WISHING YOU A HAPPY, BRIGHT NEW YEAR

BALBIR SINGH

HSAMB to develop international market at Ganaur

by Haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, DEC 30
The Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB) has acquired 500 acres of land for the development of an international market at Ganaur in the National Capital Region. Mapping of the market has been assigned to the French Consultancy Firm "Semmaris Rungis". The project will cost Rs 1500 crore.
          Stating this here today, a spokesman of the HSAMB said that cold chain facilities would be created in 11 cities at the  cost of Rs 57 crore provided under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM). While the projects have been made functional at Abubshahar, Karnal and Shahabad, others are ready for outsourcing. Work on setting up 17 plant health clinics has been allocated to the HSAMB. As many as 13 buildings have been completed; one in 2012, he added.
          He said that the board had sanctioned Rs 49.58 crore for development of new mandis and providing additional facilities and repairs of the existing mandis on which a sum of Rs 62 crore has been spent. A sum of Rs 95.89 crore has been spent  on the completion of 361-km-long new link roads besides Rs 93.49 crore on special repair of 1,465-km length of roads.
          He said that work of 173 rural sports stadia had been allocated to the HSAMB as a deposit work. Work on 153 stadia has been completed out of which 15 were completed in 2012.

Journalists need for facilities to boost their self-confident: Hooda

by Haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, DEC 30
The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has stressed the need for providing more facilities to media persons  and said that journalism being a challenging profession, they need extended facilities to boost their self-confidence.
          Mr Hooda was speaking after handing over a cheque for Rs 10.5 lakh on behalf of the Haryana Patarkar Sangh to the two sons of late Mr Liladhar Shastri, a journalist, here today. On this occasion, the Chief Minister has also announced his decision to give Rs 3 lakh to both children.
          It may be recalled that Mr Shastri had died in an accident in 1998. With a view to facilitating upbringing of the two children—Lalit and Papal--the Haryana Patarkar Sangh has provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh by way of fixed deposit. Mr Hooda presented the amount to them and lauded the role played by the Haryana Patarkar Sangh for the welfare of journalists. Expressing concern over
the commercialization of journalism, Mr Hooda said it was not in the interest of the society.
          On the request of the Indian Journalist Union which sought Mr. Hooda’s help in getting the recommendations of the Majithia Wage Board for working journalists implemented, the Chief Minister said that he supported the demand of the union and when he was a Member of Parliament, he had raised his voice in the favour of journalists.
      The Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. K.K. Khandelwal, said that Haryana was the first state to have set up ‘Media Relief Fund’ of Rs 50 lakh which benefited both accredited and non-accredited media persons. The credit for this goes to the Chief Minister. Besides, various other facilities were being provided to media persons in the state, he added.
          Speaking on the occasion, President, Indian Journalist Union, Mr Suresh Akhori, said that the union was engaged in journalists welfare activities in 22 states. He appreciated the activities carried out by the Haryana Patarkar Sangh in the state. The Haryana Patarkar Sangh President, Mr. K.B Pandit, described Mr. Hooda as a gentlemen politician and said that he always worked for the
welfare of journalists.
On this occasion, Mr. Hooda also released Calendar-2013 on Women Freedom Fighters prepared by the Science Education Art Research Center (SEARCH), Haryana. The calendar includes pictures  and geographical sketches of 12 women freedom fighters who represented all religions,
castes and regions of the country.

House for each family in Haryana, NY resolution of Hooda

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 30

“House for each family in Haryana” is the New Year resolution of the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

          He disclosed this while addressing the general body meeting of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) on the occasion of the 128th foundation day of the All Indian Congress Committee (AICC) in Panchkula, today. The office-bearers and workers of the HPCC participated in the meeting.

          Mr Hooda said the Congress was the biggest and the oldest political party and its members should feel proud of being associated with it. While lauding the role the Congress played in the freedom struggle, Mr Hooda said that even after Independence, it continued to work for the unity and integrity of the country. The credit for this goes to the party leadership.

Mr Hooda said that any political party should have three key ingredients----policy, intention and leadership. The Congress governments have implemented a number of programmes and policies for the welfare of all sections of the society. The party has a strong leader in Mrs Sonia Gandhi.

          While launching a scathing attack on the opposition parties, Mr Hooda said that BJP was misleading the people, saying that Gujarat was way ahead in development while the reality was exactly the opposite. Haryana is far ahead of Gujarat in many spheres, be it per capita income, per capita investment, old age pension, widow pension, scholarships to children, plan budget etc.
Underscoring the development factor, Mr Hooda said that during the 11th Five Year Plan, “Haryana had a plan budget of Rs 35,000 crore for resource mobilization but we achieved more than 192 per cent. But Gujarat could not even achieve its target.”
   Referring to the BJP boasting of forming government in Gujarat for the third consecutive term, Mr Hooda said that the Congress too would form government in Haryana for the third consecutive term after the 2014 Assembly elections.

Pointing towards the declining base of the BJP, Mr Hooda said that the party stood nowhere. While in the Assembly elections in UP, Punjab and Gujarat, the graph of BJP has declined in terms of seats, Himachal
Pradesh and Uttarakhand have slipped out of its hands.
     Mr Hooda said that the state government had implemented a number of policies and programmes for the welfare of all sections of the society. It is now the duty of party workers to ensure that the
benefits of such schemes and programmes reached the real beneficiaries. He said that about 19 lakh students belonging to Scheduled Castes, backward Classes and BPL categories were being given monthly scholarships ranging from Rs 75 to Rs 400 in classes I to XII.

Similarly, free water connections have been provided to as many as nine lakh SC families and 3.85 lakh families of BPL, SC and Backward Classes have been allotted free residential plots measuring 100 sq.
yards each. He congratulated the Congress Party on his victory in the Himachal Assembly polls.

         Earlier, refrring to the Delhi rape incident, Mr Hooda said that such shameless incidents were a blot on the face of the society and should not be allowed to happen again.

          HPCC President Mr. Phool Chand Mullana, former President Mr. Shamsher Singh Surjewala, MP Rajya Sabha Dr. Ram Parkash, Finance Minister Mr. Harmohinder Singh Chattha, Education Minister Mrs. Geeta Bhukkal, MP Mr. Ashok Tanwar, MLA Mr. Venod Sharma, Vice-President HPCC Mr. Chakarwarti Sharma also spoke on the occasion.

          On this occasion, Haryana Ministers,  MLAs and large number of office bearers and workers of HPCC were also present. 

          Later Bishnoi Samaj today honoured the Chief Minister for accepting the recommendations of Haryana Backward Classes Commission   to include Bishnoi Caste in the category of Special Backward Classes.

          Mr. Hooda said that he did not believe in castism  and he always intended that the society remain united. He said that his effort was to ensure that every individual gets his right.

Hooda inaugurates Rezangla War Memorial in Gurgaon

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 29

The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, inaugurated Rezangla War Memorial in Gurgaon today.  The State Government has built this memorial to keep alive the memories of those 114 martyrs, who sacrificed their lives, while safeguarding the 18000 ft. high Rezangla post during Indo- China war in 1962. 

Mr Hooda said that last year he had laid down its foundation and promised to inaugurate it during the golden jubilee year 2012 of Rezangla war. Our jawans and officers bravely fought the battle under  Major Shaitan Singh and pushed back the enemy forces, who wanted to control this post, so that they could capture Ladakh easily.   Mr Hooda said that this memorial will inspire new generation to imbibe the spirit of patriotism and fulfill the dreams of martyrs. The nation, which does not remember its martyrs cannot move forward, he said.  Today we are living in peace, because our jawans are safeguarding country’s borders, braving extreme weather conditions. We owe a lot to them for our freedom. Mr Hooda said that it is a matter of pride for us that in-spite of the fact that the population of Haryana is less than two percent of the country’s population, but every 10th jawan in the army is from Haryana. State government is doing everything for the ex-servicemen and their families, but it is the duty of the society also to take care of their families, he said. 

Referring to the demands of Rezangla Shaheed Samarak Samiti, put forth by  its president Dr TC Rao, Mr Hooda announced that the school in Dundhahera village will be named after Shaheed Bharat Singh. The road from Razangla Chowk to Railway Station will be named as Rezangla Marg. The maintenance of the memorial will also be done by HUDA. Carterpuri village will also get a basket ball ground and John Hall will be named as Freedom Fighter Hall. A similar Shaheed Samarak will built by HUDA in Rewari also. He also announced that a Gymkhana Club will be set up in this area.  

Haryana Minister Capt. Ajay Singh Yadav and Mr Sukhbir Kataria, Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjeet Singh, CPS Rao Dan Singh, MLA Rao Dharampal, Ex- Chief-of-Army-Staff General V.K. Singh, 96 years old Colonel H.S. Dhingra, Ex- General Vij, Ex- Air Chief Marshall S.K. Tyagi, Ex-DG A.S. Bhatotia, Major Ved Parkash, besides a number of other Ex-army officers, Freedom fighters and war widows of the area were present on this occasion. 

Haryana Power Minister Capt. Ajay Singh Yadav said that state government has done a praise-worthy job by building a memorial of 114  martyrs, who sacrificed their lives to protect Rezangla post in 1962 war with China.  He said that state government has enhanced the cash incentives for gallantry award winners. The cash incentive for the recipients of Paramvir Chakra and Ashok Chakra has been increased from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 31 lakh and that of Mahavir Chakra and Kirti Chakra from Rs. 15 Lakh to Rs.21 lakh. 

Haryana sports minister Mr Sukhbir Kataria said that martyrs do not have any caste or religion, except their country.It is our duty that we should give them full honour and take care of their families. 

Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjeet Singh also paid tributes to the Rezangla martyrs and said that Rezangla battle fought during Indo-China war of 1962 is one of the glorious battles in the history of India, in which the soldiers fought with the motto of ‘last bullet-last man’. I am sure that in future also soldiers from Haryana would show same level of valour and bring name to the state and the country.

Haryana CPS Rao Dan Singh said that Rezangla martyrs had limited resources and old fashioned weapons, but they fought bravely and saved the Rezangla post from going into the hands of enemy. 

MLA of Badshahpur Rao Dharampal appreciated the hard work done by the officers of HUDA in accomplishing the work of memorial.  A sum of about Rs. 1.5 crore has been spent on the construction of memorial, he said. He also urged that boundary wall should be constructed around this memorial. 

96 years old Colonel H.S. Dhingra, who could hardly walk, was brought to the function by his daughter Sunita. Recalling the memories of Rezangla battle,  Col. Dhingra said that he was commanding officer of the 13 Kumaun regiment, whose Charlie company was posted at Rezangla in 1962. The jawans of the company bravely fought the battle under Major Shaitan Singh and succeeded in pushing back the enemy forces. 

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also honoured the freedom fighters and war widows by the giving them mementos. Mr Hooda also released a souvenir ‘Bravest of the Brave’. 

Earlier, welcoming the Chief Minister the president of Rezangla Shaheed Samarak Samiti Dr TC Rao said that it is a matter of pride for Haryana that  40  percent of the martyrs are from this state. Not only in the battle field, but in the field of sports also youth of Haryana have excelled and brought laurels to the country by winning medals in international events.  

A cheque of Rs. 1.11 lakh was given to the Chief Patron of Rezangla Shaheed Samarak Samiti Capt. Ajay Singh Yadav on behalf of Sainik Welfare Organization of Lt. Col. Rakesh Rana. 

Hooda suggests NWRC should deliberate on modalities to resolve inter-water issues

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 28

The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, today said that National Water Resources Council should deliberate on modalities to resolve inter-state water related issues. He also suggested that a National Fund should be set up for promoting measures for protection and conservation of all types of water, including the waste water.

Speaking at 6^th meeting of National Water Resources Council in New Delhi today, Mr Hooda said,"We need to promote ‘water efficient buildings’ and ‘water efficient industries’. This fund can help in carrying forward the research in this important field."

         Mr Hooda said that Haryana is great sufferer in this regard. It is neither getting water through SYL despite orders of the Supreme Court, nor is it getting its lawful share in the Ravi-Beas waters. The final award of Ravi Beas Tribunal has not been published even after 25 years.

          Mr Hooda said that Punjab has enacted a law terminating water related agreements and the Centre has allowed the Presidential Reference on the subject to linger on for more than eight years. This is unfair to the people of Haryana. The people of Haryana have several other grievances also. Although the State has its legitimate share in the Ravi and Beas rivers, as part of the erstwhile Punjab, but it has been denied its share in the power generated from the Thein Dam constructed unilaterally on the interstate river Ravi. We have been raising this issue at various forums, but there is no resolution yet.

          Mr Hooda said that we all very well know that water has become the most scarce natural resource, without which life cannot sustain. In the last one decade, the per capita water availability in India has reduced since 2001 from 1816 cubic meter to 1588 cubic meter. The situation in Haryana is much more worrisome, as the water availability in the State is only 14 MAF as compared to the requirement of 36 MAF. The storage projects on the tributaries of Yamuna river - at Renuka,  Kishau  and Lakhwar Vyasi have been pending for a long time, resulting in cost escalation and wastage of the precious water by default. Mr Hooda requested the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter for expeditious action. Such issues should have been listed for discussion at this meeting of the Council, he said.

          Advocating the cause of achieving optimum utilization of water, Mr Hooda said that Haryana State observed the year 2011 as the year of water conservation.  Proper water management strategies have enabled the State Government to protect the crops during Kharif this year, when the State was facing a drought like situation. As a result, the State still continues to be one of the leading contributors to the national food basket. The State also has laid down an extensive irrigation canal network resulting in increase in area irrigated by canals. In the urban areas rain water harvesting structures have been made compulsory.

          Mr Hooda welcomed the proposal to set up a permanent Water Disputes Tribunal at the Centre to resolve disputes. However, he said that it is more important to ensure timely implementation of the orders/directions of various Tribunals and Courts. He also welcomed the proposal to constitute River Basin Authorities.  But these authorities should not have representation of those states, which have only nominal area in the basin, he said. The states which are part of the basin must be included.

          Mr Hooda regretted the idea put forth by the Punjab Chief Minister in his speech circulated yesterday in the NDC meeting that the neighbouring states, which share the river water available in Punjab should also share the cost of repair of flood damage. Mr Hooda emphatically said that water is our legitimate right and there is no question of sharing the cost of flood management of a state by any other state. 

          Mr Hooda also welcomed the setting up of Water Regulatory Authorities, but said that at this stage food security concerns are of overriding importance. Therefore, we may keep the irrigation water meant for food production outside the purview of these authorities. He urged the Prime Minister to intervene in the matter, so that major contributors to the national food basket are not put to any disadvantage on this account.   

          Mr Hooda also suggested that to conserve precious water, we need to look at the available cutting edge technologies, especially in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. We have to move away from flood irrigation practices to modern methods of irrigation, such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation etc. In Israel, such technologies are being used on a vast scale.  Even the sewage water is being recycled and reused. We can learn from the experiences of other countries like Israel.  Government of India should consider giving incentives for adopting efficient water technologies, he said.

          Mr Hooda thanked the Prime Minister for convening this important meeting to consider the draft of the National Water Policy of 2012. He however insisted that Council should meet more often.

NET examinations at Rohtak on December 30

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 27

 The National Eligibility Test (NET) examination of the University Grants Commission (UGC) to be held to determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and lectureship will be conducted at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak on December 30.

          While stating this today, a spokesman of the University said that the university has established 60 examination centers at Rohtak for this examination. As many as 25,112 candidates would appear in this examination at Rohtak centres. He said that 23 observers and 1400 officials would be on duty for this examination. The University has made all necessary arrangements for smooth and fair conduct of this examination, he added.

Proposals to strengthen drinking water supply in Haryana

by Haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, DEC 27

With a view to strengthen the drinking water supply in the State, Haryana government has sent a proposal of projects costing Rs 268.78 crore to Central Government for approval.

          While stating this today, Haryana Public Health and Engineering Minister, Mrs. Kiran Choudhary said that this proposal included Rs 73.78 crore for expansion of water supply facilities in rural areas of Morni, Bhiwani and villages of Mewat and Rs 195 crore for urban areas namely Jhajjar and Hisar. The projects which have been sent to Central Government under 13^th Finance Commission for consideration and approval included improvement of water supply facilities in hamlets of Morni area of district Panchkula at a cost of Rs 6.02 crore, projects of Rs 37 crore for augmentation of water supply in rural areas of district Bhiwani and of Rs 30.76 crore for providing pipeline in uncovered streets of 258 villages of Mewat. Similarly, projects of Rs 83 crore for augmentation of water supply in Jhajjar town and 17 adjoining villages and of Rs 112 crore for augmentation of water supply in Hisar town have been included in the proposal, she added.

          She said that 3154 tube wells covered under 1647 habitations have been handed over to the Gram Panchayats for their operation and maintenance.  She said that the monthly operation and maintenance expenses between Rs 11,000 and Rs 33,000 were being given to the panchayats for a single tube well or upto six tube wells. These amounts would be increased by 10 per cent every year, she added.

          She said that during the year 2012, drinking water supply have been augmented in 859 rural habitations. As many as 57 new water works were set up in rural areas. She said that 296 new tube wells were installed and 45 boosting stations were constructed for maintaining adequate pressure. Also, 2273 kilometer pipeline was laid for water supply distribution.

          She said that the project sanctioning committee of NABARD has approved a project costing Rs 93.10 crore for water supply in 54 villages of district Mahendergarh and its work would begin soon. During the year 2012, Haryana State Rural Water Policy was notified which aims to provide individual households metered connections to 50 per cent rural population by the end of the 12^th five year plan. Also, Shikayat Nivaran Kendra was launched for redressal of public complaints and ensuring transparency. Water Conservation award has been introduced for Panchayats who ensure provision of taps on all private and public connections and minimum of 75 per cent of households have sanctioned private water connections in the village under which ten villages of district Kurukshetra, 11 villages of district Kaithal, three villages of district Yamuna Nagar and one village of district Gurgaon have been awarded, she added.

          She said that many significant works were undertaken during the year 2012 for the augmentation of water supply in urban areas. The Central Government has approved a project costing Rs 95 crore for improvement of water supply in Sonepat town based on Ranney wells. The works of distribution and sewerage system in Bahadurgarh, Kosli, Sampla and Rewari have been completed under National Capital Region (NCR). She said that 707 kilometer long water supply distribution pipelines and 395 kilometer long sewer-lines have been laid in various towns of the State. She said that four new water works have been commissioned in towns namely Rewari, Sampla, Kharkhoda and Kosli. Also, 34 new tube wells, four new boosting stations and three sewage treatment plants have been commissioned in towns namely Bahadurgarh, Sampla and Narwana, she added.

Hooda supports the proposals of 12th Plan aiming at faster, more inclusive and sustainable growth

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 27

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh  Hooda has  fully endorsed the proposals of 12^th Plan with its objective of achieving a faster, more inclusive and sustainable growth.  Speaking at the 57^th meeting of the National Development Council today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Mr Hooda also appreciated the excellent work done by the Planning Commission in formulating the 12^th Plan document. Mr Hooda said that the country’s economy has exhibited tremendous resilience in the face of grave economic adversities. He appreciated the central leadership for steering the national economy in difficult times.

The meeting  was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, which was attended by the Chief Ministers of different states, Central Ministers and  Senior Officers of Centre and States .

 At the meeting, Mr Hooda  reiterated the demand that MSP for agricultural produce should be fixed at 50 per cent more than the cost of cultivation. This will not only sustain the interest of farmers in agriculture, but will also help in accelerated growth of agriculture for achieving the goal of inclusiveness. Haryana at present is the second largest contributor to the national food basket with highest wheat productivity.

            Mr Hooda, said that during the plan period of 11^th Plan, Haryana spent about 123 per cent of initially approved outlay i.e Rs 43,161 crore in place of Rs 35,000 crore. Haryana achieved 9.1 per cent growth rate in GSDP. The per capita income in Haryana was Rs 1,08,859 during 2011-12, which brings Haryana to the first position among major States in the country. In resource management also, Haryana has performed well. It was able to mop up resources to the extent of 192 per cent of the projected mobilization against the national average of 92.5 per cent. For the 12^th Five Year Plan, Haryana has proposed an outlay of Rs 90,000 crore against Rs 35,000 crore in 11^th Plan, he said.

            Mr Hooda said that after achieving 3.3 per cent annual growth rate in agriculture in 11^th Plan, a target of 4 per cent has been set for 12^th Plan. He emphasized that the rate of interest on crop loans should not exceed 4 per cent per annum and for non-agricultural loans, it should not exceed 7 per cent. He also said that there is lot of scope for diversification of agriculture and improving yields through protected cultivation. Haryana has set up a Centre of Excellence of Vegetables in Karnal district under protected cultivation. But the exorbitant rate of interest on loans for protected cultivation is a real dampener. Mr  Hooda  suggested that this rate should be reduced to 4 per cent to encourage farmers to adopt such farm practices.

            Mr Hooda said that water is the most critical input for agriculture and condition of water resources in the state is extremely precarious. Water availability in the state is only 14 MAF as compared to the requirement of 36 MAF. Although Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal has been constructed, but it has not been operationalised inspite of the directions of the Supreme Court.  Punjab has unilaterally terminated the water agreement, resulting in loss of water availability to Haryana.

            Mr Hooda said that during 11^th Plan period 3463 MW power generation capacity has been added in the State. But, power situation in the State is suffering for want of proper policy guidelines for supply of coal and gas. Due to short supply of coal, existing power plants are remaining idle. Government of India proposes to allocate new coal blocks to power utilities. Haryana, which is bereft of both hydro and thermal sources for Power generation, should be considered on priority in the new proposal, he said.

            Referring to the industrial progress of the state, Mr Hooda said that a number of important points contained in the Approach Paper to the 12^th Five Year Plan have already been incorporated in our new Industrial and investment policy 2011. The Policy emphasizes the adoption of cluster development approach with provision for centers of excellence as common facilities to boost the growth of MSME Sector.

            Mr Hooda said that Haryana continues to be a preferred investment destination. Investment to the tune of Rs.61,000 crore have been catalysed during past 7 years and investment of Rs 97,000 crore is in the pipeline. The state has taken up the implementation of several infrastructure projects, including development of the Manesar- Bawal Investment Region, as part of the Delhi Mumbai Industrial corridor, development of KMP expressway, extension of Delhi Metro connectivity to Gurgaon, Faridabad and Bahadurgarh and a number of  other projects.  

            Mr Hooda requested that minimum size of National Investment Manufacturing Zones should be reduced from 5000 hectares of land to 1000 hectares, so that small states like Haryana do not suffer.

Mr Hooda also referred to the critical issue of CST compensation and said that Haryana has suffered  loss of Rs 3100 crore on account of reduction of CST rate from 4 per cent to 2 per cent and during the current year also the loss will be to the tune of Rs 3500-3600 crore. Such a huge loss of over Rs. 6000 crore will have a crippling effect on the state finances, unless the state government is duly and promptly compensated for the loss.

He urged Government of India as well as the Planning Commission to drop the arbitrary distinction of dividing the expenditure into Plan and Non-Plan. Instead, it would be desirable to follow the classification of Revenue and Capital expenditure. 

            Referring to the implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes, Mr Hooda said that some decisive steps should be taken, so that states can improve the design and delivery of various development interventions. Mr Hooda suggested that states should be given a lump sum amount with certain broad guidelines and it should be left to states to design and implement the required programmes of schemes.

            Mr Hooda also gave some suggestions and put up some demands on various issues. On financing PMGSY projects, Mr Hooda said that state share should not exceed 25 per cent. For the establishment of ITI’s and skill development centers in PPP mode under the Kaushal Vikas Yojana, guidelines should be issued at the earliest. Economically and literacy-wise backward districts of Mewat, Jhajjar and Rewari should also be covered under the Backward   Region Grant Fund. Under Indira Awas Yojana, grant for construction of dwelling unit should be increased to at least Rs 1 lakh per unit. Gurgaon city is growing in population and there is huge pressure on its infrastructure. As such, Gurgaon should be included under JNNURM. For Panchkula also separate allocation should be made under JNNURM.

            During the meeting, Mr Hooda also referred to the recent incident of gang rape in Delhi. Condemning the incident Mr Hooda said that Haryana Government has initiated effective measures to check crimes against women in the State.

HSAMB to set up 100 collection centres

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 27

 Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board will set up 100 collection centers in the state for the purchase of the produce of farmers, particularly for their perishable produces. After purchasing the produces, these will be kept in cold stores. This will lessen the loss of farmers and increase their income.      

          This was disclosed at flag off ceremony of the special train Haryana Mandi Kisan- Bharat Darshan for farmers at Delhi Cantonment Railway Station. Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda today flagged off this special train. This unique venture has been planned for the benefit of farmers first time in the country, under which progressive farmers of the state have been sent on an educational tour. 

          In this tour, about 400 farmers have been sent for 12 days. First night halt will be at Jaipur. Later, the train will go to Ujjain, Dwarka and Aurangabad and will reach Nasik Road on 4th January, 2013. Return journey will start on 5th January and passing through Jaipur, Rewari, Delhi Cantonment and Ambala, it will reach Chandigarh on 6th January, 2013.

          Talking to the media persons, the Chief Minister Mr. Hooda said that the tour has been conducted for the farmers for the first time in the country. Wherever the farmers will go, they will have interaction with traders and farmers and discuss with them the status of agricultural produce and market prices. The farmers will come to know, as to which place needs which produce more than others. They will make contacts with the markets over there to sell their produce and get better price.

          On this occasion, Haryana Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Sukhbir Kataria, Speaker Mr. Kuldeep Sharma, MLA Rao Dhram Pal, Rohtak district congress president Mr. Jaideep Dhankhar and Chief Administrator, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board Mr T.V.S.N. Prasad were also present.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hooda congratulates Prem Dehati for winning Sangeet Natak Academi Awards

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 24

 Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has congratulated Mr. Prem Singh Dehati who has been awarded with Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards 2012 for his great contribution to Haryanvi folk theatre at Delhi today.

          Mr. Dehati Who is 58, is a resident of village Bohar of district Rohtak. He had been relieved of his duties from Haryana Information, Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Department in February 2012.

          Mr. Dehati is also associated with the field of radio and television. He has also recorded Haryanvi songs for upcoming bollywood movie ‘Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola’. Mr. Dehai has also represented Haryanvi culture in other nations like Morocco, Ghana and Egypt.

 EDUCATIONAL TOUR FOR PROGRESSIVE FARMERS

The 24- Haryana Government has organized a 12-day educational tour for progressive farmers of the State which would be flagged off by Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda on December 26 from Delhi. Haryana is the first state whose progressive farmers would go on an educational tour.

          While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board said that this education tour would focus on better remunerative prices, improved agriculture marketing practices, crop diversification, value addition and access to domestic and export markets. A special train for this educational tour namely “Haryana Mandi Kisan-Bharat Darshan” would leave from Delhi railway station at 12 noon on December 26 and would return on January 6, 2013.

          He said that Haryana Agriculture Minister, Mr. Paramvir Singh, Haryana Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr. Sukhbir Kataria and Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Dharambir Singh would also be present on this occasion.

Haryana to engage retired specialist doctors on contract basis

by Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 24

The Haryana Government has decided to engage the services of retired specialist doctors on contract basis to meet the shortage in government hospitals in the state. The proposal has been approved by the Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda.

          Giving this information here today, Health Minister Rao Narender said that specialist doctors who retired from the Haryana Civil Medical Services would be engaged on a contract basis initially for a period of one year. After appraising their performance, the contract would be extended until they attain the age of 62 years.

          He said that under the able leadership of the Chief Minister, the state government was committed to providing better healthcare facilities to the people. Constant efforts are being made to meet the shortage of doctors. Having retired specialist doctors on contract basis would not only help meet the shortage of doctors in government hospitals but would also facilitate better medical facilities, he added.

CASH COLLECTION CENTRES TO REMAIN OPEN

All the cash collection centres of the Haryana Power Distribution Corporations all over the State will remain open on December 25, 26 and 29, 2012 which are otherwise holidays.

A spokesman of the UHBVN said here today that the decision to keep the cash collection centres open has been taken to give facility of making payment of bills on holidays also as this is the last week of the month.

38.35 lakh metric tonnes of paddy purchased in Haryana

By Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, DEC 24

 Haryana has surpassed last year's total purchase of paddy in various mandis in the State. Over 38.35 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has so far been purchased during the Kharif season as against total 29.66 lakh metric tonnes paddy procured last year by six government procurement agencies. Payment of Rs. 4909 crore has been made to the farmers in the State.

                    While stating this here today, a spokesman of Haryana Food and Supplies Department said that out of the total 53.21 lakh metric tonnes arrival of paddy, six government agencies has so far been procured over 38.35 lakh metric tonnes of paddy whereas, the remaining quantity of over 14.85 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was procured by the millers.

                    He said that out of the total paddy procured by the agencies, over 14.69 lakh metric tonnes had been procured by Food and Supplies Department whereas, HAFED had purchased more than 12.12 lakh metric tonnes, Haryana Agro Industries Corporation over 5.89 lakh metric tonnes, Haryana Warehousing Corporation over 3.25 lakh metric tonnes and CONFED procured over 2.28 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. The Food Corporation of India has also procured 10,089 metric tonnes of paddy.

          He said that out of the total 53.21 lakh metric tonnes arrival of paddy, maximum quantity of paddy has arrived in district Karnal which is over 9.77 lakh metric tonnes. Similarly, district Kurukshetra received over 8.76 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, district Kaithal over 7.61 lakh metric tonnes, Fatehabad over 6.41 lakh metric tonnes, Ambala received more than 5.15 lakh metric tonnes, Yamunanagar over 3.59 lakh metric tonnes, Jind over 3.32 lakh metric tonnes, Panipat received more than 2.28 lakh metric tonnes, Sirsa over 2.05 lakh metric tonnes, Sonepat over 1.88 lakh metric tonnes and Panchkula has received 74,536 metric tonnes of paddy.

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