CM Nayab Singh Saini to inaugurate International Gita Mahotsav today

Tight security in place; Governor of Kerala to also take part in mahotsav

Chandigarh, December 4- Tight security arrangements are in place for the arrival of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Governor of Kerala Sh. Arif Mohammad Khan and Cultural Minister of Zanzibar at the International Gita Mahotsav-2024 in Kurukshetra.

Giving information in this regard, a government spokesperson said Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the International Gita Mahotsav-2024 on December 5. Along with this, Governor of Kerala Sh. Arif Mohammad Khan and Cultural Ministers of Zanzibar and Odisha will inaugurate the Haryana Pavilion, State-Level Exhibition of Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department at the Brahma Sarovar Purushottampura Bagh and will participate in Maha Puja and Maha Aarti. The government spokesperson said the Governor of Kerala, Governor of Haryana, Gita Manishi Swami Giananand Maharaj and Satish Kumar of Swadeshi Jagran Manch will reach the auditorium hall venue of Kurukshetra University at 11 am on December 5 and will inaugurate the international seminar.

He said the main programmes of this mahotsav will start on December 5. In this festival, evening cultural programmes will be organized daily at Purushottampura Bagh from December 5 to 11. During this, Gita Yagya will be organized in Purushottampura Bagh on December 5, International Gita Seminar from December 5 to December 7, and cultural programmes in the morning and evening by the Department of Art and Culture, NZCC Patiala and KDB from December 5 to December 11.

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Haryana Government constitutes High Powered Lohgarh Project Development Committee

CM Nayab Singh Saini gives nod to the proposal

The Committee will monitor the progress of work on the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial Centre at Logarh, district Yamunanagar

Chandigarh December 4: Haryana Government has constituted a High Powered committee namely Lohgarh Project Development Committee to monitor the progress of work on the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial Centre at Logarh in district Yamunanagar.

While giving this information here, an official spokesman said that Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini has approved a proposal in this regard.

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal will serve as the Chief Patron of the Committee and Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini as Chairman

He said that while Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh Manohar Lal will serve as the Chief Patron of the Committee, Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini will be the Chairman. OSD Dr Prabhleen Singh will be the Member Secretary of the Committee.

He said that the other members of the Committee included Tourism Minister, Sh Arvind Sharma, former Cabinet Minister, Sh Kanwar Pal, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh Rajesh Khullar, former Member of Parliament S. Tarlochan Singh, Sikh Historian and Former Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala Dr Jaspal Singh, Principal Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department, Chairman, Haryana State Biodiversity Board, S. Randeep Singh Jauhar, Deputy Commissioner, Yamunanagar, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation and Chairman Sigma Group S. Jagdip S. Chadha.

The ambitious Lohgarh Development Project is set to transform the Lohgarh Memorial site into a sprawling complex

The spokesman said that this ambitious Lohgarh Development Project is set to transform the Lohgarh Memorial site into a sprawling complex that not only pays homage to the legendary Baba Banda Singh Bahadur but also showcases the rich heritage of the Sikh community.

*A key aspect of this transformation will be the construction of a state-of-the-art museum

He said that the project, designed to unfold in two phases, sets out to rejuvenate the memorial site’s cultural and historical significance. In the first phase, attention will be focused on restoring and enhancing the fort, the main gate, and the boundary wall of the complex, spanning a vast 20-acre area. A key aspect of this transformation will be the construction of a state-of-the-art museum. The museum promises to be a cutting-edge tribute to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, blending his life story with the latest technological innovations to immerse visitors in a world that fuses history with modernity. In this remarkable space, the essence of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s life, from his birth to his final days, will be vividly portrayed.

*Giant statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur will stand as striking centerpiece of the memorial complex

He said that in the second phase of this project, a global design competition will be held to select a design for a giant statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, which will stand as a striking centerpiece of the memorial complex. This majestic statue is set to be a source of inspiration for generations to come and a testament to the indomitable spirit of Sikhism. He said that additionally, a martial arts school will be established in Lohgarh, fostering the legacy of the Sikh martial prowess and strengthening the cultural roots of the community. This initiative will not only be a source of pride for Haryana but for Sikhs across India, he added.

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Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi has taken several significant steps in the interest of farmers: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Farmers now provided full compensation in the event of crop damage, during the Congress government, they used to get only 5 and 10 rupees- CM

Chandigarh December 4: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi has taken several significant steps in the interest of farmers. Various schemes introduced by the Prime Minister have significantly benefited farmers.

Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks while interacting with the media persons at the railway station in New Delhi, yesterday night. Sh Nayab Singh Saini had travelled to Delhi from Chandigarh in Shatabdi train.

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi has not only implemented numerous schemes for the welfare of farmers, but also has worked to strengthen their economic condition. Under the Kisan Samman Nidhi, farmers are provided with an annual assistance of Rs. 6,000, which helps them purchase seeds and fertilizers.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Congress had previously spread propaganda claiming that MSP on crops would be stopped, but nothing of the sort happened. In fact, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has worked to increase the MSP of crops. The MSP that was being provided to farmers during Congress rule has been increased by 1.5 times under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership. Additionally, the state government is not only providing MSP prices to farmers but is also purchasing every grain of their crops.

The Chief Minister said that during Congress rule, there was no consideration if a farmer's crop was damaged, and farmers received only 5 to 10 rupees as compensation. However, under our government, farmers are now provided full compensation in the event of crop damage.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, one-and-a-half times more land is being irrigated compared to the area under cultivation before 2014. The BJP government has enhanced agricultural productivity by providing irrigation facilities to a larger area. The area under paddy, wheat, and other crops has increased in the state since 2014. Along with this, both crop yields and farmers' incomes have also risen, he added.

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Haryana Chief Minister approves 4-Laning of Hodal-Nuh-Pataudi-Patauda Road with Rs 616 crore

CM directs to Fast-Track Development Projects, Eliminating Delays

Rs 274 Crore approved for waiver of Monthly Minimum Charges for domestic consumers

Chandigarh, Dec 4 – Haryana Government has approved the construction for 4-laning of Hodal-Nuh-Pataudi-Patauda road from km 0.00 to 71.00 i.e. from Hodal-Nuh-Tauru-Bilaspur road in Palwal, Nuh and Gurugram districts with an estimated amount of Rs. 616.01Crore.

This decision was taken in the meeting of Standing Finance Committee "C" held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister. PWD (B&R) Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, officers from Departments of Finance, Energy, PWD (B&R) and Housing for All were also present in the meeting.

The above-mentioned project is part of the Chief Minister's announcement aimed at enhancing the efficiency of both freight and passenger movement along the Hodal-Nuh-Pataudi-Patauda road. This development will significantly improve connectivity across four major National Highways: Delhi-Mathura-Agra (NH-19), Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (NE-4), Gurugram-Nuh-Rajasthan (NH-248A), and Delhi-Jaipur (NH-48). The proposed upgrade will also benefit numerous villages located along this route, including Bilaspur, Pathreri, Adbar, Bawla, Bhajlaka, Biwan, Chharora, Fatehpur, Gowarka, Gudhi, Hussainpur, Jaisinghpur, Jhamuwas, Kalinjar, Noorpur, Palla, Raipuri, Satputiaka, Silkho, Sonkh, Tejpur, Ujina, Bahin, Bhimsika, Kot, Malai, NangalJat, Soundhad, Uttawar, Town- Nuh, Hodal, Tauru of District Nuh and Palwal.

CM directs to Fast-Track Development Projects, Eliminating Delays

In the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Public Works Department (B&R) officers to incorporate a change in the tender allotment process aimed at eliminating unnecessary delays in development projects caused by contractors abandoning or being disqualified after getting tenders through the online bidding process. He suggested that under the new system, if the L-1 (lowest bidder) abandons the project midway due to any reason, the contract will automatically be passed on to the L-2 bidder, who completes the work at the prescribed rates. This will ensure that no project is left incomplete due to contractor issues, saving valuable time and enhancing the overall efficiency of development initiatives. This will bring a significant improvement in the pace of work, ensuring that all projects are completed without unnecessary delays, he added.

Rs 274 Crore approved for waiver of Monthly Minimum Charges for domestic consumers

In another significant move to provide relief to domestic consumers, the meeting also approved Rs 274 Crore for waiving the Monthly Minimum Charges for households with a sanctioned load of up to 2KW and a monthly consumption of less than 100 units. This decision will benefit approximately 9.5 lakh households across the state.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister in his Budget Speech for FY 2024-25 has announced a waiver of Monthly Minimum Charges, aims to ease the financial burden on low-consuming domestic consumers, ensuring that they are not charged for minimum monthly consumption.

Ensure every eligible family to receive 100 square-yard plot under Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojna-CM

In a step towards fulfilling his promise, the Chief Minister has directed the Housing For All Department to provide 100 square yard plots to all eligible families under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojna. It was informed that over 5 lakh individuals have applied for plots under this scheme, and all eligible beneficiaries will receive plots in different phases soon.

To ensure no eligible family is left out, the Chief Minister instructed the department to look for innovative solutions. In cases where suitable land is unavailable in individual panchayats, a cluster of 4-5 villages be formed, and proper allotment of plots will be ensured for all eligible beneficiaries. The ambitious scheme is expected to incur an expenditure of approximately Rs 2950 crore, aimed at providing housing solutions to rural families across the state.

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Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue set to take place at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on January 11 and 12, 2025

Chandigarh December 4: As part of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, which is set to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on January 11 and 12, 2025, Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi encouraged young people to participate in the "Viksit Bharat Quiz Challenge."

Sharing more information in this regard, State Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS), Haryana Sh Gurmail Singh Bajwa said that a 'Viksit Bharat Quiz Challenge', an online quiz for those aged 15 to 29, is already underway till December 5, 2024. The quiz can be attended at https://mybharat.gov.in/ or https://quiz2.mygov.in/. It consists of ten questions that must be answered within five minutes. The quiz is available in 12 languages, including English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu.

He said that the quiz is the first step in a four-stage selection procedure for the discussion. It will be followed by a 1000-word essay competition on December 8 to 15. The final step will be state-level presentations, which will take place between December 20 and 26. In the final stage, participants will get to make their presentations before the Prime Minister on January 11 and 12.

He said that participants will receive a digital certificate of participation, and the best performer will receive a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 with the second-best performer receiving Rs 75,000. The third-best performer will receive Rs 50,000, with the following top 100 participants receiving Rs 2000 each. The next top 200 participants will each win Rs 1000.

While describing Yuva Shakti as the driving force behind a Viksit Bharat, Sh. Gurmail Singh Bajwa emphasized that the views and ideas of the youth can help shape a better tomorrow. He urged the participants to take part in the #ViksitBharatYoungLeadersDialogue and contribute their innovative ideas. He further added that this is their opportunity to be heard at the highest levels of government and contribute to building a Viksit Bharat.

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No compromise on construction material quality of roads, buildings: Ranbir Gangwa

Strict action to be taken against negligent officials, construction agencies, says minister

Chandigarh, December 4- Haryana Public Works (Building and Roads) Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said no compromise on the quality of material used in the construction of roads and buildings will be tolerated. Any compromise in quality will not only lead to action against the construction agency but also against the concerned officers and employees.

Sh. Gangwa said this while interacting with journalists at his office in the Civil Secretariat on Wednesday.

The Public Works Minister stated that transparency has been a hallmark of their work in the past and will continue to be so in the future. It is due to this transparency and impartiality that Haryana has a double-engine government for the third time. He said that after assuming the ministerial charge, he has had detailed discussions with the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister of Road Transport, Sh. Nitin Gadkari regarding new road projects and road repairs in the state. He said that the Union Minister has assured full cooperation. Soon, reports on various projects will be prepared and work will be carried out after obtaining their approval.

Officers to submit a report of roads across the state

Sh. Gangwa further said that officers have been asked to prepare and submit a report regarding all the roads across the state that need to be reconstructed or built anew. He said that there will be no compromise on the quality of construction materials in the roads of the state and strict action will be taken against officers who are negligent in their work. He further shared that a ring road will be constructed in Hisar which will benefit the common people and plans will be made to control traffic jams in the cities.

Government working in the interest of farmers

Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that the Haryana government is continuously working in the interest of farmers. The crop of Haryana farmers is being purchased at MSP and the payment is being made directly to the farmers' accounts within 72 hours. He said that in the last nine seasons, Rs.1,26,000 crore has been paid directly into the accounts of farmers for their crops.

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State EC issues guidelines regarding no-confidence motion against Chairman, President of Panchayat Samitis, Zila Parishads

Chandigarh, December 4 – The Haryana State Election Commission has clarified that the secret voting process will be completed only with the use of ballot box if a no-confidence motion is brought against the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Panchayat Samitis and Chairman and Vice Chairman of Zila Parishads in the state.

Sharing information in this regard, a spokesperson from the Commission said that if any elected representative of a Panchayat Samiti or Zila Parishad submits a notice for a no-confidence motion, all elected members will be informed through registered post. Additionally, the notice may be delivered via WhatsApp to the member’s registered mobile number or in person.

Apart from this, this information will be displayed on the notice board of the concerned Block Development and Panchayat Officer, (BDPO), Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), and Deputy Commissioner’s offices. The meeting will be convened within a minimum of 10 days after the issuance of the notice.

The spokesperson further informed that the concerned authority will announce the position against which the no-confidence motion has been brought and a designated secret voting slip will be issued to each member present. Before the voting, the Returning Officer and Presiding Officer will explain the voting procedure to the members. Immediately after the completion of voting, the concerned authority will open the ballot box in the presence of the members and count the secret voting slips. A no-confidence motion against the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Panchayat Samitis can be brought under Section 62 of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and against the President and Vice-President of Zila Parishads under Section 123.

It was informed that the information about the completion of the meeting process must be sent to the Haryana State Election Commission on the same day. Additionally, it should also be displayed on the notice board of the concerned Panchayat Samiti or Zila Parishad.

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Gita Mahotsav becomes a platform to showcase Haryana's vanishing folk arts

Chandigarh, December 4- The International Gita Mahotsav has become a platform to preserve many genres of folk art and culture of Haryana which are on the verge of extinction.

Folk arts like Dheru Gayan Gatha, Baazigar Kala and Kachhi Ghodi are being performed on the banks of the Brahma Sarovar. Through this festival, not only is the government trying to keep the folk culture alive, employment opportunities are also being provided to folk artistes.

The North Zone Cultural Art Centre, Patiala, Haryana Art and Cultural Affairs Department, Haryana Arts Council and Kurukshetra Development Board along with the state government are working to preserve the folk culture of not just Haryana but also of other states and provide a platform to the artists through the International Gita Mahotsav. A folk artiste said only a few of them are left in Haryana who are carrying forward the Jogi Nath Been Sapera tradition by playing Been, Tumba, Dholak and Khanjari.

He said the fellow artistes in his group are also working with him to keep this art alive. All of them are entertaining people by playing Been, Tumba, Dholak, Khanjari dressed in traditional costumes. The state government is continuously working to provide platforms like International Gita Mahotsav to encourage such artistes. On the seventh day of the Shilp and Saras Mela, folk artistes from various villages of Haryana made the tourists dance by presenting Dheru Gatha singing on the northern bank of the Brahma Sarovar. These folk artistes praised the saga of Guru Gorakh Nath ji and of Jahveer Gugga Peer through Dheru Gatha singing. Expressing gratitude to the government and administration, an artiste said through the International Gita Mahotsav, an effort is being made to keep the folk arts alive.

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Tourists all praise for art and craft creations at Gita Mahotsav

Chandigarh, December 4- Tourists visiting the Saras and Craft Mela at the International Gita Mahotsav are getting to see the unique craftsmanship of artisans.

The banks of Brahma Sarovar have been decorated with the craftsmanship of these artisans at the International Gita Mahotsav. Tourists are all praise for the efforts and work done by the craftsman.

The tourists coming to the holy land of Kurukshetra-Dharmkshetra are seen enjoying the mahotsav to the fullest. While on one hand the craftsmen are adding to the beauty of the mahotsav with their craftsmanship, on the other hand, the arrangements done by the NZCC are becoming a centre of attraction for the people. Tourists from other states can also be seen enjoying at the International Gita Mahotsav by taking selfies with the artistes wearing different traditional outfits.

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Haryana Government issues instructions to Administrative Secretaries on Vigilance reports

Chandigarh, December 4 - The Haryana Government has issued instructions to all Administrative Secretaries regarding the handling of matters, complaints, source reports, and inquiry reports referred by the Vigilance Department. These documents must be returned with their respective comments or reports to the Vigilance Department.

A letter issued by the Haryana Chief Secretary emphasized that some Administrative Departments are not taking this instruction seriously, often responding only by stating that they have filed the matter at their own level instead of providing the required comments or reports. This non-compliance with the directive has been regarded with utmost seriousness by the government.

As a result, it has been mandated that all Administrative Secretaries ensure strict adherence to these instructions for all matters, complaints, source reports, and inquiry reports referred by the Vigilance Department to their respective Administrative Departments.