Chandigarh, March 5

The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau took strict action against vehicle drivers involved in illegal mining and overloading and issued challans to 22 truck drivers in Yamunanagar district. These challans were issued by the Bureau team between Radaur-Ladwa National Highway. Through this action, the Enforcement Bureau has given a clear message to those involved in illegal mining that vehicle drivers involved in illegal mining and overloading in the state will not be spared and strict action will be taken against them as per rules.

This is the biggest action taken by the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau in the year 2025 so far, in which challans have been issued to 22 trucks simultaneously for illegal mining and overloading. As per the directions of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau is taking action by conducting a special campaign to stop illegal mining in the state. In January 2025, 238 cases were registered by the Bureau against those involved in illegal mining and overloading and 136 accused were arrested. During this period, a fine of Rs 127.86 lakh was imposed on illegal mining land mafias, out of which a fine of Rs 63.54 lakh was recovered in January 2025.

Head of Haryana State Enforcement Bureau, said that the campaign against illegal miners will continue in future also. Strict action will be taken against such people by adopting a policy of zero tolerance. He also appealed to the general public to ensure that they provide information related to illegal mining to the Enforcement Bureau. The name of the person giving the information will be kept confidential.

Chandigarh, March 5 – Haryana Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Vipul Goyal has stressed the importance of strengthening the state’s civil aviation infrastructure. Today, Mr. Goyal reviewed various projects within the department at his office in the Haryana Civil Secretariat and provided essential guidance to the officers.

The Minister received updates on the completion of formalities for the operation of Hisar Airport. He instructed that after obtaining the necessary license, landing trials should commence immediately to ensure that flights can begin from the airport as quickly as possible. Additionally, he sought detailed information about Ambala Airport and the Aero Sports Hub in Narnaul.

He also received progress updates on starting helicopter services from Gurugram, Hisar, and Faridabad. He urged officials to expedite the required work for this initiative. He said that a permanent helipad will be built in Sikar after discussions with the Rajasthan government to start helicopter service for Salasar and Khatu Shyam Dham. During the meeting, the Minister also covered a range of other department-related topics and provided further instructions to the officials.

Advisor and Special Secretary of the Department, Sh Narhari Singh Bangar and other officers were also present.

Chandigarh, March 5 – In a significant move to support the welfare of farmers, the Haryana Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, has made a significant decision to increase the limit of average production per acre for Rabi crops for the year 2024-25. This decision will directly benefit farmers who, due to higher yields than the previously set limits, were unable to sell their crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

To address this issue, the Haryana Government formed a dedicated committee to assess and recommend changes to the production limits for Rabi crops. Based on the committee’s findings, the Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has approved an increase in the production limits per acre, which will be implemented for the Rabi procurement season of 2025-26.

Giving information in this regard here today, an official spokesperson said that with this decision, the crop production limit for barley has been increased from 15 quintals to 16 quintals per acre. The production limit for gram has been raised from 5 quintals to 6 quintals per acre, while the sunflower limit has been increased from 8 quintals to 9 quintals per acre. In addition, the average production limit for the summer moong crop has been raised from 3 quintals to 4 quintals per acre.

Furthermore, the committee has established a fixed production estimate for lentils/masur, which previously had no set limit. The committee has determined the average production of lentils/masur to be 4 quintals per acre. However, the production limit for wheat remains unchanged at 25 quintals per acre.

The spokesperson said that these changes were made in response to the increased average yields, and that the decision would significantly benefit farmers cultivating gram, barley, sunflower, moong, and lentils, providing them with greater economic advantages.

Chandigarh, March 5 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini held an important meeting with the Vice Chancellors of State Government Universities here today to discuss the reforms to be made in the education sector. The Chief Minister said that the state budget for 2025-26 will prioritize education, ensuring that quality education is provided to children in line with the National Education Policy. He also invited suggestions from all Vice Chancellors to enhance the education system.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government has committed in its Sankalp Patra to offer full scholarships to Haryana students belonging to  Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes pursuing medical and engineering studies at any government college in India. He urged that a framework be developed for this initiative as soon as possible. He said that all provisions of the National Education Policy should be fully implemented across universities and colleges, with the goal of transforming Haryana into a global education hub, offering specialized training in AI and modern skills.

Horticulture University should start research on fruits and vegetables

While interacting with the Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, the Chief Minister said that the future lies in horticultural crops and stressed the need to raise awareness among farmers about adopting crop diversification instead of traditional farming. He mentioned that the Horticulture University could play a pivotal role in this initiative. The first phase of the India International Horticulture Market, currently being built in Ganaur, will soon be inaugurated, bringing significant benefits to horticulture farmers. The increased export of fruits and vegetables will enhance their income. In this direction, the Horticulture University should focus on research related to the fruits and vegetables grown in various regions of Haryana.

The Chief Minister has directed the formulation of a plan to establish sports schools in every district to enhance the sports proficiency of the state’s youth. He said that universities should also be equipped with appropriate sports facilities. He further stated that the youth of Haryana should be trained from now onwards for the 2036 Olympics, with the aim of bringing glory to both the state and the country on the global stage.

Education Minister urges collaboration between Education Department and Universities to create research support framework for students

In the meeting, Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda said that there is no shortage of talent among the youth of Haryana, with children bringing accolades to both the state and the country in various fields. However, he pointed out that many children often fall behind due to a lack of proper opportunities. He suggested that during exhibitions organized in schools and colleges, students who create exceptional models related to science, the environment, and other fields should be provided with proper guidance and funding to pursue research in those areas. To achieve this, he said that the department officials and the university work together to develop a comprehensive framework.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yash Pal, OSD to Chief Minister Raj Nehru, Chairman Haryana Higher Education Council, Vice Chancellors of Kurukshetra University, Maharana Pratap Horticulture University, Sri Krishna Ayush University, Indira Gandhi University, Maharishi Dayanand University, Maharishi Valmiki Sanskrit University, Sports University, Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Science and Technology University, National Law University, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University and Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University were present in the meeting.

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.