Dattatraya extends heartfelt birthday wishes to former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind

Chandigarh, October 1, 2024: Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya today extended his warmest wishes to the former President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on the occasion of his birthday.

In his message, Shri Dattatraya lauded Shri Kovind for his exemplary service to the nation, recognizing his commitment to upholding the values of democracy, justice, and equality during his distinguished tenure as President of India.

He also highlighted Shri Kovind’s dedication to the welfare of the marginalized and underprivileged sections of society, which has left a lasting impact on the nation.

“On behalf of the people of Haryana and myself, I wish Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji a very happy birthday. His wisdom, humility, and steadfast dedication to the service of the nation continue to inspire us all. May he be blessed with good health, happiness, and many more years of service to the country,” said Shri Dattatraya.

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Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya extends greetings on International Day of Older Persons

Chandigarh, October 1, 2024: On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the senior citizens of the state and the nation, emphasizing the invaluable contributions made by the elderly in shaping society, culture, and values.

Shri Dattatraya said: “Our senior citizens are the custodians of our traditions and heritage. Their wisdom, experience, and sacrifices have laid the foundation for the progress we see today. It is our duty to ensure that they lead dignified, healthy, and fulfilling lives in their golden years.”

The Governor also urged the younger generation to respect and care for the elderly, reinforcing the importance of intergenerational bonding. He acknowledged the various welfare schemes implemented by the state and central governments for the elderly and encouraged further efforts to enhance healthcare, security, and financial independence for senior citizens.

On this special day, Shri Dattatraya called upon citizens, civil society, and the government to work together towards creating an inclusive, age-friendly society where senior citizens feel respected, valued, and supported.

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Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal presiding over a meeting to review the arrangement for the Haryana Assembly General Elections 2024 through video conferencing from Chandigarh with Deputy Commissioners and District Election Officers of the state in Chandigarh on October 1, 2024.

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Election Commission bans release of exit polls for Haryana Assembly election until 6.30 pm on October 5 – Pankaj Agrawal

Chandigarh, Oct 1 - The Election Commission of India (ECI) has prohibited the release of exit polls for the upcoming Assembly elections in Haryana. Under Section-126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, exit polls and the dissemination of their results are prohibited from the start of voting until half an hour after the end of polling. Start of voting has been counted from 7:00 am on September 18, 2024 as the election of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Assemblies were notified together. This ban will remain in effect until 6:30 PM on October 5, 2024, the day of polling.

Sharing this information here today, Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Sh. Pankaj Agrawal said that according to the notification, conducting and publishing or publicizing exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or dissemination in any other manner whatsoever, the result of any exit poll in connection with the aforesaid general election shall be prohibited until 6.30 PM on 05.10.2024 (Saturday).

In addition, displaying any election matter including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey, in any electronic media, would be prohibited during the period of 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for the conclusion of the poll in connection with the general election. Violators of Section-126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 may face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both. All media houses are advised to follow these instructions.

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Webcasting monitoring at 100% polling stations - Chief Electoral Officer

Three tier webcasting monitoring to be there

A separate nodal officer should be appointed to address complaints on the day of polling

Strict monitoring should be kept in view of the assembly elections

Chandigarh, October 1–Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal said that wheelchairs should be available at polling stations across the state to ensure that voters with disabilities do not encounter any difficulties. Additionally, arrangements should be made for drinking water, electricity and seating arrangements for elderly, Pwds and women in case of long queues at the polling stations.

Mr. Agarwal was presiding over a meeting to review the arrangement for the Haryana Assembly General Elections 2024 through video conferencing from Chandigarh with Deputy Commissioners and District Election Officers of the state.

He directed all officers that reports on home voting by persons aged above 85 years and persons with disabilities, postal ballots voting by employees on duty and the ETPB of service voters should be submitted to headquarters daily. With three days remaining until voting, he emphasized the importance of maximizing voter awareness.

If any mischievous elements are found acting inappropriately inside polling stations, legal action will be taken against them

Mr. Agarwal said that for the Assembly General Elections 2024, State Control Rooms, District Control Rooms, and Assembly Control Rooms have been established for webcasting monitoring at polling stations. The Election Commission of India will also monitor through webcasting. On the day of polling the polling agents at any polling station will involve only in the activities which are permitted for them. If they will be found involved in any prohibited activity, strict legal action will be taken against them. Detailed instructions have been issued in this regard. A separate nodal officer should be appointed to address complaints from candidates and political parties on polling day.

While giving instructions, Mr. Agarwal emphasized the need for vigilance at checkpoints to prevent the transportation of illegal liquor, narcotics, cash, and weapons in light of the assembly elections scheduled for October 5. He also urged monitoring teams in the districts to increase their activity.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that before polling, EVMs should be secured in strong rooms until they are moved to polling booths, and after polling, they should be transported from the polling booths with proper security arrangements. Additionally, vehicles carrying EVMs should not be stopped elsewhere during transit. For security reasons, vehicles transporting EVMs should be fitted with GPS.

He also directed that husbands of women employees deployed on election duty inside polling booths are not permitted to remain inside the polling booth. Similarly, when a woman voter casts her vote, her husband will not be at all allowed in the voting compartment and doing so will be illegal. Legal action will be taken in case this is done.

“Let us pledge to honour our elders not just today, but every day, by ensuring they live with the dignity and care they deserve,” the Governor added in his message.

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Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. holds 27th Annual General Meeting

Chandigarh, October 1 – The 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd. (HVPNL), a Haryana State Transmission Utility, was held on September 30, 2024. The meeting featured the presentation of the Annual Report for the financial year 2023-24, highlighting the company's impressive performance and strategic developments.

Sh. A.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman of HVPNL, addressed the attendees, stating, "The growth of the corporation over the years has been consistent, and for the financial year 2023-24, the Revenue and Profit After Tax (PAT) have shown encouraging results. For the year ending March 31, 2024, HVPNL recorded a Revenue of Rs 2,732.48 Crores and a PAT of Rs 295 Crores. The capitalization of corporation stands at Rs 912.36 Crores, with Net Worth increasing from Rs 5,036.01 Crores to Rs 5,315.28 Crores during the financial year 2023-24."

Dr. Amit K. Agrawal, Managing Director, provided further insights, stating that HVPNL has successfully commissioned 11 new substations—comprising 1 of 220 kV, 3 of 132 kV, and 7 of 66 kV— while also augmenting 59 existing substations during the financial year 2023-24. During this period, corporation has made a capacity addition of 3,226 MVA. "The transmission losses of corporation was 2%, as against the benchmark of 2.02%. Moreover, the transmission system availability reached 99.5723%, exceeding the normative availability of 99.200%."

About Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Ltd.

HVPNL is primarily engaged in the transmission of electricity, facilitating the delivery of power from generation companies through an extensive transmission network to distribution companies. The company holds a Business License from the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) for Transmission and Bulk Supply of Power in Haryana. HVPNL's core objectives include the planning, design, construction, erection, and maintenance of transmission lines and substations at voltage levels of 66 kV and above, alongside the necessary communication facilities and associated works.

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In Haryana, over 46,000 MT of paddy procured benefiting more than 7,500 farmers

2800 MT paddy has already been lifted from the mandis

Government guarantees swift payments to farmers, disbursing Rs. 2 Crore directly into bank accounts

Chandigarh, October 1 – The Haryana Government has commenced paddy procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) as of September 27, 2024, following the approval from the Government of India. To date, over 46,000 metric tons (MT) of paddy have been procured from 241 mandis and purchase centers across the state, benefiting more than 7,500 farmers. Today alone, approximately 1,200 MT of paddy was lifted, contributing to a total lifting of 2,800 MT, which is currently stored in agency godowns, plinths, and select rice mill complexes.

In addition, the government is ensuring timely payments to farmers, having disbursed Rs. 2 Crore directly into their bank accounts.

Furthermore, as of October 1, 2024, the procurement of bajra has also commenced at the Minimum Support Price. The state government has opened 91 mandis and purchase centers specifically for this purpose, with over 25,000 quintals of bajra already purchased from farmers of the state.

The procurement process is running smoothly and is scheduled to continue until November 15, 2024. The Haryana Government remains committed to protecting the economic interests of its farmers and will ensure a seamless and efficient procurement process throughout the season.