2008 belongs to all-round growth and social welfare in Haryana

by Haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, Dec 30
2008 has bequeathed a rich legacy to the people of Haryana. And the bequest, thanks to the futuristic and people-oriented policies pursued by the Bhupinder Singh Hooda Government, devolves on all segments of the society and brings to bear on the year the mark of all-round development, peace and social welfare. It will be only apt, not an exaggeration, to describe 2008 as a watershed year of unprecedented all-inclusive growth bringing about qualitative improvement in the life of the man in the street.
The year that is drawing to a close, saw the small state of Haryana cross new milestones of progress, enter the high-growth orbit (the state's economy grew by nine per cent against the projection of 7.9 per cent in Tenth Plan), and become the cynosure of all investing eyes, both domestic and foreign. In these days of recession-hit companies packing their bags, the state continues to attract investment and even foreign companies. What's more, the Hooda Government reached out to all sections of the society, including employees, with sops and measures aimed at their welfare and wellbeing.
And the overwhelming victory of the Congress candidates in the Assembly by-elections in Gohana and Indri, and, an improved performance in Adampur, held on May 22, 2008, only underscored people's faith in the policies and programmes pursued by the Congress Government.
In our polity, when any government nears half its tenure, the opposition begins to hog the headlines, highlighting the failures and frailities of the incumbent government. But the Hooda Government, close to completing four years of its tenure, has bucked the trend. Not to speak of raising any issue and railing at the government, the opposition seems to be acknowledging and backing its countless number of welfare measures, lending it the aura of a government with a humane face.
The year we are leaving behind brought bonanza to the 3.5 lakh-odd Haryana Government employees and thousands of pensioners with the State Government deciding to implement with effect from January 1, 2006, the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission with some improvements. The pay employees draw for the month of January, 2009 will be on revised pay-scales. Haryana has become the first State in the country to decide to pay arrears of the revised pay-scales to its employees in cash.
Both farmers and industrial workers too got a bonanza of sorts. The historic loan waiver scheme of the UPA Government benefited about 7.12 lakh farmers of Haryana to the tune of Rs 2,189 crore. Then, the Hooda Government announced the highest MSP for sugarcane in the country and persuaded the Central Government to lift the ban on the export of PUSA 1121 variety after declaring it Basmati. The industrial workers got a hike in the minimum wages and those engaged in the construction sector an insurance cover without having to pay for it.
The year saw the state take a big leap forward on the education front. Besides opening five new colleges, the State got sanction for an IIM, a Defence University, a Business School, a Central University and a Sainik School and launched a plethora of scholarship schemes for Scheduled Caste, Backward and poor students belonging to families living Below the Poverty Line.
With welfare of the poor topping the agenda of the Hooda Government, 2008 witnessed the roll-out of a number of schemes. These include the Rs 2,300-crore "Mahatma Gandhi Grameen Basti Yojna" bringing the poor families, living below the poverty line, free residential plots of 100 square yards each; the Mukhya Mantri Anusuchit Jati Gaon Uthan Aur Malin Basti Vikas Yojna under which villages having 50 per cent SC population are provided with all basic amenities and a sum of Rs. 50 lakh is spent on providing such facilities in each village; and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme ensuring that each rural family gets employment for at least 100 days in a year.
The year brought glory to Haryana and the country in the field of sports and big cash awards to the winners of medals at the Beijing Olympics with the Hooda Government deciding to give Rs. 2 crore to the winner of gold medal, Rs. 1 crore to the winner of silver medal and Rs. 50 lakh to bronze medal winner.
What's more, 2008 saw the government making serious and earnest efforts to generate more power to meet the increasing demand, strengthen infrastructure by laying new roads, re-carpeting the old ones and building flyovers and overbridges, to speed up traffic and movement of goods. A slew of social welfare measures taken during the year include pension for handicapped children and hike in the pension of freedom fighters.
One needs no soothsayer to predict that given the intent and track record of the Hooda Government and the n number of social and developmental schemes nearing completion, 2009 will be more rewardingly absorbing for the people of Haryana in ways more than one.
BETTERING THE LOT OF FARMERS: Farmers' cause continues to be the cause of the Hooda Government. The Central Government, on the request of the Chief Minister, lifted the ban on the export of PUSA-1121 variety by giving it the status of Basmati. This has greatly benefited the farmers. Moreover, the Central Government has also given a bonus of Rs 50 per quintal on the purchase of paddy.
As many as 7.12 lakh farmers of Haryana have been benefited to the tune of Rs 2,189 crore under the historic loan waiver scheme of the UPA Government. The State Government has also raised the sugarcane price to Rs 170 per quintal, Rs 165 per quintal and Rs 160 per quintal for different varieties of sugarcane. These rates of sugarcane are the highest in the country and are a gift to more than three lakh sugarcane farmers of the State.
QUICK STEPS TO AUGMENT POWER SUPPLY: The State Government has made all-out efforts to redress the power problem in the State, which it inherited from previous governments. The State Government is poised to achieving the target of generating additional 5000 MW of electricity. Presently, the State has generating capacity of 4680MW from all resources which includes generating capacity of 2187MW of its own resources.
The construction of the Yamunanagar Thermal Plant has got been completed by the State Government and its both units of 300MW each have started generating electricity during the year and 50 per cent construction work of 1200MW Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Plant at Khedar has been completed. The lifting ceremony of boiler drum for its first units have already been performed and its first unit of 600MW will start generating electricity by December, 2009 and its second unit of the same capacity will start generation by March, 2010.
1500MW Indira Gandhi Super Thermal Power Plant at Jharli in Jhajjar district will also start generating electricity in the year 2010. Besides, agreements to purchase 3044 MW of electricity for 25 years have also been reached.
LAYING ROADS AND BUILDING BRIDGES TO PROGRESS: Works on projects worth more than Rs 2000 crore, are underway under the Rajiv Gandhi Bridges and Roads Infrastructure Development Programme. The target has been set to complete construction of projects worth Rs 3,000 crore by March, 2009, instead of March, 2010. Construction work on 11 railway overbridges is in on progress. Elevated highway at Panipat, constructed at a cost of Rs 340 crore, was dedicated to the people by the Union Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister, Mr. T.R. Baalu, last July. He also dedicated to the nation the Rs 300-crore Ambala-Zirakpur National Highway four-laning project.
HIGHER PENSION FOR FREEDOM FIGHTERS: Committed to the welfare of freedom fighters, serving personnel and ex-servicemen, the state government has raised the Samman Pension of freedom fighters and their widows from Rs. 5125 to Rs. 5500 per month with effect from December 3, 2008. It may be recalled that Mr. Hooda had, immediately after assuming the office of Chief Minister, announced to enhance the Samman Pension of freedom fighters from Rs.1400 to Rs.3500 per. It was further raised to Rs.5125 per month.
Besides, financial assistance at the rate of Rs.1,500 per month is being given to the World War-II Veterans and widows of ex-servicemen of World War-II Veterans who are not in receipt of any kind of pension from central/State Government. Assistance at the rate of Rs.600 per month is also being given to the ex-servicemen above 60 years of age and their widows who are not in the receipt of any kind of pension from Central/State Government.
Similarly, financial assistance at the rate of Rs.1000 per month is being given to 75 Paraplegic, Tetraplegic and Hemiaplegic ex-servicemen and financial assistance at the rate of Rs.1000 per month is being given to 15 blind ex-servicemen and 242 disabled ex-servicemen who are not in the receipt of any kind of pension from Central/State Government. Financial assistance at the rate of Rs.600 per month is also being given to 129 orphan children of ex-servicemen.
PREMIUM ON CLEANLINESS IN VILLAGES: The President, Mrs Pratibha Patil, awarded 'Nirmal Gram Puraskar-2008' to as many as 3,195 panchayats of the States of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand, which have done commendable work in ensuring cleanliness in their villages. In Haryana, the function was held at Hisar on October 17, 2008.
As many as 798 panchayats were selected this year for this award against only 60 last year. The number of panchayats of Haryana exceeded the panchayats of all other states, which marks the beginning of a cleanliness revolution in Haryana. It depicts that cleanliness transformation has begun in Haryana.
The UPA Government at the Centre has pledged to achieve the target of total sanitation in rural India by 2012. However, Haryana is all set to achieve this target by 2010. A project of Rs 175 crore has been launched in the State for achieving total sanitation in the villages. Toilets have not only been constructed in all village schools but also in the houses of about 4.5 lakh families living below the poverty line and in maximum number of anganwaris of the state. As many as 11,000 Safai Karamcharis are being engaged by the panchayats for ensuring cleanliness in villages. Each Safai Karamcharis gets Rs. 3,525 per month.
"Sanitation Promotion Scheme" has also been launched by the State Government. Under the scheme, panchayats getting first position at the block and district level, will be given a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh each, respectively, whereas panchayats getting first, second and third positions at the state level, will be given a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively.
SCHEMES FOR THE POOR GALORE: With the poor and the downtrodden close to the heart of the state government, it launched a number of schemes for their welfare. UPA Chairperson, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, launched the Rs 2,300-crore "Mahatma Gandhi Grameen Basti Yojna" at Panipat on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, to realize the dream of poor people having their own house. Under this scheme, each family belonging to SC and backward classes (A) and all families living below the poverty line, are being given free residential plots of 100 square yards each. This scheme would benefit about six lakh families and distribution of plots in 5,000 villages would be completed within two years. These bastis will be provided with all basic amenities.
"Mukhya Mantri Anusuchit Jati Gaon Uthan Aur Malin Basti Vikas Yojna" was also launched in the State. Under this scheme, villages having 50 per cent SC population will be provided with all basic amenities and a sum of Rs. 50 lakh will be spent on providing basic facilities in each village. The development works in all these villages would be completed by March, 2010.
The historic "National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme" was implemented in all districts of the State. Under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, it will be ensured that each rural family will get employment throughout the year in its own village and guarantee of minimum 100 days employment in a year.
Under the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the programme of building as many as 7,114 houses in three phases was launched from Panchkula for the poor people residing in slums. In the first phase, 2,072 houses would be constructed and each house will cost Rs. 2.6 lakh. HUDA will allot land free of cost for the purpose. These houses will be given to the weaker sections of the society at lower rates. In Faridabad also, a sum of Rs. 2697 crore has been sanctioned for various development works under the mission.
BIG LEAP ON EDUCATION FRONT: Observed as "Education Year", the State Government took a holistic approach to revolutionizing all types of education--school, college, university, medical, technical and ITI training---keeping an eye on the present and future needs. The aim was to ensure that no child of poor family remains deprived of education for want of money, the youth get quality education and the state has excellent educational infrastructure.
Unique schemes of giving scholarships to school and college students, belonging to Scheduled Castes, backward class (A) and families below the poverty line, were started in 2008. A sum of about Rs. 500 crore would be spent annually on providing these facilities, benefitting more than 13 lakh children.
With a view to making education simple and more interesting, special workbooks were got prepared this year from some well-known voluntary organizations and educationists and distributed among students of Class 1 to VIII. About 20 lakh children are availing themselves of this easy-to-learn facility.
Five new government colleges were set up this year. Government College in Chacharauli, Barwala and Panipat and Women's Government College in Rewari and Lakhanmajra have been opened. ITIs have been set up in Salahawas, Matanhail, Assaudha mor, Rajlugdi, Tosham, Berali Kalan and Malrawas. Polytechnics have been established at Morni and Bhiwani.
An IIM is being set up in Garnavadhi village of Rohtak District. This sixth IIM of the country will be set up over an area of 165 acres at a cost of Rs. 250 crore. Work on setting up of Business School and Knowledge Park on the Guru Jambheshwar University campus has been started. Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma PGIMS has been given the status of University of Health Sciences. A central university is proposed to be set up in the state with the assistance of Government of India. The State Government has suggested three sites for the purpose.
Besides, the Central Government has given its approval for setting up a Defence University in the State keeping in view the contribution made by Haryana to the Indian Army. The Defence Minister, Mr A. K. Antony, laid foundation stone of the second Sainik School of the state in Rewari District on August 29, 2008. It is just a coincidence that during the days of school education of the Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Sainik School at Kunjpura in Karnal district was set up. After Bihar and Karnataka, which have two schools each, Haryana has become the third state to have two Sainik schools. There are a total number of 23 Sainik schools in the country.
YEAR OF SPORTING GLORY, BONANZA FOR PLAYERS: The year brought glory to Haryana and the country in the field of sports. With a view to motivating the players to give spectacular performance in Beijing Olympics, held in August 2008, the State Government decided to give a cash prize of Rs. 2 crore to the winner of gold medal, Rs. 1 crore to the winner of silver medal and Rs. 50 lakh to bronze medal winner.
The Indian contingent that participated in Beijing Olympics, had nine players from Haryana. They made the country and the state proud by giving a good account of themselves in the Olympics. The Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, gave the cash prize of Rs 50 lakh to Vijendra Singh, the winner of bronze medal in boxing at Olympics at a function held at Bhiwani. Akhil Kumar and Jitender Singh of same district, who reached the quarter finals of boxing in Beijing Olympics, were also given cash prize of Rs 25 lakh each. Their coach, Mr Jagdish Singh, was also honoured and given Rs. 25 lakh. Yogeshwar Dutt of Sonipat, who reached the quarter final in wrestling, was also given Rs 25 lakh.
Abhinav Bindra of Punjab, who won the gold medal in shooting, Saina Nehwal of Hyderabad, who reached the quarter final in badminton, and Sushil Kumar of Delhi, who won bronze medal in wrestling, were also given a cash prize of Rs. 25 lakh each for their outstanding performance in Beijing Olympics. Haryana players who excel at international level are recruited to the posts of constable to DSP.
MINIMUM WAGES UP, INSURANCE COVER FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS: The Year-2008 was celebrated as "Industrial Safety Year". The State Government revised the minimum wages of unskilled workers in July, 2007 to Rs.3510 per month and Rs.135 per day. It has further been raised in 2008 to Rs.3664.54 per month and Rs.141.02 per day respectively. What's more, "Jan Shree Bima Yojana" was also introduced during the year for building and other constructions workers. The insurance cover comes to the workers at no cost.
The benefits available to the workers under the scheme include payment of sum assured of Rs.30,000 to the nominee in case of natural death of life assured, payment of sum assured of Rs.75,000 to the nominee in case of death by accident and payment of sum assured of Rs.75,000 in case of permanent total disability due to accident and in case of loss of two eyes or two limbs or one eye and one limb in an accident. Payment of sum assured of Rs.37,500 to the life assured in case of loss of one eye or one limb in an accident.
Besides, health insurance cover of Rs.30,000, reimbursement of expenses on indoor treatment in government hospitals for chronic diseases such as cancer, aids and heart diseases, etc. is given by the Building and Others Construction Workers Welfare Board.
TAKING CARE OF SENIOR CITIZENS: The Chief Minister launched a number of schemes for senior citizens from Panchkula on October 1, 2008 which is observed as 'Senior Citizen Day' all over the world. The foundation stone of a day care centre was laid at Panchkula. Such centres will also be set up at Rohtak, Bhiwani, Hisar, Jhajjar and Sonepat. These will have the facility of entertainment, health, exercise, yoga and library for elderly persons.
A decision has also been taken to set up senior citizen voluntary services organizations in each district to take the benefit of the experiences of senior citizens. The organization will be run under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner. Each member of this organization will be known as 'Karmayogi'.
The best organization will be given State award every year on 'International Senior Citizen Day'. A State Award Scheme has also been implemented for senior citizens. Under the scheme, five awards of Rs 5 lakh each will be given to senior citizens every year on the International Senior Citizen Day. All senior citizens of 60 years of age and above, will be given identity cards.
EQUIPPING HOSPITALS WITH STAFF, EQUIPMENT: A year had the government adopt a continuous process of recruiting doctors to meet the shortage in government hospitals and health centres. A departmental committee has been constituted for the purpose. A scheme to give special incentives to the doctors serving in the rural and remote areas of the State, has also been implemented and steps have also been taken to minimize financial burden on the patients undergoing indoor treatment.
Besides, the schemes like 'Janani Suraksha Yojana', 'Janani Suvidha Yojana', pro-poor scheme namely 'Jachcha-Bachcha' has also been launched in the State this year. Half concession in bus fare has also been granted to women above 60 years travelling in Haryana Roadways buses.
WOOING TOURISTS: Kurukshetra is being developed as an International tourism spot. A copper icon of Rath made at a cost of Rs 2 crore was unveiled by UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi at Kurukshetra on July 28. The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of a digital gallery to be built at a cost of Rs 5 crore at Shri Krishna Museum on November 23. The Panipat-Kurukshetra-Pinjore belt is being developed as an Integrated Tourist Circuit and the Central Government has agreed to give a sum of Rs 16.30 crore for the purpose.
ULTRA-MOD MEDIA CENTRE: A media centre, equipped with all modern facilities, was established at a cost of Rs 1 crore in the Haryana Civil Secretariat. A beautiful Press Room, the first of its kind in the public sector in the country, has also been constructed for media persons. All modern facilities of communication have been made available in this Press Room. The Chief Minister announced a lifetime achievement award for journalists while inaugurating the centre. A decision to give 13 state level awards and 147 district level awards to the journalists has already been taken to encourage journalists, both in print and electronic media.
PALWAL MADE 21st DISTRICT: The historic city of Palwal was declared the 21st district of the state on Independence Day.
Many national level functions were organized in Haryana during the year 2008, which include 11th E-Governance Conference and National Renewable Energy Day at Panchkula, 44th All India Oriental Congress at Kurukshetra and Presiding Officers' Conference at Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Chandigarh.
The Bhupinder Singh Hooda Government is committed to keeping up its efforts in the New Year to take the state forward on the road to progress, prosperity and well-being of the people.

CS submits Pay Commission report

Haryanawirenews
CHANDIGARH, December 23
Haryana Chief Secretary Dharamvir, who is also chairman of the committee constituted to give its recommendations for implementation of Sixth Pay Commission report for
Haryana Government Employees, submitted the report on behalf of the committee to Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, here today.
The Chief Minister had already announced that the Haryana Government Employees would get enhanced salary from January 2009 and it would be new year gifts for the employees.
The Chief Secretary said that the committee had fulfilled its promises made to the Chief Minister for submitting its report as early as possible. He complemented all the officers and staff who was engaged in preparing the report. He said that Cabinet meeting would be held on December 29 to consider the report so that a new year gifts could be provided to the State Government Employees.
Finance Minister Birender Singh, Power Minister Randeep Singh Surjewala, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister M.L. Tayal, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary Finance Ajit M. Sharan, Member of Sixth Pay Commission Committee P.K. Das and OSD to Chief Minister Dr. K.V. Singh were also present on the occasion.

Haryana to cover 50 lakh child under NID scheme

by Haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, DEC 19
About 40 lakh children, between the age of 0-5 years, would be covered under the National Immunization Day (NID) round of Pulse Polio Campaign in Haryana which is schedule to be held from December 21 to 23.
A spokesman of the Health Department said that all arrangements have been made for the successful implementation of NID round. As many as 15,975 booths would be set up at locations convenient to the people and these would be manned by 64,000 vaccinators drawn from Health and Education Departments, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and the Non-Governmental Organizations, representatives of Haryana Unit of Indian Medical Association, self help groups and a number of volunteers would also be engaged in this drive.
He said that about 3,200 supervisors would oversee the functioning of the vaccination teams and ensure that no child was left unimmunized.
He said that focus would be laid on covering children residing in slums, labour colonies inhabited by migratory population, brick-kilns, children of industrial labour, rice-shellers, stone-crushers, construction sites, nomadic population and children in transit at bus stands, railway stations and markets. About 32,000 teams would visit door to door to vaccinate those children who failed to come to the booths due to some reasons.
The spokesman said that pulse polio immunization was one of the important strategies in addition to the routine immunization programme and aimed at eliminating the environmental wild virus (disease causing virus) through simultaneous administration of oral polio vaccine to the susceptible age group of 0-5 years. With every successive round of pulse polio immunization, the area of polio virus circulation got reduced in number and extent.

Affordable health care services in Haryana

by haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, December 16
The Haryana Government has decided to adopt three-pronged strategy to provide qualitative and affordable health care services to the people in the State.
A spokesman of the Health Department said that it had been decided that essential medicines would be provided free of cost to all OPD/Casualty patients and deliveries by the Health institutions. Now, the patients would not have to purchase medicines from the open market, as no Medical Officer would be allowed to prescribe such medicines in OPD /Casualty and for institutional deliveries as are not available in the institutions.
He said that the procurement of the medicines would be need based and these would be purchased at one time for not more than three months requirements by a committee under the Chairmanship of Civil Surgeon. The committee would comprise PMO / MS and two senior most CHC incharges and one senior most PHC incharge.
He said that the district Health and Family Welfare Society would review the performance under this scheme with special emphasis on uninterrupted supply of essential medicines to all OPD / Casual patients and institutional deliveries. The medicine kits for sub-centres would be procured by the State headquarters. To ensure quality of medicines, regular and random samples of drugs would be taken at the time of supply, he added.
The spokesman said that special recruitment process had also been initiated by the Department to ensure availability of medical officers and specialists in the Health institutions of the State. The interview process for filling 620 vacant posts of MOs and 26 direct posts of SMOs (specialists) had already been completed by the Departmental committee.
He said that a number of specialized clinics such as hypertension, diabetic, asthma, infertility, glaucoma, neurology, cardiology and endocriminology had been started at General Hospital, Panchkula on pilot basis from November 1, 2008. These clinics would work once a week in the evening from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Lab, ECG and X-Ray services would be provided during the specialized clinic hours and normal Government fees would be charged from the patients visiting these clinics, he added.

MDU BA/B Sc./B Com Part III Supp. resutls

by haryananewswire
Chandigarh, Dec. 16
Maharshi Dayanand University,Rohtka (MDU) has declared the results of B.A/B.Sc./B.Com. (Part-II) supplementary examination held in October 2008.
MDU controller of Examinations (CEO) K.C. Dadhwal informed that results are available on website www.mdurohtak.com. Further, those students who could not pass their compartment examination can fill their examination form for next examination up to Dec. 30 (without late fee).

New Year gift for Haryana employees

by Haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, Dec. 8
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday announced a New Year gift for the Haryana Government employees and said that the report of Sixth Pay Commission would be implemented in the state from January 1, 2006 and the employees would get their hiked pay in January which would be paid in February 2009.
The Chief Minister was interacting with the media persons at Haryana Niwas here after signing of MoU between Japanese giant Mitsui & Company India Private Limited and Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation and IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited to set up an Integrated Japanese Industrial, Transportation and Logistic Park in Haryana.
Mr. Hooda said that the employees would get the enhanced pay scale broadly on the pattern of Central Government. He said that the report of the committee, which had been constituted to implement the recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission, was almost ready.
While addressing on the occasion of MoU signing ceremony, Chief Minister maintained that like Japan, Haryana had also grown from a largely agrarian state to an industrialized one and both had been able to transform their economies by sheer dint of hard work and forward looking populace. He said that Haryana had only 1.37 per cent of the country's geographical area and 1.97 per cent of the population. Haryana had achieved the distinction of having the highest per capita income in the country and a leading state in terms of manufacturing a number of items like cars, motorcycles, washing machines.
The Chief Minister revealed that during last more than three and half years, Haryana had been able to generate an investment of Rs.40,000 crore including FDI of more than Rs.11,000 crore. Further investment of Rs.90,000 crore was in the pipeline through domestic and international sources, he added. He further maintained that Haryana had always shared very close relations with Japan. In fact, a major chunk of the total FDI received in the state, had come from the Japanese companies.
Mitsui and Company chairman Munetaka Onose said that Japan had very good friendly relations with Haryana and with the setting up of this Integrated Japanese Industrial, Transportation and Logistic Park; new avenues of employment and investment would be created not for the India but for other countries also. He lauded the role of Haryana Government in providing good infrastructure to the Japanese companies in the state.
HSIIDC Managing Director Rajiv Arora apprised the delegation with the salient features of the project and asserted that new avenues and prospects would be generated for the Japanese companies in the state. He said that it would be the first project of this kind and Haryana had already supporting Japanese companies in such kind of projects.
Chief Secretary Mr Dharam Vir, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. M.L. Tayal, Commissioner and Secretary, Industries, Mr. Y.S. Malik, Vice President of IL&FS IDC, Mr. Rubinder Singh and GM Mr. Tsuyoshi Kamihira were also present on the occasion.

Resolve to give society good children: Asha Hooda

by haryananewswire
GURGAON, DEC 7
The parents should imbibe morality and good manners in their children instead of criticizing them. This was stated by Mrs Asha Hooda, wife of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda while presiding over annual function of Shallom Hills
International School in Gurgaon today.
She said that the parents of her age are usually heard criticizing their children for their bad behaviour, lack of moralities and manners but they fail to understand that who made them like that. Mrs Hooda advised the parents to first introspect about the reasons behind the behaviour of present day children. She said that the parents were equally responsible for the behaviour of their children and they should teach their children good values so that they could become good human beings.
She said, "lets not criticize the children, instead resolve to give the society good children with high moral values imbibed in them".
If you were good human beings, it was because your parents taught you like that and if your children were not good human beings, that means you are lacking in your duty, she maintained.
While narrating the glory of motherhood, Mrs Hooda said that people say that mothers place is next to god, but in her opinion place of mother was even before god. The reason being that whenever god took birth in this world, be it any incarnation, it has to come to this world through the womb of mother. Mrs Hooda paid tributes to the martyrs and people who became victims of Mumbai terrorist attack and
asked the people to take pledge to bring peace in the world. She also released white balloons in the sky giving message of universal brotherhood and said that peace is stronger than terror.
The students also gave message of peace by lighting candles. They also presented a colourfull cultural programme with theme of patriotism and scientific advancement of India. Dr Lili George, Director of School told that the school was just four years
old, having classes upto 10th and it was affiliated to CBSE New Delhi.
On this occasion, Chakarvarti Sharma, Vice president of HPCC, Khazan Singh Spokesperson of HPCC, Asha Sharma, General Secretary of Congress Women Cell, G. Anupama Administrator HUDA, Deepti Umashankar Deputy Commissioner, Parveen Kumar ADC, JS Sangwan SDM, Guru Raja Reddy, Kaushalya Reddy were also present among other
dignitaries.

‘GRAND PARENTS’ AND ‘SENIOR CITIZENS’ CULTURAL MEET

by haryananewswire
PANCHKULA, DEC 6
A cultural meet of grand parents of our scholars and senior citizens of Panchkula, was held in Satluj Public School, Junior Wing, Sector 2, Panchkula on December 6 at 11.00 a.m.
About 700 grand parents of the school students and senior citizens of Panchkula joined together to sing, dance, recite poems, crack jokes and had Punjabi and Haryanvi winter food such as choori, sarson saag, ganna rass kheer (rice pudding cooked in sugarcane), makki roti, jaggery mixed with dry fruit, home made fresh makhan and home made lassi.
The students of Satluj Public School, Sector 2, Panchkula welcomed them with tea, gur para. They entertained them with ‘Jhankar Beats, Haryanvi, Himachali, Punjabi and Karnataka’ folk dances. School faculty presented a skit based on the happiness for grand parents. Everybody liked the efforts of the students, the faculty and the school management.
Pritam Singh Serai, Director of Satluj Public School, Sectors 2 and 4, Panchkula said, “We are pleased to observe Grand Parents and Senior Citizens Day. Our Scholars listened to the words of wisdom and experiences of their grand parents and shared smiles with them. It is an effort to impart value education to our scholars in a concrete situation.”
The event concluded with a wonderful cultural items of the senior citizens directed by Mrs. Satinder Trikha, an eminent social worker of Sector 4, Panchkula.

CM announces incentives for Sanskrit teachers

by haryanawirenews
CHANDIGARH, DEC 4
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced incentives for the Sanskrit teachers and grants for Gurukuls of the State so that the ancient language and culture could be promoted in a big way in the state.
Mr Hooda, who was presiding over meeting here with the delegations of Sanskrit teachers and Haryana Sanskriti and Sanskrit Raksha Samiti to consider their demands, announced with generosity that grant would be given to the Gurukuls with a view to promote the ancient Gurukul culture.
He said that Gurukuls having 100 students would be given a grant of Rs. 1.50 lakh annually, those having 200 students would get a grant of Rs. 2.50 lakh per annum. Similarly, the Gurukuls having more than 200 students would be given a grant of Rs. 3.50 lakh annually. The number of students would be taken as those who appear in
the examination.
While discussing the qualifications of Sanskrit teachers, the Chief Minister announced that in future the qualification for recruitment of Sanskrit teachers would be (1) Shastri/B.A. Hons. in Sanskrit/B.A. with Sanskrit as an elective subject. (2) B.Ed with Sanskrit as teaching subject or LTC/OT/Shiksha Shastri.
It was also decided that out of six subjects, marks of five best scoring subjects would be counted for the result in Matric though the students would have to pass the five compulsory subjects which included Hindi, English, Math, Science and Social Studies. This has been done to ensure that the students take equal interest in
optional subjects which includes Sanskrit.
Member of ParliamentRam Prakash and President of Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Haryana, Acharya Baldev expressed their gratitude towards the Chief Minister for accepting the demands of Sanskrit teachers and Gurukuls. They said that this step would further help in promoting the Sanskrit language which was considered as the mother of
all languages.
Commissioner and Secretary, Education, Mr Rajan Gupta apprised the Chief Minister that the decision to consider the Shastri and OT equal to B.A. and B.Ed. had been taken in view of the interest of the Sanskrit teachers.
Those present in the meeting included Education Minister Mr Mange Ram Gupta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. M.L. Tayal, Director General School Education, Mr. Anurag Rastogi, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof. Virender, Director Haryana Sanskrit Akadami, Dr. R. D. Sharma and OSD to Chief Minister, Mr. M.S. Chopra.

Clinton invites Haryana CM for CGI meeting

haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, November 22
Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), established by William Jefferson Clinton, 42nd President of the United States, has invited Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda to a meeting of CGI in Hong Kong on December 2 and 3.
In a letter personally written by Mr. Bill Clinton to invite Mr Hooda, he has mentioned that the event at Hong Kong has been designed to foster philanthropic culture in the dynamic and growing region of the world, Asia.
CGI was established in 2005 to turn good intentions into real action and results. CGI Asia offered a new membership opportunity to engage business, government, civil society, and philanthropic leaders across Asia. The CGI Asia meeting, the first CGI meeting to be held outside the United States, is a chance for Asia's most influential leaders to come together and take action to solve the region's most pressing issues.
The meeting would focus on three primary areas of discussion which includes education, energy and climate change and public health. The working session of
CGI's on education will explore specific and actionable ways to enable millions to gain access to quality education as education is essential for social and economic development, beyond lifting people out of poverty and strengthening the global economy, educational opportunities can dispel conflicts, create jobs and improve health conditions.
The energy and climate sessions will explore the economic opportunities in fighting global warming around the globe. Panels will explore carbon markets, innovations in the transportation sector, new power technologies and breakthrough in energy efficiency. The Public Health session will seek to inform and inspire new commitments to improve health in the poorest countries and reduce the profound health
disparities among and within the countries.
At Hong Kong, Mr.Clinton will join several hundred Asian leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds to further strengthen social and global responsibility in Asia, and move toward the benefits achieved through collaboration. The sessions in the meeting would examine the ways emerging economies are achieving sustainable and equitable growth, particularly in the midst of a global economic slowdown, rising energy and food prices, and mounting healthcare costs.

Haryana notifies public holidays

Chandigarh, Nov 19
The Haryana Government has notified public holidays in its offices during the calendar year 2009.
All Saturdays and Sundays will be closed days. Other holidays are Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday (Jan. 5), Republic Day ( Jan. 26), Guru Ravidas's Birthday (Feb.09), Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti (Feb. 19), Maha Shivratri (Feb. 23), Holi (March 11), Ram Navami (April 3), Mahavir Jayanti (April 07), Vaisakhi (April 13), Dr.B.R.Ambedkar's Jayanti (April 14), Lord Parshu Ram Jayanti (April 27), Maharana Partap Jayanti (May 27), Sant Kabir Jayanti (June 07), Teej (July 24),
Janamashtmi (August 14), Id-ul-Fitr (Sept. 21), Haryana's Heroes Martyrdom Day (Sept. 23), Dussehra (Sept. 28), Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (Oct.02) and Guru Nanak's Birthday (Nov. 02) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
The festivals and occasions which fall on closed days have been excluded from the above list. These are Sir Chhotu Ram Jayanti and Basant Panchmi (Jan. 31), Independence Day (Aug. 15), Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti (Sept. 19), Maharshi Balmiki's Birthday (Oct. 4), Diwali (Oct. 17), Vishavakarma Day (Oct. 18), Haryana Day (Nov. 1), Id-ul-Juha (Bakrid) (Nov. 28) and Shaheed Udham Singh's Birthday (Dec. 26).
The employees would also be allowed any two holidays to be chosen out of the following Restricted Holidays : Muharram (Jan. 08), Id-e-Milad or Milad-ul-Nabi (March 10), Good Friday (April 10), Budh Purnima (May 09), Guru Arjan Dev's Martyrdom Day (June 16), Shaeed Udham Singh's Martyrdom Day (July 31), Raksha Bandhan (Aug.05), Karva Chauth (Oct.07), Govardhan Puja (Oct. 18), Guru Teg Bahadur's Martyrdom Day (Nov.24) and Muharram (Dec. 28). Holidays within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881.
The Goverment has also notified public holidays in the State, except
Judicial Courts, during the calendar year 2009 within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881. These are all Sundays, Republic Day (Jan.26), Guru Ravidas's Birthday(Feb. 9), Mahashivratri (Feb. 23), Holi (March 11), Annual Closing of Bank Accounts - First working day of April - (April 1), Mahavir Jayanti
(April 07), Dr.B.R.Ambedkar's Jayanti (April 14), Janamashtmi (Aug.14), Independence Day (Aug. 15), Half yearly closing of bank accounts - last working day of September - (Sept.30), Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (Oct.2), Id-ul-Fitr (Sept. 21), Dussehra (Sept. 28), Maharshi Balmiki's Birthday (Oct.04), Diwali (Oct.17), Guru Nanak's Birthday (Nov.02) and Christmas Day (Dec.25).

Jat Sabha organising Poster Making competition

haryananewswire.com
CHANDIGARH, NOV 18
The Jat Sabha Chandigarh is conducting a poster making competition in its office in Sector 27, Madhya Marg on November 24. The theme of the poster making is "Pollution Free Atmosphere". Former Director General of Police Dr MS Malik, who is also president of Jat Sabha Chandigarh, said that the competition would begin at 10 a.m and last one hour.
The basic aim of organising such competition is to encourage and inspire children to take interest in art and painting and develop their skills. Dr Malik said that competition had been divided into three categories -- Category A (class III to V), Category B (Class VI to VIII) and Category C (class IX to XII).
A panel, comprising prominent personalities, has been formed to choose the winners. Mr RK Malik, Dilbagh Singh Sihag, RR Sheoran and Dr Rajwanti Mann are members of the selection panel. Prizes will be given soon after the competition results are announced. The winners of first three positions in each category will receive Rs 400, Rs 300 and Rs 200, respectively. They will also be given merit certificates.
Dr Malik said that two consolation prizes of Rs 100 in each category would also given.
Entries close on November 22 at 5 p.m. at Jat Bhawan, Sector 27 A, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh.

CM announces incentives for journalists

by Haryananewswire.com
CHANDIGARH, Nov 18
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today announced to institute a Lifetime Achievement Award and announced a bonanza of other incentives for mediapersons which
included grant of press accreditation facility at block level.
The Chief Minister was interacting with mediapersons shortly after dedicating a newly set up hi-tech Media Centre, equipped with all modern facilities, at the 8th floor of Haryana Civil Secretariat, here today. Spread over an area of 7000 sq. feet, the Media Centre has been set up at a cost of about Rs one crore in view of the changing scenario of media.
While clarifying the issue of definition of "Journalist" in view of the Journalist Welfare Fund set up by the State Government, the Chief Minister said that now it has been decided that those who are basically associated with journalism and those whose main source of income is journalism, would get financial assistance from Journalist Welfare Fund irrespective of the fact whether they are accredited or
not by the State Government. This decision has been taken for the welfare of journalists.
He said that in case of sudden death of a journalist or any person associated with journalism, an ex-gratia would be provided to his or her next of kins out of the Journalist Welfare Fund.
He also introduced the facility of Press Accreditation to mediapersons at block level by giving Press Accreditation Cards to three such mediapersons. He also announced that separate Press Accreditation Cell and Press Facility Cell would be set up and these would be functional from January next.
Mr Hooda said that for the first time, the mediapersons would be
provided with electronic lockers thus giving them one GB space to
store their data.
Mr Hooda said that the Press Room set up at the Media Centre was the first of its kind in public sector in the country. Equipped with all modern means of communication, it has seven computers with internet facility to facilitate the functioning of mediapersons. Two fax machines have also been provided in the Press Room. In addition, 30 physical lockers would be allotted to mediapersons as per their need in the Press Room. The Chief Minister handed over the keys of first
such locker to veteran journalist Mr N.S.Parwana.
The Press Room has a theater system, wide-screen LCD TV sets equipped with Tata Sky and cable network. A Centrex telephone system has been installed in the Press Room through which any mediaperson can directly ring up any officer of the Haryana Information and Public Relations Department.
The Chief Minister said that the work to set up a hi-tech web studio was in progress at Media Centre and it would be functional within a couple of months. This web studio would provide video clippings on various programmes and achievements of the Government to the mediapersons. It would also have pre-production and post-production facilities like editing. He said that electronic press notes would be
issued from January 1 and Haryana would be the first State to introduce such a system in the country.
He said that a Conference Room has also been set up at Media Centre where daily briefing system would be introduce to highlight the various achievements of the State Government. Also, an Information Centre equipped with 10 computers, fax and internet facility has also been set up at the Media Centre. He said that a modern pantry has also been set up at Media Centre which would be run by Haryana Hospitality Department.
While referring to other incentives given by the State Government to mediapersons, the Chief Minister said that with a view to encourage mediapersons of both print and electronic media, the State Government has already instituted 13 State level and 147 district level awards.
Such cash awards totaling about Rs 53 lakh would be given to mediapersons every year. There would be two special state awards of Rs one lakh each, 11 state awards of Rs 51,000 each and 147 district awards of Rs 21,000 each.
While referring to the issue of providing Government accommodation for mediapersons, he said that for allotment of houses, the mediapersons would have to pay only that much minimum house rent which is being paid by Government official for the allotment of a similar house. This decision was necessitated because the journalists were paying differential house rent for the houses alloted to them.
Today being the World Epilepsy Day, Mr Hooda announced to give a grant of Rs one lakh each to Haryana Child Welfare Council and "Pryas", an organisation of Chandigarh as these organisations are engaged in the welfare of the deaf, dumb, physically challenged and those suffering from epilepsy.
The Chief Minister appreciated the significant role being played by mediapersons in apprising the people about the developmental and welfare programmes of the State Government.
The Chief Minister was taken around the entire Media Centre and he appreciated the facilities made available there for media persons.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by President of Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr Phool Chand Mullana, MLAs namely Mr Naresh Yadav and Mrs Geeta Bukkal, Chief Secretary Mr Dharam Vir, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr M.L.Tayal, Commissioner-cum-Director Information and Public Relations Mr K.K.Khandelwal, Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Haryana Public Works (Building and Roads) Department, Mr K.K.Jalan,Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Prof. Virender, Media Adviser to Chief Minister Mr Sunder Pal, Senior oficers of Haryana Public Works (Building and Roads)
Department and Architecture Department.

H.C.S. (J.B.) PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION- 2008 RESULTS

RESULT
H.C.S. (J.B.) PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION- 2008
CONDUCTED ON 16-11-2008

Chandigarh, November 17
On the basis of Preliminary Examination for the posts of Civil Judges in Haryana Civil Services (Judicial Branch), conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission on 16.11.2008, the candidates bearing the following Roll Numbers have been declared successful for appearing in the Main Examination for the said posts provided that they fulfill all the requisite conditions for their eligibility, according to HPSC Secretary, Mr. Lalit Siwatch :-

GENERAL

1018 1565 2185 2901 3460 4294 4704 5280 5874 6353 6810
1020 1576 2216 2908 3461 4320 4707 5283 5889 6387 6823
1047 1585 2223 2914 3464 4323 4711 5297 5890 6394 6838
1048 1596 2225 2916 3498 4340 4718 5315 5917 6398 6843
1049 1614 2257 2920 3504 4342 4735 5325 5919 6417 6869
1055 1647 2279 2922 3508 4352 4736 5383 5924 6421 6871
1060 1653 2303 2923 3519 4361 4773 5394 5926 6433 6915
1062 1665 2311 2935 3536 4382 4781 5436 5932 6437 6920
1063 1686 2315 2939 3559 4389 4784 5437 5933 6449 6926
1081 1691 2333 2941 3581 4413 4803 5453 5938 6451 6934
1083 1715 2336 3029 3643 4434 4816 5457 5965 6453 6950
1086 1719 2346 3031 3649 4442 4831 5462 5977 6457 6995
1103 1731 2347 3034 3655 4484 4841 5464 5986 6525 7011
1112 1769 2350 3058 3657 4486 4849 5467 6019 6536 7014
1134 1792 2361 3073 3823 4496 4851 5481 6020 6537 7018
1137 1805 2375 3096 3851 4497 4853 5486 6022 6542 7037
1165 1810 2377 3152 3878 4503 4865 5499 6029 6545 7038
1195 1865 2391 3155 3899 4510 4876 5558 6033 6549 7058
1210 1884 2484 3156 3960 4539 4893 5563 6034 6550 7113
1250 1916 2565 3157 3961 4544 4936 5580 6035 6563 7143
1251 1935 2670 3160 3968 4552 4950 5592 6040 6577 7150
1300 1961 2674 3163 4005 4555 4966 5597 6043 6579 7190
1304 1984 2687 3164 4009 4570 4988 5625 6046 6580 7192
1326 1987 2741 3173 4029 4575 5012 5646 6053 6581 7197
1336 2036 2762 3177 4035 4580 5023 5649 6070 6584 7227
1341 2055 2773 3184 4036 4581 5026 5667 6083 6603 7244
1355 2065 2774 3189 4103 4584 5039 5695 6119 6621 7247
1385 2068 2775 3208 4119 4605 5041 5696 6122 6650 7250
1391 2072 2778 3214 4125 4608 5104 5706 6127 6657 7255
1403 2085 2779 3218 4146 4620 5117 5708 6131 6667 7258
1421 2091 2782 3220 4150 4621 5136 5732 6147 6671 7333
1454 2131 2788 3234 4154 4624 5141 5749 6184 6675 7337
1471 2133 2798 3248 4158 4629 5154 5754 6188 6694
1484 2134 2832 3254 4162 4632 5157 5758 6208 6697
1491 2141 2841 3288 4163 4637 5162 5764 6221 6702
1501 2143 2845 3293 4178 4638 5183 5822 6267 6768
1502 2151 2846 3349 4195 4664 5214 5847 6274 6776
1533 2152 2848 3360 4215 4693 5243 5852 6279 6789
1559 2160 2859 3396 4226 4694 5255 5854 6280 6790
1560 2162 2891 3414 4265 4701 5277 5862 6310 6799

SC
1019 1578 2161 2603 3099 3770 4451 5027 5456 6250 6801
1028 1584 2167 2643 3127 3776 4498 5043 5477 6277 6853
1050 1620 2198 2661 3136 3808 4526 5046 5484 6305 6854
1058 1625 2203 2692 3172 3865 4560 5102 5508 6333 6865
1093 1677 2241 2694 3191 3868 4594 5106 5517 6354 6883
1094 1694 2243 2697 3215 3869 4603 5129 5550 6365 6886
1097 1702 2249 2701 3308 3992 4655 5132 5569 6436 6931
1107 1724 2264 2742 3363 4026 4668 5138 5698 6445 6945
1143 1727 2266 2746 3415 4039 4686 5181 5760 6543 6961
1173 1748 2272 2781 3433 4074 4692 5190 5823 6558 6962
1178 1750 2274 2791 3553 4085 4697 5193 5838 6565 7021
1179 1761 2313 2815 3613 4138 4709 5238 5840 6600 7033
1265 1812 2319 2862 3628 4172 4752 5240 5846 6614 7072
1271 1828 2339 2867 3633 4186 4811 5253 5918 6640 7108
1338 1847 2374 2946 3654 4273 4812 5269 5942 6646 7184
1340 1870 2378 2955 3659 4311 4822 5296 5980 6659 7203
1348 1905 2382 2992 3662 4326 4824 5332 6054 6711 7206
1431 1973 2389 3030 3676 4346 4866 5370 6068 6712 7230
1432 1989 2434 3061 3708 4365 4881 5379 6081 6713 7275
1480 2024 2533 3063 3729 4368 4921 5421 6097 6714 7335
1497 2081 2552 3067 3749 4385 5006 5428 6143 6783 7365
1506 2155 2574 3077 3763 4419 5013 5445 6158 6798 7367

BC
1797 2913 4922 5434 6072
2186 4024 5167 5446 6658
2468 4613 5175 5447 6919
2855 4794 5380 6063 7086

PH
1046 1725 2678 4276 4691 5234 5692 6218 7332
1061 1912 3162 4306 5101 5372 5906 6285
1157 2238 3970 4312 5130 5503 5925 6340
1238 2263 4255 4432 5164 5551 6008 6589
1480 2420 4268 4626 5229 5690 6200 6815

ESM
1119 2047 2866 3279 3965 4818 5134 5739 6294 6996
1142 2189 2878 3600 4343 4924 5168 5740 6532 7044
1397 2343 2927 3701 4451 4938 5305 5768 6676 7076
1742 2433 2998 3719 4565 4939 5474 6121 6732 7144
1781 2529 3019 3892 4656 4990 5544 6151 6800 7180
1888 2558 3244 3916 4757 5053 5568 6167 6980 7295

The cut off marks for the different categories are indicated below in brackets against each category. While every care has been taken in preparing the result, the possibility of inadvertent errors can’t be ruled out. The Commission reserves the right to rectify the same later on.

GENERAL BC ESM SC PH
346 334 224 225 149

The Main Examination will be held around mid of December at Panchkula/Chandigarh. The candidates admitted to the Main Examination shall be informed well in advance individually along with their Admit Cards. An announcement in different national daily newspapers in this regard will also follow shortly.

HSIIDC to set up 33 ambitious projects

Sonepat, Nov 17
The Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) is acquiring 23,054 acres of land to set up 33 projects in the State.
A spokesman of the HSIIDC said that these projects included petrochemical hub at Panipat, IMTs at Faridabad, Manakpur or Jagadhri, Roz-ka-Meo and Rohtak (Phase-II),
Kharkhoda (Phase-I) and industrial estates at Rohtak Kutana and Dharuhera. Other such projects are Express Highway, expansion of industrial estates at Rai,Barwala, Barhi,IMT Manesar, development of industrial-cum-service centre at Sirsa, development of residential sectors in Sonipat, construction of roads and disposal channels in some areas of the State.
He said that HSIIDC has entered into Joint Venture Agreements with the six developers for setting up of prestigious Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or Public Private Partnership Projects in the State. These projects involved a total investment ranging from Rs 1132.44 crore to Rs 1282.44 crore and would generate employment for 18.20 lakh persons.
He said that the HSIIDC has already developed infrastructure projects
over an area of 14344.24 acres. He said that these projects included Reliance Haryana SEZ at Gurgaon and Jhajjar by Reliance Ventures Ltd; another Reliance Haryana SEZ at Jhajjar by the same company; Unitech Haryana SEZ at Sonepat-Kundli by
Unitech Ltd.; DLF SEZ at Gurgaon by DLF Ltd; DLF SEZ at Ambala by DLF
Ltd; Nanocity in district Panchkula by Nanoworks Developers Ltd.;
European Tech. Park at Faridabad by Dutch Haryana Business Consortium.
The corporation is developing Technology Parks under the campus Development Scheme at IMT Manesar, Panchkula and Industrial Estate Rai. The Corporation has allotted land measuring 120 acres to 12 parties at IMT Manesar under the scheme. A number of developers as well as anchor IT units are keen to set up their units in the
Technology Parks being developed by the Corporation under the Scheme.
He said that the Corporation has received more than 7000 applications
for allotment of industrial plots in various industrial estates. After the completion of allotment process during next six months, these projects would catalyse an investment of more than Rs 2000 crore.
He said that the Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation for setting up of Petrochemical Hub for downstream Industries at Panipat.
He said that the HSIIDC has allotted 600 acres of land to Maruti Udyog Ltd. at IMT, Manesar. The total investment in the project by Maruti and Suzuki, which includes a Diesel Engine Unit, would be about Rs.10,000 crore.
The corporation has already set up two food parks at Kundli-Rai and Saha with assistance from the Government of India for the development of food processing industries in the State.
He said that for development of social infrastructure, the HSIIDC has offered land to three prestigious Institutes namely National Law University, National Food Technology Institute and Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology.
He said that the HSIIDC has achieved the distinction of being the
first financial institution in the country to get ISO-9002 certification.

Chief Secretary Dharam Vir at the International Trade Fair

HCS (Judicial) exams on Nov 16

CHANDIGARH, Nov 13
Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has made all arrangements for the smooth and fair conduct of Haryana Civil Service (Judicial) examination to be conducted at 16 different centres at Panchkula on November 16.
While stating this here today, a spokesman of HPSC said that on the request of the Commission, for the first time, services of 18 senior IAS officers would be sought to function as observers during the examination to be taken by 6500 candidates.
He said that an officer of the rank of Deputy Inspecter General of Police would also be on duty to supervise the smooth conduct of examination.

Propagate Govt policies in common language: Khandelwal

CHANDIGARH, November 7
The Commissiner and Secretary and Director,Information and Public Relations Department, Mr K.K. Khandelwal said that efforts were being made for strengthening the department and as many as 27 offices of Assistant Information and Public Relations Offices were being set up in the State besides sufficient budget
would also be made available for setting up of these offices.
Mr. Khandelwal was addressing the two-day meeting of District
Information and Public Relations Officers (DIPROs) at Haryana Niwas
here today.
The Commissioner said that the offices of AIPROs would be set up in
the 27 Sub-Divisions soon. He reminded that there were total 47 sub-divisions in the State and out of these 20 sub-divisions were at the Headquarters level. He said that Rs one lakh each would be given for setting up of the offices of AIPROs at the sub-division level.
Mr. Khandelwal exhorted the District Information and Public Relations
Officers (DIPROs) that efforts should be made to propagate the policies and programmes of the government in common language so that maximum benefit could reach to the common man. He opined that follow up story of every development project launched by the VIP should be ensured.
He disclosed that special publicity campaign would be launched in the State from December 1 next and all the villages of the State would be covered under the programme. He said that the offices of DIPROs would also be strengthened by providing three computers in every office besides all the vacant posts would also be filled up on the priority basis.
Mr. Khandelwal said that the folk singers were very popular even today as the people understand the language of folk songs. The drama units of the department were being revised and 11 new drama units would be set up in the department having 10 members each. He said that nine such drama units were already working in the department.
The Media Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Sunderpal Singh said that the publicity of the welfare schemes of the government should be done according to the psychy of the people. He urged the DIPROs that efforts should be made for wide publicity of every scheme which had been launched for the benefit of the people.
He was the opinion that in the age of globalization only that person
was powerful who have important information with them. He exhorted them that they should change their mindset according to the requirement of the government. He suggested that Press conferences of the VIPs should be organised at the district headquarter every month.
He was of the view that the details of development works of every constituteuncy should be prepared.
Media Co-ordinator, Mr. Ashok Buwaniwala said that the responsibilities of the DIPROs had increased manifold in the age of globalization and efforts should be made to use their capability while filing their stories.
The Additional Director, IPRD, Mr. M.S. Yadav and Mr. S.K.Setia assured Mr. Khandelwal that efforts would be made to implement the orders in toto for strengtheneing the department so that all the policies and programmes of the Government could be publicized promptly.

Haryana transfers 6 IAS, 62 HCS officers

Chandigarh, Nov 5 Haryana Government today issued the posting and transferred orders of 6 IAS and 62 HCS officers with immediate effect.
Pankaj Yadav, DC, Jind has been posted as DC, Mahendragarh vice Amneet P. Kumar whose posting orders will be issued later on. T.L. Satyaparkash, DC, Bhiwani has been posted as DC Jind, Mohammad Shayin, DC Ambala has been posted as DC, Bhiwani, Sameer Pal Srow, Member Secretary, HSPCB and Director and Deputy Secretary,
Environment has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Ambala, Estate Officer for Management of Govt. Land in Excised Area, Ambala Cantt. and Vice-Principal, Revenue Training Institute, Ambala.
Ashok Kumar Meena, Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Siwani goes as Sub Divisional Officer (C), Panchkula. Pradeep Kasni, Additional Director (Admn.) Public Relations, Haryana becomes Additional Director (Admn.) Agriculture, Haryana. Ramesh Krishan, General Manager (P)O/o Engineer-in-Chief, Irrigation, Haryana goes as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA, Panchkula. Praveen Kumar, dditional Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA, Panchkula. goes as Additional
Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA, Gurgaon. Ashok Kumar Bishnoi, Chief Administrative Officer, Haryana Dairy Development Coop.Fed. Ltd has been posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA, Jind.
Sanjeev Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA, Karnal goes as such to Panipat. R.C.Bidhan, Managing Director, Coop.Sugar Mills, Karnal becomes Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA and Special Officer, APZ, Bhiwani. Smt. Sunita Verma, ,City Magistrate, Faridabad goes as City Magistrate, Bhiwani. S.S. Ghoswal, District Development & Panchayat Officer, Sonepat has been posted as Sub Divisional Officer (C)-cum-Additional Collector, Assandh.Smt. Geeta Bharti Sub Divisional Officer (C )-cum-Additional Collector, Hodal goes as Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA, Karnal.
Mahabir Singh Yadav, Additional Director (Admn.), Development and Panchayats, Haryana. has been posted as Additional Director (Admn.), Public Relations, Haryana. H.C.Jain, ,Sub Divisional Officer (C )-cum-Additional Collector, Ballabgarh will be new Sub Divisional Officer (C )-cum- Additional Collector, Jagadhari and Estate Officer, HUDA, Jagadhari.
R.K.Garg, ,Deputy Secretary to Govt., Haryana, Urban Local Bodies Department becomes Sub Divisional Officer (C)-cum-Additional Collector, Loharu. Roshan Lal, ,Sub Divisional Officer (C)-cum-Additional Collector, Safidon goes as Sub Divisional Officer (C)-cum-Additional Collector, Rewari. Satbir Singh Saini, Zonal Administrator, HSAMB, Karnal. will be new Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Rohtak and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Jhajjar, in addition. Dharam Vir Singh Dhankhar, Sub Divisional Officer (C )-cum-Additional Collector, Hansi. becomes General Manager, Haryana Roadways, Bhiwani. Jaibir Singh Arya, ,General Manager, Haryana Roadways, Gurgaon goes as Sub Divisional Officer (C)-cum-Additional Collector, Samalkha. Shiv Parshad Sub Divisional Officer (C )-cum-Additional Collector, Bhiwani and Estate Officer, HUDA, Bhiwani becomes Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Rewari and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority,
Mahendragarh, in addition. Rajesh Jogpal, Additional Transport Commissioner, Haryana becomes Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Yamunanagar, Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Ambala and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Panchkula, in addition.
Aurbind Sharma Sub Divisional Officer (C )-cum-Additional Collector, Panchkula has been appointed as Land Acquisition Officer, Hisar. G.L.Yadav, City Magistrate, Bhiwani will be new City Magistrate, Rewari.Jitender Kumar, Sub Divisional Officer, Samalkha, has been posted as City Magistrate, Gurgaon. Smt. Hema
Sharma, (Awaiting order of posting) has been posted as City Magistrate, Yamunanagar. Rajiv Mehta, ,Sub Divisional Officer (C), Karnal goes as Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Faridabad and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Palwal, in addition.
R.K.Singh, ,Sub Divisional Officer (C), Jagadhri and Estate Officer, HUDA, Jagadhri goes as Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Hodal. Jagdish Sharma, City Magistrate, Rohtak has been appointed as Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Gohana. Virender Lather, ,Managing Director, Coop.
Sugar Mills, Kaithal and Estate Officer, HUDA, Kaithal becomes Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Hansi.
Sat Pal, General Manager, Haryana Roadways, Hisar goes as City Magistrate, Faridabad. Smt. Veena Hooda, ,Land Acquisition Officer, PW (B&R), Gurgaon goes as Land Acquisition Officer, Faridabad.
Vatsal Vashisht, ,City Magistrate,Gurgaon will be new Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Sirsa and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Fatehabad, in addition. Mahabir Parsad, ,Joint Director (Admn.) Industries & Commerce, Haryana goes as Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Hisar and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Bhiwani, in addition. Mahender Pal, ,Sub Divisional
Officer (C), Loharu becomes Land Acquisition Officer, Gurgaon.
Mukesh Kumar, General Manager, Haryana Roadways, Rewari and Estate Officer, HUDA, Rewari goes as Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Siwani.
Surjit Singh, Zonal Administrator, HSAMB, Hisar goes as City Magistrate, Mahendragarh. Ram Kumar Beniwal, Land Acquisition Officer, PW (Irrigation), Ambala goes as Land Acquisition Officer, Rohtak. Prem Chand Gangle, Sub Divisional Officer (C), Assandh becomes Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Jind. Satbir Singh Jangu,
,Land Acquisition Officer, PW (B&R), Bhiwani and Land Acquisition
Officer, PW (Irrigation), Bhiwani becomes Land Acquisition Officer,
Panchkula.
Narinder Singh Yadav, ,Estate Officer, HUDA, Faridabad goes as Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Gurgaon and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Mewat, in addition. Satbir Singh Kundu, ,District Development & Panchayat Officer, Karnal becomes Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Karnal. Ashwani Kumar-II, ,District Development Panchayat Officer, Yamunanagar goes as Secretary,
Regional Transport Authority, Karnal and Secretary, Regional Transport
Authority, Kurukshetra.
Bir Singh Kalirawana, ,Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corpn. NIT,
Faridabad has appointed as Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Panipat and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Sonepat. O.P.Sharma, , District Development & Panchayat Officer, Ambala goes as Sub Divisional Officer (C), Bilaspur. Vikram Singh Malik, Estate Officer, HUDA, Karnal becomes Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Kaithal and Secretary, Regional Transport Authority, Jind, in addition. Parvesh Kumar, City Magistrate, Yamunanagar becomes
Joint Director (Admn.), Development & Panchayats, Haryana. Smt. Ashima Sangwan, ,Estate Officer, HUDA, Gurgaon goes as City Magistrate, Mewat. Satbir Singh, ,Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Jind and Estate Officer, HUDA, Jind goes as City Magistrate, Sonepat. Smt. Subhita, City Magistrate, Mahendragarh becomes City Magistrate, Jind. Jaideep
Kumar, ,Sub Divisional Officer (C), Gohana becomes City Magistrate, Palwal. Satyawan, City Magistrate, Sirsa becomes Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Safidon. Balraj Jakhar, City Magistrate, Jind goes as City Magistrate, Fatehabad. Sant Lal Pachar, District Development & Panchayat Officer, Panchkula goes as Sub Divisional Officer (C), Tosham. Hoshiar Singh Siwatch, ,City Magistrate, Sonepat goes as
City Magistrate, Panipat.
S.K.Jain, City Magistrate, Fatehabad goes as City Magistrate, Sirsa. Yogesh Kumr Mehta, Sub Divisional Officer (C), Tosham becomes Sub Divisional Officer (C ), Tohana.
The posting orders of Mrs. Amneet P. Kumar, IAS, B.B.Kaushik, Mrs. Pankaj Chaudhry, Y.C.Bhardwaj, Dharam Pal Singh, I.P. Bishnoi, Surender Singh, Tilak Raj, Amar Deep Singh and Smt. Pritama Chaudhry will be issued later on.

43rd Haryana Day celebrated in traditional way

CHANDIGARH, Nov 1
The 43rd Haryana Day was celebrated in a traditional way with great zeal and enthusiasm at Haryana Raj Bhawan here today where the Haryana Governor Dr. A.R. Kidwai was the chief guest and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda presided over the function.
Extending his heartiest congratulations to the people of Haryana on this significant day, in his message the Governor said that the State of Haryana has emerged as the lead state in every field of human endavour in the country.
He said that Haryana today is one of the fastest growing economies and had the highest per capita income in the country. This State is strengthening its economy and democratic norms for further advancements through its progressive social and economic policies and programmes. The 12th Finance Commission, Planning Commission and the Union Finance Ministry have commended its fiscal management, the Governor said.
Appreciating the multidimensional progress of the State, the Governor said that this small state of the country had also taken lead in the manufacturing of motor cars, scooters and two-wheelers. He appealed to the people of the State to maintain this record speed of development in every walk of life in future too and they should take it their prime responsibility.
Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda also extended his greetings to the people of Haryana on this occasion. Delivering his message to the people, the Chief Minister said that right from the beginning it was his dream that Haryana should be a number one State of the country in every field of development and prosperity.
He expressed his satisfaction and happiness that his dream of making Haryana a number one State of the country had been fulfilled to a great extent.. He urged the people of the State to cooperate and coordinate with the government for taking the state to the highest peak of achievements in the field of development and progress.
Three districts of Haryana namely Bhiwani, Jhajjar and Gurgaon have attained first three positions respectively in improving sex ratio during the year 2007 and have, therefore, been awarded cash awards by Haryana Governor, Dr A.R.Kidwai today, on the occasion of Haryana Day celebrations.
Bhiwani district has been awarded a cash award of Rs five lakh as its sex ratio improved from 861 females per 1000 males in 2006 to 895 by the end of 2007. Mr. T.L. Satyaparkash, DC Bhiwani received this award from the Governor and the Chief Minister.
Similarly, district Jhajjar has been awarded second prize of Rs three lakh for improving sex ratio from 797 females per 1000 males in 2006 to 826 females by the end of 2007. Mr. Nitin Yadav, DC. Jhajjar received this award.
Gurgaon district was ranked third and awarded a cash prize of Rs two lakh for improving sex ratio from 826 females per 1000 males in 2006 to 850 females in 2007. The City Magistrate, Gurgaon received this award.
The Governor and the Chief Minister honoured five artistes with Devi Shankar Prabhakar Jan Sanchar and Lok Sanskriti Awards. These five renowned artistes included Satya Narayan Vashisth, Prem Singh Dehati, Niranjan Singh, Mange Ram Khatri and Harvinder Rana who got these awards for their outstanding performance in the fields of art, cultural, public relations, folk music, folk songs, community and rural development and social fields. Each artist was given a cash award of Rs 21,000 and a Commendation Certificate.
Two parts of the first volume of the encyclopedia on cultural aspects of Haryana compiled by a renowned historian Ms. Shamim Sharma, Dr. Neelima Prabha, Pradeep Kasni and Puran Chand Sharma were also released by the Governor and the Chief Minister. This encyclopedia is being written in guidance of a committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. K.K. Khandelwal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Commissioner and Secretary and Director, Information and Public Relations Department Haryana.
The Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Dr. Raghuvir Singh Kadian, Union Minister of State for Finance, Pawan Kumar Bansal, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee President, Phool Chand Mullana, Working HPCC President, Kuldeep Sharma, Health Minister, Mrs. Kartar Devi, Haryana Chief Secretary, Dharam Vir, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, M. L. Tayal, Senior Police and Civil Officers also present in this function.

'Home' for mentally retarded in Jind

Chandigarh, November 1
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said that State Government was constructing a State level home for mentally retarded people at Rohtak at a cost of Rs. 2.18 crore.
Addressing the people after laying the foundation stone of the building of ‘Ankur’ institute for mentally retarded children at Jind, Mr Hooda announced to give a piece of adjoining land measuring 2030 sq. metres to the Jind Central Jaycees Educational and Charitable Trust for the construction of ‘Ankur’. He also announced a grant of Rs. 11 lakh to the Trust. It
Giving details of the steps taken by the State Government for the welfare of the physically handicapped and mentally retarded people, he said that the monthly pension of these people had been increased from Rs. 300 to Rs. 600 and retainership allowance of the blind cane weaver had also been increased from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3510. The retirement age of the handicapped employees with 70 percent or more disability had also been increased from 58 years to 60 years and their conveyance allowance had also been increased from Rs. 250 per month to Rs. 600 per month, he added.
Mr. Hooda said that the State Government was committed to eradicate polio from the State. Haryana was fast poised for becoming number one State in the country, said the Chief Minister adding that the State had already become number one in terms of Per Capita investment and Per Capita income after (Goa). Similarly, it is a number one State in the country in terms of wheat productivity and milk production also.
He said that handicapped persons were also a vital component of the society and the Jind Central Jaycees Educational and Charitable Trust was doing a yeomen service to the society by providing education and training to the mentally challenged children so as to enable them to earn their livelihood.
Earlier the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of Four laning of a road and a bridge over Hansi branch near Jayanti Devi Temple at Jind. He also inaugurated Jind-Asandh Raod Bypass.
Mr. Jai Prakash ,MP, Mr. Randeep Surjewala, Power Minister and Mr. Mange Ram Gupta, Education Minister also announced to give a sum of Rs. 11 lakh each to the Trust.
On this occasion Mr. Jai Prakash ,MP, Mr. Randeep Surjewala, Power Minister and Mr. Mange Ram Gupta, Education Minister also addressed the people.
Mr. Bachan Singh Arya, Mr. Satwinder Rana , IG (Retd.) Mr. Sher Singh all MLAs, Mr. Kulbir Malik, former Minister, Mr. Karambir Saini, Member Tax Tribunal, Ms. Kiran Saini, General Secretary, Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (Women Cell), Mr. Balram Katwal, President, District Congress Committee, Jind, Professor Virender Singh, Political Advisor to Chief Minister were also present on this occasion.

67 road projects for Haryana sanctioned

CHANDIGARH, November 1 The Empowered Committee of Union Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has sanctioned 67 road projects involving a sum of Rs 372 crore under Bharat Nirman Scheme inthe State and all these roads would be completed by the December end next year.
While stating this here today, Haryana PWD B&R Minister, Capt. Ajay Singh Yadav said that about 700 km. roads would be widened and strengthened under the project besides one new road would be constructed to connect village Dabkoli Khurd in Karnal district. He said that under the projects most of the districts would get the benefit.
Capt. Yadav said that he had recently met Union Minister for Rural Development, Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and urged him for early sanctioning of road projects. He expressed the gratitude of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda for taking keen interest in sanctioning these schemes.
He further said that Haryana was the only State in the country which had achieved more than 70 per cent target of the Bharat Nirman project. Quality control measures were being taken on all these roads to ensure good quality works, he added.
The Minister said that the clearance of the road schemes was a Haryana Day gift for the people of the state on the Haryana Day as a number of roads would get festival look. While enamurating the details of the scheme, he said that maintenance for five years after upgradation would also be packaged alongwith construction and this would cost another Rs. 18 crore.
He said that to insulate the contractors from the volatile prices of bitumen, the contracts for these roads would include clauses to compensate for the price rise or fall of bitumen. He said that government of Haryana would bear the cost of the price escalation for the bitumen.

Children future of Nation: Dharam Vir

Chandigarh, October 30
Haryana Chief Secretary Dharam Vir has said that children are the future of the nation and it is the moral duty of the society as a whole to take care of them so that they become responsible citizens when they grow up.
The Chief Secretary said this during his visit to the Child Care Centres for the orphan and destitute children at Panchkula. He said that the results of the changes witnessed today in the society should be positive and the future generation should be benefited from these changes. The number of abandoned children was increasing day per day and the Child Care Centres were serving a very noble cause to take care of such children.
Mr Dharam Vir spent some time with the children at the centres along
with his family on the occasion of Diwali. He also donated Rs 5100 each to two of the Child Care Centres and distributed sweets among children. He gave assurance on behalf of the State Government to the management of these centres for full cooperation.

HSSC to fill 80 vacancies

Chandigarh, October 29 Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) has invited applications to fill up 80 posts in different departments. The last date of receipt of applications would be November 27, 2008.
Out of the total, 29 posts of Secretary (12 in Municipal Council and 17 in Municipal Committee) would be filled up in Urban Local Bodies Department.
Similarly, 20 posts of Assistant Public Relations Officer and one of Master Nagara Player would be filled up in Information and Public Relations Department. In Fisheries Department, six posts of Fisheries Officer, three of Fisheries Supervisor and one of Farm Assistant would be filled up. Likewise, three posts of Election Naib Tehsildar would be filled up in Chief Electoral Office.
One post of Horticulture Supervisor and 13 of Horticulture Development Officer would be filled up in Horticulture Department whereas two posts of Homoeopathic Medical Officer and one of Staff Nurse would be filled up in Ayurveda Department.
The applications complete in all respect should reach to the commission's office through registered post only. Any other information in this regard could be had from commission's office at Bays No.67-70, Sector-2, Panchkula.

'Viratroop of Lord Krishna through laser show

CHANDIGARH, October 27
The 'Viratroop' of Lord Krishna, based on the celestial message of Bhagwadgita, will now be displayed through a laser show on the waters of holy Brahmasarovar in Kururkshetra.
This was decided in the 76th meeting of the Board of Governors of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) presided over by Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda at Haryana Raj Bhavan here today.
The Chief Minister, who is also the Vice-Chairman of KDB, directed the Haryana Tourism that a composite proposal on this mega tourism project of laser show should be prepared on priority basis for the promotion of tourism in the State. The Chief Minister directed the Haryana Irrigation Department to supply canal water to the sacred tirtha of Pehowa on alternate week basis instead of eight days in a month.
Mr. Hooda said that over-all development of the holy city of Kurukshetra including various tirthas and other religious places around Kurukshetra should also be given an attractive look with a view to attract a number of tourists and pilgrims from within the country and abroad. He directed the officers concerned with the development, renovation and maintenance works of the KDB projects to execute the on-going works of KDB on top-most priority.
It was also decided that a fly-over costing Rs. 35 crore would be constructed near Sunderpur Railway crossing Kurukshetra to facilitate the traffic in this area. As directed by the Chief Minister the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board would construct this fly-over bridge and 50 per cent of the cost would be borne by the Indian Railways.
Finance Minister Birender Singh suggested that the proposal of this mega laser show should be worked out on priority basis as this project would prove to be a major attraction for the tourists.
It was also decided that Group Gratuity Scheme would also be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) for the employees of the KDB. The estimate budget of the Kurukshetra Development Board amounting to Rs 5.50 crore for the year 2008-09 was also approved in the meeting.
The Board also accorded approval for the allotment of land to the World Renewal Spiritual Trust (Prajapita Brahmakumari) on the collector rate.
Mr. Ramesh Gupta, MLA, Thanesar, Haryana Chief Secretary Mr. Dharam Vir, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. M.L. Tayal, Financial Commissioner, Urban Local Bodies Department Mr. S.C. Chaudhary, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, Mr. Ajit Mohan Sharan, Commissioner Tourism Smt. Keshni Anand Arora, Secretary to Haryana Governor and Member Secretary KDB Mr. Alok Nigam, Additional Principal Secretary and Commissioner-cum-Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr. K.K. Khandelwal, Chief Administrator, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board Mr. R.R. Jowell, Deputy Commissioners of Kurukshetra, Jind and Kaithal and Senior Officers of other concerned departments and KDB were also present in the meeting.

Police Forces strength to be raised

CHANDIGARH, OCT 25
Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today said that in view of the growing threat of terrorism in the country efforts were being made by the Government to raise the strength of the Central Police forces from eight lakh to 12 lakh and state police forces from 14 lakh to 21 lakh.
Addressing the gathering after giving away medals to the winners of the 57th All India Police Sports `Wrestling Cluster' Meet at the Vachher Stadium in the Haryana Police Academy here, he said that he had assured the chief ministers of all states who met recently that all their proposals for increasing the strength of their state police forces will be approved by the Central Government without any delay.
Describing Haryana as a role model for other states in terms of maintaining peace and tranquility and brotherhood among the various communities, Mr. Patil praised the Director General of Haryana Police Ranjiv Singh Dalal for providing excellent facilities to the personnel of the central and state security forces to compete.
Making a strong pitch for providing greater facilities to the police forces to compete in the field of sports, he said that sports should become an integral part of our youth to keep them healthy and channelise their energies in a positive direction. Quoting figures from an international study he said it had shown that apart from England young children from all other countries show signs of being
mischievous. This is because the facilities and encouragement being providing to youngsters to participate in sports was the best in that country, he added.
While expressing satisfaction with the fact that in Haryan Police the strength of the women personnel had increased to five per cent, he said he would be happy if this was gradually increased to 10 per cent.
Commenting on the demand made by the state DGP to raise an exclusive women's Indian Reserve Batallion, Mr Patil said let alone one, if a demand is made for two such battalion the government was ready to accept the demand.
He also accepted the state police chief's demand for an internationallevel athletics wing to be set up in the Haryana Police Academy and laying a tartan synthetic athletics track at the stadium.
Mr Patil was all praise for the yoga, horse riding, motorcycle aerobatic display, drill and cultural programme presented by the Haryana Police personnel.
Welcoming Mr Patil, Haryana Parliamentary Secretary (Home), Mr Param Veer, who was the guest of honour, listed out the various steps being taken by the state government to encourage sports. He said the state government was not only laying emphasis on strengthening the sports facilities but also providing government jobs to outstanding sportspersons from the state.
State Police Chief Ranjiv Singh Dalal, while thanking Mr Patil assured him that besides providing security to the people of the state, the personnel of the state police while leave no stone unturned to achieve the highest standards in sports.
Among the dignitaries present were Members of Parliament from the state Arvind Sharma and Naveen Jindal.

MAUU regional centre for Nuh

CHANDIGARH, Oct 25 A regional centre of Maulana Azad Urdu University would be set up at Nuh in Haryana and a massive programme of road development involving an investment of Rs 300 crore would be launched in Mewat shortly.
This was revealed at the inaugural function of a two-day national seminar on Haryana's contribution in struggle for freedom of 1857 organised at Nuh in district Mewat today.
Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that 18 acres of land would be provided to set up the regional centre near village Palla for which the Gram Panchayat has passed a resolution. This regional centre would have an ITI, polytechnic, senior secondary school, girls college and a B.Ed.
college.
Mr. Hooda said that he would accompany the Union Urban Development
Minister, S.Jaipal Reddy to Nuh on November 3 when a Rs 300 crore road development programme would be launched and it would include the four laning of Nuh-Alwar state highway.
He said that 250 villages of the area would get supply of drinking water at a cost of Rs 158 crore by December next under Rajiv Gandhi Drinking Water Scheme. As many as 145 schools have been upgraded in Mewat. Those teachers who would be appointed in Mewat would not be transferred to other areas of the State and a separate cadre would be made for teachers on the pattern of doctors. He said that 50 per cent of the seats in polytechnics and ITIs of Mewat have been reserved for
the people of Mewat. A Rs 300 crore Mewat canal scheme has been forwarded to the Central Government for its approval.
While paying rich tributes to freedom fighters, he said that first of
all the struggle for freedom of 1857 had started at Ambala Cantt. and after nine hours on May 10, 1857 it spread to Meerut Cantt. Thereafter, it spread to other areas in the country and parts of Haryana including Ambala, Rohtak, Hisar, Rewari, Sonepat, Panipat, Gurgaon, Hansi and Sirsa.
Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Mr. M.A.
Fatmi said that a committee had been constituted under his chairmanship by the Central Government which has formulated an action plan suggesting measures for the welfare of Muslim committee. Its report had been submitted to the Central Government suggesting that more schools and colleges should be opened to promote education
amongst Muslims. The Central Government has provided Rs 500 crore to the Maulana Azad Urdu University for the purpose. A regional centre of this University would be set up at Nuh.
Others who also spoke on the occasion included MP, Mr. Avtar Badana,Chief of the Jamat-e-Ulma-e-Hind, Mr. Arshad Madni and MLA Mr. Habib-ur-Rehman and Mr. Zakir Hussain. A number of scholars are participating in the seminar.