Final opportunity for taxpayers to avail “One Time Settlement Scheme, 2025” of Haryana Government

Chandigarh, September 18- Keeping in view the interests of small taxpayers, Haryana government has launched One Time Settlement Scheme, for the benefit of the small taxpayers who are having quantified outstanding tax dues under seven Acts including VAT and CST. This scheme will expire on September 27, 2025. Notably, till date, about 97,039 taxpayers have taken benefit of the scheme and have settled their tax arrears worth Rs.712.88 Crore.

Sharing information in this regard an official spokesperson said that the scheme is applicable on the quantified outstanding dues upto the period of June 30, 2017 under seven relevant Acts. The relevant Acts are :- (i) The Haryana Value Added Tax Act, 2003 (6 of 2003); (ii) The Central Sales Tax Act, 1956 (Central Act 74 of 1956); (iii) The Haryana Tax on Luxuries Act, 2007 (23 of 2007); (iv) The Haryana Entertainment Duty Act, 1955 (Punjab Act 16 of 1955); (v) The Haryana General Sales Tax Act, 1973 (20 of 1973). (vi) The Haryana Local Area Development Tax Act, 2000 (13 of 2000); (vii) The Haryana Tax on Entry of Goods into Local Areas Act, 2008 (8 of 2008);

The spokesperson said that under this scheme, taxpayers are being provided substantial relief, with complete waiver of outstanding interest and penalty. For dues up to Rs.10 lakh: a standard waiver of Rs.1 lakh plus 60 percent Waiver of Tax dues (after deducting standard waiver) on the remaining amount. For dues above Rs. 10 lakh to Rs.10 crore: 50 percent Waiver of Tax dues (after deducting standard waiver).Similarly, for dues above Rs. 10 crore: only the principal tax is payable, with 100 percent waiver of interest and penalty.

The spokesperson further said that the taxpayer has an option to pay the settlement amount in two equal instalments and no interest is chargeable on these installments.

The Haryana Government has appealed to all taxpayers to make the most of this opportunity and settle their outstanding dues under the “One Time Settlement Scheme, 2025” before the closing date.

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ECI revises guidelines to make EVM Ballot Papers more readable Starting from Bihar, EVMs to have colour photographs of candidates for the first time

Serial number to also be displayed more prominently

Chandigarh, September 18- Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. A. Sreenivas said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has revised the existing guidelines under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, for the design and printing of EVM Ballot Papers to enhance their clarity and readability.

He said that this initiative is in line with the 28 initiatives already taken by the ECI in the past 6 months to streamline and improve election processes and enhance convenience for voters. Henceforth, photographs of candidates will be printed in colour on the EVM Ballot Paper. The candidate's face will occupy three-fourths of the photo space for better visibility. The Serial numbers of candidates/NOTA will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals. The font size will be 30 and in bold for clarity. To ensure uniformity, the names of all candidates/NOTA will be printed in the same font type and font size large enough for easy readability, he added.

He further said that the EVM Ballot Papers will be printed on 70 GSM paper. For Assembly Elections, pink-coloured paper of specified RGB values shall be used. The upgraded EVM Ballot Papers will be used in the upcoming elections, starting with Bihar. ===============================================

State Government to develop heritage sites as tourist destinations: Dr. Arvind Sharma

Tourism Minister inaugurates restoration work of 20 historical sites in 8 districts

Chandigarh, September 18 – Haryana Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state will work towards realizing Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of preserving heritage. He said after restoration and beautification, the centrally and state-protected historical sites of Haryana will be developed as tourist destinations so that both domestic and foreign tourists can connect with the state’s rich cultural legacy.

Dr. Arvind Sharma today inaugurated the Rs 95 crore project for the restoration and beautification of 20 state-protected heritage sites located in Narnaul-Mahendragarh, Kaithal, Jind, Bhiwani, Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, and Nuh under the Sewa Pakhwada campaign. He said that it is the aspiration of the local representatives and the people of Narnaul that the city, known for its stepwells, tombs, and palaces, should be declared a ‘Heritage City’. In this regard, a meeting will soon be held with Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

While interacting with public representatives and citizens, the Tourism Minister said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision is to conserve heritage and make it accessible to the masses. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is taking major steps to secure its place on the world tourism map. He added that for the first time in the history of the state, such a large amount is being spent on conservation and promotion of state-protected sites. This initiative, he said, will be considered a mark of respect to our past, a responsibility towards the present, and an opportunity for future generations. This historic initiative has been made possible due to the farsighted leadership of the central and state governments and their deep sensitivity towards cultural heritage.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that Haryana’s land has always been a witness to history. Its stepwells, forts, palaces, ancient temples, and havelis are not just stone structures, but symbols of culture, identity and pride. With this project, Haryana will establish itself as a culturally vibrant and tourist-friendly state. He noted that the objective is to understand the architectural heritage of monuments, provide visitors with better experiences, and improve accessibility and facilities at tourist sites.

The Minister also announced that from Friday, various competitions will be organized at 75 historical heritage sites of the state, along with a cleanliness campaign at 33 monuments and 42 tourist complexes. In the coming days, workshops and heritage tours will also be organized to involve the public, especially the youth, so that they can realize their responsibility in the mission of heritage protection.

He further informed that nearly Rs 47 crore will be spent on preserving historical heritage in Narnaul, Mahendragarh district. These works include restoration of state-protected monuments such as Mirza Ali Jan’s Baoli, Fort Islampur, Chattha Rai Balmukund Das, Chor Gumbad, Shobha Sarovar, Tripolia Gateway, Peer Turkman, Polytechnic Baoli, and Mukundpura Baoli. In Kaithal, Rs 4.46 crore will be spent on the restoration of Bhai ki Baoli. In Jind, Rs 5.52 crore will be spent on Qila Jafargarh and Rs 6.78 crore on Safidon Fort. In Bhiwani, Rs 5.43 crore will be spent on Tosham Fort. In Gurugram, Rs 6.77 crore will be used for Lal Gumbad in Sohna and Rs 4.25 crore for Badshahpur Baoli. In Faridabad, Rs 1.32 crore will be spent on Rani ki Chhatri. In Nuh, Rs 5.32 crore will be spent on Dehra Temple and Rs 1.50 crore on the Gumbad Complex in Taoru. In Farrukhnagar, Rs 4.54 crore will be spent on Sheesh Mahal. In Palwal, Rs 2.16 crore will be spent on Kesuria Khera at Manpur village.

On this occasion, former Minister and Narnaul MLA Sh. Om Prakash Yadav, Mahendragarh MLA Sh. Kanwar Singh, Principal Secretary of Heritage and Tourism Department Kala Ramachandran, Deputy Commissioner Capt. Manoj Kumar, Deputy Director of Archaeology and Museum Department Dr. Banani Bhattacharya, along with a large number of people were present.

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Jail Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma Conducts Surprise Inspection of Narnaul District Jail*

Chandigarh, September 18- Haryana Jail Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection of the Narnaul District Jail. During his visit, he reviewed the functioning of the jail administration and the facilities being provided to the inmates. As part of Seva Parv, he also planted saplings on the jail premises, sending out a strong message of environmental conservation.

Dr. Sharma sought detailed information from the jail superintendent about the amenities made available to the inmates. He laid special emphasis on the quality of food, cleanliness, and healthcare services.

The Minister directed the Superintendent to ensure regular checks on the quality of food being served to prisoners and to maintain strict hygiene standards across the premises. On this occasion, Dr. Sharma also directed the authorities to organize a health camp for the inmates.

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Government committed to better water management and farmers’ welfare: Shruti Choudhry

Canal divisions being rationalized for efficient water management from head to tail: Irrigation Minister

Chandigarh, September 18 – Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry said while rationalizing the canal system, the canals which had been handed over to Loharu Division in previous years have now been returned to their original divisions on farmers’ demand. This will ensure efficient water management from head to tail, as divided control had caused disruption in proper water supply, leading to problems for farmers.

The Minister said that the government is committed to the welfare of farmers. It is ensuring better management of canals and easy services for farmers.

She informed that in Kheda village of Block Siwani, Bhiwani district, an office complex, canal rest house, and staff quarters are being constructed at a cost of Rs 17.54 crore. About 80% of the work has been completed, and SDOs of Loharu, Siwani, and MICADA will work together at this site. This will allow farmers to get their issues resolved at one place, closer to their villages.

She said that this step will bring two benefits from one decision: better canal management and services delivered at farmers’ doorstep. Every farmer will get fair water distribution from head to tail, and officers’ accountability will be ensured. Our government listens, reviews, and takes decisions – farmer welfare remains the top priority, she added.