*Legislative training programs enhance proficiency of Public Representatives - Lok Sabha Speaker Sh Om Birla*
*Democracy is strengthened through proficiency in legislative work*
*Parliament and State Assemblies responsible for enacting laws based on current needs*
*Planned deadlocks in legislative work are inappropriate*
Chandigarh, February 14 – Lok Sabha Speaker Sh Om Birla said that India, as the world’s largest democracy, has made significant strides in social and economic development over the past 75 years. He said that since independence, the responsibility of enacting new laws has been carried out by both Parliament and the state assemblies. While outdated British-era laws have been abolished, new laws have been enacted to meet current needs.
Sh Om Birla made these remarks during a press conference after inaugurating a two-day orientation program, organized in collaboration with the Parliamentary Democracy Research and Training Institute (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha, at the Haryana Vidhan Sabha here today. Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh Harvinder Kalyan was also present on the occasion.
He said that since the responsibility of enacting new laws lies with both the State Assemblies and Parliament, training legislators, especially new ones, is important to ensure they have a thorough understanding of legislative procedures. This, he said, will facilitate more informed discussions and dialogues on the bills introduced in the state assemblies, ultimately benefiting the public in the future. He further added that democracy is strengthened through proficiency in legislative work.
*Training program on legislative drafting organized in 15 states so far*
Sh Om Birla highlighted that the work of parliamentary committees functions like a mini-parliament. These committees not only review the budget but also play a crucial role in bringing transparency and ensuring accountability within the executive. He said that the more competent an elected representative is in legislative work, the better they will be able to meet public expectations and excel in leadership roles. He also said that, through PRIDE, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has organized training programs for legislative drafting in 15 states. The quality of legislative drafts directly impacts the public's benefit, he added.
Referring to all public-elected institutions as mini-assemblies, Sh Om Birla stressed the importance of extensive discussions on public welfare in institutions such as Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, Nagar Palikas, Zilla Parishads, and Panchayat Samitis. He suggested that positive suggestions for legislative work should also be taken through Gram Sabhas. He added that the more serious and participatory these discussions are, the more they will help in controlling the executive, improving governance, and curbing corruption.
Lok Sabha Speaker Sh Om Birla shared that PRIDE has successfully organized training programs in over 100 parliaments and institutions across the world. In addition, camps have been held in various states of the country for elected representatives, officials, employees, as well as for panchayats, municipalities, and cooperative institutions.
*Haryana Vidhan Sabha taking innovative steps to enhance efficienty of MLAs*
Praising the state of Haryana, Sh Om Birla remarked that the sacred message of the Gita originated from this land. He highlighted that just as the youth of Haryana protect the country's borders, the farmers here ensure food security, and the players bring honour to the nation. He also lauded the Haryana Assembly for its rich democratic history, noting the vast experience of its MLAs. He also praised the Haryana Assembly for continuously increasing the number of meetings and fostering better discussions on the budget. He acknowledged the Assembly's innovative steps to enhance the efficiency of its MLAs. Furthermore, he commended Haryana for rapidly progressing toward a paperless assembly. He expressed his hope that the training program will undoubtedly benefit the legislators especially newly elected public representatives.
*Planned deadlock in legislative work is inappropriate*
Terming the deliberate deadlock in legislative work as inappropriate, Sh Om Birla said that such conduct is not suitable for the country and the state. He pointed out that planned deadlocks waste valuable legislative time. He said that there should be better discussions and dialogues on all matters in the state assemblies. Referring to the two-day orientation program, he said that MLAs are elected by the public, and the public has high expectations from them. This training program has been organized with the goal of addressing key aspects such as raising public issues in the assembly and ensuring their resolution, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of government policies.
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*Legislature is one of the important pillars of democracy, all members must work hard towards making it stronger- CM*
*The House must run with spirit of unity rather than individual interests- Nayab Singh Saini*
*Chief Minister participates in the two-day programme organised for Haryana Vidhan Sabha*
Chandigarh, February 14- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that legislature is one of the important pillars of democracy, and all members must work hard towards making it stronger. He said that the role of elected representatives is not just to make laws but also to raise the voices of their constituents and work towards solving their problems effectively.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural session of a two-day orientation programme organised for Haryana Vidhan Sabha members on February 14 and 15, 2025 in collaboration with the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha.
The Chief Minister said that the two-day programme would focus on brainstorming legislative procedures. He said that all the members must realise the great responsibility given to them by the people and to act as true representatives of Haryana, beyond personal ideologies. Once inside the Assembly, members should prioritise the dignity, smooth functioning, and prestige of the House, said the Chief Minister.
As the leader of the House, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that democratic traditions would be upheld, and discussions would be conducted with a spirit of unity rather than individual interests and every member’s voice in the assembly will be heard.
The Chief Minister said that we are first and foremost members of this esteemed Assembly and then belong to different political parties. The Haryana Assembly has always upheld strong legislative traditions, and new principles and standards will also be established. Just as Haryana has made a name for itself in development and public welfare, it should also set an example in legislative excellence as well. To effectively frame laws and policies in the state's interest he emphasised the need for more assembly sittings. When the 15th Haryana Vidhan Sabha was formed, the government resolved to rise above politics and focus on meaningful debates, discussions, and addressing public concerns, he added.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini stated that members must remember when they speak in the Assembly, they represent not just themselves but the voices of lakhs of citizens. He said that the 14th Assembly held 16 sessions with 76 sittings were held, while the 13th had 15 sessions with 84 sittings. Similarly, 11 sessions and 56 sittings in the 12th Vidhan Sabha, 12 sessions and 70 sittings in the 11th Vidhan Sabha and 66 sittings in 14 sessions in the 10th Vidhan Sabha.
The Chief Minister said that this productive atmosphere was possible because both the ruling and opposition parties actively participated in running the House and 15th Vidhan Sabha session will also have meaningful debates, discussions in the interest of the state and will respect each other's views as well.
The Chief Minister said that all legislators will uphold the dignity of the House. He acknowledged that disagreements are natural in a democracy but maintaining decency is essential. He said that if everyone works with the spirit of "Nation First," every decision made in the Assembly will ultimately serve the best interests of the people.
*Public representatives must rise above ideology and contribute to nation building: Harvinder Kalyan*
Speaker of Haryana Assembly Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said after being elected as a public representative, the role of a politician changes, so all public representatives should rise above their ideology and discharge their duties with the aim of nation building, progress of the state and public welfare.
He expressed gratitude to Lok Sabha Speaker Sh. Om Birla for organizing the two-day orientation program in collaboration with Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE)-Lok Sabha and said a campaign is being run under the leadership of the Lok Sabha Speaker to strengthen the legislative institutions. Under this, various training programs are being organized.
He said the representatives of the people have a key role in the success of the Parliamentary system. The interests of the people and the country are protected by the efficiency of the legislature. The success of these institutions depends on the working style of the members. Therefore, the public representatives should have knowledge of the Constitution, rules, methods, laws and practices of the Parliamentary system; knowledge and information about day-to-day activities related to governance and administration; knowledge of public problems and ways to solve them; and leadership skills.
He said the Vidhan Sabha is an institution made up of public representatives and works for the public through these representatives. Parliament and state legislatures have special powers and rights to carry out parliamentary work.
He said a two-day training program was organized for the officers and employees of the Vidhan Sabha just 2 months ago. In the coming times, such programs will continue to be organized with the cooperation of PRIDE and HIPA.
Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said today preserving the environment and keeping the youth away from drugs are important issues. In the coming times, work will be done to form a committee on youth affairs and environment in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, which will take these issues forward in collaboration with the government. He said we are all fortunate to have got the opportunity to serve the people through the Vidhan Sabha. Therefore, we all should participate in making India a developed nation by 2047.
Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Sh. Satish Mahana said it is a matter of pride to be a member of the Legislative Assembly. Our honour and prestige is due to being a member of the Legislative Assembly, so the elected members should protect the dignity of the House. He said the members should never behave in such a way or conduct themselves which puts a question mark on the legislative institutions. He said the public elects us as public representatives, so we should work together for the benefit of the state.
The orientation program was also addressed by Deputy Speaker of Haryana Legislative Assembly Dr. Krishan Lal Middha and Member Sh. B.B. Batra.
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*Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurates a two-day orientation programme at Haryana Vidhan Sabha*
*Haryana progressing on the path of development under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini– Lok Sabha Speaker*
*Nayab Singh Saini has experience in both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha; He will use his experience to guide the Haryana Assembly – Om Birla*
*Haryana Has Presented a Development Model Along with Heritage, providing direction to other States*
Chandigarh, February 14 – Lok Sabha Speaker, Sh. Om Birla said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana is continuously progressing on the path of development. Whether it is infrastructural development or the social and economic landscape, Haryana is making strides in every sector today, he said.
The Lok Sabha Speaker was speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day Orientation Programme organized for the Members of the 15th Legislative Assembly of Haryana in the State Legislature Premises, Chandigarh, on Friday. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Satish Mahana, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, and MLA Sh. B.B. Batra attended the programme.
The said Orientation Programme is being organised by the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE), Lok Sabha Secretariat in collaboration with the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat.
The Lok Sabha Speaker said that Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has extensive experience in both democratic institutions— Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabha—and with this experience, he will provide guidance to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.
Sh. Om Birla also highlighted Haryana’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, along with its glorious history of athletes, freedom fighters, and valour. He said that despite being a small state, Haryana has always carved out a distinct identity for itself at the national and global levels. It was from the land of Haryana that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the message of Karma (duty), he said.
The Lok Sabha Speaker further said that the Haryana Vidhan Sabha has a significant legacy, and the development model it has presented serves as a guiding example for other states. He emphasized that legislators have played a crucial role in this journey of progress.
*Legislators have the responsibility to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of the public- Lok Sabha Speaker*
Sh. Om Birla said that the people have elected legislators to the Assembly with trust and confidence, and it is a matter of pride that 40 MLAs have been elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha for the first time. He said that legislators have the responsibility to fulfill the expectations and aspirations of the public. He said that as members of the Vidhan Sabha, legislators do not just represent a single constituency but lead the entire state.
The Lok Sabha Speaker stressed the importance of reviewing past discussions, dialogues, and debates while formulating effective laws. To achieve this, efforts are being made to maintain a digital record of discussions and deliberations on policy making and planning from previous assemblies. This digital archive of all state legislatures will be available on a single platform, allowing members to study it and provide meaningful suggestions.
He further said that while drafting legislation, it is essential to incorporate positive suggestions from members. Sometimes, shortcomings in legislative drafts affect the functioning of the government and impact the public. Therefore, these drafts should be circulated among members so that their expertise and experience can further refine and improve them.
(Public participation and activeness in Democracy will bring transparency in Governance*
Sh. Om Birla said that state legislatures should conduct comprehensive reviews of policies and schemes. He said that there should be an in-depth study of state issues and the more effectively constituency and state issues are raised in the assembly, the more positive changes will occur. He said that whether it is Parliament or the Legislative Assembly, these democratic institutions serve as platforms that enable the government to understand the problems of every sector and every section of society. By taking this information positively, the government can function more effectively. The greater the participation and activeness of the public in democracy, the more transparency there will be in governance.
He emphasized that a public representative is best positioned to assess whether the laws, policies, and schemes formulated by the government and legislatures are being implemented effectively on the ground. The more thorough the review in the assembly, the better governance will function, ensuring accountability.
He further stated that a good legislator is one who not only raises the issues of their constituency during assembly sessions but also engages in meaningful discussions in the house. He noted that there will be many challenges and difficulties in social life, and their solutions will emerge from these legislative bodies. In this era of information technology, it is crucial to have meaningful discussions in the assembly with innovative approaches so that the path to public welfare can be paved effectively.
*India has shown the World – Democracy is the supreme form of Governance- Lok Sabha Speaker*
Sh. Om Birla stated that both the ruling party and the opposition are the strengths of democracy, and India has demonstrated to the world that democracy is the highest form of governance. Despite its diversity, it is democratic principles that have united the nation.
He emphasized that engaging in meaningful discussions within legislative bodies enhances leadership skills. All members must think about how legislative institutions can be utilized more effectively for public welfare. He expressed hope that new members would gain knowledge from the experiences of senior legislators and contribute to strengthening the democratic system.
He also appreciated that the Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, is making continuous efforts to ensure that the proceedings of the House are conducted meaningfully.
The Lok Sabha Speaker noted that in Haryana, pre-budget meetings are held where legislators and other stakeholders provide suggestions, which are then incorporated into policy and planning. He further highlighted that parliamentary committees assess the impact of budgetary allocations on the social and economic lives of citizens. Therefore, post-budget discussions in parliamentary committees should be maximized to evaluate the effectiveness of the budget.
He added that during this two-day programme, experts will provide insights into legislative procedures, helping members enhance their understanding and efficiency. This will further strengthen public trust and confidence in their elected representatives.
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*After direction by the Energy Minister Anil Vij, explanation sought by employees in delay of resolving of complaints in Rohtak*
*Strict action will be taken if electricity issues are not resolved on time – Vij*
*Negligence in power services will not be tolerated – Vij*
Chandigarh, February 14 – On the direction of Haryana Energy Minister, Sh.Anil Vij, explanation sought from negligent employees following a surprise inspection of the Bijli Seva Kendra in Rohtak on February 2. These employees are required to submit a response within three days explaining the reasons for delays in resolving complaints, failing which disciplinary action will be taken.
Notably, during his visit to the BSK Complaint Center at Rajiv Gandhi Vidyut Bhawan, Rohtak, the minister reviewed consumer complaints. The inspection revealed that several complaints were not resolved within the prescribed four-hour time frame.
The Energy Minister directed the concerned Superintendent Engineer to investigate complaints pending for more than four hours and obtain explanations from the responsible staff. Following the inspection, he directed department officers to ensure timely resolution of consumer complaints across the state and take strict action against negligent employees.
As per the minister's directive, the Superintendent Engineer (SE) has sought explanations from the following employees for negligence: ALM Ankit, ALM Naresh, LM Sanjay, and ALM Krishna from XEN S/U Div. No.1, Rohtak; and ALM Suresh, JE Vikas Kaushik, and LM Rambir from XEN S/U Div. No.2, Rohtak.
The Superintendent Engineer of the UHBVN, Rohtak, has directed these employees to submit explanations within three days regarding the delays in resolving complaints. If their responses are unsatisfactory, disciplinary action will be taken.
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*Adequate availability of fertilizers will be ensured, assures CM*
*CM directs officers to make fertilizers available immediately at all PACS of state*
Chandigarh, February 14 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the state government will not let there be any shortage of fertilizers for crops of farmers. Fertilizers are being made available to farmers across the state as per requirement. He directed the officials to immediately make urea available in all Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across the state.
The Chief Minister today took suo motu cognizance of the news related to shortage of urea and DAP in the media and directed the officials of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department to make adequate quantity of fertilizers available in all the districts of the state so that the production of crops is not affected.
Following the orders of the Chief Minister, the department officials said adequate quantity of fertilizers is available in the state. Urea fertilizer is also being made available in all PACS as per the increased need of the farmers. Apart from this, IFFCO and KRIBHCO managers have also been instructed to provide urea fertilizer as per demand in all PACS.
The Chief Minister said the interest of farmers is paramount for him and the state government is making efforts to get them fair prices for everything - from fertilizers and seeds to crops.
The Chief Minister said Haryana is the first state in the country where every grain of all crops is purchased at MSP. We have given the farmers the facility to make e-gate pass from home through e-kharid application to sell their crops in the market, he added.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini reiterated the commitment of the state government in the interest of farmers and said he himself is a farmer, so he understands the pain and need of the farmers. He will not let the hard-earned money of the farmers go waste. His doors are always open for farmers.
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*Haryana State Enforcement Bureau Cracks Down on Illegal Mining*
*In January 2025, the Bureau took strong action against illegal mining, registering 238 cases, seizing 258 vehicles, and arresting 136 individuals.*
*The Enforcement Bureau has established 22 police stations in the state, addressing illegal activities related to 6 departments.*
*In 2024, the Bureau team seized 29,281 vehicles involved in illegal activities related to the transport department and imposed fines exceeding 100 crore 70 lakh rupees.*
Chandigarh, February 14th. The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, registering 238 cases and arresting 136 individuals in January 2025. During this period, the Bureau team conducted raids at 582 locations across the state concerning the illegal mining of soil/sand/gravel, seizing 258 vehicles on the spot.
Under the efficient leadership of Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur, the Bureau launched a campaign against illegal activities, particularly illegal mining. In this sequence, a fine of Rs 127.86 lakh was imposed on the land mafia involved in illegal mining in January 2025, out of which Rs 63.54 lakh was recovered in the same month (January 2025), and the process of recovering the outstanding fine is ongoing.
The Enforcement Bureau team, taking action against the land mafia involved in illegal mining in district Panchkula, seized 16 vehicles in a single day, including 13 dumpers, one poklane machine, and 2 hydras, and took legal action against the accused. According to the information received, it was revealed that these land mafias, under the guise of valid mining, illegally mined up to 16 feet and stole 94112 DJS of minerals. The department has imposed a fine of Rs 3 crore 70 lakh 43 thousand 600 on the accused.
In 2024, the Bureau, while running a campaign against illegal activities related to 6 departments, 49017 vehicles were checked with the help of transport department , out of which 29281 vehicles were seized. Action was taken against these vehicles by imposing a fine of more than Rs 100 crore 70 lakh.
It is noteworthy that the State Enforcement Bureau was constituted by the Haryana government in the state on July 22, 2023, and since then, the Bureau has been actively working and systematically working against illegal activities. Special campaigns are also conducted by the Enforcement Bureau from time to time, in which the Enforcement Bureau team conducts raids at different places and takes action against illegal activities. He informed that at present, cases related to 6 departments have been taken up by the Enforcement Bureau, which include cases like illegal mining, action against those who steal electricity, prevent water theft, take action against those who smuggle liquor, take action against those who occupy government properties, cutting illegal colonies, etc. At present, 22 police stations of the Enforcement Bureau are being operated in Haryana, where cases related to these departments are registered and action is taken.
In 2024, the State Enforcement Bureau team, formed with the objective of preventing illegal activities, inspected 5792 mining sites. In this case, 1169 cases were registered and 1117 people were arrested and action was taken against them. Out of these, 801 FIRs have been disposed of. He also informed that in the year 2024, 1493 vehicles were found involved in illegal mining related activities by the Enforcement Bureau team. The Bureau imposed a fine of Rs 11 crore 64 lakh on these vehicles, out of which Rs 8 crore 45 lakh was collected as fine.
Similarly, in the year 2024, 39398 FIRs were registered by the Bureau regarding illegal activities related to the electricity corporation, out of which 31110 FIRs were disposed of by the Bureau. He said that an amount of more than Rs 86 crore 81 lakh has been recovered by the Bureau team in the year 2024 regarding cases related to power theft in the state. He informed that in the year 2024, 439 demolition drives were conducted by the Town and Country Planning Department against encroachments, in reference to which 930 FIRs were registered. In this case, 373 people were arrested by the Bureau. He informed that 1404 cases related to the Irrigation Department have been registered by the Bureau, out of which 1240 cases have been disposed of. The Bureau has recovered an amount of Rs 20 lakh 79 thousand in this regard.
Similarly, while taking action against liquor smugglers, the Bureau inspected 12576 sites in the year 2024. In this regard, 659 FIRs were registered by the Bureau, out of which 586 FIRs have been disposed of. In this case, 708 accused were arrested while 90 vehicles were seized. In the year 2024, 6648 liters of raw liquor, 3968.6 liters of lahan, 48110.3 liters of English liquor, 35184.2 liters of country liquor and 12711.8 liters of beer were recovered by the Enforcement Bureau.
Mr. Kapur said that the campaign against illegal mining will continue in the future as well. A policy of zero tolerance will be adopted against such people and strict action will be taken. He also appealed to the general public to ensure that they provide information related to illegal mining to the Enforcement Bureau. The name of the person giving the information will be kept confidential.
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*Prepare supplementary list of final published voter list of municipal bodies: State Election Commissioner to DCs*
Chandigarh, February 14 - Haryana State Election Commissioner Sh. Dhanpat Singh has issued instructions to all concerned Deputy Commissioners in view of the Urban Local Body elections that they should prepare the supplementary voter list of the final published voter list of the concerned Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council and Municipality.
The State Election Commissioner said while preparing the supplementary list, the officers should ensure including complete details of deceased voters, names included, names deleted and voters transferred from one ward to another. The supplementary voter list will be made available to the concerned presiding officer at the time of polling so that the possibility of double voting can be avoided.
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*Union Government approves Rs. 6,797 crore for various power projects in Haryana under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) – Energy Minister*
*Sanctioned for Rs. 3,638.21 Crore for System Modernization and Smart Distribution in Gurugram and Faridabad Districts – Anil Vij*
Chandigarh, February 14– Haryana Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the Union Government has sanctioned Rs. 6,797 crore for various power projects in Haryana under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). This includes sanctioned for works worth Rs. 3,638.21 crore for system modernization and smart distribution in the Gurugram and Faridabad districts.
Notably, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing the financial viability and operational efficiency of the power distribution sector.
Sh. Anil Vij shared that the scheme includes works such as inviting tenders for smart metering, starting the installation of prepaid smart meters, and other related tasks. The financial viability of distribution utilities is crucial for the entire power sector value chain.
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*Workshop held to combat drug abuse and strengthen rehabilitation*
Chandigarh, February 14– As part of the Haryana government’s continued efforts to fight drug abuse and provide better support for rehabilitation, a workshop under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of SC and BC, and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department Smt. G. Anupama was held today to discuss issues related to drug abuse, rehabilitation, and the welfare of addicts.
The workshop focused on developing a comprehensive approach to monitor and address drug abuse in the state. Key points of discussion included prevention strategies, monitoring systems, and rehabilitation efforts. A new rating system was presented, aimed at assessing and improving the quality of services provided by drug de-addiction centers across the state. The session also focused on enhancing welfare and rehabilitation efforts for those struggling with drug addiction, with an emphasis on long-term recovery strategies.
Senior officials from SEWA, the Health Department, and representatives from drug de-addiction centers, Counseling-cum-Rehabilitation Centers, and Registered Psychiatric Nursing were present at the event.