Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya extends warm wishes on the occasion of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti

Chandigarh, October 3, 2024: Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, on the auspicious occasion of Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti on Thursday, extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of Haryana and the entire nation. He paid tribute to the legendary ruler, Maharaja Agrasen, for his profound contributions to social justice, equality, and welfare.

In his message, Governor Shri Dattatraya emphasized Maharaja Agrasen’s enduring legacy as a symbol of unity, brotherhood, and economic self-reliance. “Maharaja Agrasen was a visionary leader who laid the foundation for a society based on values of peace, non-violence, and equality. His principles of social equity and cooperative economics continue to inspire generations,” said Shri Dattatraya.

He called upon the people to follow Maharaja Agrasen’s teachings of selfless service, community welfare, and inclusion, which are vital in building a harmonious and prosperous society.

Governor Shri Dattatraya also highlighted the Maharaja’s significant role in promoting economic independence and entrepreneurship, which laid the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods and development.

“Maharaja Agrasen's vision of inclusive growth and his support for traders and artisans serve as a timeless example for fostering an equitable economic framework, particularly in today’s times,” he added.

The Governor urged the youth to take inspiration from Maharaja Agrasen’s life and work to contribute to the progress of the nation with a spirit of unity and integrity. He also encouraged citizens to celebrate the day by engaging in acts of kindness and community service, following the path shown by the great leader.

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Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatraya conveys his heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of Navratri

Chandigarh, October 3, 2024: Hon’ble Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, has extended his warmest greetings and best wishes to the people of Haryana and the entire nation on the auspicious occasion of Navratri.

In his message, Governor Shri Dattatraya said: “Navratri is a festival that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the victory of truth and righteousness. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration of the divine feminine power represented by Goddess Durga. As we come together to celebrate this sacred festival, may it inspire us to uphold values of compassion, kindness, and unity in our society.”

He also urged the people to celebrate Navratri in a spirit of harmony and mutual respect, preserving the cultural and spiritual traditions that are central to the Indian way of life. “Let this festival inspire us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and work towards the progress and well-being of our state and nation,” he added.

The Governor encouraged devotees to pray for peace, prosperity, and the upliftment of all sections of society during these nine days of devotion. He also emphasized the importance of following health protocols while participating in festivities to ensure the safety and well-being of all.

Governor Shri Dattatraya expressed his hope that the divine blessings of Goddess Durga would bring happiness, health, and success to all citizens of Haryana and India.

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Political Parties and Candidates Can Establish Election Booths Beyond 200 Meters from Polling Stations: Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal

No Posters, Flags, or Promotional Material Permitted at Election Booths


Chandigarh, October 3 - Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Pankaj Agarwal said that the Election Commission of India has issued guidelines regarding the assistance provided by supporters of political parties and contesting candidates to voters on polling day.

Mr. Agarwal informed that such supporters may set up their election booths only outside a radius of 200 meters from the polling station premises. Each booth may include only one table and two chairs, and a tent measuring 10 feet in length and width can be erected for shade. Additionally, no posters, flags, symbols, or any other promotional materials may be displayed, and no food items are allowed. Gathering a crowd at these booths is also prohibited. Prior permission must be obtained from the local administration to set up these booths.

Only One Booth Can Be Set Up by a Candidate beyond 200 Meters from the polling station

The Chief Electoral Officer further said that only one election booth for a candidate may be established beyond 200 meters from the polling station. Candidates wishing to set up such booths must inform the Returning Officer in writing and in advance, providing the names and serial numbers of the polling stations where the booths are proposed. They must also obtain written permission from the relevant government or local authorities, such as Corporations, Municipalities, Zila Parishads, Town Area Committees, and Panchayat Samitis, under applicable local laws. This written permission must be kept at the booth to present to election or police authorities upon request.

Expenditure Incurred on Such Booths Shall Be Added to the Election Expenditure of the Candidate

He emphasized that these booths must not encroach on public or private property. Expenses incurred for setting up these booths and any activities conducted there will be recorded as part of the candidate’s election expenditure, as prescribed. These booths are to be used solely for issuing unofficial identity slips to voters. Such slips must be printed without the candidate's name, symbol, or the name of the political party, strictly following the Commission's directives.

The personnel at these booths must not prevent voters from accessing polling stations or hinder them from visiting other candidates' booths. Additionally, the individuals deployed by political parties or candidates at these booths must be voters from the same polling station, possess a voter identity card, and present it upon request from a Sector Magistrate or Supervisor. Political parties and candidates must ensure that no individuals with criminal backgrounds are assigned to these polling stations.

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2,03,54,350 Voters Set to Cast Ballots on October 5: Chief Election Officer Pankaj Agarwal

1,031 Candidates Contesting in Haryana Assembly Elections

Haryana to Set Up 20,632 Polling Booths for Upcoming Elections

Voting Scheduled for October 5 from 7 AM to 6 PM


Chandigarh, October 3 – Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal said that 2,03,54,350 voters in the state will be able to exercise their franchise in the 15th Haryana Legislative Assembly General Elections, scheduled for October 5 from 7 AM to 6 PM. A total of 1,031 candidates are contesting in all 90 assembly constituencies, and 20,632 polling booths have been set up for voting.

Mr. Agarwal further informed that out of 2,03,54,350 voters, 1,07,75,957 are men, 95,77,926 are women, and 467 are third gender. There are 5,24,514 young voters aged 18 to 19, and 1,49,142 voters with disabilities, out of which 93,545 are male, 55,591 are female, and 6 are third gender.

He further said that there are 2,31,093 voters above the age of 85 years, comprising 89,940 males and 1,41,153 females. Additionally, there are 8,821 voters aged over 100, including 3,283 males and 5,538 females. The total number of service voters are 1,09,217, with 1,04,426 males and 4,791 females.

The Chief Electoral Officer further informed that a total of 1,031 candidates are contesting in the general election, including 930 males and 101 females. Among these candidates, 464 are independent candidates.

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Voters Can Present Alternative Identity Cards Prescribed by the ECI to Cast Their Vote: Chief Election Officer Pankaj Agarwal

A Voter Can Cast Their Vote Only If Their Name Is Registered in the Voter List


Chandigarh, October 3 – Haryana Chief Election Officer, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal said that it is essential for every voter to exercise their right to vote in a democracy. He urged voters to ensure their names are included in the voter list, as only those listed can cast their vote.

Mr. Agarwal said that if a voter's name is on the list but they do not possess a voter ID card, they can still cast their vote by presenting one of the 12 alternative identity documents prescribed by the Election Commission of India. However, voting is only permitted if the voter's name is registered.

Voters Can Present 12 Alternative Photo Identity Documents prescribed by the ECI to Cast Their Vote

Voters can present one of the following 12 alternative photo identity documents prescribed by the ECI to cast their vote including Aadhaar card, MNREGA job card, photo passbook from a bank or post office, health insurance smart card issued under the Ministry of Labor scheme, driving license, PAN card, smart card issued under the National Population Register (NPR), Indian passport, pension documents with a photo, photo identity card issued by central or state government entities, official identity cards for MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, and the Unique Disability Identification (UDID) card from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Voters Should Check their Voter Registration

The Chief Electoral Officer stated that voter lists are available on the department's website, ceoharyana.gov.in, where individuals can check their registration. Voters can also check their status by calling the voter helpline number, 1950. It is mandatory to be listed in the voter list in order to cast vote.

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Voter Awareness Campaign Urges High Turnout: Chief Election Officer Pankaj Agarwal

SVEEP Activities Underway to Boost Voting Percentage in Haryana

Haryana Polls: Vote on October 5 from 7 AM to 6 PM


Chandigarh, October 3 - Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Pankaj Agarwal stated that in preparation for the General elections to Legislative Assembly 2024, various state departments are actively raising awareness among voters through ongoing SVEEP activities. Voters are encouraged to participate in large numbers on polling day in this grand festival of democracy. Voting will take place in the state on October 5 (Saturday) from 7 am to 6 pm.

Icons Appointed to Highlight the Importance of Voter Participation

Mr. Pankaj Agarwal said that icons have been appointed at the state and district levels to raise awareness about the importance of voting. Awareness campaigns include placing hoardings/banners at prominent locations, stickers on garbage collection vehicles in the municipalities. Jingles are also being played through garbage collection vans.

The Chief Electoral Officer informed that voter awareness materials have also been displayed in cinema halls through videos, jingles, and on visual screens at bus stands, railway stations, and State Transport buses. These efforts are designed to attract the maximum attention of voters and encourage them to vote in large numbers on polling day.

He also said that promotional materials are also being placed in high-traffic areas across the state, including bus stands, railway stations, malls, banks, post offices, civil hospitals, and Deputy Commissioner offices.

Voter Awareness through Various Means – Mr. Prashant Panwar

Additional Chief Electoral Officer and State SVEEP Nodal Officer, Mr. Prashant Panwar informed that District SVEEP Nodal Officers have been appointed in all districts to educate voters about the importance of voting. Initiatives include organizing speeches, mehndi, rangoli, slogan writing, street meetings, bicycle rallies, sports events, and marathon competitions involving students in schools, colleges, and universities. Furthermore, awareness is being created through human chains, performances by bhajan troupes from the Information, Public Relations, Language, and Culture Department, and by displaying voting awareness posters at all petrol pumps.

Increasing Voting Percentage through SVEEP Activities

The State SVEEP Nodal Officer stated that the goal is to achieve a higher voting percentage as compared to the last Elections. Industry associations have also been urged to encourage their workers registered as voters in Haryana to participate on October 5. A notification to this effect has already been issued by the Haryana Labor Department. Additionally, polling booths have been set up in rural areas and multi-storied societies. Voters in various assemblies can check queue lengths at their respective polling stations using a queue management app. The BLO present at the polling station will provide updates to voters via mobile every half hour, allowing them to come to the polling booth at their convenience.

Mhara Vote Mhari Shaan - Haryana Karega Mattdaan

He emphasized that casting a vote is not only a right but also a duty for every voter. We are celebrating the Haryana Assembly General Elections 2024 as a festival of democracy, a source of pride for the state. This celebration cannot succeed without the participation of voters. There is considerable enthusiasm among the people, who are expressing their commitment with the slogan, "Mhara Vote Mhari Shaan - Haryana Karega Mattdaan."

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Smooth Procurement of Paddy Underway in Haryana

Haryana Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department Ensures Convenience for Farmers During Procurement

Kharif Crop Procurement Extended Until November 15

Chandigarh, October 3 – Haryana Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department has ensured adequate arrangements for smooth procurement process of Kharif crops in the state. Procurement and lifting of paddy is being done on time so that the farmers coming to the market for sale do not face any kind of problem.

Giving information in this regard, the spokesperson of the Department said that the procurement of Kharif crops will continue till November 15, 2024.

With the efforts of the department, till now 95855 metric tons of paddy has been procured by government agencies at Minimum Support Price (MSP). The department has made special arrangements due to the strike of rice millers so that farmers do not face any difficulty in selling their crop.

According to the spokesperson, till October 3, a total of 375876.31 metric tons of paddy has arrived in various mandis of the state. The department has given instructions to purchase only paddy with moisture up to 17%. Out of the arrival of paddy, 95855 metric tons of paddy has been purchased by government agencies and 10934 metric tons of paddy has also been lifted. He informed that timely payment to the farmers for their purchased crop is also being ensured and so far about Rs. 4.82 crore have been sent directly to the bank accounts of the farmers. At present, this lifted paddy has been stored in the agency's warehouses and other selected places.

Kurukshetra district has highest purchase of paddy

The spokesperson of the department further informed that out of the total 95855 metric tons of paddy purchased so far, the highest purchase of 36437.77 metric tons of paddy has been made in Kurukshetra district. Apart from this, 21628.35 metric tons of paddy has been purchased in Yamunanagar district, 24103.47 metric tons in Ambala district, 6922.50 metric tons in Karnal district and 4122.90 metric tons in Panchkula district. Similarly, paddy coming to the mandis of other districts is also being purchased.

The spokesperson said that the procurement process of Kharif crops is going on smoothly in the state and this process will continue till November 15, 2024. Farmers will not be allowed to face any kind of problem during the procurement. The department is fully committed to protect the economic interests of the farmers and will ensure seamless and efficient procurement process throughout the season.