Public Verdict Against Congress, Opposition Crying ‘Vote Theft’ Out of Frustration- CM

People have completely rejected Congress decisively, now with no issues left, Opposition making baseless allegations, says CM

Chandigarh, December 19 — Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the opposition has been left unsettled after being decisively rejected by the people. He said that, having lost public confidence and political credibility, opposition leaders are now resorting to allegations like “vote theft” out of sheer frustration.

The Chief Minister asserted that the mandate of the people is clear and decisive, and it reflects total rejection of the Congress’s policies and past governance. This rejection, he said, has left the opposition frustrated, prompting them to make irresponsible and unfounded statements.

The Chief Minister was responding during Question Hour on the second day of the Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Friday to a question raised by MLA Sh. B.B. Batra regarding the number of BPL cards.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that he had already given a detailed reply on this matter in the House during the previous session. He explained that the government introduced a transparent process under which people were asked to self-declare their economic status and fill out the forms themselves if they fell below the poverty line. He pointed out that under earlier governments, the income limit was Rs. 1.20 lakh, whereas the present government increased it to Rs. 1.80 lakh, after which people applied for BPL status.

The Chief Minister recalled that he had clearly informed the House at that time that verification would be carried out after the elections and that ineligible names would be removed. Questioning the opposition’s allegations, he asked how this could be termed a “scandal.”

Referring to the figures quoted by MLA B.B. Batra, the Chief Minister, said that the claim of eight lakh cards was misleading, as the number of ration cards in 2022 exceeded 30 lakh. He questioned the source of such data and, in a sharp remark, he said that during the Congress regime, even eligible beneficiaries were deprived of essential supplies, while others wrongfully availed benefits meant for the poor.

Taking a strong dig at the opposition, the Chief Minister said it was ironic that they were accusing others of vote theft. Voting, he emphasized, is a democratic right of the people, and through their mandate, the public has unequivocally rejected Congress and its policies.

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Strong Road Network Speak Louder Than Posters; Public Faith in Government Remains Strong, says CM

Road Infrastructure Strengthened Continuously Over 11 Years, Leaving Opposition Uncomfortable- CM

Strong Road Network Speak Louder Than Posters; Public Faith in Government Remains Strong, says CM

Road Infrastructure Strengthened Continuously Over 11 Years, Leaving Opposition Uncomfortable- CM

Chandigarh, December 19 — Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state has a performance-driven government which enjoys the continued and unwavering trust of the people. He remarked that the steady strengthening of the road network over the past 11 years has unsettled the opposition.

The Chief Minister was responding during Question Hour on the second day of the Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Friday to a question raised by MLA Smt. Geeta Bhukkal.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the opposition bringing posters or newspaper clippings into the House does not bother the government in any way. He emphasized that the present dispensation believes in delivering results. He further said that previous governments failed to give due attention to road strengthening. In contrast, the comprehensive improvement in road infrastructure over the last 11 years is precisely what is causing discomfort to the opposition.

Referring to ongoing projects, the Chief Minister said that a greenfield expressway is being developed from Jhajjar to Chhuchhakwas, yet opposition members have not even acknowledged the government’s efforts. He added that at the very least, the opposition should appreciate and thank the government for improving road connectivity and infrastructure across the state.

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state has a performance-driven government which enjoys the continued and unwavering trust of the people. He remarked that the steady strengthening of the road network over the past 11 years has unsettled the opposition.

The Chief Minister was responding during Question Hour on the second day of the Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Friday to a question raised by MLA Smt. Geeta Bhukkal.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the opposition bringing posters or newspaper clippings into the House does not bother the government in any way. He emphasized that the present dispensation believes in delivering results. He further said that previous governments failed to give due attention to road strengthening. In contrast, the comprehensive improvement in road infrastructure over the last 11 years is precisely what is causing discomfort to the opposition.

Referring to ongoing projects, the Chief Minister said that a greenfield expressway is being developed from Jhajjar to Chhuchhakwas, yet opposition members have not even acknowledged the government’s efforts. He added that at the very least, the opposition should appreciate and thank the government for improving road connectivity and infrastructure across the state.

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Haryana Government Extends Deadline for Medical Certificates Amid Online Transfer Drive

Chandigarh, December 19— The Haryana Government has extended the deadline for issuing medical certificates for employees who wish to claim marks during the ongoing Online Transfer Drive. This extension comes after receiving feedback about implementation challenges faced by both medical institutions and government employees.

According to a notification issued by the Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, under the Model Online Transfer Policy, the original deadline for obtaining medical certificates was October 31, 2025. However, recognizing the difficulties encountered, the government has now extended this deadline to December 25, 2025.

The notification states that employees belonging to cadres under the Model Online Transfer Policy who are covered under Clause 4(ii)(6) regarding Diseases of Debilitating Disorder (Self/Spouse/Unmarried Son/Daughter) are now entitled to additional time to obtain the required medical certificate.

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EXPLAINATIONS IN VIDHAN SABHA

Chandigarh, December 19 – Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that as of October 2024, the total number of ration cards in the state was 51,72,270. The Minister was responding to a question raised by the Rohtak MLA, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Batra during the ongoing Winter Session of the Vidhan Sabha here today.

He shared that under the National Food Security Act, 2013, there are two categories of ration cards for beneficiaries, namely Priority Household (Below Poverty Line – BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

The Minister informed the House that in October 2024, there were 48,79,423 ration cards issued to priority households (BPL families). Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, there were 2,92,847 ration cards. Thus, the total number of ration cards in the state in October 2024 amounted to 51,72,270.

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Chandigarh, December 19 - Haryana Health Minister, Ms. Aarti Singh Rao said that the State Government is actively working to improve the doctor-population ratio by increasing MBBS seats through the establishment of new medical colleges in both the public and private sectors. She informed that while Haryana had only 700 MBBS seats in 2014, the number has now risen to 2,710.

The Health Minister was replying to a question raised by a member during the ongoing Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

She further informed the House that, as per the reply of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Lok Sabha in 2018, the doctor-population ratio stood at one doctor per 1,000 people. Referring to the data of the Haryana Medical Council dated December 16, 2025, she said that considering only allopathic doctors, the ratio in the state is currently one doctor per 1,225 people. When registered Ayurveda, Unani and Homeopathy (AUH) doctors are also included, the present ratio improves to one doctor per 819 people.

Reiterating the government’s efforts, Ms. Rao said that increasing the number of doctors remains a priority, and the state is continuously expanding medical education infrastructure in both public and private sectors to enhance MBBS intake.

She also highlighted that the National Health Policy 2017 and Indian Public Health Standards define benchmarks for the availability of health services, particularly in terms of population-to-hospital bed ratios. As per these standards, the combined government health and medical education sector should have at least one hospital bed per 1,000 population, while including ESIC and private hospitals, the availability should be two beds per 1,000 population.

Responding to a supplementary question, the Health Minister informed that the number of District Civil Hospitals and Sub-Divisional Hospitals has increased from 56 in 2014 to 74 at present. Similarly, the number of Community Health Centres (CHCs) has gone up from 109 in 2014 to 122.

She further stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government has made dialysis services free of cost in government hospitals. In addition, economically weaker sections are being provided free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The present government firmly believes that healthcare is not a privilege but a fundamental right, and keeping this principle in mind, affordable and accessible health services are being ensured close to people’s homes across the state, said the Minister.

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Chandigarh, December 19 — Haryana Tourism and Heritage Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the ancient and massive Buddhist stupa dating back to the Kushan period, located in the Assandh area of Karnal district and popularly known as Jarasandh ka Teela, is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Government of India.

Dr. Arvind Sharma was replying to a question raised by Assandh MLA Sh. Yogender Singh Rana during the second day of the Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

He informed the House that the site is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. As a result, any development of the monument or its surrounding area can be undertaken only by the Archaeological Survey of India.

He further shared that apart from the remains of the Kushan-era stupa, surface explorations conducted in the Jarasandh Fort area at Assandh have revealed Painted Grey Ware pottery, coins from the early historic period, and archaeological remains from the medieval era.

The Cabinet Minister also assured the House that the State Government would explore possibilities for the beautification of the site in coordination with the Archaeological Survey of India.

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Haryana Government released Rs. 4,771.89 Crore as Compensation to Farmers: Vipul Goel

Chandigarh, December 19: Haryana’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel, said that the present state government has so far released Rs. 4,771.89 crore as compensation for crop losses to farmers. In comparison, during the Congress government from 2005 to 2014, only Rs. 1,158 crore was paid as compensation.

The Minister was replying to a question during the ongoing Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

Sh. Vipul Goel stated that the BJP-led state government stands firmly with every citizen and farmer, both in times of prosperity and adversity. He explained that the crop damage assessment process involves inspections by Patwaris, Girdawars, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), and Deputy Commissioners (DCs).

He further informed that the entire process has been reviewed by the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. Wherever any errors or negligence were found, charge-sheets were issued and appropriate action was taken.

Clarifying the assessment procedure, the Minister said that no crop damage assessment can be conducted once the crop has been harvested.

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Block formation requires a minimum population of one lakh – Krishan Kumar Bedi

Chandigarh, December 19 – Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment ,SCs & BCs Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that a minimum population of one lakh is mandatory for the formation of a block in any area or constituency.

The Minister was replying to a question asked during the ongoing Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

He said that the Kosli constituency already has three blocks Nahan, Jatusana, and Dahina with a combined population of 3,08,729. Therefore, Kosli cannot be granted the status of a fourth block in the constituency.

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Five Colonies Approved Under Ismailabad Municipal Council: Vipul Goel

Chandigarh, December 19 - Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel, said that five colonies have been approved under the Ismailabad Municipal Council. He informed that in three of these approved colonies, basic facilities such as roads, streets and drinking water have already been provided, while estimates for the remaining two colonies have been prepared.

Sh. Vipul Goel was replying to a question during the ongoing Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

The Minister said that the tender process for the remaining works will be completed soon, following which all basic civic amenities will also be provided in these colonies.

He further informed that applications were received for granting approval to ten colonies, out of which five colonies have been approved.

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85% construction work of Government College, Taraori Completed- Education Minister

Chandigarh, December 19 — Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that nearly 85 percent of the construction work of the Government College at Taraori has already been completed. He informed that administrative approval of Rs. 500.50 lakh has been granted to the Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads) for the remaining work, and the re-tendering process will be undertaken within the next three months. The construction is expected to be completed within eight months from the actual date of commencement of the work.

The Minister was responding to a question raised by a member during the ongoing winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

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Rs. 5.61 crore compensation released for crop damage in 16 villages of Lakhanmajra and Meham

Chandigarh, 19 December — Haryana Revenue, Disaster Management and Relief Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel said that compensation amounting to Rs. 5,61,08,431 has been disbursed among farmers in 16 villages of Lakhanmajra and Meham tehsils for crop losses.

He said that, across the state, a total amount of Rs. 516 crore has been released as crop damage relief.

The Minister was responding to a question raised on the second day of the ongoing Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

He informed the House that crop damage assessments were conducted in two stages in all tehsils, including Lakhanmajra and Meham. Compensation was provided to those farmers who had applied through the e-Kshatipurti Portal.

The Minister further shared that the Chief Minister personally took cognizance of the compensation process. Strict action was taken against patwaris found negligent or careless during crop loss assessment.

He assured that if any irregularity is reported in Lakhanmajra or Meham tehsils in this matter, the details may be submitted and the issue will be examined seriously.

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Chandigarh, 19 December — Haryana Health Minister, Ms Aarti Singh Rao, said that the state government plans to shift the District Civil Hospital, Karnal, to Sector-32A, Karnal, on HSVP land. A new building will be constructed on this site to establish a 200-bed hospital.

The Health Minister was responding to a question raised by a member during the ongoing session of the Winter Session Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

She informed the House that a new site of 9.90 acres has been identified for constructing the hospital on HSVP land. The previously selected land was unsuitable because high-tension wires ran over it. The newly selected land is now being officially demarcated.

Ms Aarti Singh Rao provided further details, stating that on 23 November 2021, 13 acres of land in Sector 32A, Karnal was allotted in the name of the Director General, Health Services, Panchkula, at a rate of Rs. 16,000 per square meter. According to a letter dated March 30, 2022, the allotting department requested an extension of time. Later, on January 27, 2023, the Civil Surgeon’s office in Karnal reported that 4 acres of the 13-acre land had high-tension wires running over it, making it unsuitable.

Subsequently, in a meeting held on November 16, 2022, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning Department, the government directed that 9.90 acres of land adjacent to the previously allotted plot be re-demarcated. The revised demarcation has since been approved by the Chief Town Planner of HSVP. The land transfer will be completed soon, after which construction of the new hospital building will commence.

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Haryana Vidhan Sabha winter session: Seven Bills tabled on Second Day; Eight Bills passed after discussion

Chandigarh, December 19 – On the second day of the Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Seven Bills were tabled including, the Haryana Technical Education Guest Faculty (Security of Service) Amendment Bill, 2025; Haryana Housing Board (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Haryana Abadi Deh (Vesting, Recording and Resolving of Ownership Rights) Bill, 2025; Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Haryana Scheduled Roads and Controlled Areas Restriction of Unregulated Development (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Haryana Public Trust Provisions Amendment Bill, 2025.

In addition, eight bills were passed after discussion. These include the Haryana Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Haryana Shri Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025; Haryana Shri Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025; the Haryana Antrarashtriya Gita Jyanti Mela Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Shri Mantra Devi and Shri Kedar Nath Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 and The Haryana Municipal Bill, 2025.

Haryana Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Haryana Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed to amend the Haryana Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Act, 1991.

The sub-section (b) of Section 8 of the Act disqualifies any person who is “of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent Court or is a deaf, mute or is suffering from contagious leprosy or any virulent contagious disease” from being nominated as a Member of the Board. The Act was enacted in the year 1991, in compliance of Supreme Court directions dated May 07, 2025 passed in W.P. (c) No. 83 of 2010 titled Federation of Lepy. Organ. (FOLO) Vs. Union of India and in view with the change in the social structure where now physically challenged and terminally ill persons command great acceptability and respect in the society, to continue with the said provision appears unwarranted.

Hence, it is necessary to carry out amendment in the Haryana Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Act, 1991 (14 of 1991) by way of enacting the Haryana Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Haryana Shri Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Haryana Shri Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed to amend the Haryana Shri Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine Act, 1991.

The sub-section (b) of Section 8 of the Act disqualifies any person who is “of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent Court or is a deaf, mute or is suffering from contagious leprosy or any virulent contagious disease” from being nominated as a Member of the Board. The Act was enacted in the year 1991 in compliance of Supreme Court directions dated May 07, 2025 passed in W.P. (c) No. 83 of 2010 titled Federation of Lepy. Organ. (FOLO) Vs. Union of India and with the change in the social structure where now physically challenged and terminally ill persons command great acceptability and respect in the society, to continue with the said provision appears unwarranted.

Hence, it is necessary to carry out amendment in the Haryana Shri Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine Act, 1991 (10 of 1992) by way of enacting the Haryana Shri Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Haryana Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Haryana Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed to amend the Haryana Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine Act, 2022.

The clause (b) of Section 8 of the Act disqualifies any person who is “of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent Court or is a deaf, mute or is suffering from contagious leprosy or any virulent contagious disease” from being nominated as a Member of the Board. The Act was enacted in the year 2025. In compliance of Supreme Court directions dated May 7, 2025, passed in W.P. (c) No. 83 of 2010 titled Federation of Lepy. Organ. (FOLO) Vs. Union of India and in view with the change in the social structure where now physically challenged and terminally ill persons command great acceptability and respect in the society, to continue with the said provision appears unwarranted.

Hence, it is necessary to carry out amendment in the Haryana Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine Act, 2022 (25 of 2025) by way of enacting the Haryana Shree Mata Bhimeshwari Devi Mandir (Ashram), Beri Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The Haryana Antrarashtriya Gita Jyanti Mela Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Haryana Antrarashtriya Gita Jyanti Mela Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed to amend the Haryana Antrarashtriya Gita Jyanti Mela Authority Act, 2024.

The sub-section (b) of Section 6 of the Act disqualifies any person who is “a deaf, mute or is suffering from contagious leprosy or any virulent contagious disease” from being nominated as a Member of the Board. The Act was enacted in the year 2010 in compliance of Supreme Court directions dated May 7, 2025, passed in W.P. (c) No. 83 of 2010 titled Federation of Lepy. Organ. (FOLO) Vs. Union of India and with the change in social structure where now physically challenged and terminally ill persons command great acceptability and respect in the society, to continue with the said provision appears unwarranted.

Hence, it is necessary to carry out amendment in the Haryana Antrarashtriya Gita Jyanti Mela Authority Act, 2024 (7 of 2024) by way of enacting the Haryana Antrarashtriya Gita Jyanti Mela Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Haryana Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Shri Mantra Devi and Shri Kedar Nath Shrines (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Haryana Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Shri Mantra Devi and Shri Kedar Nath Shrine (Amendment) Act, 2025 was passed to amend the Haryana Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narian, Shri Mantra Devi and Shri Kedar Nath Shrine Act, 2009.

The sub-section (c) of Section 8 of the Act disqualifies any person who is “a deaf, mute or is suffering from contagious leprosy or any virulent contagious disease” from being nominated as a Member of the Board. The Act was enacted in the year 2010 in compliance of Supreme Court directions dated May 7, 2025, passed in W.P. (c) No. 83 of 2010 titled Federation of Lepy. Organ. (FOLO) Vs. Union of India and with the change in social structure where now physically challenged and terminally ill persons command great acceptability and respect in the society, to continue with the said provision appears unwarranted.

Hence, it is necessary to carry out amendment in the Haryana Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Shri Mantra Devi and Shri Kedar Nath Shrine Act, 2009 (12 of 2010) by way of enacting the Haryana Shri Kapal Mochan, Shri Badri Narain, Shri Mantra Devi and Shri Kedar Nath Shrine (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Haryana Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Haryana Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed to amend the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994.

The sub-clause (a) of clause (8) of section 2 of the Act defines the dangerous disease means cholera, plague, chicken-pox, small-pox, tuberculosis, leprosy, enteric fever, cerebrospinal, meningitis and diphtheria. The Act was enacted in the year 1994, in compliance of Supreme Court directions dated May 7, 2025, passed in W.P. (c) No. 83 of 2010 titled Federation of Lepy. Organ. (FOLO) Vs. Union of India and in view with the change in the social structure where now physically challenged and terminally ill persons command great acceptability and respect in the society, to continue with the said provision appears great acceptability and respect in the society, to continue with the said provision appears unwarranted.

Hence, it is necessary to carry out amendment in the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 (16 of 1994) by way of enacting the Haryana Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Haryana Panchayati Raj (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025

The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 was passed to amend the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.

As per existing provision, approval of the eligibility of identified beneficiaries of any government scheme and preparation of Gram Panchayat Development Plan are done by the Gram Sabha in its meeting with a quorum of one-tenth of its members or three hundred members, whichever is less, whereas to consider and approve the identified beneficiaries of any government scheme or to prepare a Gram Panchayat Development Plan, it is necessary to ensure presence of more members of Gram Sabha in its meeting to bring more transparency in the process. Approval of the eligibility of identified beneficiaries of Mukhya Mantri Gramin Basti Yojana by Gram Sabha is in process.

Haryana Municipal Bill, 2025

The Haryana Municipal Bodies Bill, 2025 was introduced to consolidate and amend laws relating to municipalities and to provide for the establishment of Municipalities in the State of Haryana so as to give them wider powers in the management of municipal affairs.

The Constitution of India has entrusted the responsibility of local administration to the municipalities in urban areas and assigned the role to the municipalities as a third tier of the governance on the pattern of Central and State Governments. Further, the Constitution of India has envisaged a hierarchy in the municipalities on the basis of population criteria.

Accordingly, municipalities in the State of Haryana are constituted under three categories, i.e., Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipal Committees, mainly on the basis of population criteria and other factors such as population density, non-agricultural activities, revenue generation, etc. However, the municipalities existing/established at the district headquarters are designated as Municipal Councils, irrespective of their population. Municipal Councils and Municipal Committees are governed under the provisions of the Haryana Municipal Act, 1973 (24 of 1973) whereas Municipal Corporations are governed under the provisions of the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 (16 of 1994).

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India had circulated the Model Municipal Law in the year 2003 to bring uniformity in the municipal laws across the country, simplifying the municipal bye-laws, introducing reforms in financial management and accounting systems as well as enhancing internal resource generation capacity of the municipalities.

The level and quality of delivery of municipal services to the residents needs to be in consonance within all the three categories of municipalities and cannot be subjected to vagaries of financial hardship and functional uncertainties. Urban Local Bodies Department is the single supervising department for all three categories of municipalities.

Since the enactment of the Haryana Municipal Act, 1973 (24 of 1973) and the Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 (16 of 1994), more than fifty amendments have been carried out in both the existing municipal Acts. Further, the department has to issue separate notifications under both these municipal Acts for similar matters/purposes, such as notifications related to the assessment of property tax, rules and regulations regarding licences, fixing of rates/fees related to advertisements, development charges etc. Such exercise results in unnecessary duplication of efforts, waste of time and is causing confusion among the public as well as departmental officials.

The existence of two separate set of Service Rules framed under both the municipal Acts has also led to ambiguities in the matters related to transfers, promotions and fixation of seniority lists of municipal staff. This often results in avoidable litigation and defeats the objective of efficient deployment of personnel for better productivity.

There are ten States in the country namely Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Jharkhand, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim where all the categories of municipalities are governed under a single municipal Act.

In order to impart certainty, continuity and strength to the municipalities in the State as envisaged under the provisions of the Constitution (Seventy-Fourth) Amendment Act, 1992 and to bring greater transparency and improved governance, Urban Local Bodies Department proposes to enact a single consolidated Act namely the Haryana Municipal Bill, 2025 which will be applicable uniformly to all the municipalities of the State.

Some additional provisions have also been incorporated in the proposed Bill aiming to ensure that - Municipalities have been empowered to determine the taxes and fees related to property tax, development tax and fees, garbage fee, advertising fee, water and sewerage fee etc., between minimum and maximum rates prescribed by the government.

Allowing elected representatives of the municipalities to attend the meetings through electronic mode and enabling the municipalities to pass resolutions through circulation without physical attendance. Provisions have been made for effective planning of urban transport to improve traffic management and establishment of urban forestry for maintaining ecosystem services as well as lush green areas within municipal areas. Framing of common service rules for all the municipal employees, which will reduce the litigations to a large extent, and Appointment of municipal magistrate for trial of municipal offences.

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Chandigarh, December 19 – Haryana Public Works (Buildings and Roads) Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that in view of frequent traffic congestion at two railway crossings on the road from Dabra Chowk to Nirankari Bhawan Road in Hisar, a letter has been sent to the Ministry of Railways regarding the construction of two Road Over Bridges (ROBs). A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a two-lane ROB at Railway Crossing No. 1 has already been prepared by the consultant. For this purpose, M/S Singhal Group has been appointed.

Sh. Gangwa was replying to a question asked by Hisar MLA, Smt. Savitri Jindal during the ongoing Winter Session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today.

He further informed the House that the available land width towards Dabra Chowk is varying from 14.58 meters to 15.55 meters and available land width towards Nirankari Bhawan is varying from 17.04 meters to 17.29 meters. He also informed that construction of both railway overbridges will begin after approval of the revised proposals, completion of statutory formalities, and approval from the Railway Department. At one location, an ROB will be constructed, while at the other, an RUB will be built. A committee has been constituted for this purpose, and the Railways have been asked to commence the work within three months.

Similarly, replying to another question regarding the construction of a new road from Khark Pandwa village to Pundri Drain and alongside drain further up to Anaj Mandi, Kalayat on National Highway-52, he said that at present, there is no proposal for the construction of this road. He informed that the total length of roads in the Kalayat Assembly constituency is 188.98 kilometers and the roads are in good condition.

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