IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Chief Secretary, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, disclosed that enhanced fiber connectivity from BSNL will be swiftly implemented in government buildings of all Gram Panchayats in the state by April 30. Highlighting the initiative’s revenue potential, he said that Panchayats could earn about Rs 15,000 to 25,000 per month with 100 connections.

Mr. Kaushal chaired a meeting in Chandigarh focused on Haryana Telecom Service. Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated via video conferencing.

Mr. Kaushal directed Deputy Commissioners to hold meetings with BSNL officials within a week. This collaborative effort aims to ensure 100% fiber connectivity in every village. BSNL connections are being extended to village schools, depot holders, common service centers, village secretariats, e-libraries, veterinary hospitals, health centers, police stations, etc. The initiative involves laying improved cable lines.

It was informed in the meeting that BSNL is providing fiber connections to Gram Panchayats as part of the government’s plan. Additionally, Gram Panchayats are becoming partners in telecom infrastructure provision. Under this scheme, a Panchayat establishing over 100 connections in its village will see a significant increase in its income, making this initiative a sustainable revenue source. As of now, 5,608 connections have been issued in 1,213 Gram.

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the state government is consistently working towards development. The role of ensuring the land availability is crucial for development projects. If a government department owns available land, the project can commence promptly. The land acquisition process has shifted from direct acquisition to transparent purchasing through the initiation of the e-Bhoomi portal.

He said that farmers can now submit their land details on the portal to sell it at the collector rate and market rate. Aggregators are encouraged landowners to participate in the buying and selling of land. They are given a commission of Rs. 2000 per acre, based on collector rates, which vary across different districts. If the collector rate is higher than the market rate, relevant authorities should be informed in writing.

The Chief Minister shared this information while chairing a  meeting with the over 100 registered aggregators invited for the land purchase process on the e-Bhoomi portal held at Haryana Niwas today.

During the meeting,  Sh. Manohar Lal shared that a minimum of 100 acres of land is required under the Padma scheme, while 10 to 15 acres are needed for colleges, hospitals, schools, etc. The aggregator will give a multi-dimensional option to the farmers while obtaining their consent and will enter information about the land on the e-Bhoomi portal based on the project’s requirements, forming groups of farmers if necessary.

He stated that there should not be a difference of 10 to 15 percent between the collector rate and the market rate.

He said that where land is available in government departments, the government will transfer it from one department to another and, if necessary, will also purchase it.

Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Disaster Management and Consolidation Department, Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad apprised the Chief Minister that the new collector rates will be issued soon so that farmers can get information about the latest collector rate and market rate of their land.

Sh. T.V.S.N. Prasad said that the aggregator should ensure that there is no hightension wire, court case, dispute over ownership, pathway, drain over the land purchased from the farmer.

The Revenue Department will investigate which district needs how much land for the development project, and accordingly, the aggregator will convince the landowner and occupant to give the land for the government.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and  Farmers’ Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary Medical Education and  Research Department, Dr. Sumita Misra,  Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning Departments, Sh. Anurag Rastogi,  Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department,  Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary Town and Country Planning and Urban Estates Department, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Director General,  Information, Public Relations, Language, and Culture Department, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Principal Secretary, Transport Department Sh. Navdeep Virk and other senior officials from various departments also remained present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh February 1

With the aim to provide social and financial security to Antyodaya families, Haryana  Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal today digitally disbursed Rs. 84.01 crores directly into the bank accounts of 2180 beneficiaries under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU).

Highlighting the DAYALU Scheme as a pioneering initiative nationwide, the Chief Minister said that the current government had already disbursed financial aid of Rs 82.12 crore to 2,145 beneficiaries. With today’s disbursement, the total amount provided under the scheme has reached Rs 166.13 crore, benefiting 4,325 individuals thus far. Energy Minister Sh Ranjit Singh also present on this occasion while Urban Local Bodies Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta joined virtually.

The Chief Minister said that in the event of the death or disability of a family member in an accident, the family is burdened with many difficulties, especially financial. Acknowledging the concerns of such families, the state government has implemented the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU) under which financial assistance will be provided on the death or permanent disability of a member of a family above the age of 6 years and upto the age of 60 years having an annual income less than Rs 1.80 lakh. The scheme will provide assistance based on the age of the individual at the time of death or permanent disability.

He said that under this scheme, the assistance offered is Rs.1 lakh above 6 years and upto 12 years, Rs.2 lakh above 12 years and upto 18 years, Rs.3 lakh above 18 years and upto 25 years, Rs. 5 lakh above 25 years and upto 45 years and financial assistance of Rs. 3 lakh will be given above the age of 45 and upto 60 years. This benefit will also include the financial aid received under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana for the age group of 18 to 40 years.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh V. Umashankar, Additional Chief Secretary of Town and Country Planning Department Sh Arun Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Department Sh Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing for All Department Sh Raja Shekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department Sh A.K. Singh, Chairman of Power Utilities Sh PK Das, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department Sh Mandip Singh Brar, Managing Director of DHBVN Sh PC Meena, Director General of Housing for All Department Sh TL Satyaprakash, Director of Town and Country Planning Department, Sh Amit Khatri and other officers were also present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal today launched the portal for implementation of the Haryana Urban Built Plan Reform Policy for those seeking houses under the ‘Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana.’ This initiative will offer plots at concessional rates to eligible individuals, furthering the government’s commitment to affordable housing for all.

To secure a plot under the scheme, the portal will be live starting from today that is February 1, 2024. Eligible applicants can register on the Housing for All website to initiate the process of availing of benefits under the ‘Mukhyamantri Shahri Awas Yojana’. During the initial phase, 10,542 plots will be allocated to eligible individuals across 14 cities. This allocation process is expected to conclude within approximately 15 days.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to prioritize the allocation of plots to applicants from nomadic castes, widows, and Scheduled Castes during the allotment process. Additionally, he urged swift action to ensure that applicants who have applied for flats receive their allocations promptly.

Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal in view of the positive impact of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’ initiated by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi with the objective of providing a house to every family, ‘Mukhyamantri Shahri Awas Yojana’ was launched by the Haryana Government in September 2023. This initiative targets urban families without homes and with an annual income of less than Rs 1.80 lakh. Approximately 2.90 lakh families have applied for housing under this scheme, with about 1.51 lakh applying for plots and 1.38 lakh for flats.

Housing opportunities will be available in these cities

During the application process on the ‘Mukhyamantri Shahri Awas Yojana’ Registration Portal, applicants will be required to submit a booking amount of Rs 10,000. In the initial phase of plot booking on the portal, applications can be submitted for 14 cities, namely Charkhi Dadri, Gohana, Sirsa, Jhajjar, Fatehabad, Jagadhri, Safidon, Pinjore, Rohtak, Rewari, Mahendragarh, Karnal, Palwal, and Julana.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh V. Umashankar, Additional Chief Secretary of Town and Country Planning Department Sh Arun Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Department Sh Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing for All Department Sh Raja Shekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department Sh A.K. Singh, Chairman of Power Utilities Sh PK Das, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department Sh Mandip Singh Brar, Managing Director of DHBVN Sh PC Meena, Director General of Housing for All Department Sh TL Satyaprakash, Director of Town and Country Planning Department, Sh Amit Khatri and other officers were also present on this occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal, in a move toward institutional urban development and ensuring basic amenities for citizens, has regularised 264 unauthorized colonies across 17 districts in the state. This significant decision encompasses 91 colonies under the Town and Country Planning Department and 173 colonies managed by Urban Local Department.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the present government had also previously regularized unauthosied colonies in the state. With the addition of today’s 264 colonies, this count will surge to 2101, signifying a substantial step towards comprehensive urban development and community welfare. Energy Minister Sh Ranjit Singh also present on this occasion while Urban Local Bodies Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta joined virtually.

The total 91 colonies slated for regularization by the Town and Country Planning Department include 14 colonies in Panipat, 44 in Palwal, 21 in Panchkula and 12 in Mahendragarh. Similarly, within the 173 colonies under the purview of the Urban Local Bodies Department, the colonies regularized include 7 in Ambala, 3 in Jind, 4 in Hisar, 11 each in Rohtak, Kurukshetra, and Panipat, 5 each in Sirsa and Faridabad, 9 each in Palwal and Karnal, 3 in Panchkula, 41 in Sonipat, 44 in Gurugram, 2 each in Kaithal and Nuh, and 6 colonies in Bhiwani.

Basic amenities including roads, sewerage, water supply, and street lights etc will be extended to residents in these colonies as part of the regularization process. To facilitate the development of these colonies, the government has granted administrative approval of Rs 438 crore, with an initial disbursement of Rs 54 crore to kickstart the developmental activities within the colonies.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh V. Umashankar, Additional Chief Secretary of Town and Country Planning Department Sh Arun Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Finance Department Sh Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary of Housing for All Department Sh Raja Shekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary Energy Department Sh A.K. Singh, Chairman of Power Utilities Sh PK Das, Director General of Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department Sh Mandip Singh Brar, Managing Director of DHBVN Sh PC Meena, Director General of Housing for All Department Sh TL Satyaprakash, Director of Town and Country Planning Department, Sh Amit Khatri and other officers were also present on this occasion.

Four SPs promoted to the rank of DIG

Chandigarh, February 1 – The Haryana government has issued orders to promote four IPS officers from the 2010 batch to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) from Superintendent of Police (SP). The promoted officers include Smt. Sangeeta Kalia, Smt. Sulochana Gajraj, Sh. Rajesh Duggal, and Sh. Surinder Pal Singh.

IEP Chandigarh February 1

The Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal, said that the State Government aims to reduce air pollution levels by effectively implementing the Action Plan at the grassroots level. 

As a key part of this strategy, the government is introducing electric city bus service in urban areas and implementing a smart traffic management system statewide.”

The Chief Secretary was addressing a one-day workshop organized by the Environment Department here today.

Sh. Sanjeev Kaushal said that so far, 28 lakh vehicles have been identified and labeled with stickers, and appropriate action has been taken against polluting vehicles. Additionally, efforts have been made to control dust generated by construction and demolition activities.

The Chief Secretary said that the State Government has undertaken several effective measures to improve air quality in the National Capital Region and surrounding areas of state. The Action Plan, in collaboration with the Forest and Environment and other departments, has led to an increase in greenery in the state, he said.

The Forest clusters have been formed by the Forest Department for Green Haryana, and Nagar Van and Nagar Vitkas are being expanded to promote tree plantation programs. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted at large-scale to encourage tree plantation drives.

The Chief Secretary said that, to combat pollution, strict measures have been taken against stubble burning, including criminal action. Adequate arrangements have been made for crop residue management, and the state has effectively banned the burning of firecrackers.

Furthermore, the state has become kerosene-free through the distribution of gas connections under the Ujjwala scheme.

The Chief Secretary further shared that the state strictly follows the policy of the Commission for Air Quality Management to control air pollution, including a focus on thermal power plants, clean fuel, electric mobility, public transport management, road traffic management, greenery, and tree plantation.

He said that the Industries and Commerce Department has effectively regulated the burning of industrial waste, transitioned to clean fuel, promoted electric mobility, and restricted the use of generator sets.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industry and Commerce Department, Sh.  Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary , Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Vineet Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Sh.  A.K. Singh, Principal Secretary , Transport Department, Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, and Director , Food, Civil  Supplies and Consumer Affairs  Department, Sh.  Mukul Kumar also remained present on the occasion.

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

The Haryana government is committed towards the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, led by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, and is actively participating to ensure the welfare schemes of the government reaches the last person in the society, as well as to make India a developed and self-reliant country by 2047.

As part of this commitment, the state is organising more and more programmes of the yatra across the state at an extensive level in both rural and urban areas. 

Over 6698 programmes held during the Yatra and more than 51 lakh 21 thousand people have participated in the yatra, so far

Over 6,698 programmes of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp yatra have been organised across the state to date and over 51 lakh 21 thousand people have participated in the yatra across the state and have pledged to make India a developed nation by 2047.

Over 8 lakh 68 thousand people have visited health camps during the  yatra and have undergone health screenings. 5 lakh 94 thousand people have been screened for tuberculosis and more than 10 lakh 13 thousand people have been issued Ayushman Bharat cards and over 13,000 farmers have been issued Kisan Credit Cards during the yatra.

15,842 people have sought information about the PM Svanidhi and during this period, 18,316 people visited the Aadhaar card camp and 5,325 people sought information about natural farming. During the yatra, 37,964 women, 49,457 students, 7,320 local athletes, and 6,954 local artists were also awarded.

In addition, over 4,63,000 people have been screened under the Nirogi Haryana during the yatra. 29,195 people have been registered under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) and 23,163 people have availed the benefits of Ayushman card.

The state government has integrated the yatra with the Jan-Samvad, as a result, public grievances and problems are being addressed and resolved on the spot. The state dwellers are benefiting greatly from this initiative of the government and taking its utmost advantage also taking a pledge to make India a developed nation by 2047.

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that the Union Budget presented by Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will be a stepping stone in the direction of developed India. This budget focuses on comprehensive development in all categories and sectors with the fundamental principles of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’.

Sh. Vij mentioned that the budget pays attention to the vision of Developed India-2047, with a focus on all stakeholders. He stated that the goal of the ‘Lakhpati Didi Scheme’ which was initially set at 2 crore women, has been enhanced to 3 crore women, as this scheme has brought about a significant change in the lives of 9 crore women.

Similarly, He said that steps are being taken in the direction of preventing cervical cancer, increasing vaccination in this regard, and the government will open new medical colleges. Sh. Vij said that in today’s budget, the government is working with an approach to the all around development, all-pervasive and all-inclusive and in the next five years, two crore new houses will be built in rural areas.

Sh. Vij mentioned that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi believes in focusing on the poor, women, youth, and farmers. In this direction, the union budget will introduce a scheme to assist residents living in rented houses, slums, colonies, or unauthorized colonies. Separate notifications will be issued for this.

In addition to this, the budget includes provisions for assistance to e-vehicles, promotion of solar energy, plans for creating green roads, development of possibilities in the tourism sector, priority for vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14, 3 railway corridors, Ayushman Yojana for all Asha workers, low-interest loans in the research sector, plans for dairy and animal husbandry, Rs. 75 thousand crore for states, and mention of plans to bring 40 thousand general railcars to the level of Vande Bharat in Indian Railways.

It is noteworthy that the blueprint for Developed India will be presented in the full budget in July by government and India will reach new heights.

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

Haryana Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda stated that via Haryana Women Development Corporation, the state government has implemented a scheme named “Education Loan Scheme” to promote higher education of girls/women. She said the state government has always been committed towards the education of women. She mentioned that since 2008-09, 10930 women and girls have received interest subsidies of Rs 2633.82 lakh under this scheme, so far.

Smt. Dhanda stated that due to limited resources, high fees, and the burden of interest on education loans from banks, girls/women were unable to pursue higher education (such as vocational/technical diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate, and medical studies).

To reduce the burden of education loans, this scheme provides a subsidy at a 5 percent interest rate on education loans. For instance, if a bank offers an education loan at 9.50 percent interest, the government will provide a subsidy at a 5 percent interest rate, and the beneficiary will only have to bear a 4.50 percent interest rate. Girls/women of Haryana residents and of government employees working in Haryana Government, pursuing education in India or abroad, are eligible for this benefit.

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development said that the education loan will be provided by the bank only as per the education loan scheme of the bank. Under this scheme, along with the application form, approval letter from the bank, a letter from the educational institution, permanent domicile of Haryana, identity card of employees working in Haryana government, Parivar Pehchan Patra, Aadhar card and details of bank statement are required. If women/girl of Haryana employees living temporarily outside Haryana are willing to take loan, they can take loan from the bank and send their case to the nearest District Manager office. She also said that for more information interested candidates may visit the Haryana Women Development Corporation, website http://www.hwdcl.org.

IEP Chandigarh, February 1

The 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2024 is going to begin on February, 2 Thursday, which will be inaugurated by President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu. Continuing its vibrant showcase until February 18, the event will also be graced by Haryana Governor Sh Bandaru Dattatreya and Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal besides Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries Sh Krishan Pal, Haryana Minister of Tourism & School Education Sh Kanwar Pal, Haryana Minister for Higher Education Sh Mool Chand Sharma and MLA Badkhal Smt Seema Trikha among other dignitaries.

Giving this information here today, Managing Director of Haryana Tourism Corporation, Dr Neeraj Kumar, who is also Chief Administrator of Surajkund Mela Authority, said that approximately 50 countries will participate in this year’s Mela. The United Republic of Tanzania is participating as the ‘Partner Nation and it will bring colours and vibes of Africa to the mela, while the theme state is Gujarat, which is showcasing its unique culture and rich heritage through various art forms and handicrafts from the region. Surajkund Mela promises an immersive experience featuring regional and international crafts, handlooms, customs, and culinary delights from around the globe. Drawing over a million tourists annually from India and abroad, the Surajkund Mela stands as a testament to cultural exchange and celebration. He said that meticulous arrangements have been ensured including cleanliness, top-notch facilities, security, road infrastructure, lighting, electricity, sanitation facilities and parking etc. The event will also feature captivating cultural programs every day. The Surajkund International Crafts Mela stands as a beacon of cultural diversity, showcasing the richness of regional and global handicrafts, handlooms and cultural heritage on a grand scale.

Mela is to remain open from 2nd to 18th February daily from 10.00 AM to 8:00 PM

He said that jointly hosted by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs and Government of Haryana, this Mela has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence on the international tourism calendar for its display of crafts, culture and authentic cuisine of India in aesthetically created ambience. It will remain open from 2nd February to 18th February, 2024, daily from 10.00 AM to 8:00 PM. Dr Neeraj Kumar said that this Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987 to showcase richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and the cultural heritage of India. A benchmark was set in the history of Surajkund Crafts Mela as it was upgraded to an international level in 2013. In 2023, more than 40 countries from Europe, Africa and Asia participated in the Mela.

Eight Eastern States ‘Astalakshma’ participating as Cultural Partners

A variety of day performers will enthrall the visitors

Dr Neeraj Kumar said that this year our eight North Eastern states, ‘Astalakshmi’ are participating as the Cultural Partners. All eight states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura have come together under one umbrella to present a never before seen garland of art , craft, cuisines and performing arts for the visitors of the mela. A variety of day performers will enthrall the visitors like at the Bhangra from Punjab, Bihu from Assam, Barsana ki Holi, Lok Niritya from Haryana, Jamakda from Himachal Pradesh, Live Demonstration of Hath Ki Chakki and the ever famous Behrupiyas, who will keep the crowds entertained with their enchanting talent and showmanship within the Mela ground. Besides this enthralling evening cultural performances during the Mela fortnight will entertain the visitors to the hilt. These include eclectic performances from bands like Parikrama, resonating bhakti performance by Methali Thakur, soulful sufi performance by Padama Shri Ustad Ahmed Hussain and Ustad Mohammed Hussain, Classical Gujarati folk by Geeta Rabri, North Eastern Bands, International Fusion, Enchanting tunes of Kailash Kher, Punjabi pop performance by Daler Mehndi, besides enthralling foot tapping dance & song shows of Gujarat, Tanzania and other international artists. Spectators can catch all the action and excitement at the Chaupal -I from 6.00 pm onwards.

Haryana & Gujarat traditional lifestyles showcased at Apna Ghar

According to the MD Tourism Dr Neeraj, a family from Haryana is going to live in specially-created ‘Apna Ghar’ to showcase the authentic lifestyle of the state. ‘Apna Ghar’ gives a chance to the visitors to experience the lifestyle of the people of the state and also provides them a chance to interact and learn about their culture. Apna ghar will show case traditional earthenware, utensils etc and craftsmen will give live demonstration of these traditional crafts. Not only Haryana but Gujarat has also created an Apna Ghar to showcase the traditional lifestyle of the Gujarati household which will be a great experience for those who want to soak in the cultural vibes at the mela.

Other highlights of the 37th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2024

He said that keeping pace with the Information Technology (IT) advancements, the Mela entry tickets can be booked online through Bookmyshow.com and easy parking through technological innovations of Smart parking. The payment will be Fast Tag enabled and cashless. The visitors will be able to book parking in advance for a completely hassle free experience of the mela. Art and culture department will showcase traditional and cultural artists like Kacchi Ghodi, Stick walker, Kalbelia, Behrupia from Rajasathan, Kangri Nati from Himachal, Bihu from Assam, Bhangra, Jindua, Jhoomer from Punjab, Chapeli from Uttarakhand, Barsana ki Holi from Uttar Pradesh, Wangia from Meghalaya, Sambhalpuri Odisha, Badhai from Madhya Pradesh and much more. He said that as a corporate social responsibility initiative, the Surajkund Mela Authority provides 50% rebate on the entry tickets to the differently-abled persons, senior citizens and serving defense personnel and ex-servicemen.

A number of exciting and innovative competitions will be organized for school students across the mela duration. Exporters and Buyers Meet is organized during the Mela fortnight that offers a ready support system for crafts persons to access and tap the export market. To beef up security arrangements more than 100 CCTV cameras have been installed in the Mela ground along with the Night Vision cameras. A large number of security personnel, including women guards, are deployed in the Mela premises to prevent the occurrence of any untoward incident or mishap. A complete ban is imposed on the plastic/polythene bags within the Mela premises, Dr Neeraj added.