*2.34 Lakh out of 2.83 Lakh Complaints Received on CM Window Resolved; Chief Minister Expresses Satisfaction*

*Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Reviews Resolution of Complaints Received through Jan Samvad, CM Window, SMGT and Samadhan Shivirs*

*ADCs Given Powers to Make Corrections in Family IDs; Ensure Swift Resolution of Issues: Nayab Singh Saini*

Chandigarh, September 25: The strict directions issued by Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini recently for ensuring speedy resolution of public grievances have started yielding results. Of the 2.83 lakh complaints received on the CM Window, 2.34 lakh have been resolved promptly by the departments. Similarly, 83,550 out of 1,05,761 complaints received by the Chief Minister through social media have also been resolved. Expressing satisfaction over the speedy resolution of complaints, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed the officers to ensure early resolution of the remaining cases as well.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was presiding over a meeting held on Friday to review the resolution of complaints received through the CM Window, Jan Samvad, SMGT (Social Media Grievance Tracker) and Samadhan Shivirs. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Arun Gupta, OSD Dr. Raj Nehru, senior officers of all departments and Deputy Commissioners of all districts through online mode were present in the meeting.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the CM Window, Jan Samvad, SMGT (Social Media Grievance Tracker) and Samadhan Shivirs are being operated to ensure speedy resolution of the complaints and problems of the general public on priority. All complaints and grievances are forwarded to the concerned departments, with the expectation that these are resolved within the stipulated time to provide relief to the people. Therefore, the work being undertaken towards resolving these complaints is reviewed from time to time.

Regarding the complaints received on the CM Window, the concerned Nodal Officer informed the Chief Minister that 2.83 lakh complaints had been received on the CM Window during the tenure of the present Chief Minister, out of which 2.34 lakh complaints have been resolved. Among the districts, Yamunanagar, Nuh and Hansi have performed well. Similarly, the Labour Department, Electronics and IT Department, Sainik and Para-Military Welfare Department, Health Department and Employment Department scored more than 80 per cent. Expressing satisfaction over the performance, the Chief Minister said that the score of all districts should be above 70. He also issued necessary directions for early resolution of the remaining cases. The Chief Minister said that action would be taken against those who misuse the CM Window system by filing false complaints.

The Nodal Officer informed that 83,550 out of 1,05,761 complaints received from the general public through Twitter and other social media platforms on the Chief Minister's Social Media Grievance Tracker have been resolved, while the process of resolving 33,783 complaints is underway. The Chief Minister directed that all complaints received through social media should be resolved at the earliest and the pendency should be cleared.

While reviewing complaints received under Jan Samvad, the Chief Minister said that the government would formulate policies for similar issues received on a large scale so that comprehensive relief could be provided to the public. He said that a large number of complaints have been received regarding corrections in Family IDs. To resolve these issues, Additional Deputy Commissioners in all districts have been given extensive powers, except in matters related to income. He said that the income verification of families in rural areas should be carried out through Gram Panchayats during Gram Sabha meetings in the presence of villagers, so that no person gets undue benefit and no eligible person is deprived of the benefits of government schemes.

The Chief Minister said that in cases related to providing houses and flats to eligible families, their income and other eligibility criteria should also be verified through Gram Panchayats, as the Panchayat is aware of the actual circumstances of all residents. This would ensure that houses are provided to eligible persons. He said that the Deputy Commissioners of all districts should send reports to the Chief Secretary regarding cases where lower-level employees have made incorrect verifications and attempted to provide benefits to ineligible persons, so that action can be taken against such employees.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that all Deputy Commissioners should regularly follow up on complaints and problems received from the public and send Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to the headquarters. If any officer fails to resolve an issue within the stipulated time limit, action should be taken against the concerned officer. He said that accountability should be fixed for the concerned officers in cases received through Jan Samvad that have remained unattended for one year. He directed departments having cases pending for more than one year to open their offices tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, despite these being holidays, and resolve the cases. He further directed that a report be submitted to the Chief Secretary on Monday. He said that if there has been a delay in resolving issues despite directions being issued and the required budget being made available in meetings chaired by him, the concerned officers should also explain the reasons for the delay.

The Chief Minister said that priority should be determined for issues received through Jan Samvad and collective works should be taken up first. He said that the prioritisation of works could be decided through Gram Sabhas. He said that basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity and sanitation should be provided on priority in villages and cities. He also issued necessary directions to all Deputy Commissioners and Heads of Departments to review the disposal of public grievances every week.

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*Deadline for UG, PG Admissions in Haryana Colleges Extended Till October 6- Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda*

*Decision Taken to Facilitate Admissions and Provide Relief to Students Yet to Complete the Process*

Chandigarh, September 25 — Higher Education Department, Haryana has extended the deadline for admissions for the academic session 2026-27 in the interest of students across the state. Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that the last date for admission to Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) courses in the first, second, third and fourth years at all government, government-aided and self-financing colleges in Haryana has now been extended to October 6, 2026.

The Education Minister said the department had been receiving continuous requests from principals of various colleges and students to reopen the admission portal and extend the admission deadline. Keeping the convenience and academic interests of students in mind, the government has decided to reopen the admission portal and extend the last date for admissions.

He said the decision would provide relief to students who, for various reasons, have not yet been able to complete the admission process. The Education Minister directed the principals of all concerned colleges to ensure that the admission process for eligible students is completed in a timely and smooth manner.

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1,646 Ward Committees Constituted in Urban Areas for the Convenience of Citizens: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini

Chief Minister reviews Solid Waste Management System, constitution of Ward Committees, Swachhata Pakhwada calendar and various other issues in Urban Local Bodies

Appeals to citizens to lodge complaints regarding sanitation and waste collection on WhatsApp numbers of Ward Committees for time-bound resolution

GPS-enabled vehicles to reach every household for 100 per cent waste collection in urban areas; payments to be made through online portal based on tracking reports

Chandigarh, September 25 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that 1,646 Ward Committees have been constituted in all urban local bodies across the state for the convenience of citizens and resolution of their grievances. Any person can lodge a complaint regarding sanitation and waste collection on the WhatsApp numbers of these Ward Committees, which will be resolved within a stipulated time. Similarly, GPS-enabled vehicles with 4G and 5G network connectivity are being operated in 83 out of 87 Urban Local Bodies to monitor door-to-door waste collection vehicles. He directed officials to complete this process soon in the remaining four Urban Local Bodies as well.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was reviewing various issues related to the Solid Waste Management System in Urban Local Bodies, route mapping, availability of machinery, payments through the portal, constitution of Ward Committees, Swachhata Pakhwada calendar, identification and registration of Bulk Waste Generators, NGO mapping and MoUs, among others. He directed officials to make the sanitation system in cities more effective and accountable. The action taken on directions issued in previous meetings and recommendations of the CMGGA was also reviewed during the meeting.

*Directions for route mapping for door-to-door waste collection*

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also reviewed the status of route mapping for door-to-door waste collection. Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena, informed that while in June, route mapping had been completed in only 28 out of 87 Urban Local Bodies, the number had increased to 66 by September 20. The Chief Minister directed that the route mapping of every ward should include the concerned waste collection vehicle, its timings and the contact number of the driver. This information should be shared in the WhatsApp group of the concerned Ward Committee so that door-to-door waste collection can be effectively monitored.

*Directions to ensure payments through Waste Management Portal*

The Chief Minister directed that payments to service provider agencies should be made only through the Solid Waste Management Portal. Accountability of officials responsible for unnecessary delays in payments should be fixed and provisions for penalties should be made wherever necessary.

*Emphasis on giving Ward Committees an active role in sanitation management*

Officials informed that by September, 1,646 Ward Committees had been constituted in 86 out of 87 Urban Local Bodies and these committees were fully active. Identity cards are also being provided to members of the Ward Committees. The Chief Minister emphasised that Ward Committees should play an active role in monitoring sanitation arrangements, identifying local issues and ensuring citizen participation.

*Best-performing Ward Committees to be honoured at district level*

The Chief Minister said that arrangements should be made to honour the best-performing Ward Committees at the district level to promote healthy competition among Ward Committees for better performance in the field of sanitation. Officials informed that a competitive and ranking-based sanitation system is being developed through the Haryana Swachh League. Under this system, the best-performing Ward Committees will be honoured at the district level on a quarterly basis.

*Emphasis on constitution of Special Cells in all districts*

The Commissioner and Secretary informed that user IDs have been created on the Solid Waste Management Portal for the Deputy Commissioners of all 23 districts. Special District Cells have been constituted in 21 of the 23 districts of the state. The process of constituting these cells is underway in Charkhi Dadri and Palwal. The Chief Minister directed that the process of constitution of the cells in the remaining two districts be completed at the earliest and that regular monitoring be carried out to ensure effective compliance with the rules.

*Ensuring participation of Ward Committees in Swachhata Pakhwada*

Officials informed that the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva-2026’ calendar of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is also being adopted in Haryana. Under this initiative, a special Swachhata Pakhwada is being organised from September 17 to October 2. A state-level action plan has been prepared to ensure the participation of Ward Committees in the cleanliness campaign. The best-performing Ward Committees will also be honoured during this period.

*Directions to expedite registration of Bulk Waste Generators*

The Chief Minister directed that all Bulk Waste Generators in the state should be identified and their registration on the Central Pollution Control Board portal should be ensured. Penal action should be taken against bulk waste generators who fail to comply with the rules, as per the prescribed provisions.

*Participation of NGOs in sanitation activities to be increased*

The Commissioner and Secretary informed that NGOs working in the fields of sanitation and community participation are being identified in all districts. The process of linking these organisations with the concerned Urban Local Bodies and Ward Committees is underway to ensure their active participation in solid waste management and sanitation activities. He said that, in accordance with the directions issued earlier by the Chief Minister, a draft MoU has been prepared at the state level to institutionalise the participation of NGOs.

*Improvement in availability of human resources and machinery*

Officials informed that the availability of human resources and machinery in the Urban Local Bodies across the state has been continuously improved. By September, the shortage of human resources had been addressed in 65 out of 87 Urban Local Bodies, while the shortage of machinery had been addressed in 68 Urban Local Bodies. The Chief Minister directed that the remaining deficiencies should also be addressed within the stipulated time frame and regular monitoring should be ensured.

The Chief Minister directed all concerned departments and local bodies to ensure active participation of citizens in sanitation arrangements and establish better coordination among all stakeholders to make the cities clean and beautiful.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta; Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena; and Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Yashpal Singh, were present on the occasion.

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*Haryana Youth Urged to Showcase Their Potential in ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ Quiz under 30th National Youth Festival 2027: Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda*

*Quiz to Remain Open on My Bharat Portal Till September 30; Youth Aged 15–29 Eligible to Participate**

Chandigarh, September 25— Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda has directed all District Education Officers and District Elementary Education Officers to ensure maximum participation of youth and students from the state in the *‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’ Quiz, being organised as part of the 30th National Youth Festival 2027.

The Education Minister said that, as per the guidelines of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the National Youth Festival is being organised this year on the theme ‘Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue’. The first phase of the festival has commenced with a quiz competition being conducted through the *My Bharat Portal* and *MyGov Portal, for which the last date for participation is September 30, 2026.

He said that any youth aged 15 to 29 years, with August 17, 2026, as the cut-off date, is eligible to participate in the competition. He directed departmental officers to immediately instruct all school heads in their respective districts to encourage eligible students enrolled in their schools to participate in the quiz.

The Education Minister said that the youth of Haryana possess immense talent and that the platform provides students of the state a valuable opportunity to showcase their abilities at the national level and share their ideas towards building a Viksit Bharat. He urged all school heads to ensure that the maximum number of eligible students register online and participate in the competition within the stipulated time.

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*Winners of State-Level Been Playing Competition announced*

Chandigarh, September 25 – The Department of Art and Cultural Affairs, Haryana, has released the list of selected winners of the State-Level Been Playing Competition, featuring first, second and third prizes along with five consolation prizes.

A government spokesperson said that Been-playing groups from across the State participated in the competition held on September 2 at the Multi Art Cultural Centre, Haryana Kala Parishad, Kurukshetra. Sh. Rambir and group have been selected for the first prize, Sh. Pradeep Kumar and group for the second prize, and Sh. Jaisingh and group for the third prize. Sh. Kehar Nath and group, Sh. Mahendra Nath and group, Sh. Harpal Nath and group, Sh. Raju Nath and group, and Sh. Pali Nath and group have been selected for the consolation prizes, respectively.

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*Ensuring Benefits of Welfare Schemes Reach Every Needy Woman and Child Government’s Priority- CM*

*Anganwadi Centres Operating from Rented Premises to Be Shifted to Government Buildings on Priority*

*Special Focus on Education, Safety, Health and Better Environment for Children in Child Care Institutions*

Chandigarh, September 25— Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed officers to expedite efforts to provide dedicated buildings for Anganwadi centres currently operating from rented premises. He directed that suitable sites, including government land, available land in school premises and other appropriate locations, be identified on priority for construction of Anganwadi centres.

The Chief Minister was chairing a review meeting on various schemes of the Women and Child Development Department in Chandigarh on Friday. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Director, Women and Child Development Dr. Priyanka Soni, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Ajay Kumar and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

*Priority to Anganwadi Centres Operating from Rented Buildings*

The Chief Minister directed that construction of buildings for Anganwadi centres functioning from rented premises be taken up on priority. He called for identification of not only government land but also vacant land available within school campuses and suitable dharamshalas where Anganwadi centres can be established.

He said that concerned officers and public representatives must ensure optimal utilisation of available resources for the construction of Anganwadi buildings.

*Quality Sanitary Pads to Be Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries under Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana*

Reviewing the Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana, the Chief Minister directed that quality sanitary pads be provided free of cost to eligible BPL women and adolescent girls. He stressed the need for proper registration of beneficiaries, including their full names, phone numbers and other necessary details, along with proper records of distribution.

He directed that in rural areas, the availability of these products in schools should also be ensured through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and other designated distribution centres. Similar arrangements should be made in urban areas through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and schools. He also directed that dispensing machines be installed wherever required and stressed that all products provided to women and adolescent girls must meet prescribed quality standards.

*Better Facilities for Children under Mission Vatsalya*

The Chief Minister also reviewed arrangements at Child Care Institutions functioning under Mission Vatsalya. He directed that the Juvenile Justice Fund be enhanced and solar panels installed at Children’s Homes.

He directed that the buildings of Children’s Homes be properly renovated and maintained and that children be provided a safe, positive and conducive environment. The concerned officials were instructed to ensure regular inspections of Children’s Homes so that the education, health, safety and other essential facilities available to children are reviewed regularly.

*Juvenile Justice Fund to Be Increased to ₹10 Crore*

The Chief Minister directed that the Juvenile Justice Fund be increased to Rs. 10 crore. He also directed that the financial assistance provided to victims of sexual offences and offences under the POCSO Act be increased from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000 for immediate social and financial support.

He stressed that an effective mechanism should be put in place to ensure that affected children and their families receive assistance in a timely manner as per the prescribed provisions.

*Special Focus on Quality Education in Child Care Institutions*

The Chief Minister directed officers to pay special attention to the education of children residing in Child Care Institutions. He called for necessary arrangements to improve their academic performance.

He also directed that financial assistance be provided to children with disabilities and that proper educational arrangements be made for children who wish to study in private schools.

The Chief Minister said the government would extend all possible support for the education and upbringing of orphaned children residing in Child Care Institutions, enabling them to receive quality education and become self-reliant.

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*Haryana Farmers to Get Rs 2,900 per Quintal for Bajra Under Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana*

*Chief Minister Reviews Bajra and Paddy Procurement Arrangements*

*Directs Strict Action to Prevent Attempts to Bring Bajra from Other States for Sale in Haryana*

Chandigarh, September 25: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that farmers in Haryana will be ensured a payment of Rs 2,900 per quintal for bajra under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. He directed officials to strictly curb attempts to bring bajra from other states and sell it in Haryana.

The Chief Minister issued these directions while chairing a review meeting on Friday regarding the procurement of bajra and paddy. He also gave necessary directions to officials regarding area verification under Meri Fasal-Mera Byora, registration of rice millers, arrangements required at mandis for the procurement of bajra and paddy, and setting up additional procurement centres as per requirement. Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, and OSD to the Chief Minister, Sh. Virender Badkhalsa, were also present at the meeting.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that last year, the government had initially fixed the procurement rate for bajra at Rs 2,150 per quintal and later increased it to Rs 2,200 per quintal. The difference between the procurement price offered by the government and commission agents and the MSP of Rs 2,900 per quintal was separately compensated by the government. This year, bajra is being sold in the open market at an average rate of Rs 2,235 per quintal.

On this, the Chief Minister said that the government would ensure that farmers in Haryana receive the Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,900 per quintal for bajra. He said that this time the government would procure bajra at the rate of Rs 2,300 per quintal. If farmers get a higher price in the open market, the difference between the sale price and the Minimum Support Price of Rs 2,900 per quintal would be compensated by the government.

The Chief Minister said that bajra is being sold at a much lower price in neighbouring states compared to Haryana. Therefore, strict action would be taken against attempts to bring bajra from neighbouring states into Haryana for sale. He directed that, with the assistance of the district administration and police, it should be ensured at the borders of neighbouring states that bajra from other states does not enter Haryana. He said that procurement of bajra and payment under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana would be ensured on the basis of records entered in Meri Fasal-Mera Byora and the J-Forms issued. He also directed officials to undertake area verification on priority.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also reviewed the arrangements being made for paddy procurement. He directed that rice millers be registered in all districts. Rice millers who were found involved in irregularities in the past would not be registered. He said that in districts where fewer rice millers are registered, the paddy from those districts would be allocated to rice millers in other districts. The Chief Minister also directed officials to explore the possibility of registering rice millers from other states, if required.

The Chief Minister said that all necessary arrangements at mandis for the procurement of bajra and paddy should be completed well in advance so that farmers do not face any inconvenience. He also reviewed the installation of cameras and geo-fencing at all grain markets, establishment of additional procurement centres as required, and facilities to be provided to farmers, and issued necessary directions to officials in this regard.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar; Principal Secretary, Food and Supplies Department, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar; Director, Sh. Anshaj Singh; and Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Yashpal Singh, along with other senior officers, were also present on the occasion.

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*Haryana Government Takes Major Step, Free Pesticide Testing Facility Now Available for Fruits and Vegetables — Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana*

Chandigarh, September 25 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the State Government has taken a major step in the interest of horticulture farmers.

He said that the State Government is continuously working to increase farmers’ income, improve the quality of their produce and ensure food safety for the general public.

Sh. Rana said that Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini had announced that horticulture farmers in the State would be provided free testing facilities for analysing pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables. The present initiative has now been undertaken in compliance with that announcement.

The Agriculture Minister clarified that this facility is being provided at the Quality Testing Laboratories of the Department of Horticulture, Haryana, located at Sirsa and Gharaunda (Karnal). These laboratories, accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), provide farmers with free testing of samples of their horticulture produce, soil and water. The laboratories carry out accurate analysis of residues of 10 major pesticides — Metribuzin, Metalaxyl, Chlorpyrifos, Dicofol, Pendimethalin, Penconazole, Profenofos, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, Permethrin and Deltamethrin — using advanced technologies.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana appealed to farmers across the State to make maximum use of this facility. He said that for applying for testing, farmers will have to submit details of their Meri Fasal-Mera Byora registration, an identity document such as Aadhaar Card, PAN Card or Voter ID, along with their mobile number and email ID at the laboratory. Farmers can contact the office of the concerned District Horticulture Officer for the sample collection and documentation process.

The main objective of this initiative is to ensure that horticulture farmers understand the proper use of pesticides in their produce and thereby contribute to improving quality and food safety.

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*Special SIR Campaign to be Held in Haryana on September 26 and 27*

*Claims and objections can be filed till September 30*

Chandigarh, September 25 – The Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, informed that a special campaign regarding claims and objections will be conducted across the State on September 26 and 27. During the campaign, citizens can submit applications related to inclusion of names in the electoral roll, deletion of names, correction of details, and other claims and objections to their nearest Booth Level Officer (BLO).

The last date for submission of forms related to claims and objections is September 30. Therefore, citizens who have any objections have a final opportunity to register their grievances within the prescribed time.

During the special camps to be held on Saturday and Sunday, BLOs will remain present at their respective polling stations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and receive claims and objections from eligible voters.

The claims and objections will be disposed of by October 28. After rectifying all errors, the final publication of the electoral roll will be made on November 6.

So far, a total of 2,46,292 Form-6 applications, 31,146 Form-7 applications and 1,78,207 Form-8 applications have been received.

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*Padma Shri Dr. Santram Deshwal’s Book ‘Bhartiya Sanskriti Ki Avdharna’ Released*

*DPR Haryana unveils new work by eminent litterateur Dr. Deshwal, highlights crucial role of literature in preservation of cultural heritage*

Chandigarh, September 25 – Director, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Haryana, Dr. Aditya Dahiya, formally released the book ‘Bhartiya Sanskriti Ki Avdharna’, authored by Padma Shri and senior litterateur Dr. Santram Deshwal, at his office in the Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, on Friday. On the occasion, he congratulated Dr. Deshwal on the publication of his new literary work and appreciated his long-standing contribution to literature and culture.

On the occasion, Dr. Aditya Dahiya said that Indian culture is not merely an introduction to ancient traditions, but also a strong foundation of our values, social consciousness and national identity. Literature is the most powerful medium for transmitting these values from one generation to another. Through their writings, litterateurs perform the important task of preserving the memories, experiences and cultural heritage of society.

He said that India’s cultural tradition encompasses a rich heritage of unity in diversity, coexistence, human values, folk life and social harmony. Written from a contemporary perspective, this work will provide readers an opportunity to connect with their roots and enable the younger generation to understand their cultural heritage in greater depth.

The book comprises 20 thought-provoking essays focusing on various dimensions of Indian culture, traditions and social values. Highlighting cultural relevance in changing times, the work establishes a meaningful dialogue between rich traditions and contemporary thought.

The book will prove highly useful for students, researchers, literature enthusiasts and readers interested in Indian culture.

Sharing his literary journey, author Padma Shri Dr. Santram Deshwal said that his association with literature and culture has continued to inspire him. Around three dozen (36) books authored by him have been published so far, covering diverse subjects including Haryanvi literature, folk culture, language, poetry, ghazals, travelogues, biographies, translations and literary criticism.

It is noteworthy that two of Dr. Deshwal’s books have been honoured with the Best Work Award by the Haryana Sahitya Akademi. Besides, for his outstanding contribution to literature, he has also been conferred the ‘Mahakavi Surdas Lifetime Literary Sadhana Award’ and the ‘Jankavi Mehar Singh Award’, among the State’s highest literary honours.

Sh. Manav Malik, Joint Director (Administration), Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, and Dr. Pawan Arya, Project Director, were also present on the occasion.

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*Haryana cuts stubble fires by 91%, deploys 96% required mechanised sweepers in major clean-air push*

Chandigarh, September 25: Haryana has reduced paddy stubble-burning incidents by 91 per cent since 2021, deployed 78 of the 81 mechanised road sweeping machines required under prescribed norms, redeveloped 675 km of targeted roads and strengthened pollution-control monitoring across 1,309 industries, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said, highlighting the state's multi-pronged drive to improve air quality.

Sh. Rastogi gave details of the measures being taken by Haryana after attending the High-Level Task Force meeting on management of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The Chief Secretary said Haryana was pursuing a coordinated strategy covering paddy-straw management, road dust, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction and demolition waste, municipal solid waste and expansion of air-quality monitoring.

Haryana had achieved a 91 per cent reduction in paddy stubble-burning fire counts in 2025 compared with 2021, reflecting the impact of sustained enforcement and crop-residue management measures.

Haryana generates around 7.97 million tonnes of paddy straw, with the management plan providing for 55 per cent to be handled through in-situ methods, 33 per cent through ex-situ utilisation and 12 per cent as fodder.

The state has procured 7,950 crop-residue management machines against a target of 9,000 for the 2026 season. Ex-situ utilisation of paddy straw has also increased substantially. It stood at 1.32 million tonnes in 2023, 1.55 million tonnes in 2024 and 2.19 million tonnes in 2025, and is projected at 2.71 million tonnes in 2026.

The state plans to further strengthen surveillance by deploying about 50 drones in hotspot areas. Low-cost PM2.5 sensors are also proposed in hotspot villages, while burnt areas will be verified on the ground through an ISRO-developed mobile application.

Haryana had achieved 5.89 per cent biomass co-firing in thermal power plants up to August 2026, crossing the five per cent benchmark. Biomass co-firing in brick kilns in non-NCR Haryana has reached 21.9 per cent and is proposed to be increased to 30 per cent from November 1.

*675 km roads redeveloped*

The Chief Secretary said Haryana was simultaneously focusing on road dust, a significant source of particulate pollution in NCR. Of the 1,162 km of roads identified for redevelopment, 675 km have already been redeveloped, representing 58 per cent achievement.

The state is also implementing the Road Asset Management System, with emphasis on road redevelopment, repair of potholes and damaged footpaths and better management of road infrastructure.

*96 per cent mechanised sweepers deployed*

Haryana has deployed 78 of the 81 large and medium mechanised road sweeping machines required for roads wider than 10 metres, achieving 96 per cent deployment, Rastogi said. Only three machines remain to be deployed.

The state will also focus on smaller mechanised sweeping machines for narrower roads, litter-picking equipment and digital tracking of sweeping machines to ensure effective deployment.

The Chief Secretary said industrial pollution-control measures were also being strengthened. Haryana has 1,309 industries covered in the industrial pollution-control review framework, of which 192 have been exempted or certified as having adequate arrangements.

Of the remaining 1,117 industries requiring action on air-pollution control devices, purchase orders have been placed in 383 cases.

*3,211 construction sites on monitoring portal*

Rastogi said 3,211 active construction and demolition sites measuring more than 500 square metres in Haryana have been registered on the monitoring web portal. The state is strengthening dust-control compliance at construction sites, including monitoring through cameras and particulate-matter sensors.

*Haryana has 1,018 electric city buses*

Haryana currently has 1,018 electric city buses, against an assessed requirement of 2,900, and 1,276 charging stations, against a requirement of 2,500. The state has also identified 121 traffic-congestion points and decongested 46 of them. Further measures will focus on smoother traffic movement and reduction of vehicular emissions.

*Air-quality monitoring network being expanded*

Haryana currently has 22 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations, while the proposed network comprises 45 stations. Three Real-Time Source Apportionment sites have also been finalised in Haryana — at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, and Indira Gandhi University, Rewari.

The Chief Secretary said Haryana would continue to intensify action ahead of winter, with particular emphasis on farm fires, road dust, industrial and vehicular emissions, waste burning and other major sources of particulate pollution.

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*Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti to be Celebrated in Kurukshetra Tomorrow*

*Demands of Safai Karamcharis to be Fulfilled at the Earliest*

Chandigarh, September 25 – Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, while addressing the gathering at Kabir Chhatrawas in Sector 6, Panipat, on Friday, said that Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti would be celebrated in Kurukshetra tomorrow, September 26. He said that the government has listened carefully to all the demands of safai karamcharis and all their demands would be fulfilled at the earliest.

Sh. Bedi said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, all-round development works are being carried out and social harmony has been strengthened. He appealed to the people to provide their children with higher education to the maximum possible extent so that they can succeed in life.

The Social Justice and Empowerment Minister said that discrimination and social evils prevalent in society can be eliminated through education, awareness and dialogue. Therefore, everyone should ensure that their children receive proper education.

Sh. Bedi said that people belonging to all sections of society should respect one another and move forward together. Social discrimination, narrow-mindedness and mutual distance should be eliminated, and everyone should move forward with dignity and mutual respect.

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*Haryana cuts stubble fires by 91%, deploys 96% required mechanised sweepers in major clean-air push*

Chandigarh, September 25: Haryana has reduced paddy stubble-burning incidents by 91 per cent since 2021, deployed 78 of the 81 mechanised road sweeping machines required under prescribed norms, redeveloped 675 km of targeted roads and strengthened pollution-control monitoring across 1,309 industries, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi said, highlighting the state's multi-pronged drive to improve air quality.

Sh. Rastogi gave details of the measures being taken by Haryana after attending the High-Level Task Force meeting on management of air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

The Chief Secretary said Haryana was pursuing a coordinated strategy covering paddy-straw management, road dust, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution, construction and demolition waste, municipal solid waste and expansion of air-quality monitoring.

Haryana had achieved a 91 per cent reduction in paddy stubble-burning fire counts in 2025 compared with 2021, reflecting the impact of sustained enforcement and crop-residue management measures.

Haryana generates around 7.97 million tonnes of paddy straw, with the management plan providing for 55 per cent to be handled through in-situ methods, 33 per cent through ex-situ utilisation and 12 per cent as fodder.

The state has procured 7,950 crop-residue management machines against a target of 9,000 for the 2026 season. Ex-situ utilisation of paddy straw has also increased substantially. It stood at 1.32 million tonnes in 2023, 1.55 million tonnes in 2024 and 2.19 million tonnes in 2025, and is projected at 2.71 million tonnes in 2026.

The state plans to further strengthen surveillance by deploying about 50 drones in hotspot areas. Low-cost PM2.5 sensors are also proposed in hotspot villages, while burnt areas will be verified on the ground through an ISRO-developed mobile application.

Haryana had achieved 5.89 per cent biomass co-firing in thermal power plants up to August 2026, crossing the five per cent benchmark. Biomass co-firing in brick kilns in non-NCR Haryana has reached 21.9 per cent and is proposed to be increased to 30 per cent from November 1.

*675 km roads redeveloped*

The Chief Secretary said Haryana was simultaneously focusing on road dust, a significant source of particulate pollution in NCR. Of the 1,162 km of roads identified for redevelopment, 675 km have already been redeveloped, representing 58 per cent achievement.

The state is also implementing the Road Asset Management System, with emphasis on road redevelopment, repair of potholes and damaged footpaths and better management of road infrastructure.

*96 per cent mechanised sweepers deployed*

Haryana has deployed 78 of the 81 large and medium mechanised road sweeping machines required for roads wider than 10 metres, achieving 96 per cent deployment, Rastogi said. Only three machines remain to be deployed.

The state will also focus on smaller mechanised sweeping machines for narrower roads, litter-picking equipment and digital tracking of sweeping machines to ensure effective deployment.

The Chief Secretary said industrial pollution-control measures were also being strengthened. Haryana has 1,309 industries covered in the industrial pollution-control review framework, of which 192 have been exempted or certified as having adequate arrangements.

Of the remaining 1,117 industries requiring action on air-pollution control devices, purchase orders have been placed in 383 cases.

*3,211 construction sites on monitoring portal*

Rastogi said 3,211 active construction and demolition sites measuring more than 500 square metres in Haryana have been registered on the monitoring web portal. The state is strengthening dust-control compliance at construction sites, including monitoring through cameras and particulate-matter sensors.

*Haryana has 1,018 electric city buses*

Haryana currently has 1,018 electric city buses, against an assessed requirement of 2,900, and 1,276 charging stations, against a requirement of 2,500. The state has also identified 121 traffic-congestion points and decongested 46 of them. Further measures will focus on smoother traffic movement and reduction of vehicular emissions.

*Air-quality monitoring network being expanded*

Haryana currently has 22 Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations, while the proposed network comprises 45 stations. Three Real-Time Source Apportionment sites have also been finalised in Haryana — at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, and Indira Gandhi University, Rewari.

The Chief Secretary said Haryana would continue to intensify action ahead of winter, with particular emphasis on farm fires, road dust, industrial and vehicular emissions, waste burning and other major sources of particulate pollution