*Conservation and promotion of nature is the duty of every human being, plant as many saplings as possible - Nayab Singh Saini*

*Both Central and State governments are taking initiatives to conserve endangered species - Chief Minister*

Chandigarh, Dec 17 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the conservation and promotion of nature is the responsibility of every individual. He said that deforestation has led to a shortage of shelter for animals and birds, urging every citizen to commit to planting as many trees as possible and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

The Chief Minister highlighted that every living being, whether in the sky, water, or on land, plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of nature. He also praised Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for his efforts in conserving endangered species. In line with these efforts, the state government has given special attention to the protection of the endangered vulture species. To support this initiative, a Jatayu conservation and breeding center was established in Pinjore. Currently, the center is home to 378 vultures.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a function organized on the occasion of releasing 25 vultures at the Jatayu Conservation Center near Beed Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary in Pinjore, Panchkula today. Environment, Forests and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Kalka MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma were also present on this occasion.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that in the 1990s, the vulture population was in the crores, but it gradually decreased to lakhs. The primary cause of this decline was the use of diclofenac injections in dairy animals. When vultures consumed the carcasses of these animals, the residual effects of the drug began to harm the vultures, pushing the species to the brink of extinction.

He said that for vulture conservation, the Bombay Natural History Society entered into an agreement with the Haryana government and took on the mission of increasing the vulture population in Pinjore, Haryana, through both natural and artificial breeding methods. Today, this center is not only the largest of its kind in the country but also in Asia. The center houses 97 white-backed vultures, 219 long-beaked vultures, and 62 thin-beaked vultures. As of November 2024, a total of 404 chicks from these species have been born at the center. Today, 25 white-backed vultures were released into the open sky. The center is equipped with 8 nursery aviaries, 6 colony aviaries, 8 holding aviaries, 2 display aviaries, 4 hospital aviaries, 8 breeding aviaries, 1 green aviary, and 1 release aviary, from which 25 vultures were released.

The Chief Minister praised the efforts of the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Center team, urging them to extend their conservation work to Goriya sparrows as well. He assured that the government would provide full support for this initiative. He also mentioned that a Pakshi Niwas had been inaugurated on Monday at the Mata Mansa Devi Complex.

During the event, a short film showcasing the Pinjore Vulture Reserve and the Jatayu Conservation Breeding Center was also screened.

In the program, Mr. Anand Mohan Sharan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Forests and Wildlife Department, welcomed all the guests, including the Chief Minister, and highlighted the ongoing activities of the department.

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*Prime Minister's One Nation-One Election vision set to become a reality, development work will gain momentum - Nayab Singh Saini*

*Opposing good works has always been Congress habit - Chief Minister*

*Congress and AAP are doing politics in the name of farmers' welfare*

Chandigarh, December 17 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for introducing the One Nation-One Election Bill in Parliament today. He said that the passing of this bill will realize the Prime Minister's vision, and holding elections simultaneously will save both time and money, ensuring that the development process continues smoothly in the country and states.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to media persons after the event where 25 vultures were released into the open at the Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Center in Pinjore. Environment, Forests and Wildlife Minister Rao Nabir Singh was also present on this occasion.

*Congress and AAP are doing politics in the name of farmers' welfare*

Sh Nayab Singh Saini criticized the Congress party, stating that they have always been in the habit of opposing the good work being done by the government. He pointed out that Congress ruled the country for 55 years, and if they had ever made any significant decisions for the welfare of farmers, they should share. He also mentioned that Congress currently governs Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, while the Aam Aadmi Party governs Punjab and Delhi. Despite this, farmers in these states are protesting and demonstrating. He accused both Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party on doing politics in the name of farmers.

*Haryana government continuously working in the interest of farmers*

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana government is consistently working in the best interest of farmers. He highlighted that the state government is purchasing 100 percent of crops at the minimum support price. Vegetable farmers are benefiting from the Bhavantar Yojana, and subsidies are being provided under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. He also said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi stands firmly with the farmers. Over Rs 4,500 crore has been paid to farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. He added that the Haryana government is providing subsidies to farmers on tractors and agricultural equipment, and new schemes are being developed to reduce farmers' expenses.

He further said that in 2022, when the prices of urea and DAP increased internationally, Prime Minister Sh Modi intervened by banning price hikes, ensuring fertilizers remained affordable for farmers to avoid financial burdens. The Chief Minister criticized the UPA government for shelving the Swaminathan Commission report, pointing out that today, the Indi alliance—formerly part of the UPA—is now talking about farmers' welfare.

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to farmers for actively participating in stubble management. He said that this initiative has been praised by the Supreme Court as well.

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*Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to Address Public Meeting in Pundri on 19th December*

*CM To Lay Foundation Stone and Inaugurate Various Development Projects*

Chandigarh, December 17: Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Nayab Singh Saini, will address a public gathering at the new grain market in Pundri on December 19. During the event, the Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several important development projects aimed at improving the region's infrastructure.

In preparation for the public meeting, SDM Mr. Ajay Singh held a review meeting with district officials, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Preeti, on Tuesday afternoon. The meeting focused on ensuring all arrangements are in place for the Chief Minister’s visit, with officials assigned specific duties to facilitate the event smoothly.

All officers have been directed to diligently complete their respective responsibilities to ensure the successful execution of the public meeting.

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*Haryana Police Anti-Drug Campaign achieves remarkable success, evolving into a people's movement*

*Nine Villages in Charkhi Dadri district declare themselves Drug-Free, expressing gratitude to Haryana Police*

*3084 villages and 660 wards in Haryana become drug-free, 227458 youth engaged in sports activities*

Chandigarh, December 17 – The anti-drug campaign led by the Haryana Police is beginning to show positive results, with an increasing number of people participating across the state. A recent example of this success was seen in Charkhi Dadri district, where the panchayats of nine villages have turned the initiative into a people's movement. These villages have not only declared themselves drug-free but have also put up signs at their entrances proclaiming, “Hamara Gaon Nasha Mukt Hai” (Our Village is Drug-Free). The villagers are actively working to ensure that no youth falls victim to drugs and that no drug-related activities, including buying and selling, occur in the village. Haryana Director General of Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, praised Charkhi Dadri’s SP, Arsh Verma, and his entire team for this commendable effort.

Jitender Kumar, Sarpanch of Jaishri village in Charkhi Dadri, praised the anti-drug initiative launched by the Haryana Police, describing it as a unique effort that is inspiring young people to avoid and quit drugs. He also highlighted the positive impact of the sports activities organized by the Haryana Police in the village, which are benefiting the youth on a large scale. The youth are participating in these activities with great enthusiasm, while also being educated about the harmful effects of drugs.

Ram Bhagat, a resident of Lambha village, while expressing his views, said that drugs have a bad effect on the body. Drugs are a big problem for our society which can be eliminated with each other's cooperation. He thanked the Haryana Police for their efforts in this direction. Similarly, Sanjit, a resident of Mirch village, said that in their village, with the cooperation of the police administration, youth are being motivated to stay away from drugs. Meetings are held from time to time by police officers and Gram Prahris where the youngsters are made aware to stay away from drugs.

Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur staid that, as part of the ongoing anti-drug campaign by the Haryana Police, 3,084 villages and 660 wards were declared drug-free by November 30, 2024. This means that 41.66% of Haryana's villages and 39.74% of its wards have successfully become drug-free. He further explained that, to ensure a drug-free state, Gram Prahari and Ward Prahari have been appointed in every village and ward across the state. These personnel monitor drug-related activities and also assist individuals in overcoming their addiction to drugs.

Mr. Kapur mentioned that the Haryana Police also organizes sports activities in both rural and urban areas to keep children and youth away from drugs. These activities are conducted with the support of 1,522 Special Police Officers (SPOs) who are overseeing the programs across the state. During these events, the youth are not only encouraged to stay away from drugs but are also educated about their harmful effects. Through these sports activities, a total of 2,27,458 youth in Haryana have been engaged so far. In addition, district-level competitions are held periodically to ensure that the youth remain physically and mentally healthy.

The Director General of Police said that drugs are a curse for society, particularly for the youth, who, by falling victim to them, risk destroying their own lives. He urged the public not only to stay away from drugs but also to encourage others to do the same, helping to create a drug-free environment for all.

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*Haryana Chief Minister Meets Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi University, Rewari*

Chandigarh, December 17– Professor J.P. Yadav, Vice-Chancellor of Indira Gandhi University (IGU), Mirpur, Rewari, today met with Haryana Chief Minister, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, to discuss various developments at the university. During the meeting, Professor Yadav presented a detailed report on the ongoing construction and infrastructure projects at IGU.

The Vice-Chancellor also discussed the creation of new academic and non-academic staff positions at the university, aimed at strengthening the institution’s workforce. Additionally, Professor Yadav informed the Chief Minister about the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 for the upcoming academic session, highlighting its potential impact on the university’s curriculum and teaching methodologies.

In a gesture of goodwill, Professor Yadav extended a formal invitation to the Chief Minister to visit the university, aiming to further strengthen the university-government collaboration.

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69th Crushing Season of Rohtak Cooperative Sugar Mill Inaugurated by Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma

Chandigarh, December 17: Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, as the Chief Guest, virtually inaugurated the 69th crushing season of the Rohtak Cooperative Sugar Mill, located in Bhali Anandpur village in Rohtak district.

In his address to farmers and mill employees, Dr. Sharma highlighted the state government's continued commitment to the welfare of sugarcane farmers under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. He said that the state government will ensure timely payment to sugarcane farmers, with payments being processed within a week of the crop's delivery.

Dr. Sharma further said that Rohtak Sugar Mill, established in 1956, is the oldest cooperative sugar mill in Haryana. The mill's success over the years has been driven by the dedication of the farmers and employees. He said that the state government has set the price of sugarcane at Rs. 400 per quintal, ensuring that no sugarcane farmer has any outstanding dues.

Additionally, Dr. Sharma emphasized that Rohtak Sugar Mill was a pioneer in the state for producing sulphur-free sugar, setting a benchmark for sustainable and quality production.

The event was attended by Haryana Sugarfed Chairman and special guest of the program, Sh. Dharambir Dagar, and Managing Director, Rohtak Sugar Mill, Major (Retd.) Gayatri Ahlawat, who also shared their insights during the inauguration.

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Engage citizens to resolve Gurugram's key issues: Chief Secretary

Chandigarh, December 17 – Haryana Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi chaired a coordination meeting with various departments to discuss major issues of Gurugram city here today.

Directing officials to expedite the work of construction and demolition waste processing plant, the Chief Secretary asked them to deploy additional labour and hire more contractors to complete the work on time.

Aiming to ensure a Clean Haryana, Dr. Vivek Joshi told officials to complete the process of transfer of land for a new solid waste processing facility within 15 days. Tenders for processing of approximately 14 lakh MT legacy waste are already under approval stage.

For better utilisation of resources, an independent Solid and C&D Waste Management Cell will be created in Gurugram. The cell will comprise of a joint commissioner, executive engineers, assistant engineers and sanitary inspectors. The Chief Secretary asked officials to hire new manpower wherever required so that there is no delay in completion of projects in Gurugram.

The Chief Secretary emphasised that waterlogging problem on NH-48 near Narsinghpur village needs to be resolved before the advent of the rainy season. For this, the department officials should actively engage with informed citizens, take their suggestions and implement them on the ground. The public-spirited citizens of Gurugram need to be made a part of grievance-redressal process, he added.

On the issue of transfer of land for construction of an electric bus depot in Sector 65-Gurugram, the Chief Secretary directed officials to complete the process within a month.

Issues related to repair of roads, transfer of land, water scarcity, sewer lines etc. in Gurugram were also taken up in the meeting.

Senior officials of GMDA, Municipal Corporation, HSVP, Transport, NHAI etc. were present in the meeting.

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State-level function on Good Governance Day to be held in Gurugram

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to be chief guest at the event

Chandigarh, December 17- A state-level function will be organized in Gurugram on the occasion of Good Governance Day on December 25 in which Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will participate as the chief guest.

According to a letter issued by the Chief Secretary's Office, Union Minister of State for Cooperation Sh. Krishan Pal Gurjar will be the chief guest at the district-level function in Faridabad while Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker Sh. Harvinder Kalyan will be the chief guest at the district-level function in Kaithal.

Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij will attend the function in Sirsa, Development and Panchayat Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar in Hisar, Industry and Commerce Minister Sh. Rao Narbir Singh in Nuh and School Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda will attend the function in Bhiwani as chief guests.

Revenue and Natural Disaster Management Minister Sh. Vipul Goel will be the chief guest at a function organized in Rewari, Cooperation Minister Sh. Arvind Kumar Sharma in Mahendragarh, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana in Jhajjar, Public Health Engineering Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa in Karnal, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi in Yamunanagar, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry in Fatehabad and Health Minister Arti Singh Rao will participate as chief guests at a function in Palwal.

Haryana Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishna Lal Middha will be the chief guest at the function in Rohtak, Minister of State for Food and Supplies Sh. Rajesh Nagar in Kurukshetra and Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Minister Sh. Gaurav Gautam will be the chief guest at the function in Sonipat.

Rajya Sabha MP Sh. Ramchandra Jangra will be the chief guest in Panipat, Sh. Subhash Barala in Jind and Sh. Kartikeya Sharma in Ambala, while MP from Kurukshetra Sh. Naveen Jindal in Panchkula and MP from Bhiwani-Mahendragarh Sh. Dharambir Singh will be the chief guest in the district-level Good Governance Day function in Charkhi Dadri.

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Organise trade fairs at district level to promote local industry, Chief Secretary tells officials

Chandigarh, December 17 – Haryana Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi has directed the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana (TFAH) to explore opportunities for organizing trade fairs at the state level in collaboration with foreign countries, with support from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). These trade fairs will showcase the cuisine, culture, and products of the partner countries, alongside the products manufactured by Haryana’s local industries.

Presiding over the 35th Governing Body Meeting of the HTFA here today, Dr. Joshi, who also serves as the Chairman of the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, emphasized the need to boost local industries. He directed officials to develop a comprehensive plan for organizing district-level trade fairs to provide crucial platforms for local artisans and traders to market and sell their products.

Dr. Joshi also stressed the importance of utilizing these events to promote various central and state government schemes, ensuring the public is made aware of their benefits. He instructed officials to submit a detailed report on the revenue generated, employment opportunities created and the footfall recorded at these trade fairs.

Commending the efforts of officials, Dr. Joshi congratulated the team for Haryana’s remarkable performance at the recently concluded India International Trade Fair-2024 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, where the state pavilion earned a bronze medal.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance and Planning, Sh. Anurag Rastogi; Principal Secretary, Haryana, Industries & Commerce, Sh. D Suresh; Chief Administrator, Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, Sh. Shyamal Misra; Special Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Sh. Yash Garg; Administrator, Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, Vinay Pratap Singh; Additional Director (Admn.), Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

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Employees regularized under 2014 policy to be eligible for promotion or first ACP scale from June 13

Chandigarh, December 17- Employees regularized under the Regularization Policy of 2014 in Haryana will be eligible for promotion or first ACP scale benefits from June 13, 2024 or thereafter, provided they fulfill the eligibility conditions.

Their promotion or ACP benefits will also depend on the final outcome of the SLP pending in the Supreme Court. Apart from this, a decision regarding promotion or first ACP scale benefits from the date of eligibility before June 13, 2024 will be taken later.

In a letter issued by the Chief Secretary's Office today, it has been stated that after the instructions issued in light of the interim order of the Supreme Court dated March 6, 2024, many cases were coming from various departments, boards and corporations, in which clarification was being sought whether the claims for promotion or benefit of First ACP Scale of the employees regularized under the Regularization Policy of 2014 should be accepted or not.

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*Helpline Numbers to be Displayed outside Ration Depots across the State, Consumer Complaints to be Recorded – Minister for Food and Civil Supplies*

*Action Taken in Palwal Ration Sand Contamination Case, Assistant Food Supply Officer Suspended*

Chandigarh, December 17 – Haryana Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Rajesh Nagar said that helpline numbers will be displayed outside all ration depots across the state. This will allow consumers to report any issues they face directly via the helpline number. He said that all calls made to the helpline should be recorded to keep track of complaints and the subsequent actions taken. Mr. Nagar had previously suggested installing CCTV cameras at ration depots to enhance transparency.

Today, Mr. Rajesh Nagar chaired a review meeting at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh, where he discussed the performance of the department with officers from across the state. He took detailed feedback from each officer regarding the condition of ration depots and supply systems in their respective districts.

During the meeting, officials shared their concerns and discussed the challenges facing the department. Mr. Nagar reassured that he would personally visit any district or village in the state to inspect the ration depots. Regarding the recent issue in Palwal, where sand was found in ration sacks, he ordered the suspension of the Assistant Food Supply Officer. He inquired about the status of the FIR filed in the case and directed action against the officer if no further investigation was conducted. He also instructed officers to submit a report on the current status of all FIRs filed in the last six months.

The Food and Civil Supplies Minister held officials accountable for discrepancies between the National Informatics Centre and the facts reported by ration depots. He ordered district officials to submit detailed reports on this matter. Mr. Nagar also reviewed the status of ration supplies for November and December, questioning why supplies from the last two months were not distributed and requesting an explanation. He further addressed issues related to mustard and sunflower oil shortages in the districts.

In addition, Mr. Nagar sought clarification on the allotment of one ration depot for every three hundred ration cards. He recommended that applications for new depots be submitted offline rather than online and that any errors in the application process could be rectified at the office of the District Food Supply Controller.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department, Mr. Anand Mohan Sharan, Director Mr. Rajesh Jogpal, and other senior officials.