Wages of HDDCFL contractual employees to be hiked

 

CHANDIGARH, OCT 31

 Bringing Diwali cheer to the contractual employees of Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Limited, Haryana Minister of State for Cooperation, Mr. Bikram Singh Yadav, has announced that their current wages would now be almost doubled.

          While giving this information here today, Mr. Yadav said that the Federation has earned profit of about Rs 28.98 crore, which is the highest in the country till date. Contractual workers employed in the Dairy Chilling Plants of this Federation get remuneration of Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000. Now, these employees would be paid wages according to DC rate, which would be almost double of their current wages.

Keeping in view the interests of the employees, the Cooperation Minister also announced a hike in the sum given as ‘kanyadaan’ on the marriage of daughters of milk producers. Apart from this, a scholarship scheme has also been launched for the children of milk pourers and members of milk producers’ societies. One time grant of Rs 2,100 and Rs 5,100 would be given to such children who obtain a score of 80 per cent or more in Class 10 and 10 plus two examinations, respectively.

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Haryana to set up Skill Development University

CHANDIGARH, OCT 31

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal today announced to set up a Skill Development University in the state. He said that Haryana has also set up a Skill Development Mission on the pattern of National Skill Development Mission so as to help the drop out students in their skill upgradation and make them employable.

          Mr Manohar Lal was speaking in a Consultative Meeting of North Indian States for preparation of New Education Policy at the national level organized at Gurgaon today. The one day meeting was jointly organized by Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) and Department of Higher Education of Government of Haryana. Union HRD Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Haryana Education Minister Prof Ram Bilas Sharma, PWD Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Rajasthan Education Minister Vasudev Nani, Punjab Education Minister Sardar Daljit Singh Cheema, MLA Sohna Tejpal Tanwar, MLA Gurgaon Umesh Aggarwal and senior officers of Education Departments from the north Indian states were also present.

          In his address, the Chief Minister said that earlier the education policy used to percolate from ‘Top to Bottom’ but now for the first time in the country suggestions were taken from village, Block, District and State level for preparation of a comprehensive National education Policy. Now the policy is being framed from ‘Bottom to Top’. The new education policy framed after a thorough discussion from all over the country would meet the requirements of the fast growing India, which is heading towards becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (world teacher). He was of the view that education should be value based which makes the students employable. He said that as of now emphasis is laid on ‘3-R’ education, which means Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.

          He said that a proposal for setting up of a Skill Development University in Haryana has been sent to the HRD Ministry and he hoped that it would clearance. The University would help in training of teachers in improving their pedagogical skills so that they can prove to be good teachers and be fair to their profession. He said that a Skill Development Mission has been set up in the state to take care of the drop out students or who could not take up higher education due to some circumstances in upgrading their skills and make them employable.

          Mr Manohar Lal said that in addition to education, the state government has taken steps for ‘good governance’ and the state got appreciation from the Central Government for e-governance. He said that “we don’t work for appreciation certificates but to provide basic services to the people at their doorstep in minimum possible time.” He said that the BJP government in Haryana has worked more than the expectations of the people during its one year tenure and would strive hard to come up to the expectations of the masses in future as well.

          On the occasion, Mrs Smriti Zubin Irani expressed her gratitude towards Haryana for making arrangements to organise Consultative Meeting for framing New Education Policy in such a short time. She appreciated the arrangements.

          Earlier, Mr Manohar Lal and Mrs Irani, along with other ministers, paid floral tributes to ‘Iron Man' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. The Chief Minister recalled how Sardar Patel united 565 provinces into one India in just 100 days.

          In the Consultative Meeting, the HRD Minister invited suggestions from the  northern Indian states, majority of whom suggested to drop ‘no detention policy’ because, according to them, the poor learning outcome in the primary classes were reflected in the large scale drop outs after class 9th and low percentage of pass outs in class 10th and 12th. They also emphasized on the need to introduce teacher training from induction level to afterwards for developing better pedagogical skills.

Later, the Chief Minister went to Rotary Public School where he gave away prizes to the winners of the All Gurgaon Hindi Writing Competition. The programme was organized by Sanskritic Gaurav Sansthan.

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Haryana to launch second phase of Mission Indradhanush

CHANDIGARH, OCT 28

Haryana Health Minister,Anil Vij said that the second phase of Mission Indradhanush would be launched from November 2 to 8, 2015. As many as 20 lakh children between six months and five years of age would be administered micronutrient supplements under Micronutrient Supplementation Programme-2015.

          A meeting of State Task Force was organized under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health, Mr. R.R. Jowel here today. He said that Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (IPV) would also be introduced during this programme. Under this campaign, supplements of iron and folic acid, Vitamin A and deworming using tablet albendazole would be administered to children between six months and five years of age. During the campaign, samples of salt being used by people in their houses would be tested for the adequate iodine level.

          He said that the second phase of Mission Indradhanush would be implemented in 14 districts of the State. These districts, including Mewat, Gurgaon, Panipat, Bhiwani, Hisar, Sirsa, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Sonepat, Yamunanagar, Rohtak, Rewari, Jhajjar and Panchkula, have been identified by the Central Government on the basis of lack of immunization. However, all districts of the State have been covered once under this campaign in the first phase and the remaining districts would be covered in the third phase.

          Mr. Vij said that the third dose of oral polio vaccine would be administered as per the ‘Global Polio End Game Strategy’ with the slogan of “Polio se Double Surksha”.

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Prices of pulses fixed at prescribed rates in Haryana

CHANDIGARH, OCT 28

With a view to reduce the prices of pulses in the State, the Haryana Government has taken a significant decision under which maximum prices of different types of pulses have been fixed for retail selling and in future the wholesalers would sell pulses on prescribed rates at special places allotted by the administration in each district. Also, they would be given rebate in market fee by the government.

          While giving this information here today, Additional Chief Secretary, Food and Supplies Department, Mr. S.S. Prasad said that after detailed discussion with all wholesalers, maximum retail prices of Chana Dal, Moong dal, Masur (Malkan), Masul dal and Urad dal (Chhilka) have been fixed as Rs 58, Rs 95-100, Rs 75-80, Rs 70-74 and Rs 120-125, respectively. Along with this, it has been decided that the manufacturers can stock 1/24th of annual grinding capacity for raw material and 1/48th of annual grinding capacity for finished material. Similarly, the limit of dealers including wholesalers, distributing agents and selling agents has been reduced to 250 quintals and of retailers to 25 quintals. Distribution of pulses would be started within 15 days. This would lead to further decrease in the prices of pulses.

          Mr. Prasad said that all the Deputy Commissioners in the State have been issued directions to constitute a checking team at district level headed by an HCS officer and District Marketing Promotion Officer and District Food and Supplies Controller or District Food and Supplies Officer as its Members. These teams would extensively check stock holdings of all types of pulses in their respective districts to ensure that manufacturers, dealers and retailers have not stored more stock than the prescribed limit.

          He said that these teams have so far conducted 736 checks in which only one wholesaler in district Karnal was found holding stock of 120 quintals of pulses more than the prescribed limit, which has been confiscated. In future, checking of producers, dealers and retailers would be continued.

          Mr. Prasad said that discussions have been held district-wise over the increasing prices of pulses and it was found that the prices were decreasing by the day. The government distributed 8,350 metric tonnes of pulses under the Public Distribution System to about 11 lakh BPL families from July to September, 2015. Under this, 7.5 kg pulses have been provided to each family.

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High quality certified seeds of wheat for sale

CHANDIGARH, OCT 27

With a view to providing high quality certified seeds of wheat to farmers of Haryana during the ensuing Rabi Season, more than 16.54 lakh quintals seeds have been made available for sale.

          While giving this information here today, Agriculture Minister Mr O. P. Dhankar said that the government was committed to provide high quality seeds of wheat to farmers this year. Hence, more seeds of wheat have been kept for sale as compared to last year when only 12,92,640 quintals of seeds were kept for sale.

          He said that so far more than 2.02 lakh quintals of certified seeds have been made available with Haryana Seeds Development Corporation (HSDC), 80,000 quintals National Seeds Corporation (NSC), 66,000 quintals HAFED, 77,000 quintals IFFCO, 30,000 quintals KRIBHCO, 6,000 quintals CCS Haryana Agricultural University and more than 11.92 lakh quintals with private institutions for sale.

          He said that directions have been issued to provide additional two lakh quintals of wheat to HSDC which would be made available soon. Similarly, directions have been issued to provide more seeds to other government institutions which included 50,000 quintals to NSC and 20,000 quintals to KRIBHCO.

          Mr Dhankar said that till October 24, 2015, HSDC had provided 1.1 lakh quintals of seeds to farmers, whereas sale of only 59,168 quintals was done during corresponding period of last year. Therefore, 41,832 quintals of more seeds have been sold this year as compared to last year. The government is making every possible effort to provide certified seeds of wheat to every farmer this year, he added.

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China Partner Nation for Suraj Kund Mela

CHANDIGARH, OCT 27

The much acclaimed calendar event of Haryana Tourism, the 30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela, will be celebrated from February 1 to 15, 2016 at Surajkund, Faridabad. This year, China will be the Partner Nation for the Mela.

While giving this information here today, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Dr. Sumita Misra said that every year, a country is chosen to be the Partner Nation that showcases the best of its art, culture, traditions and heritage during the Mela fortnight. She said that a confirmation from China Tourism Administration has been received on Monday morning regarding their participation as a Partner Nation for the 30^th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2016. The craftspersons, cultural troupes and master chefs from China will present their talent and skills to enthrall the visitors at the forthcoming Mela.

Dr. Misra said that the participation of China as the Partner Nation of the 30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2016 will also gel with the agreement signed during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to India in September, 2014 in which it was decided to commemorate the year 2016 as ‘Year of China in India’. The participation of China as a Partner Nation will surely add new flavour and zing to the Mela, she added.

The concept of Partner Nation has been envisioned broadly to focus on a country’s art, craft and cuisine. In the preceding years, Thailand, African nations, Sri Lanka and Lebanon had the honour to be the Partner Nation of this biggest crafts fair of the world.

She said that during the 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2015, a record number of 20 countries took part in this mega event.

The Mela showcases the richness and diversity of the handicrafts, handlooms and the cultural heritage of India. It is jointly hosted by Haryana Tourism Corporation and Surajkund Mela Authority in collaboration with the Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs. This festival has come to occupy a place of pride and prominence, attracting more than a million domestic and foreign visitors during the Mela fortnight. The Mela has grown in stature and it attained an international status in 2013 and is now attracting more and more foreign participation, she added.

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SIT probing Gohana incident

CHANDIGARH, OCT 25

 Haryana Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order, Mr. Muhammad Akil, today stated that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Police Department was conducting thorough investigation into the Gohana incident.

        He said that the case was registered on the basis of a written statement by the family of the victim Govind, which would be verified during the investigation.

        The ADGP said that all matters pertaining to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in the State are investigated thoroughly with sensitivity and immediate action is taken. He added that 403 cases have so far been registered under this Act in 2015. Similarly, 501 such cases were registered in 2013 and 464 cases were registered in 2014. He said that all such cases that have been reported recently were not related to conflict between two classes.

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Haryana Govt committed to root out corruption: CM

CHANDIGARH, OCT 25

Describing corruption in the State as a consequence of a nexus, Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, said that the State Government is committed to completely rooting out corruption at all levels of the administration, besides ensuring all-round development. He urged the people to inform the Government about any incident of corruption so that suitable action could be taken against the wrongdoers.

        The Chief Minister was addressing a well-attended public meeting on the completion of one year of the State Government in Sirsa today.

He said that the State Government was making efforts to break this nexus and the people’s support was required for this purpose. Though we have not yet achieved 100 per cent result in this direction, we will definitely completely eradicate this menace from the administration with the active support of the people, he added.

While announcing development funds amounting to Rs 25 crore for five assembly segments of the Sirsa parliament, Mr. Manohar Lal asked the authority concerned to send estimates of Rs five crore for each assembly so that developmental works could be undertaken at the earliest. Keeping in view the long-pending demand of the people of the Ellenabad assembly, the Chief Minister informed that he had already written a letter to the Union Government for the construction of a railway under bridge in Ellenabad. After receiving approval, the State Government would submit its share so that the project could be taken up at the earliest, he added.

The Chief Minister said that under the scheme to set up a Medical College in each district, an announcement to this effect would be made for district Sirsa district as well in the times to come. He said that during the past one year, the present State Government had spent a sum of about Rs 40 crore for executing developmental works in the district, including Rs 13.46 crore in Sirsa assembly constituency, Rs six crore in Rania, Rs 5.52 crore in Kalanwali, Rs eight crore in Dabwali and Rs 6.35 crore in Ellenabad assembly constituency. Today, he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects costing about Rs18 crore in the district.

Taking a dig at the Opposition, he said that in the democratic system, the Opposition can ask about the functioning of the government and government is liable to give reply about its performance, but in case the Opposition himself replies to the question, then it is an insult to the people, who make the government.

        The Chief Minister said that since it took over the reins of the administration on October 26, 2014, the present State Government has been constantly moving forward to ensure equal development in the entire State. We have set aside the earlier practice of lopsided development and the four-laning of the Sirsa-Dabwali National Highway is one of the best examples of it, he said. He added that the entire State was equal for the present Bharatiya Janata Party government and urged the people to adopt the concept of ‘Haryana Ek - Haryanvi Ek’ to ensure progress and prosperity of the State.

        Mr. Manohar Lal said that forging ahead with the ‘Digital India’ mantra of Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, the State Government had taken many initiatives in this direction, including e-governance, CM Window for prompt redressal of grievances, e-registration, e-stamping, online facility of C-form for traders, e-return, online registration of birth and Aadhar seeding etc. A new software National Land Record Modernisation Programme is also being developed for better land management in the state. Haryana is also creating State Resident Database to collect entire information of all its citizens, he added.

        He said that the State Government had released a sum of Rs 1,092 crore to compensate farmers for their losses during the recent calamity. We are doing a lot and will do everything for the welfare of the farming community, he said. He added that the present government had recently given a project costing Rs 143 crore for lift irrigation system in southern Haryana. Besides, the State Government is working to improve quality of education and ensure transparency and fairness in the Public Distribution System.

The Chief Minister said that the new ‘Enterprises Promotion Policy – 2015’ would attract investment amounting to Rs one lakh crore, besides creating employment opportunities for four lakh people. The Memorandum of Understanding which has been inked with national and international companies would also attract Rs 20,000 crore as investment and provide employment for 60,000 people. The present government will provide government jobs to about 50,000 people and four lakh jobs would be created in the private sector, he added.

Minister of State for Public Health Engineering, Mr. Ghanshyam Saraf, and Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Jagdish Chopra, also spoke on this occasion.

Senior BJP leaders and officers of district administration also present on this occasion.

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CM announces launch of new Integrated Licencing Policy

CHANDIGARH, OCT 23

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal announced the launch of the New Integrated Licencing Policy 2015 for the development of Hyper and High Potential Urban Complexes of Gurgaon-Manesar, Faridabad-Ballabhgarh, Sohna, Sonepat-Kundli, Panipat and Panchkula-Kalka-Pinjore. Calling it a game changer the Chief Minister stated that the policy finds the proper balance between the aspirations of the farmers/landowners, the buyer-consumers of residential plots or flats, the real estate developers and the Government to make a win-win situation for all.

He said that the new policy titled NILP 2015 brings in the internationally acclaimed models of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) coupled with unique provisions which obviate the need for Government to resort to compulsory acquisition of land. The policy enables the small landowners to voluntarily monetise their land by participating in the entire process of licencing, real estate development and marketing and sale of their Transferable Development Rights. He emphasized that in the earlier policies of the Department of Town & Country Planning Department, only a builder owning more than 100 acres of land was considered for developing a plotted colony in these areas. He said that with the sharp rise of land value in the urbanizable limits of towns like Gurgaon and Faridabad, while on the one hand the builders could not aggregate 100 acres of land, the small farmer – landowner also felt cheated since he had to wait either for the builders to buy his land at less than the market value or face the ignominy of compulsory acquisition by the Government.Citing an example, he added that as a result of the earlier opaque policies of the Government, about 10000 acres of land located in the urbanisable portion inGurgaon was lying unutilized with large gaps in infrastructure development, a disillusioned Real Estate sector, buyers of properties feeling defrauded because of lack of facilities and the government agencies devoid of adequate resources and land for laying down the right infrastructure.

Chief Minister said that while bringing down the area norms for establishing a colony from 100 acres to 25 acres, the policy provides for a global FAR between 1.0 to 1.25 for colony size of 25 acres to 50 acres and above 50 acres respectively. These builders can respectively raise their FAR utilisation to 1.25 ( for colonies upto 50 acres) and 1.50 ( for colonies more than 50 acres) by purchasing the TDRs of the land owners. The land owners will have complete freedom in selling the FAR to any builder in a large planning unit. Each farmer will be eligible to sell his TDR certificate equivalent to 1 FAR for his land(e.g. about 4047 sq. meters or 43264 sq. feet for each acre of land) at market rates. In order to ensure optimum utilization of very high priced land in these urban areas the applicable density is also being increased to 250 PPA.

The Chief Minister informed that for the first time the concept of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) is being introduced comprehensively in Haryana. This concept will give an alternative to the farmers/individual land owners having land less than 25 acres to obtain TDR certificate from the Department. This will help such farmers/owners to monetisetheir land holdings at current market price in residential sectors and for the sites/areas designated for External Development Works like sector roads, colleges, hospitals, fire station, open spaces, green belt etc.It was pointed out that this concept has recently been introduced for procuring the land falling within the alignment of internal 18/24 metres wide roads to enable connectivity with the wide sector roads and in terms of infrastructure provision to specific colonies located within the sectors.

He further said that the objective of achieving‘Housing for All’ by 2022 is not being left at the whims and fancies of private developers. The policy proposes that 12% of the land of the colony for developing affordable housing for EWS, LIG and middle income groups will be given free of cost to the Government. This will also abolish the opaqueness associated with the allotment of NPNL category plots by the builders.The Government will then develop EWS/LIG/MIG houses through the Housing Board and other State Agencies. The policy proposes to take 10% land of the colony free of cost for construction of such facilities like schools, dispensaries, religious buildings, community centers facilities etc. based on requirement of each residential sector.

Mr Manohar Lal further stated that the policy intent is to further incentivise the development of commercial belts/sectors designated in the development plans. He said that presently only very limited area in commercial belts to the extent of 50% in GMUC, 30% in Sohna and Faridabad and 10% in rest of the State is permissible for commercial licencing. The rest of the area (50%, 70% or 90% respectively) was supposed to be compulsorily acquired by the Government for development of Commercial properties. The new Policy opens up this entire commercial segment for development by increasing the FAR to 3.0 from existing 1.50/1.75 and taking back 40% of the licenced land free of cost to be disposed it by Department/HUDA. This would enable the farmer-landowners to get a fair market value for their land falling in the Commercial Zone while enabling the Government to develop 40% of the area free of cost and without compulsory acquisition in a win –win situation.

The Chief Minister pointed out that this policy is likely to have a huge impact in creating housing units, revenue for the State Exchequer and financial resources for development of External Infrastructure in the coming 5 to 7 years. Conservative estimates with respect to Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex indicate that the State will be able to create affordable housing for 2 lakh families from the land received free of cost from the colonizers in lieu of NPNL/EWS and TDR in residential sectors. It is likely to generate approximately Rs. 24000 crore of revenue for the State in terms of licence fee, conversion charges and infrastructure development charges. Similarly, this policy has a potential to augment the resources of HUDA to the tune of Rs. 20000 crores for investment in External Infrastructure. Further, the policy is likely to help in aggregating approximately 1500 acres to 2000 acres of land in the form of green belt/open spaces for development of green lungs in GMUC.

While Concluding, the Chief Minister emphasized  that the policy will not only kick startthe process of urban development in these important urban centres but will benefit the farmers in monetising their land while helping the State in aggregating the land for external infrastructure, for affordable housing and for community facilities. The Policy will also benefit the State in acquiring licenced commercial spaces for enhancing the revenue of the State and will also help in augmenting resources of HUDA to take up development of higher level of infrastructure.

Haryana Secretariat Service Officers’ Association office-bearers

CHANDIGARH, OCT 21

Joint Secretary Suman Raghuvanshi has been unanimously elected patron of the Haryana Secretariat Service Officers’ Association. Other office-bearers were also elected unanimously. 

          Under Secretary  Narinder Ahuja has been elected as president. pecial Senior Secretary  Rajiv Thukral and Secretary  Dharmender Kumar have been elected  senior vice presidents. Secretary Harish Chander Gomber and Superintendent  Jarnail Singh are vice presidents.

          The post of General Secretary goes to Private Secretary  Ram Pal Chhokar whereas Private Secretary Bhupinder Pal Singh would serve as Secretary (office and press).

          Similarly, Secretary Om Parkash Badhrecha, Superintendents  Bijender Singh Malik and Ajay Kumar have been elected to the post of joint secretary of the Association. Librarian Aarti Chadha would be finance secretary and Private Secretary Kanchan Bhalla would serve as organising secretary.

          Secretary  Saroj Minocha, Private Secretaries Ajmer Singh and Rajish Sudan and Superintendents  Rashmi Khurana and Rajni Sharma would be special invitees.

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Dearness Allowance revised in Haryana

CHANDIGARH, OCT 21

The Haryana Government has revised the rate of dearness allowance for all its government employees, pensioners and family pensioners from existing 113 per cent to 119 per cent. This hike will be applicable from July 1, 2015.

          While stating this here today, a spokesman of Finance Department said that the enhanced installment of six per cent for the month of October would be paid in cash to all State Government employees in the salary of November 2015. The payment of arrears of enhanced DA from July to September 2015 would also be paid in the month of November 2015.

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Haryana declares Nov 17 restricted holiday

CHANDIGARH, OCT 21

The Haryana Government has declared November 17, 2015 as a Restricted Holiday in all its government offices, boards, corporations and educational institutions on account of Chhath Puja.

           A notification to this effect is issued by General Administration Department.

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CM launches Rejuvenation of Lift Irrigation Project

CHANDIGARH, OCT 21

The Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal, today stressed upon need of doing water management and said that the rain water must be harvested for recharging the water table.

Mr Manohar Lal was addressing a largely attended public meeting at Narnaul today where he launched the rejuvenation of Lift Irrigation Project costing Rs 143 crore. The project would benefit district Mahendergarh, Rewari, Bhiwani and Jhajjar. The Chief Minister said that the project would be completed in three different phases in two and a half years time. Once completed, it will serve as lifeline for South Haryana. He said that since the surface level of Southern part of Haryana is higher, the canal water could not reach the tail end, so it has to be lifted and poured into the canal. This lift irrigation system was implemented about 40 years ago, he said, since then nobody cared to repair the system and it went out of order. Now, under the project of NABARD, all the machines and pumps would be replaced with new ones.

He said that from today the state government has launched a special publicity campaign for telling the people about the achievements of Haryana Government. The campaign has been initiated from Narnaul and it will culminate on 5^th November when Prime Minister Narender Modi would be coming to Kundli in district Sonepat for laying foundation of ambitious projects. The Chief Minister also laid foundation of BDPO office building for Seehma Block, to be constructed a cost of Rs 72.43 lakh in Narnaul.

 Foreseeing the demand of water during the Rabi sowing season and accepting the demand of Agriculture Minister Sh Om Prakash Dhankhar, Mr Manohar Lal announced that the farmers will get power supply for 10 hours daily instead of 8 hours. This means during the sowing season, the farmers will get 2 hours extra power supply which will help the farmers in tube well irrigated area to sow their rabi crops in time. Praying that no natural calamity grips the farmers like before, he assured that the state government would be with them in the hour of distress and provide all possible help in future also, if required, as it had done earlier when the hailstorms and untimely rains caused havoc on standing crops. He said that the last one year was really a period of challenges for the government. He appealed the people to make judicious use of electricity and said that the consumers will have to pay for electricity they consume. He said that the BJP government inherited a loss of Rs 28000 crore in power sector from the previous government. “we have to overcome those losses and plan for future also,” Mr Manohar Lal asserted.

Giving his governments report card before the people, he said that 22 new schemes were implemented during last one year by the BJP government, which means one scheme every week. He said, “we haven’t forget our priorities, our focus is on the poorest of poor people, the most backward one and will curb corruption, in which help and cooperation of general public is required.” Without naming former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who had once said that out of one rupee released from top, only 15 paise reached to the beneficiary, the Chief Minister said that now whole of amount will reach down, which means that the government would be able to do seven times more works with the same amount.  He said that we are trustees of the public money. He said that the payment to the contractors would be made only after social audit, that is, a committee of ex-soldiers, ex-employees, former and present sarpanches etc in the village. He said let the opposition parties ask us questions but we will answer to the public and it will evaluate our performance.

Elaborating on the welfare policies and programmes implemented by the BJP government, he said that the old age pension was being delivered through banks to curb chances of corruption. The Chief Minister said that the old age pension beneficiaries will get Rs 1400 as their pension for the month of January 2016. He also said that presently the government was running 23 services online and from next year, the number of these services will be increased to 150.

Listing various schemes, the Chief Minister said that a rebate for 5 years would be given to those entrepreneurs who set up industry in remote areas where there is no industry till now. He said that the Vyayamshalas would be opened in villages, for which the government has planned to appoint 600 coaches.

Referring to demands put up by the local MLA, he announced to get Bye Pass constructed on the eastern side of Narnaul town by requesting the NHAI to make it part of the NH from Nangal Chaudhary to Hansi. He also announced a grant of Rs 10 crore for repair of 15 roads, desilting of canals at a cost of Rs 13 crore under Prime Minister Irrigation Scheme, sanctioned Rs 3.5 crore for 35 Anganwari Centres and said that a total of 190 centers needed building in district Mahendergarh, government would sanction amount at the rate of Rs 10 lakh per center as and when land is made available for it. He said that the government has planned to open a driving school in every district with the help of private partners like Maruti, Tata, Hero Motor Corp, Eicher, Escorts, Honda etc. These schools would become functional within a year. Similarly, the government has taken a considerate decision that no student should have to go beyond 20 kilometers for studying in a college. The government is also doing mapping of all government schools and where ever needed the schools would be upgraded. Every Block would have an ITI.

On the occasion, Union Minister Rao Inderjeet, Education Minister Prof Ram Bilas Sharma, Agriculture Minister OP Dhankhar, MP Dharambir, MLA Om Prakash and Dr Abhey Singh Yadav also addressed the gathering. Deputy Speaker of Haryana Assembly Santosh Yadav, Minister Vikram Yadav, MLAs Dr Banwari Lal, Randhir Kapriwas, MLA from Rajasthan Jhabar Singh and Ramhit Yadav were also present among others.

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CBI to probe mMurder of two children in Faridabad

CHANDIGARH, OCT 21

 Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, has decided to get a CBI enquiry conducted into the murder of two children in Faridabad on the intervening night of October 19 and 20, 2015.  He also announced that a government job would be provided to the father of the children, Mr. Jitender, and free treatment to the injured mother recuperating in Safdarjung Hospital.

            The Chief Minister has also ordered that the Police should immediately arrest the remaining criminals involved in the dastardly crime.

A government spokesman said that eight Police personnel have been placed under suspension for showing grave misconduct in discharging their duties and regular departmental enquiry has been initiated against them. Those who have been suspended included Sadar Ballabhgarh SHO Inspector Anil Kumar, ASI Wali Mohd., Ct. Vikash, Ct. Sandeep, E/ASI Hari Singh, ESI Shri Bhagwan, Ct. Satish and Ct. Ram Mehar.

In the tragic incident, two children of a family were killed and their parents sustained injuries when some criminals set fire to the door of the house of Mr. Jitender in village Sun Perh, Sadar Ballabhgarh, district Faridabad, and threw some inflammable material inside a room. The family was sleeping inside a room in the house. While Mr. Jitender and his wife, Mrs. Rekha, sustained injuries, their two-and-a-half-year old son Vaibhav and nine-month-old daughter Divya were killed.

A case was registered under Sections 148, 149, 452, 307, 302, 436 and 34 of the Indian Penal Code and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act against 11 accused, namely Balwant, Jagat, Edal, Naunihal, Joginder, Sooraj, Akash, Aman, Sanjay, Dharam Singh and Desh Raj.

Four of the accused, namely Balwant, Dharam Singh, Kartar and Sanjay have been arrested after preliminary investigation and would be produced before the court. Forensic teams from Faridabad and Madhuban have collected physical clues, which are being examined.

The incident has its history in a murder which occurred on October 5, 2014, in which the victim family was allegedly involved in murdering three persons of the accused family. A case had been registered  under Sections 148, 149, 323, 324 and 302 of the Indian Penal Code at Police Station Sadar Ballabgarh in this regard on October 6, 2014. After investigation, Police had arrested Jagmal, Ved Parkash, Sunit, Satender and Madan on October 6, 2014. Lajjawati was arrested on October 7, 2014, Dalbir on October 10, 2014, Kallu on November 13, 2014, Lakhan and Bansi Lal on November 28, 2014 and Santosh on November 29, 2014. The chargesheet was prepared on December 29, 2014 and submitted in the court on January 3, 2015. The trial is underway and both the accused women have been granted bail.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

51.41 lakh bank accounts opened in Haryana

CHANDIGARH, OCT 19

As many as 51.41 lakh bank accounts have been opened in Haryana till September, 2015 to ensure effective implementation of national programmes and schemes in the state.

        While giving this information here today, an official spokesman said that Haryana has become the fourth state in the country to achieve the milestone of covering all 48.58 lakh households in the State under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana by providing them with a bank account by December 18, 2014.

He said that similarly, till September, 2015, banks have enrolled 24.85 lakh persons under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. Under this scheme Rs two lakh accidental-cum-disability insurance cover is provided to all the savings bank account holders in the age group of 18-70 year for a premium of Rs 12 per annum. Besides, 7.79 lakh beneficiaries have been enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.  

        The spokesman said that under the Atal Pension Yojana, 10, 531 persons have been enrolled till September, 2015. Similarly, work is being undertaken in mission mode under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana. As many as 44,792 beneficiaries have been enrolled under this scheme till October 5, 2015, and an amount of Rs 201.87 crore has been disbursed in Haryana, he added.

The Annual Credit Plan for the year 2015-16 was projected at Rs 89,049 crore for Haryana against Rs 78,295 crore in the year 2014-15, which is 13.7 per cent higher as compared to the previous year.

The spokesman said that under Non-Banking Financial Companies, implementation of various Acts and preparation of their Rules is underway.

He added that regular meetings of State Level Coordination Committee and Standing Committee are being held to monitor the number of cases registered under the Protection of Interests of Depositors (In Financial Establishment) Act, 2014, with the Police Department and progress made in this regard. Awareness camps are being organised in association with the Reserve Bank of India and articles are being published in SAMVAD magazine in order to disseminate information to the general public to protect them from getting duped.

Various financial parameters of the banks who are partners in implementation of various government schemes and transfer of subsidies directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries are being monitored on a quarterly basis in the meetings of the State Level Bankers’ Committee. Provision of advances to the needy in the categories of education, housing, agriculture, women and others is regularly monitored in order to ensure that the benefit of institutional credit is made available to the poor and needy so as to protect them from the clutches of the money lenders, he said.

Giving information about restructuring of loans given to farmers of Haryana due to natural calamities in March, 2015, the spokesman said that 73 per cent of total loans for the crop season have been restructured to mitigate the distress of farmers, whose crops had been damaged due to unseasonal rain and hailstone. The crop loans provided to the farmers were required to be restructured in accordance with the decision of Central and State Governments. The progress of restructuring of loans was vigorously monitored and the banks were also advised to direct the field functionaries to be more sensitive while dealing with the affected farmers during their visit to the bank branches.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Steps to explore possibilities of Highway tourism

CHANDIGARH, OCT 18

 Keeping in view the wide possibilities of tourism in the State, Haryana Government has taken concrete steps during last about one year to explore possibilities of Highway tourism, religious tourism along with other tourism possibilities.

        While giving this information here today, a spokesman of the Tourism Department said that the first highway tourist complex was started at Yadvindra Gardens at Pinjore. Thereafter, many tourist complexes were started on National Highway No. 1 starting from Ambala, Pipli, Karnal, Panipat, Smalkha, Rai in Sonepat, Faridabad, Hodel and other places. The main purpose of starting these tourist complexes was to provide refreshment to the travelers and a comfortable stay for their rest while traveling between Chandigarh and Delhi and to other far off places. Apart from this, Kurukshetra has been declared as the religious city in the State and every year Gita Jayanti Samaroh was being celebrated there. A large number of people from all over the world come to see this Samaroh, he added.

        He said that during last year, the Haryana Tourism Corporation hosted and organized the Pinjore Heritage Festival and Mango Mela at Pinjore Gardens. Also, the department has published Travel Guide for the ease of travelers coming from different parts of the country and abroad. The Haryana Travel Guide was released by the Chief Minister. He said that Surajkund International Crafts Mela was organized every year in Surajkund. He said that this year in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Chattisgarh was the Theme State, Lebanon was the Partner Nation and over 20 countries and all the states of India participated. Mobile applications, e-Ticketing, SMS, online ticket booking etc were introduced this year for people visiting the Surajkund Mela, he added.

        He said that there is a plan to promote and develop ancient cultural sites, historical places and famous religious places as tourist destinations. Apart from this, separate bathing gaths for men and women have been constructed at religious places.

        The spokesman said that additional new rooms have been constructed in various tourist complexes at a cost of Rs 114 lakh. Apart from this, staff quarters have been constructed at IHM, Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs 100 lakh. Similarly, a conference hall in Pipli has been set up at a cost of Rs 64 lakh and a sum of Rs 64 lakh has been spent on for renovation of rooms in Hotel Rajhans, Surajkund, Tourist Complex, Magpie Faridabad, Tourist Complex Samalkha and Tilyar Lake, Rohtak. He said that 15 design galleries were converted into rooms at Surajkund Complex at a cost of Rs 30 lakh and Sanhit Sarovar was upgraded at a cost of Rs 90 lakh.

        He said that shops have been constructed at Karna Lake Karnal and new infrastructure works and maintenance works were executed at Surajkund Craft Mela for Rs 246 lakh. A new IHM has been set up at Yamunanagar whose first academic session has commenced from July, 2015.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Haryana to set up village level Social Audit Committees

CHANDIGARH, OCT 18

Haryana Chief Minister  Manohar Lal today said that village level Social Audit Committees would be set up in the State to ensure transparency in the development works. He said that the bills of various development works would be presented before these committees and the payment of only those bills would be made which would be approved by these Committees.

        Mr. Manohar Lal was addressing a well attended public meeting after laying the foundation stone of shifting and modernization of Sugar Mill at village Dahar in district Panipat today.

        The Chief Minister said that the Social Audit Committees   would comprise of village Sarpanch, Panch, ex-Sarpanch and retired government officers who would check the bills pertaining to the development works. He said that this would not only ensure transparency in development works of the government, but also keep a check on corruption. He made it clear that he would not tolerate corruption at any cost and urged the people to lend their support in this endeavour so that entire amount released by government spent only on welfare works. He said that former Prime Minister, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi used to say that out of Rs one released by the government, only 15 paisa reaches to the people. If the entire one rupee is spent, the development could be increased by seven times, he added.

        While describing today as a historical day for village Dahar and the area, he said that with laying the foundation stone for the shifting and modernization of Sugar Mill, 25 years long pending demand has been realized. He said that a sum of Rs 270 crore would be spent on the shifting and modernization of this Sugar Mill. He said that crushing capacity of this Mill would now be made double that is from 1,800 tone cane per day (TCD) to 3,500 TCD thus benefitting the farmers in a big way as they would be able to take their entire produce of sugarcane to this Mill. He said that besides the crushing of sugarcane, 18 MW of electricity would also be generated in this Mill. Apart from this, the production of Ethanol would also be done.

        While establishing an instant chord with the masses, the Chief Minister questioned that as to why the previous governments did not pay any heed to this demand of the area as it was in the larger interest of the farmers. Majority of farmers have small land holdings ranging from two acres to five acres and have limited income. He said that he understand the problems of such farmers as he himself belong to a farmer’s family and have only two acres of land as out of the total three acres he had donated one acre for a social cause.

        The Chief Minister said that the State government has taken a number of steps to increase the income of farmers. He suggested that the instead of banking upon only on traditional crops, the farmers should adopt alternative farming like horticulture, floriculture etc so as to increase their income. Apart from this, they could also opt for poultry farming, fish farming and bee keeping through which they could earn more on less available land. He urged the farmers to become progressive and assured them that the government is with them in all circumstances. He said that besides the government, the farmers should also understand their responsibility and consider the Sugar Mills as their own to ensure that the Mills are in profit.      

        While referring to the prices of sugar, he said that this time the prices of sugar slashed down in the market up to Rs 2,300 per quintal from Rs 2,800 per quintal. He said that the State government had been concerned about the financial position of sugar mills and therefore released the payment of Rs 300 crore to the Cooperative Sugar Mills in the State. He said that the government has also released a payment of Rs 175 crore to three Private Sugar Mills. Referring to the untimely rain and hailstorm in different parts of the State early this year, he said that the government had distributed unprecedented compensation amounting to Rs 1092 crore to the affected farmers which is more than the total amount of compensation given in the last 15 years.

        On the demands raised by MLA Panipat (Rural) Mr. Mahipal Dhanda, the Chief Minister announced various development projects worth Rs 60 crore which included construction of small roads, setting of PHC at Khotpura, polyclinic for cattle, rejuvenation of historical place Kala-Amb and construction of museum, construction of Nohra drain, linking of Noorwala from National Highway, setting up of Nandi Gram in Badoli. On the demand of upgradation of schools, the Chief Minister said that the Education Department has decided to upgrade 350 schools in one year. He said that four schools from each Assembly Segment would be upgraded under this scheme. He also announced to give Rs 10 crore to Panipat (Rural) assembly constituency and Rs five crore each to remaining three assembly constituencies of district Panipat namely Panipat (Urban), Israna and Samalkha for development works.

        Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated Railway over Bridge on Delhi-Ambala Railway Line on Jatal road constructed at a cost of Rs 27.81 crore and SC/ST Wing of Government Industrial Training Institute, Naultha constructed at a cost of Rs 450 lakh. He also laid the foundation stone for the widening and strengthening of road from GT-Road Siwah from Chachpur. A sum of Rs 1886.32 lakh would be incurred on this work.

        Speaking on this occasion, Cooperation Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Yadav said that after the shifting and modernization of Sugar Mill at village Dahar, the farmers of the area would not have to depend on other sugar mills.

        Haryana Transport Minister, Mr. Krishan Lal Pawar said that the previous governments in the State have always misguided the farmers of the area on the issue of shifting of this Sugar Mill. But it was only the Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal who has decided to shift this sugar mill in the interest of farmers of the area.

        MLAs namely Mr. Mahipal Dhanda, Mrs. Rohita Rewri and Mr. Ravinder Machroli also spoke on this occasion.

---balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Haryana leading in diversification of crops

CHANDIGARH, OCT 18

Haryana is going to become an emerging state in terms of diversification of crops. At present, cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, spices and medicinal plants is being carried out on 4.50 lakh hectares of area in the State.

        Haryana has made concerted efforts in the diversification of crops and for the first time in the country, Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence for fruits and vegetables have been set up in Haryana. Also, the Central Government has awarded the Department for outstanding performance of these Centres and large number of farmers has come out of circle of traditional farming.

        Giving this information, Director, Horticulture Department, Dr. Arjun Saini said that five projects have been set up in the State to impart practical training to farmers. These five projects included Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Gharaunda, Centre of Excellence for Fruits in Mangiana of Sirsa, Centre of Sub-Tropical Fruits, Ladwa in Kurukshetra, Guava Demonstration center of Bhuna in Fatehabad and Horticulture Biotechnology Centre in Karnal.

 Centre of Excellence for vegetables in Gharaunda

So far, 1,252 poly houses have been set up which covers about 438.77 hectares of area. There is a target to set up poly houses in 50,000 hectares by next year.

        He said that world level yields were being produced in Centre of Excellence for vegetables in Gharaunda which include 302 Metric Tonnes (MT) per hectare of tomatoes, 211 MT per hectare of capsicum, 151 MT of cucumber. He said that 75 varieties of tomatoes, 24 of capsicum and 15 of cucumber were being demonstrated in this centre. Also, cultivation of brinjal, green chilli and muskmelon was being carried out in the centre during winter season and cabbage in summers. About 162.74 lakh plants of vegetables have been distributed among farmers till the year 2014-15.

 Centre of Excellence for Fruits in Mangiana

Set up at a cost of Rs 9.70 crore in about 80 acres of area, new varieties of citrus fruits, olives, pomegranate and dates have been demonstrated in Centre of Excellence for Fruits in Mangiana. Every information pertaining to fruits were being provided in this Centre. So far, this centre has provided quality plants of fruits to about one lakh farmers. With the setting up of this Centre, Kinnow fruit has emerged as a brand in the State and the Country, which is famous as Sirsa Kinnow.

 Centre of Sub-Tropical Fruits, Ladwa

The centre has been set up at a cost of Rs 9.10 crore on an area of about 30 acres. Various varieties of fruits have been demonstrated in the centre including 28 varieties of mango, four varieties of guava, seven of pear, six of peaches, four of pomegranate and five varieties of olives etc.

 Guava Demonstration center of Bhuna

The Centre has been set up at a cost of Rs two crore. As many as 18 varieties of guava have been demonstrated with latest technology. Information of various varieties of guava was being given to farmers in the centre.

 Horticulture Biotechnology Centre in Karnal

This centre was being set up in Shamgarh district Karnal at a cost of Rs four crore. The construction work is in progress and there is a target to complete it by November 2015.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Steven and Wasim hit tons in USA National Twenty-20

FORT LAUDERHILL (FLORIDA), OCT 17
South East Region snatched a thrilling three-run victory over Pacific Region in Super Over after the scored were tied in allotted 20 overs each side in the 2015 National Twenty-20 Cricket Championship being organized by Cricket Council United States of America (CCUSA) at Broward County Stadium here today.
Batting first Pacific Region piled up a good total of 216 for 9 in 20 overs. Arjun Thyagarajan (47), Saqib Saleem (49), Srinivas Salver (47) and Elmore Hutchinson (43) batted well and made significant contribution with the bat.
In reply South East Region scored 216 for 4 in stipulated 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was a breezy 56-ball 110 by Steven Taylor.Timothy Surujbally (36) and Jaskaran Malhotra (30) were their other main scorers.
The tie was resolved in Super Over and South East Region clinched victory by three runs.
South East Region went on to register their second successive win after beating New England Region by 50 runs. Jaskaran Malhotra played a match-winning knock of 94 and Timothy Surujbally remained not out on 50.
South East Region batted first and made 192 for 6 in 14 overs and restricted New England Region to 142 for 5 in 14 overs.
New York Region’s Wasim Hasim was the second batsman who slammed century (109 in 57 balls). New York Region also recorded two successive wins. In their first match, they defeated North Central Region by 34 runs.
Propped up by a brilliant century New York Region made 185 for 5 in 18 overs. North Central Region could muster 151 for 6 in 18 overs. Shaheer Hassan (61) and Fahad Babar (56) were their main scorers. Keon Lakg bagged 4 for 20 for New York Region.
In their second match, New York Region handed out a seven-wicket thrashing to Pacific Region who scored 123 for 6 in 12 overs. New York achieved their victory target in 9.1 overs by scoring 128 for 3.
US Senator Christopher Smith was the chief guest at the opening ceremony along with Dr. Brenda Snipes, Commissioner Rico Petrocelli and representative of the Broward County Park and Recreation.
Brief scores: North Central Region 174 for 9 in 20.0 overs (Fahad Baber 33, Talha Mohsin, 32,, Carlon Whyte, Ravi Singh, Fazal Alam, Jaideep Reedy 2 wickets each) bt New England Region 155 all out in 18.4 overs (Carlon Whyte 52, Srikant Mokkapati 41, Asmar Najam 3 for 23, Ravi Pasupuleti 3 for 30).
South Central Region 150 for 4 in 20 overs (Waleed Ahmed 48, Sidhesh Pathare 67) lost to Pacific Region: 153 for 5 in 18.4 overs (Arjun Thyagarajan 57, Shiva Vashishat 41, Asim Pervail 19) by five wickets.
Pacific Region 216 for 9 in 20 overs (Arjun Thyagarajan 47, Saqib Saleem 49, Srinivas Salver 47, Elmore Hutchinson 43, Mohammed Ali 2 for 14, Danial Ahmed 2 for 40) tied South East Region 216 for 4 in 20 overs (Steveon Taylor 110, Timothy Surujbally 36, Jaskaran Malhotra 30). The match was decided in Super over and South East Region emerged winners by three runs.
North Central Region 187 for 8 in 16 overs (Fahad Babar 50, Talha Mohsin 23, Sam Das 5 for 25) lost to South Central Region 189 for 7 in 15.3 overs (Ahmed Butt 79, Jay Pathak 34, Koti Vanga 26, Mihir Adivarekar 3 for 27) by three wickets.
South East Region 192 for 6 in 14 overs (Jaskaran Malhotra 94, Timothy Surujbally 50 not out, Ziqa Ullah 3 for 43) bt New England Region: 142 for 5 in 14 overs (Pavan Kumar Chakravarthy 61, Karanjit Singh 26, Zishawn Qureshi 2 for 15) by 50 runs.
New York Region 185 for 5 in 18 overs (Wasim Haslim 109, Akshay Homraj 21, Zaheer Saffie 20, Asmar Najam, 2 for 21) bt North Central Region 151 for 6 in 18 overs (Shaheer Hassan 61, Fahad Babar 56, Keon Lakg 4 for 20) by 34 runs.
New England Region 117 for 7 in 14 overs (Pratik Dudhane 26, Fazal Alam 25, Abdullah S Omar 23, Sam Das 3 for 21) bt South Central Region 107 for 7 in 14 overs (Gourav Bajaj 37, Jay Pathak 19, Carlon Whyte 3 for 20) by 10 runs.
Pacific Region 123 for 6 in 12 overs (Arjun Thyagarajan 30, Ranvir Kumar 31, Karan Ganesh 3 for 22, Andre Kirton 2 for 14) lost to New York 128 for 3 in 9.1 overs (Wasim Haslim 36, Derick Narine 32, Syed Abbas Jafri 2 for 32) by seven wickets.
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