IEP Chandigarh, January 31

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal, inaugurated the Rekhi Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness at the Psychology Department of Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra on Wednesday.

The Happiness Center, established in collaboration with the Rekhi Foundation for Happiness, aims to provide a platform for students, teachers, employees, and the general public to explore the principles of happiness, cope with life changes, and effectively navigate challenges.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal highlighted the significance of incorporating the science of happiness into education. He emphasized that by imparting knowledge about happiness, students can combat stress in the technological era, fostering a positive mindset to achieve their goals successfully. The Chief Minister extended his congratulations to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva, Rekhi Foundation representatives Dr. Kiranjot Singh and Dr. Prabhleen Singh, and their entire team for their efforts in establishing this transformative center.

Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva, the Vice-Chancellor, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal and KU Chancellor Sh Bandaru Dattatreya for their vision in establishing the Happiness Center. He outlined the center’s objective to equip teachers, non-teaching staff, and students with strategies to manage mental stress, alleviate work pressure, and approach various life situations with resilience.

Chairman of the Psychology Department, Prof. Rohtash Singh shared insights into the origins of the Happiness Center under the guidance of VC Prof. Som Nath. The Rekhi Foundation for Happiness, initiated in the United States in 2016 by Dr. Satindra Singh Rekhi and Harpreet Rekhi, seeks to establish similar Happiness Centers in universities globally

Minister of State Sardar Sandeep Singh, Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma, SP Surender Singh Bhoria, KU Registrar Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Dean Students Welfare Prof. AR Chaudhri, Dr. Kiranjot Singh, Dr. Prabhleen Singh, Prof. Brajesh Sawhney, Prof. Rohtash Singh, Prof. Hardeep Lal Joshi, Prof. Anil Gupta, Dr. Deepak Rai Babbar, Dr. Rajratan, Dr. Ashu Dhawan, Dr. Abid Ali, OSD Pawan Rohilla, Dr. Jitendra Jangra and Executive Engineer Pankaj Sharma were also present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, January 31

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday held a high level meeting with the Deputy Commissioners from all the districts to review the implementation of the various citizen centric schemes in the state.  

Chairing a meeting with Deputy Commissioners here at the Punjab Bhawan, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the fact that most of the districts were performing well in implementing the door to door scheme in the state. He said that this ambitious scheme aims at providing 43 citizen centric services to the people at their doorsteps. Bhagwant Singh Mann further asked the Deputy Commissioner to make sure that the scheme is implemented with missionary zeal to benefit the people.

Dwelling on another agenda, the Chief Minister said that 664 Aam Aadmi Clinics are functional in the state and around 98 lakh patients have so far taken benefit from these clinics. He said that medicines worth Rs 40.50 crore have been provided free to patients along with lab tests worth Rs 5.77 crore that have been done free. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 150 new clinics will be dedicated soon to the people of the state for which all the arrangements have been made adding he asked the Deputy Commissioners to make regular checkings in the clinics across the state.

Similarly, the Chief Minister said that the state government has decided that all the medicines prescribed in the government hospitals will be made available to the Patients within its premises. He said that 276 medicines have already been included in the State Essential Drugs List at District Hospitals and Sub Divisional Hospitals. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for procurement of medicines other than Essential Drug List (EDL) Standard Operating Procedure has been issued adding that the Deputy Commissioners must ensure that the medicines are available to the patients.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government has also launched Farishtay scheme for Road side trauma victims as per which treatment will be provided free of cost at the nearest empanelled hospital . He asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that District level Committees scrutinize the expenditure wherever the same is more than the prescribed limit / days without any inordinate delay. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 52 packages have been identified and 495 hospitals have been empanelled under this scheme across the state.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has taken several steps to ensure that canal water reaches at the tail end in every village. He asked the Deputy Commissioners to complete the ongoing process so that the farmers are immensely benefitted from it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed to making optimum utilization of the canal water to benefit the farmers.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government will open 13 new Schools of Eminence in districts of Amritsar, Bathinda, Fazilka, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, SAS Nagar and Tarn Taran. He asked the Deputy Commissioners of the concerned districts to ensure that these schools are operational well in time to benefit the students. Bhagwant Singh Mann also asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure boundary wall, provision of Toilets, Furniture, Drinking water facility, campus managers along with Internet/Wi-Fi facility in all schools by March 31.

The Chief Minister also asked the Deputy Commissioners to hold regular meetings of the District Education Development Committee besides making surprise inspections in the school. He also asked the officers to make sure that the students get school uniforms well in time along with identification of innovative projects of school education at district level. Bhagwant Singh Mann also underscored the need for ensuring implementation of SoP’s on hazardous trees and unsafe buildings inside the school campus.    

The Chief Minister also asked the Deputy Commissioners to optimally utilise the MGNREGA scheme for giving fillip to the development of villages on one hand and providing jobs to needy people on the other. He said that till date, 308 lakh mandays have been generated under the scheme in the state thereby giving employment to 8.17 lakh Households. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has set an expenditure target of Rs 2,000 crore for all districts, which translates into 440 lakh mandays for all districts put together adding that the Deputy Commissioners should ensure that the target is achieved in the current fiscal.

Dwelling on another Chief Minister, ask the officers to ensure that work for starting construction of Delhi-Amritsar-Katra National Highway is put on fast-track mode. He said that this is an ambitious project, which once completed, will save time, money and energy of commuters travelling from Delhi to Punjab and Jammu-Kashmir especially those desirous of paying obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the 254 kilometer long highway will be constructed at a cost Rs 11,510 crore and will pass through nine districts of the state viz. Jalandhar, Sangrur, Malerkotla, Patiala, Kapurthala, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur.

The Chief Minister also asked the Deputy Commissioners to ensure the proper upkeep of the roads within their jurisdiction. He said that the funds have been already allotted to the PWD authorities for the proper upkeep of roads. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that no stone is being left unturned for ensuring that commuters do not face any sort of inconvenience on roads.

IEP Chandigarh January 31

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB) on Wednesday, has arrested Punjab Home Guard (PHG) volunteer Harjinder Singh, posted at Police Post, village Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana district for accepting bribe of Rs 10,000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the state VB said this case has been registered against the said accused on an online complaint lodged by Mandeep Kaur, a resident of Bhai Bala Colony, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana on the Chief Minister anti corruption action line.

He further added that the complainant has alleged in her complaint that  PHG Harjinder Singh and ASI Ravinder Kumar, both posted at Police Post, Lalton Kalan, Ludhiana have been demanding bribe money of Rs 30,000 to get favour in a police case registered against her brothers. She further alleged that the

on behalf of said ASI, the accused PHG had already obtained bribe money of Rs 10,000 from her for the said purpose. The complainant had also made recording of demands raised by the said PHG and submitted to the VB as an evidence.

In this regard the VB range Ludhiana has investigated the complaint and found the allegations made in the complainant as true and correct. On the basis of this report, a case FIR No 05 dated 31.01.2024 under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the accused PHG Harjinder Singh at VB police station Ludhiana range and he has also been arrested. He would be produced in the competent court tomorrow. He further added that role of above mentioned ASI Ravinder Kumar and other police officials would also be examined during the future investigations in this case.

IEP Chandigarh, January 31

Punjab Information and Public Relations Department today gave a warm farewell to the Information and Public Relations officer Dr. Sarbjit Singh Kagniwal on his retirement. He efficiently served the department for nearly 22 years.

Remembering the bonds of companionship with Dr. Sarbjit Singh Kangniwal during a farewell function, Joint Director Mr. Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, Joint Director Mr. Harjit Singh Grewal, Joint Director Mr. Preet Kanwal Singh, Deputy Director Mr. Ishwinder Singh Grewal, Deputy Director Mr. Manvinder Singh, Deputy Director Mrs. Shikha Nehra, Deputy Director Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khaira, IPRO Mr. Navdeep Singh Gill and Mr. Kultar Singh Mianpuri and other officers unfolded various hidden pages of Kanganiwal’s life. While lauding the marvelous services rendered by Dr. Kagniwal during his service in the department, they added that the exemplary hard work, dedication and perseverance exhibited by the Dr. Kagniwal will ever inspire his colleagues and newly-inducted staff members to discharge their duties with utmost determination.

Wishing Dr. Kagniwal a better and healthier post-retirement life, the speakers also said, now he will be able to spend more valuable time with his family besides fulfilling his social responsibility. Dr. Sarbjit Singh Kagniwal and his Wife Dr. Malti Singh, Scientist, NIPER were also honoured with a memento by the staff members.

IEP Chandigarh, January 30

Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh Sanjeev Kaushal directed all Deputy Commissioners in the state to establish weekly targets for completing drone mapping, ownership card uploading, and distribution in their respective districts. They are also instructed to monitor progress regularly to ensure completion by April 30.

The Chief Secretary was presiding over the review meeting of the Large-Scale Mapping Project and its implementation here today.

The Chief Secretary said that the mapping work has been completed in most of the districts. In the remaining districts, the required work should be completed by the stipulated date. He interacted directly with all the District Deputy Commissioners, took information about the problems being faced in this work and gave necessary guidelines to complete them.

To address the 7852 Gramin Savmitva issues flagged on the Grievances Redressal portal, Kaushal advocated for holding Gram Sabha meetings to facilitate community-driven solutions. He further underscored the importance of expeditiously uploading and distributing the remaining 18,49,309 Svamitva cards before April 30. He said that the data of Musavvis has been made available in the districts. He said that GIS labs have been established in the districts, and staff have been deployed. Select a master trainer and send him to train other employees so that there is no problem in any work.

The Chief Secretary said that the work of installing pillars on the inter-state boundary in the districts of Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat, Yamunanagar,and other districts  should also be expedited. Congratulating the Development and Panchayat Department for registering property cards for the land owned by Panchayats, he said that this is a very good achievement of the department. Now the department should also complete the work of uploading individual lands cent  percent. So far, 25,08,735 cards out of 25,14,839  property cards have been distributed in 6250 villages of the state.

The Chief Secretary said that out of 44212 square kilometers of land in the state, drone survey work of 40372 square kilometers of land has been completed. The survey work of the remaining land will also be completed within the stipulated period. Similarly, data of 55 ULBs out of 93 urban local bodies in urban areas have also been prepared. This should also be uploaded as soon as possible.

In the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. TVSN Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Anil Malik, Chief Administrator HSVP Mr. TL Satyaprakash, Director General Development and Panchayat Mr. D.K. Behera, Director Consolidation and Land Records Amna Tasmin, Ma Advisor Revenue Department General Girish were present. Deputy Commissioner, District Revenue Officer, and many other officials joined the meeting through VC.

IEP Chandigarh, January 30

Haryana School Education Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal, directed officers to encourage students to use tablets more and conduct live sessions with expert teachers to address any doubts. Sh. Kanwar Pal gave these directions during a meeting with officers of the School Education Department held here today.

He emphasized the importance of ranking the educational videos that students watch to understand their preferences, enabling teachers to adapt their teaching methods. Sh. Kanwar Pal suggested that all educational videos should have subtitles to cultivate both watching and reading habits among students, regardless of the language in which the teacher is instructing, be it English, Hindi, or Sanskrit. He said that such practices will enhance the reading skills of children.

Sh. Kanwar Pal stated the current use of artificial intelligence in education, emphasizing its potential in helping students clear doubts. He also stressed the need for two-way communication to ensure no hindrance in communication between teachers and students. Haryana Tourism Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal, has informed that preparations for the 37th International Surajkund Crafts Mela, scheduled to commence on February 2 in Faridabad, are now complete. The theme state for the fair will be Gujarat, and the cultural partner will be North East (Ashta Lakshmi). The inauguration of the Surajkund Fair will be done by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Sh. Kanwar Pal shared this information during a review meeting with officers of the Tourism Department at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh today. He mentioned that the fair is schedule from February 2 to February 18.

He further stated that this year confluence of arts and culture of India and abroad will be seen in the fair. Along with this, artists will be seen entertaining the audience with folk dance and singing. He said that around 800 people from 50 countries have registered to participate and their handicrafts and folk arts will be showcased.

IEP Chandigarh, January 30

Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal addressed a gathering at a programme in Ambala today, stating that collectively, we are committed to fulfilling Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation. He emphasized the necessity of every citizen’s participation in this endeavour.

He stated that while India gained independence in 1947, no one had envisioned making the country a ‘Vishva Guru’. Under the present government and Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership, continuous efforts have been made in this direction over the past decade. The period until 2047, the 25-year span, is referred to as the ‘Amrit kaal,’ during which India aims to be listed among the developed nations globally. He noted that there are 37 developed nations worldwide.

Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Lal informed that the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ has been organized over the past two months, with ongoing Yatra in several districts. These programmes, running until January 31, aim to connect people with government schemes by organizing events in approximately 8,000 locations across Haryana. The focus is on making people aware of government initiatives at their doorsteps.

Expressing his gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for implementing the Lal Dora Mukt Yojana of Haryana state as Pradhan Mantri Svamitva Yojana in the entire country. Through this scheme, the benefits of government initiatives are reaching eligible recipients seamlessly through online means. He highlighted that the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ has facilitated the automatic allocation of a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 when an individual reaches the age of 60.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the trust that the people have in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized the need to go among the people with this trust and make them aware of the policies. He mentioned that Haryana has provided jobs to over a lakh youth based on transparency and merit in the past nine years, with 60,000 jobs in pipeline which will be offered to the youth in the next two to three months.

The programme was attended by Speaker, Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Minister of Home and Health, Sh. Anil Vij, Haryana’s in-charge and Former Chief Minister, Sh. Biplab Kumar Deb, Member of Parliament and BJP State President, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, and MLA, Sh. Aseem Goel, among others.

Haryana Tourism Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal, has informed that preparations for the 37th International Surajkund Crafts Mela, scheduled to commence on February 2 in Faridabad, are now complete. The theme state for the fair will be Gujarat, and the cultural partner will be North East (Ashta Lakshmi). The inauguration of the Surajkund Fair will be done by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Sh. Kanwar Pal shared this information during a review meeting with officers of the Tourism Department at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh today. He mentioned that the fair is schedule from February 2 to February 18.

He further stated that this year confluence of arts and culture of India and abroad will be seen in the fair. Along with this, artists will be seen entertaining the audience with folk dance and singing. He said that around 800 people from 50 countries have registered to participate and their handicrafts and folk arts will be showcased.

IEP Chandigarh, January 30

Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Dr. Kamal Gupta said that 82000 lights will be installed across the state to beautify roads and roundabouts. He also suggested the installation of various fountains to enhance the appeal of each roundabout and park.

Dr. Kamal Gupta reviewed the development works with the officers of Municipal Corporation Yamunanagar-Jagadhri late last evening and gave necessary guidance for the same.

He said that in Yamunanagar city, 4,000 lights will be installed to enhance the beauty of the streets and roundabouts. He emphasised to built bus queue shelters at specific locations throughout the city.

         The Urban Local Body Minister directed authorities to make Yamunanagar-Jagadhri Municipal Corporation clean and attractive. He emphasised the importance of these towns being beautiful and said to use both manpower and machinery to ensure the same.

To illuminate the city at night, Dr. Kamal Gupta directed officers to install colourful lights.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Sh. Dheeraj Kumar and other officers of the Municipal Corporation also remained present during the meeting.

IEP Chandigarh, January 30

The budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha will commence on February 20, 2024.

This was disclosed by School Education Minister Sh Kanwar Pal, who also holds the portfolio of Parliamentary Affairs Minister, during a press conference shortly after the meeting of State Cabinet.

He informed that at the start of the cabinet meeting, a two-minute silence was observed in honour of the martyrs of India’s freedom struggle.

The Minister said that as per the state government’s decision, the Cabinet initiated by honoring the martyrs and sanctioned employment for 18 of their dependents who, due to various reasons, missed the application deadline for jobs. He also informed that farmers will no longer be required to pay a royalty of Rs 200 for soil extracted from their farms for personal use. Instead, they can conveniently submit the necessary information on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal, eliminating the need to visit government offices.

He said that State Cabinet also gave approval of Rs 1,500 crore loan to Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The corporation’s outstanding loan, previously around Rs 14,000 crores, has been substantially reduced to Rs 4,000 crores and is expected to be completely cleared in the near future, he added.

Director General of Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department Sh Mandip Singh Brar, Media Secretary Sh Praveen Attrey and other officers were also present.

Haryana Cabinet met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, has approved the transfer of Government land measuring 1094 square yards situated at NIT Faridabad to Sain Samaj Kalyan Sabha, Faridabad.

The decision comes in response to the society’s request for the allocation of 915 square meters of land for religious and community purposes such as Dharmshala and Temple, under the Policy for Allotment of Government Land for Social/ Religious/ Charitable/ Community Purposes.

The proposed transfer involves the Government land of the Revenue Department, and the decision is in alignment with para 8 of the policy dated 12-02-2019. The land, acquired under the erstwhile Land Acquisition Act 1894 by the Union Government for the rehabilitation of displaced persons from West Punjab in 1947, will now serve the purpose of establishing a place of worship and community facilities for Sain Samaj Kalyan Sabha, Faridabad.

The collector rates of the land in question are Rs. 17,000/- per square yard, and it has been decided that the transfer will be made to Sain Samaj Kalyan Sabha at a concessional rate of 50% of the collector rates, amounting to a total cost of Rs. 93,01,890/-. The Finance Department has already provided its concurrence, subject to the approval of the competent authority.

Sain Samaj Kalyan Sabha, Faridabad, a registered Society under the Haryana Registration & Regulation of Societies Act, 2012, had sought the transfer in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Policy for Allotment of Government Land, as notified by the Revenue & Disaster Management Department.

Haryana amends policy for establishing multi-model logistics parks, container depots, agro warehouses

The Haryana Cabinet, convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, has accorded approval to amend the policy for setting up integrated/multi-model logistics parks, integrated inland container depots, logistics parks, warehouses-cum-retail, truckers parks, cash and carry, warehouse, cold chain facilities and gas godowns.

Under the amended policy, a minimum area of 20 acres will be necessary for the establishment of Integrated Inland Container Depots/Custom Bounded Areas replacing the existingrequirement of 50 acres.

For agro warehouses with retail facilities, a minimum area of 2 acres will be mandated, while non-agro warehouses with retail facilities will require 5 acres. In addition, developers must ensure a minimum approach of 33 feet for agro warehouses and 60 feet for non-agro warehouses.

Cold chain storage facilities will necessitate a minimum approach of 33 feet.

These amendments aim to maintain consistency in minimum eligibility conditions and approach norms across policies of both the Town and Country Planning and Industries and Commerce Departments.

The proposal was approved with the decision that the Industries and Commerce Department will appropriately amend the Haryana Logistics, Warehousing and Retail Policy, 2019 to align the policy with the current proposal of Town and Country Planning Department.

Thalassemia and Haemophilia patients in Haryana to get Rs 3000 monthly disability pension

Patients in Haryana suffering from Thalassemia and Haemophilia, with a family income of up to Rs 3 lakh per annum, will now be entitled to a monthly disability pension of Rs 3000. This decision, expected to benefit approximately 2083 patients, will result in an annual disbursement of Rs 7.49 crore at the present rate of Rs. 3000 per month.

The Haryana Cabinet, convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal here today, approved the inclusion of Thalassemia and Haemophilia diseases in the existing notification under “The Haryana Divyang Pension Rules, 2016”. This decision aims to extend disability pension benefits to such patients and will alleviate the significant financial burden faced by these patients.

Last year, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal had announced to include the Thalassemia and Haemophilia patients for grant of disability pension for the families having earning up to Rs 3 lakh annually. According to the Health Department’s report (2002), there are approximately 1300 cases of Thalassemia and about 783 cases of Haemophilia in the State of Haryana.

The verification of Thalassemia and Haemophilia certificates will be conducted annually by the respective Civil Surgeon to ascertain the patient’s current status and whether they have been cured or not.

Haryana Cabinet approves Rs 250 monthly increase for 14 pension schemes

Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal here today, has approved a monthly enhancement of Rs 250 for 14 pension schemes being implemented by the Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of SCs & BCs, and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department, Haryana, effective from January 1, 2024 to be paid from February 2024. This decision will benefit approximately 31.40  lakh beneficiaries under various social security schemes.

The cabinet has also approved an increase in the rates of nine social security pension schemes operated under the SEWA Department from Rs. 2,750/- to Rs. 3,000 per month, effective January 1, 2024. These schemes include the Old Age Samman Allowance Scheme, Haryana Pension to Widows and Destitute Women Scheme, Haryana Disabled Persons Pension Scheme, Ladli Social Allowance Scheme, Haryana Allowance to Dwarf Scheme Pension, Haryana Allowance to Eunuchs Scheme, Financial Assistance to Widowers and Unmarried Persons, Financial Assistance for Stage 3 and Stage 4 Cancer Patients, and Financial Assistance to Persons Suffering from Rare Diseases.

In addition, financial assistance under the Non-School Going Disabled Children Scheme has been increased from Rs. 2,150 to Rs. 2,400, Financial Assistance to Destitute Children Scheme from Rs. 1,850 to Rs. 2,100, Financial assistance under Kashmiri Migrants scheme has been increased to Rs.1250 to Rs. 1500. Apart from this, financial aid for acid attack victims (Women & Girls) has been revised.

This enhancement in pension rates is a testament to the Haryana Government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its residents. The increased financial support aims to improve the quality of life for beneficiaries across various segments of society, promoting inclusivity and social justice.

Government allocates land to Brahman Sabha at a concessional rate of 50 percent of the collector rate for charitable purpose

Haryana Government while once again reiterating Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal’s commitment to the academic advancement of meritorious children hailing from economically disadvantaged backgrounds has decided to transfer the Municipal Committee, Julana land measuring 510.04 square meters to Brahman Sabha at a concessional rate of 50 percent of collector rate for charitable purposes.

A decision in this regard has been taken in the meeting of the State Cabinet held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal here today.

The transfer of this land to Brahman Sabha at a concessional rate has been done as per the provisions of clause (d) of section 62A of the Haryana Municipal Act, 1973.

Haryana State Government Sanctions the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2024 to Curb Illegal Immigration

Haryana Cabinet met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, has approved “The Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, 2024 in the interests of innocent and unemployed youths from falling prey to illegal immigration rackets. In view of the disturbing trend of individuals, particularly from the States of Punjab and Haryana, being deceived by corrupt travel agents engaged in fraudulent activities related to immigration, this bold initiative has been taken.

Key highlights of this bill includes that no person can undertake the profession of a travel agent without obtaining a registration certificate under the Act, an application must be submitted to the competent authority with the required documents, fees, and within the specified time, the competent authority may issue a registration certificate after verifying the application details.

As per the bill the certificate is not issued unless the particulars are verified by the police, the validity of a registration certificate is for three years, renewable as per prescribed procedures. Apart from this, opening a new office or branch requires obtaining a fresh registration certificate.

It clearly mentioned in the bill that the competent authority can cancel a registration certificate for various reasons such as insolvency, criminal activities, violation of terms, etc.

Before cancellation, a show cause notice is issued, and the travel agent has an opportunity to explain. It is further mentioned that suspension may occur for a specified period pending cancellation consideration, A cancelled registration debars the travel agent from the profession for a prescribed period.

Act also mentioned that the court, while addressing offenses under this Act, determines the potential confiscation of illegally acquired property and can order confiscation as deemed appropriate, Individuals involved in human smuggling or forging documents may face imprisonment up to ten years and a fine ranging from Rs 2-5 lakhs, Violating the provisions of this Act or using prohibited devices may result in imprisonment up to seven years and a fine of two to five lakh rupees.

The Haryana Government is committed to protecting its citizens from falling victim to illegal immigration scams. The proposed legislation reflects a proactive approach to regulate travel agents, ensuring transparency, legality, and accountability in immigration-related services. The Government urges all stakeholders to support this initiative to create a safer and more secure environment for individuals seeking opportunities abroad.

Haryana Cabinet approves ‘The Haryana Honourable Disposal of Dead Body Bill, 2024’

In a significant move to uphold the right and dignity of the dead body, the Haryana Cabinet, convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal here today, has granted approval to “The Haryana Honourable Disposal of Dead Body Bill, 2024.” This landmark legislation aims to ensure the decent and timely last rites of a dead body.

In consideration of the respect and dignity owed to a dead person, nobody should be allowed to raise any demand or bait for pursuing any demands by way of any protest or agitation by not performing the timely last rites of a dead body. It is essential to prevent any individual from using a deceased body as a means of protest or demonstration in any form.

The proposed legislation also emphasizes the responsibility of public authorities in cases where family members disown a deceased body, leading to a denial of proper last rites. In such instances, the public authority is mandated to step in and ensure the dignified and timely conclusion of the last rites for the dead body.

It is pertinent to note that the entitlement to dignity and fair treatment, in accordance with Article 21 of the Constitution of India, extends beyond the living to include the body after death.

Accords approval for the amendment in the notification of appointment of members in Quality Assurance Authority

Haryana Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal here today accorded approval for the amendment in the notification of appointment of members in Quality Assurance Authority.

As per the amendment in clause 4 (III) of the said notification, now retired officers may also be considered for appointment as a member of Quality Assurance Authority. After the words “State Government from amongst” and before the words ‘Officer in the State’, the word ‘serving or retired’ shall be added.

The government had constituted the quality assurance authority on April 5, 2023 for the purpose of quality assurance in the Engineering Works implemented by the state government and organisations owned and controlled by the State Government for the matter concerned therewith or incidental thereto.

Presently, as per the notification, one member shall be appointed by the state government from amongst officers in the State Government or any organisation owned and controlled by the state government of the rank of Chief Engineer or above. However, now it has been decided that a retired officer may also be considered for appointment as a member of the quality assurance authority.

Haryana State Government Sanctions Rs. 1500 Crore for Infrastructure Development at Global City, Gurugram and IMT, Sohna besides land development at other locations of Industrial Estates, HSIIDC

Haryana Cabinet met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, has approved Sanction/Enhancement of Working Limits of Rs.1500 crore of Haryana State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (HSIIDC) for Infrastructure Development mainly at Global City at Gurugram and IMT, Sohna besides land development at other locations of Industrial Estates of HSIIDC in the State of Haryana.

The enhancement of the Working Capital Limit, totalling Rs. 1500 crore, is earmarked for infrastructure development. The interest rate is linked to T-bill rates, ensuring a competitive and market-aligned financing structure.

The Finance Department, Haryana, has provided its concurrence with certain terms and conditions, including a 2% guarantee fee on the sanctioned credit limit, timely repayment obligations, and strict adherence to the purpose of fund utilization.

The approval of the Working Capital Limit enhancement is a significant step towards realizing the vision of a developed and progressive Haryana.

Haryana Cabinet approves the draft of the Hisar Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), 2024 Bill

Haryana Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal here today, has approved the draft of the Hisar Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Bill 2024.

The State Government has decided to establish the Hisar Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), Hisar to ensure sustained and balanced growth of Hisar Metropolitan area.

The Hisar Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) would work on the similar lines of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), Gurugram, Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA), Faridabad, Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA), Panchkula  and Sonipat Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA), Sonipat to develop a vision for the continued, sustained and balanced growth of Hisar metropolitan area.

The authority while working amicably with other key departments would ensure the availability of infrastructure and other key facilities to the people.

Haryana Minor Mineral Concession Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2012 amended 

Haryana Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal here today accorded approval for amendment in the Haryana Minor Mineral Concession Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2012. 

These rules may be called the Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining (Amendment) Rules, 2024. The amendments in the rules have been made to facilitate the land owners, in Rules 3 and 31 of the Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2012. 

As per the amendment, in rule 3, in sub-rule (3), in the proviso, the signs and words “, on payment of Rs. 200” shall be omitted.

In the said rules, in rule 31, in sub-rule (4),-for the sign “;” existing at the end, the sign “:” shall be substituted and the proviso namely, “Provided that fifty percent of the royalty received in lieu of excavation of ordinary earth/clay shall be shared by the department with concerned Gram Panchayat village wise”, has been inserted. 

The issue relating to the permissions being granted to the landowner for their personal bonafide use as well as the small entrepreneurs who are involved in the industry has been carefully re-examined and the state government also felt that royalty being received for giving permission to landowners for commercial trading needs to be shared with the concerned Gram Panchayat to ensure better vigilance, participation and monitoring on their part. In view of these considerations, the state government has decided to simplify the said Rules as the landowner might not be acquainted with the present provision.

18 dependents of martyrs of Haryana to get jobs

Haryana Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal accorded approval to provide jobs to 18 dependents of martyrs while giving relaxation in the policy for appointment to the dependents of martyrs on compassionate grounds.

Out of 18 cases, 8 cases were related to paramilitary forces, and 10 cases were related to armed forces.

The cases were reviewed by the Office of the Chief Secretary before bringing the matter in the cabinet meeting and recommended to provide jobs to 18 dependents of the martyrs.

It is noteworthy that the reasons for the delay in applying for jobs by the dependents of martyrs have been cited as being unaware of the compassionate policy of the Haryana Government, being a minor, or citing medical reasons etc.

IEP Chandigarh January 29

As part of their ongoing anti-corruption campaign, the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau caught Pradeep, the District Welfare Officer’s driver, red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 30,000 in Sonipat district today. Acting on a complaint, the Bureau set a trap for Pradeep, successfully apprehending him as he demanded a bribe in exchange for processing benefits under the government scheme ‘Inter-caste Marriage Shagun Yojana’ for the complainant’s relative.

“Following the complainant’s report, a plan was devised,” explained the Anti-Corruption Bureau spokesperson. “After investigating the facts, we arrested Pradeep red-handed as he took a ₹30,000 bribe in front of witnesses.”

A case has been registered against Pradeep at the Rohtak ACB police station, and the Bureau is actively gathering evidence. The spokesperson urges the public to report any instances of bribery by government officials or employees to the Haryana Anti-Corruption Bureau’s toll-free numbers – 1800-180-202.