CM makes major announcements for Arthiyas

Paddy Commission increased by 20 percent, Benefiting Arthiyas

State Government allocates Rs.12 crore to compensate Arthiyas for wheat shortages

Rs.10 Bonus announced for rice delivered in July and August

Chandigarh, August 6 - Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini while making a series of pivotal announcements for Arthiyas here today said that the Arthiyas will get an increase of 20 percent for paddy, which means that commission amount has been increased from Rs. 45.88 to Rs. 55.00 per quintal, which is maximum in any state. He said that the government would compensate for the losses incurred by Arthiyas due to wheat shortages. For this, he announced compensation of approximately Rs. 12 crore.

The Chief Minister made these announcements while addressing a meeting with members of the representatives of Haryana State Grain Market Arthiya Association and Haryana Rice Millers and Dealers Association at Sant Kabir Kutir (Chief Minister's residence). The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Transport, Sh. Asim Goyal and Minister of State for Urban Local Bodies, Sh. Subhash Sudha.

During the meeting, the issue of wheat shortages was raised by the Arthiyas. They apprised the Chief Minister that since 1966, no government has ever compensated for this shortage, which averages around 0.20 percent every year. The shortage in the previous Rabi season was 0.28 percent. Responding to which, the Chief Minister said that the state government would compensate for the increased shortage of 0.08 percent. The Haryana government will cover the Rs. 12 crore loss due to this shortage.

Haryana Government to provide Rs. 10 bonus on rice distributed in July and August

The Chief Minister said that the last date for delivering rice to the FCI for the year 2023-24 was June 30, 2024. Those who delivered by this date have been given a Rs. 10 bonus by the Haryana government. Some millers faced issues due to storage shortages, therefore the government has decided to extend the last date to August 31, 2024. A request has been made to the central government to extend the last date, and it is expected to be approved soon. Therefore, the Haryana government will provide a Rs. 10 bonus for rice distributed in July and August.

The Chief Minister further shared that as part of making the state stray cattle-free, Rs. 600 per cow and Rs. 800 per bull would be paid immediately to bring stray cattle to their gaushalas. He added that for the captured stray animals, a daily feed subsidy of Rs. 20 for calves, Rs. 30 for cows, and Rs. 40 for bulls would be provided.

Chief Secretary, Sh. T.V.S.N Prasad, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Smt. Ashima Brar, Chief Administrator, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Sh. Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, Director, Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department, Sh. Mukul Kumar, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti and members of the Haryana State Grain Market Arthiya Association and Haryana Rice Millers and Dealers Association also remained present.

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State-level Teej festival to be celebrated in Jind today

Chief Minister to Gift Kothlis to around 30,000 Women

Chandigarh, August 6 - Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will participate as the Chief Guest in the State- level ‘Hariyali Teej’ festival today in Jind district organised by the Haryana Government. Around 30,000 women from across the state have been invited to this festival, where the Chief Minister will gift ‘Kothlis’ to them as it holds a special significance for ‘Hariyali Teej’.

Minister of State for Development & Panchayats, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Sh. Aseem Goel will also be present during the festival.

State government is organising ‘Hariyali Teej’, which falls in the holy month of Sawan, is a traditional festival of the state, and celebrating such festivals collectively promotes social harmony.

This state-level Teej festival is specially dedicated to women. During the event, 'Lakhpati Didi's’ will share their success tales and the Chief Minister will also distribute bank loans worth Rs.100 crore to self-help groups. Apart from this, he will honour members of self-help groups with the Best SHG Award and will also recognize female topper students from the 10th and 12th grades. The Chief Minister will also distribute cheques to the beneficiaries of Haryana Women Development Corporation.

Folk Dances on traditional Teej Songs

At the state-level Teej festival, 101 colourful swings have been set up for women, and as part of the cultural program, women in traditional attire will perform folk dances to traditional Teej songs. The festival will also feature traditional Haryanvi dishes like milk, ghevar, gulgule etc. and cultural programs. Moreover, women will set up more than 50 stalls at the festival.

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Haryana CM approves Rs. 3.80 crore Sewerage and IPS Project for Kapal Mochan Pilgrimage Site

Chandigarh, August 6 - Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, has approved the provision of a sewerage facility and the construction of an Intermediate Pumping Station (IPS) at Kapal Mochan in District Yamuna Nagar at the cost of Rs. 3.80 crore.

Giving more information in this regard, an official spokesperson stated that Gopal Mochan and Somsar Mochan, Kapal Mochan attracts approximately 8.50 lakh pilgrims and visitors each year during the annual Kartik Mela.

He said that this significant move aims to enhance the sanitation and public health infrastructure at this revered pilgrimage site, which is important to both Hindus and Sikhs. This project to be executed under the Mahagram Yojna as a special case, underscores the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens and preserving the sanctity of this religious place.

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Haryana CM sanctions Rs. 20.20 Crore for improvement of Jhajjar-Bahadurgarh Road (SH-22)

Chandigarh, August 6 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, has given administrative sanction for the improvement of the Jhajjar-Bahadurgarh Road (SH-22). This project, costing Rs. 20.20 crore, will cover the stretch from km 0.00 to 28.800 km in Jhajjar District.

An official spokesperson provided further details, stating that this vital route, connecting Jhajjar to Delhi through Bahadurgarh, has suffered significant deterioration due to the continuous movement of heavy-loaded vehicles.

Earlier, the government had sanctioned an administrative approval amounting to Rs. 98.51 crore on March 15, 2024, under the NCRPB loan scheme. This approval is scheduled for discussion at the upcoming SFC meeting. However, considering the road's current dire condition and the expected delay of over a year for allotment under the NCRPB scheme, the Chief Minister has decided to expedite the necessary improvements. The repair and improvement work will ensure the safety and convenience of road users. This decision highlights the government's dedication to maintaining and enhancing vital infrastructure for the benefit of its citizens.

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Focus on regularising contract workers in factories

Labour Minister chairs first meeting of State Advisory Contract Labour Board

Welfare of workers is our priority - Mool Chand Sharma

Chandigarh, August 6 – Haryana Minister of Industries, Commerce, and Labour, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma, who is also the Chairman of the State Advisory Contract Labour Board, chaired the board’s first meeting and directed the concerned officers to focus on regularising contract workers in factories. He emphasised that this would benefit not only the workers but also the factories, as it would lead to a continuous increase in productivity as well.

The Labour Minister stated that the welfare of workers is a priority, and it should be ensured that they are provided with the right environment. He said that discussions should be held with factory operators about making contract workers permanent.

He directed the officers to ensure that any factory employing contract workers through a contractor, but not registered under the board, should complete the registration process to avoid any inconvenience. Apart from this, all laws and regulations applicable to contract workers should be listed to ensure their full implementation.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Labour Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Special Secretary, Home Department, Sh. Mani Ram Sharma, and other private members of the State Advisory Contract Labour Board remained present during the meeting.

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Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal has directed the officers concerned to ensure that the process of crop procurement in state mandis is smooth and hassle free

Chandigarh, August 6 - Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal has directed the officers concerned to ensure that the process of crop procurement in state mandis is smooth and hassle free so that the Arthiyas and farmers do not have to face any trouble. He further said that emphasis should be given on ensuring transparency in the collection of market fees and other related activities.

Sh. Kanwar Pal gave these directions while chairing a joint meeting today at his office with a delegation of Arthiyas association and officers of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board. Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Chief Administrator, Sh. Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, and other officers attended the meeting.

The Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister gave a patient hearing to the issues raised by the Arthiya Association. He said that Arthiyas are a crucial link between the government and farmers, facilitating the sale of farmers' crops and contributing to government revenue. He directed the officers to ensure swift lifting arrangements for wheat crops during the procurement season to prevent any inconvenience to the Arthiyas. He further directed the simplification of the LL form used by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board in the markets.

Sh. Kanwar Pal directed the officers to explore the potential for utilizing the sheds in empty markets (when crops are not being sold) and allowing some commercial activities in grain markets to generate additional revenue for the state government.

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Rapid metro Gurugram sees significant growth in ridership and revenue

Chandigarh, August 6– Rapid Metro Rail Gurgaon Limited (RMGL) and Rapid MetroRail Gurgaon South Limited (RMGSL) have reported substantial growth in both ridership and revenue for the first quarter of the financial year 2024-25. This was stated by Chief Secretary, Sh.T.V.S.N Prasad, after presiding over the Board meeting of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation Limited.

For the period from April to June 2024, total income surged by 10.49 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching Rs. 8.11 crore. This increase is directly attributed to an 8.75 percent rise in ridership during the same period. The number of passengers utilising the Rapid Metro network saw steady growth, with April, May, and June 2024 recording 12.20 lakh, 13.48 lakh, and 12.30 lakh passengers, respectively.

The meeting also reviewed several metro projects aimed at enhancing connectivity within the state:

Metro Link Extension: The proposed metro link connecting Sector 56 in Gurugram to Panchgaon will cover 36 kilometres and include 28 elevated stations. RITES Ltd has finalised the route and transportation system plans, with the comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) scheduled for completion by August 31, 2024. This extension is designed to improve connectivity and ease congestion in the Gurugram region.

Ballabgarh to Palwal Extension: The state government is expediting the extension of the metro line from Ballabgarh to Palwal. RITES Ltd, tasked with techno-feasibility studies, has submitted its draft report, with the final report and feasibility study expected by September 2024.

Bahadurgarh to Asaudah: RITES Ltd has been appointed to conduct a ridership assessment for the metro connectivity project from Bahadurgarh to Asaudah. The ridership assessment report is expected by August 2024.

Faridabad to Gurugram: A feasibility study for metro connectivity between Faridabad and Gurugram, involving a double-decker viaduct in collaboration with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is currently under review.

Chandigarh Tricity Comprehensive Mobility Plan: The Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for the Chandigarh Tricity area has been approved. The Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) will oversee the implementation of the proposals. RITES Ltd has been appointed to prepare the detailed project reports. This project aims to enhance urban mobility in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali.

New Delhi to AIIMS and NCI Badsa: RITES Ltd has also been tasked with a ridership assessment for the metro connectivity project from New Delhi to AIIMS and NCI Badsa in District Jhajjar. This project includes a 61 km route from HUDA City Centre to AIIMS, with an extension to NCI Badsa. The final ridership assessment report is expected by September 30, 2024.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning Departments, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Town & Country Planning and Urban Estates Department, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, HMRTC, Sh. Chander Shekhar Khare and other senior officers remained present during the meeting.

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Quality Assurance Authority (QAA), Haryana organizes a comprehensive workshop with the Irrigation, Water Supply, and Sewerage Departments

QAA will monitor the quality of Infrastructure being created by the various Engineering departments of the State Government

QAA, Haryana is truly a one-of-its-kind authority in India focusing on quality - Mr Rajeev Arora

Chandigarh, August 6 : Quality Assurance Authority (QAA), Haryana organized a comprehensive workshop with the Irrigation, Water Supply, and Sewerage Departments in PWD Rest House Sector 1, Panchkula, today. The workshop aimed to foster improved systems and collaborative efforts across these departments with a special focus on Quality.

Senior officers of the Irrigation, Water Supply, and Sewerage department attended today’s workshop.

This will be followed by Series of Workshop’s on Roads, Bridges, Building and Power (Distribution and Transmission) in the coming week.

QAA will soon be floating the tender for appointment of DPR and Design consultants and their party inspection agencies

Addressing the workshop, Mr. Rajeev Arora, Chairperson QAA informed that the QAA will monitor the quality of Infrastructure being created by the various Engineering departments of the State Government. QAA will soon be floating the tender for appointment of DPR and Design consultants and their party inspection agencies. QAA will empanel these agencies for a period of 3 years. Various Government departments can than float the limited tenders to these empanelled agencies. He said that this will ensure a centralized penal for all government department for proper monitoring of Quality in preparing DPR and Design. Additionally, laboratories will be empanelled to ensure high standards in testing and analysis. QAA also aims to act as a knowledge centre for research and development of various techniques related to quality control and assurance within the construction space.

Authority has effectively established the framework and roadmap for ensuring high-quality standards in Haryana’s projects

He further informed that in a short span of less than a year, Quality Assurance Authority has effectively established the framework and roadmap for ensuring high-quality standards in Haryana’s projects. By ensuring that the Engineering projects may adhere to the highest quality standards, the QAA will help to deliver better results and achieve development goals set by the government more efficiently. The collaborative effort of QAA and various Engineering departments will be instrumental in realizing the vision of a progressive and prosperous Haryana. With the focus on the quality of infrastructure, the State expects the Authority to ensure quality consciousness across all departments. This will be achieved by developing procedures with a focus on quality and introducing measures for their effective implementation.

QAA will be backed by the best engineers across various departments

He said that while at Central Government level, Quality Council of India (QCI) plays a pivotal role in national accreditation, Haryana is set to lead by example with its comprehensive approach. It is worth highlighting that the QAA, Haryana is truly a one-of-its-kind authority in India focusing on quality. This marks a significant step forward for Haryana, setting new benchmarks in infrastructure quality. While the QAA will be backed by the best engineers across various departments, it must also develop mechanisms to engage a larger public by creating social impact. By involving more stakeholders and focusing on social impact, the QAA can ensure that infrastructure projects not only meet technical standards but also contribute positively to the community.

This workshop marks a significant step towards achieving a unified approach to quality assurance

He further informed that the team of QAA conducted the Technical Quality Audit of few projects covering Irrigation, Water Supply, and Sewerage Departments with main focus on adherence to Quality, Timely Completion and Cost of project. Moving forward, the consultants of QAA discussed the technical audit parameters developed to inspect projects related to water supply, irrigation, and sewerage schemes, and also highlighted observations from past project inspections. This workshop marks a significant step towards achieving a unified approach to quality assurance across key public utility sectors, ultimately benefiting the community.

Several critical functions and tasks undertaken by the QAA were discussed

Several critical functions and tasks undertaken by the QAA were discussed during the workshop, including the establishment of comprehensive quality frameworks to guide departmental operations, the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for easy reference to existing literature and best practices, and the implementation of third-party inspections with Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the empanelment of agencies.

The workshop also highlighted the planning of extensive training programs for contractors and departmental staff, in collaboration with institutions such as QCI, BIS, HIPA, IIT Roorkee, and NIT Kurukshetra. These training sessions, scheduled to commence in September, will cover junior, mid-level, and senior engineers. Executive Engineers, EICs were requested to provide specific training needs for their respective departments.

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Focus on regularising contract workers in factories

Labour Minister chairs first meeting of State Advisory Contract Labour Board

Welfare of workers is our priority - Mool Chand Sharma

Chandigarh, August 6 – Haryana Minister of Industries, Commerce, and Labour, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma, who is also the Chairman of the State Advisory Contract Labour Board, chaired the board’s first meeting and directed the concerned officers to focus on regularising contract workers in factories. He emphasised that this would benefit not only the workers but also the factories, as it would lead to a continuous increase in productivity as well.

The Labour Minister stated that the welfare of workers is a priority, and it should be ensured that they are provided with the right environment. He said that discussions should be held with factory operators about making contract workers permanent.

He directed the officers to ensure that any factory employing contract workers through a contractor, but not registered under the board, should complete the registration process to avoid any inconvenience. Apart from this, all laws and regulations applicable to contract workers should be listed to ensure their full implementation.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Labour Department, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Special Secretary, Home Department, Sh. Mani Ram Sharma, and other private members of the State Advisory Contract Labour Board remained present during the meeting.

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Haryana Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Wildlife and Sports, Sh. Sanjay Singh chaired the meeting of the District Development and Monitoring Committee in Bhiwani district today.

Chandigarh, August 6 - Haryana Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Wildlife and Sports, Sh. Sanjay Singh chaired the meeting of the District Development and Monitoring Committee in Bhiwani district today. He directed the officers to ensure that development works are completed within the stipulated time. He said that all department officers should work in coordination to expedite development works and that the funds released for these works should be used properly.

Sh. Sanjay Singh said that the government has no shortage of funds for development works. Proposals for development are received through Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, and Zila Parishad, based on which funds are released by the government. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the officers to ensure that proposals and demands for development works are properly processed, he said.

The Minister directed the officers that the funds allocated for specific works should be utilized within the stipulated time. Any delay in starting the development works within the specified time frame will be investigated. He said that there should be no delay at any level in the execution of development works.

Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Mahavir Kaushik and officers from various departments were present at the meeting.

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Transport Minister chairs High Power Purchase Committee meeting, approves equipment purchase worth Rs. 7.18 crore

Chandigarh, August 6 - Haryana Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Sh. Aseem Goel Naneola while chairing the meeting of the High Power Purchase Committee held here today accorded approval to purchase monitoring equipment worth approximately Rs. 7.18 crore in the Anganwadi. He said that monitoring the overall growth of the children coming to the Anganwadis is very important hence the government has decided to purchase the equipments. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal also attended the meeting.

The Minister said that the state government is committed to ensure holistic development of children and women in the state. For this reason, special attention is being given to the nutrition of pregnant women and young children through Anganwadis. In addition to nutrient-rich foods, children are also given milk to ensure their balanced development.

Sh. Aseem Goel Naneola also informed that the state government will continuously monitor the growth of children enrolled in Anganwadis. This includes checking children's weight and height to ensure they meet health standards. Moreover, machines are being purchased to weigh the mothers of young infants. He informed that infantometers, stadiometers, weighing scales (for infants), and digital weighing scales (for mother and child) are being purchased for all the state's Anganwadis.

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development said that the state government is making every possible effort to keep the state's future generation healthy. He said that there would be no shortage of funds from the government for this purpose.

On this occasion, Commissioner and Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar, Director, Smt. Monika Malik and other senior officers were present.