85 lakh Haryana children to given MR vaccination

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
 Haryana Additional Chief Secretary Health  Amit Jha said that around 85 lakh children from across the state will be given vaccination under Measles Rubella (MR) Campaign to be launched on April 25, 2018. The target is to cover 100 per cent children.
          Mr Jha, who was reviewing the preparedness on MR campaign with the district administration and line departments through a Video Conference here, said that children between the age group of 9 months and 15 years both in Government and private schools, high risk area like construction sites, brick kiln, poultry farms, Hamlets and urban areas would be immunized under this campaign. He said that at district level, MR campaign would be inaugurated by Member of Parliament, Member of Legislative Assembly and Deputy Commissioner.
          Speaking on this occasion, Mission Director, National Health Mission, Mrs Amneet P Kumar addressing said that this campaign has already been carried out in 13 states covering around more than 10 crores children, achieving almost 100 per cent target. Availability of clean drinking water should be made at all vaccination sites. It is being taken up by campaign mode to achieve the maximum herd immunity in children despite of earlier given Measles vaccine. It would be followed by provision of MR vaccine in routine immunization, replacing the currently given Measles vaccine, at 9-12 months (Dose-1) and 16-24 months (Dose-2) of age.
          Lion’s Club is an official partner with the government for the Information Education Communication (IEC) activities of MR Campaign. Districts were instructed to assign supervisory duties to Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and AYUSH doctors in MR Campaign and issue orders regarding no leave to be given to Medical Officer or staff being trained and assigned duties during the campaign. The Education Department informed that department is supporting the MR Campaign and will share the information for sensitization of parents and children for upcoming MR Campaign on Result Day on March 31, 2018.
          Officers of NHM, representatives from Departments of Women and Child Development, Education, World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) were also present on this occasion.
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15 colonies under Gurugram MC to be regularised

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
The Haryana Government has announced to regularise 15 colonies falling under Municipal Corporation, Gurugram and approved the policy mechanism for the regularisation of the plots and buildings of these colonies.
          While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Urban Local Bodies said that 15 colonies which have been regularised are Cancon Enclave Part - I and II, Bheem Colony, Harinagar Extension, Part I and II, Shri Ram Colony, Devi Lal Extension, New Jyoti Park, Patel Nagar Extension, Shiv Nagar, Vikas Nagar, area  in proximity to Tikri  Village,  Ghsola Village,  Naherpur Rupa Village, Area in proximity to Jhadsa Village Extension, Surat Nagar, Phase I Extension and area in proximity to village Harsaru. Civic facilities and infrastructure is lacking in these areas and the plot and building owners will have to fulfil the parameters as prescribed under Policy Mechanism within a period of six months. 
          He said that the owners who have already constructed their houses in these colonies are required to deposit building plan fee of Rs 10 per square meter and development fee of Rs 1250 per square meter. Development fee of Rs 750 has been prescribed for the areas nearby Village Harsaru by the competent authority.
          He said that the owners of vacant plots have to submit necessary documents and apply with a development fee of Rs 1250 per square meter alongwith building plans. In case, the development fee is deposited in instalments, provisional approval of building plan will be given. Development fee can be deposited in six easy instalments within three years, however, interest rate of six per cent will be levied, he added.
          He said that owners who do not abide by these rules and do not apply within six months for building plans approval, their plots and buildings will be covered under Haryana Municipal Corporation Act – 1994 and would be sealed and demolished. However, ten per cent discount will be admissible to those who will deposit development fee before April 30, 2018, he added.
          He said that the layout plan can be seen in the planning wing of office of Town and Country Planning, Gurugram at Sector 34. Information related to the same could also be obtained on telephone no 0124-2371977 and email stp@mcg.gov.in. 
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HVS University signs MoU with IMS

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 39
The  Haryana Vishwakarma Skill University today signed a pact with IMS Health for starting a new curriculum in healthcare sector in the presence of Vice Chancellor, Mr Raj Nehru.  
          While Registrar, Dr Sunil Gupta signed the agreement on behalf of University, Mr Lokesh Sharma signed on behalf of IMS Health.
          Speaking on this occasion, Mr Raj Nehru said that a joint effort of education and industry was a unique step to ensure better future of today's youth. Describing skill training an integral part of education, he said that definition of education could not be fulfilled without this. Today India is gaining popularity in the field of medical and healthcare services in the entire world and there are ample employment opportunities in these sectors in the time to come.  
          This programme will prepare skilled professionals according to demand for various sectors of the Government, NGO, Pharma Companies, Healthcare Insurance and Tourism Organizations. This programme will commence in April under which 20 students would be trained in health care sector. This program is for a period of one year and the interested students can download application from the website of University.
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Two Haryana IAS officers transferred

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
The Haryana Government has issued transfer and posting orders of 2 IAS officers with immediate effect.
          Prashant Panwar, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO)(Civil), Tauru has been posted SDO(Civil),Sonepat vice Jitender Kumar-II whose posting orders will be issued separately.
          Preeti, SDO (Civil),Hodal has been posted SDO(Civil),Tauru in place of Prashant Panwar.
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April 2 declared as Bank Holiday in Haryana

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
The Haryana Government has declared April 2, 2018 (Monday) as Bank Holiday within the meaning of section 25 Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 for the purpose of Annual Closing of Bank Accounts. No public dealing would be done by the banks on April 2, 2018. All the offices of Haryana Government will, however, remain open on April 2, 2018.
          A notification to this effect has been issued by Chief Secretary Office today.
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Four HCS officers transferred in Haryana

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
The Haryana Government has issued transfer and posting orders of 4 HCS officers, with immediate effect.
          Hema Sharma, Additional Director (Admn.) and Additional Secretary, Medical Education and Research Department and Additional Chief Executive Officer, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Board has been posted Director and Special Secretary, Women and Child Development Department.
          Pradhuman Singh, Managing Director, Cooperative Sugar Mill, Karnal has been given additional charge of Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) Thanesar, relieving Vatsal Vashisht of the said charge.
          Sarita Malik, Additional Director and Additional Secretary, Higher Education and Secretary, State Information Commission has been posted Additional Director (Admn.) and Additional Secretary, Women and Child Development Department vice Reagan Kumar and she would also look after the work of Secretary, State Information Commission. 
          Reagan Kumar, Joint Director (Admn.), and Deputy Secretary, Women and Child Development Department has been posted Administrative Officer, UTKARSH Society.
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CM to inaugurate Media Centre at Gurugram

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 30
Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal will announce bonanza for the people of Gurugarm and redress their grievances in Gurugram on March 31 and April 1.
        While giving this information today, an official spokesman said that on the first day, the Chief Minister would inaugurate the Media Centre equipped with advanced facilities for the convenience of media persons in mini secretariat, Gurugram. The Centre had been equipped with facilities like computers, printers, broadband, telephone, inverters, LED TVs, fridges and adequate seating arrangement.
          He said that after this, Chief Minister would chair the meeting of District Public Relations and Grievances Committee and would redress the grievances on hearing both the complainants and the department officials. Those invited in this meeting included, MP and Union Minister, Rao Inderjit Singh, Haryana Cabinet Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, MLA, Gurugram, Mr Umesh Aggarwal, MLA Sohna, Mr Tejpal Tanwar, MLA Pataudi, Mrs Bimla Chaudhary and Mayor, Gurugram, Mrs Madhu Azad, Senior Deputy Mayor, Mrs Pramila Kablana and Deputy Mayor, Mrs  Sunita Yadav, Zila Parishad, Chairman, Mr Kalyan Singh Chauhan,  BJP District President, Mr Bhupender Singh Chauhan and others.
          He said that the Chief Minister would later address the meeting of district officials to review the ongoing development works and progress on development works announced by the Chief Minister for Gurugram.
          The next day on April 1, the Chief Minister would go around the Wazirabad-Chakarpur Bandh project and also inspect the rejuvenation of Sikandarpur Ghoshi Lake, he added. 
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Transfer of houses and commercial property made easy

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29
Haryana Housing Board has formulated a new transfer policy to ease the norms allowing transfer of houses and commercial property by paying requisite fee and charges. The allottees will also get the conveyance deed executed in respect of their flats.
          While stating this here today, Chairman, Haryana Housing Board, Mr. Jawahar Yadav said that a decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the Board held under his chairmanship, recently.
          He said that it has been observed that the existing policies of Housing Board were restrictive in nature and not in consonance with the aims and objectives of the “Housing for All”. It also hamper in the main objective of the Board to provide affordable housing to the needy persons. In addition, these policies have become redundant due to various decisions taken by Board in recent past.
          Giving details of new policy, Mr Yadav said that transfer of tenancy rights would not be restricted in the blood relations and the same can be transferred to any person also. In a major relief to allottees, he said that cases of transfers of dwelling units based on General Power of Attorney (GPA) transactions, where GPA contains a clause to this effect and attorney is legal, valid and enforceable, have been made permissible, provided that the attorney holder would have to give an affidavit to the effect that allottee is alive and GPA has not been cancelled.
He said that no eligibility condition has been prescribed for the transferee except that the transferee would be major that he or she completed 18 years of age at the time of transfer. In case where full payment is yet to be made and HPTA is enforceable, transfer can be allowed more than once, subject to payment of requisite fees and submission of documents and completion of formalities.
Giving details of transfer fee of residential houses, he said that the allottee having covered area upto 300 sq ft would have to pay Rs2,000 as transfer fee. In case of covered area ranging between 300 sq ft to 700 sq ft, 700 to 1200 sq ft and more than 1200 sq ft, the transfer fee would be Rs.3,500, Rs 5,500 and Rs10,000 respectively. These rates would be applicable to all category of houses. Apart from this, processing fee of Rs.500 in the shape of bank draft in favour of Housing Board Haryana payable at Panchkula would have to be paid for transfer of residential property, he added.
He said that the processing fee for commercial or institutional or non residential property would be Rs 10,000. The transfer fee would be charged at the rate of 6 per cent of the sale price of property.
In case of death of an allottee, transfer in favour of the legal heirs would be allowed on payment of processing fee alone.
In case of addition of spouse name, allottee having covered area upto 300 sq ft would have to pay Rs1,000. In case of covered area ranging between 300 sq ft to 700 sq ft, 700 to 1200 sq ft and more than 1200 sq ft, the charges would be Rs.2000, Rs 3000 and Rs5,000 respectively. However addition would not be allowed in case of any litigation and the name can be added at any time after allotment.
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Fresh e-bidding of liquor vends in 42 zones in Haryana

CHANDIGARH,  MARCH 29

The conscious and calibrated decision taken by the Haryana Government to go in for fresh e-bidding of liquor vends in 42 zones, spanning three revenue districts of Faridabad, Gurugram (East) & Gurugram (West), where it suspected cartelisation had come in the way of realisation of their true revenue potential, has paid rich dividends.

Disclosing this, a spokesman of the Excise and Taxation Department said here today that in the first round, where cartelization was suspected, the department received a cumulative bid amount of Rs 663.69 crore in respect of these 42 zones.

But during the fresh e-bidding held subsequently on 27.03.2018 and 28.03.2018 for these zones, the department received a cumulative bid amount of Rs.787.11 crore, adding a whopping sum of Rs.123.42 crore to the government kitty.

The decision to go in for fresh bidding, taken after due diligence and discussion with the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal, and the Excise and Taxation Minister, Capt Abhimanyu, has resulted in an increase of 18.6 per cent over the initial bid amount, clearly underscoring the success of the Excise Policy for  2018-19.

Giving details, the spokesman said during the first round of e-bidding held in all districts from 14.03.2018 to 20.03.2018, it was observed that all districts, except Gurugram (East), Gurugram (West) and Faridabad, witnessed high revenue growth, thereby realizing their true revenue potential.

Even districts like Sonepat, Panipat and Kaithal fetched revenue growth of more than 20%, way ahead of the growth witnessed in earlier years. But on the other hand, Gurugram (West) and Faridabad registered a negative growth of 4.08% and 2.13% respectively, in comparison to the license fee last year. Although Gurugram (East) witnessed a meagre growth of 1.84%, it no way represented true potential of the district.

Faridabad, Gurugram (East) & Gurugram (West) are high revenue potential districts contributing approximately more than 1/3rd of the total revenue of the state from auction of the retail vends. Historically, these districts have consistently shown annual revenue growth. Even during 2017-18, despite the Supreme Court restriction of 500 metres with regard to location of vends on the national/ state highway, all districts except these three had shown a negative growth.

Faridabad in 2017-18 showed revenue growth of 18.51%, the highest in the state. Similarly, the revenue district of Gurugram during 2017-18 registered a growth of 10.31%.

The spokesman said as the bid amount initially received for 2018-19 was not commensurate with true potential of the districts of Gurugram (East), Gurugram (West) and Faridabad, a foul play in the form of cartelization was suspected by the government, which scuttled  competitive bidding, and consequently, made a dent in the state revenue.

This department did not find it acceptable as even the ethos of the Excise Policy, as stated in its Preamble, aimed at breaking cartels in the trade of liquor. Hence, all zones pertaining to these three districts were analyzed individually in terms of their potentiality and 16 such zones in Gurugram (West), 11 zones in Gurugram (East) and 15 zones in Faridabad district that failed to realize their true revenue potential, were identified.

Subsequently, the state government took a tough stand on the issue, and after discussion with the Chief Minister and the Excise and Taxation Minister, the department decided not to approve allotment of these 42 zones belonging to these three excise districts, and a decision to go for fresh bidding was taken on 22.03.2018.

In the meantime, one of the highest bidders of the first round from Faridabad district filed a civil writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on 26.03.2018, challenging the decision of the government to go in for fresh bidding. The matter was taken up by the court on 27.03.2018 and was dismissed, vindicating the stand of the government.

This cleared the way for fresh bidding which has resulted in additional revenue of Rs 123.42 crore to the state exchequer, the spokesman added.

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Online Transfer Policy of Assistant and Associate Professors issued

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 28

The Haryana Government has issued the draft Online Transfer Policy, 2018 of Assistant and Associate Professors in Government Colleges of the state under which Assistant or Associate Professors who are members of State Cadre are liable to be transferred anywhere in the State, at any point of time. However, while effecting transfers, the academic interest of students would be supreme.

          While stating this here today, a spokesman of the Higher Education Department said that comments, suggestions or inputs on the draft policy could be sent on the e-mail transferpolicyhedu@gmail.com by April 15, 2018.

          He said that the general transfers would be made only once in a year, as per time schedule given or as notified by the Government for a given year.  However, transfers could be effected by the Government at any time during the year in cases of administrative exigency, transfer of spouses of employees of Departments or Organizations of the State and Central Governments and on compassionate grounds.

          He said that eligible Assistant or Associate Professors would submit their choice of Government Colleges. The first choice would be made in respect of Zone l Colleges (Rural and Difficult to be notified) and second choice would be made for Zone 2 colleges and so forth. While giving these options, it would be ensured that their subject is being taught in those colleges. However, the Assistant or Associate Professors in Anthropology, Biotech, Electronics, Fine Arts, Geology, Microbiology, Philosophy, Public Administration and Tourism would not be covered under this Policy, he added.

          While referring to the time table to be followed for various activities every year except the first year in which the online transfer policy is being implemented, the spokesman said that the qualifying date for actual vacancies (sanctioned posts) and deemed vacancies, calculation of weightage, count of stay would be done by April 30 every year. He said that in case of fraction by more than 0.5 per cent, it would be rounded off to next numeral. The "Actual Vacancies" and "Deemed Vacancies" would be done from April 1 to 30, every year. The eligible Assistant and Associate Professors would submit their choice of Government Colleges online, from May 1 to 15 every year and transfer orders would be issued from June 1 to 30, every year.

          He said that all newly recommended candidates would be posted in rural Government colleges, if vacancy exists as per the merit list supplied by the recruiting agency. Further, the age and roster point would be taken into consideration for his first place of posting as per the preferences given under this policy. In case there is no vacancy in rural Government colleges, they may give their preferences in Urban Government Colleges. The limit of vacancies may be increased by the department in case of new entrants.

          The spokesman said that transfer or posting to the opted Government College would not be claimed or treated as a matter of right. No requests for deputation from one Government College to another would be considered except in cases of administrative exigencies. He said that vacancies in the Government Colleges would be notified each year. The option once availed and confirmed would be final and could be changed only under the provisions of this Policy. He said that preferably female Assistant or Associate Professors would be posted in a Government College for Girls. Unless protected under the provisions of this Policy, every Assistant or Associate Professor completing 5 years continuous stay in a particular Government College would be transferred.

          The spokesman said that persons with 100 per cent  disabilities would  be given their choice of posting and condition of five years stay would not be applicable on them. However, to take care of categories like women, women headed households, widows, widowers, differently abled persons, legally divorced, unmarried female, serious ailment, and Assistant or Associate Professors showing improvement in results, maximum 20 points could be availed by the Assistant or Associate Professors of these categories.

a) Age:

Sr No	Major Factor	Sub-Factor	Maximum Points	criteria for calculation
1	Age (Present date minus Date of birth)	Eldest person shall get maximum points	5B	Age in number of days÷_ 365 (maximum four decimal points only)

b) Special Category:

Sr No	Major Factor	Sub-Factor	Maximum Points	criteria for calculation
1	Gender	Female	10	10 points shall be given to female Assistant/ Associate Professors
2	Special Category female Assistant/ Associate Professors	Widow/divorced/ separated/ unmarried female Assistant/ Associate Professor more than 40 years of age/ wife of serving Military person nel/ Paramilitary personnel working outside the State	10	All female of this category shall be given 10 marks only.
3	Special Category male Assistant/ Associate Professors	Widower (A male who has lost his wife and has not re-married) and has one or more minor children and/ or unmarried daughter(s)	5	Eligible male widowers shall be given 5 points only, (in case of remarriage of self/ children becoming major/daughter getting married, the employee will have to update his profile in the MIS and will not be eligible for this advantage any more)
4	Differently abled persons	Vision Disability	20	40% to 60% disability = 10 Marks, Above 60% to 80% disability = 15 Marks Above 80% disability =20 Marks
		Locomotors Disability	20
		Deaf & Dumb Disability	20
5	Diseases of Debilitating Disorders namely Chronic Heart Diseases, Chronic Artery Diseases, Brain tumours and malignancy of different organs, Paraplegic/ Quadriplegia/ Hemiplegic, Multiple Sclerosis, Mysthenia Gravis, Parki nson Disease, Thalassemia, Haemophilia, Aplastic Anaemia, Myelodisplastic disorders, AIDS, Liver and Kidney transplant	Self	10	Certificate issued by AIIMS (lncluding its branches in Haryana), PGI Rohtak, PGI, Khanpur Kalan, Kalpana Chawla Medical College, Karnal, PGI Chandigarh or Duly Constituted Medical Board only, A certificate shall be valid for a period of 3 years only, After three years new certificate shall be required to be submitted.
		Spouse/ unmarried Children	10
6	Differently abled mentally challenged children	Men/Women having Mentally challenged or 100% differently abled child	10	Men/Women Assistant/ Associate Professors having mentally challenged or 100% differently abled children shall be provided maximum 10 points. The employee will have to update his profile in the MIS and will not be eligible for this advantage any more
7	Well performing Assistant/ Associate Professors	Assistant/ Associate Professors giving good results in the last University exam,	5	For results, following shall be the criteria for entitlement of points : 75% to 80% = 1 80% to 85% = 2 85% to 90% = 3 90% to 95% = 4 95% to 100% = 5 The results will be certified by the concerned college Principal and are to be uploaded on MIS portal.
8	Weightage of ACRs for the last 5 years	Outstanding	5	80% and above = 5 60% to 80% = 4 40% to 60% = 3 20% to 40% = 2 0% to 20% = 1

          He said that with a view to transfer the teaching staff in excess of sanctioned or assessed strength in a Government College to other Government College having requirement, the task of creating or shifting sanctioned posts would normally be carried out before general transfers. All Assistant or Associate Professors would give option of minimum 10 Government colleges in order of preference. Five colleges out of these 10 would be rural colleges and 05 colleges would be urban. First choice would be made in respect of rural college and second would be made for urban college and so forth. All Assistant or Associate Professors would be asked to select the Government colleges in different districts in order of their preferences, across districts. They would further opt for a minimum of 10 Government Colleges, in order of preference, so that their claim could be considered against multiple vacancies.

          He said that in case he or she does not get his or her preferred choice then he or she would be given posting in any other Government College. Assistant or Associate Professors would be entitled to change the option of districts after every 05 years or as decided by Government from time to time. Unmarried female Assistant or Associate Professors would be given a chance to change options, within two months of their marriage, subject to the fulfilment of other conditions. Further, married female Assistant or Associate Professors would also have an opportunity to change their option in case of the death of husband or in case of legal divorce from husband. A male Assistant or Associate Professor would also be given the opportunity to change his option in case of death of his wife.

          The spokesman said that Assistant Professors joining for the first time on direct recruitment would also be asked to give their option of minimum ten Government Colleges as per the policy. Assistant or Associate Professors joining the department on repatriation from U.T. Administration or other States or other departments of the State Government, where they were on deputation, would also be asked to give their option of Government College as per the policy. Assistant or Associate Professors having one year retirement would not be transferred unless he opts account of Administrative exigency. He said that on account of administrative exigency, the Department would be at liberty to post any Assistant or Associate Professor at any Government College irrespective of preferences given.

          He said that the incumbents posted in rural colleges after completion of 3 years of rural service may apply afresh for transfer but, for completion of specific rural service for grant of senior or selection grade have to again complete the rural service within the given span as mentioned in notified policy of the department for rural postings. To ensure uninterrupted NCC program in the Government Colleges having NCC units, Associate NCC Officers (ANO) would be replaced by the Assistant or Associate Professors working as Associate NCC Officers only.

          The spokesman said that all transfers would be implemented within seven working days of their issuance. The copy of transfer orders would be sent to the Treasury Officer concerned with a request not to draw the salary of such transferred Assistant or Associate Professor from the institution he or she has been transferred. The Assistant or Associate Professors transferred on administrative grounds would not be transferred back to same Government College from where they were transferred out on administrative grounds. Aggrieved Assistant or Associate Professors, in case of any discrepancy, could represent to the competent authority within 15 days of issuance of orders, after joining at new place of posting. Their representation would be considered in accordance with the Policy and appropriate decision would be conveyed to him or her within 15 days.

          He said that the Administrative Secretary, Higher Education with the prior approval of the Chief Minister would be competent to transfer any Assistant or Associate Professor to any place in relaxation of any or all of the above provisions after recording reasons justifying such relaxation.

          He said that this Transfer Policy would be applicable with effect from the date of notification and it would be applicable to all Assistant or Associate Professors working in the Government Colleges under Higher Education Department. The policy aims to ensure equitable, demand based distribution of teachers, to protect academic interest of students and optimise job satisfaction amongst teachers in a fair and transparent manner.

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Haryanan ready to procure 80 lakh tonnes of wheat at MSP

Chandigarh, March 26
 Haryana Government has made all the arrangements for the procurement of 80 lakh tonnes of wheat at the minimum support price of Rs 1735 per quintal for the current Rabi season 2018 as compared to 74.25 lakh quintal tonnes of wheat procured at the minimum support price of Rs 1625 during last rabi season. Each and every grain of wheat crop produced by farmers will be procured in the state. The Agriculture Department has estimated the production of about 117.80 lakh tonnes of wheat in the state for Rabi 2018.
            This was informed by Additional Chief Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Mr Ram Niwas while addressing a press conference here today. Through Finance Department, Rs 4900 crore have been made available from RBI for procurement, he added.  
            Detailing about the arrangements, he said that all the 383 mandis of the state already stand allotted to various procurement agencies for the smooth procurement operations and for the convenience of the farmers. As many as 266370 gunny bales have already been made available at the district level by March 25, 2018. For the procurement of current rabi season, about 41 lakh metric tonnes storage facility is available and applications have been invited from private firms for making more storage available. Almost all labour and transport contractors have been appointed in the mandis till date.
            The Government has made all the funds available to procure wheat of farmers and they would be paid within 48 to 72 hours of procurement. 
            He said that necessary arrangements of water, resting place and toilets have been made in the mandis. Deputy Commissioners have been directed to inspect mandis before the start of procurement to oversee and ensure all arrangements are in place and avoid any inconvenience to the farmers.
            He said that Food Corporation of India will procure 12 per cent of wheat and the rest 88 per cent will be procured by State Procurement Agencies.  Hafed will procure 40 per cent of wheat, Food and Supplies 33 per cent, Haryana Warehousing Corporation, 15 per cent and Food Corporation of India 12 per cent.   
            He said that the guidelines and directions and procurement policy have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners, Managing Directors of all Procurement Agencies and District Controllers. The wheat will be procured with a moisture content of 12 per cent as per parameters issued for the procurement by Government of India.  Following the parameters, the farmers have also been appealed to bring wheat with moisture content of 12 per cent for easy procurement process.  
            The Additional Chief Secretary said that the State Government has given the indent of 2,96,680  gunny bales to Jute Commissioner through Government of India.  As of March 25, 2018 as many as 266370 gunny bales have already been made available at the district level. The State Government is in the possession of about 20 thousand plastic bales which would be utilised after the approval of Government of India. There was no shortage of bags for the procurement process, he assured.
            He said that the total storage capacity of 81.20 lakh metric tonnes of the Food Corporation of India and the State Procurement agencies is available in the state.  However, about 40 lakh metric tonnes is already occupied by crop of rice and wheat and for the procurement of current rabi season, about 41 lakh metric tonnes storage facility is available.  Apart from this, about ten lakh metric tonnes wheat will be sent to other states. The State Government has also invited applications for renting private godowns and plinths. As many as 41 godown owners have applied for renting out their godowns and plinths.  
            He said that elaborate arrangements have been made of wooden planks, polythene covers and other materials needed for procurement of wheat. Bringing complete transparency in the system, it was for the first time that e-tenders were floated for the appointment of labour and transport contractors in the mandis and almost all have been appointed till date.
             He said that all the Deputy Commissioners have been directed to inspect mandis before the start of procurement to oversee and ensure all arrangements are in place and avoid any inconvenience to the farmers.  The Superintendents of Police have also been directed to depute additional teams for ensuring safety and security of mandis and for traffic control.
             Informing about the arrangements of funds for the procurement, he said that through Finance Department, Rs 4900 crore have been made available from RBI.  The Government has all the funds available to procure wheat of farmers and they would be paid within 48 to 72 hours of procurement.
             He said that it would be the responsibility of Deputy Commissioners and Procurement Agencies to make sure that all the wheat is procured on Minimum Support Price. Necessary arrangements of water, resting place and toilets have been made in the mandis and Secretary, Mandi Committees have been given clear directions that farmers should not face any difficulty in selling their produce.  They will ensure lifting of wheat in a prescribed time frame and make timely payment to farmers so as to avoid any traffic jam in mandis. Senior officers are deputed in the mandis so that the farmers’ grievances, if any, could be redressed on the spot.
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60,650 participate in Basic Literacy Valuation Exam

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 26
As many as 60,650 examinees participated in the Basic Literacy Valuation Exam held at 2,356 rural examination centers in the Government Schools of 10 districts in Haryana under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Sakshar Bharat’ of Adult Education on March 25, 2018.
          While stating this here today, an official spokesman said that 5,765 examinees in 99 examination centers participated in district Bhiwani, 2209 participated in 109 examination centers in Faridabad, 6,000 in 248 examination centers in Fatehabad, 2,480 in 180 examination centers of Gurugram, 12,000 in 306 centres in Hisar, 4000 in 255 examination centers in Jind, 10,000 in 234 examination centers in Kaithal, 13,600 in 391 examination centers in Karnal, 1,916 in 200 examination centers in Mohindergarh and 2,680 examinees participated in 334 examination centers in Sirsa.
          He said that national level literacy examination is conducted twice a year in August and March by the National Literacy Mission Authority and National Open University Education Institute.
          He said that this evaluation exam consists of three parts called reading, writing and mathematics and each part is of 50 marks. The Certificate of Basic Literacy is given to successful examiners who earn 40 per cent marks in different parts by the National Institute of Open School.

FIVE FARMERS HONOURED: As many as five farmers and entrepreneurs were honoured with “Ratna Awards’’ in the field of Animal Husbandry and allied sector on the last day of the third Agri Leadership Summit at Rohtak.   
           The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr Nitin Gadkari and Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Acharya Dev Vrat jointly gave away the awards, in the presence of Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minster, Mr O.P. Dhankar.
     Murrah Ratna was awarded to Narender of Village Didvadi of Panipat district, Gopal Ratna to Rajiv Khurana of Rohtak, Poultry Ratna to Harpal Handa of Jind, Modern Dairy Farming Ratna to Sukhwinder Saraf in Kundali of Sonipat district and FPO Ratna to Puneet Singh Thind of Ambala.
STRESS ON ORGANIC FARMING: Haryana Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi today urged the farmers to reduce the use of pesticides and to adopt organic farming.
           Dr Likhi was speaking during the meeting of farmers and Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural scientists during the 3^rd Agri Leadership Summit organised in Rohtak today.
          He said that aggressive use of pesticides result in adversely affecting the ecological balance. There is an urgent need to reduce its use for ensuring fertility of soil, he added.
          Dr Likhi also emphasized on diversification of crops. He said that rotational cultivation of traditional one or two crops would not be a profitable venture and advised them to diversify their crops from traditional to horticulture. Apart from this, he emphasized on better coordination between farmers and Krishi Vigyan Kendra.
          Chief Administrator, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Mr Mandeep Singh Brar emphasized the improvement in the working of Krishi Vigyan Kendra. He said that Vigyan Kendras need to assist the research scholars in reaching the farmers and should also collect the latest information and research. Organic farming would increase the quality and purity of the crops.
          Managing Director, Haryana Warehousing Corporation, Mr R.C. Bidhan urged the farmers to get the quality of their soil tested from time to time and avoid excessive use of pesticides.
FREEDOM FIGHTERS: Haryana Government has decided to invite first generation successors of freedom fighters in national functions and important ceremonies to be organized in the state.
          While stating this here today, an official spokesman said that in a letter circulated to all Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), they have been asked to invite first generation successors of freedom fighters in all such functions and ceremonies.
          He said that presently freedom fighters, ex-members of Azad Hind Fouj and their widows were invited in national functions and important ceremonies.
SIX IAS OFFICERS PROMOTED: Haryana Government has promoted six IAS officers in the Chief Secretary Grade with immediate effect.           Those who are promoted included Ms Jyoti Arora, Mr Devender Singh,  Mr Trilok Chand Gupta, Mr Amit Jha, Mr Siddhi Nath Roy and Mr Rajiv Arora.
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31 posts for DITAC approved by Haryana CM

Chandigarh March 21
 Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has approved 31 posts for Digital Investigation, Training and Analysis Centre, a highly specialized unit of Haryana Police at Gurugram  to impart training courses  to police officials to enhance their skills in cyber crimes and other related matter.
          While stating this here today, a spokesman of Home Department said that the approval of these 31 posts involves an expenditure of over Rs 1.33 crore.
          He said that Digital Investigation, Training and Analysis Centre (DITAC) at Gurugram is a highly specialized unit of Haryana Police which has completed its one successful year. During this period, this lab has conducted many training courses for the police officials to enhance their skills in cyber crimes and other related matter. Apart from this, it has processed more than 60 important cases received from the various districts and other investigation agencies of the State. In these cases, data extraction of more than 150 mobile phones of various companies having pattern lock, pin lock and other challenging hurdles has been done successfully, he added.
          The spokesman said that Social Media Monitoring Cell of DITAC has performed very well by tracking objectionable contents during Jat agitation, Dera Sacha Sauda agitation and other day to day law and order situations. He said that in Dera issue, official twitter and facebook account of Gurmeet Ram Rahim were got suspended within no time by this cell. The Centre has gained its popularity in other States of the country and representatives from various police or intelligence wings of other States and Para Military Forces have visited this centre.
          He said that the  posts approved included one Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), three Inspectors, one Sub Inspector (SI), one Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI), nine Head Constable (HC) and ten Constables alongwith one  office assistant, one clerk and four class-IV employees.
          The spokesman said that while the DSP would be the in-charge of DITAC, one Inspector of Police each would work as In-charge of Social Media Monitoring Lab, In-charge of Cyber Forensic Lab and In-charge of Training Lab. The Sub Inspector would be In-charge of Server of this Cell. He said that two Head Constable and equal number of Constables would work as operator in each shift on 24x7 basis and two Head Constables and equal number Constables would be kept as reserve to cater to leave or training. Apart from this, there would be office staff of one Office assistant, one clerk, one ASI, one Head Constable and two Constables besides four Class-IV employees including one peon, one cook, one water carrier and one sweeper.
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KU among 21 varsities granted autonomy by UGC

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 21
 Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra and Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar  of Haryana  are among the 21 state universities  granted autonomy by the University Grants Commission giving these universities different degrees of freedom in academic and administrative decision-making. 
          While stating this here today, Haryana Education Minister, Mr. Ram Bilas Sharma said that out of the total 21 state universities which have been awarded this status in India, these two are from Haryana. Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra ranked eighth with NAAC score of 3.52 granted with grade-I autonomy and Guru Jambeshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar ranked 21st with NAAC score of 3.28 with grade-II autonomy.
          He said that out of only two private universities which have been awarded this status, one is from Haryana which is, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat which ranked first amongst private universities with NAAC score of 3.26 and granted with grade-II autonomy.
          The Minister said, “These universities have brought laurels to the state and we all are proud of the efforts made by the universities administration for achieving new heights in the field of higher education. The State Government is committed to provide quality higher education in the State”. There are 799 Universities in India as per the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) survey 2015-16, he added.
          The Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Mrs. Jyoti Arora said that the State Government has already made accreditation from NAAC mandatory for all the institutions of higher learning and necessary directions to all the Vice Chancellors and College Principals have been issued.
          She said that as a part of major reforms in higher education in the state, the government for the first time has developed a format for reviewing the progress of state universities on various performance indicators. The format comprising measurable parameters in academic quality, teaching quality, research, employability, infrastructure, inclusiveness and social impact, collaborations and financial aids will improve quality and access in higher education and will be a major indicator for grant in aid to the state universities in future. A framework for making college education more job oriented will be implemented from the next session, added Mrs Arora.
          She said that  these Universities have been granted autonomy under UGC's new regulation on 'Categorization of Universities for Grant of Graded Autonomy', which aims to provide greater autonomy to institutions under three categories, based on their National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation score and giving them different degrees of freedom in academic and administrative decision-making.
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