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Fight is not about elections, but to save Haryana: Bhupinder Singh Hooda

IEP Jhajjar

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday said the next election in the state would not be about who forms the next government in the state, but would be to save Haryana. He said when Congress government comes, we will make Haryana number one again.

Addressing the huge public protest rally organized in Machhrauli village of Badli constituency in Jhajjar, Hooda said that Haryana, which was number one in per capita income, per capita investment, providing employment and better law and order, has today reached number one in inflation, crime and unemployment. A large number of people were standing in the field since morning despite the severe cold. The rally was also addressed by Haryana Congress President Ch. Udaibhan and MP Deepender Hooda.

Hooda launched a full-frontal attack on the state government and said that the BJP_JJP government brought Skill Employment Corporation with only temporary jobs and low salaries, with neither pension nor job guarantee. He said that while the Congress government built stadiums in schools, colleges and villages throughout Haryana, this government closed schools, destroyed stadiums.

“Today there are no teachers in schools, no doctors in hospitals and no employees in offices. The BJP had promised to double the farmers’ income by 2022. Income did not double, costs doubled or tripled. The prices of fertilizers and pesticides increased three times.

Hooda said there is already a massive wave in favour of the Congress in the state. “When the Congress government comes to power, first the pension for the elderly in Haryana will be Rs 6000. The old pension scheme of the employees will be implemented. We will get rid of hassles of Family Identity Card  and Family ID, and we would restore the ration cards or pensions of those whose facilities have been cut,” he said.

“We will guarantee MSP to the farmers. About 2 lakh government posts are lying vacant, after the formation of our government, we will give permanent jobs on 2 lakh vacant posts. Every family will be given 300 units of electricity, free of cost. Every family will be given a gas cylinder for Rs 500. Will complete the backlog of backward class, increase the income limit of creamy layer from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10 lakh,” he said and also promised that the Congress party will prepare a separate program for women and it will be implemented in the manifesto.

Addressing the rally, State Congress President Ch. Udaibhan  said the BJP government has pushed the entire Haryana in the debt trap. “Today the state has a debt of more than Rs 4 lakh crore,” he said.

Enumerating the development works done during the Hooda government of Congress, he said that during the Congress government, 81.5 km of metro line was laid in Haryana and four big power plants, and one nuclear power plant were established in Haryana. “The present government has not added a single unit of electricity generation capacity,” he said.

The state president said under the Hooda government, 12 universities and 6 medical colleges were established in the state, railway lines and national highways were built, electricity bills worth Rs 1600 crore waived off, cooperative loans worth Rs 2200 crores were written off, loans of SC and Backward Corporations worth Rs 485 crores were waived off. He said plots of 100 yards were given to 3.82 lakh poor families, the government gave scholarship to 22 lakh children. Keshkala board and Mati Kala board were made for the backward classes.

He said that today Haryana has become the most unsafe state in terms of women safety and crimes against SC society. “The time has come to overthrow this government,” he said.

Udaibhan said the present government of Haryana has used the Family Identity Card as a weapon and cut off the pension of 5 lakh elderly people and widows. “Yellow ration cards of 9.60 lakh families were cut off. The government could not spend Rs 405 crore received by the Central Government under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The government surrendered the grant of 1,30,879 houses. They merged 4800 government schools, 498 schools were closed, 538 schools do not have toilets for girls, 1047 schools do not have toilets for boys. 8640 school rooms are required, but instead of fulfilling this need, the government surrenders the education budget of Rs 10626 crore,” he said.

As soon as MP Deepender  Hooda reached the stage to address, people welcomed him with loud slogans and thunderous applause. He said that Badli is passionately fighting for justice and truth and said he continues to be at the target of the running party, like the last election.

“They have the power of deceit, the power of government machinery, the power of money, but I have the courage given by the public. There is only one voice coming from entire Haryana, that the BJP-JJP are going and Congress government is coming,” he said. 

He challenged that JJP, which cheated people by selling out the mandate in the 2019 assembly elections, will not be able to save their deposit even in one of the 90 assembly segments in the state. He said Haryana has become a victim of corruption in 9 and a half years.

“In the last election, BJP gave the slogan that it would win more than 75 seats, while the JJP raised the slogan that they would be sent to the other side of Yamuna. After the elections, both of them made an agreement in the name of old age pension of Rs 5100 and 75 percent reservation for the youth of Haryana, but no one got Rs 5100 old age pension, and the government cut the pension of most of those who were getting it. Their agreement was not about pension or reservation, but to loot Haryana together and get their corruption files closed. BJP-JJP divided departments among themselves and looted the state,” he said.

He alleged that Haryana, which was considered number 1 in development before 2014, has today derailed from the track of development. Expressing his anger over the approved projects of the area going out of the state, he said people in power in Haryana did not even raise any voice, when Meham airport was being snatched away, 10 hospitals were to be built in Badhsa AIIMS-2, CRPF group center was to be built, metro was to be built beyond Sakhol. 

Deepender  said that lakhs of posts are lying vacant in the state and permanent jobs are being turned into temporary employment through Employment Corporation and Agneepath Scheme. “Earlier, every year about 5,500 youth were recruited as soldiers from Haryana. By implementing the Agneepath scheme, BJP took away this opportunity to serve the country from our youth. Now, barely 914 Agniveer could be recruited from entire Haryana in the Agneepath scheme, out of which 75 percent will return home after 4 years, and only about 225 Agniveer will be confirmed,” he said.

“Due to lack of investment in the private sector, new jobs are not being created. This is why Haryana has today become the number one state in the country in unemployment. Due to unemployment and despair, the youth are falling into the trap of drugs and crime,” he said.

“Only scams are being done in the name of recruitment by HSSC and HPSC. More than 30 papers have been leaked so far. We have a government in Haryana in which more people from outside Haryana get jobs than from the state. Out of 80 SDOs in Haryana’s recruitment, 78 were selected from outside. In SDO Electrical, 77 out of 99 were selected from outside, in the list of Assistant Professor Technical, 103 out of 156 were selected from outside and now recently, people from other states were recruited on 4 out of 7 posts in the SDOP list,” he said.

MP Deepender Hooda said the BJP government has insulted every section of the society, the people of Haryana are eagerly waiting for the elections to avenge this insult through the power of their votes. “There is no class left which has not come on the streets against the dictatorship of this government. BJP even called the farmers sitting on the streets for a year, as miscreants and terrorists. The government refused to even offer two kind words of condolence for the 750 farmers who were martyred in the movement,” he said.

“This government humiliated the sportsperson daughters by dragging them on the streets of Delhi. It lathi-charged on employees, MNREGA labourers, rural watchmen, Anganwadi, Asha workers, Sarpanch. Demands of every class was answered in the language of lathis,” he said.

The Jan Aakrosh Rally was organized by MLA Dr Kuldeep Vats. On this occasion, MPs, MLAs, former MLAs, former ministers including Mahila Congress, Seva Dal, Youth Congress, NSUI, party officials of frontal organizations, senior leaders, workers of the districts and a large number of local people were present.

Govt delivering successfully as per its commitments made to Punjab People, says Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains

IEP Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, January 26

Punjab School and Higher Education, Language, Technical Education and Industrial Training, Minister Harjot Singh Bains unfurled National Flag at Shaheed Major (Shaurya Chakra) Harminder Pal Singh Govt College, Mohali on Republic Day.

      Saluting to the contribution of our great freedom fighters like Kartar Singh Sarabha, Sardar Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Sardar Udham Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Hardyal and Lala Lajpat Rai and architect of our Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar, he said that we are the proud contributors to the freedom struggle of India by having over 80 percent share. 

    Remembering the movements started from the soil of Punjab like Gadar Movement, Babbar Akali Movement , Gurdwara Reforms Movement, Kamagatamaru and Pagri Sambhal Jatta as the fuel to the freedom movement, he said that after struggle we have the credit to make the country self reliant in food grain production.

      He said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government of Punjab who started its journey by taking oath from the ancestral village Khatkar Kalan of Shaheed Bhagat Singh has been delivering diligently as per its commitments made to the people of Punjab.

     The Education Minister said that in fact, Punjab has got an elected government; of the people, by the people and for the people,  in the real sense after decades.

     He further said that the Bhagwant Singh Mann Governement has set an example in Health, Education, Corruption free Governance, Power reforms and subsidies and revenue generation. He said that the concept of Aam Aadmi Clinics have facilitated the general public with quality health services at their doorstep besides Schools of Eminence have been proving a revolutionary change to make the education at par with the high standards of inaccessible institutions for the commeners. 

       He said that the increase in GST collection has shown the firm commitment of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government to make the state with its own resources to benefit the people with various welfare schemes. He said that the free domestic power has benefitted the 90 percent of the consumers with zero bill. He said that in the history of Punjab, it’s the first time that we have purchased a thermal power plant.

     Talking of the initiatives taken in his own department, he said that 117 Schools of Eminence, International high standard training to principals at Singapore and Head Masters from Indian Institute of Management, Ahemdabad have set new heights in the history of the Education Department. Furthermore, we have brought the new and transparent transfer policy to make it more easy recently.

      He said that Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra, Enhancement in ex-gratia grant to the martyrs of defence forces, action against 550 corrupt political people and Officials, jobs to 39406 youth of Punjab besides regularisation of 12710 adhoc/contractual employees, opening of 664 AAP clinics, setting up of Sadhak Surakhya Force to save the precious lives in road accidents, to make Punjab a favourite destination among the investors, hefty cash prizes to the international and national players with total amount of Rs 70 Crore, Door Step Delivery of 43 citizen centric services by dialing 1076, Public Revenue Lok Adalats to clear pendency of Mutations are the major achievements of our 22 months tenure. 

      Terming the denial to the Punjab Tableaus at National Level Parade most unfortunate, he said that the Bhagwant Mann Government has formally launched these Tableaus to showcase to the people Punjab from today so that they could judge   whether these Tableaus were able to enter at National Level Parade or not.

     Earlier, the Minister accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner Mrs Aashika Jain and SSP Dr Sandeep Garg inspected the parade and took salute from the March Past led by Parade Commander DSP Harsimrat Singh Chhetra.

     Wards (Kulbir Singh and Hardip Singh) of late freedom fighters Kehar Singh Basma and Natha Singh Landra were congratulated by the Minister on the day while the families of martyrs defence persons, Mrs Jagmeet Grewal w/o Col. Manpreet Singh (Sewa Medal), Anita Rani w/o Hawaldar Ranjodh Singh (Shaurya Chakra), Sunita Kumari w/o Hawaldar Kashmiri Lal and Sawita Rani w/o Head Constable Satbir Singh were honoured with momentos for remembering their contribution to the Nation.

     NCC Cadets from Govt College Mohali, Doon International School, Shiwalik Public School, Band Teams from Govt Senior Secondary school 3B1 Mohali, Govt Girls Senior Secondary Smart School Sohana were among the contingents other than Punjab Police. 

     Students from Govt Girls Senior Secondary Smart School Sohana, National Public School Kurali, Paragon School Sector 70, APJ School Mundi Kharar, Govt Senior Secondary School 3B1 Mohali, Shiwalik School Phase 6 Mohali and Special Children from Govt Primary School 3B1 were among the performers of Cultural program.

     Tableaus of Punjab Pollution Control Board, PSPCL and Agricultural were declared first, second and third while the other participant departments; Health Department, Forest Department, District Police and Doorstep Delivery of Citizen centric services were given consolidation prizes.

     As many as 62 achievers from society and Governement departments were awarded with Punjab Government Parman Patras while 21 students of various Government and Private Schools were felicitated for their rare achievements. The 14 MC Mohali employees who contributed to make the MC number one in Swachh Bharat Survey among the North India Cities were also given appreciation especially.

      Prominent among the others present there included MLA Kulwant Singh Mohali, Prabhjot Kaur Chairperson District Planning Committee, Jaskaran Singh ADG Rupnagar Police Range, Parents of Education Minister Sohan Singh Bains and Balwinder Kaur, Wife Dr Jyoti Yadav, IPS.

CM PUT FORTH HIS VISION IN FORM OF SADAK SURAKHYA FORCE BEFORE PEOPLE

IEP Jalandhar, January 27

Eyeing to reduce the road fatalities by around 3000 annually, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday flagged off 129 hi-tech vehicles of the country’s first of its kind ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’.

Addressing the gathering here today in a function to launch this force here today at PAP grounds, the Chief Minister said that this is a historic occasion as Punjab has become the first state to launch this ambitious scheme to save the precious lives of people. He said that all the officers had played a key role in constitution of this force and then its dedication to the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann  envisioned that it will go a long way in saving the lives of people and streamlining the traffic movement.

The Chief Minister said that the idea for forming this force has not came overnight but it has been a result of gross introspection of this serious problem. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as MP he had vehemently raised issue of road accidents in Lok Sabha as 12 deaths take place in state due to these mishaps. He said that since then it was in his mind that a force will be formed to save the lives of people in the coming days adding that today his dream has come true.

The Chief Minister said that with the constitution of this force, the Police will be able to discharge its Policing duties far more effectively. He said that the vehicles that have been roped in for the force are one of the finest vehicle across the world. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that SSF will be instrumental in saving the lives of common man and from now onwards the data of every month will be analysed to judge the working of SSF and data will be shared with the people after every month.

The Chief Minister said that this is a step forward towards making Punjab the safest state in terms of road accidents. He said that the day is not far when this motive is achieved in the larger public interest for the well being of state and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann also asked the staff of SSF to discharge their duties effectively and honestly to save the lives of people.

The Chief Minister said that points will also be kept for the driving licenses so that in coming times chronic violators are punished by cancelling their Driving licenses. He said that this is the need of hour to make sure that people abide by traffic rules and vehicular movement is streamlined. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is matter of immense pride and satisfaction that a large number of girls are joining the force and 90 drivers of the SSF vehicles are girls.

 The Chief Minister said that this force has been launched as a plan for road safety for covering 5500 km of state and national highways. He opined that Punjab has witnessed a significant increase in traffic and road infrastructure over the past few decades. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed concern that 65% of road fatalities take place on the national and state highways adding that most of these fatal accidents take place between 6:00 pm to 12:00 pm, when the presence of police on these roads is minimal.

The Chief Minister said that as many as 129 patrolling vehicles, fitted with specialized equipment to check drunken driving and over speeding, will be deployed on these routes, each covering a distance of 30 kilometres. He said that  Police personnel who have been imparted quality training are being deployed in Sadak Suraksha Force out of the newly recruited cops. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that training was imparted at Kapurthala adding that this force will be pivotal to check the fatality rate due to road accidents in the state on one hand and to streamline the movement of traffic on the roads of the state on the other.

The Chief Minister said that the first of its kind specialized force will be instrumental to save several precious lives that are lost in road accidents daily in Punjab adding that this force will be entrusted with the task of checking rash driving, streamlining vehicular movement on roads and others to check the road accidents. He said that these vehicles will also have a complete medical kit for providing emergency treatment to any person in need. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the force will be duly connected with trauma centres to ensure that people get required medical help on time.

The Chief Minister said that daily around 14 precious lives are lost in road accidents in Punjab. He said that this causality can be checked by manning the roads well for which ‘Sadak Surakhya Force’ has been constituted in the Punjab Police. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that this force will be instrumental with the task of checking rash driving, streamlining vehicular movement on roads and others to check the road accidents adding that it will reduce the burden on cops deployed in Police stations.

The Chief Minister said that Police is doing its duty in a fair and impartial manner to assure that justice is given to people. He said that instead of using the Police as a remote and a computer his government has handed over these gadgets in the hands of cops to enhance their efficiency. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for the well being of the Police force so that they discharge their duty efficiently.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab was a frontrunner and Punjab will always continue to be that as Punjabis have been blessed with indomitable spirit of hard work and resilience. He said that the state government is performing its duty meticulously and zealously to ensure that Punjab leads the country in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann exhorted the people to play a proactive role by supporting the state government in a noble cause.

The Chief Minister also launched the phase I roadmap of the SSF on which the vehicles will move in the state.

On the occasion Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, Home Secretary Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Additional Director General of Police MF Farooki and AS Rai were also present.

Home Minister Anil Vij reprimanded the DSP of Gohana for inaction in the rape case and directed strict action to be taken

IEP Chandigarh, January 27

Haryana Home and Health Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today took a note of the complaint of a victim of rape case, reprimanded the DSP of Gohana, and gave strict directions for action in the registered case. Similarly, in another misdeed case in Bhiwani, he directed the SP to take stringent action, stating, “We will not tolerate any leniency in crimes against women.”

Sh. Vij was redressing to the grievances of people the state at his residence in Ambala today

        The victim of rape case from Gohana informed Home Minister Anil Vij that the police have not yet arrested the accused, and the DSP is negotiating with the same person. Displeased with the DSP’s conduct, Home Minister Anil Vij reprimanded the DSP of Gohana over the phone and instructed immediate arrest of the accused.

        Similarly, a woman from Bhiwani complained about inaction in a rape case. She explained that even after filing a case, the police have not arrested the accused, and pressure is being exerted for a compromise. Sh. Vij directed the SP, Bhiwani, to take strict action in the case.

Home Minister Anil Vij directed the SP for action against the forced entry of goons into the Yamunanagar Anganwadi

        The Anganwadi worker from Yamunanagar informed Home Minister Anil Vij about daily forced entries of criminals into the Anganwadi in the Chhappar area and their indulgence in criminal activities. Home Minister Vij, over the phone, reprimanded the SP, Yamunanagar, and instructed the police to take immediate action.

A personnel claimed to be falsely implicated in a case, and Home Minister instructed the formation of a committee for investigation

        A personnel from Ambala complained to Home Minister Anil Vij that he had honestly performed his duty, but he was falsely implicated in a case, leading to his imprisonment. The case also affected his promotion. He alleged that the case against him was incorrect, and he had evidence related to the case. Home Minister Anil Vij directed the DGP, Haryana, to form a three-member committee for a re-investigation into the matter.

Home Minister Vij directed to the SP, Kaithal in the case of the death of a married woman

        A family from Kaithal complained to Home Minister Anil Vij that their sister had consumed poison due to harassment from the in-laws. While the police registered a case, no action was taken against the accused. Before her death, the married woman had given a statement to the magistrate. Home Minister Vij directed the SP, Kaithal to immediately arrest the accused.

Allegations of corruption in MGNREGA, and Home Minister Anil Vij directed the DC, Karnal to conduct an investigation

        A person from Kunjpura, Karnal, accused corruption in MGNREGA works in the village. He claimed to have filed several complaints at various levels without any action taken. Home Minister directed the DC, Karnal, to initiate an investigation through the SDM.

42 lakh rupees fraud in the name of work visa in the USA, and Home Minister directed an SIT for investigation

        A woman from Kurukshetra complained to Home Minister Anil Vij that her son was defrauded of 42 lakh rupees in the name of obtaining a work visa in the USA. Allegedly, he was sent to a different country instead. Home Minister directed to investigate formed an SIT for  the immigration fraud.

Additionally, Home Minister Anil Vij directed action against officials involved in these cases

        Complainants from Yamunanagar accused him of causing the roof of their house to collapse in a dispute. Similarly, a complainant from Panipat falsely accused a person of obtaining a pistol license using fake documents. Another person from Rewari accused his family of not taking action against his father’s suicide. A woman from Karnal accused her in-laws of harassment. A woman from Yamunanagar complained about being teased by some young men. A woman from Dabwali complained about encroachment on her land, and other grievances were presented, for which Home Minister Anil Vij directed officials to take action.

Preliminary publication of voter lists of all 90 assembly constituencies of Haryana state done on 27 October 2023

IEP Chandigarh, January 27

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Sh Anurag Agarwal said that under the program issued by the Election Commission of India, the preliminary publication of voter lists of all 90 assembly constituencies of Haryana state was done on 27 October 2023. At that time, the total number of voters stood at 1,96,25,391, comprising 1,04,50,568 male voters and 91,74,823 female voters. Additionally, there were 2,05,046 voters aged 18 to 19 years. Consequently, for every 1000 male voters, there were 878 female voters.

        Sh Anurag Aggarwal mentioned that during the Special Summary Revision-2024 period, the concerned Electoral Registration Officer addressed claims, objections, and amendments received from the public in accordance with the submitted forms. A total of 5,25,615 voters were added, while the names of 4,25,749 deceased and permanently transferred voters were removed from the voter list. Subsequently, the final publication of the voter lists, including photographs, was completed at all polling stations on January 22, 2024.

        He stated that following the latest publication, the total number of voters in the state stands at 1,97,25,257, comprising 1,04,74,461 male voters and 92,50,796 female voters. Notably, the count of voters aged 18 to 19 years reached 3,43,753, marking the highest figure in the special summary revisions to date. Additionally, there are 38,75,544 voters aged between 20 to 29 years. Consequently, there are now 883 female voters for every 1000 male voters.

        He urged all registered voters of the state to carefully review the photo voter lists published on January 22, 2024. He emphasized the importance of verifying their names, photos, and other details in the list. In case of any discrepancies or if their name was not included due to any reason, or he or shehas not turned 18 years of age at that time then such persons can now get his or her name registered in the voter list by filling Form No. 6 through online/offline during the continuous updates conducted by the Election Commission of India. This can be done either online through the Voter Portal App/NVSP/Voter Helpline App or offline by submitting Form No. 6 to the office of the BLO/District Election Office/Electoral Registration Officer in their respective area.

Theme for National Voters’ Day is ‘There is nothing like vote, we will definitely vote: CEO

IEP Chandigarh, January 27

Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Sh Anurag Agarwal said that January 25 has been designated as the foundation day of the Election Commission of India since 2011 by the Election Commission’s decision. This significant occasion is celebrated nationwide as National Voter’s Day, spanning from every polling station to assembly constituency, district, state, and national levels. This year, the state-level National Voters’ Day ceremony took place at Agrasen Public School, Kurukshetra.

        He that the theme for National Voters’ Day is ‘There is nothing like vote, we will definitely vote.’ The chief guest for this event was Chief Secretary Sh Sanjeev Kaushal. He mentioned that a picture exhibition was organized by the Central Bureau of Communication, Chandigarh, along with an exhibition featuring election-related paintings and sculptures prepared by the Haryana Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department. During the event, students from schools and colleges across the state who secured first, second, and third positions in the speech competition were honored by the Chief Secretary. Additionally, recognition was extended to the Deputy Commissioners and District Election Officers of Gurugram, Karnal, Panchkula, Faridabad, and Nuh, along with the Electoral Registration Officers of Assembly Constituencies 20-Indri, 78-Sohna, and 86-Faridabad N.I.T for their outstanding contributions during the Special Summary Revision 2024. Appreciation were also extended to Election Tehsildars/Election Deputy Tehsildars of Gurugram, Karnal, Faridabad, and Panchkula, as well as booth level officers.

        During the event, Chief Secretary distributed voter I. cards to new voters aged 18 to 19 years, and attractive incentives were announced as part of a scheme aimed at encouraging youth and women to enroll in the voter list. Chief Secretary awarded 3 laptops and 2 smartphones to eligible voters aged 18 to 19 years, and 3 laptops and 2 smartphones exclusively to women voters (selected through a draw) as prizes. Among the prize winners were Tannu from Panipat, Arvind from Mahendragarh, Promila and Ashish from Fatehabad, Kavita from Fatehabad, Simran and Monika from Hisar, Nandini from Hisar, Himanshi from Kaithal, and Gyanwati from Rohtak.

127 Labor Canteens started across Haryana, Offering Meals at Rs 10 for Workers

IEP Chandigarh, January 27

Under the “Antyodaya Aahar Yojana,” launched by Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, to provide affordable meals to workers, the Labour Department has successfully initiated the operation of 127 labour canteens across the state. Individuals can access nutritious meals at a nominal cost of Rs 10 at these designated canteens.

        Providing further details here today, an official spokesperson stated that among these 127 canteens, 52 are base canteens equipped with kitchen facilities for both cooking and serving meals. The remaining 75 canteens will distribute food prepared in a central kitchen, utilizing 39 vans and 9 e-rickshaws for transportation to designated sites.

        In addition to offering food at affordable prices, these canteens will also generate employment opportunities for members of self-help groups. Currently, 52 self-help groups are affiliated with the canteens, with approximately 488 members participating in their operation. With a capacity to serve around 27,000 workers daily, these canteens, strategically situated near workplaces and major industrial zones, are poised to cater to the needs of the labor force efficiently.

        The spokesperson highlighted that the project aimed at establishing 100 canteens under the Antyodaya Aahar Yojana has been extended to operate 127 canteens across the state. This initiative not only ensures access to affordable food for the needy but also provides employment opportunities for women in self-help groups. The government’s objective is to ensure both male and female workers have access to nutritious meals at reasonable prices. To facilitate easy access, workers can conveniently locate their nearest canteen and mobile unit through the Labour Department’s website using their mobile devices, thus streamlining their access via map directions.

        The locations of all permanent canteens and mobile units have been made available through a map on the website of the Labor Department www.hrylabour.gov.in.

        Taking into account key areas and workplaces along with the workforce density, the government has designated canteens at 4 locations in Karnal, 9 in Sonipat, 5 in Yamunanagar, 31 in Gurugram, 15 in Faridabad, 5 in Nuh, 9 in Panipat, 4 in Ambala, and several other places including 4 canteens, operational in Panchkula.

Chief Minister to inaugurate Electric City Bus Service in Panipat on January 28

IEP Chandigarh, January 27

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal will inaugurate the Electric City Bus Service from Panipat on January 28, 2024. This initiative aims to not only benefit residents in nine cities but also contribute to environmental sustainability by ensuring zero pollution.

        Transport Minister Sh. Mool Chand Sharma will inaugurate a comparable bus service facility from Jagadhri, Yamunanagar on January 29.

        Providing further details, an official spokesperson informed that following the launches in Panipat and Jagadhri, the government will progressively introduce comparable services in seven additional cities throughout the State, namely Panchkula, Ambala, Sonipat, Rewari, Karnal, Rohtak, and Hisar. The rollout of the City Bus Service across all nine cities is slated for completion by June 2024.

        In his Budget Speech of 2023, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal had announced the government’s intention to introduce City Bus services in nine cities of Haryana with Municipal Corporations, along with adding Rewari city and enhancing existing services in Gurugram, Manesar, and Faridabad. The Transport Department efficiently executed this initiative in record time, marking it as a pioneering project in the country.

        He said that with a fleet of 450 state-of-the-art, air-conditioned electric buses, this project, amounting to Rs 2450 crore over 12 years, represents not only a new dimension but also a significant stride toward a pollution-free environment. The state government appointed Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), an entity under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, as its consultant for the bus tender process. Through a global tender facilitated by CESL under the National e-Bus Plan, an order was secured for 375 (12-meter) buses, designated for operations within the City Bus Service. A total of 450 buses will be procured for the facility.

        He said that separate depots are currently under construction for the City Bus Service in each of these nine cities. Existing depots in two locations, Panipat and Jagadhri (Yamunanagar), have been modified for operational launch. In the remaining seven locations, new depots are being built, each spanning approximately three acres of land, at a cost exceeding Rs 100 crores. Operations at these new depots are slated to commence by June 2024.

        The spokesperson said that the city bus service will benefit not only the urban population but also the rural population of the district and the reach of bus service will be ensured in the villages around each city.

No horse-trading will take place during mayoral election in Chd; Candidate of Cong-AAP will win: Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal

Senior Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal today alleged that by hook or crook, BJP wants power in Municipal Corporation Chandigarh but number is not its favour. The candidate of Congress- Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alliance will win the mayoral election in Chandigarh. In this election, the arithmetic is very clear. In the previous two elections, Congress was absent and by default, BJP had won the mayoral election by a margin of single vote. This time, Congress and AAP got together to contest the election. In alliance, the number of councilors is 20 against 15 of BJP including MP’s vote, he adds.

He alleged that under the influence of BJP leadership, the presiding officer was made ill and Administration on January 18 had postponed the mayoral election. The delay could have been avoided by appointing another presiding officer. Finally, Haryana High Court has directed the Chandigarh administration to conduct the mayoral elections on January 30.

Bansal further said that an attempt of horse trading or other such influence during the ongoing mayoral election is being made by the BJP leaders but they have not succeeded so far. In view of possible horse trading, the Congress party has decided to shift its councilors to other states.

Former Union Minister further said that Congress and AAP are part of I.N.D.I. Alliance. This alliance is confined to the Chandigarh Mayoral election only so far. The seat- sharing agreement of this alliance in other States will be taken by the Congress high command.

The 75- year- old Bansal, who represented Chandigarh Parliamentary constituency in 1991, 1999, 2004 and 2009, says that he will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Chandigarh Parliamentary Constituency if the party gives a ticket.

He further said, “It is unfortunate that the election could not take place on time. Just 15 minutes before the start of the election process on January 18, we got the information that the presiding officer was ill. As per my information, the presiding officer was not ill but he was made ill. On the influence of BJP leadership, the Administration had postponed the elections citing two reasons -presiding officer got ill and law and order problem. BJP did not allow the polls to take place as this party was to face defeat in this election. Delay could have been avoided by appointing another presiding officer. Later we moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Court has directed the Chandigarh administration to conduct the mayoral elections on January 30. I emphasized the need for transparency and careful scrutiny in the electoral process. Administration should guarantee the safety of councilors. I urged voters to refrain from bringing police officers or supporters to the voting booths on Election Day.”


He further said that as Congress and AAP are part of I.N.D.I alliance so leaders of both the parties discussed and finalized the alliance for mayoral election in New Delhi. As per the alliance agreement, the mayor will be from AAP, while the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor will go to the Congress.
As far as alliance in other states are concerned, in Delhi and elsewhere, negotiation is going on regarding seat sharing to put a single candidate against BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Discussion is still on as Lok Sabha election is about two months away. As I do not represent Punjab and Haryana Congress so I can’t comment on that.

Let me say that our alliance is confined to only the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation mayoral election so far. Rest of the decision will be taken by the Congress high command. We will abide by whatever decision is being taken by Congress high command.

Senior Congress leader said, “I have always been active in Chandigarh whether I am elected representative or not. My tenure as the treasurer of the All India Congress Committee ended last year. I am now completely devoted to the people of the city. I am in touch with the people and raising their concerns from time to time. People of the city approach me for functions and I have been attending social and cultural activities. I will contest the Lok Sabha election if the party gives me a ticket from Chandigarh Parliamentary constituency.”

He further said that Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla idol recently held in Ayodhya was purely BJP and RRS’s programme. It was not a religious programme. We all have believe and faith in Lord Rama. We believe in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.  Religion is personal faith. We go to temple and worship daily but there is no need to show it. BJP is trying to commercialize the religion which Congress has never done and people will not accept it.

As far as development in 10 years is concerned, the performance is dismal. The propaganda mechanism is at the best. BJP is claiming to provide free ration to 80 crore poor people of the country. But this is possible because of farmers’ hard work and the National Food Security Act brought by Manmohan Singh led Union Government in 2013.  Before the election, PM Narendra Modi had promised to provide two crore jobs per year to the youth of the country if voted to power. Where is the job now? On ground, BJP has done nothing for the betterment and benefit of the people of the country.

he further said that look at any aspects, where is development in Chandigarh? What are achievements now? According to me, it is not that nothing has been done but it is far from satisfactory in terms of development. In Chandigarh, BJP leaders claim to be doing a lot of things for the city but on the ground nothing has been done. BJP leaders including current MP have no say in Chandigarh Administration. Following this, BJP leaders are not able to do anything for the benefit of Chandigarh and people at large. Administration takes decisions on its own. Chandigarh has not progressed in any sectors.

In our regime, Chandigarh secured top position in cleanliness for consecutive two years at national level and one year, it stood second position. But where is the position of the city now in cleanliness? Currently, the administration has failed to provide safety to the sanitation workers and a good working environment for them. Condition of the road, cycle track, electricity wires among others are not in good condition. Moreover, in the form of income tax, the people of Chandigarh give more money to the consolidated fund of India but what they received. Chandigarh does not receive adequate funds from the centre government. In a broader sense, taxes and user charges have been increased. Land rate for conversion from leasehold to freehold in case of residential property has been increased by 350 per cent and people are facing difficulties. Property tax, water charge, treated water charge, electricity charge, sanitation charge and others have been raised and people have to bear it. There are lots of issues to be raised in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Haryana showcases its development & unique PPP scheme on Kartvyapath

IEP Chandigarh, January 26

Haryana’s distinctive image to becoming a prosperous and developed state by implementing innovative schemes with blend of technology and digitalisation was showcased on Kartvyapath in national capital Delhi on Republic Day. The Family ID  or Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP), which  has revolutionised the delivery system of benefits of government schemes at the grassroot level, was exhibited in front of the nation and the world through a tableau. With the help of these innovative schemes, many of which have been adopted at the national level, and digitalisation of services is gradually developing the state into a ‘New Haryana’ were aptly showcased in the Tableau.

The tableau displaying the image of developed Haryana was a point of attraction for everyone and was successful, to a larger extent, in giving a  message that Haryana remains the first choice for industrial investment today. This time the Government of India had suggested two themes for the tableaux . ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Mother of Democracy’. The Haryana tableau depicting development in many facets synchronised with the theme suggested by the Central Government . The unique PPP scheme of Haryana was highlighted as through it he state government is delivering benefits of government schemes to the eligible beneficiaries at their doorstep, without even going to the government offices, on the basis of available data. This unique scheme helps the government in identifying the actual beneficiaries for providing them relief of the welfare schemes of the government. The eligible beneficiaries get the benefits sitting at their homes and this was shown on the tableau. According to the data recorded in the family identity card or PPP, the eligible families are easily able to get the benefits of PDS ration, pension, old age allowance, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, scholarship, subsidy etc.

The tableau also showcased the rapid changes in the direction of development in Haryana. For example, in the field of education, connecting the youth with modern technology, the students studying in classes 10th and 12th in government schools were  given free tablets so that they can continue their studies online. The state government has set a record by distributing free tablets to more than five lakh students studying in classes 10th to 12th in government schools under its ambitious e-learning programme ‘e-Adhigam.’

The tableau also depicted the excavation work being done in Hisar’s Rakhigarhi, where remains of Indus Valley Civilization and Pre-Harappan Civilization have been found, which reflect our ancient civilization. The strengthened infrastructure , well maintained roads, including the expansion of the metro network, laying of new highways and rapid industrial progress were part of tableau. The unique model of urban development of the state was also showcased. Apart from this, the increasing industrialization due to the industrial friendly environment created in the state was also shown in the tableau of Haryana.

The headquarter building of International Solar Alliance (ISA) established in Haryana was also visible on the Tableau. This headquarter has been set up near village Gwal Pahari in Gurugram district, which was established on the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to provide a platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries in meeting their specific energy needs. 

*Haryana’s  rich cultural heritage seen on the Kartavya path, image of ‘Vikasit Haryana’ heard in the song*

Along with the tableau of Haryana, women in traditional Haryanvi attire were seen performing Haryanvi dance on both sides. During this, the song ‘Jai Haryana, Vikasit Haryana’ was heard in Haryanvi dialect. This song is all about , the atmosphere of peace, tranquility and the development happening in Haryana. It is worth mentioning that Haryana’s tableau has got a place in the Republic Day Parade at national level for the third consecutive time. Last year, Haryana had prepared a tableau on the theme of ‘International Geeta Mahotsav’ on Republic Day, in which the Virat Swaroop of Lord Shri Krishna was shown. Prior to this, Haryana had showcased its achievements in sports through its outstanding Olympian players.