Category Archives: Haryana

Chandigarh, Chandigarh, Haryana

Punjab water resources department achieves major milestones in water infrastructure

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Chandigarh, December 29:

Punjab Water Resources Department has achieved unprecedented milestones in strengthening state’s water infrastructure and ensuring equitable water distribution to the farmers of the state.

Disclosing this here, Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that In a landmark achievement, department has successfully executed development projects worth over Rs.2100 crores up till the last of the 2024, which included comprehensive canal lining, repairs and water course rehabilitation. This extensive work has significantly improved water availability to the tail-end farmers, fulfilling the commitment to equitable water distribution, he added.

One of the most significant accomplishments of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has been addressing the chronic issue of water logging through the relining of Sirhind Feeder. Out of total project cost of Rs.671.478 crores, the department has completed approximately 89.61 kilometers of relining works, amounting to Rs.543.43 crores. This intervention has been crucial in mitigating waterlogging issues that have long plagued agricultural lands, said the Cabinet Minister.

He said that statewide water courses restoration drive has also yielded remarkable results. The department has successfully revitalized 15947 water courses that had been non-functional for two to three decades. This initiative has brought canal water for irrigation to more than 950 villages for the first time in their history.

“In a progressive policy shift, we removed the 25-year restriction on water course repairs, enabling our field officers to undertake immediate restoration works, said the Water Resources Minister, adding that through effective convergence of MGNREGA and state funds, the state has rehabilitated over 909 water courses, spanning more than 700 kilometers in just two years.

Sh. Goyal said that historic transformative initiative of construction of Malwa Canal project will revolutionize irrigation in the Malwa region. This 150-kilometer canal, with an investment of Rs.2300 crores, will irrigate approximately two lakh acres across five districts – Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Besides this, three new canals are under construction in Pathankot district, bringing surface water to this region for the first time.

Mann government’s commitment to groundwater conservation has led to the revival of 30 defunct groundwater recharge structures, with 129 more sites nearing completion. The department has completed boring at 128 water recharge sites and 60 new sites have been identified for future development.

He said that in the direction of digital transformation, the state has launched E-Sinchai, a comprehensive mobile application for farmer services, including Warabandi and Chakbandi. The Punjab Canal and Regulation Information System, another digital initiative, provides real-time monitoring of canal discharges and brings unprecedented transparency to water distribution.

To streamline administrative processes, the Cabinet Minister said, we have developed an online portal for NOC services related to lands near water bodies, significantly reducing processing times. Through process re-engineering and digitization, the department has achieved a remarkable 60-70% reduction in application processing time.

Chandigarh, Haryana

JRS Eastman Group announces pilot initiative to expand its environmental & social responsibility endeavour in Punjab

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Chandigarh:

The JRS Eastman Group, a Ludhiana-based conglomerate has announced a pilot initiative to expand its environmental and social responsibility endeavour in Punjab. While addressing a press conference at Chandigarh Press Club, Group’s Chairman Jagdish Rai Singal shared plans to rejuvenate urban wastelands using the Miyawaki forest method, a concept inspired by PM Narendra Modi’s address on “Mann Ki Baat” in June 2023. The initiative aims to transform a 5500 yards of wasteland into a thriving green forest, followed by the development of an additional two acres in association with Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (LMC). A total of Rs one crore are being spent in two phases for this transformation.

The group had  also approached the LMC to rehabilitate abandoned parks using the Miyawaki method. This project aligns with the group’s broader commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality, showcasing its dedication to enhancing environmental health and creating a greener future.In addition to its environmental endeavors, the Group has planned to provide employment opportunities to retired Agniveers under the Govt’s Agniveer scheme. This program, launched in June 2022, recruits young individuals for short-term service in the armed forces.

While 25% of these recruits are absorbed into the defence line, the remaining individuals face the challenge of reintegration into civilian life. Responding to PM Modi’s call for industries to support retired Agniveers, the group has decided to reserve five percent of its future recruitment for them, with a goal to employ 250 Agniveers in the near future. Singal emphasized that Agniveers’ discipline and training would be valuable assets for the company, which currently employs 5,145 workers and aims to reach 10,000 employees by 2029.

Singal urged other industrialists and citizens to contribute to these efforts, stressing the importance of collaborative solutions to societal and environmental challenges. He highlighted the need for private initiatives to complement government programs, stating that the responsibility of creating a sustainable and inclusive future lies with all stakeholders. Singal expressed pride in his company’s dual focus on environmental restoration and social welfare, viewing it as a meaningful way to give back to the nation and future generations. The announcement reaffirms the group’s commitment to creating positive change while setting a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in India.

Chandigarh, Haryana

Haryana Cabinet revises Ex-Gratia of Martyrs, approves hike Pensions, and other development policies in major decisions

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Chandigarh, December 28:

Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today approved several key decisions aimed at improving the welfare of citizens, enhancing the state’s administrative framework, and promoting economic growth.

Key Decisions Taken:

*Revised Ex-Gratia for Families of Martyrs*: The Cabinet approved an increase in the Ex-Gratia amount for the families of battle casualties of Union Armed Forces personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The amount will now be raised from the existing Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 1 crore, fulfilling a promise made by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in his 2024-25 Budget speech. This move acknowledges the sacrifices of martyrs and their families.

*Enhanced Pension for Matribhasha Satyagrahis*: The Cabinet approved an increase in the monthly pension for Matribhasha Satyagrahis of the Hindi Aandolan-1957 from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000, effective immediately.

*Land Allocation for Family of Shaheed Sub-Inspector*: A 200-square-yard plot will be allocated to Smt. Kamlesh Sharma, wife of Shaheed Sub-Inspector Sh. Jai Bhagwan, in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice during a counter-insurgency operation in 1995. The plot will provide much-needed residential accommodation for her family.

*Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana (MMPSY) SOP*: The Cabinet approved the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) for the implementation of MMPSY from 2024-25. Under this scheme, instead of reimbursing premiums for various schemes, Rs. 1,000 per eligible family per year will be transferred to the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU) for compensation payments to families with an income of up to Rs. 1.80 lakh annually.

*Revision of External Development Charges (EDC)*: The Cabinet approved the revision of the Indexation Policy for calculating EDC rates. The Indexation Policy was based on EDC rates for the year 2015 and these had not been increased for last 8 years till date. Prior to the Indexation Policy, the EDC rates were increased by 10 per cent every year. Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal to increase EDC rates by 10 percent every year, hereafter. A consultant will be engaged to determine future base EDC rates.

*Upgradation of Development Zones*: The Cabinet approved the upgradation of Pataudi-Haily Mandi and Farrukhnagar in Gurugram from Low Potential  Zone to Medium Potential Zones, aimed at boosting economic growth of these areas and contributing to the state’s revenue.

*Extension of Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy*: The Cabinet approved the extension of the 2019 Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy and associated schemes until the new policy is notified, supporting industrial growth in the state.

*Cabinet nod to Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication for HPSC Exams*: Aadhaar authentication will now be mandatory for candidates appearing for Group A and B posts in the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) exams. This move is aimed at ensuring the integrity of the recruitment process and preventing fraudulent applications.

*Amendment to Health Department Service Rules*: The Cabinet approved an amendment to the Haryana Health Department Multipurpose Health Supervisors and Multipurpose Health Workers Group ‘C’ Service Rules, 1984.  As per the amendment, the educational qualification for the posts of Multipurpose Health Worker (Male) and Multipurpose Health Worker (Female) will now be 10+2 in any stream. Under the existing departmental service rules, the educational qualifications for recruitment to the MPHW post required 10+2 with science stream.

*Increase in Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity*: The Cabinet approved a 25% increase in the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for state government employees and Judicial Officers, raising the limit from Rs. 20 lakh to Rs. 25 lakh, effective from January 1, 2024.

*Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority Act Amendment*: The Cabinet approved amendments to the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority Act, 2021, to enable the Chief Executive Officer to exercise powers under the Haryana New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952, and update provisions regarding the area falling within the Municipal Council of Kalka.

*Haryana Human Resources Management System (e-HRMS 2.0) Policy*: The Cabinet approved the draft Haryana Human Resources Management System (Administration) Policy, 2024. This policy will update and streamline human resource management across all Haryana government departments, with e-HRMS 2.0 serving as a centralized platform for managing placements, transfers, and service conditions etc.

*Amendment to Haryana Contractual Employees Act*: The Cabinet approved to bring an ordinance to amend the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024. Under this amendment, the phrase “in a calendar year” will be replaced with “during a period of one year of contractual service.” This amendment is being introduced to address request raised by contractual employees regarding the calculation of their service days.

*State Government Guarantees for UHBVNL Capex Loans*: The Cabinet granted ex-post facto approval for providing a state government guarantee of Rs. 800 crore to Canara Bank and Rs. 400 crore to Bank of India, for fresh Capex loans to Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) to meet its capital expenditure requirements for the financial year 2024-25.

Chandigarh, Haryana

DCs told to send report on crop damage due to rain, hailstorm: CM

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Chandigarh, December 28

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said the Deputy Commissioners of all those districts where there is a possibility of damage to crops due to the recent rain and hailstorm have been instructed to send a report on this matter.

Talking to journalists after the Cabinet meeting here, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet members expressed concern in the meeting over the rain and hailstorm that has been happening for the last two days in the state. He said at present, reports of damage due to rain and hailstorm have been received in Assembly constituencies of Tosham, Bawani Khera, Loharu, Fatehabad block, Ratia town, Bhattu Kalan, Narnaund, Hansi, Guhla, Kalayat, Kaithal, Siwan, along with areas in Mahendragarh, Kanina Assembly, Hathin block and Bawal block.

Instructions have been given to Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts to send the report of crop damage. Farmers will be able to file report of their losses on the e-reimbursement portal themselves. Instructions have been given to reopen this portal.

Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab

Event on ‘Seafarers’ Rights and Employment’ Held

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Chandigarh: The Deputy Director General of Shipping, Captain Dr. Daniel Joseph, from the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has assured the protection of the rights of merchant navy seafarers. Speaking as the chief guest at an event on the topic “Seafarers’ Rights and Employment,” organized at the Tagore Theatre Auditorium in Chandigarh on Friday, Dr. Joseph stated that now seafarers from Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh will find it easier to bring their concerns and rights to the government’s attention. A significant initiative under the leadership of Captain Sanjay Parashar has been launched in Chandigarh, which is expected to yield positive results in the near future. During the program, seafarers raised their issues on an open platform.

While interacting with the seafarers present at the event, Captain Dr. Daniel Joseph emphasized that protecting the rights of Indian merchant navy seafarers is a top priority for DG Shipping. He highlighted that seafarers from Punjab and neighboring states often had to depend on offices in Mumbai or Delhi to voice their concerns. This process was both lengthy and complex. Additionally, many seafarers lack sufficient information about online procedures, leading to situations where they miss out on their rightful entitlements. Dr. Joseph assured that the government is committed to addressing the concerns of seafarers seriously and providing resolutions. This new initiative will give seafarers an opportunity to present their problems effectively, thanks to the extensive efforts of Sanjay Parashar, who has been working for the welfare of maritime seafarers for over two and a half decades. Parashar has even helped rescue seafarers and save lives in critical situations. Dr. Joseph further stated that he will take all necessary measures to improve the condition of seafarers and ensure they receive proper respect.

Active Support from the Directorate General of Shipping
Captain Joseph also highlighted that the Directorate General of Shipping has taken the issues of seafarers seriously and has been coordinating with various government departments to resolve their problems. He assured that better policies and programs will be developed in the coming days to enhance the quality of work and life for seafarers. Efforts will have to be made collectively. It was stated that considering the dangers and challenges arising during sea voyages, prioritizing the safety of sailors is extremely necessary. Even today, 81 Indian sailors are imprisoned in foreign jails. It was suggested that emphasis should be placed on implementing modern technology and providing a swift justice system for sailors. Additionally, the use of the latest safety measures should be ensured so that sailors receive better protection.

Seafarers Shared Their Issues
Seafarers from various regions of North India participated in the program and shared their difficulties. They reported instances of unfair treatment. In Punjab and neighboring states, exploitation by fraudulent agents is a significant issue, particularly in rural areas where young men seeking jobs in the merchant navy are often scammed. These fraudulent companies not only exploit the dreams of the youth but also rob their families of their hard-earned money. The seafarers stressed the need for strict action against such entities and called for immediate measures to curb these practices.

They also demanded improved working conditions, enhanced safety measures while working at sea, and expanded healthcare facilities for long-term support. Additionally, they emphasized the need for more training and development opportunities to further enhance their professional skills.

Captain Sanjay Parashar’s Initiative
The event was organized under the leadership of Captain Sanjay Parashar, who has consistently worked on issues related to the rights and employment of merchant navy seafarers. Captain Parashar stated that the program provides a platform for seafarers to raise their concerns effectively. He described this initiative as a new beginning that will help bring positive changes for the benefit of seafarers. The event sent a positive message to the merchant navy seafarers that their rights will be protected, and their problems will be resolved promptly. Seafarers now hope that the efforts of Captain Dr. Daniel Joseph and Captain Sanjay Parashar will make their concerns a government priority, ensuring better working and living conditions for them.