Category Archives: Haryana

Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates a two-day orientation programme at Haryana Vidhan Sabha

Chandigarh, February 14

Lok Sabha Speaker, Sh. Om Birla said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is continuously progressing on the path of development. Whether it is infrastructural development or the social and economic landscape, Haryana is making strides in every sector today, he said.

The Lok Sabha Speaker was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Orientation Programme organized for the Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly of Haryana in the State Legislature Premises, Chandigarh, on Friday. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Satish Mahana, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, and MLA Sh. B.B. Batra attended the programme.

The said Orientation Programme is being organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Lok Sabha Secretariat in collaboration with the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said that Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has extensive experience in both democratic institutions— Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabha—and with this experience, he will provide guidance to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

Sh. Om Birla also highlighted Haryana’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, along with its glorious history of athletes, freedom fighters, and valour. He said that despite being a small state, Haryana has always carved out a distinct identity for itself at the national and global levels. It was from the land of Haryana that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the message of Karma (duty), he said.

The Lok Sabha  Speaker  further  said that the Haryana Vidhan Sabha has a significant legacy, and the development model it has presented serves as a guiding example for other states. He emphasized that legislators have played a crucial role in this journey of progress.

*Legislators have the responsibility to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of the public-  Lok Sabha Speaker*

Sh. Om Birla said that the people have elected legislators to the Assembly with trust and confidence, and it is a matter of pride that 40 MLAs have been elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha for the first time. He said that legislators have the responsibility to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of the public. He said that as members of the Vidhan Sabha, legislators do not just represent a single constituency but lead the entire state. 

The Lok Sabha Speaker stressed the importance of reviewing past discussions, dialogues, and debates while formulating effective laws. To achieve this, efforts are being made to maintain a digital record of discussions and deliberations on policy making and planning from previous assemblies. This digital archive of all state legislatures will be available on a single platform, allowing members to study it and provide meaningful suggestions. 

He further said that while drafting legislation, it is essential to incorporate positive suggestions from members. Sometimes, shortcomings in legislative drafts affect the functioning of the government and impact the public. Therefore, these drafts should be circulated among members so that their expertise and experience can further refine and improve them.

(Public participation and activeness in Democracy will bring transparency in Governance*

Sh. Om Birla said that state legislatures should conduct comprehensive reviews of policies and schemes.  He said that there should be an in-depth study of state issues and the more effectively constituency and state issues are raised in the assembly, the more positive changes will occur.  He said that whether it is Parliament or the Legislative Assembly, these democratic institutions serve as platforms that enable the government to understand the problems of every sector and every section of society. By taking this information positively, the government can function more effectively. The greater the participation and activeness of the public in democracy, the more transparency there will be in governance.

He emphasized that a public representative is best positioned to assess whether the laws, policies, and schemes formulated by the government and legislatures are being implemented effectively on the ground. The more thorough the review in the assembly, the better governance will function, ensuring accountability.

He further stated that a good legislator is one who not only raises the issues of their constituency during assembly sessions but also engages in meaningful discussions in the house. He noted that there will be many challenges and difficulties in social life, and their solutions will emerge from these legislative bodies. In this era of information technology, it is crucial to have meaningful discussions in the assembly with innovative approaches so that the path to public welfare can be paved effectively.

*India has shown the World – Democracy is the supreme form of Governance- Lok Sabha Speaker*

Sh. Om Birla stated that both the ruling party and the opposition are the strengths of democracy, and India has demonstrated to the world that democracy is the highest form of governance. Despite its diversity, it is democratic principles that have united the nation.

He emphasized that engaging in meaningful discussions within legislative bodies enhances leadership skills. All members must think about how legislative institutions can be utilized more effectively for public welfare. He expressed hope that new members would gain knowledge from the experiences of senior legislators and contribute to strengthening the democratic system.

He also appreciated that the Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, is making continuous efforts to ensure that the proceedings of the House are conducted meaningfully.

The Lok Sabha Speaker noted that in Haryana, pre-budget meetings are held where legislators and other stakeholders provide suggestions, which are then incorporated into policy and planning. He further highlighted that parliamentary committees assess the impact of budgetary allocations on the social and economic lives of citizens. Therefore, post-budget discussions in parliamentary committees should be maximized to evaluate the effectiveness of the budget.

He added that during this two-day programme, experts will provide insights into legislative procedures, helping members enhance their understanding and efficiency. This will further strengthen public trust and confidence in their elected representatives.

Legislature is one of the important pillars of democracy, all members must work hard towards making it stronger: CM

Chandigarh, February 14

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that legislature is one of the important pillars of democracy, and all members must work hard towards making it stronger. He said that the role of elected representatives is not just to make laws but also to raise the voices of their constituents and work towards solving their problems effectively. 

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day orientation programme organised for Haryana Vidhan Sabha members on February 14 and 15, 2025 in collaboration with the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha. 

The Chief Minister said that the two-day programme would focus on brainstorming legislative procedures. He said that all the members must realise the great responsibility given to them by the people and to act as true representatives of Haryana, beyond personal ideologies. Once inside the Assembly, members should prioritise the dignity, smooth functioning, and prestige of the House, said the Chief Minister. 

As the leader of the House, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that democratic traditions would be upheld, and discussions would be conducted with a spirit of unity rather than individual interests and every member’s voice in the assembly will be heard.

The Chief Minister said that we are first and foremost members of this esteemed Assembly and then belong to different political parties. The Haryana Assembly has always upheld strong legislative traditions, and new principles and standards will also be established. Just as Haryana has made a name for itself in development and public welfare, it should also set an example in legislative excellence as well.  To effectively frame laws and policies in the state’s interest he emphasised the need for more assembly sittings. When the 15th Haryana Vidhan Sabha was formed, the government resolved to rise above politics and focus on meaningful debates, discussions, and addressing public concerns, he added.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini stated that members must remember when they speak in the Assembly, they represent not just themselves but the voices of lakhs of citizens. He said that the 14th Assembly held 16 sessions with 76 sittings were held, while the 13th had 15 sessions with 84 sittings. Similarly, 11 sessions and 56 sittings in the 12th Vidhan Sabha, 12 sessions and 70 sittings in the 11th Vidhan Sabha and 66 sittings in 14 sessions in the 10th Vidhan Sabha.

The Chief Minister said that this productive atmosphere was possible because both the ruling and opposition parties actively participated in running the House and 15th Vidhan Sabha session will also have meaningful debates, discussions in the interest of the state and will respect each other’s views as well.

The Chief Minister said that all legislators will uphold the dignity of the House. He acknowledged that disagreements are natural in a democracy but maintaining decency is essential. He said that if everyone works with the spirit of “Nation First,” every decision made in the Assembly will ultimately serve the best interests of the people.

*Public representatives must rise above ideology and contribute to nation building: Harvinder Kalyan*

Speaker of Haryana Assembly Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said after being elected as a public representative, the role of a politician changes, so all public representatives should rise above their ideology and discharge their duties with the aim of nation building, progress of the state and public welfare.

He expressed gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla for organizing the two-day orientation program in collaboration with Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE)-Lok Sabha and said a campaign is being run under the leadership of the Lok Sabha Speaker to strengthen the legislative institutions. Under this, various training programs are being organized.

He said the representatives of the people have a key role in the success of the Parliamentary system. The interests of the people and the country are protected by the efficiency of the legislature. The success of these institutions depends on the working style of the members. Therefore, the public representatives should have knowledge of the Constitution, rules, methods, laws and practices of the Parliamentary system; knowledge and information about day-to-day activities related to governance and administration; knowledge of public problems and ways to solve them; and leadership skills.

He said the Vidhan Sabha is an institution made up of public representatives and works for the public through these representatives. Parliament and state legislatures have special powers and rights to carry out parliamentary work.

He said a two-day training program was organized for the officers and employees of the Vidhan Sabha just 2 months ago. In the coming times, such programs will continue to be organized with the cooperation of PRIDE and HIPA.

Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said today preserving the environment and keeping the youth away from drugs are important issues. In the coming times, work will be done to form a committee on youth affairs and environment in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, which will take these issues forward in collaboration with the government. He said we are all fortunate to have got the opportunity to serve the people through the Vidhan Sabha. Therefore, we all should participate in making India a developed nation by 2047.

Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Sh. Satish Mahana said it is a matter of pride to be a member of the Legislative Assembly. Our honour and prestige is due to being a member of the Legislative Assembly, so the elected members should protect the dignity of the House. He said the members should never behave in such a way or conduct themselves which puts a question mark on the legislative institutions. He said the public elects us as public representatives, so we should work together for the benefit of the state.

The orientation program was also addressed by Deputy Speaker of Haryana Legislative Assembly Dr. Krishan Lal Middha and Member Sh. B.B. Batra.

Prosight Eye Hospital Promises Pioneering AI, Robotics & SMART Lasers for Next-Gen Eye Care

Chandigarh, February 9, 2025: Prosight Eye Hospital, a state-of-the-art eye hospital pioneering AI, Robotics, and SMART Lasers was inaugurated at Sector 43, here today. The opening was attended by distinguished guests, medical directors, ophthalmic fraternity, prominent citizens, and community stakeholders.

Prosight Eye Hospital Chandigarh is a fully integrated gen-next innovative eye hospital, combining artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, SMART lasers, and precision diagnostics to deliver world-class treatments. Designed as a patient-centric eye care facility, the hospital prioritizes diagnostic accuracy, patient comfort, and tech innovations, positioning itself as the region’s most advanced destination for eye care.

Dr. SPS Oberoi, renowned philanthropist & Managing Trustee Sharbat Da Bhalla Trust was the Chief Guest. Dr. (Col) Rajinder Singh, a prominent social worker, Reformer & Educationist, was the Guest of Honour.

Board of Directors of the Fusion Care Eye Hospital (The parent body of Prosight Eye Hospital Chandigarh), who were present on the occasion included, Dr. Kashish Gupta, Dr Manpreet Singh, and Dr Sanjeev Duggal.

Dr. Sheetal Brar, Medical Director & Chief Surgeon (Prosight Eye Hospital Chandigarh), said Prosight Eye Hospital Chandigarh will offer eye treatments grounded in global research and tailored to individual patient vision needs with proven research and clinical trials. It is the first in Chandigarh to offer this minimally invasive, pain-free laser technology for refractive errors, ensuring rapid & reliable vision recovery.

“The hospital has globally awarded eye super specialists & Eye Surgeons with established professional credentials & repute. Ultra-Modern Eye diagnostic suites with AI algorithms to accurately analyse and predict eye conditions with unmatched accuracy are some of the highlights of treatment being offered in the hospital”, she said.

Dr. Sheetal said, “Robotic-assisted surgeries would have FLACS technology from Ziemer with Enhanced precision in cataract removals & IOL implants, besides IoT-enabled systems streamline patient flow, while paperless records and virtual consultations enhance accessibility.”

“The hospital promises affordable eye care by offering most competitive pricing in Laser vision corrections to bring quality eye care within reach of large segments of Chandigarh Tricity population”, she added.

As a part of its CSR initiative, Prosight will host a series of free eye screening camps across the Chandigarh region through February and March, emphasizing early detection of preventable blindness. The hospital offers a limited period of discounted services on its premium laser surgeries, such as SMILE pro & FLACS robotic cataract treatments.

Visit  Prosight Eye Hospital Chandigarh

The hospital is located in Sector 43B Chandigarh and is now open to Eye patients.

Website  www.prosighteyehospital.com             Email: media@prosighteyehospital.com

Hospital Address: SCO 146, 43B, Sector 43, Chandigarh, 160043

Media Liaison:                    911 5900 810

Hospital Contact Number:  911 5900 661

Hospital Helpline Number: 911 51 00 841

Surajkund mela to be held from Feb 7 to 23, tickets can be booked online: Kala Ramachandran

Chandigarh, February 3 – Haryana Tourism Corporation’s Principal Secretary Smt. Kala Ramachandran said the 38th International Surajkund Crafts Fair will be organized in a grand manner. All the preparations are in full swing for this fair, which will be organised from February 7 to February 23.

Smt. Kala Ramachandran today held a meeting with the administrative officers regarding the preparations of the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair. Deputy Commissioner Sh. Vikram Singh was also present on the occasion.

The Principal Secretary said the Surajkund Fair has been digitized. For the first time, the booking of stalls has been done online. While maintaining complete transparency, the crafts fair of Surajkund is getting ready to welcome the general public through a digital platform. Information about every aspect of the fair will be available on surajkundmela.co.in.

This time, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh are the theme states and BIMSTEC-Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand are the partners while North East Handloom and Handicraft Association is the cultural partner for the fair. The Delhi Metro will be the ticketing partner. Artists, weavers, craftsmen from theme states, BIMSTEC countries as well as other countries will participate in the fair, while the common people will be able to enjoy the traditional dishes of many states of the country.

Smt. Kala Ramachandran visited the fair premises along with administrative officials, took stock of the preparations and gave instructions to complete the work on time.

Working women to get Sakhi Niwas, day care facility for children too

Chandigarh, February 3

With a focus on improving facilities for working women, the Haryana government is set to construct women’s hostels in Faridabad Sector-78 and Gurugram Sector-9 under the Sakhi Niwas Yojana. This initiative aims to address the accommodation needs of working women by providing them with safe and convenient housing options at Sakhi Niwas.

Haryana Mahila Vikas Nigam is currently preparing an action plan for the project. Women residing in Sakhi Niwas will have access to a range of facilities, including daycare services. They will also be able to bring their children with them. The accommodation facility will be available for boys up to 12 years old and girls up to 18 years old.

The scheme will benefit all types of working women, including unmarried, married, and divorced individuals. Special priority will be given to women from underprivileged backgrounds and those with physical disabilities. To be eligible, the applicant must be a resident of Haryana and possess a Haryana Parivar Pehchan Patra. The woman’s monthly income must not exceed Rs 50,000 in metropolitan areas or Rs 35,000 in other locations. If the woman’s income exceeds these limits, she will be required to vacate the hostel within three months. Applicants will also need to submit their Aadhar card, a police verification report, and an employee salary certificate along with the application.

The hostels will be built on approximately one acre of land, with capacity for 200 women. The construction cost is estimated at Rs 65.30 crore, which will be funded by the Government of India.

Union Budget will make dream of self-reliant India a reality: Ranbir Gangwa

Chandigarh, February 3 – Haryana’s Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said in the Budget presented by Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for the financial year 2025-26, many visionary and inclusive policies have been announced, which are important for the development of not only Haryana but also for every other state. This is a development-oriented and balanced Budget. It is an important step towards realizing the vision of self-reliant India under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.

The minister said the Budget is a very beneficial for the well-being of every section like farmers, youth, women, employees and businessmen, in which the all-round development of every section and every person has been taken care of.

He said a huge relief has been given to the middle class in the Budget and now, no tax will have to be paid up to Rs 12.75 lakh. There are 11 lakh income tax payers in Haryana alone and this Budget will take about 5 lakh people out of the scope of income tax. People from every section of society have praised this Budget because it reflects the government’s commitment to prioritize the needs of the common man. With this Budget, the country will move forward rapidly on the path of development.

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said the Budget is an unprecedented step for rapid improvement in the agriculture sector. It will increase the income of farmers, reduce dependence on imports and farmers will get direct benefit from this. Now, farmers will be able to take loan up to Rs 5 lakh on subsidy cards. With the aim of promoting cotton cultivation, farmers of Hisar, Fatehabad, Sirsa, Kaithal and other districts will get a lot of benefits. A 6-year mission will be started for self-sufficiency in the production of pulses.

He said under the package of five schemes of the Prime Minister, employment and skill development opportunities will be provided to more than 3 crore youth in the next 5 years, which will also benefit the youth of Haryana. Not only this, a provision of more than Rs 500 crore has been made to promote education in Artificial Intelligence.

The Public Works Minister said there is also a proposal to approve 100 per cent foreign investment in the insurance sector. Customs duty on EV battery manufacturing material has been abolished. Women of SC/ST category will get a loan of up to Rs 2 crore without guarantee. This will benefit those women who want to be self-reliant and self-sufficient. The state of Haryana produces about 65 per cent of the country’s automobiles. Hence, there will be further growth in this sector. He said the government has removed customs duty from 36 life-saving medicines. The credit guarantee cover for MSMEs will be increased from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore. All government secondary schools will be connected with broadband connectivity.

No mining or water exploitation in Ramalwas village of Charkhi Dadri – Krishan Lal Panwar

Chandigarh, February 3: Haryana Mines and Geology Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, said that currently, no mining activities or water exploitation are taking place in Ramalwas village, in the Charkhi Dadri district. He further said that instructions have been issued to the concerned officials to prioritize and address any issues raised by the local villagers without delay. The Minister assured that villagers can directly communicate with him or department officials at any time regarding their concerns, and these issues will be resolved promptly.

The Minister said that villagers have been protesting for several days at the closed mine in Ramalwas village. They had complained that the mine owner was conducting illegal mining activities and exploiting water resources, which led to a decrease in the groundwater level in the area. Taking cognizance of the complaint, the department took immediate action and suspended operations at the mine on October 28, 2024. Furthermore, the lease for the mine was also terminated on December 11, 2024.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that currently, no mining activities or water exploitation are taking place in Ramalwas village. He assured that if the villagers have any other concerns or demands; they are welcome to meet with him or the department officials.

He emphasized that there is a complete ban on illegal mining in the state, and strict action is taken immediately against anyone involved in such activities.

Haryana Government to immediately clear pending claims under Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Chandigarh, February 3

Chief Principal Secretary to the Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, and representatives of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) held a meeting here today in which an assurance was given that the demands put forth by the IMA will be fulfilled. Under this, all applications received for claims under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana till March 10 will be paid by March 31, 2025. For this, adequate amount will be approved for the department in the revised budget. Apart from this, a budget of Rs 2500 crore will be provided for settlement and timely payment of claims under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana for the next year.

Representatives of the Haryana unit of IMA expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and said the Chief Minister has taken prompt action by sympathetically considering their demands. Treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana will continue as before and patients will not face any kind of difficulty.

Giving detailed information, Smt. Sangeeta Tetarwal, Chief Executive Officer of Ayushman Bharat Haryana Health Protection Authority, said Rs 195 crore has been paid for the claim applications received from January 1 till now. The remaining pending claims will be paid in February. Apart from this, the claim applications received till March 10 will be settled by March 31, 2025.

She said the process of claim was explained in detail in today’s meeting. It was decided in the meeting that the claims related to medicine and pediatrics will be processed by a special team of specialized doctors. Apart from this, information about suspicious cases that come to light through Artificial Intelligence will be shared with hospitals as soon as possible.

She said if the claim amount has been reduced for any reason, then the hospital will give detailed information about the reasons for that reduction. Doctors will be retrained to inspect the claim, so that the payment of the claim can be ensured in a timely manner and unnecessary deductions are not made. It was also discussed in the meeting that if the patient is not willing to get treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, then he will be given the option to get treatment at his own expense.

It was also decided in the meeting that the process of appeal for the claim will be further strengthened. Hospitals will also be given the option to file a second appeal. Strict instructions have been given to the concerned officials to pay the claim amount within the stipulated time limit.

Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Sh. Anurag Rastogi and representatives of the Haryana unit of IMA were present in the meeting.

Palwal to become one of the leading districts in cleanliness and beautification: Minister Gaurav Gautam

Chandigarh, February 03

Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sports, Law and Legislative, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that Palwal will be developed as one of the leading districts in the country in terms of cleanliness and beautification. On Monday, he started a cleanliness drive from the Palwal bus stand. 

Speaking on the occasion, the minister stated that wall paintings are being created at major intersections and on overbridges to enhance the city’s beauty. As part of the campaign, he personally participated in collecting and disposing of garbage in tractor trolleys, sending a message of cleanliness to the public. He also said that tricolour lights will soon be installed in the district. 

He said that regular cleanliness drives are being conducted to maintain hygiene in the city. Municipal council employees have been directed to improve the sanitation system. To support garbage collection, 80 rickshaws, 10 tractor trolleys, and 2 JCB machines have been provided to the municipal council. Attractive selfie points have been made in the city named ‘Hamara Palwal’.

He further commended Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s nationwide cleanliness campaign and reaffirmed Haryana’s commitment to the cause under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership. 

Deputy Commissioner, Palwal, Sh. Harish Kumar Vashishth and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Palwal, Sh. Akhil Pilani along with other administrative officers also remained present.

Strict action to be taken against drug smugglers: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, February 3

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini met with media representatives from the Press Association Naraingarh and Patrakar Manch at the rest house in Naraingarh today, where he inquired about their well-being.

The Chief Minister praised the media representatives, stating, “I have always received your support.” Recalling the challenging days of his political career, the Chief Minister expressed that he has received unwavering cooperation and support from the media colleagues in the region.

Earlier, the Chief Minister heard the public grievances. He said that the government has implemented several schemes for the welfare of the people of the state, and the public is benefiting from them. He added that all officers have been instructed to listen to the concerns of the people in their offices daily and take prompt action to resolve them.

The Chief Minister encouraged the young journalists to seek guidance from their senior colleagues and report news related to the public with a positive outlook. He emphasized that it will always be his effort to ensure the Naraingarh region reaches new heights of development. He highlighted several ongoing projects in the Naraingarh sub-division, including the sports stadium, astroturf for hockey, a regional center and horticulture college, Government Women’s College in Shahzadpur, community centers in most villages, a powerhouse in village Dera, and the construction of various bridges and roads. These facilities, he said, will benefit the people of the area.

The Chief Minister said that one medical college would be established in each district of the state. So far, medical colleges have been built in 15 districts, and more will be set up in the remaining districts in the future, ensuring better health facilities for the people of the state. He also mentioned that strict directions have been issued to the police to maintain law and order across the state. Criminals will face the strictest action as per the law. To combat drug abuse, the Chief Minister highlighted the launch of the MANAS portal, where individuals can anonymously report information about drug smugglers and sellers, ensuring the confidentiality of the informer’s identity.

            On this occasion, former MLA Dr. Pawan Saini, the CM’s media secretary Sh Praveen Attrey, and media representatives from the sub-division were present.