*Key suggestions by Energy Minister Anil Vij in the pre-budget consultation meeting — promotion of solar panels on government buildings and electric vehicles*

*A strong example of democratic tradition: suggestions sought from all stakeholders before the budget — Anil Vij*

*Suggestion to set up modern EV charging stations along highways — Energy Minister*

*“We are a party rooted in this soil, Congress is in its final phase” — Vij*

Chandigarh, January 27 - Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the state government’s tradition of inviting suggestions from all stakeholders before the budget reflects a strong and healthy democratic process. This ensures that the interests of every section of society are duly taken care of in the budget. In this direction, Sh. Vij today suggested making budgetary provisions for installing solar panels on all government buildings across the state and providing concessions on the purchase of electric vehicles.

Sh. Anil Vij was interacting with media representatives after the pre-budget consultation meeting held in Panchkula. He informed that Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly presented their suggestions on various subjects during the meeting, which are being considered seriously.

The Energy Minister said that in his proposals, he has recommended special budgetary provisions for installing solar panels on the rooftops of all government buildings in the state, including government offices, schools, colleges, stadiums, as well as private schools, colleges and gaushalas. This initiative would not only promote clean energy but also reduce electricity expenditure and move Haryana forward on the path of green energy.

Along with this, he suggested providing concessions on the purchase of electric vehicles so that people are encouraged to shift towards environmentally friendly e-vehicles. He further said that modern charging stations should be established along national and state highways, where, besides vehicle charging, facilities such as refreshments, clean toilets and proper resting arrangements should be available, ensuring convenience for families during travel.

Sh. Vij said that the Chief Minister himself has been interacting with people across the state to gather budget-related suggestions, and in the same sequence, all MPs and MLAs were also invited to the meeting. He said that opposition MPs and MLAs were also invited, but no representative from the opposition attended. He remarked that perhaps the opposition had nothing to say, whereas earlier they used to participate in such meetings.

Responding to a question regarding the lack of respect given to senior leaders in the Congress party, Sh. Vij said that Congress is gradually moving towards its final stage and its political existence is weakening.

Reacting to a recent statement made by Rahul Gandhi during his Kurukshetra visit, Sh.Vij said that the British and the Mughals left because they were foreigners, whereas the Bharatiya Janata Party is a party rooted in the soil of this country and was born on this land. He said that the BJP is carrying forward the nation’s culture, national spirit and ideology. He added that Congress was founded in 1885 by a foreign officer, A.O. Hume, to coordinate with the Britishers. He said that if foreign parties are to leave, it will be Congress that goes, not the BJP, as the BJP is continuously moving forward and will continue to progress.