Category Archives: News

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

Local Government Minister Balkar Singh Honors Winners of City Beauty Competition

IEP Chandigarh, January 19

 Balkar Singh, Local Government Minister, distributed trophies and certificates to the winners at a State Level ceremony held at Punjab Municipal Bhawan, Sector 35, Chandigarh. He expressed his satisfaction with the quality of entries and announced that more initiatives would be taken to encourage and recognize the transformative efforts made by cities and wards across the State in creating beautiful, innovative, and inclusive public spaces.

Local Government Minister Balkar Singh said that The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, organized the City Beauty Competition, wherein Municipal Corporations and Councils from various cities participated. A total of 46 entries from Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the State qualified for the competition. The competition focused on judging wards and public spaces against five key pillars: Accessibility, Amenities, Activities, Aesthetics, and Ecology. Aesthetics held the maximum weightage of 50%.

Balkar Singh further added that after a thorough evaluation by a jury consisting of Town Planners, Heritage, Environment, and Fine Arts Experts, the top five entries in different categories were selected. The winners include UBDC Canal Waterfront Project in Amritsar for the Waterfront category, goal Bagh Amrit Project for the Park category, Sarabha Nagar Ward in Ludhiana for the Ward category, Phase-3B2 Market in SAS Nagar for the Commercial Space category, and the Redevelopment of Walled City Project near Golden Temple in Amritsar for the Heritage category.

          Minister Balkar Singh recommended these five winning entries to the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Government of India, for participation in the National Level City Beauty Competition. This signifies the commitment of the State towards fostering aesthetically pleasing and sustainable urban environments.

Haryana Unveils Comprehensive Plan for Air Quality Improvement in Delhi-NCR Region

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

In a major step towards tackling air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region, Haryana Chief Secretary Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal disclosed the state’s action plan for the year 2024-25. The plan focuses on transitioning the state’s bus fleet to cleaner alternatives, including electric, CNG, and BS-VI diesel buses.

Mr. Kaushal shared this information after participating in a virtual meeting convened by the Union Cabinet Secretary on air quality management in Delhi and the NCR region. The plan includes stringent timelines and action items for the replacement of BS-III/IV Diesel Buses.

E-Buses for Gurugram and Faridabad: Mr. Kaushal stated that State Transport Haryana has finalized the procurement of 375 e-buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model for operation in nine Municipal Corporation cities of Haryana. He assured that all 375 e-buses would be inducted by June 2024. Mr. Kaushal also mentioned the procurement of 200 e-buses through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), initiated for induction in Gurugram and Faridabad (100 e-buses each). The induction of all 200 e-buses is expected to be completed by December 2024. State Transport Haryana plans to add 500 new Standard BS-VI diesel buses and 150 HVAC BS-VI diesel buses meeting the latest BS-VI emission norms during the financial year 2024-25. All these proposed new buses will be inducted into the bus fleet by November 2024, he added.

He emphasized that only BS-VI compliant buses will be in operation by all depots of Haryana destined for Delhi. All BS-III compliant buses will be phased out from NCR depots before October 2024. All State-owned BS-IV compliant buses of adjoining cities of Delhi, namely Faridabad, Gurugram, and Sonipat, will be transferred to Non-NCR depots by October 2024. In their place, BS-VI compliant diesel buses will be allotted, enhancing the fleet’s environmental sustainability.

Presently, approximately 1030 BS-III compliant diesel buses are in operation in Haryana, with around 500 buses serving NCR depots. Mr. Kaushal stated that all 500 BS-III buses will be condemned and phased out from NCR depots by October 2024.

To address vehicular emissions, approximately 10 lakh vehicles have been color-coded in NCR districts to date. There is 100% adherence to regulations, with Registering Authorities refraining from issuing RCs without the mandatory affixation of High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP) and Colour-Coded stickers, as per the prescribed guidelines.

Mr. Kaushal informed that Dust Control and Management Cells (18 numbers) have been constituted by ULB, PWD, HSVP, NHAI and HSIIDC in NCR. Nodal officers have been appointed to oversee these cells.

Additionally, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has successfully launched a web portal for Dust Pollution Control Self-Assessment, facilitating the registration of construction projects on plots exceeding 500 square meters in the NCR. As of January 16, 2024, 738 sites have been registered, showcasing a proactive approach to environmental management. He also highlighted the deployment of a significant number of mechanical sweeping machines in the NCR. He said that 534 Anti Smog Guns have been installed at the construction sites in NCR for dust suppression.

The Automotive Research Association in Pune has been entrusted with investigating pollution levels and carbon emissions in selected Haryana cities, including Gurugram, Panipat, and Sonipat. Plans for five additional districts, namely Rewari, Jhajjar, Jind, Rohtak, and Charkhi Dadri, are already underway, for which tenders have been issued.

Sh. Kaushal emphasized the Haryana Government’s proactive stance on stubble management, noting the establishment of paddy straw-based 2G ethanol plant by IOCL at Baholi, Panipat. This plant, with a total capacity of 100 KLPD each, is set to consume 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy straw annually. The state boasts 23 operational crop residue-based briquetting plants with a cumulative capacity of 2.30 lakh TPA.

Furthermore, Haryana actively supports the establishment of paddy straw-based Compressed Biogas Plants (CBG) under the SATAT initiative by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. To date, 165 letters of intent have been issued by oil marketing companies for a total capacity of 1263 TPD, showcasing a commitment to alternative uses for paddy straw. Looking ahead, thermal power stations in the state are slated to incorporate 5-7 percent paddy straw into their fuel mix for power generation, a strategic move managed by the Energy Department (NRE). This initiative aims to further utilize paddy straw efficiently, with specific areas allocated for its procurement.

Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. P. Raghavendra Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh.Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Forest and Wildlife Department, Sh. Vineet Garg and other officers were present in the meeting.

Haryana CM takes blessings at Gurudwara Lakhnaur Sahib on the occasion of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

On the occasion of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal paid obeisance at Gurudwara Lakhnaur Sahib in Ambala district on Wednesday. He offered prayers for the prosperity, well-being, and happiness of the country and state residents.

The Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the gathering on the celebration of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birth anniversary, being observed with grandeur across the country.

The Chief Minister said that the Gurudwara Lakhnaur Sahib, intimately associated with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, holds memories of him and his mother.

Sh. Manohar Lal said that remembering the courage, valour, sacrifices, and contributions of our Gurus is a source of inspiration for the younger generation.

“The history and valour of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and his family continue to inspire us. He directed officers to enhance the beauty of the Gurudwara Sahib’s parking with tiles and beautify the historical well,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.

Earlier, MLA, Sh. Aseem  Goel, on behalf of the Ambala city residents,  welcomed the Chief Minister upon his arrival and conveyed congratulations to everyone on Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s birth anniversary.

On this occasion, the Gurdwara Management Committee and Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee office bearers presented shawls, swords, and a portrait of Guru Gobind Singh Ji to the Chief Minister.

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij gives directions to constitute SIT to investigate different cases

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Haryana Home and Health Minister Sh. Anil Vij today resolved public grievances from all over the state at his residence in Ambala and directed the concerned officer for prompt action.

In such a case a mother and son from Karnal said that it his maternal grandfather’s property has been taken over by some people of miscreant nature. Not only this, on the contrary a case also has been registered against him. To which, Home Minister Sh. Anil Vij directed SP Karnal to constitute SIT and conduct investigation for the matter. Similarly, in another case, one of the complainant, a resident of Adampur alleged that he has been accused of fake molestation and assault charges,  the Home Minister directed the Superintendent of Police of Hisar to constitute an SIT and investigate.

A woman from Naraingarh told Sh.Vij that she was duped out of Rs 22 lakh by luring her into making gold jewellery at a low price. Home Minister Sh. Vij directed Ambala Superintendent of Police to register a case and conduct an investigation.

In another case, a Rohtak family reported that miscreants had taken over their plot and the police have lodged a complaint against them only. Taking cognizance of this complaint, Anil Vij directed the Superintendent of Police of Rohtak to re-investigate the matter.

Home Minister directs Kurukshetra Superintendent of Police to take action in a case of dowry harassment

A married woman resident of Shahabad in Kurukshetra, said that she was harassed by her in-laws for dowry, but the police did not take any action. The Home Minister directed the Superintendent of Police of Kurukshetra to take action in this matter.

Apart from this, the woman from Rohtak said that she filed an assault case against her in-laws, but the police cancelled the FIR without conducting a proper investigation. The Home Minister directed the Superintendent of Police of Rohtak to conduct an investigation for the matter.

Directions to Hisar SP if action is not taken in murder case

In another complaint reported to the Home Minister, a woman resident of  Mandi Adampur said that the police did not take any action in the murder case. The Home Minister directed the SP of Hisar to take action and investigate the matter. Additionally, a family from Yamunanagar said their daughter had left home with a man. The girl now wants to return home, but the young man has taken her daughter hostage. In this matter, Sh. Vij called the SP of Yamunanagar and gave directions to take action in the matter.

Directions to Ambala Municipal Council officers to take action regarding construction of crematorium

Citizens from Ambala Cantt, including Sai Ka Bagh, Shivala Mandi, and Shekh Majra, reached the darbar of the Home Minister. They mentioned that there is no cremation ground in their area, and they have to travel 11 kilometres to Ram Bagh for the last rites. The Home Minister has directed municipal officers to take action in this matter. Similarly, a complainant from Ghari Sikandra village in Yamunanagar informed that watchmen are being appointed in the village through a voting process.

Despite receiving the highest votes, someone else is being appointed as a watchman in their village. In this case, Home Minister Anil Vij has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Yamunanagar to investigate the matter.

People are benefiting from the welfare schemes of the Central and State governments: Kamlesh Dhanda

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

Haryana Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda, said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi in the Country and Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal in Haryana, equitable development is taking place. Implementation of schemes for the welfare of every section has been undertaken, she said.

The Minister said that the Chief Minister,  Sh. Manohar Lal has formulated various schemes for the efficient management of Gaushalas in the state, ensuring the well-being of livestock.

During the program organized at the Gaushala in Madhad in Kaithal, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda gave a cheque of Rs. 22,08,750 to representatives of Gaushala.

The Minister said that the registered Gaushalas in the state have been allocated funds based on the number of cattle. The Chief Minister’s effort is to ensure that there is no problem in the care and feeding of as many cattle as there are in the state.

She said that the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has been organized by the government, through which the benefits of government schemes have been delivered to the poor. This Yatra has covered both rural and urban areas to extend the benefits of government schemes to the last person standing in the line, said the Minister.

Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda also heard the grievances of the people and directed the officers to address these issues on the spot. The Minister also administered the Viksit Bharat oath to the people present.

Earlier, the Minister visited the Shri Kapil Muni Tirth Complex, where she prayed at the temple. A cleanliness campaign was also carried out here.

Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda said that this campaign is being carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and a cleanliness campaign is being conducted at every religious place until January 22.

The Chief Minister, along with all ministers, MPs, MLAs, and the general public, is participating in this campaign, said Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda.

Director General of Police Initiates Progressive Measures for Police Welfare in Panchkula

IEP Panchkula, January 17

Haryana Director General  Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, marked a significant stride in police welfare by inaugurating the Central Mess for police personnel at the Sector-14 police station in Panchkula today. During his visit, Kapur meticulously examined the arrangements at the central mess and actively participated by sharing a meal with the officers.

This newly inaugurated mess, the second in Panchkula district, follows the successful launch of a similar facility at the MDC police station earlier. Kapur took the opportunity to inspect the police station’s essential amenities and offered crucial directives to the officers present.

Emphasizing the welfare initiatives for policemen, Kapur highlighted the department’s commitment to not only providing on-site dining facilities through canteens but also addressing the employment needs of their unemployed children. The Director General Police disclosed that the department is initiating crèches across the state to facilitate working women police officials in ensuring the well-being of their children.

In a groundbreaking move, Kapur disclosed an action plan tailored to employ the children of police personnel, aligning opportunities with their educational qualifications. To achieve this, the department is actively engaging them in diverse training courses, empowering them to build sustainable livelihoods.

This strategic approach underscores the Haryana Police Department’s dedication to enhancing the overall well-being of its officers and their families.

Chandigarh Mayoral elections today – Congress-AAP confident of victory despite BJP’s efforts

IEP Chandigarh


Ahead of the mayoral elections scheduled for January 18 in Chandigarh, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha and senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal met on Wednesday. A coalition has been formed between AAP and Congress for the Chandigarh mayoral elections. While AAP is contesting for the mayoral position, Congress has fielded candidates for the positions of Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor. There is a concerted effort to defeat BJP with mutual consent between AAP and Congress. Senior Congress leader Pawan Bansal stated that no matter how clever BJP tries to be, this time the math is in favor of our coalition, and we are poised to take control of the municipal corporation. This victory will set the stage for success in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

On Tuesday, AAP MP Raghav Chadha expressed confidence that the opposition alliance ‘India’ will secure victory in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections and that this triumph will mark the beginning for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. AAP and Congress had formed an alliance on Monday for the elections scheduled to take place on January 18 in the union territory of Chandigarh. Both parties are part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (India).

Raghav Chadha stated that he is confident that the ‘India’ alliance will defeat the BJP in the Chandigarh mayoral elections. He said, “The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections will witness the first major showdown between BJP and the India alliance. It will set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.”

Prior to this, there were allegations against Congress mayoral candidate Jasbir Banti of trying to align with BJP, leading to a commotion at the municipal corporation office on Tuesday night, even reaching the High Court. However, Jasbir Banti clarified that he is with his party and will withdraw his candidacy before the elections.

Haryana DGP Meets Telecom Companies, Addresses Network Issues for Helpline Numbers 112 and 1930

IEP Chandigarh

Haryana Director General Police Shatrujeet Kapur met with representatives of telecom companies to address network problems faced with helpline numbers 112 and 1930.

During a meeting with representatives of telecom companies, Kapur provided a comprehensive list of identified problem areas and issued instructions to rectify them promptly. The objective of the meeting was to find a permanent solution to network-related challenges faced by Haryana 112 and Cyber Helpline No. 1930.

The meeting included a thorough review of call connectivity to these helpline numbers from each district. It was revealed that police station in-charges and officers statewide engage in trial calls to the cyber helpline number 1930 at various times each month. The goal is to ensure the availability of calls on the helpline numbers mentioned.

Representatives from BSNL claimed a 100% phone connection success rate within their network. In response, Director General Kapur directed officials from all telecom companies to investigate areas where phone connectivity issues persist and resolve them promptly. He emphasized that telecom companies should guarantee that calls to 1930 connect seamlessly, even in roaming situations, ensuring individuals can register complaints without hindrance.

The trial results indicated an 86% success rate in connecting phones to the helpline number 1930 across various networks. Kapur, acknowledging the progress, instructed authorities to work towards achieving a 100% connection rate.

In a decisive move, Kapur instructed telecom service provider companies to address connectivity issues in districts identified in the list provided to them. He emphasized the importance of resolving these problems to ensure citizens in these districts do not encounter any hindrances while making calls.

During the meeting, it was revealed that signal problems had been identified in districts such as Kurukshetra, Jhajjar, Hansi, Sirsa, Rewari, Nuh, and Charkhi Dadri. Comprehensive data regarding network-related problems in all districts has been shared with telecom companies, urging them to take necessary steps to enhance connectivity.

SADAK SURAKHYA FORCE WILL BE PRESSED INTO SERVICE OF PEOPLE FROM COMING REPUBLIC DAY: CM

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

          On the auspicious occasion of parkash purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann handed over recruitment letters to 461 youth and exhorted them to follow the footsteps of Dashmesh pitaah to dispense justice to people.

          Addressing the gathering here at Municipal Bhawan during a function to give job letters, the Chief Minister said that the great Sikh guru had taught us to fight against tyranny, injustice and oppression. He said that on this sacred day all of us must take a pledge to discharge our duty with utmost sincerity, dedication and commitment to serve the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said we must tread the path shown by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji to serve the people zealously and contribute to the progress of the state.

          The Chief Minister said that this venue has witnessed a number of such events in which youth have got jobs in various government departments. He said that this reflects the commitment of the state government to ensure the well being of youth and opening new avenues of employment for them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that till date more than 40,000 youth have been selected for these posts purely on the basis of merit.

          The Chief Minister said that now these youth have become integral part of the government adding that now should serve the people with missionary zeal. Bhagwant Singh Mann hoped that the new recruits will use their pen for helping the needy and underprivileged sections of society besides ensuring justice for them. He said that the newly recruited youth should ensure maximum welfare of the public so that every section of society is benefited from it.

          The Chief Minister said that on the coming Republic Day Sadak Surakhya Force will be dedicated to the service of the people. He said that currently the force is undergoing training 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. Bhagwant Singh Mann 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.

          The Chief Minister said that initially around 130 vehicles equipped with ultra modern gadgets will be deployed after every 30 kilometres to man the roads. 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 Punjabis are born entrepreneurs and leaders due to which they have proved their mettle across the globe. He said that the hard work and resilience of the Punjabis is unmatched due to which they excel in every sphere. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this spirit of Punjabis can be duly used for taking the state ahead, for which the state government is already making strenuous efforts.

          The Chief Minister said that in order to provide employment opportunities to the youth of Punjab, the State Government is carrying out regular recruitment drives in various departments. He said that recently, appointment letters have been given to 200 freshly recruited civilian support staff in the Investigation Cadre which includes Legal Officers, Assistant Legal Officers, Financial Officers, Assistant Financial Officers and Forensic Officers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that apart from this, 245 new sub-inspectors have also been recruited in the Punjab Bureau of Investigation wing for the first time for the investigation cadre, who are undergoing training at the Punjab Police Academy Phillaur.

          The Chief Minister said that today appointment letters are being given to newly recruited Head Constables in the Investigation Cadre. He said that this is for the first time in the history of Punjab Police that Head Constables are being recruited directly. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Induction of Head Constables in the Punjab Bureau of Investigation (PBoI) wing will help in improving the quality of investigation at a cutting edge level and will further enhance the conviction rate.

          The Chief Minister said that recruitment of Head Constables will also give a boost to the police force to tackle different kinds of crimes and to help in carrying out in-depth investigations. Moreover, he said that as committed by the State Government, the yearly recruitment process to 1746 posts of Constable and 288 posts of Sub-Inspector is also going on. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in future also, the State Government will continue to recruit 1800 Constables and 300 Sub-Inspectors in Punjab Police every year, so that every youth gets an opportunity to be a part of this prestigious police force.     

          The Chief Minister also said that the state government is opening eight hi-tech centres for imparting training to the students for competitive exams. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these centres will provide quality training to youth for clearing the UPSC exams and sit on coveted positions in state and country. He said that the target of the state government is to ensure that youth sit in high offices and serve the country.

          The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that Punjab Police is discharging its duty to ensure that more than three crore people of the state sleep well. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that ever since he has assumed the charge of office his government has been laying major trust on the upgradation of the Police force. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that focus is being laid on the modrenisation of the Police force on scientific lines and even Artificial Intelligence is being introduced.

          The Chief Minister said that apart from discharging its core duty of maintaining law and order, the Punjab Police has always safeguarded the interests of the country and its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in the changing scenario the challenges for the force have increased manifold due to which modernization is the need of hour to combat them effectively. He said that his government has ensured that the political pressure on the Police is removed so that they can discharge their duties efficiently.

          The Chief Minister said that gone are the days when fake cases were registered against the innocent people out of political vendetta. Rather, he said that the Police is now 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 though there are several challenges in form of cross border smuggling, narco terrorism, organized crime in form of gangsters along with others, but the Punjab Police is capable enough to face them valiantly.

Sports Minister Meet Hayer condoles the sad demise of Kabaddi legend Devi Dayal

IEP Chandigarh, January 17

          Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has expressed deep grief over the sad demise of legendary Kabaddi player and coach Devi Dayal. Kabaddi legend, who was 76 years old, passed away last evening.

          In his condolence message, Meet Hayer said that Devi Dayal’s contributions to the Kabaddi game cannot be forgotten. He took the Kabaddi to the international level. He said that the memorial services performed by Devi Dayal in the sports field will always be remembered with respect.

          The Sports Minister said that after making a name as a player in the country and abroad, Devi Dayal also served the Kabaddi game for a long time as a coach and sports officer in the sports department. He retired as a Senior Kabaddi Coach from the Sports Department in 2005.

          Meet Hayer prayed to Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and to grant strength to the entire sports field including the family to bear the loss.