Judicial integrity a necessity for sustenance of democracy: Justice Surya Kant
110 officers from Haryana to commence one-year Induction Training Programme at Chandigarh Judicial Academy
Chandigarh, February 16 – The inaugural function for One-Year Induction Training Programme for trainee judicial officers of Haryana was organised here today. A batch of 110 officers from Haryana will commence their one-year Induction Training Programme at the Chandigarh Judicial Academy. The Induction Programme was presided over by Hon'ble Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India.
In his address, Hon'ble Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of judicial integrity and transparency as the bedrock of a fair legal system. “Judicial integrity is not merely a virtue but a necessity for the sustenance of democracy,” he remarked, encouraging young legal professionals to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, especially in an era shaped by rapid technological advancements.
Justice Surya Kant highlighted the necessity for the judiciary to adapt to technological changes to ensure efficient and effective justice delivery. “Technology can be a great enabler but it is our responsibility to harness it for the betterment of the legal system,” he said. He underlined the critical need for accessible justice, particularly for marginalized communities, and urged the incorporation of regional dialects in judicial proceedings. “By embracing regional dialects, we make the law more accessible and relatable to the common man,” he asserted, recognizing the diversity of languages in India.
Acknowledging the relentless efforts of the legal fraternity, Justice Surya Kant praised their commitment to ensuring fair and speedy trials. “The legal profession is a noble one, and its strength lies in its unwavering dedication to justice,” he noted. He outlined three important facts essential for strengthening the judiciary: the need for digital literacy among legal professionals to effectively utilize technological tools, the significance of pro-bono services to serve underprivileged sections and bridge the gap in legal access, and the importance of mental well-being for those in the legal profession to maintain a balanced and just approach.
Hon’ble Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court-cum-Patron-in-Chief of the Chandigarh Judicial Academy, congratulated the newly inducted judges and their families, underscoring the immense responsibility that comes with being a judge. He stressed the need for impartiality, integrity, and maintaining the highest standards of conduct. Justice Nagu highlighted the importance of physical and mental well-being for judges to perform their duties effectively. He encouraged the inductees to ask questions during their training to enhance their knowledge and contribute positively to the judiciary.
Justice (Dr.) Shekhar Dhawan (Retd.), Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court, had his book My Journey launched by Hon’ble Justice Surya Kant during the ceremony. The book is a nuanced memoir detailing his 40-year journey as a judicial officer at the subordinate level and subsequently as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, offering valuable insights and experiences from his illustrious career.
Hon'ble Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and President, Board of Governors, Chandigarh Judicial Academy, Justice (Dr.) Shekhar Dhawan (Retd.) Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court, Sh. Ajay Kumar Sharda Director (Administration), Chandigarh Judicial Academy were also present on the occasion.
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Surajkund International Crafts Fair witnesses record-breaking crowd
11.70 lakh tourists have visited Surajkund fair so far
Chandigarh, February 16 - The 38th edition of the Surajkund International Crafts Fair witnessed a record-breaking crowd of tourists on Sunday. In just 10 days, 11.70 lakh tourists have visited the crafts fair so far, which is close to last year's number of 13 lakh tourists.The Surajkund fair will continue till February 23.
Giving information here today, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said that 2 lakh tourists visited the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair on Sunday. There was a huge crowd of people at the cultural stage, main chaupal, mini chaupal, theatre as well as various pavilions. He said that 13 lakh people had reached the 37th edition of Surajkund fair, whereas this time, 11.70 lakh tourists have witnessed this fair in just 10 days. In the next 7 days, not only will this figure cross last year's figure, but it will also create a new record.
Dr Arvind Sharma said that the resolution taken by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi to enrich national unity, art and culture is being fulfilled through the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. He said that this time, the fair is moving towards success due to technology and many creative changes. He said that despite the change in weather, students' exams and other reasons, Surajkund fair is going to create a record of the highest number of tourists in its history.
He said while the online ticket system made it easier for the general public to get tickets at the Surajkund fair, the online allotment of stalls to artisans and weavers also brought transparency in the system and attracted more people. This has given the general public an opportunity to see and buy products of artisans and weavers from across the country. He said that due to Odisha and Madhya Pradesh being the two theme states, people's interest in the fair has increased. This time, a huge crowd has been seen at the stalls of BIMSTEC partner countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar. Tourists are also enjoying the cultural presentations being given by artists from more than 50 countries at the main chaupal. Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the attraction towards the fair has also increased among the people due to the performance of big artists on the Maha Stage every day. He said that Principal Secretary of Heritage and Tourism Department, Smt. Kala Ramchandran, MD of Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited Dr Sunil Kumar, Information, Public Relations and Language Department, Art and Culture Department and their entire team are working day and night with full dedication to provide every possible facility to the tourists.
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HERC’s 31st State Advisory Committee Meeting on February 19 to Address Power Tariffs and Revenue Deficit
Chandigarh, February 16: The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) will convene its 31st State Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting on February 19, under the chairmanship of Nand Lal Sharma to finalize electricity tariffs for the new financial year 2025-26. The meeting will focus on the financial sustainability of power distribution companies, consumer protection measures, and reforms to improve the efficiency of Haryana’s power sector.
The SAC, constituted under Sections 87 and 88 of the Electricity Act, 2003, plays a key role to advise on policy matters, including service quality, consumer rights, and the performance of distribution companies. The 21-member committee comprises representatives from industries, agriculture, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and the managing directors of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVNL).
In a public hearing held on January 15, HERC gathered feedback from stakeholders regarding the proposed electricity tariffs. Following this, the power distribution companies submitted a Net Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) of ₹45,978.93 crore for FY 2025-26. However, the Commission has asked them to submit a concrete action plan to address the revenue shortfall of ₹4,520.24 crore.
The meeting will deliberate on various aspects, including measures to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, the expansion of smart metering systems, and the implementation of IT-based consumer grievance redressal mechanisms. The performance of Haryana’s thermal power plants will also be reviewed to ensure compliance with efficiency improvement directives and promote the involvement of local vendors in procurement processes. Additionally, the progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a central scheme aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations, will be assessed to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in the state.
HERC Chairman Nand Lal Sharma, who took charge on February 2, 2024, has emphasized the need for transparency and consumer-focused policies in the power sector. With extensive experience Of energy sector , he is advocating for technological innovation, financial stability, and a more efficient power distribution framework. The outcomes of the SAC meeting are expected to play a significant role in shaping decisions regarding electricity tariffs, operational improvements in power distribution companies, and enhanced consumer services across Haryana.
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Haryana RERA Tribunal orders removal of Old Rao Dhaba in Manesar to restore land
Landmark ruling by Haryana RERA Tribunal reinforces action against unauthorized constructions
Chandigarh, February 16 - In a landmark judgment, the Haryana RERA Tribunal has ordered the removal of Old Rao Dhaba in Manesar for violating land-use regulations.
In an order dated January 27, 2025, the Enforcement Wing of District Town Planning (DTP) Department, Gurugram, has been directed to clear the unauthorized structure, restoring the land to its original state.
The ruling came in the case of Lal Singh Yadav vs. State of Haryana (Appeal No. 17 of 2021). The Tribunal found that the dhaba was illegally constructed on land designated as a restricted controlled area along the national highway, making it non-compliant with zoning laws.
Delivering the judgment, Justice (Retd.) Rajan Gupta, Chairman of the Tribunal, stated, “The State of Haryana is at liberty to restore the site to its original state.” The Tribunal further emphasized that unauthorized constructions cannot be allowed to exist, especially in the vicinity of highways. Upholding an earlier order dated August 18, 2021, the Tribunal reaffirmed that such structures violate controlled area regulations and must be removed.
During the proceedings, the Tribunal inquired whether DTP (Enforcement), Gurugram, would submit a status report on the removal process.
The decision underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing land-use laws and preventing unauthorized commercial establishments along national highways. The judgment sets a strong precedent against illegal encroachments in controlled areas. It also serves as a warning to those constructing unapproved structures.
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Punjabi songs enthrall audience at Surjakund International Crafts Fair
Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar attends cultural evening as chief guest
Chandigarh, February 16 - The entire Surajkund reverberated with Punjabi songs during the cultural evening at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair last evening. Famous Punjabi singer Gurtaj enthralled the audience by presenting one Punjabi song after another on the occasion.
Union Minister of State for Cooperation Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar arrived as the chief guest at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair last evening. He said the Surajkund fair has made its mark in the whole world. It is giving an opportunity to craftsmen from the country and abroad to display their skills. Apart from this, this fair, which has become an example of unity in diversity, has also become a center of attraction for tourists due to the cultural presentations being given by artists from all over the world.
Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is continuously working towards making the craftsmen of the country economically prosperous. At the same time, the Haryana Government is moving ahead on the path of development work equally without any discrimination under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
During the cultural evening, the youth present in the pandal kept dancing till late night on the Punjabi music beats of Gurtaj.
The Punjabi singer expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma for inviting him to the Surajkund fair. He said through this platform, the Haryana Government is playing its incomparable role in the promotion of Indian culture and giving a positive message to the country and the world.
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HERC’s 31st State Advisory Committee Meeting on February 19 to Address Power Tariffs and Revenue Deficit
Chandigarh, February 16: The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) will convene its 31st State Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting on February 19, under the chairmanship of Nand Lal Sharma to finalize electricity tariffs for the new financial year 2025-26. The meeting will focus on the financial sustainability of power distribution companies, consumer protection measures, and reforms to improve the efficiency of Haryana’s power sector.
The SAC, constituted under Sections 87 and 88 of the Electricity Act, 2003, plays a key role to advise on policy matters, including service quality, consumer rights, and the performance of distribution companies. The 21-member committee comprises representatives from industries, agriculture, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and the managing directors of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVNL) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVNL).
In a public hearing held on January 15, HERC gathered feedback from stakeholders regarding the proposed electricity tariffs. Following this, the power distribution companies submitted a Net Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) of ₹45,978.93 crore for FY 2025-26. However, the Commission has asked them to submit a concrete action plan to address the revenue shortfall of ₹4,520.24 crore.
The meeting will deliberate on various aspects, including measures to reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, the expansion of smart metering systems, and the implementation of IT-based consumer grievance redressal mechanisms. The performance of Haryana’s thermal power plants will also be reviewed to ensure compliance with efficiency improvement directives and promote the involvement of local vendors in procurement processes. Additionally, the progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a central scheme aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations, will be assessed to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy in the state.
HERC Chairman Nand Lal Sharma, who took charge on February 2, 2024, has emphasized the need for transparency and consumer-focused policies in the power sector. With extensive experience Of energy sector , he is advocating for technological innovation, financial stability, and a more efficient power distribution framework. The outcomes of the SAC meeting are expected to play a significant role in shaping decisions regarding electricity tariffs, operational improvements in power distribution companies, and enhanced consumer services across Haryana.
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Merit only criteria for employment in Haryana now: Ranbir Gangwa
Chandigarh, February 16 - Haryana's Public Works and Public Health and Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said the state government has given respect to Deprived Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes. Whether it is about making provisions for reservation or giving jobs on merit, the government has given a clear message that only those youth who study and work hard will progress.
Sh. Ranbir Gangwa was present as the chief guest in the felicitation ceremony organized by Prajapati Samaj in Jhajjar today. He said the government has made clear its commitment towards the upliftment of the deprived classes by making provision for reservation for Backward Classes in the elections of Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies.
The Cabinet Minister laid the foundation stone of the newly constructed building of Maharaja Daksh Prajapati Samaj Dharamshala. He announced to give Rs 11 lakh for the construction of the dharamshala.
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Farmers must adopt new technology to make agriculture more profitable: Shyam Singh Rana
Chandigarh, February 16 - Haryana Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana visited the three-day Krishi Darshan Exhibition being held at the Northern Region Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute, Hisar and observed new and modern agricultural techniques. He appealed to farmers to increase production capacity by incorporating advanced techniques in farming.
Sh. Shyam Singh Rana was the chief guest on the second day of the three-day Krishi Darshan Exhibition being held at the Northern Region Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute, Hisar.
The Agriculture Minister said the exhibition is a successful attempt to give impetus to the agricultural mechanization campaign of the Haryana Government and to connect farmers with modern technologies. He said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is the first state in the country where all crops are being purchased at minimum support price. Due to this, farmers are getting a fair price for their produce and a new revolution is being started in the agriculture sector.
During the exhibition, the Agriculture Minister understood the working of the drone by flying it in the air. He said drone technology will help farmers in spraying pesticides and fertilizers, which will reduce the cost of production and save time. He urged the farmers to make farming more profitable by adopting modern technologies like drones.
The Agriculture Minister inspected various modern agricultural equipment and machines at the exhibition. He sat on a tractor and tested its features and inspected the solar pump. He said solar pump technology will prove helpful for farmers in saving energy and running the irrigation system smoothly.
The Agriculture Minister called upon the farmers to use improved seeds, organic farming and new technologies and take maximum benefit of various schemes of the state government. He said that the government is running various schemes to strengthen the economic condition of the farmers, which include grant-based equipment, crop insurance scheme and schemes to promote organic farming. The experts present in the program gave detailed information about new agricultural techniques to the farmers and told them the benefits of modern farming.
Vice Chancellor of Haryana Agricultural University Prof. B.R. Kamboj, TTC Director Sh. Mukesh Jain, Deputy Director of Agriculture Department Sh. Rajbir Singh, along with many agricultural scientists, experts and a large number of farmers were present on this occasion.