CM Nayab Singh Saini reviews progress of Namo Bharat corridors to boost regional mobility in NCR
Haryana Government committed to easing traffic congestion, boosting regional connectivity: CM
Chandigarh, May 6 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini reviewed the progress of eight Namo Bharat corridor projects in the NCR region under which three corridors are currently under implementation in Phase-I. These include Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut (82 km), Delhi-Gurugram-SNB (105 km) and Delhi-Panipat-Karnal (136 km) routes. Haryana Environment and Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the transformative potential of the Namo Bharat corridors (RRTS) in easing traffic congestion, boosting regional connectivity, and enhancing economic development across urban and semi-urban areas of Haryana. He instructed officials to expedite approvals for the Delhi-SNB and Delhi-Karnal projects to ensure their timely completion.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was made by MD, National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), Sh. Shalabh Goel on Detailed Project Reports highlighting the various features of the two Namo Bharat corridors. The meeting was informed that the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor has achieved significant milestones, with successful operations on 55 km section and highly positive public response.
The Chief Minister suggested that the design of the Namo Bharat corridors should be future-ready and efficient integration with Metro systems should be ensured for enhancing the utility of the system.
The Chief Minister reviewed the alignment, stations and land requirements related to the Delhi-Gurugram-SNB and Delhi-Panipat-Karnal corridors. He instructed departments to provide necessary support to NCRTC to ensure early start of projects.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the alignment of the proposed Gurugram-Faridabad-Noida Namo Bharat corridor and directed officials to provide necessary approval and support to NCRTC for preparation of the Detailed Project Report.
Notably, the Namo Bharat train ensures high speed connectivity, covering 90 km distance in about 1 hour. It will reduce the travel time between Ghaziabad and Gurugram from 100 minutes by road to just 37 minutes. It will also provide fast and direct access to the Delhi airport from Haryana.
The Namo Bharat train has a maximum design speed of 180 kmph with an inter-station distance of 5-10 km and train frequency of every 5-10 minutes. It will have Platform Screen Doors and Automatic Fare Collection System as well.
Chief Principal Secretary to CM, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to CM, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, ACS- Town & Country Planning and Urban Estates Department, Sh. AK Singh, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
===============================================*Haryana Chief Minister Criticizes Punjab Chief Minister for Controversial Statement on Water*
*It is wrong for a person holding a constitutional position to make controversial comments about water distribution, CM on Bhagwant Mann’s controversial statement*
*Do not provoke people by making such statements, instead work for the welfare of the people of Punjab, CM to Bhagwant Mann*
*In the coming time, the people of Punjab will show doors to the Aam Aadmi Party, Nayab Singh Saini*
Chandigarh, May 6 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini while coming down heavily Punjab Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann for making controversial statement on water said that it is wrong for a person holding a constitutional position to make controversial comments about water. By making such statements, he is provoking people, while he should be working for the welfare of the people of Punjab. Instead, he is making such remarks to enhance his political career, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini while addressing a gathering at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir on Tuesday.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further said that Haryana and Punjab are brothers, but the Punjab Chief Minister is trying to create differences among the people. He said that the Mann government should work for the welfare of farmers. They should guarantee that they will purchase their crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). However, they have failed to do so and, instead, the Mann government has resorted to using force against farmers, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister also said that just as the Aam Aadmi Party was ousted by the people of Delhi, in the near future, the people of Punjab will also ensure the complete defeat of this party, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
He criticized the Punjab government, saying that the Punjab government had promised to provide Rs. 2100 to women, but has not fulfilled that promise to date. There is no provision for it in this year’s budget either. They are only indulging in vote-bank politics. In contrast, our double-engine government in Haryana has committed to providing financial assistance to women under the Lado Laxmi Scheme, and fulfilling this commitment, we have allocated Rs. 5000 crore in this year's budget, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister further stated that Haryana now has a triple-engine government, and development works will progress three times faster in all constituencies without any discrimination. He said that even in the Ladwa area, development worth crores of rupees has taken place in a short period of time. In the future, big projects will also be launched in this region.
The Chief Minister said that he is always available for the people and is working with full dedication for their welfare. The doors of Sant Kabir Kutir are open 24 hours for the public. I am your servant, and solving the problems of every citizen of the state is the responsibility of our government, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister targeted the Congress and said that during the assembly elections, statements of Congress leaders were made about giving jobs in exchange for votes. He said that such statements make it clear that bidding for jobs had started even before the formation of the government. Not only this, during the assembly elections, Congress leaders complained to the Election Commission and got the results of recruitment examinations stopped. After that, a large number of youth from all over the state came to meet him and requested him to declare the results of recruitment examinations soon. If the Congress government is formed, then we will have to struggle to get a job on merit basis, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister said that at that time, he had promised the youth that he will take oath as the Chief Minister later, first he will give them joining. Fulfilling my promise, I gave joining letters to about 25 thousand youth, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
During the programme, Ladwa resident Smt. Poonam while expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for giving jobs on merit basis, shared that her son has been selected for the post of Medical Officer without any Parchi Kharchi. This is the result of the transparent governance system of the Chief Minister that youth are getting jobs on merit basis.
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*To tackle the water crisis, the Irrigation Minister called a meeting of departmental officers*
*The Minister directs officers to monitor the situation in each district*
*Haryana’s public should not face water issues due to Punjab's stubbornness, says Shruti Choudhry*
Chandigarh, May 6 – To address the water crisis in the state, the Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, called a meeting of senior departmental officers at her office in Chandigarh.
Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Chief Engineer, Irrigation Department, and other officers were present at the meeting.
Smt. Shruti Choudhry sought reports from district-level irrigation officers through video conferencing and conducted a review with senior officers on how to tackle the situation. She gave clear directions to district-level officers to fill water bodies and ponds from the canals.
The Minister said that no member of the public should face any inconvenience during this water crisis. Wherever possible, efforts should be made to fill the water bodies from available sources. The people of Haryana should not suffer due to Punjab’s stubbornness.
She also advised the district-level officers to appeal to the general public to use water properly and avoid wastage, especially during the summer season. This will help raise awareness about water conservation and aid in overcoming difficult circumstances.
The Irrigation Minister directed senior officers to keep a close watch on the situation in every district and monitor water usage. She emphasised that all water bodies in the state must be filled and that no laxity should be allowed by the Irrigation Department. She issued directions for proper water management in all districts, including Sirsa, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Rewari, Hisar, and Rohtak.
The Minister also discussed the upcoming monsoon and directed that all necessary preparations for flood control should be completed by the end of June. Additionally, the Minister gave directions for implementing the ongoing schemes of the Irrigation Department.
She directed that where water is needed for irrigation, efforts should be made through small and micro-irrigation schemes. Inclusive water management should be ensured, with special focus on avoiding groundwater depletion.
She said that the matter of receiving water from BBMB is under judicial consideration, and they hope that Haryana will soon receive its share of water
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HC officer Chinar gets additional charge of MD-Sugar Mill Shahabad
Chandigarh, May 6- The Haryana Government has given additional charge of Managing Director of Cooperative Sugar Mill, Shahabad, to HCS officer and Sub Divisional Officer (Civil) Ms. Chinar.
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Road safety campaign launches in 38 government polytechnic institutes to raise awareness about traffic rules among students
Over 15,000 students participates in the campaign organised by Haryana Technical Education department
Chandigarh, May 6 – Haryana Technical Education Department has launched a massive road safety awareness campaign across all 38 government polytechnic institutes. The aim of the campaign is to educate students about the importance of following traffic rules, carrying valid driving licenses, and the mandatory use of helmets by two-wheeler riders.
This one-day campaign was organised in collaboration with the local traffic police and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including interactive workshops, license verification checks and helmet distribution. Verification desks were set up within campus premises where students' driving licenses and documents were checked. Special sessions were also organised to demonstrate the life-saving benefits of helmets, in which experts gave information about traffic safety and responsible driving habits.
Director General, Technical Education, Sh. Prabhjot Singh, said that this initiative reflects the department’s commitment to student safety beyond academics. He emphasised that by following traffic rules, road accidents can be significantly reduced.Over 15,000 students participated in the campaign, out of which 85 percent had valid licenses. Those without licenses or helmets were guided to get the required documents and safety equipment, he added.
He further said that the department is planning to include a road safety module in the academic curriculum and will organise quarterly awareness programmes. This initiative by the Haryana government aims to promote a culture of safety and accountability among youth.
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Haryana shines at 4th Senior Federation Cup Kabaddi Championship in Maharashtra
Both Men's and Women's teams win bronze medals
Cabinet Minister and State Kabaddi Association President Krishan Lal Panwar congratulates the teams
Chandigarh, May 6- Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister and President of the Haryana Amateur Kabaddi Association, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, congratulated the state's kabaddi players for winning medals in the 4th Senior Federation Cup Kabaddi Championship held in Maharashtra. The event was jointly organised by the Vidarbha Amateur Kabaddi Association, Amravati District Kabaddi Association, and Shodh Pratisthan. In this competition, both Haryana's men's and women's kabaddi teams secured bronze medals.
Sh. Panwar said that this achievement has taken Haryana kabaddi to a new level and reflects the hard work and dedication of the players. He also extended congratulations to Chairman, Kabaddi Association, Sh. Kuldeep Dalal, Secretary, Sh. Naseeb Janghu, team coaches, and all officers involved.
Haryana's players are making their mark not only across the country but also abroad. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is giving the highest prize money in the country to Olympic and Paralympic medal winners, which is further motivating athletes. Today, Haryana has become a leading hub for sports in India, he added.
Sh. Panwar called this achievement a proud moment for all and said that Haryana’s kabaddi players have previously made their mark at national and international levels, and the state will continue to hold a strong position in the sport in the future as well.
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State Task Force Ramps Up Action Against Unlicensed Clinics and Illegal MTP Practices in Haryana
Crack Down on Illegal Abortions, Ensure Stricter Enforcement to Improve Sex Ratio: ACS-Health Sudhir Rajpal Tells Officials
Continuous Efforts Bear Result As Haryana Records Sex Ratio Of 917 In Past Week
Chandigarh, May 6 – The weekly meeting of the State Task Force for Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana was held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal here today. The meeting focused on intensifying efforts to curb illegal abortions and further improve the state's sex ratio under the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign.
During the meeting, Sh. Rajpal issued strict directions to the concerned officials, emphasizing zero tolerance toward illegal abortion practices. He categorically stated that no BAMS doctor is permitted to carry out Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) procedures. Any such violation will attract stringent action, including cancellation of medical licences and sealing of clinics.
He further directed that abortion of pregnancies beyond 12 weeks must be strictly regulated. He said it must be mandatory to obtain prior approval from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) along with recommendations from at least two registered gynecologists. He warned that any abortion carried out without valid medical justification or in contravention of the law would invite strict legal and administrative action.
Sh. Rajpal also stressed the urgent need to crack down on illegal medical practitioners and unregistered clinics operating under the guise of healthcare services. He instructed district authorities to conduct regular inspections and coordinate with law enforcement agencies to identify and shut down such establishments promptly.
The Additional Chief Secretary stressed the importance of a dual strategy—firm enforcement combined with sustained public awareness. He underscored the need to strengthen the state's Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns, especially in rural areas. Specialized awareness vans, theatrical advertisements, and social media outreach will be deployed more extensively to promote the value of the girl child and spread awareness on legal provisions regarding sex determination and MTP.
The meeting was informed that the state recorded a sex ratio of 917 between April 30 and May 5, 2025—a notable improvement compared to the corresponding period last year. Sh. Rajpal appreciated the efforts of district-level teams, health workers, and enforcement officers in achieving this progress. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding officials and doctors who show exemplary commitment in the field.
He also directed that strict disciplinary and legal action be initiated against repeat offenders. He proposed that any person or institution found to be consistently violating the law should be barred from availing benefits under government schemes, including pensions and subsidies.
A review of recent enforcement actions was also presented. The meeting was informed that legal proceedings have been initiated against a private hospital in Karnal where 20 MTP kits were seized from a residential premises. Additionally, an FIR has been lodged against a private chemist in Faridabad for selling an MTP kit to a decoy customer, in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Data of women already having female child and undergoing IVF will be analyzed to rule out sex selection activities and decoy operations on IVF and other clinics are also being carried out.
The Task Force also took serious note any laxity in reporting from the ground. As per its directive, reports submitted by Drug Control Officers (DCOs) were reviewed, and explanations have been sought from 12 DCOs for submitting vague and casual reports.
Secretary, Health Department and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Sh. RS Dhillon, Director General, AYUSH, Sh. Sanjeev Verma and senior officers of various departments were present on the occasion.
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MoRD official reviews DDU-GKY 1.0 progress, assesses readiness for DDU-GKY 2.0 in Haryana
Chandigarh, May 6- National Mission Manager (Skills) and Nodal Officer for Haryana, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, Sh. Abu Osama Saifi visited DDU-GKY Skill Development Centres in Kurukshetra and the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) in Ambala. As part of a comprehensive state-level review of skill development programmes.
The visit focused on evaluating the implementation progress of DDU-GKY 1.0 and assessing the preparedness for the rollout of DDU-GKY 2.0 in Haryana.
During surprise inspections at two DDU-GKY centres in Kurukshetra, Sh. Saifi interacted with trainees, trainers, and staff, and reviewed training modules, placement processes, and the performance of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). He acknowledged the efforts of the implementation teams in equipping rural youth with employable skills and appreciated the contribution of the centres in narrowing the rural-urban skill divide.
At RSETI Ambala, Sh. Saifi engaged with women trainees and commended their entrepreneurial drive and dedication to self-reliance. He recognized the critical role of RSETI in encouraging women-led enterprises and fostering local entrepreneurship.
He said that the centres in Haryana are making commendable efforts in training and empowering rural youth. The enthusiasm of the trainees and the commitment of the training staff reflect the potential of these programmes in driving inclusive development.
Sh. Saifi emphasised the need to integrate basic IT and digital literacy across all training programmes under DDU-GKY and RSETI, underlining its importance in meeting the demands of a rapidly digitizing job market.
The field visit was followed by a detailed review meeting at the HSRLM State Headquarters in Panchkula, where the progress and performance indicators of the DDU-GKY program were discussed. The review meeting was chaired by the CEO HSRLM, Sh. Suraj Bhan, IFS(Retd.) During the session, he addressed the Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and held one-on-one discussions with them regarding their targets, timelines, and challenges. He also shared valuable insights on the state’s strategic approach towards the effective implementation of DDU-GKY 2.0.
The visit reaffirmed MoRD’s commitment to advancing skill development through a robust and future-ready DDU-GKY 2.0 framework, aimed at enhancing employability and promoting sustainable livelihoods in rural India.
District Functional Manager, Sh. Kapil Sharma, RSETI State Coordinator, Sh. Shailender Chauhan and IEC, Haryana, Ms. Shivangi Verma and others also remained present during the visit.
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*To tackle the water crisis, the Irrigation Minister called a meeting of departmental officers*
*The Minister directs officers to monitor the situation in each district*
*Haryana’s public should not face water issues due to Punjab's stubbornness, says Shruti Choudhry*
Chandigarh, May 6 – To address the water crisis in the state, the Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, called a meeting of senior departmental officers at her office in Chandigarh.
Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Chief Engineer, Irrigation Department, and other officers were present at the meeting.
Smt. Shruti Choudhry sought reports from district-level irrigation officers through video conferencing and conducted a review with senior officers on how to tackle the situation. She gave clear directions to district-level officers to fill water bodies and ponds from the canals.
The Minister said that no member of the public should face any inconvenience during this water crisis. Wherever possible, efforts should be made to fill the water bodies from available sources. The people of Haryana should not suffer due to Punjab’s stubbornness.
She also advised the district-level officers to appeal to the general public to use water properly and avoid wastage, especially during the summer season. This will help raise awareness about water conservation and aid in overcoming difficult circumstances.
The Irrigation Minister directed senior officers to keep a close watch on the situation in every district and monitor water usage. She emphasised that all water bodies in the state must be filled and that no laxity should be allowed by the Irrigation Department. She issued directions for proper water management in all districts, including Sirsa, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Rewari, Hisar, and Rohtak.
The Minister also discussed the upcoming monsoon and directed that all necessary preparations for flood control should be completed by the end of June. Additionally, the Minister gave directions for implementing the ongoing schemes of the Irrigation Department.
She directed that where water is needed for irrigation, efforts should be made through small and micro-irrigation schemes. Inclusive water management should be ensured, with special focus on avoiding groundwater depletion.
She said that the matter of receiving water from BBMB is under judicial consideration, and they hope that Haryana will soon receive its share of water.
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*Haryana Conducts 5th SLCC Meeting Under the National Tobacco Control Programme(NTCP)*
Chandigarh, May 6- The 5th State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) meeting under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Haryana, was successfully convened in Chandigarh.
The meeting was chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Government of Haryana. Sh. Sudhir Rajpal. The session began with the presentation of the Action Taken Report by Director General, Health Services, Haryana, Dr. Kuldeep Singh, and Director, Health Services (NTCP Haryana) Dr. Brahm Deep Sindhu. They highlighted the progress made since the 4th SLCC meeting held on March 27, 2024.
Departments including Home, DMER, Education, and Food and Drug Administration shared updates on the implementation status of various tobacco control measures across the State. A notable highlight was the report from the Department of Higher Education, stating that 188 out of 388 colleges in the state have been declared “Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions” as per the Government of India’s ToFEI guidelines. In response, Sh. Rajpal directed that all colleges in Haryana must be made 100 percent smoke-free, enforcing a strict ban on the sale and consumption of tobacco products within college campuses and a 100-yard radius of the same. He also suggested strict disciplinary action, including rustication, for students caught smoking, and mandated that tobacco products must not be sold in college canteens. The case of Panjab University, Chandigarh, was discussed as a model example, having been declared tobacco-free and imposing a Rs.500 fine for smoking in the campus premises. A nodal officer has also been appointed to oversee enforcement in the University. Sh. Rajpal encouraged universities in Haryana to adopt similar practices.
Further, Sh. Vishwanath, City Magistrate, Panchkula, proposed the implementation of an e-challan system for violations under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003—similar to the one used by traffic police. Shri Rajpal endorsed the proposal and instructed the Health Department to collaborate with HARTRON to develop a dedicated e-challaning portal. A significant discussion also took place regarding the growing concern over e cigarettes/vaping, which are as harmful as conventional tobacco products, if not more so.
Dr. Kuldeep Singh provided a detailed account to Sh. Rajpal about the rising availability of e-cigarettes in both markets and online platforms, despite being banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019 (PECA, 2019). This issue was highlighted as a major concern in terms of public health, and Sh. Rajpal emphasized that strict action should be taken to curb the illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarettes across the state.
In addition, he acknowledged the effectiveness of anti-tobacco advertisements screened in cinemas and directed the Health Department to co-ordinate with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to ensure regular screening of such messages. He also directed that a similar public health advertisement addressing sex determination and gender bias be screened before movies in all cinema halls across the state. Officers from the State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC)—including Dr. Parvinder Jit Singh (State Nodal Officer), Ms. Arushi Sabharwal (State Consultant), and Mr. Pawan Suryavanshi (Budget and Finance Officer)—also provided key updates on the activities and current status of NTCP in Haryana.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all stakeholders to reinforce tobacco control measures, enhance inter-departmental coordination, and move towards a tobacco-free Haryana.
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*No compromise on quality in road construction will be tolerated, even senior officers will face action for negligence- Cabinet Minister*
*Directions issued to the SEs and XENs for carrying out inspection of 18 roads each month and submit a report*
*Directions also issued to complete road repair and pothole-filling work across the state by June 15*
Chandigarh, May 6 – Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, said that, as per the directions of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the repair of roads and filling of potholes across the state will be completed by June 15, ensuring that the public does not face any inconvenience.
The Minister while presiding over a key meeting with the Superintending Engineers (SEs), Executive Engineers (XENs), Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), and Junior Engineers (JEs) on Tuesday, said that in view of the upcoming monsoon season he has also directed that XENs (Executive Engineers) and JEs (Junior Engineers) should not take leave, so that development works under the Public Works Department (PWD) are not disrupted.
Later interacting with the media person after chairing the meeting, the Minister said that the primary objective of the meeting was to ensure that there is no negligence in the repair and construction of roads in Haryana.
Sh. Ranbir Gangwa emphasised that the condition of roads reflects the overall state of any country or region. The Public Works Department is consistently carrying out maintenance, repair, construction, widening, and patchwork of roads, he said.
Besides this, out of a total of 30,000 kilometers of roads in the state, 14,000 kilometers are currently under the Defect Liability Period (DLP), and their patchwork must be completed by June 15, 2025. Additionally, the repair work of 5,500 kilometers of roads, which is currently underway, is targeted for completion by July 31, said the Minister.
*Negligence in Construction Work will not be Tolerated*
The Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister said that clear directions have been given to the officers concerned not to compromise on quality of the work. The terms of the tender, especially regarding materials used in construction, must be strictly followed. Junior Engineers (JEs) must be present at the site, and not only that, they must also closely monitor the mixture being used during the construction work, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.
If any complaint regarding quality arises in any area, action will be taken against officers who will show laxity in their work, said the Minister.
He further emphasized that signboards must be displayed at construction sites, and an information board should also be installed mentioning the names and mobile numbers of the XEN, SDO, JE, and contractor, so that the public can easily contact them if needed.
The Minister said the complaints received on the HARPATH App should also be enforced rigorously and must be resolved within the stipulated time. If there is any complaint related to the Public Works Department, citizens can also submit it via WhatsApp at 9999001316, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.
*Officers to Inspect Roads Monthly, Submit Reports*
During the meeting, the Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister issued directives stating that Superintending Engineers (SEs) and Executive Engineers (XENs) must inspect road construction work every month. Setting a target, he directed that 18 roads should be inspected each month, and the inspection reports must also be submitted to him.
If negligence is found in any construction work, the concerned agency should not only be blacklisted, but steps like seizing their bank guarantee should also be taken, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.
The Minister said that inspection of construction plants should be carried out. The state has nine laboratories under the Public Works Department, and routine sampling and testing must be conducted regularly in these labs.
*Directions Issued to Speed Up Building Construction Work*
During the meeting various aspects of building construction projects under the Public Works Department were also discussed. The Minister emphasized that there must be no negligence in building construction works as well. He stated that projects which have been delayed must be accelerated and completed at the earliest. For projects that were terminated and not yet re-awarded, the work should be re-allotted immediately.
*Punjab Government should not Politicize the Water Distribution Issue*
In response to a question, the Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister said that Punjab should not politicize the issue of water. He said that Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is personally monitoring the entire issue. He said that in areas facing drinking water shortages, the Public Health Engineering Department is ensuring water supply through alternative means, said Sh.Ranbir Gangwa.
In response to another question, the Cabinet Minister said that directions have also been issued for the construction of modern roads, and that these projects will begin soon.
Additional Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Agarwal and other officers of the department also attended the meeting.
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*Tree plantation should be encouraged along with KMP- Forest Minister*
*Everyone must plant a tree on their birthdays and anniversaries to strengthen the Prime Minister's ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ campaign*
Chandigarh, May 6 — Haryana Forests, Environment, and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh has directed officers to promote plantation along both sides of the Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (KMP) Expressway and to install solar-powered tubewells for this purpose. He emphasized that the goal should not merely be to plant trees but to ensure their survival.
Rao Narbir Singh was presiding over a review meeting held with Forest Department officials regarding the upcoming Van Mahotsav (Forest Festival). He stated that NGOs, industrial houses, and RWAs should also be involved in plantation activities. Industries in NCR should be encouraged under CSR to maintain plantation parks and traffic circles.
The Minister further directed the officers to ensure that vacant lands of HSIIDC, HSVP, and other departments are not used as garbage dumps but instead be used for planting trees, which would also boost the Oxyvan project in cities.
He further stated that plantations should be promoted along canals, distributaries, and other water sources. Shady trees should be planted in crusher zones as well. Along with the traditional Triveni (neem, banyan, and peepal trees), species like gulmohar, amaltas, and kadam should also be planted. Geo-mapping of all planted trees must be done, directed Rao Narbir Singh.
He appealed to the public to actively participate in Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s 'Ek Ped Maa ke Naam' campaign aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
The Minister further urged everyone to plant trees on their birthdays, anniversaries, and on their parents' birthdays, and to take care of them for at least three to four years.
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*Haryana Gears Up Disaster Preparedness: Rs. 99 Lakh Released*
*Advance Allocation to Ensure Uninterrupted Relief Measures*
*The allocation of approx. Rs. 4.50 lacs per district includes funds for the supply of food, clothing, sirkies, tents, and fodder for livestock, Dr. Sumita Misra*
*Significant amount of Rs. 2.50 lakh per district earmarked for dewatering operations in areas, which are often the worst affected during heavy rains, Dr. Sumita Misra*
Chandigarh, May 6 - Taking proactive steps to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Haryana Government has sanctioned an advance amount of Rs. 99 lakh for immediate relief and response efforts in all districts of the state.
Divulging more details in this regard, Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra said that this timely financial provision will enable district administrations to take swift action in the event of natural disruptions or any other disasters/calamities without waiting for additional approvals.
She said that while reaffirming the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini's commitment to the welfare of its citizens, disaster preparedness is a top priority and departments concerned have been directed to coordinate closely with district administrations to ensure prompt, effective, and compassionate response in the face of natural or other disasters.
Sharing the details about the allocated amount, Dr. Sumita Misra said that each Deputy Commissioner has been allocated an advance of Rs. 4.50 lakh to facilitate prompt and effective measures. This includes Rs. 25,000 for the provision of food and clothing to affected individuals, Rs. 25,000 for the arrangement of sirkies and tents to establish temporary shelters, and Rs. 25,000 for the supply of fodder to safeguard livestock in flood-hit areas.
Besides this, an equal amount of Rs. 25,000 has been set aside to cover miscellaneous expenditures such as transportation of relief materials and fuel costs (POL). In addition Rs. 50,000 has been earmarked for the repair of damaged houses, and Rs. 50,000 will be utilized for other relief measures. However, the largest portion, Rs. 2.50 lakh per district, has been specifically allocated for dewatering operations in rural regions, where waterlogging poses a significant risk during periods of intense rainfall, informed Dr. Sumita Misra.
The total amount will be drawn from budget provisions already sanctioned for the financial year 2025–26, under various heads of the disaster relief and rehabilitation budget, said Dr. Sumita Misra. She emphasized that adequate funds are currently available under these heads, ensuring that there is no financial hurdle in executing timely relief operations.
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*Under the Surcharge Waiver Scheme-2025, domestic (urban and rural) and AP (agricultural) consumers will receive various types of relief on their outstanding electricity bills – Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij*
*The Surcharge Waiver Scheme-2025 will remain in effect for six months from its implementation – Anil Vij*
*Domestic (urban and rural) and agricultural consumers will receive a 10% rebate on the principal amount and a full waiver on the surcharge in case of lump-sum payment – Vij*
*The implementation of this scheme will boost recovery for Discoms – Vij*
The Chief Minister has accorded approved the proposal put forward by him – Vij
Chandigarh, May 6 – Haryana’s Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij announced today that under the Surcharge Waiver Scheme-2025, domestic (urban and rural) and AP (agricultural) consumers will be granted various forms of relief concerning their pending/outstanding dues of electricity bills. He said that the scheme will be in effect for six months from the date of its implementation.
While providing further details in this regard, Sh. Vij said that the Chief Minister has accorded approved the proposal, which was he submitted.
*Consumers will receive 100% surcharge waiver if outstanding bills are paid in 8 monthly or 4 bimonthly installments – Vij*
He added that domestic and agricultural consumers who opt for lump-sum payment will get a 10% waiver on the principal amount and a 100% waiver on the surcharge. Additionally, consumers who pay their outstanding bills in 8 monthly or 4 bimonthly installments will also be granted a 100% surcharge waiver.
*Government consumers will also receive a 100% surcharge waiver on lump-sum payments – Vij*
Regarding the settlement of pending bills of government buildings connections, Sh. Vij said that government, municipal bodies, village panchayats and state public sector undertakings will also be granted a 100% surcharge waiver upon making lump-sum payments. Similarly, for industrial and other category consumers, a 50% surcharge waiver will be given if they pay the principal amount and 50% of the surcharge in a lump-sum.
*Implementation of this scheme will boost recovery for Discoms – Vij*
Sh. Vij said that the implementation of this scheme will enhance recovery for Discoms. He also expressed confidence that the scheme will lead to the settlement of a large number of pending bills. In addition, he said that Power Discoms are encouraging consumers to pay their electricity bills on time to avoid accumulation of dues.
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*Haryana is fully prepared for nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill – ACS Home Dr Sumita Misra*
Chandigarh, May 6 - In line with the Union Government’s directive for a nationwide Civil Defence Mock Drill scheduled for May 7, Haryana has made elaborate preparations to ensure the success of the exercise across all its districts. A high-level virtual meeting was convened today by Union Home Secretary to review the final arrangements, which was attended by senior officials from across the country, including Haryana’s Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra and Director General Civil Defence and Home Guards Sh. Desraj Singh.
Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Home informed that Haryana is fully prepared to conduct the Civil Defence Exercise and rehearsal at multiple levels, extending down to villages, in coordination with district and local authorities. She informed that comprehensive instructions are being issued to all Deputy Commissioners, who are ex-officio Controllers of Civil Defence in their districts, to conduct the mock drill in a rigorous and coordinated manner.
She further said that at present as per MHA guidelines, Haryana has 10 districts designated as Civil Defence towns under Category–II namely Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Hissar, Panchkula, Panipat, Rohtak, Sirsa, Sonepat and Yamunanagar and Jhajjar in Cateogy-III.
Dr. Misra highlighted that Haryana has activated a comprehensive range of civil defence mechanisms including the operational readiness of civil defence sirens, air raid warning systems in urban and sensitive areas, hotlines control room and radio communication links with the Indian Air Force and other key defence agencies. Crash blackout protocols will be implemented and evacuation drills and emergency response plans are being executed across various zones in designated areas as per the exercise guidelines. Training and sensitization programmes are being conducted for civilians, students, and key personnel on safety measures. The response capabilities of civil defence services including wardens, fire and rescue teams, depot staff, and medical responders are also being tested.
Further, she informed that the State Disaster Management Department has also been directed to activate the State level and District level Control Rooms for early warning, real time information sharing and coordination.
She further said that Haryana’s preparedness reflects its strong commitment to civil safety and disaster response, especially against the backdrop of current geopolitical challenges. “The objective of this drill is not only to test the response capabilities of our systems but also to foster a culture of alertness and resilience among the citizens,” said Dr. Misra.
The Haryana Home Department, in close coordination with the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Police, municipal bodies, and other stakeholder agencies, is committed to ensuring a successful and impactful mock drill exercise on May 7, she added.
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*Haryana government takes action against six officers in an illegal mining case*
Chandigarh, May 6- While taking strict cognizance of the illegal mining activities Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed chargesheets against six officers of the Mining Department with an illegal mining case in Nuh district. He has also directed action against staff from the Panchayat and Forest Departments found involved in the case.
Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that a complaint was received regarding the extraction of mining material beyond the permitted limit in a mining lease between November 2011 and January 2025 in village Rawa of Ferozepur Jhirka tehsil, Nuh district. The Department of Mines and Geology conducted a detailed investigation and found that illegal mining had indeed taken place.Taking strict cognizance, the Chief Minister directed that six officers of the department be chargesheeted under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules.
The spokesperson said that the officers who have been chargesheeted include Assistant Mining Officer R.S. Thakran, and Mining Officers Bhupender Singh, B.D. Yadav, Rajender Prasad, Anil Kumar-2, and Anil Atwal.
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*Action taken against five officers for negligence in Kanina school bus accident case*
Chandigarh, May 6- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has taken strict cognizance of the negligence in the school bus accident near Kanina, Mahendragarh. He directed action against five officers and employees of the District Transport Office in Narnaul under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (P&A) Rules.
The Chief Minister earlier assured in the Vidhan Sabha that a full investigation will be initiated into the Kanina accident. After the investigation was completed, action was taken against the concerned officers.
This action has been taken against Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajkumar and Manoj Kumar, posted as District Transport Officer in Kanina at that time, Assistant Secretary Pradeep Sharma, Motor Vehicle Officer (E) Police Inspector Anil Kumar and Transport Sub Inspector Naveen.
The tragic school bus accident had claimed the lives of 7 children and left 11 others seriously injured.
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*Energy Minister Anil Vij directs immediate suspension of DHBVN SDO Avneet Bhardwaj*
*Avneet Bhardwaj, posted as SDO in Farukhnagar, Gurugram, under DHBVN*
*Residents from villages under the Farukhnagar sub-division had lodged complaints about poor electricity supply and incorrect billing*
*Irregularities were found in the 11 kV feeder Garhi AP line, which was found to be only partially operational*
Chandigarh, May 6 – Haryana Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij has today recommended the immediate suspension of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Avneet Bhardwaj of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) for negligence in duty. Avneet Bhardwaj is posted in Farukhnagar, Gurugram.
While divulging details in this regard, Sh. Vij said that according to a report submitted by the Superintending Engineer, ‘Op’ Circle-1, DHBVN, Gurugram, it has been found that the percentage of “OK billing” for urban categories is very low. Similarly, issues related to RNT cases, pendency "F to OK" cases, and high billing pending are the highest in the Gurugram circle, especially in the sub-division.
According to the report, an analysis of pending connections under the Farukhnagar sub-division revealed that 180 domestic and 32 commercial connections are pending. Out of these, 16 domestic and 12 commercial connections are out of the RTS (Right to Service) time line, which is a alarming situation. Additionally, upon reviewing the connection records, it was found that several 2-kilowatt domestic connections have been pending for more than 3 months. When the SDO was questioned about the delay in issuing these 2-kilowatt connections, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation in his defense.
Likewise, during an inspection of the power supply situation in the Farukhnagar sub-division, it was found that several RDS/urban 11 KV feeders are frequently breakdown on a daily basis for long durations. The 11 KV feeder Garhi AP line, in particular, disturbed and was only partially functioning since last 3 days. This led to serious issues for consumers, especially during the summer season, and such negligence in ensuring continuous power supply is unacceptable.
It is worth noting that during a weekly visit by Industries Minister Sh. Rao Narbir last month, he addressed the public in villages under the Farukhnagar sub-division and heard their complaints. At that time, numerous complaints were made regarding poor electricity supply and improper billing. This clearly indicates that Avneet Bhardwaj, SDO of Farukhnagar Sub-Division, has failed to maintain decorum and discipline in daily operations works and lacks proper control over his office and field staff, reflecting a careless behavior and proving his inability to manage a large operational sub-division.
After reviewing this report, Sh. Vij has recommended the suspension of SDO Avneet Bhardwaj.