The Election Commission becomes high-tech, a portal created for the convenience of candidates in Lok Sabha elections
Online permissions being provided for election campaign activities
207 requests received so far in Haryana
Chandigarh, April 8 - Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Anurag Agarwal said that in the era of information technology, the Election Commission of India is also continuously becoming more high-tech. For this year's Lok Sabha general elections, the Election Commission has launched several mobile apps and portals, facilitating political parties and candidates in the implementation of activities related to the election process, along with the Commission.
In this series, through the Suvidha portal (https://suvidha.eci.gov.in) launched by the Commission, online permissions are being provided for election campaign activities. So far, 207 requests have been received from various political parties and candidates in Haryana.
He said that the Suvidha portal is a technological solution developed by ECI to ensure a level playing-field upholding the democratic principles of free, fair and transparent elections. The Suvidha Portal streamlined the process of obtaining and acting upon requests for permissions and facilities from political parties and candidates during the election period.
The Chief Electoral Officer said that recognizing the importance of the election campaign period, where parties and candidates engage in activities to reach out to voters, the Suvidha Portal caters to a diverse range of permission requests transparently on the First in First Out principle. It caters to permissions for organizing rallies, opening temporary party offices, door-to-door canvassing, video vans, helicopters, obtaining vehicle permits, and distributing pamphlets.
Suvidha Portal
Sh. Anurag Agarwal said that political parties and candidates can seamlessly submit permission requests online from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, offline submission options are available to ensure inclusivity and equal opportunity for all stakeholders. Suvidha also has a companion app that enables applicants to track the status of their requests in real time, adding further convenience and transparency to the process. Furthermore, the permission data available on the portal serves as a valuable resource for scrutinising election expenditures, contributing to greater accountability and integrity in the electoral process, he added.
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A strict vigil is being kept on the sale of illegal liquor and drugs during elections
Illicit liquor, drugs, and cash worth over Rs 14 crore seized in Haryana
Chandigarh, April 8- In view of the Lok Sabha elections various agencies are closely monitoring the sale of illegal liquor and drugs in Haryana. So far, illicit liquor and drugs worth over Rs 10.5 crore and cash worth Rs 3.62 crore have been seized in the state.
Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, Sh. Anurag Agarwal stated that the action has been taken by the police, Income Tax Department, Excise and Taxation Department, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in the state after the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
He said that the police had seized Rs 40.22 lakh in cash, liquor worth Rs 225.57 lakh (70,671.54 litres), drugs worth Rs 514.48 lakh, and other items worth Rs 56.81 lakh. Similarly, the Income Tax Department has seized Rs 42 lakh in cash, valuables worth over Rs 173 lakh (2967.88 grams), and other items worth Rs 42.19 lakh.
Sh. Agarwal said that the Excise Department has seized Rs 2.5 lakh in cash and 101036 litres of liquor worth Rs 40 lakh. The DRI has also seized cash worth Rs 2 crore 78 lakh.
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DM enforces ban on burning wheat crop residues post-harvest
Chandigarh, April 8- With the aim of preventing environmental pollution, the District Magistrate of Fatehabad Sh. Rahul Narwal, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 144 of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, has imposed a ban on burning the residues of wheat crop after harvesting in Fatehabad district with immediate effect.
Apart from this, all owners of combine harvester machines have been ordered to ensure the installation of Super Straw Management Systems (SSMS) in their combine harvester machines during the wheat harvesting process. Without SSMS, there will be a complete ban on harvesting of wheat crop by combine harvester machines. These orders will remain effective till the end of Rabi crop season 2024.
District Magistrate further informed that during the Rabi season, farmers often set fire to the residues of wheat crop after harvesting, which is a violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Burning these residues leads to pollution which poses a risk to human health, property damage, stress, anger, and potential danger to life. Additionally, burning these residues can create fodder shortage for animals.
In case of non-compliance with the above orders, if any individual is found guilty, they will be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, and under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
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Faridabad witnesses Unique Initiative: 8.5 lakh hands raised for voting resolution
Pledge taken in events organized under SWEEP program led by District Election Officer Vikram Singh
Simultaneous pledge for 100% voting across entire district at 11 AM
Chandigarh, April 8 - In the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on May 25, the city of Faridabad witnessed a remarkable initiative on Monday. District Election Officer Vikram Singh spearheaded an event aimed at ensuring 100 percent voter participation. A staggering 8.5 lakh individuals participated in this endeavour. At 11 am, people gathered in various establishments, including schools, colleges, industries, offices, Anganwadi centers, Panchayat ghars, and public spaces, to take a solemn pledge for maximum voter turnout. While adults aged 18 and above pledged to exercise their voting rights, school children reaffirmed their dedication to encouraging their families and communities to vote.
District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Vikram Singh said that the awareness campaign in the district saw significant participation from industrial workers and employees. He stated that on Monday, five lakh industrial workers gathered and pledged to vote on May 25. Subsequently, children from over three lakh government and private schools in the district joined the campaign, including those from more than one lakh government schools and one and a half lakh private schools. Additionally, 33000 auto drivers participated and committed to 100 percent voter turnout. Furthermore, more than 19000 women from self-help groups, over 20000 employees from various departments including the police department, 1200 Anganwadi workers, and 1200 Asha workers and ANMs actively participated in the campaign. The District Election Officer highlighted that this campaign, which commenced at 11 am across the district, was truly exceptional, with every participant pledging to achieve 100 percent voter participation.
62% polling in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, 57% in Urban areas
Addressing the main program held at Sector-55 Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, District Election Officer Vikram Singh highlighted that in the previous Lok Sabha elections, only 62 percent people had cast their votes in the Faridabad parliamentary constituency, with urban areas recording a mere 57 percent turnout. Emphasizing the significance of elections as the paramount celebration of democracy and the fundamental right of every citizen, he stressed the importance of raising awareness for maximum voter participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Thus, a comprehensive awareness campaign was initiated across the district. Initially conceived to operate at specific locations, the campaign gradually expanded to encompass various industries, schools, colleges, auto drivers, women's groups, and other segments of society. As a result, an impressive 8.5 lakh individuals actively participated in the campaign.
Children pledge to inspire family members to vote at polling stations
District Election Officer Vikram Singh highlighted the remarkable participation of children in the oath campaign, deeming it as the most special aspect of the initiative. He noted that in the district, there are 1.25 lakh children studying in government schools and 3.83 lakh children enrolled in private schools, with over 3 lakh children actively involved in the campaign. Singh described the program as being celebrated like a festival in schools, where children enthusiastically prepared paintings to encourage voting and proudly exhibited their artwork. All the children collectively pledged to ensure that they accompany their family members to the polling stations on Election Day.
Workers also reiterated their resolve to vote in the national interest
Industrial workers exhibited the highest participation in the pledge program for achieving 100 percent voting in the industrial hub of Faridabad. With a total of 9 lakh industrial workers in the district, a significant portion actively engaged in the campaign. Despite working in various shifts, 5 lakh workers joined the initiative. Each participant pledged to vote on May 25 for the betterment of the nation, demonstrating their commitment by standing up for voting at their respective workplaces.
Women from Self-Help Groups, Asha, and Anganwadi take pledge to vote
He also emphasized the active participation of women in taking the pledge to vote. Women were observed participating enthusiastically in large numbers across villages and cities. Notably, over 19000 women from self-help groups, along with more than 1200 Anganwadi and 1200 Asha workers, actively engaged in the campaign. Additionally, all officers of the district administration visited various locations to motivate individuals to pledge for 100 percent voting turnout.
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Haryana Government Declares Paid Holidays for Voters in Neighboring States for Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Chandigarh, April 8 - The Haryana Government has declared paid holidays for employees hailing from neighboring states who are registered voters there, to cast their vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha (General Elections) 2024.
A notification to this effect was issued by Chief Secretary T.V.S.N. Prasad.
Under the provisions of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the following dates have been designated as paid holidays for employees working in all Haryana Government offices, boards, corporations, educational institutions, as well as various factories, shops, commercial, and private establishments located in Haryana:
Uttar Pradesh: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, 2024
Uttarakhand: April 19, 2024
Rajasthan: April 19 and April 26, 2024
NCT Delhi: May 25, 2024
Himachal Pradesh: June 1, 2024
Punjab: June 1, 2024
UT Chandigarh: June 1, 2024
Additionally, employees and workers of various factories, shops, commercial, and private establishments located in Haryana who are registered voters in the aforementioned states/UTs will be entitled to a paid holiday under Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to exercise their franchise.
It is important to note that employees shall be entitled to paid leave only on the day of the poll in their respective parliamentary constituencies.
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DM enforces ban on burning wheat crop residues post-harvest
Chandigarh, April 8- With the aim of preventing environmental pollution, the District Magistrate of Fatehabad Sh. Rahul Narwal, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 144 of the Indian Code of Criminal Procedure 1973, has imposed a ban on burning the residues of wheat crop after harvesting in Fatehabad district with immediate effect.
Apart from this, all owners of combine harvester machines have been ordered to ensure the installation of Super Straw Management Systems (SSMS) in their combine harvester machines during the wheat harvesting process. Without SSMS, there will be a complete ban on harvesting of wheat crop by combine harvester machines. These orders will remain effective till the end of Rabi crop season 2024.
District Magistrate further informed that during the Rabi season, farmers often set fire to the residues of wheat crop after harvesting, which is a violation of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Burning these residues leads to pollution which poses a risk to human health, property damage, stress, anger, and potential danger to life. Additionally, burning these residues can create fodder shortage for animals.
In case of non-compliance with the above orders, if any individual is found guilty, they will be liable for punishment under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, and under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
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Haryana Police using NAFIS system to identify criminals and dead bodies
Chandigarh, April 8 - Fingerprints are unique to every person, and the Haryana Police is using this technology to great effect. Not only can they identify criminals, but they can also identify unidentified dead bodies using the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS).
The State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) plays a crucial role in matching fingerprints and identifying dead bodies. Recently, their team identified two dead people: Gaggi from Punjab and Ram Kishan from Rohtak.
Developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), NAFIS creates a unique identification code for each criminal. Fingerprint scans and data are uploaded to a national server. This system stores information on people arrested or involved in criminal activity.
Haryana Police success with NAFIS
In just two months this year, the Haryana Police has updated fingerprint data for over 16,470 people, including arrested criminals and unidentified bodies. Additionally, over 5,298 fingerprints have been successfully matched with criminals on record. Fingerprint teams have also collected 90 fingerprints from crime scenes in this period.
Last year, more than 88,000 fingerprints were uploaded, leading to numerous identifications. Fingerprint experts at SCRB examine fingerprints from incidents to solve crimes. The two unidentified bodies mentioned earlier were identified quickly using this method.
Fingerprint training for Haryana Police
SCRB Panchkula is responsible for training Haryana Police in fingerprint matching. ADGP OP Singh, leads SCRB. In the first three months of this year, they trained 50 police personnel in basic fingerprint proficiency and over 52 investigation officers on operating NAFIS and handling fingerprint collection at crime scenes and during arrests.
SCRB Panchkula doesn't just handle fingerprints. They also examine important documents in serious cases and prepare reports for the District Police.
NAFIS was launched in 2022 and currently has 69 workstations across the state. Trained police officers operate the system, and SCRB provides them with ongoing training. Over 5 lakh fingerprints from Haryana are uploaded on NAFIS, aiding in criminal identification and unidentified body cases. Director SCRB, ADGP OP Singh reaffirmed the significance of NAFIS in streamlining law enforcement efforts, emphasizing its role in expediting the identification process based on individuals' background.
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Revenue, Excise and Police Departments urged to coordinate effectively to completely combat liquor smuggling – Ashok Kumar Meena
Chandigarh, April 8 - Commissioner of the Haryana Excise and Taxation Department Sh Ashok Kumar Meena said that in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a zero-tolerance policy is being adopted against the smuggling of liquor, which must be strictly enforced across the districts. Not a single bottle of illicit liquor from other states should be allowed to pass through the state. Forty-five routes have been identified statewide for the movement of licensed liquor. Permitted liquor can only be transported through these prescribed routes. If liquor is found being transported via any other route, the vehicle and liquor must be seized immediately.
Excise and Taxation Commissioner Ashok Kumar Meena, while presiding over the meeting of officials in Sonipat, said that there is a complete ban on the movement of illicit liquor as per the instructions of the Election Commission during the Lok Sabha elections.
He emphasized the necessity of seamless coordination among the Revenue, Excise, and Police departments to effectively combat illegal liquor activities. The Election Commission has placed significant emphasis on tackling this issue. To address it, the department has introduced QR codes, enabling access to comprehensive information regarding production dates, distribution, wholesale, and retail details. Additionally, 24-hour camera surveillance has been implemented. Permit information is accessible through the online system and immediate strict action must be taken in case of any discrepancies.
Sh Ashok Meena informed that to prevent illicit liquor from entering from other states, arrangements have been made for transit slips. These slips will aid in easily identifying illicit liquor. It's crucial to thoroughly check these slips at entry points, as they contain all necessary information. Forty-five designated routes have been established for this purpose. If any information or route is missing, immediate strict action must be taken. Regular checks should be conducted via FST and SST. Additionally, an officer from GST or Excise will be on duty alongside FST and SST teams. Sh Meena instructed that FST and SST teams should vary their inspection locations and avoid establishing a fixed checkpoint. He emphasized the need to strengthen human intelligence to detect illegal and counterfeit liquor, providing necessary tips for this purpose. Possible locations for producing counterfeit liquor were also discussed. He also gave information about the rules so that the right person does not face any problem. He gave instructions to upload the information correctly on ESMS.
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A meeting, chaired by Vice Chancellor, Professor B.R. Kamboj, was convened between delegation of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCHAU) in Hisar and a delegation from Western Sydney University of Australia, to discuss a range of ambitious topics.
Chandigarh, April 8 - A meeting, chaired by Vice Chancellor, Professor B.R. Kamboj, was convened between delegation of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCHAU) in Hisar and a delegation from Western Sydney University of Australia, to discuss a range of ambitious topics.
Prof. B.R. Kamboj said that various topics like exchange of educational activities, sustainable farming, disaster-risk management, global challenges as well as enhancing international cooperation were discussed in detail by the joint delegation. The delegation also stressed on innovative solutions for conservation farming, natural calamities affecting the agriculture sector, state-of-the-art research and technologies, besides prediction of environmental hazards and preparation of joint action plan to prevent these hazards through mutual interaction. He said that the university is continuously strengthening agricultural technology with the cooperation of international institutions.
Vice Chancellor informed that discussions were held with the delegation to further accelerate the collaboration on research, academics, joint MRes, progress of dual degree programme, direct PhD dual degree program, research and academic activities as well.