*Haryana seeks comments on the relevance of Pre-constitution Laws from Administrative Secretaries

*Review of 52 Central Acts to be conducted by Central Government

Chandigarh, May 28 – The Haryana government has directed all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors of boards and corporations, and registrars of all state universities to submit their comments or views within a week regarding the current relevance and appropriateness of all pre-Constitution laws or acts.

While giving this information here today, Chief Secretary, Sh T.V.S.N. Prasad said that according to a letter received from the Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Central Government is set to review all pre-Constitution laws based on their relevance and appropriateness in the present circumstances. The Central Government has also sent a list of 52 central acts, including pre-Constitution acts. In this context, comments or views from the state government have been sought regarding the necessity of repealing or re-enacting such laws as required.

The acts listed for review include the Legal Representatives' Suits Act, 1855, the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855, the Religious Endowments Act, 1863, The Divorce Act, 1869, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, the Indian Contract Act, 1872, the Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872, The Married Women’s Property Act, 1874, The Majority Act, 1875, The Religious Societies Act, 1880, The Kazis Act, 1880, The Indian Trusts Act, 1882; The Transfer of Property Act, 1882; The Suits Valuation Act, 1887; The Indian Easement Act, 1882; The Powers of Attorney Act, 1882; The Charitable Endowments Act, 1890; The Guardians & Wards Act, 1890; The Partition Act, 1893; The General Clauses Act, 1897; The Code of Civil Procedure, 1908; The Anand Marriage Act, 1909; The Official Trustees Act, 1913; The Hindu Disposition of Property Act, 1916; The Charitable and Religious Trusts Act, 1920; The Maintenance Orders Enforcement Act, 1921; The Sikh Gurdwaras (Supplementary) Act, 1925; The Indian Succession Act, 1925; The Sale of Goods Act, 1930; The Hindu Gains of Learning Act, 1930; The Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936; The Arya Marriage Validation Act, 1937; The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937; The Cutchi Memons Act, 1938; The Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939; The Commercial Documents Evidence Act, 1939; The Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Oaths and Fees) Act, 1948; The Special Marriage Act, 1954; The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955; The Hindu Succession Act, 1956; The Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956; The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956; The Parliament Prevention of Disqualification Act, 1959; The Limitation Act, 1963; The Specific Relief Act, 1963; The Administrators-General Act, 1963; The Foreign Marriage Act, 1969; The Oaths Act, 1969; The Diplomatic and Consular Officers (Oaths and Fees) (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Act, 1973; The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986; The Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996; and The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.

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The Haryana Government has expressed deep concern over the withdrawal of appointment letters from some candidates of Haryana who were selected by Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board

Chandigarh, May 28 : The Haryana Government has expressed deep concern over the withdrawal of appointment letters from some candidates of Haryana who were selected by Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board and offered appointment/joined their duties for the post of TGT of different subjects on ground of submission EWS certificate and requested to consider the EWS income and asset certificates issued by the competent authority during the period between January 1 and March 31, 2021, before or after the last date as valid and allow the respective candidates to continue/join back their duties.

In a letter penned by Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh TVSN Prasad to Delhi Chief Secretary, Secretary, Delhi Education Department, Secretary, Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board, Delhi and the Director, Directorate of Education, Delhi, it has also been requested to take similar decision for all other selected candidates of Haryana having similar EWS Certificates, where cases for cancellation of candidature/withdrawal of appointment letter are in pipeline in Directorate of Education or any other department of Delhi Government.

The Haryana Government has expressed deep concern about the withdrawal of appointment letters in many cases and the prospects thereof in some cases still under consideration of Directorate of Education, Delhi of meritorious youth of Haryana. The State Government clarified that the candidature of the candidates cannot be cancelled merely on any one or more of the grounds. These included submission of EWS certificate issued during the period between January 1 and March 31, 2021 for the income up to March 31, 2021, with validity for the year 2021-22, submission of EWS Certificate signed/issued by the Naib-Tehsildar instead of Tehsildar of the area where the applicant was residing and submission of EWS Certificate which was issued by the competent authority after the last date of submission of application for the post.

The letter clarified that the EWS certificates in Haryana are issued keeping in view the average fixed income and assets for the complete financial year, immediately upon an application being made to the competent authority, no matter what the date of application, whether or not before completion of the financial year. Therefore, the EWS certificates issued before the completion of the financial year 2020-21, that is during the period between January 1 and March 31, 2021, submitted by the candidates should be treated valid for the year 2021-22.

Regarding acceptance of EWS certificate issued by the Naib-Tehsildar instead of Tehsildar submitted by the applicants/candidates of Haryana it has been clarified that Haryana Government in the Schedule to Right to Service Act, 2014 has authorized both Tehsildar and Naib-Tehsildar to issue EWS Certificates to the persons residing in Haryana. In another case of similar nature, the State Government has decided to treat the EWS certificates issued by the Naib Tehsildar as true and genuine. In fact, such EWS certificates issued by the Naib-Tehsildar have also been accepted by UPSC/DOPT. In CWP 8502 of 2017 (O&M) it has been held by the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court that "The power and duties of Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildar are of similar nature. The Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars have powers of Executive Magistrate to maintain law and order. Their powers and functions include maintenance and updating Revenue Record, Registration of documents and recovery of Government dues. Therefore, experience/service rendered as Naib Tehsildar and Tehsildars is similar.” In view of this, EWS certificates issued by Naib Tehsildar for candidates of Haryana should be treated as valid.

The State Government further clarified that Haryana Government launched income certificates generation via the portal https://saralharyana.gov.in during the year 2021-22 to issue offline certificates of all kinds including Caste Certificates/income Certificates/EWS Certificates etc. which were previously being issued by different relevant Departments. It has also been clarified that in the previous system it would have been possible for a candidate to obtain two different EWS Certificates verifying the income at two different levels by approaching the relevant Department with two different sets of affidavits at two different dates. With the launch of the said portal this possibility has been completely pre-empted. There is a unique Family ID for every family and the verified annual income of every family for every year is available in the State level database. The moment a candidate applies for EWS Certificate on the SARAL portal, it fetches the income and caste data from the said database. There is no scope for the competent authority, Tehsildar or Naib-Tehsildar, to make any change to the verified income of the previous year. Therefore, in this system, the candidate may generate his certificate in any of the months.

Many candidates who submitted the EWS certificate issued after the last date of submission of application might not have been aware of the newly launched portal by Haryana Government and consequently, they may not have been able to generate their own EWS Certificate in time. Therefore, the EWS certificates generated after the last date for the candidates should be accepted because they truly capture the actual verified income for the previous year. It has further added that no cut-off date need be fixed for the purpose of Caste Certificate of the candidates of reserved category because caste stays the same at all times. Similarly, the verified family income of the candidates residing in Haryana is available in the database on an annual basis at all times and remains unchanged for a particular period in the financial year. Therefore, the mere fact of submission of EWS Certificate which was issued after the cut-off date cannot legally be treated as valid ground for cancellation of candidature, the Chief Secretary letter added.

The letter further stated that if required, the Haryana Government can depute the Director General, Human Resources, Haryana to meet with the Director of Education or any other authority to work out the details of all the candidates of Haryana whose appointment may be in process of cancellation and provide any further detailed justification for each case wherever felt necessary by him.

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Maharshi Dayanand University Rohtak "University Centre for Competitive Examinations" (UCCE) will start a coaching program for the CAPF exam from June 10 and for the CGL Tier-1 and Tier-2 exams from June 15, 2024.

Chandigarh, May 28 - Maharshi Dayanand University Rohtak "University Centre for Competitive Examinations" (UCCE) will start a coaching program for the CAPF exam from June 10 and for the CGL Tier-1 and Tier-2 exams from June 15, 2024.

UCCE Director Dr. J.S. Hooda stated that the coaching program for the CAPF exam will be held from June 10 to August 2, 2024. Registration for this program will be open until June 9, and the classes will begin in offline mode from June 10. The coaching program for the CGL Tier-1 and 2 exams will be held from June 15 to August 30, 2024. Registration for this program will be open until June 14, and the classes will begin offline from June 15.

Dr. Hooda said that present and former students of MDU and affiliated colleges and students from other universities can enroll in these coaching programs. For information on fees and other details, you can visit the university website, the UCCE office at Swaraj Sadan, or contact UCCE staff member Ashok Kumar at mobile number 8307920670.

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Protect the Elderly, Small Children, and Pets from Heat Wave: Citizens advised to take special precautions

Chandigarh, May 28 - The Meteorological Department has predicted extreme heat and heat waves in the coming days. In response, the Haryana government has advised citizens to take special precautions and ensure their safety.

According to the advisory issued by the Health Department, avoid strenuous activities when temperatures are high. Refrain from consuming substances like tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks that deplete the body's water levels. Avoid high-protein and stale foods. Be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat rash, which can include symptoms like weakness, dizziness, headache, and seizures. If you feel faint or unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of taking special precautions due to the sudden temperature rise. Citizens are urged to make necessary arrangements to protect themselves from the heat. Special care should be taken of young children and the elderly. It is crucial to drink enough water to prevent heatstroke, even if you do not feel thirsty. Wear light-colored, loose, and porous cotton clothing. When going out in the sun, use protective gear such as sunglasses, an umbrella or hat, and appropriate footwear. Avoid strenuous activities when the temperature is high, and do not leave the house during the hot afternoon unless necessary. Keep water with you while traveling and avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks. If you work outdoors, use a hat or umbrella and keep a damp cloth on your head, neck, face, and limbs.

Additionally, do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles. If you feel faint or sick, consult a doctor immediately. Use ORS and homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and chaach to rehydrate. Ensure animals are kept in the shade and have plenty of water. Keep your home cool by using curtains, shutters, or sunshades, and open windows at night. Use fans, wear wet clothes, and take frequent baths with cold water. Citizens should also care for pets and birds by providing water in areas where birds frequently visit to drink.

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*Preparations for International Yoga Day Begins - Yoga Training to be imparted to PTIs and DPEs

Chandigarh, May 28 - As every year, the AYUSH Department of Haryana will also celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21 this year. In preparation for this Yoga Day, directions have been given to provide training to PTIs and DPEs of the Education Department.

Giving more information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that, as per the instructions of the Director General of the AYUSH Department, this will be the 10th International Yoga Day. Preparations for the upcoming International Yoga Day, to be celebrated on June 21, have commenced in full swing. He further informed that to prepare for Yoga Day, PTIs and DPEs of the Education Department will be imparted training in their respective districts from May 29 to 31. Following this, a pilot training session for Yoga Day will be conducted on June 19. He said that the department has appealed to the people of the state to ensure their active participation in the International Yoga Day.

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A total of illegal liquor, cash and drugs worth Rs 75.44 crore seized in Haryana during Lok Sabha elections

Cash, illegal liquor etc. worth Rs 18.36 crore were seized in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections

Chandigarh, May 28 – Throughout the Lok Sabha General Elections 2024 in Haryana, law enforcement agencies have taken consistent action, resulting in the seizure of illegal liquor, drugs, and cash. As of May 28, a total of Rs 76.74 crore in cash, illicit liquor, drugs, and valuables have been confiscated in the state, a significant increase compared to the previous Lok Sabha elections. During the Lok Sabha General Elections 2019, cash, illicit liquor, drugs, and valuables worth Rs 18.36 crore were seized throughout the election period.

Providing details, Chief Electoral officer Sh Anurag Agarwal stated that the Police, Income Tax Department, Excise and Taxation Department, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are continuously taking action in the state. Thus far, the police have seized cash amounting to Rs 7.24 crore, the Income Tax Department Rs 9.38 crore, and the DRI Rs 2.78 crore. Additionally, cash has been seized by other agencies as well.

He mentioned that more than 4.10 lakh liters of illicit liquor worth a total of Rs 13.50 crore have been confiscated by various agencies. This includes the police seizing 300,833 liters of illicit liquor worth Rs 9.51 crore and the Excise Department seizing 109,583 liters worth Rs 4.09 crore.

Sh Anurag Agarwal further reported that drugs worth a total of Rs 14.08 crore have been seized by the agencies, with the police confiscating narcotics worth Rs 13.99 crore. Additionally, the NCB has seized 2 kg of drugs valued at Rs 4 lakh. Furthermore, valuables worth Rs 26.12 crore and other items worth Rs 3.49 crore have also been seized.