Chandigarh, May 22 – In a significant step towards agricultural transformation, Justice Nawab Singh, former Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and Chairperson of the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee on Agrarian Reforms, chaired an important meeting of the Committee in Panchkula today. The meeting focused on studying and deliberating upon the best practices adopted by the Government of Kerala to make agriculture a sustainable and profitable enterprise.

The High-Powered Committee was constituted by a Bench of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to recommend comprehensive reforms in the agrarian sector with the aim of improving farmers’ welfare.

During the meeting, Justice Nawab Singh extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation from Kerala, including the Minister for Agriculture, Government of Kerala, Shri P. Prasad and senior officers of the Kerala Agriculture Department.

Kerala Agriculture Minister Shri P. Prasad elaborated on Kerala’s strategic approach towards agrarian welfare. He highlighted landmark initiatives including Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) support programmes, Paddy procurement policies ensuring MSP for farmers, Kerala State Farmers Debt Relief Commission – providing relief to debt-burdened farmers, State Crop Insurance Scheme tailored to local conditions, Natural calamity relief mechanisms, Karshaka Pension Scheme to provide social security to aged farmers, and promotion of organic and natural farming. The officers of the Kerala Agriculture Department delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining these and other pioneering efforts that have transformed Kerala’s agricultural landscape.

The discussions centered around key issues such as increasing farmers’ income, reducing agrarian distress, and ensuring long-term sustainability of agriculture. The Kerala delegation shared valuable insights into the initiatives that have positively impacted the farming community in their state.

Earlier, Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Government of Haryana and Member Secretary of the Committee, welcomed the distinguished Members, agriculture scientists, and experts to the meeting.

The vote of thanks was presented by Sh B.S. Sandhu, former Director General of Police, Haryana, and Member of the Committee.

The meeting was also attended by prominent members of the Committee and dignitaries including Sh Raja Shekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Haryana; Sh Devinder Sharma, noted Agriculture Scientist; Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman, Punjab State Farmers & Farm Workers Commission; Prof. Ranjit Singh Ghuman, Professor of Eminence, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Dr. Sriram Venkataraman, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Kerala; Sh Swaran Singh Boparai, Former Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala; Col. J.S. Gill and Dr. Vikash Kumar, Professor CRRID.

Chandigarh, May 22 – Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, has called on police and prosecution officers to intensify efforts to raise the conviction rate in heinous crimes, including sexual assault, gang rape, murder, and drug trafficking.

While chairing the 25th State Level Committee meeting under the ‘Chinhit Apradh’ initiative, Dr. Misra highlighted the need to surpass the current 61.5% conviction rate. During the meeting, it was apprised that the state has recently taken up 117 new cases under this initiative for the month of February and March 2025 and is actively monitoring 1,683 ongoing cases.

She emphasized that swift, evidence-backed investigations and timely forensic reports are crucial for securing convictions. “Every effort must be made to bring justice to victims swiftly. Delay or negligence in investigation or trial weakens public trust in the system,” Dr. Misra stated.

She directed district police officers and prosecutors to work closely together, suggesting the appointment of special prosecutors in select cases for stronger court representation. Dr. Misra also urged regular monitoring of serious cases and warned that accountability would be fixed for any lapses.

She instructed officers to create a district-wise list of serious crime cases pending for over six months, emphasizing that these cases must be revived on a priority basis with proper legal strategy and administrative monitoring. Dr. Misra also called for equipping prosecution teams with digital tools and training so that electronic and forensic evidence can be presented effectively in court. Additionally, she directed that Haryana’s newly adopted witness protection policy be enforced rigorously to provide safety and confidence to witnesses, especially in sensitive cases.

Dr. Misra said that District Level Committees (DLCs) must ensure compliance with Section 309 of the Cr.P.C. (now Section 346 of the BNSS), so that ‘Chinhit Apradh’ cases are heard in court at the earliest. She also stressed the need to fix block dates for trials, which will help prevent the defense from seeking unnecessary adjournments.

To strengthen investigations, the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is speeding up DNA and forensic reports, particularly for sensitive cases. Some districts have shown outstanding results i.e Faridabad, Karnal, Dabwali, and Fatehabad all achieved a 100% conviction rate. Kurukshetra, Sirsa, and Rewari also performed well, with conviction rates of 75%, 78.57%, and 85% respectively. Dr. Misra said that the ‘Chinhit Apradh’ initiative stands for safety, fairness, and quick justice for everyone in Haryana.

The meeting was attended by ADGP/State Crime Branch, Smt. Mamta Singh through video conferencing. IGP/CID, Sh. Maneesh Chaudhary, DIG/State Crime Branch, Sh. Hamit Akhtar along with other senior officers were present in person.

Chandigarh, May 22- Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Maharaja Agrasen initiated a new socio-economic and political system based on democratic governance. His philosophy remains equally relevant today. In alignment with Maharaja Agrasen’s principles of equality and social harmony, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has given the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.’

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering during a programme organized by the Delhi-Haryana Maitri Sangh as the Chief Guest on the occasion of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Thursday.

He said that the history of the Agrawal community is not limited to trade and commerce. For centuries, the community has been a carrier of India’s social, cultural, and spiritual consciousness. Sacrifice, service, restraint, and righteousness are not just words but are the core values of the Agrawal way of life. This community has always been an active participant in nation-building, be it in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, or social service, and has achieved new heights in every field.

The Chief Minister said that the word ‘Agrawal’ instantly brings to mind the image of valiant individuals who, through self-confidence, hard work, and determination, not only changed the course of their own destiny but also made a mark in the country and the world.

He emphasized that this is not just a programme but a moment to remember the glorious history and cultural heritage of the Agrawal community and to lay the foundation for a bright future.

He congratulated the Delhi-Haryana Agrawal Maitri Sangh for this initiative and extended his best wishes to the entire Agrawal community.

The Chief Minister also recalled the great freedom fighter and fearless writer Babu Balmukund Gupt, a native of Gudiani village in Haryana. He said the Haryana government gives the Babu Balmukund Gupt Puraskar annually, which includes a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh. His statue has also been installed at the Sahitya Akademi building in Panchkula, he shared.

He said that the airport being constructed in Hisar, Haryana, will be named after Maharaja Agrasen. This airport will give Haryana a distinct identity on the global aviation map. In today’s era of technology, innovation, and knowledge-based economy, the role of the community has become even more crucial. As we enter the  Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, we must draw inspiration from our past and move forward towards a developed India, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He said that many youth are making the country proud globally through their leadership in startups and digital technology.

The Chief Minister said that by embracing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local,” we should promote local enterprises, crafts, and products. This is not only a path to self-reliance but also a means to preserve our cultural heritage, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that in this era of rapid progress through initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Startup India, Swachh Bharat, and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the Agrawal community should become a strong pillar of these campaigns.

He also appreciated the community for taking social responsibility during natural disasters, times of crisis, and public welfare activities.

Addressing the gathering, Delhi Chief Minister, Smt. Rekha Gupta said that the Agrawal community should fully support the empowerment of daughters.

Congratulating the Haryana Chief Minister, she said, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini played a significant role in the formation of the Delhi government and will continue to contribute to making Delhi a developed state. She expressed pride in belonging to the Agrawal community.

On this occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was honoured with a shawl and memento.

BJP Delhi State President, Sh. Virendra Sachdeva, former Haryana Minister, Sh. Aseem Goel, and many other dignitaries from the Agrawal community remained present on this occasion. 

Chandigarh, May 21 – Haryana Government has taken significant steps in order to resolve long-standing land disputes and expedite property partition by enacting the Haryana Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025. The amendment in the Act specifically counters the complexities arising from joint land holdings, particularly among family members.

Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Smt. Sumita Misra explained that the new law, called the Haryana Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025, caters a big issue when many family members own a piece of land together. Earlier, if brothers, sisters, or other blood relatives owned land jointly, it was very difficult for the government to step in and help divide it unless there was a common consensus.

Dr. Misra informed that the Haryana Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2025, now broadens the applicability of Section 111-A to include virtually all landowners, with the specific and only exception of husband and wife. This means that disputes over jointly owned land among blood relations, which constitute a large number of pending cases, can now be addressed more efficiently.

To further accelerate the resolution of these disputes, Revenue Officers are empowered to issue proactive “suo motu” (on their own motion) notices to co-sharers in joint land holdings. These notices will encourage co-sharers to partition the land by mutual consent within six months, aiming to regularize land records and establish clear ownership for individual landowners, thereby preventing future conflicts or court intervention, Dr. Misra added.

She further informed that another key change is the omission of Section 114, which previously required Revenue Officers to ascertain if other co-sharers also desired partition and to add them as applicants. Now, any single co-owner can ask for their share to be divided without needing approval from others. This means the process will be much faster, and landowners can get their own specific piece of land to use as they wish, reducing court cases.

Dr. Sumita Misra asserted that these amendments are a direct response to the need for faster, simpler, and more citizen-centric land governance. The objective is to significantly reduce delays and legal disputes in partition matters, empower individual landowners to claim and utilize their share effectively, and overall simplify revenue procedures.

Chandigarh, May 21- Haryana Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that with a view to ensure speedy resolution of industrial disputes, the State Government has approved the establishment of 12 new Labour Courts across 12 districts. With this addition, the total number of labour courts in the State will increase to 26.  

It is noteworthy that, in the interest of labours, the Labour Minister had sent a proposal to the Chief Minister recommending the establishment of Labour Courts in 12 additional districts, namely Panchkula, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Jind, Sirsa, Mahendragarh, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Fatehabad, and Mewat (Nuh), which has now been approved by the Chief Minister.

Sh. Vij informed that about Rs. 12 crores will be spent on infrastructure, furniture, vehicles, fuel, etc., for the establishment of these 12 Labour Courts.

 At present, nine Labour Courts are operational across six districts—one each in Ambala, Panipat, Hisar, and Rohtak; two in Gurugram; and three in Faridabad. One Labour Court is currently under construction in Bawal, Rewari district. Additionally, as per the 2025–26 budget speech, approval has already been granted for the establishment of one Labour Court each in Sonipat, Jhajjar, Palwal, and Rewari. This brings the total to 14 Labour Courts either operational, under construction, or approved across 10 districts.

Now, as a result of Sh. Anil Vij’s efforts, the process for establishing 12 new Labour Courts in the remaining districts of the state has been finalized. With this, Haryana will have a total of 26 Labour Courts.

Sh. Anil Vij stated that his aim is to ensure the swift resolution of industrial disputes related to the Labour Department, so that workers receive timely justice. To achieve this goal, Labour Courts are being established in every district, he added.

Chandigarh, May 21:  Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi on Wednesday to congratulate him on the success of Operation Sindoor and express his gratitude to the Army. Later, while addressing the media persons at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi, Sh Saini praised the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, stating that under his guidance, the brave soldiers of the country had successfully destroyed terrorist hideouts on their own land. “Only the Prime Minister could have taken such a historic decision,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister condemned the cowardly attack by terrorists in Pahalgam, in which innocent civilians were killed. He said the incident deeply hurt and angered the people of the country, who demanded strong action against terrorism. Responding to the nation’s sentiments, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi took decisive steps and launched Operation Sindoor, through which our brave soldiers eliminated the terrorists on their own land.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that before 2014, terrorists used to infiltrate the country and carried out attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity across the nation. However, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi took decisive and stringent measures against terrorism. The Prime Minister made it clear that the time had come to eliminate the remaining ground of terrorism. Our brave soldiers struck at the very land in Pakistan where terrorism was nurtured and protected, and successfully crushed the terrorists at their source.

He said that the country is secure under the leadership of the Prime Minister. By taking such decisive action, the Prime Minister has strengthened the nation, ensuring its safety and empowerment. Today, there is a sense of satisfaction among the citizens, while fear has gripped the minds of terrorists.

In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that Operation Sindoor has exposed the true face of Pakistan to the entire world. While Pakistan was attempting to defame India, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi unmasked its role in promoting terrorism on the global stage. He added that the Prime Minister has sent a strong message that “blood and water cannot flow together.”

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister has also been briefed on the ongoing development works and schemes in Haryana. He said that several development projects were launched by the Prime Minister on the occasion of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti. The Chief Minister added that whenever the Prime Minister visits Haryana, it brings a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm among the people.

In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that the police are thoroughly investigating the cases of spying in Haryana. He added that clear instructions have been issued to conduct a comprehensive probe into the individuals involved.

Chandigarh, May 21 – Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Vipul Goyal said that there should be no delays in the development projects under the department. He said that if any agency fails to complete a project within the stipulated time, appropriate action should be taken, including blacklisting the agency.

Mr. Vipul Goyal was chairing a meeting with department officials to review various aspects of ongoing projects.

During the meeting, Mr. Vipul Goyal emphasized the need to closely monitor contractors and agencies handling development tenders, particularly those working on projects taking a 10 percent minus tenders. He stressed that the quality of their work should be regularly checked.

The Cabinet Minister pointed out that some agencies take on tenders but repeatedly extend the project deadlines instead of completing the work on time, which is unacceptable. He said that measures would be taken to ensure the public does not face any inconvenience, and directed concerned officers to take strict action, including blacklisting any firm that fails to meet the project deadlines. In addition, he instructed officials to closely monitor tender estimates to avoid any negligence. He also directed the department to take concrete actions to address the growing issue of stray dogs.

The meeting also covered discussions on the state’s cleanliness system and its ranking. Urban Local Bodies Minister, Mr. Vipul Goyal, addressed various aspects of the cleanliness framework in Haryana. He directed officials to enhance the capacity of cleaning machines across the state, especially replacing outdated machines with newer, technology-driven models in areas where the current machines have become ineffective.

In addition, Mr. Goyal spoke about the cleanliness ranking and urged officials to take concrete steps to improve the state’s position. He said that with proper effort, the state’s cleanliness can improve, thereby boosting its ranking.

Rating should reflect Officer’s Ability

Mr. Goyal also focused on the importance of assessing the performance of officers within the department. He instructed the concerned officials to compile comprehensive ratings for officers across all areas of the Urban Local Bodies Department. The ratings should consider factors such as the officer’s working style, qualifications and their achievements. He stated that by evaluating officers this way, the department could better understand the capabilities of each employee. This approach will help place employees in roles that align with their skills and qualifications, leading to improved performance and ensuring that capable officers are given priority in their respective roles.

The meeting was attended Vikas Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary of the Urban Local Bodies Department, Pankaj, Director General of the Department, and other officers.