired IAS officer, Sh. Sunil K. Gulati, aims to replace traditional wood-basedcremation with eco-friendly alternatives using cow dung sticks (Gaukashth).

            The concept of Green Crematoriums has already been successfully implemented invarious villages of Sirsa district with the efforts of environmentalist Dr. RamJi Jaimal from Village Darbi, Sirsa. Studies conducted by the Forest ResearchInstitute (FRI), Dehradun, have confirmed the efficiency of this method,stating that it requires only 60 kg of cow dung sticks compared to 500-600 kgof wood used in conventional cremation. Additionally, this approach is cost-effective,smoke-free, and viable even in adverse weather conditions.

            Sh. Sunil K. Gulati  emphasized the need for financial and managerial support from theHaryana Government, as the existing Green Crematoriums are currently maintainedby villagers. To address this concern, HHRC has recommended that the stategovernment allocate funds from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Managementand Planning Authority (CAMPA). The Commission noted that significantunutilized funds exist within CAMPA and should be directed toward theimplementation of Green Crematoriums across Haryana. During the proceedings, HHRC, chaired by Justice Lalit Batra along with membersKuldeep Jain and Deep Bhatia, acknowledged the significant environmentalbenefits of Green Crematoriums. 

*Utilization of State Funds*

            State Funds: These refer to the monies deposited by user agencies (suchas forest departments and state governments) into the State CompensatoryAfforestation Fund.

            Forest Produce Saving Devices: The rule allows the use of state funds topromote devices that reduce dependence on forest resources, such asfuel-efficient stoves and solar-powered systems.

            Forest Fringe Villages: The funds can be used specifically for villageslocated on the periphery of forests, where residents are highly dependent onforest resources.

*Objectives*

            Reducing Dependence on Forest Resources: The primary aim is to lower thereliance of local communities on forest wood, promoting conservation.

            Improving Livelihoods: Providing alternative energy sources enhances theeconomic conditions of forest-dependent communities.

            Environmental Conservation: The initiative helps preserve forest coverand encourages sustainable resource use.

*Implementation*

            National Authority: The authority established under the CompensatoryAfforestation Fund Act, 2016, oversees the execution of the rule.

            State Governments: In consultation with the National Authority, stategovernments identify suitable villages and implement forest-saving devices.

            Monitoring and Evaluation: The implementation is regularly assessed tomeasure its effectiveness in reducing forest resource dependency and enhancinglivelihoods. During the hearing, the fullcommission—comprising Chairman Justice Lalit Batra and members Shri KuldeepJain and Shri Deep Bhatia—recorded in its order the legal aspects of utilizingCAMPA funds for this initiative. As per Rule 5(2)(l) of the CompensatoryAfforestation Fund (CAF) Rules, 2018, state funds can be used for forestconservation and for promoting devices that reduce dependence on forestresources. The proposal to use these funds for Green Crematoriums was supportedby Haryana’s Additional Chief Secretary for Environment, Forest, and Wildlife,Anand Mohan Sharan, IAS, who raised no objections to its implementation.

            The initiative aims to benefit not only human cremation but also extend itsreach to animal cremation, providing an eco-friendly alternative for pets andbovines. Additionally, no new land acquisition is required, as GreenCrematoriums can be established on existing cremation grounds. The Developmentand Panchayat Department has already prepared a project estimate, which hasbeen submitted to the authorities for further review. The HHRC has instructedvarious government bodies, including the Urban Local Bodies, Pollution ControlBoard, and Gau Sewa Aayog, to work in coordination to implement the projecteffectively. The government is also expected to launch an awareness campaign toeducate communities on the benefits of Green Crematoriums and encourage theiradoption.Protocol,Information & Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human RightsCommission, stated that given the seriousness of this matter the next hearingon this matter is scheduled for May 21, 2025, where progress reports will besubmitted by concerned departments. If implemented successfully, Haryana’sGreen Crematorium initiative could serve as a model for other Indian states,leading to nationwide adoption of sustainable cremation practices.

Chandigarh, March 1

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, has urged all national and state-recognized political parties in the state to nominate their Booth Level Agents (BLA) and ensure that the list is submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office for record-keeping.

            Sh. Pankaj Agarwal said this while presiding over a meeting with representatives of political parties on Saturday . He said that the Election Commission of India has recently directed all Chief Electoral Officers of states and union territories to ensure the appointment of booth-level agents by political parties for each polling station and to maintain a proper record of these appointments.

            He said that Haryana has six national-level and two state-recognized political parties. All these parties must appoint Booth Level Agents 1 and 2. The BLA is an authorized person who collects election-related materials from the Election Commission on behalf of their respective party.

            Sh. Pankaj Agarwal further said that BLAs provide essential voter-related information to Booth Level Officers (BLOs), which plays a key role in preparing an error-free voter list. He recalled that in 2008, the Election Commission recommended the appointment of Booth Level Agents, but most political parties have not taken this responsibility seriously. He further directed that all political parties must submit details of their BLAs to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office by March 3, 2025. Additionally, political parties should authorize one or two individuals in each district to oversee and continue the process of BLA nomination.

            Sh. Pankaj Agarwal also informed that a two-day workshop for Chief Electoral Officers from all states will be held on March 4 and 5 at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in Delhi. The Election Commission has also scheduled a session on BLA appointments, making it imperative to complete this process on time. He assured that in the future, quarterly meetings with political parties will be held, with the next meeting scheduled in 15 days.

          Sh. Pankaj Agarwal stressed  on the importance of using this time effectively to complete all election-related formalities and maintain updated records, including the BLA list.

            Haryana Joint Chief Electoral Officers, Sh. Apurv and Sh. Raj Kumar, along with representatives from various political parties, including Virendra Garg (BJP), Parvinder Singh (INC), HS Sathi (CPI-M), and Dr. Satyavrat Dhankhar (INLD).

Chandigarh, March 1

While adhering to the directions issued by the Director General, Mining and Geology Department, Sh. K. Makrand Pandurang necessary and strict action is being taken continuously regarding illegal mining and mineral transportation in the state. Continuing the same, a joint team formed by the Narnaul district administration caught a tractor-trolley carrying gravel without e-Rawana near village Datal in Nangal Choudhary area on Saturday morning. A fine of about Rs 2.15 lakh has been imposed.

            Sharing more information in this regard a spokesperson of the Mining Department said that a joint team of Mining Department, Police Department, Forest Department and Pollution Control Board was on patrol in Nangal Chaudhary area on Saturday. During this time, a tractor-trolley was going towards Rajasthan on Nangal Chaudhary to Behror Road. The team caught it on the spot and checked the documents. During this, it was found that it was transporting gravel without e-Rawana. Taking action on this, the team has started the process of imposing a fine of Rs 2.15 lakh.

            The spokesperson further shared that this team is continuously patrolling day and night in various areas of the district. The team is continuously taking effective action on cases of illegal mining or illegal transportation of minerals.

Chandigarh, February 02- Haryana Mines and Geology Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar has refuted Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala’s claim that illegal mining is happening in 14 districts of the state with government support. He said these allegations are baseless. Congress leaders only spread falsehoods to mislead people. 

            Sh. Panwar stated that this is not the first time such baseless allegations have been made to damage the government’s image. He personally visited Pichopa Kalan in Charkhi Dadri and found no evidence of illegal mining there. 

            He said that some districts mentioned by Randeep Surjewala, like Kaithal, do not have any significant mines or minor minerals. Even in these areas, authorities are making continuous efforts to prevent illegal mining. 

*Over 13,000 vehicles checked since January, 575 vehicles seized*

            The Minister further said the department has already issued detailed instructions to the Deputy Commissioners regarding  formulating a three-tier network including Naka/Police checkposts, flying squads to curb illegal mining. For example, 16 Police checkposts have already been set up in Yamunanagar. 

            Since January 2025, 13,282 vehicles have been checked, and 575 vehicles carrying mining material illegally or without e-Rawaana have been seized. Besides this, Deputy Commissioners have been directed to keep a strict watch, take immediate action against illegal mining and strengthen police checkpoints to curb such activities effectively. To further strengthen monitoring, the department has replaced the old e-Rawana system with the HMGIS portal developed by NIC, which fixes previous loopholes. The new system is now integrated with CCTV cameras and weighing scales to curb illegal mining.

*Task Forces actively working to prevent illegal mining*

            Sh. Panwar said that strict actions are being taken against culprits, and the government is fully committed to stopping illegal mining. District-Level Task Forces (DLTF) and State-Level Task Forces (SLTF) have been set up to monitor illegal mining and the transportation of illegally mined minerals. DLTF teams have already been deployed and directed to conduct special investigation campaigns, focusing on mines, stone crushers, and screening plants set up near rivers. 

            Mines and Geology Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the state government has constituted Haryana State Enforcement Bureau (HSENB) to curb illegal mining, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been finalized to ensure coordination between HSENB and other departments. He said law enforcement is being encouraged  with the help of HSENB police and by involving local communities through gram panchayats. Besides this, the department has assigned Drone Imaging and Information Services Haryana Limited to conduct drone surveys of all active mining sites in the state. 

            A high-resolution satellite imagery report from HARSAC has been requested to monitor land surface changes in the Nuh, showcasing the state government’s commitment to stopping illegal mining.

Chandigarh, March 1

A facilitation programme, “Saluting Valor” was organised today at the CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, to honor and commemorate the significant contributions of retired CISF personnel to national security. The program commenced with the traditional lighting of a lamp, followed by a welcome address. 

Senior Commandant, CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, Sh. Yogesh Prakash Singh presented each guest with a plant and shawl as a token of honor for their glorious service. He said that this event initiates a week-long series of activities leading up to the 56th CISF Raising Day on 10 March. This gesture underscored the CISF’s commitment to the well-being of its retired members. During the event, Sh. Yogesh Prakash Singh highlighted various CISF initiatives aimed at supporting retired personnel, including the “Pension Corner” app and the E-Service Book. 

He further said that the “Saluting Valor” programme demonstrated the CISF’s dedication to recognizing the service of its retired personnel and ensuring their continued welfare. Sh. Yogesh Prakash Singh also mentioned that CISF is always standing with its veterans. A representative from CGHS Chandigarh also provided detailed information on the benefits and application procedures for the CGHS card for retired personnel. 

On this occasion a Cultural programme was presented by the personnel of CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh. CISF veterans shared their experiences with unit personnel during motivational talk.