Good Governance demands Sensitivity and Empathy - Chief Minister

Chief Minister urges officers to understand the story behind every request for effective Governance

The Opposition is troubled as public reaps benefits from Government Portal – CM

Chandigarh, December 25 – On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna awardee and former Prime Minister, Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, today addressed the State-level Governance Day programme in Gurugram. In his speech, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of sensitivity and empathy in government administration, urging officers to view their roles as an opportunity to uplift society and ease the hardships of the common people.

The Chief Minister urged the officers to view each case with compassion, stating that when someone approaches their office with a problem, they should not simply see it as a piece of paper. Instead, they should recognize it as a symbol of the individual's pain and hardship. He said that if we can understand the story behind that paper, we will have truly succeeded in our efforts towards good governance.

The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Bharat Ratna awardees Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee on their birth anniversaries, reflecting on their monumental contributions to the nation. He said that today’s day is not only a memorable occasion for all of us, but it also inspires us to strengthen our commitment towards building a better and more empowered nation.

He said that Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's leadership was truly transformative for India. His vision and policies were pivotal in shaping the country's progress on both domestic and international fronts. His leadership laid the foundation for the India we see today, and it is this vision of a ‘Vikist Bharat’ that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is dedicated to realizing.

The success of good governance depends on Niyat, Nishtha and Niti

The Chief Minister said that when our government assumed the responsibility of public service in 2014, we launched a campaign of governance reform, transitioning from good governance (Sushasan) to service (Sewa). He said that the success of such a campaign depends on Niyat (intent), Nishtha (commitment), and Niti (policy). For good governance, he said, there must be a genuine intention to serve, and the policies must be designed in a way that leaves no room for corruption. On the strength of Niyat, Nishtha, and Niti, our government is successfully realizing the true essence of good governance, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Government has successfully completed the journey toward good governance by embracing various e-governance initiatives

The Chief Minister said that the government has successfully completed the journey toward good governance by embracing various e-governance initiatives. In a bid to curb irregularities in land registration, the government has introduced the online issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various departments, boards, and corporations, which are required during registration. Additionally, the Web-Halris system has been implemented statewide to ensure transparency and accuracy in land records, he said.

The Chief Minister said that in the mining sector, the government has ensured transparency through the e-auction and e-Ravana schemes. Furthermore, the enactment of the 'Right to Service' law holds public officers accountable, mandating timely service delivery and ensuring swift action against those who fail to meet deadlines, thus reinforcing efficiency and responsiveness in public service, he said.

Honest and Transparent Reforms yielding positive results

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government has established the foundation of an honest and transparent administration, and the reforms introduced by the government have yielded positive results in terms of good governance. He highlighted that through the Parivar Pahchan Patra (PPP) model, eligible individuals are now able to access the benefits of government services and schemes from the comfort of their homes.

He said that it is the result of good governance that overcoming all the obstacles, our government has given government jobs to 1.71 lakh youth without Kharchi Parchi. Today, educated panchayats in the state are giving new impetus to the development of villages. Every village has become Lal Dora free due to good governance, he said.

The Chief Minister said that justice has been ensured to people sitting at home through the CM window. More than 12 lakh problems and complaints have been resolved on the CM window. It is the result of good governance that now eligible people are getting timely ration. He said that today 772 schemes and services of 59 departments are available online in the state, whose benefits can be availed by the common citizen sitting at home.

We have battled against Corruption, Nepotism, and Regionalism, Emphasizing on Good Governance Initiatives

The Chief Minister said that there was a time when fear, corruption, nepotism, and regionalism were prevalent in previous governments. However, our government has systematically closed all avenues of corruption. We have taken decisive steps, such as eliminating corruption in the name of CLU, and also ensured that government jobs are given solely based on merit, implementing online employee transfers, stopping the misuse of kerosene by providing free gas cylinders to every poor household, and addressing fraud in ration distribution, pensions, stipends, and subsidies for the underprivileged. These initiatives are all part of our commitment to good governance, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Opposition is troubled as Public Reaps Benefits from Government Portal

The Chief Minister said that Opposition leaders had spread misinformation, claiming that when they came to power, they would discontinue the portals. Now they are upset because the public is benefiting from the portal.

The Chief Minister said that through these portals, our government has directly transferred money into farmers' accounts. Over the past 10 years, Rs. 1.25 lakh crore has been directly deposited into farmers' accounts. Moreover, due to the less rainfall this year, to ease the financial burden on farmers, an amount of Rs. 825 crore has been sent directly into farmers' bank accounts. All this has become possible because of the portals. He also said that previously, elderly people had to make rounds of the offices to get their pension benefits. But because of the portal, now elderly people are receiving their pensions from the comfort of their homes. In the last 10 years, the pensions of lakhs of elderly people have been processed online.

While taking a jibe at the Opposition, he said that before the recent assembly elections, one of the opposition candidates promised to close the portal once they came to power, while another candidate talked about filling their own pockets first. Not only that, another opposition candidate even announced that for every 50 votes, one job would be given. This kind of thinking is not good governance-oriented but promotes corruption, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Chief Minister said that before the election results, he had promised the youth that he would ensure 25,000 individuals who secured government jobs would join first, and only then would he take the oath himself. He successfully fulfilled this promise.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also expressed his gratitude to the people of Haryana for supporting a government that upholds the principles of good governance, strengthening support for Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's commitments. He further stated that the initiatives for good governance over the past 10 years serve as proof that good governance is not just a slogan, but the essence of a 'Viksit Haryana-Viksit Bharat.'

State government's good governance initiatives improved the lives of the people; Chief Secretary

On this occasion, Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi, while welcoming Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, highlighted that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the government has been consistently advancing governance initiatives. He mentioned several key initiatives, such as the launch of the CM Window for public complaints and their prompt resolution, the introduction of the Auto Appeal Software to address delays in work, and the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal, which provides farmers with a unified platform for everything from sowing to selling crops. Dr. Joshi said that these initiatives have been implemented by the state government to make life easier for people across all sectors.

He said that cleanliness fosters positivity, and when positivity prevails, negativity gradually fades away. With this mindset, a special campaign will be launched under the 'Swachh Haryana Mission' in rural areas, urban local bodies, Panchayati Raj institutions, public places, and government offices, running until January 31, 2025. Dr. Joshi explained that the campaign will focus on systematic document retention and the removal of outdated records, in accordance with the state government office procedures, while also promoting improved record management. He added that the goal of this campaign is to enhance the public’s experience by ensuring cleanliness in all government offices, including subordinate offices and public enterprises.

Dr. Vivek Joshi said that good governance is not just about simplifying government policies and procedures but also about the dedication of the officers and employees who work behind the scenes. In recognition of their commitment, innovation, and integrity, the 'Haryana Good Governance Awards Scheme' honours the true heroes of public service.

MLA, Sh. Mukesh Sharma, CEO GMDA, Sh. Shyamal Mishra, former MP, Smt. Sunita Duggal, Secretary, General Administration Department, Sh. C.G.Rajini Kaanthan, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Sh. K. M. Pandurang were among other dignitaries present at the programme.

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Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini being invited for Maha Kumbh-2025 by Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister, Sh. Nand Gopal Nandi and Minister of State, Sh. Jaswant Saini in Gurugram on December 25, 2024.

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Election Commission clarifies on voter turnout data, says due process followed

Chandigarh, December 25 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified on the misconceptions regarding mismatch of voter turnout data for General and Assembly elections.

In a detailed response, the ECI said while the VTR (Voter Turnout) app is merely a facilitative measure for updating voting trends at regular intervals on polling day, Form 17C is the immutable and only statutory source of total votes polled at any polling station and is made available to candidates before polling booth is closed. The VTR app displays voter turnout data on the basis of votes cast on EVM only, as postal ballots continue to be received till the time of commencement of counting.

The ECI said an increase in voter turnout from 5 pm to 11.45 pm is normal as it is a part of the process of aggregation of voter turnout, adding that there can be bona fide but inconsequential differences in votes polled and votes counted. The ECI categorically affirmed that it is impossible to change actual voter turnout as statutory Form 17C giving details of voter turnout is available with authorized agents of candidates at the time of close of poll at polling station itself.

The ECI emphasised that the VTR data entered in system between 05:00 to 05:30 pm is interim data of approximate voter turnout in the constituency/district/state. This 05:00 pm VTR data in a constituency is likely to increase significantly if voters came out to vote in large numbers in the late hours, as the electors in queue up to 05:00 pm/notified time of close of poll are allowed to cast their vote. These votes will only reflect in the VTR data when the polling parties arrive at receiving centre and submit the machines and election papers.

However, there are possibilities of errors at different stages related to non-statutory facilitative reporting of voter turnout data on VTR app. Such differences are attributable to complexity of processes, competencies of staff sourced from the different departments of the State/UT and possible human errors due to long and rigorous election duty. The Commission does not carry any statutory burden in relation to the veracity of this data, and the responsibility for usage of this data is clearly on the user, the ECI clarified. Voters can also log in to https://www.eci.gov.in/Documents/Final-VTR-FAQ.pdf for more information on this issue.

No discrepancies in electoral roll preparation

Regarding discrepancies in Electoral Roll preparation, the EC asserted that a meticulous, transparent and participative electoral roll-updation process was followed, involving all political parties and public at large. While detailing the well laid out mechanism with sufficient checks and balances, the EC emphasized that the watertight statutory scheme ensures that deletion and addition of voters is done strictly according to rules. The ECI said no bulk deletions or unusual deletion patterns were noticed across all Assembly Constituencies. Before updating the voter list, the BLOs conduct a door-to-door survey and find out whether any voter has died or has left the designated place, or has got his name registered in the voter list somewhere else. After that, the prescribed Form 6,7,8 is verified by the Booth-Level Agents and the head of the family and sent for election registration. After this the voter list is updated. More details on this issue can be accessed at https://www.eci.gov.in/Documents/Final-ER-FAQ.pdf.

Political parties involved at every stage

The Commission reiterated that political parties, being key stakeholders, are involved scrupulously at each and every stage of the election process from Roll to Poll. The ECI said all data, as demanded by the parties, pertaining to electors for each Constituency and Form 20 is available on CEO’s website and can be downloaded.

The ECI hoped that the above details will allay any misgivings of political parties regarding the VTR app. The Commission remains true to the legal and decentralized construct of Indian elections and the philosophy of hierarchy of election authorities, starting from polling station to the sector and then to the constituency. While doing this, it has made the election process transparent ensuring participation of political parties and contesting candidates and by making appropriate public/open disclosures in each and every process at polling station or constituency level.

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CM inaugurates Kar Bhawan in Rewari, Suvidha Kendras in all GST offices

Traders will get all facilities under one roof at GST Suvidha Kendras: CM

Haryana preferred place for doing business, setting up industry: CM

Chandigarh, December 25 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday inaugurated a "Kar Bhawan" in Rewari district and Suvidha Kendras in all 27 GST offices for the convenience of traders and taxpayers on the occasion of Good Governance Day. The "Kar Bhawan" has been constructed at a cost Rs 29 crore and is spread over an area of 4,571 square metres.

The Chief Minister said traders will get all the facilities under one roof in these GST Suvidha Kendras. These centres will provide many important facilities to traders and entrepreneurs like registration, return filing, tax payment and consultation related to GST law. Not only this, traders will also be given training on e-way bill and other online processes here. Many processes have been simplified using digital technology at this centre, which will save time and resources of traders.

The Chief Minister said this centre will make a significant contribution in realizing Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's vision of One Nation-One Tax. These kendras will play an important role in the creation of 'Viksit Haryana, Viksit Bharat'. The Chief Minister said GST is the biggest tax reform after Independence. It has brought a change in the country's market. Many indirect taxes have been abolished due to this. The GST has brought many benefits to the trade and industry sector.

Haryana one of the states with highest growth in GST collection

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana has always been a leader in implementing tax reforms. Today, Haryana is one of the states with the highest growth in GST collection. For the financial year 2023-24, Haryana is ranked 5th in total GST collection and first among major states in per capita GST collection. The state government has launched GST Facilitation Cell to help start-ups in Gurugram where start-ups get end-to-end help from registration to filing returns. Similarly, MSME GST Facilitation Cell has been launched at Vanijya Bhawan, Panchkula which is helping small entrepreneurs to easily comply with GST norms. Apart from this, the government has decided to organize meetings with trade associations, tax bar associations, chartered accountant associations and other related stakeholders at the district level on the second Friday of every month. This will promote mutual trust, coordination and cooperation.

Haryana a preferred destination to set up industry

The Chief Minister said due to the favorable policies of the state government for businessmen, Haryana has become a preferred place for doing business and setting up industries. The government has given concessions to small traders as well as big businessmen. Apart from this, the state government has constituted Haryana Vyapari Kalyan Board to solve the problems of traders. Online facility of e-refund has been started for traders. In the field of taxation, online facility of e-registration, e-payment of tax and e-filing of returns, e-tendering and issuance of C-form has been started.

He said under the amended Mukhyamantri Vyapari Kshatipurti Bima Yojana, eligibles are given insurance cover ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh for loss of goods or furniture and fixtures or both in case of fire and burglary. For the convenience of traders, e-way bill scheme has been started for inter-state movement of goods. For the welfare of small and medium traders, they have been brought under the MSME Department, the Chief Minister added.

He said the government has established medical colleges in 15 districts and foundation stones have been laid or work is in progress in the seven remaining districts. In the coming time, there will be a medical college in every district. Not only this, a medical university is also ready and it will be inaugurated soon. He said the state government has established a college every 20 kilometers so that girl students do not have to go far for higher education. He said the state government will strive to take Haryana forward at a fast pace in line with Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's vision of making a 'Viksit Bharat'.

After Gurugram, Rewari becoming first choice for industrialists: Rao Inderjit Singh

Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh said GST Suvidha Kendras have been inaugurated across the state to provide all types of facilities to taxpayers and traders of the state under one roof. All types of tax-related facilities will be available in this building constructed at a cost of about Rs 29 crore in Rewari. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has taken the country to new heights by starting GST under the One Nation-One Tax scheme. Earlier, shopkeepers, traders and industrialists had to pay different types of taxes, but with the implementation of GST, it has become easier for them to pay taxes. At present, Gurugram district of Haryana gives the highest tax revenue. After this, Rewari district is continuously moving ahead in terms of development by being at second place in the state. After Gurugram, Rewari district has become the first choice for industrialists. He said at present, more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore of GST is coming into the country's treasury, through which the development of the country is getting continuous momentum.

Rewari MLA Sh. Laxman Singh Yadav, speaking at the programme, said with the construction of GST Suvidha Kendra, industrialists and taxpayers of Rewari district will start getting all kinds of facilities under one roof. The MLA thanked the Chief Minister for the inauguration of GST Bhawan.

During the programme, Principal Secretary, Excise and Taxation Department, Sh. Devinder Singh Kalyan said GST Suvidha Kendras will have computer systems, internet connectivity and GST literature library. The problems of small taxpayers will also be resolved here. He said Haryana is one of the smallest states in terms of both area and population, but it is among the top five states in the country in terms of GST collection. He said the department will not only achieve the revenue collection target for the state government but will also collect more revenue than that target.

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, MLAs Dr. Krishan Kumar, Sh. Anil Kumar Yadav, Excise and Taxation Commissioner Smt. Ashima Brar and many other dignitaries and officials were present on the occasion.