“On Diwali, Let’s Decorate Not Only Our Homes but Also Our Markets to Spread the Message of Cleanliness” – Energy Minister Anil Vij
“Shopkeepers Selling Only Indigenous Products Should Display a ‘Swadeshi’ Board” – Anil Vij
Energy Minister Directs Ambala Cantonment Municipal Council to Fully Implement the ‘Swachhta App’
Chandigarh, October 8: Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij today called upon citizens, traders and public representatives to actively participate in the cleanliness campaign during the upcoming Diwali festival. He emphasized that the message of cleanliness should not remain confined to homes but must also reflect in beautifully decorated and well-maintained marketplaces.
Sh. Vij was presiding over a review meeting at the SDM Office Auditorium, Ambala Cantonment, convened to assess cleanliness arrangements before Diwali. The meeting was attended by SDM Ambala Cantonment Vinesh Kumar, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice Chairperson Lalita Prasad, Executive Officer Devender Narwal, councillors, officials and representatives from various market and resident welfare associations.
The Minister urged all participants to ensure that this Diwali, Ambala should present itself as a clean, attractive, and vibrant city. He said that while the Municipal Council is carrying out the necessary work, public participation is vital to accelerate the Swachhta Abhiyan. He also directed officials to promptly address the suggestions and issues raised by the associations during the meeting.
Promote Swadeshi, Contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Vij
Highlighting the importance of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, Sh. Vij said that every citizen must contribute to promoting indigenous products. “Shopkeepers selling entirely Swadeshi (indigenous) goods should proudly display a ‘Swadeshi’ board outside their shops. Similarly, those selling products with zero GST may also display appropriate boards. Such steps will help strengthen the ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign,” he said.
Use the ‘Swachhta App’ to Report Cleanliness Issues- Vij
Sh. Vij directed the Ambala Cantonment Municipal Council to ensure full and effective implementation of the ‘Swachhta App’. Citizens can download the app on their mobile phones and upload photographs and location details to register complaints related to cleanliness, garbage collection, or streetlight repair. He further instructed officials to maintain proper sanitation in community and public toilets and to form area-wise backup teams to monitor the app and ensure immediate action on any complaint received.
Shopkeepers Should Avoid Encroachments During Diwali – Vij
The Minister urged all market associations and shopkeepers to ensure smooth access for customers during Diwali shopping. “No shopkeeper should place goods outside their shops under the pretext of the festival, as this causes congestion and obstructs vehicular and pedestrian movement,” he said. Sh. Vij also appealed for joint coordination between administration and traders to maintain orderly and convenient market conditions during the festive season.
During the meeting, the issue of stray cattle in Ambala Cantonment was raised. Responding to it, Sh. Vij informed that the Municipal Council is already working on the matter. He directed officials to develop a cowshed (gaushala) on a 22-acre plot near Gada Bara to provide permanent shelter for stray animals. The SDM and EO were asked to prepare a detailed plan for the same.
Immediate Repair of Streetlights and Cleanliness Drives – Vij
Upon learning that some market areas had non-functional streetlights, the Minister instructed officials to ensure immediate repair of all street and decorative lights. He also directed cleaning operations in colonies near the Tangri River, where issues of waterlogging and waste accumulation were reported. In addition, he instructed the Municipal Council to spray black oil in vacant plots to prevent mosquito breeding and maintain hygiene standards.
Appeal to Market Associations for Active Participation
Sh. Vij appealed to market associations to appoint two to three workers in each area to monitor cleanliness operations and to ensure regular attendance of sanitation staff. He added that such review meetings will be held periodically to evaluate progress and improve implementation.
Associations Extend Support and Suggestions
Representatives from Rai Market Association (Harpreet Singh), Sadar Bazaar (Vikas Batra), Hanuman Market (B.S. Bindra and Harjeet Buddhiraja), Vijay Rattan Chowk Market (Atul Mahajan), Lions Club (Ashish), BC Bazaar Association (Rambabu Yadav), Shastri Colony Association (Balit Nagpal), and Prabhu Prem Puram (Anil Chopra) shared their views and suggestions. All associations assured full cooperation with the Municipal Council and expressed their commitment to making the cleanliness drive a mass movement.
Earlier, Executive Officer Devender Narwal made a video presentation showcasing the ongoing cleanliness initiatives undertaken by the Ambala Cantonment Municipal Council.
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Factionalism Resurfaces in Congress Soon After Appointment of New State Chief- Energy Minister Anil Vij
Poster war erupts in Congress on the very first day of the new State President’s tenure- Anil Vij
Chandigarh, October 8: Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij, today launched a sharp attack on the Congress Party, stating that factionalism within the party has once again come to light with the appointment of its newly State President.
Speaking to media persons today, Sh. Vij said that “After nearly nine months, the Congress has finally appointed its Leader of Opposition and State President. However, on the very first day of the new president assuming charge, a poster war has erupted within the party. Senior Congress leaders have been completely omitted from these posters.”
In a sarcastic tone, he said that “This is just the beginning—wait and watch how the Congress continues to sideline its own leaders in the days to come.”
The Energy Minister further said that the Congress Party remains deeply entangled in internal strife, power struggles, and factionalism. “This clearly shows that the people of the state have completely lost their faith in the Congress,” he added.