Publication of Criminal Cases Against Candidates Contesting Panchayati Raj Elections is Mandatory

The publication must be done at least three times, up to two days before the polling date.

Chandigarh, April 6 –Haryana State Election Commission has issued guidelines for candidates willing to contest Panchayati Raj elections. According to these guidelines, if candidates contesting Panchayati Raj elections have criminal cases registered and pending against them, or have previously been convicted in any cases, they are required to publish a declaration regarding such cases in at least two newspapers—one in Hindi and one in English.

A government spokesperson, while providing information on the matter, stated that instructions had already been issued to political parties nominating candidates for municipal elections, whose candidates have criminal cases registered and pending against them, or in which they have been previously convicted.

The spokesperson said that in Haryana, this declaration must now be published at least three times from the day following the last date for withdrawal of candidature (Form 1-K) up to two days before the polling date. All such candidates are also required to submit copies of the newspapers in which the declaration was published.

He further explained that, for example, if the last date for withdrawal of candidature is the 10th of the month and the polling date is the 20th, the declaration must be published on three separate dates between the 11th and 18th of the month. During this period, all candidates with criminal cases must also ensure that the declaration is broadcast on local TV channels or cable networks, and this process must be completed at least 48 hours before the scheduled end of polling.

He stated that for candidates with criminal cases nominated by political parties, whether recognized or registered unrecognized parties, such candidates must declare that they have informed their respective political party about these cases. Recognized political parties and registered unrecognized parties that nominate such candidates must publish information regarding them in Form-3. This declaration must be made on their website, as well as on local TV channels or local cable networks, and in at least two newspapers—one in Hindi and one in English—that have maximum circulation in the respective Panchayat Samiti or Zila Parishad area.

He stated that recognized political parties and registered unrecognized parties that nominate candidates with criminal cases must submit a report to the concerned Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, Panchayat. The report should indicate that they have complied with these guidelines and must include copies of the newspaper clippings of the declarations published by the political parties. This must be done within 30 days after the conclusion of the election. Compliance with these guidelines will be mandatory for all candidates contesting in all future general or by-elections of the Panchayats.

=============================================

Departmental Examinations for Assistant Commissioners/Additional Assistant Commissioners and Tehsildars from April 27

Applications to be submitted by April 16

Chandigarh, April 6 – The Haryana Government has announced the schedule for departmental examinations for Assistant Commissioners/Additional Assistant Commissioners and Tehsildars.

A government spokesperson informed that the examinations will be conducted from April 27 to May 1, 2026. The exams will be held at “Sarthak Government Integrated Senior Secondary School, Sector-12A, Panchkula.”

As per the notified date sheet, on April 27, the morning session (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) will have Criminal Law (Paper I), while the evening session (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) will have Civil Law. On April 28, Criminal Law (Paper II) will be held in the morning session and Financial Rules in the evening session.

On April 29, Criminal Law (Paper III) will be conducted in the morning session, which will include jail-related subjects for Assistant Commissioners/Additional Assistant Commissioners, while the syllabus will differ for Tehsildars. On the same day, Revenue Law (Paper I) will be held in the evening session.

On April 30, the morning session will have Local Funds, followed by Revenue Law (Paper II) in the evening session. The examinations will conclude on May 1, with Language (Hindi) for Assistant Commissioners/Additional Assistant Commissioners, and Patwari Mensuration and Urdu subjects for Tehsildars.

The spokesperson further stated that candidates willing to appear for the examination must submit their applications through their respective Heads of Departments or Administrative Secretaries by April 16, 2026. Direct applications will not be accepted by the Central Examination Committee.

The government has advised all eligible candidates to prepare for the examination in accordance with the prescribed dates and guidelines.

===========================================

Haryana to Set Up Kinnow Juice Plant in Sirsa With Aim of Enhancing Farmers’ Income

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi Reviews Kinnow Processing Plant Project to Strengthen Fruit Economy

Chandigarh, April 6 – In a significant push towards agricultural value addition, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi today presided over a high-level meeting of the Committee of Secretaries on Infrastructure (CoSI) in Chandigarh to consider the ambitious Kinnow juice processing plant at Sirsa to be set up on PPP mode.

The meeting underscored the Haryana Government’s commitment to transforming the state’s fruit economy and enhancing the income of Kinnow farmers. The proposed state-of-the-art plant, announced in the State Budget, will be set up at the Vita Milk Plant premises in Sirsa with a total investment of ₹26.39 crore.

It was emphasised during the meeting that the project, to be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode with a 33-year concession period, is designed to benefit all stakeholders. Haryana Dairy will provide approximately three acres of land for setting up the Kinnow Juice Plant, while the private partner will install the required plant and machinery along with civil infrastructure and undertake operations of the plant. It was decided that the project will primarily focus on establishing a fruit and vegetable processing industry, with the main focus on Kinnow juice processing, providing Viability Gap Fund Facility, if required. Prima facie, the organisation will set up a fruit and vegetable processing industry and, if required, possibilities of an agri-based processing industry may also be explored at a later stage.

Managing Director, Haryana Dairy Development Cooperative Federation, Rohit Yadav, highlighted that Haryana produces approximately 4.40 lakh metric tonnes of Kinnow annually, with Sirsa alone contributing nearly 55% of the total output. The new facility will process around 9,000 MT of Kinnow and 12,600 MT of other fruits every year, generating premium packaged juice. Importantly, nearly 25% of Kinnow production—primarily B-grade fruit that earlier fetched lower prices—will now be utilized for value-added processing, thereby directly augmenting farmers’ income. A key highlight of the initiative is its farmer-centric approach. Procurement of raw material will be made from the farmers of Haryana.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi emphasized that the project is a model example of convergence between government infrastructure, cooperative institutions, and private enterprise to generate sustainable rural income. With assured raw material availability, clear land ownership, modern aseptic packaging technology, and a robust PPP framework, the Kinnow Juice Processing Plant at Sirsa is poised to position Haryana as a leading hub for premium fruit-based beverages in the country.

Among those present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue & Disaster Management, Dr. Sumita Misra; Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Arun Kumar Gupta; Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, along with other senior officers.

================================

CM Nayab Singh Saini directs special campaign for disposal of tatima cases across the state

11 out of 15 cases resolved in District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee meeting held in Gurugram under the chairmanship of Chief Minister

Focus on beautification and cleanliness of Rezang La Chowk and Atul Kataria Chowk

Directions issued to prepare proposal for modern sewerage system in Sector-10

Chandigarh, April 6 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed officials of Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation and Haryana Urban Development Authority to ensure the prompt disposal of all pending tatima-related cases across the state on a priority basis. He said that delays in such matters compel citizens to make repeated visits to government offices, lead to unnecessary disputes and litigation, and adversely affect administrative functioning. Therefore, a special campaign should be undertaken in a planned manner to resolve these cases.

The Chief Minister was presiding over the meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee held in Gurugram on Monday. Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Pataudi MLA Smt. Bimla Chaudhary, Sohna MLA Sh. Tejpal Tanwar, and Gurugram MLA Sh. Mukesh Sharma were also present in the meeting. A total of 15 complaints were presented, out of which 11 were resolved on the spot by the Chief Minister, while directions were issued to keep 4 cases pending for the next meeting. He instructed the concerned officials to present status reports on these pending cases in the next meeting.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed officials to work with sensitivity and promptness in resolving public grievances. He said that wherever any issue comes to his notice or a citizen approaches directly with a complaint, it should be addressed on priority and resolved effectively at the earliest. He emphasized that the objective of the administration should not merely be to take action, but to provide relief to people and ensure timely resolution of their issues, thereby strengthening public trust in governance.

Emphasis on beautification and cleanliness of Rezang La Chowk and Atul Kataria Chowk

During the meeting, the Chief Minister took note of the sanitation conditions at Rezang La Chowk and issued necessary directions to officials. He directed that Rezang La Chowk and Shaheed Lieutenant Atul Kataria Chowk should be beautified in a planned manner so that these places not only remain clean but also enhance the city’s aesthetics. He further directed that the Rezang La Memorial should undergo proper beautification, redesigning, and overall upgradation to make it more attractive, dignified, and impactful. He also instructed that green spaces should be developed at these locations and regular sanitation systems should be strengthened to provide a clean, organized and pleasant environment for the public.

Encroachment on agricultural pathway in Daulatabad: Chief Minister issues strict directions

A complainant from village Daulatabad informed the Chief Minister that a pathway approximately two karam wide leading to his fields had been encroached upon by two builders, who had constructed a wall, obstructing access for him and other villagers. Taking serious note of the issue, the Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to take immediate action. He ordered that the encroachment be removed and the pathway restored to its original condition. He also directed that an additional two feet of land on both sides be cleared from the builders to ensure smooth and safe movement for villagers.

Directions to prepare proposal for modern sewerage system in Sector-10

Representatives of the Resident Welfare Association from Sector-10 informed the Chief Minister that sewage in the area frequently overflows, causing severe inconvenience to residents. Taking note of the issue, the Chief Minister directed the concerned officials to prepare a detailed proposal for a modern and efficient sewerage system for the sector at the earliest to ensure a permanent solution. He also instructed that until the new system is implemented, interim arrangements such as regular cleaning, pumping, and effective drainage management should be ensured to provide relief to residents and maintain cleanliness.

On this occasion, Gurugram Mayor Rajrani Malhotra, Principal Advisor (Urban Development) D.S. Dhesi, GMDA CEO P.C. Meena, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar, OSD to the Chief Minister and Additional Director of Information, Public Relations and Language Department Vivek Kalia, ADC Sonu Bhatt, along with other officers and employees, were present.

===============================

No Hassle for farmers in selling crops, Mandis to operate 24×7- Shyam Singh Rana

Chandigarh, April 6 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shyam Singh Rana, said that farmers will not be allowed to face any kind of difficulty in selling their crops. During the wheat procurement season, mandis (grain markets) will remain open 24 hours a day. Gate passes and sales processes will also continue round the clock.

Shyam Singh Rana was interacting with media persons today at the Market Committee office in the grain market of Thanesar.

The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister said that the state government aims to save farmers’ time in selling their produce and ensure complete transparency in the procurement process. He added that every single grain of the farmers’ crop will be purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and no inconvenience will be allowed in the selling process. He also said that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is taking the wheat procurement process very seriously.

He informed that he has reviewed the arrival and lifting of wheat, transportation work, basic facilities and other arrangements with officials.

Shyam Singh Rana said that, under the Chief Minister’s directions, ministers and MLAs are continuously inspecting mandis to ensure that farmers do not face any issues related to the portal or otherwise while selling their crops. He also appealed to farmers and commission agents (arhtiyas) to work in coordination with the administration to resolve issues related to the lifting of crops.

He further stated that farmers can bring their produce to the mandi not only by tractor-trolley but also through traditional means such as bullock carts. If a tractor-trolley does not have a number plate, farmers can write the registration number on the tractor using paint or display it on paper or a sticker while bringing the crop to the mandi. He added that to ensure farmers do not have to wait for gate passes, temporary staff have been deployed through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam.

Shyam Singh Rana also said that registration on the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal can be done by the farmer, the landowner, or a person cultivating the land on lease. Farmers or landowners can also register nominated persons on the portal. He added that only the farmer or up to three nominated persons will be allowed to bring Rabi crops to the mandi for sale. Verification of the farmer or nominated persons will be done through fingerprint biometric devices. If fingerprint verification is not possible, eye-scan biometric verification will also be used. This biometric process will not be conducted at the mandi gate but at the time of wheat procurement.

==================================================

Haryana Government Appoints Link Officers

Chandigarh, April 6 – The Haryana Government has designated link officers to ensure the smooth functioning of departments.

According to the orders issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, in the event that the post of Commissioner and Secretary, General Administration Department remains vacant due to transfer, retirement, leave, training, tour, or election duty, the Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department will act as Link Officer-1, while the Commissioner and Secretary-1, Finance Department will function as Link Officer-2.

In the absence of the Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department, the Commissioner and Secretary, General Administration Department, will serve as Link Officer-1, while the Commissioner and Secretary-2, Finance Department, will act as Link Officer-2.

In the absence of the Commissioner and Secretary-1, Finance Department, the Commissioner and Secretary-2, Finance Department, will act as Link Officer-1, while the Commissioner and Secretary, General Administration Department, will function as Link Officer-2.

Similarly, in the case of the Commissioner and Secretary-2, Finance Department, the Commissioner and Secretary-1, Finance Department will serve as Link Officer-1, while the Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department will act as Link Officer-2.

The order also clearly states that any officer proceeding on leave, training, tour, or election duty must inform their designated link officer in advance.

======================================================

Haryana Chief Secretary Directs Verification of Roster Registers for Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ Posts

Chandigarh, April 6: The Haryana Government has issued comprehensive directions to all administrative departments, boards, corporations, and public authorities to prepare, update, and verify roster registers for Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts to ensure strict implementation of reservation policies for Scheduled Castes (SCs).

According to a communication issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, all departments have been directed to maintain accurate and updated roster registers and get them duly verified by the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backwards Classes Department. The directions reiterate earlier government instructions under which reservation in promotions was extended to SC employees in Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ categories.

It has been clarified that roster points already determined under existing guidelines will remain applicable, both for direct recruitment and promotional benefits.

The government has emphasized that all existing guidelines governing roster management—previously applicable to Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees—must be strictly followed while extending reservation benefits in higher categories.

Key principles, including the “replacement theory” and proper application of roster points, are to be adhered to without any deviation.

=============================================

Haryana Government Employees to be Equipped with AI Skills, Chief Secretary Directs Departments to Enhance AI Skilling

Chandigarh, April 6: In a forward-looking initiative aimed at strengthening technology-driven governance, Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has written to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, training institutes, Boards, Corporations and Vice-Chancellors of universities across the state, urging them to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) skilling among government employees through the iGOT Karmayogi platform.

The move is part of the state government’s broader efforts to build a more efficient, responsive and citizen-centric administrative system by equipping officials with emerging digital competencies.

The iGOT Karmayogi platform — the national digital learning portal under Mission Karmayogi — offers free, self-paced and certified AI courses tailored for public administrators. These courses can be undertaken at the convenience of employees without disrupting their routine duties, making them a practical and accessible tool for continuous learning and capacity building.

The Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), the state’s premier training institution, has been actively supporting this initiative by highlighting the growing importance of AI in governance. The integration of AI is expected to enhance decision-making, enable data-driven policy formulation, and improve public service delivery.

Government employees will have access to a curated set of recommended AI courses covering a wide spectrum—from foundational concepts to advanced applications in governance. These include programmes on Generative AI for public sector efficiency, AI-led digital transformation in urban governance, rural development and education, as well as productivity tools such as Microsoft Copilot. The courses are offered by reputed institutions, including Karmayogi Bharat, National e-Governance Division (MeitY), Wadhwani Foundation, Microsoft and Invest India.

Employees have been encouraged to log on to the iGOT Karmayogi platform and enrol in the courses to upgrade their skills and contribute to a more digitally empowered administration.

===================================================

No Shortage of specialist doctors in the State: Health Minister Arti Singh Rao

195 Specialists to be recruited on a contractual basis

Chandigarh, April 6 – Haryana Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao, said that 195 specialist doctors will be recruited on a contractual basis in government hospitals to address the shortage of specialists.

The Minister said the recruitment process will be transparent and merit-based. For districts other than Nuh, specialist doctors with MBBS and diploma qualifications will be paid Rs. 1 lakh per month, while those with MBBS and MD/MS/DNB qualifications will receive Rs. 1.5 lakh per month.

For the Nuh district, higher remuneration has been approved to attract specialists. Doctors with MBBS and diploma qualifications will be paid Rs. 1.5 lakh per month, while those with MBBS and MD/MS/DNB qualifications will receive Rs. 2 lakh per month.

The Health Minister said the government aims to ensure better and timely healthcare services for all citizens of the state. Appointment of specialist doctors in government hospitals will not only improve the quality of medical care but also reduce the workload on existing doctors.

She said that specialists will be recruited in key departments such as gynaecology, paediatrics, anaesthesia, medicine, surgery and orthopaedics. The highest number of posts will be in gynaecology and paediatrics, with a focus on strengthening maternal and child healthcare services.

To expedite and simplify the recruitment process, selection will be conducted through walk-in interviews, based on candidates’ academic qualifications and experience.

The Minister further said that this initiative is a significant step towards strengthening the public healthcare system and ensuring the availability of specialist medical services even in remote areas. She expressed confidence that the decision will lead to a substantial improvement in healthcare services across Haryana and directly benefit the public.

=============================================

Haryana to Roll Out e-Summons System Across All Courts for Faster Justice Delivery

CS Anurag Rastogi Directs Statewide Implementation of e-Summons System

Chandigarh, April 6 — In a significant move towards enhancing efficiency and transparency in the justice delivery system, the Haryana Government has decided to implement an e-Summons System for the issuance and service of summons in all courts functioning under various departments, as well as in Revenue Courts across the state.

The decision has been conveyed by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who has written to all Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments, directing the adoption of the e-Summons system across their respective jurisdictions.

The communication states that the e-Summons system will be mandatorily used for issuing and serving summons in all courts under the administrative control of departments. Revenue Courts across Haryana have also been instructed to adopt and strictly comply with the system to ensure faster and more effective disposal of cases.

All Administrative Secretaries have been requested to issue necessary directions to the courts and authorities under their control to ensure the mandatory use of the e-Summons system for delivery and service of summons.

The letter further notes that the decision was taken during a meeting held on February 3, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, where the implementation of the New Criminal Laws (NCL) and the functioning of the NCL portal were reviewed.

All concerned officers, officials, and implementing agencies have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions in both letter and spirit.

===========================================