Chandigarh April 22: In a significant decision, the Haryana Right to Service Commission has directed Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) to pay Rs 5,000 as compensation to a complainant due to lapses and negligence in service delivery by the electricity department.

Sh Bharat Yadav, a resident of Gurugram, had filed a complaint with the Commission stating that he had applied for a 2 kW domestic electricity connection on January 1, 2025. Despite multiple visits to the departmental offices, he was neither given a clear explanation for the delay nor any update on the status of his application. After an extended wait, the No Objection Certificate (NOC) was finally issued on March 26, 2025. During this period, the application was neither rejected nor given any information, causing the applicant undue mental stress.

While giving information in this regard, a spokesperson of the Commission said that the investigation confirmed that Sh Yadav was subjected to unnecessary mental harassment without any fault on his part, holding DHBVN accountable for the inconvenience caused.

During the hearing, the Commission found that a letter dated December 24, 2024, sent to the builder by the corporation, clearly mentioned that approval for converting the single-point connection into a multi-point one had already been granted by DHBVN’s full-time Directors on May 30, 2024. Yet, officials delayed the process citing the pending approval of ‘Vidyutikaran Yojana’. The Commission also clarified that such a scheme is submitted only by the colonizer or other government agencies, and not by DHBVN itself, when the connections are to be issued directly by the corporation.

The Commission further discovered that DHBVN had already procured approximately 4,000 meters, indicating the corporation’s intent to issue connections prior to the approval of Vidhyudhikaran Yojana. It also noted that around 39 similar connections had been issued without the scheme’s formal sanction, raising questions about why Sh Yadav was denied the same facility.

Taking a serious view of the matter, the Commission declared it a violation of consumer rights and a case of clear service negligence. Under Section 17(1)(h) of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, the Commission approved compensation of Rs 5,000, to be paid initially by DHBVN from its own funds. The amount may be recovered from the responsible officers following an internal inquiry.

Additionally, the Commission expressed disapproval of the conduct of Executive Engineer Sh Vikas Yadav, the designated first-level grievance redressal authority, for failing to attend two hearings. The Commission has cautioned him to act responsibly in the future and has added his name to the monitoring database for performance tracking.

Chandigarh, April 22

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is committed to providing better facilities to sportspersons. He directed that special plans be prepared to ensure high-quality infrastructure and support for athletes training in state sports stadiums and sports nurseries. He also emphasized setting up excellence centers focusing on specific elite sports and issuing unique IDs to athletes. These directives were given during a review

These directives were given during a review meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister of the Sports Department held at the Secretariat on Monday late evening. Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam was also present.

During the meeting, a new portal for managing cash rewards and scholarships for sportspersons was launched. Through this portal, athletes can apply for scholarships and cash rewards provided by the Sports Department, ensuring transparent and convenient access to benefits. Since 2014, under the cash reward scheme, 16,305 athletes have been disbursed Rs. 599.43 crore by the department.

The Sports officers present in the meeting apprised the Chief Minister regarding the department’s achievements. They highlighted that the Sports Department is providing equal opportunities for all citizens to participate in sports, encouraging collective participation, and promoting excellence. Discussing the state’s sports infrastructure, officers shared that Haryana presently has 3 state-level, 21 district-level, 25 sub-division level stadiums, 163 Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complexes, and 245 mini rural stadiums, all offering various facilities to athletes. Additionally, there are around 1,500 sports nurseries, with a target to increase this number to 2,000 by the financial year 2025–2026.

Cricket stadium in the state to be revamped, Special Plan for Palwal

The Chief Minister also gave directions about the improvement of cricket stadiums in the state during the meeting. He directed that the ground and seating area of Panchkula Cricket Stadium be upgraded. Besides this, the installation of high-mast lights and other modern facilities should also be ensured in the stadium. Similar improvements are planned for Raja Nahar Singh Stadium in Faridabad, directed Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Besides this, discussions on developing an international-level sports complex on 100 acres in Palwal was also held. A special project has been proposed, which includes a cricket stadium, multipurpose hall, badminton and boxing halls, athletics field, fitness and rehab center, hotel and restaurant, and seating capacity for 35,000–50,000 spectators. The Chief Minister directed the officers to explore all viable options for this development.

Geo-Based attendance and Inter-Nursery Competitions to be Introduced

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Sports Department to organize inter-nursery, district-level, and state-level competitions among existing sports nurseries. The Chief Minister was apprised that a project has already been prepared to implement geo-based attendance systems for players in the near future. He emphasized the need for effective resolution of athletes’ problems and suggested a system to ensure better coordination between coaches and district sports officers.

Conduct surprise inspections, Ensure all facilities for Women athletes

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is continuously working to promote sports and provide better facilities to sportspersons. He highlighted special provisions made in the recent budget for sports. Stating that sports is an excellent medium to keep youth away from drugs, he said the government is especially focused on sports development.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that insurance coverage, high-quality infrastructure, all necessary sports equipment, and availability of qualified coaches be ensured. He also stressed the importance of dedicated facilities for women athletes, including separate changing rooms and toilets. He also directed the officers to conduct surprise inspections of stadiums and sports nurseries regularly.

Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director General, Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and Additional Director (Admn.) Sh. Vivek Padam Singh also remained present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, April 22

In a major boost to Haryana’s industrial growth, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has approved a special incentive package of Rs. 37.68 crores for M/s Vayu Products Pvt. Ltd for setting up a Haryana’s first Medical Liquid Oxygen Plant in district Jhajjar and a Captive Solar Power Plant in district Ambala.

The approval was granted during the 17th meeting of the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board (HEPB), which was chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today.

The special incentive package for the project was approved by the HEPB based on the recommendation of the Executive Empowered Committee (EEC), headed by the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Public Health Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa and Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma were also present at the meeting.

During the review of the project, the Chief Minister highlighted that the establishment of the project in the Chemicals & Petrochemicals sector would not only attract significant investment to the state but also generate numerous job opportunities for local youth, thus strengthening the state’s economy.

Of the total investment of Rs. 125.49 crores, Rs. 72.24 crores will be allocated for the Medical Oxygen Plant, while Rs. 48.25 crores will be invested in the Captive Solar Power Plant. This project will mark Haryana’s first Medical Liquid Oxygen Plant, which is expected to create approximately 100 jobs within the state.

The Board also approved a proposal to extend the investment timeline beyond three years for M/s ATL Battery Technology (India) Pvt. Ltd., which is setting up a mega project for manufacturing Lithium-ion cells/batteries at IMT Sohna, District Nuh, Haryana, with a total investment of Rs. 7,083 crore in two phases. Rs. 3,595 crore will be invested in the first phase, and Rs. 3,488 crore will be invested in the second phase, creating local employment opportunities for more than 6,700 people.

Furthermore, the Board approved the transfer and release of a Special Package of Incentives worth Rs 25.58 crore, originally sanctioned for M/s Panasonic India Pvt. Ltd., to M/s Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. following the merger of the two companies. This package supports a mega project at Technopark Village-Bid Dadri, District Jhajjar, where an investment of Rs. 114 crore will be made to manufacture refrigerators. It will provide employment to over 150 persons.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, PSCM Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Sh. Raja Shekhar Vundru, Principal Secretary for Industries and Commerce D. Suresh, and other senior officers were also present at the meeting.

Chandigarh, April 22

In yet another major pro-farmer decision, the Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has directed the officers to purchase crops from farmers in villages where consolidation has not yet been completed, through an offline medium rather than the Meri Fasal-Mera Byora portal.

The Chief Minister issued this direction while presiding over a review meeting of the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department here today. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Sh Rajesh Nagar.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting farmers and ensuring they do not face any hardships. He said that in villages where consolidation had not been completed, farmers were facing difficulties in selling their crops due to the lack of relevant data on the Meri Fasal-Mera Byora portal. To address this issue, the government has decided to facilitate crop procurement through an offline medium in these villages instead of the portal, he added.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that 17.40 lakh women had registered under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana. The Chief Minister instructed officers to verify the data of Ujjwala Scheme beneficiaries and BPL (Below Poverty Line) families through door-to-door checks. He also directed gas companies to set up camps at depots to assist consumers with LPG cylinder distribution. He reiterated that BPL families would continue to receive LPG cylinders at the subsidized price of Rs 500.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh Arun Kumar Gupta, Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Sh Rajesh Jogpal, along with representatives from gas companies and other officials were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, April 22

In a significant initiative to empower young girls, Haryana’s first Balika Panchayat was constituted in village Barseen, Fatehabad, by the Zila Parishad. The panchayat was formed through a formal voting process in which girls aged 11 to 21 actively participated and were elected to various posts.

Sharing information about the initiative, a government spokesperson stated that the program was held in district Fatehabad, where Deputy Commissioner Ms. Mandeep Kaur attended as the chief guest. She distributed certificates to the newly elected Sarpanch and Panch members of the Balika Panchayat.

The spokesperson informed that the Balika Panchayat in village Barseen has been constituted as a pilot project. Following its success, similar panchayats will be established in every village of the district to promote the welfare and participation of girls. The key objectives of forming these panchayats include supporting the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign and fostering gender equality.

The Balika Panchayat aims to raise awareness among girls and women about their rights, issues related to women’s safety, nutrition, and sanitation. While these panchayats will not hold constitutional or financial authority, they will be allowed to participate in Gram Sabha meetings and present their suggestions.

The Balika Panchayat will focus on vital areas such as education, health, safety, sanitation, and gender equality. It will work in coordination with the Gram Panchayat and take part in its proceedings. Members of the Balika Panchayat will also be provided training in governance, leadership, and social development.

Chandigarh, April 22

Haryana Women and Child Development and Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry conducted a surprise visit to the Anganwadi Centre in Jhanjhari village of Karnal district today. During the visit, she reviewed the arrangements at the centre and gave necessary directions to the District Program Officer. She also checked various registers at the Anganwadi centre, including records of children’s attendance, nutrition, and health. She also inspected the quality of the food served to the children.

During her visit, she interacted with the children and asked about their education and health. She also enquired about the facilities provided to them.

The Minister gave directions to ensure proper cleanliness, adequate lighting, and enough space according to the number of children. She said Anganwadi centres play an important role in the early development of children, and it is very important to maintain a safe environment there. She directed the Anganwadi workers to give special attention to the children’s care and nutrition.

Smt. Shruti Choudhry also said that the government is committed to improving Anganwadi centres and providing them with all necessary resources. District officers from the Women and Child Development Department and other staff were also present during the inspection.

Shruti Choudhry also inspected canal construction work

Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry inspected the ongoing construction work to prevent soil erosion on the Western Yamuna Canal in Karnal. She took stock of the progress of the work and directed the officers to complete it on time. She said the state government is committed to protecting the interests of farmers and local residents. Soil erosion in canals can increase the risk of floods in nearby areas, and the government is taking this issue seriously. She directed officers to maintain high construction quality and ensure the work is completed within the stipulated time.

Chandigarh, April 22

A preliminary meeting in connection with the upcoming Civil-Military Liasison Conference (CMLC)- 2025, Haryana, was held today under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra. The meeting was co-chaired by Major General Ranjiv Singh Saini from the Indian Army.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held with senior officers of the Indian Army, officers of the concerned departments of the Haryana Government and the concerned District Deputy Commissioners on establishing coordination between the Indian Army (Western Command) and the Haryana Government and issues related to land, welfare of soldiers and ex-servicemen of the Army.

Dr. Misra directed all concerned departments and Deputy Commissioners to expedite action on issues pertaining to the CMLC and submit their reports within stipulated timelines. She also emphasized timely execution of tasks to ensure effective civil-military cooperation.

Dr. Misra instructed the SEWA Department to fast-track the release of grants for ASHA Schools, which cater to children with special needs and are operated by the Army. On the issue of Army Welfare Housing projects in Bahadurgarh, Panchkula, and Gurugram, she directed the respective DCs to submit land availability reports and asked HSVP to coordinate with Army representatives to find amicable solutions.

For allotment of additional land for parking at DSOI, Panchkula, she directed the department officials to move a formal proposal in this regard. On the issue of cleaning and repair of drainage system outside the boundary wall of Air Force Station, Barwala, the Additional Chief Secretary directed the formation of a committee comprising officials from Irrigation, PWD, Public Health Engineering departments etc. and resolve the issue at the earliest.

The Additional Chief Secretary reaffirmed Haryana’s unwavering support for the Armed Forces and assured full cooperation in all initiatives requiring state involvement. She also announced that, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, a comprehensive welfare package for Haryana’s Agniveers is being formulated, aiming to secure their future and employment opportunities.

Additional Chief Secretary, Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar informed that as per the directions of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Ex-gratia amount for martyrs of Haryana has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore and a notification in this regard will be issued within a week.

Detailed discussions regarding cash incentives to gallantry awardees from the state, revamp of storm water drainage system in Ambala Cantt, exchange of defence land at Chandikotla etc. were also held during the meeting.

Brigadier Arun Yadav, Col JS Sandhu, Col Rajeev kumar, Col Arnab Mitra and senior officers from the Army and various government departments were also present on the occasion.