*CM Nayab Singh Saini felicitates mothers of Haryana’s sportspersons*

*Moment of pride for me to receive blessings of mothers of players: CM*

Chandigarh, January 2 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today participated in the Veer Mata Jija Bai State-Level Felicitation Ceremony organized by the Haryana state unit of Kreeda Bharti in Gurugram in the honour of mothers of medal winners and participating players in Paralympics and Olympic Games. During the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated the mothers of the players who participated in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics in 2024.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the ceremony, organized in Gurugram-the city of Guru Drona, is a celebration of the role of mothers in the field of sports. He said felicitating the mothers of players who raised the Indian flag in the country and the world is a matter of pride. The ceremony is an opportunity to express gratitude not only to our players but also to their mothers. He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi says that there is a mother behind every big success. It is the responsibility of the society to respect mothers.

The Chief Minister also congratulated the Haryana state unit of Kreeda Bharti for this unique initiative. He also announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh to the organization.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while reminding the historical contribution of mothers, said Mata Jija Bai, in whose name the ceremony has been organized, had prepared her son Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a true warrior and leader. Due to her vision and hard work, the country got a great warrior like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who laid the foundation of Swaraj at that time.

*Haryana's success in sports is the result of visionary sports policies*

The Chief Minister said Haryana has become the pride of the entire country in the field of sports. The players here are succeeding in the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian and Commonwealth Games. A player is the heritage of the nation. We have made a sports policy called the 'Haryana Utkrishta Khiladi Seva Niyam 2021' to ensure employment for excellent players. Under this, 550 new posts were created in the Sports Department. Apart from this, 224 medal winning players have been given government jobs. Reservation has been provided to the players in direct recruitment of posts from Class I to Class II. Haryana is the first state in the country where highest cash prizes are given to the medal winning players. Apart from this, honorarium is also being given to 298 players who have performed excellently.

The Chief Minister said scholarships are being provided to the medal winning students participating in state, national and international sports competitions. From the year 2014 till now, scholarships of more than Rs 53 crore have been provided to more than 29,000 students. The government has opened sports nurseries to hone the skills of sportspersons from childhood. At present, there are 1,489 sports nurseries in the state where 37,225 sportspersons are getting training. In these nurseries, players aged from 8 to 14 years and players aged from 15 to 19 years are being given incentives every month.

The Chief Minister said 5 out of 6 medals in Paris Olympics-2024 have been won by the players of Haryana. In the Paralympics also, out of the 29 medals won by the country, 8 medals were won by the players of Haryana. Earlier, 30 players from the state participated in Tokyo Olympics-2020 where India won 7 medals, out of which 4 medals were won by the players of Haryana. Similarly, the players of Haryana also waved the Indian flag in the Commonwealth Games. 43 players from Haryana participated during the Birmingham Commonwealth Games-2022. In this, the players of Haryana won 20 medals. These achievements are the result of Haryana's farsighted sports policies.

The Chief Minister said along with physical fitness and sports skills, a player also needs mental balance, discipline and courage. The development of these qualities in a child starts from his mother. The first coach of a player is his mother and there is no coach greater than her.

The Chief Minister said recently, the Central Government has selected the names of many players of the state for the Arjuna Award and Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. These include Manu Bhaker, Saweety Boora and many other names.

During the programme, Industry and Commerce Minister Sh. Rao Narbir Singh said the population of Haryana is around two per cent of the country but despite this, the medal winners in sports have made it the number one state in sports. He said the medal of a player not only makes the family proud but it also increases the pride of the entire society, state and nation.

Minister of State for Sports Sh. Gaurav Gautam said the most selfless relationship is that of a mother. It is a matter of pride to receive the blessings of the mothers of the players who have made the country proud. While highlighting the achievements of the government, he said Rs 592 crore has been spent on the players in the last decade. The government is working for the welfare of the players and their families, he added.

Gurugram MLA Sh. Mukesh Sharma, MLA from Sohna Sh. Tejpal Tanwar, National President of Kreeda Bharti Sh. Gopal Saini and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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CM holds pre-budget consultation meeting with CAs in Gurugram*

*Meeting expectations of common people government’s priority: Nayab Singh Saini*

Chandigarh, January 2 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said in a developed Haryana, it is the priority of the government to meet the expectations of the common people. The doors of the government will always be open for positive suggestions so that the priorities of the government are effectively achieved.

The Chief Minister was addressing the second session of the pre-budget consultation meeting organized for the financial year 2025-26 in Gurugram today. During this, representatives of various district branches related to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India put forward their suggestions for the upcoming budget. Sohna MLA Sh. Tejpal Tanwar and Gurugram MLA Sh. Mukesh Sharma were also present in this meeting.

The Chief Minister wished the Chartered Accountants a Happy New Year and said they have an important role in organizing the country's economy. He said this consultation meeting being organized before the budget is a part of the government's pre-budget preparations. The government is holding meetings with important people from different sectors related to the economic development of the state before the budget. Through these meetings, which are held every year before the budget, inputs are taken from various sectors and they are included in the budget. This helps the government in making policies and amending or improving them.

The Chief Minister invited suggestions for necessary improvements in the existing tax services and generating revenue in the meeting and said this is a government of the common people which is moving forward with the goal of Antyodaya. He said the policies of the government made through the suggestions received and our commitment towards their implementation are becoming the foundation of the economic development in the state. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini listened carefully to the suggestions of the representatives who attended the pre-budget consultation meeting and also assured of considering the specific topics in the upcoming budget.

In the meeting, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar informed that out of the important suggestions received in the pre-budget consultation meetings held in the last five years, 407 suggestions have been incorporated in the budget in the last several years. He said through the suggestions received earlier, the path of economic progress has been created in various areas of the state.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Industry and Commerce, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, OSD to the Chief Minister, Sh. Raj Nehru

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*Haryana Chief Minister Announces Weekly Coordination Meetings to Strengthen Governance*

*Commitment to Law and Order, Drug-Free Communities, and Improved Public Service Delivery*

Chandigarh January 2: In a decisive step to enhance governance and public service delivery, Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed all Deputy Commissioners to hold weekly coordination meetings. These meetings, aimed at strengthening law and order, combating drug abuse, and fostering positive public engagement, will include participation from Superintendents of Police (SPs) or Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and Superintendents of Jails.

The primary objectives of these meetings are to enhance communication and synergy between district administration and law enforcement agencies for effective law and order management. They will also focus on reviewing and refining strategies to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse, expediting the resolution of public grievances, and improving public service delivery. To ensure accountability, Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to document the deliberations and submit a brief report monthly to the Chief Secretary’s office at cs.coordination@hry.nic.in.

In addition to the weekly meetings, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of direct public engagement. District officers have been instructed to conduct night halts in villages at least once a month to address public grievances on the ground. The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of strict compliance with earlier directives regarding night halts and regular touring by Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to build public trust and improve law enforcement.

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*Panchayat Minister orders suspension of 5 employees over corruption charges*

*Irregularities worth crores of rupees found in installation of iron benches, hand pumps in Israna constituency*

Chandigarh, January 2 – Haryana’s Development and Panchayat Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar has given instructions to suspend Israna's BDPO, accountant, assistant and two junior engineers with immediate effect after they were found involved in a scam of iron benches, hand pumps and water coolers installed at public places in his own Israna (Panipat) Assembly constituency.

Taking strong action, the Director of Panchayat Department has suspended these officials with immediate effect.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said Block Committee Israna's Chairman Sh. Harpal Malik had complained to him that the department's BDPO and other employees have committed irregularities in development works. When this matter came to his notice, an investigation was conducted and irregularities were found in the installation of iron benches, hand pumps and water coolers at public places worth several lakhs of rupees. He said this could possibly be a scam of Rs 3 to 4 crore, which will be investigated now.

He informed that the accused who have been suspended include Israna's BDPO Vivek Kumar, two JEs, an accountant and an assistant. He said the accused themselves also accepted the embezzlement of about Rs 23.8 lakh. The accused asked someone to complete this work for about Rs 23.8 lakh. After this, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar himself talked to that person and stopped him from doing so and the whole matter was brought to the notice of the Deputy Commissioner, who has now asked to deposit the recovery of this amount in the account through the CEO of the District Council with immediate effect.

The minister said the department has adopted the policy of zero tolerance against corruption and this is a big action. He said in future also if such cases are found, an investigation will be done and no corrupt person will be spared.

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Haryana will play a pivotal role in realizing Prime Minister’s Vision of Viksit Bharat- Chief Minister

Chief Minister chairs a pre-budget consultation meeting with stakeholders regarding the upcoming budget of the state in Gurugram

Chief Minister listens to the suggestions from representatives and assured them of considering key issues in the forthcoming budget

Chandigarh, January 2 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday presided over a pre-budget consultation meeting for the fiscal year 2025-26 in Gurugram with stakeholders from industry and manufacturing sector. Minister for Industries and Commerce, Environment, Forests, and Wildlife, Rao Narbir Singh, Sohna MLA , Sh. Tejpal Tanwar, and Gurugram MLA, Sh. Mukesh Sharma also attended the meeting. The representatives from various organizations associated with the industrial and manufacturing sectors shared their suggestions for the upcoming budget.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated the state's commitment to an inclusive approach toward prosperity and progress, highlighting the role of industrial institutions in Haryana's economic development. He said that the state will certainly play a pivotal role to realize Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini carefully listened to the suggestions shared by stakeholders and assured them that key issues would be considered in the upcoming budget. He said that the budget would not only address immediate needs but also focus on achieving long-term objectives.

Describing the budget as a reflection of collective aspirations and priorities, the Chief Minister further stressed the importance of engaging with all sections of society to ensure positive steps are taken to meet the needs and aspirations of every citizen of Haryana.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also shared Haryana's remarkable progress in agriculture, industry, education infrastructure, and technology over recent years. He said that priority will be given to every suggestion shared by the stakeholders for strengthening rural economy, promoting industrial investment, empowering youth through skill development and social welfare, proper representation in the upcoming budget. He also assured to sympathetically consider the suggestions put forward by the representatives regarding improving health services, public transport in industrial areas, and necessary reforms in industrial policy.

Stakeholders can share Online Suggestions for the Budget, Sh. Rajesh Khullar

During the meeting, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar, shared that the Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, has introduced a new initiative allowing citizens to submit budget suggestions online. Through the portal https://bamsharyana.nic.in, suggestions can be submitted across various sectors and sub-sectors. Suggestions can be given by going to the sector and sub-sector category through the portal. Over 1,000 suggestions have already been received through this platform, shared Sh. Rajesh Khullar.

Successful Programmes made from Past Consultations

Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner, Revenue & Disaster Management and Consolidation Department, Sh. Anurag Rastogi, said that previous pre-budget consultations had yielded impactful suggestions. Programmes like Harhit Stores, drone technology, STEM labs, and Super 30 were developed based on these suggestions.

Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Sh. D Suresh, and representatives of NASSCOM Hero MotoCorp, IMT Manesar Association, Faridabad Industries Association, GIA Gurugram, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Reliance Limited, Rewari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CREDAI, NAREDCO, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and various industrial organizations working in the state were also present during the meeting.

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News of landslide in mining area in Charkhi Dadri misleading & baseless

No loss of life or property reported in this incident

Chandigarh, January 2 - The news published regarding an incident of landslide in a mining area in Pichopa Kalan village of Charkhi Dadri district and vehicles being buried under the debris is misleading and completely baseless. It is clarified that there has been no loss of life or property in this incident.

The person who is said to be injured has suffered minor injuries due to sliding of a small stone and has been taken to the hospital where plaster has been applied on his toe due to a fracture.

Senior officials of the department said on the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Sh. Munish Sharma, SDM Sh. Suresh Kumar and the Mining Officer have inspected the incident site and no trace of any landslide was found. At the same time, no mining machinery and vehicle was found buried under the debris.

It is worth mentioning that the Department of Mines and Geology, Haryana is making every effort to stop illegal mining by adopting modern techniques. Slope stability survey is also done by the department through drones from time to time. Also, efforts are being made to reduce the incidents of mountain sliding by adopting various techniques under the guidelines of Directorate General of Mines Safety. Regular monitoring and safety measures are being taken by the department to prevent such incidents so that the safety of the public can be ensured.

The department has controlled the mining operations by taking precautions in every situation and effective measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future as well. The safety of the mining area is being given top priority, and the department is working towards making it more robust in the future through technological development and awareness campaigns.

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Haryana intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Opposition's allegations regarding illegal mining are completely unfounded

Government is not only registering FIRs but also imposing hefty fines on illegal miners

Chandigarh, January 2 – The Haryana government is taking stringent measures against illegal mining across the state. Apart from registering FIRs against offenders, the government is also imposing hefty fines on those involved in unlawful mining activities.

According to highly placed sources, several strict measures have been implemented by the government to safeguard natural resources and prevent illegal mining. The Administration has ramped up inspections and surveillance at mining sites, with the use of drones and other advanced technologies to detect illegal activities. Moreover, vehicles involved in illegal mining are being seized, and perpetrators are being penalized under the law.

Reports published in certain newspapers about illegal mining in Rawa village, Nuh district, claiming a loss of Rs. 2,200 crore to the state, are entirely baseless. Similarly, social media claims related to this issue are also without merit. As per available information, mining in the Aravalli region of Gurgaon, Faridabad, and Nuh districts has been prohibited by a Supreme Court order since 2002. Furthermore, there is an interstate dispute between Haryana and Rajasthan regarding the boundary in this area, which has been exploited by Rajasthan’s mining leaseholders to encroach on Haryana’s land. In this context, the Mining and Geology office of Gurugram/Nuh has filed a total of 8 FIRs with the Firozpur Jhirka police station and the Haryana State Enforcement Bureau over time.

Recent investigations revealed that the landslide in Rawa involved illegal mining of 6,000 metric tons of stone, valued at Rs. 15 lakh in royalties and market price. During an inspection on December 16, 2024, it was confirmed that the boundary pillar marking Haryana’s state line remained intact. Following this, on December 23, 2024, FIRs were filed against Rajasthan’s leaseholders at the Ferozepur Jhirka, police station and the Haryana Enforcement Bureau, Nuh. The companies named include M/s Panch Bhai Stone Company, M/s Haji Trading Company, Ashu Sarpanch Dholet, and Dalsar, Nangal, Tehsil Pahadi, Rajasthan. Additionally, regarding the landslide incident, the department’s survey team clarified that the hill lies within Rajasthan’s territory, and an FIR has already been lodged by Rajasthan authorities.

To address the issue of illegal mining, both Haryana and Rajasthan's Mining and Geology departments are coordinating their efforts. The Haryana Mining and Geology Department has consistently been cracking down on illegal mining activities. According to the data, in the year 2022-23, the department collected approximately Rs. 800 crore in fines related to mining leases, short-term permits, royalties from brick kilns, and fines for illegal mineral extraction and transportation throughout the state of Haryana.

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Last date to apply for sports awards & scholarships extended till January 10

Chandigarh, January 2 – The Sports Department of Haryana had invited applications for the year 2023-2024 to provide cash awards and scholarships to national/international-level medal winners/participating players for sporting achievements from January 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024, the last date for which was fixed as July 30, 2024. The players of the state who could not apply during this period have been given another opportunity to apply. Such players can now apply till January 10, 2025.

Giving information, a government spokesperson said the sample of application form for award and scholarship is available on the department's website www.haryanasports.gov.in. Eligible players can fill the application form and submit it along with necessary documents at the district sports office by 10 January, 2025 till 5 pm. After this stipulated date, the application form of any player will not be accepted.

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Agriculture Minister praises Cabinet's approval of One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)

Special DAP package and extension of PMFBY are transformative step for Haryana’s Agriculture Sector: Shyam Singh Rana

Chandigarh, January 2- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana today lauded the visionary steps taken by the Union Cabinet to protect farmers' interests. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister, Sh.Narendra Modi and Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh.Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their commitment to the welfare of farmers.

In a statement, Sh. Rana said that the Cabinet has approved a one-time special package for Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) at the rate of Rs. 3,500 per metric tonne in addition to the existing Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme.

With a total financial cost of Rs. 3,850 crore, the initiative ensures the availability of DAP at affordable prices despite global market volatility and geopolitical challenges, providing significant relief to the farmers.

He emphasised that this package reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to empowering hard working farmers. Since April 2024, over Rs. 6,475 crore has been allocated for special DAP packages, showcasing a proactive approach to addressing farmers’ needs. The availability of affordable DAP will reduce the financial burden on farmers and boost agricultural productivity during the upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons, added the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister.

Sh. Rana also commended the central government decision for extending the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) up to 2025-26. A massive amount of Rs. 69,515.71 crore has been spent on these schemes, which provide risk coverage for crops against unforeseen natural calamities and ensure financial security of farmers.

The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister also stated the importance of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT), established with a budget of Rs. 824.77 crore, to drive innovation in agriculture.

The Agriculture Minister stated that these transformative measures by the central government mark the beginning of a new era for Indian agriculture. He said that these decisions reflect a visionary approach of the Central Government to empower farmers and to strengthen the agricultural economy.

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State government to focus on fisheries: Shyam Singh Rana

Instructions issued to emphasize schemes for promoting shrimp farming

Chandigarh, January 2: Haryana Fisheries Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the state government will place special emphasis on the fisheries sector moving forward.

Following a meeting with officers from the Fisheries Department today, he highlighted that the government is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of departmental schemes. The goal is to ensure that fish farmers benefit from these programs, ultimately boosting their income.

During the pre-budget discussion, Sh. Rana directed the officers to develop effective strategies and ensure that the benefits of both central and state-sponsored schemes reach all farmers, while also raising awareness about these programs.

Promotion of fish-feed production and shrimp farming

The Fisheries Minister directed officers to explore options for establishing new plants to boost fish-feed production in the state. The officials assured that they would develop a comprehensive plan in collaboration with other departments.

Describing shrimp farming as a valuable opportunity for farmers, he emphasized that officers should encourage farmers to adopt shrimp farming as an additional source of income alongside agriculture. He also stressed the importance of informing farmers about the government schemes and subsidies available to support shrimp farming.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana also instructed the officers to expedite the digitization of fish farmers' data to enhance the department's efficiency. Additionally, he asked to prepare plans for the department's annual budget.

He also stated that fostering innovation in the fisheries sector and empowering farmers through farmer-friendly schemes is a key priority of the government. This initiative will drive economic prosperity in Haryana's rural areas.

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Haryana Right to Service Commission orders Rs 500 compensation for consumer over wrong electricity bill

Chandigarh, January 2 – The Haryana Right to Service Commission has directed DHBVN to provide token compensation of Rs 500 to a consumer in Mahendergarh district for the inconvenience and harassment caused due to a wrong electricity bill.

A spokesperson for the Commission informed that Sh. Mahender had approached the Commission with a complaint regarding an incorrect bill for September 2024, generated on 30.09.2024. The consumer had filed a complaint on the CGRS Portal on 02.10.2024. However, when the issue was not rectified within the RTS timelines of seven days, he visited the SDO office. Upon narrating his complaint, the SDO asked him to submit a written application, but the consumer refused, stating that the complaint had already been submitted on the CGRS Portal and no further application was needed. The SDO, however, raised his voice and walked away. While the September bill was eventually corrected, the consumer received another incorrect bill for October 2024, generated on 11.11.2024. This bill has since been corrected as well.

Upon reviewing the case, the Commission found that the bills were generated on an ‘RNT’ basis due to the absence of a meter reading, which is a lapse on the part of the DHBVN headquarters. The responsibility lies with DHBVN to ensure the timely availability of the meter reading agency. Failure to do so can result in incorrect bills for numerous consumers, leading to complaints.

The Commission has further directed the XEN of Mahendergarh DHBVN to inform the Commission of the compliance by January 25, 2025.

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Government making all efforts to implement National Education Policy this year: Mahipal Dhanda

Chandigarh, January 2 - Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda has said the Education Department is working at a fast pace to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) in 2025.

Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said to invite suggestions from universities, colleges and schools of the state as well as educationists and other stakeholders, a portal will be launched at Kurukshetra University on Vivekananda Jayanti (January 12). He said he himself had chaired a marathon meeting in Panchkula a few days ago in which it was decided that a meeting should be held with divisional-level colleges regarding the implementation and objectives of the National Education Policy and in this series, a meeting was organized today at Government Girls College, Sector-14, Gurugram, in which the principals of 74 government colleges of Gurugram Division and 33 colleges of Faridabad Division participated.

He said instructions have already been given to install suggestion boxes in universities and colleges to directly connect students with the new education policy. On the basis of the suggestions received, a new framework will be prepared to improve the policy.

The Education Minister said in the era of modernity, every student is connected with digital technology, so a portal has been created for online suggestions so that students can give suggestions sitting at home. A plan is being prepared on the basis of suggestions from people associated with the education sector so that students do not have to face any kind of difficulty in the upcoming academic session. He said a national-level round table conference will be organized on the education policy in February 2025.

Joint Director of Higher Education Department Sh. Hemant Verma, Assistant Director Dr. Krishna and Principal Dr. Jitendra were present in the meeting.