Haryana Government imposes weekend lockdown in nine districts

Chandigarh, April 30

As  COVID-19 Pandemic is again posing threat to public health, Haryana Government while considering the need of taking effective measures to prevent its spread in the State has imposed weekend lockdown in nine districts of the State namely, Panchkula, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad. 

         As per the orders issued by the Chief Secretary, Sh. Vijai Vardhan who is also the Chairperson of, State Executive Committee the weekend lockdown will come into force from 10:00 PM on April 30, 2021 (Friday) till 05:00 AM on May 3, 2021 (Monday).  The lockdown has been imposed in exercise of the powers under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

         Any person violating these containment measures will be liable to be proceeded against as per the provisions of Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, besides legal action under Sec. 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable. 

         Sharing more details in this regard, an official spokesperson said that during the lockdown the residents must stay indoors during the lockdown period. No person shall leave their homes or shall move on foot or by vehicle or travel or stand or roam around on any road or public places during the above said hours. 

Movement of persons and certain services to be exempted 

The spokesperson said that despite the lockdown orders, the movement of persons and services who shall be exempted include those tasked with law and order, emergencies and municipal services, duties including Executive Magistrates, Police personnel, Military/ C.A.P.F. personnel in uniform, health, electricity, fire, media persons with accreditation and Government machinery tasked with COVID-19 related duties (all on production of Identity Card).

 He said that movement for appearing in the examination and those on examination duties on production of admit/ identity cards.

         Furthermore, there shall be no curbs on those engaged in the manufacture of essential goods. There shall be no curbs on movement (inter-State and intra-State) of essential and non-essential goods. 

         The spokesperson said that all vehicles or persons in bonafide transit (interState or intra-State) shall be allowed to pass, but only after verification of point of origin and destination.

Medical establishments to remain open 

The spokesperson said that Hospitals, Veterinary Hospitals and all related medical establishments, including their manufacturing and distribution units, both in the public and private sector, such as dispensaries, chemist, Pharmacies (including Jan Aushadhi Kendra) and medical equipment shops, laboratories, Pharmaceutical research labs, clinics, nursing homes, ambulance etc. will continue to remain functional. 

         He further informed that transportation for all medical personnel, nurses, para-medical staff, other hospital support services be permitted.

Telecommunications and internet service to remain functional 

The spokesperson said that as per the orders, the Telecommunications, internet services, broadcasting and cable services. IT and IT-enabled Services, delivery of all essential goods including food, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment etc. through E-commerce would be exempted. 

         Apart from this, petrol pumps, LPG, Petroleum and gas retail and storage outlets, power generation, transmission and distribution units and services,  cold storage and warehousing services, private security services, farming operations by farmers and farmworkers in the field and ATM are also exempted, informed the spokesman. 

         He said that restaurants, eating places, hotels including food joints and courts in various malls can remain open only for home delivery.

         The spokesman said that intra and inter-state movement of harvesting and sowing related machines like combined harvester and other agriculture and horticulture implements.

         The passengers going to or returning from airport or railway station or I.S.B.T or  Bus stations shall be exempted.

Prescribed gathering limit at social functions to be followed 

The spokesperson informed that all marriage functions which have taken prior permission from the concerned District Magistrates or officers authorized by them shall be allowed to subject to the limit of a maximum of 50 per cent of the hall capacity with a ceiling of 30 persons in indoor spaces and with the ceiling of 50 persons in open spaces.

         Meanwhile, wherever exceptions to above containment measures have been allowed, the organizations or employers must ensure necessary precautions against the COVID-19 virus, as well as social distance measures, as advised by the Health Department from time to time.

Industrial Units to mandatorily apply on Saral Haryana portal 

         The spokesperson said that all the Industrial units, enterpenures concerns are directed to mandatorily apply on Saralharyana portal (https://saralharayana.gov.in) by providing necessary details to generate requisite passes for the employees or staff.

         In addition to this, all enforcing authorities should ensure that these strict restrictions fundamentally relate to the movement of people, but not to that of essential goods. However, the movements of all essential goods are allowed.

Executive Magistrate deployed as Incident Commanders 

The spokesperson said that to implement these containment measures, the District Magistrate area deploy Executive Magistrate as Incident Commanders in the respective local jurisdictions. 

         The Incident Commander will be responsible for the overall implementation of these measures in their respective jurisdictions. 

         All other line department officials in the specified area will work under the directions of such Incident Commander. Besides this, the Incident Commander will issue passes for enabling essential movements as explained.

         The spokesperson further said that a letter in this regard has been issued by the Chief Secretary, to   Administrative Secretaries, Director General of Police and Deputy Commissioners. 

=====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Ish Sodhi bowls St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to victory

  Ish Sodhi bowls St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to victory

Gros Islet, St Lucia, APRIL 30 

The fifth match of the Hero CPL Esports Series saw Ish Sodhi of the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots take on Ryan Persaud of the Jamaica Tallawahs at a virtual Warner Park. It was Sodhi and the Patriots who emerged victorious after a virtuoso batting display saw them reach 135 for 2 from their five overs. 

Having been put in to bat the Patriots reached the end of the second over at 60/1 with both Evin Lewis and Chris Lynn going hard from the start. Lynn fell for 26 (6) but Lewis just kept going past fifty from just nine balls.  Lewis was dismissed the ball after reaching the landmark, but the Patriots were off to a flying start. 

 Even with both openers gone the scoring did not slow down with Ben Dunk taking an amazing 34 runs off an over from Persaud as he and Sodhi just kept swinging. 

 A final over from Mujeeb-ur-Rahman was giving slightly less punishment than the one which proceeded it, but a monumental target of 135 had been set. 

 It was Glenn Phillips and Persaud who opened the batting for the Tallawahs and he got his team up with the rate straight away with 32 runs coming from the opening over of the chase with Phillips the man doing the damage. An excellent second over from Alzarri Joseph put the scoring rate in check and put the pressure back on the Tallawahs. 

 With Phillips back on strike the scoring recommenced with the New Zealander reaching his fifty from just 10 balls.  Despite Phillips’ excellence there was just not enough support for him and the Patriots squeezed their way to victory. 

 An excellent final over from Sodhi closed out the win as the Patriots finished with a 41 run victory. 

=====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

26 IPS officers transferred in Haryana

  Chandigarh, April 29

 The Haryana Government has issued the posting and transfer orders of 26 IPS officers with immediate effect. Mr Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, (on promotion in DGP rank) has been posted as Director General of Prisons, Haryana. (Designated).

Mr    Desh Raj   Singh, ADGP/SCB, Haryana (on promotion in DGPrank) has been posted as DG, Bhondsi Police Complex, Bhondsi, Gurugram.

Smt.  Charu Bali, ADGP, IRB who also has the additional charge of ADGP/SCB has been posted as ADGP/SCB, Gurugram. Dr.Hanif Qureshi, IGP/IRB  who also has the additional charge of Director General-cum-Secretary New and Renewable Energy Department has been given  additional charge of IGP/RTC Bhondsi.  

Mr Sanjay Kumar, IGP/Hisar Range, Hisar has been posted as IGP/Administration along with the additional charge of IGP/Law & Order at PHQ. 

Smt.  Bharti Arora, IGP/Karnal Range has been posted as     IGP/Ambala Range, Ambala   Cantt along with additional   charge of IGP Karnal Range, Karnal. 

Mr.Y. Puran Kumar, IGP/Ambala Range, Ambala Cantt has been posted as IGP/CTI, Home Guards. 

Mr Hemant Kalson (awaiting orders of posting) has been posted as IGP/Home Guards. 

Mr Rakesh Kumar Arya, DIG/L&O (H) who also has  additional charge of DIG/R&C     on     his promotion as IGP has been posted as  IGP/Hisar Range, Hisar. 

Mr   Satender    Kumar Gupta, DIG/Administration, Haryana who also has the additional charge of Dial 112 Project has been posted as DIG/Prisons, Haryana along with the additional charge of DIG/Railways Et Commando,Haryana. 

Mr Shashank Anand, Managing Director, UHVBN Ltd has been given additional charge of DIG/CID, Haryana. 

Mr B. Satheesh Balan, DIG/STF has been given additional charge of DIG/IRB Bhondsi. 

Mr    Om   Parkash, DIG-cum-SP Jind has been given additional charge of DIG/Law  and Order, Haryana along with theadditional charge of DIG/Administration. 

Smt.  Naazneen  Bhasin,  SP/RTC Bhondsi, Comdt. 2nd IRB Bhondsi who also has the  additional charge of SP/SVB on her promotion as DIG has been posted as      DIG/RTC  Bhondsi along with additional charge of DIG/SVB. 

Mr Kuldeep  Singh, SP/SVB on his promotion as DIG has been posted as DIG/SVB. 

Nr    Krishan Murari, Comdt. 3rd IRB Sunaria who also holds the additional charge of SP/PTC Sunaria on his promotion as DIG has been posted as DIG/PTC Sunaria. 

Nr   Shiv  Charan,SP SCB on his promotion as DIG has been posted as DIG/SCB, Haryana. 

Mr Balwan Singh, SP/Hisar who also has the additional charge of SP STF, Hisar on his promotion as DIG has been posted as DIG-cum-SP Hisar along with the additional charge of STF Hisar. 

Mr D. K. Bhardwaj,   DCP/Traffic Gurugram on his promotion as DIGhas been posted as DIG/Home Guards. 

Mr .Hamid Akhtar, SP/Ambala has been given additional charge of AIG/Welfare, PHQ. 

Mr .Virender Kumar, SP/STF has been posted as SP/Security, CID along with the additional charge of Comdt. 1st Bn. HAP Ambala City. 

Mr .Waseem Akram, SP/Telecommunication  and IT has been posted as SP/Jind. 

Dr. Anshu Singla, DCP/HQs, Faridabad on return from maternity leave has been posted as DCP NIT. 

Dr.  Arpit Jain,DCP NIT sho also has the additional charge of DCP/HQs, Faridabad has been posted as DCP    Ballabhgarh. He has also been given the additional charge of DCP/HQs, Faridabad. 

Mr .Udai Singh Meena, SP/ERSS  has been posted as SP Telecommunication, S.P./I.T. and SP ERSS with additional Charge of Comdt. 2nd IRB Bhondsi. 

Mr    Nitish Aggarwal,  ASP Kalanwali Sirsa has been posted as ASP Safidon, Jind. 

With this the Government has also issued the posting and transfer of 13 HPS officers with immediate effect.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

USA County proclaims April 21, 2021 as "Shree Saini Day"

   

INDIANAPOLIS, APRIL 29  
The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners,  Mrs. Laura Osiadacz, Mr. Cory Wright, Mr. Brett Wachsmith, has proclaimed April 21, 2021 as "Shree Saini Day" in Kittitas County. The  Board of Commissioners  in the proclamation asked all citizens of Kittitas County "to join them in celebrating and honoring Miss World America Washington for her work and service to better the lives of those around her by proclaiming April 21, 2021 as Shree Saini Day.
The  Board of Commissioners  have wished Indian-American model and motivational speaker 26-year old Shree Saini "the best of luck on her journey to become the next Miss World America."
The Indian American Shree Saini was born on January 6, 1996 in Abohar (Haryana), India. She has overcome having a heart pacemaker and suffering facial burns from a car accident.
She is winner of the Miss India USA (2017–2018), Miss India Worldwide (2018–2019) and Miss World America 2019 (contestant).
The proclamation reads "Shree Saini is resident of Kittitas county and first-generation American hailing from a family proud to be American citizens from the great nation of India. She is the reigning Miss World America Washington and a finalist to represent the United States at the 70th annual Miss World Pageant, an event viewed by over two billion people world-wide.
"Ms Saini has faced and beaten multiple challenges over her lifetime, including surgery  to place a permanent pacemaker in her heart at the age of 12, as well as suffering from facial burns.
"Ms Saini's work with over 100 non-profit organizations has led to speaking engagements in over 100 cities, 30 states, eight foreign nations and 500 civic awards from all over the world.
Ms Saini will be representing  not only Kittitas County, Washington States, the United States  should she be selected as Miss World America, she will be carrying the hopes of all Indians and South Asians, both here and around the world, as she would be the first American South Asian Miss World finalist."
In a message Mr Saini said "Eternally grateful to our inclusive county commissioners for honoring my community service, by announcing April 21st as the "ShreeSainiDay".
"Our extraordinarily encouraging commissioners Mrs. Laura Osiadacz, Mr. Cory Wright, Mr. Brett Wachsmith and their staff also gave me their blessings for my  MissWorldAmerica journey.  
"I am forever and ever thankful to be a part of "Truly Loving" county administration that has welcomed me with open hearts and open arms. "
To my world family :
"I will continue being a servant leader and serve everyone with a pure heart ♥️ I will continue to seek your guidance and counsel in my life. I hope you will continue teaching me and helping me become better with your advice. "

=====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Balaji-Nedunchezhiyan "Czeched' by American pair

 CHANDIGARH, APRIL 28 

Indian pair of N Sriram Balaji and Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan made their exit after losing to  third seeded American duo of Evan King and Hunter Reese 6-2, 6-3 10-6 in the doubles quarter-final of the € 44, 820 ATP Challenger Tour Ostragroup Open by Moneta Ostrava in Czech Republic on Thursday. The match lasted 68 minutes.
Balaji-Nedunchezhiyan earned €550 and 15 ATP points.
====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Bopanna-Bublik lose in first round in Millenium Estoril Open,

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 26  

Rohan Bopanna of India, pairing with  with Alexander Boblik of Kazakhstan were ousted by   challenge Great Britain duo of Luke Bambridge and Dominic Inglor by 6-2, 7-6 (1) in the doubles first round  of the € 481,270  ATP 250 Millenium Estoril Open, Portugal, on Monday.
The opponents kept their first serve 70 per cent each. However Inglot-Bambridge won 75 per cent points on their first serve and 63 percent points on second serve.  Bopanna-Bublik earned 65 percent points on their first serve and 41 percent on the second serve.
Bopanna-Bublik fired four aces. Their rivals did not serve any ace and committed solitary double fault of the match.

  Bopanna-Bublik  earned  €2,200.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Bopanna-Boblik face Luke-Dominic in ATP 250 Millenium Estoril Open

  CHANDIGARH, APRIL 25  

Rohan Bopanna of India, pairing with  Alexander Boblik of Kazakhstan  have been drawn to  challenge Great Britain duo of Luke Bambridge and Dominic Inglor in the doubles first round  of the ATP 250 € 481,270 Millenium Estoril Open, Portugal.
ATP 250 € 481,270 BMW Open in Munich (Germany) Divij Sharan of India will partner Erich Jonathan of Israel as they face Belgium combination of  Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen in the doubles first round fixture.
SUMIT AND PRAJNESH LOSE: Sumit Nagal and Prajnesh Gunneswaran of India lost their respective first round qualifying matches. Sumit Nagal lost to Nobert Gomoss of Slovakia in three sets 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-1 in the BMW Open.
Dennis Novok of Austria defeated Gunneswaran in a three-closely contested match 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.
====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Ensure RT-PCR testing reports available on time: Vardhan

  Chandigarh, April 25

Haryana Chief Secretary  Vijai Vardhan has instructed the District Deputy Commissioners to ensure that RT-PCR testing reports are available on time. Along with this, he has asked the officers to frequently monitor the availability of ICU and Oxygen beds in Government and non-Government hospitals of their concerned districts so that patients do not face any inconvenience  during their treatment.

The Chief Secretary was presiding over the meeting of the State Level Crisis Coordination Committee today. The Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of all the districts also participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

Mr. Vijai Vardhan said in this hour of corona pandemic crisis the officers should work with complete co-ordination and create containment zones with immediate effect in the areas where corona cases are rapidly increasing. He said that Incident Commanders should be appointed in these areas and directed to increase the medical facilities for the patients who are home isolated. He suggested that the MPs, MLAs, Chairmen and members of the market committees should take a decision to form  Containment Zones and take other necessary steps for Covid Precaution in their concerned areas.

He directed that every possible step should be taken to curb the spread of coronavirus. A committee in every district should be constituted headed by high level officers in order to ensure the proper allocation of oxygen in each district. This committee should ensure supply of oxygen to all government and non-government hospitals in the district as per  requirement. He further directed that the oxygen supply allocated by the government should be lifted on time. One officer should be posted for monitoring Government and Non-Government Hospitals.

He said that strict surveillance should be maintained on the black marketing of remdesivir injection and the committee of administrative officials should frequently check and prepare daily reports of its consumption and availability. He said that the RT-PCR testing report of the State Government and private labs should be made available on time.

The Chief Secretary said that the instructions regarding Covid-19 pandemic issued by the government should be strictly followed. Gathering of people should not exceed 50 in religious, social and family events organized in the open area and 30 number of people in  auditorium and 20 number of people should be restricted for attending cremation. Apart from this, all the Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to take decisions regarding imposing Section 144, fixing the minimum number of employees in the government offices in the districts, and ensuring that there is no crowd gathering anywhere.

He said that maximum number of employees should adopt work from home in the offices where it can be implemented. In addition to this, in the districts like Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, in the wake of increasing Corona cases, he directed that maximum number of employees in private offices should work from home.

He said that all the Deputy Commissioners should visit the hospitals, containment zones and labs from time to time to map the situation on ground as well as suggested that they be available for addressing the district residents' issues.

Additional Chief Secretary of Medical Education and Research Department, Sh. Alok Nigam informed that the number of beds is being increased in various hospitals of the State soon. Under this, work is being done to add 1000 oxygen beds in PGI Rohtak and 1250 oxygen-rich beds in other medical college hospitals, 200 beds in Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hospital, Faridabad are also being arranged so that patients do not face any kind of problem.

Additional Chief Secretary of Health Department, Sh Rajiv Arora informed that about 46,000 patients in the State are in Home Isolation, who are being regularly monitored. He said that the Corona Haryana GMDA portal should be kept updated so that the general public can get complete information regarding the availablility of beds in hospitals. He said that rules of discharge policy should be followed in both government and non-government hospitals so that active cases can be provided treatment on time.

Additional Chief Secretary, Disaster Management, Mr. Sanjeev Kaushal, Hospital Monitoring State Nodal Officer and Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. PK Das, Director General of Police, Mr. Manoj Yadava, Managing Director of HMSCL, Dr. Saket Kumar and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

SPSTI hosts webinar on "Water in Classroom and World".

  

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 22 

The Society for Promotion of Science and Technology in India (SPSTI) in association with Chandigarh Chapter of National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) jointly conducted a webinar on "Water in the Classroom and the World".  The webinar was organized to popularize the theme "Restore the Planet Earth" of the World Earth Day 2021 and was supported by Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation & Technology, Govt. of Haryana. 

The speaker was Prof. Chris King, the Chair, EGU Committee on Education, Emeritus Professor of Earth Science Education, Keele University Keele, United Kingdom.

Prof. Arun K. Grover, former Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Chandigarh welcomed the speaker and mentioned the various activities conducted by the SPSTI. Prof R. Baskar introduced the speaker.

Prof Chris King said that it is vital for school children to understand the Earth they live in, why it changes from day to day and how it is likely to change in the future. This is the domain of Earth science, where we teach the workings of the planet, how we use evidence from the geological past to discover past changes, and how we can use all this information to predict and prepare for future changes on a warming planet. However, even more important than this is to teach our students how to think. They are the best thinkers who will make the most important contributions to our future on the planet together. 

He discussed the Cognitive Acceleration through Science (CASE programme) has an evidence-based track record of improving the thinking skills of all students (and probably their teachers too). This talk highlighted the CASE educational principles and then showed how Earth science activities related to water can develop more effective thinking skills, whilst teaching key lessons about our planet.

Dr Rajni Bhalla coordinated with the question-and-answer sessions. The Webinar ended with a vote of thanks by Prof Keya Dharamvir, General Secretary, SPSTI.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Haryana farmerss to get fertilizers at old rates

Chandigarh, April 21 

The Haryana Government has directed the officers of the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department to ensure that the farmers of the state get fertilizers at the old rates. Apart from this, Agriculture officers working in the districts have been directed to share their mobile numbers through newspapers so that the farmers can contact them if needed.

Giving information in this regard an official spokesperson said that directions have been given to the Agricultural Authorities as per the decision taken by the Government of India in a meeting with the companies manufacturing fertilizer regarding increasing DAP rates in the international markets due to increase in the price of Phosphatic raw materials. In this meeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has directed the fertilizer manufacturing companies to sell the existing stock at the old rates only.

         He said that direction has been given to Agricultural Authorities to resolve the grievances of the farmers regarding the price of fertilizers on a priority basis. He said that all Deputy Directors of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Departments working in the districts have also been directed to take necessary steps for the welfare of farmers with immediate effect. He said that Deputy Director have been directed to make an audit of stock register (phosphatic fertilizers) of all fertilizer dealers in the districts and prepare a stock statement as on date. Along with this, dealers have been directed to sell phosphatic fertilizers at old price by issuing bills to the farmers.

He said that at the district level, the officers will keep a strict vigil on the sale of Bt cotton seed in the cotton-growing districts of the state as well as the DAP prices. Apart from this, they have also been directed to ensure the sale of fertilizers in the state through POS machines, he added.

The spokesperson said that the Agriculture Officer will also collect month-wise details regarding the sale of Di - Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) to the farmers with name, village and mobile number of farmers so that the officer can check realized price by making calls to the farmers. The agricultural officers of the district have also been directed to send a copy of the action taken at the district level to the headquarters by ensuring resolution of the grievances of the farmers, he added.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Haryana Govt procures 2.35 lakh tonnes of wheat on April 21

 Chandigarh, April 21 

The  Haryana Government today has procured a total of 2.35 lakh tonnes of wheat through various procurement agencies on the Minimum Support Price.

          Sharing more details in this regard, an official spokesperson said that so far a total of 68.84 lakh tonnes of wheat has arrived at 396 Mandi/ Procurement Centres of the state, out of which a total of 61.07 lakh tonnes of wheat has been procured.

          He informed that till date as many as 7,85,349 J- forms of 4,04,423 farmers have been issued. Till April 21, 2021, an amount of Rs 3,655 crore has been transferred directly to the account farmers whose crops have been procured.

          The spokesperson said that officers concerned have been directed that the lifting of the procured wheat should be done on daily basis to ensure that no stocking of the crop is done and farmers can sell their crops in a hassle-free manner.

          Besides this, the State Government has deputed senior officers for inspection of mandis so that the procurement work is carried out smoothly.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Haryana CM extends best wishes to Public Relations Department staff

  Chandigarh, April 21

Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal has extended best wishes to the officers, employees and general public associated with the Information and Public relations work on the occasion of National Public Relations Day across the country.

In a message issued here today, the Chief Minister said that with the emergence of social media in this era of information technology, the responsibility of Public Relations Department has increased manifold. Elaborating on it he said that in today's era, when people share posts on social media without verifying the facts, which further spreads false information in the society, the Public Relations Department is a saviour for the country and society in such a situation of crisis.

The Chief Minister said that the personnel associated with the Department are doing commendable work in disseminating factual information among the people with the help of the media for the last one year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the occasion, the Chief Miister congratulated, Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa, Dr. Ajmer Singh Malik and Director, Public Relations Department, Dr. Amit Sangwan for organising a seminar on "Communication Management through Public Relations" by the Mass Communication Department of Chaudhary Devi Lal University, Sirsa. 

The webinar was attended by more than 1,000 people, with hundreds of experts from across the country participating in it.  In this webinar, Dr. Anubhuti Yadav, Professor of Indian Institute of Mass Communication spoke as the Keynote Speaker. Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations and Languages Department, Haryana, Ms. Urvashi Rangara and PR Guru, Mr. Suresh Gaur were among the distinguished guests of honour. The past, present and future of Public Relations was discussed during the webinar.  In the webinar, Ms. Urvashi Rangara said that as per the vision of the Chief Minister of the state, Sh. Manohar Lal, the Public Relations Department, Haryana, under the leadership of Director General, Dr. Amit Aggarwal, is constantly at the forefront of bringing important information to the general public through modern means.

  She further added that at the moment information of public interest from 22 districts of the state is being disseminated to the general public through social media in a click.  In the webinar, the Department's Producer, Mr  Sunil Monga said that public relations also has an important role in making the public aware of the preventive measures to be taken during the ongoing crisis of this worldwide pandemic.

===balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Sumit Nagal loses to Herbert in ATP 500 Barcelona Open

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 18 

Qualifier Sumit Nagal of India fought well in the first set but  meekly surrendered the second set in the first round (round of 64) as opponent 70th ranked Plerre-Hugues Herbert of France recorded 7-5, 6-0 victory in the  €1,702,800 ATP 500 Barcelona Banc Sabadell (Spain) on Monday. The match lasted one hour and 23 minutes.
Sumit Nagal, ranked 135th, earned €8700.
Sumit Nagal, born in Jhajjar in Haryana, saved 7 of 11 breakpoints while Herbert saved three out of three breakpoints. Sumit missed all the three breakpoints  which came his way while the French player converted four out of 11 breakpoints.
Sumit Nagal won 52 percent (37/11) service points and 27 percent (15/55) return points.  Plerre-Hugues Herbert won 73 percent (40/55) service points and 48 percent (34/71) return points. Sumit unleashed four aces and committed three double faults. Herbert fired five aces and committed two double faults.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Mandis and procurement centres close on April 17 and 18

49.86 lakh tonnes of wheat has arrived in the mandis and procurement centres of Haryana 

Chandigarh, April 16

Mandis and procurement centres in Haryana will remain closed on April 17 and April 18, 2021.

While giving this information an official spokesperson said that farmers are requested not to bring their produce to the mandis on both these days as wheat will not be procured in the state on April 17, 2021 and April 18, 2021 and only the work of lifting wheat procured in the past will be done in the mandis.  Monday,  ie. April 19, 2021, onwards, wheat procurement will continue smoothly in the state as before.

A total of 49.86 lakh tonnes of wheat has arrived in the mandis and procurement centres of Haryana from April 1 to April 16, 2021 out of which a total of 41.35 lakh tonnes of wheat has been procured by the government agencies at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Giving information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that on April 16, 2021, procurement of 1.99 lakh tonnes of wheat was made by the government agencies at MSP. He said that so far 4,33,262 J-forms of 1,60,270 farmers have been created and till today a total of Rs 873.27 crore has been paid directly to the farmers' account.

The spokesperson said that directions have been given to all concerned that lifting of wheat purchased in mandis should be ensured on a daily basis so that wheat does not get stored in the mandis and farmers have no difficulty in selling their produce. Apart from this, the State Government has appointed senior officers for the inspection of mandis, so that there are no obstacles in the procurement work.

SCHOOLS CLOSED: Keeping in mind the rapidly growing cases of COVID-19, the Haryana Government has decided that schools will remain closed for students of classes I to XII till April 30, 2021. As per the directions issued by the School Education Department in this regard, this decision will be applicable to government schools as well as private schools.

As per directions issued by the Haryana Directorate of School Education, all the teachers will continue to come to the schools as before so that the exam results can be prepared and released on April 30 and the new academic session 2021-22 can be started from May 1.

The admission process and other administrative work will continue in the schools as before.

A letter has been sent to all the District Education Officers and other officers directing them to submit a report regarding the same to the Directorate.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

Haryana deputes 12 IAS officers to monitor Covid-19

  Chandigarh, April 16

The Haryana Government has deputed 12 IAS officers in various districts to review and monitor the COVID-19 preparedness in addition to their present duties with immediate effect.

Mr Sanjeev Kaushal has been deputed in Faridabad, Mr. Alok Nigam in Panchkula, Mr. Devender Singh in Karnal, Mr TC Gupta in Gurugram, Mr. Amit Jha in Sonipat, Mr. SN Roy in Ambala, Dr. Mahavir Singh in Jhajjar, Mr Anurag Rastogi in Hisar, Sh. Vineet Garg in Sirsa, Mrs G Anupama in Kurukshetra, Mr Apoorva Kumar Singh in Panipat and Mr. Rakesh Gupta has been deputed in Rohtak.

These officers will focus on and monitor active involvement of District Administration in fight against COVID-19 pandemic, promotion of COVID-19 testing and vaccination among general public through various Government, Non-Government, Religious and other organizations, addition of more private hospitals for COVID-19 treatment, wherever required, increase contact tracing of active positive cases (up to 30 contacts to be traced and tested within 72 hours viz-a-viz each COVID positive case), and proper marking of micro-containment zones by District Authorities.

They will review the availability of adequate healthcare infrastructure to tackle COVID-19 situation, such as isolation beds, oxygen support beds, ICU beds, ventilators, drugs and consumables (masks, PPE kits, sanitizers, etc.) oxygen reserve, etc. in both government as well as private health facilities in their respective districts.

They will also review arrangements for strict monitoring of COVID-19 patients under home isolation.

They will monitor enforcing COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, such as social distancing, wearing face masks, hand hygiene, etc., at all public places and ensuring strict implementation of orders regarding restrictions on social gatherings, especially in banquet halls during marriages or other family functions as well.

====balbirsingh227@gmail.com

CM requests farmers to stop their agitation due to Covid-19

Chandigarh, April 16

  Amid rapid spurt in the cases of COVID-19 across the Country and State, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has urged the farmers not to hold any agitation during the ongoing crises.

            "I urge my farmer brothers to stop their agitation during this hour of crisis.  Government has always and is always ready to listen to the demands raised by them. There may be some difference of opinion, but right now there is a dire need to remain vigilant while prioritizing our health. Therefore I request my farmer brothers to end their agitation and return to their homes," appealed Sh. Manohar Lal.

             The Chief Minister was interacting with the people of the state today during the 'Haryana Ki Baat' programme held through live telecast.

            Sh. Manohar Lal said that it is everyone's democratic right to agitate, but it is also our collective responsibility to protect ourselves,  family  members and our near and dear ones from this global Pandemic, that has become a global  threat to the  humanity.  Therefore, farmers on moral and ethical grounds should stop their movement to prevent this Pandemic.

Industrial activities to remain intact

            While clearing the air over none closure of industrial activities, the Chief Minister said that unlike last year when the industrial activities were put on hold during the lockdown period imposed due to this Pandemic,  this time no such restrictions would be imposed and hence the industrial activities would run smoothly. Last year due to the closure of industrial activities, some problems were faced and learning from the experience of the previous year, industrial activities will not be stopped this time. Though necessary steps would be taken for the containment of virus spread, he added.

 Migrant workers living in the state should not worry

            Urging the migrant labourers and workers residing in Haryana not to panic, the Chief Minister said that all the workers and labour should freely continue to work. It would be ensured that they do not face any trouble.  The State Government is standing shoulder to shoulder with them and it would be ensured that they do not face any trouble, he added.

 

He said that last time an amount of about Rs.1500 crore was spent by the government to provide ration and financial support to these workers and this time too all possible help would be extended to them.  

 Ensure COVID guidelines are followed meticulously

            Sh.  Manohar Lal said that industrialists must ensure compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines. He said that every industrialist as per their convenience can carry out their  industrial activities in shifts or can call their staff in fewer numbers on holidays so as to ensure that the virus  spread is contained and even labourers do not face any kind of problem.

 

Smooth Procurement in state Mandis

            The Chief Minister said that like last year, this year also, wheat procurement is being conducted despite the crisis. Like last year, this time too all the protocols and safety measures related to COVID-19 are being meticulously followed in every mandi and procurement centre. 

            He said that about 80 lakh metric tonnes of wheat is expected to  arrive  in the Mandis and  more than half that is about 50 lakh metric tonnes have already arrived in the mandis.  Out of this, 40 lakh metric tons have been procured and 25 lakh metric tons have been lifted, he added.

            He said that Deputy Commissioners have been authorized  to make separate arrangements for the  lifting of the crop if the transporter expresses his inability to pick up the crop. However, the Deputy Commissioners have also been directed to ensure that no stocking of crop is done in the Mandis, he said.

            The Chief Minister also urged the farmers that in those Mandis where the arrival of the crops is being reported more than the expected limit, in such Mandis they  should  bring their crops after  two days so as to facilitate themselves and the Administration as well.

            He said that this time the state government has decided to transfer the payment of the farmers directly to their verified accounts.  The payment will be transferred within 72 hours.

Emphasis on Testing Tracking and Tracing

             The Chief Minister said that it was in the month of March last year, when this Global Pandemic had started. While, this year too, the infection  surge has been started from March month only

            "In the last one and a half months,  as many as 5858 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Haryana on a single day i.e. yesterday.  At one time the recovery rate of Haryana had gone up to 98 percent which has now come down to 90 percent, which is a matter of concern.  Therefore, the government has again  started ensuring the enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines" said the Chief Minister.

 Adequate arrangements in Hospitals

           The Chief Minister said the adequate numbers of oxygen cylinders, ICU beds, ventilators, masks and PPE kits etc are being made available in all the hospitals across the State 

            "The doctors and medical staff have been put on high alert.  More than 30,000 tests are being done daily and vigilant testing and tracing is being done if any person is found positive, he added.

            He said that on an average  testing and tracing of about 20 to 30 persons who may have contacted an infected person is being done. Besides this   Teleconsultation facility is also being provided to the patients who are living in home isolation, he asserted.

            He said that the government has also issued helpline numbers for the people of the state to get any kind of help or information related to COVID-19.   For Panchkula, Gurugram and Faridabad districts the helping number is The helpline number is 8558893911 and for other districts, the calls can be made on 1075.

 Mega Vaccination Drive

             The Chief Minister said that there is no shortage of COVID-19 vaccination doses in the state.  So far, 30.50 lakh vaccine doses have been administered by the Health Department.  In the previous days, from April 11 to 14, 2021, a mega vaccination drive was run, in which about six lakh vaccines were administered in just five days only.

            He informed  that with the cooperation of all the departments from April 20, another  massive vaccination campaign is about to be started, in which it will be ensured that everyone under the age of 45 gets vaccinated.

 

Wear masks and maintain Social  Distancing

 The Chief Minister said that it is very important to follow the COVID-19  Appropriate Behaviour to break the infection chain.  For this, strict steps are also being taken by the state government.  Those who are not wearing masks are being challaned and along with this, they are also being given free masks.

             The Chief Minister said that in public places, markets, cinemas, tourist places, religious places and vegetable markets, people should strictly follow social distancing norms and wear masks.

             He said that due to increase in Corona cases at present, the government has also imposed night   curfew banning movement of people from 10.00 PM to 5.00 AM. Besides this,  in context of public programmes, directions have also been issued that for indoor venue, the gathering should be limited to 50 percent and in outdoor the limit of gathering should not be more than 200 people.

            The Chief Minister said that it would be better that such programmes should be organized in the daytime rather than at night. 

School closed

             Sh. Manohar Lal said that all the schools from the class I to XII have been shut down till April 30, 2021, and even the examination of class X students have also been cancelled. The results of the students studying in these classes would be declared as per the guidelines issued by CBSE. Proposed examination of class XII has been postponed due to the prevailing situation and as soon as the situation will be normal then the time table will be made and the examination will be conducted.

            The Chief Minister informed the people of the state that victory over this Pandemic can only be registered if everyone religiously follows COVID-19 guidelines.

            " We have to defeat this Pandemic and keep moving forward with this resolve”, he said.

=====balbirsingh227@gmail.com