HARYANA CABINET

Chandigarh March 20: Haryana Cabinet will meet under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini at the Main Committee Room, 4th Floor, Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh at 6 pm on March 25, 2025.

========================================

Fund of Rs 1 crore each released to 25 MLAs for development works under the Vidhayak Adarsh Gram Yojana - CM

CM urges remaining MLAs to submit list of development works

Chandigarh, March 20 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that following the principles of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas" as outlined by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, a fund of Rs 1 crore each has been released to 25 MLAs for development works in their assembly constituencies in the state under the Vidhayak Adarsh Gram Yojana.

The Chief Minister was speaking during the ongoing budget session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha today.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further urged the remaining MLAs to submit the list of development works of their respective constituencies, so that the fund under the Vidhayak Adarsh Gram Yojana can be released to them at the earliest.

Additionally, he mentioned that in the State Budget for 2025-26, an allocation of Rs 5 crore has been made for each MLA for development works in their constituencies. This amount will be given in three installments.

============================

Chief Minister releases first installment of Rs.151 Crore to 36,000 eligible families under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana

Double-Engine government constantly working to make life easier for the people - Nayab Singh Saini

State Government to provide 5 lakh houses to eligible families in cities and villages

State Government is committed to provide a roof over every head under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Chandigarh, March 20 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today released the first installment of Rs. 151 crore to the accounts of 36,000 eligible families in the state as financial assistance to build their pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana. As part of the first installment, Rs. 45,000 was transferred to each eligible family for house construction.

The amount was released by the Chief Minister during a programme organized during ongoing budget session in the Haryana Assembly here today. The Deputy Commissioners in the districts and Chief Executive Officers Zila Parishad virtually joined the programme.

While congratulating the beneficiaries, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that it is the dream of a poor person to have his own house. Today, through this program, the construction of 36,000 homes is starting in the state. This day will mark the beginning of a better future for all these families. When people progress, the country and the state progress as well, he added.

The Chief Minister further said that the present government in its Sankalp Patra had promised to provide 5 lakh homes to poor families in cities and villages. Today, the double-engine government is taking successful steps in this direction. Quoting an example of double engine, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was launched to provide permanent homes to every family, and to further this vision, the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana is being implemented in the state. While the state government is providing plots under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, financial assistance is being extended to build houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He said that the double-engine government is working continuously to make life easier for the people.

The Chief Minister informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, homes given to 28,815 beneficiaries in rural areas, and 4,238 houses are currently under construction. Financial assistance of Rs. 414.32 crore has been provided to the beneficiaries. In addition, under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana 2.0, 100-square yard plots have been allotted to 4,532 beneficiaries across 62 villages. A portal has been launched for those eligible families in villages who have not yet benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Such families can fulfill their dream of a pucca house by registering on the portal. He said that this registration has also started under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban, financial assistance has been provided to 76,141 beneficiaries for house construction. In addition, under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana - Urban, 30-square yard plots have been provided to 15,256 families in 14 cities for building houses. Efforts are underway to provide basic amenities such as sewerage, water, roads, and electricity in these areas. The booking portal for making 15,696 plots available to eligible beneficiaries in 16 cities opened on March 17, 2025. Furthermore, one lakh people have applied under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0 Urban, and the verification process is ongoing, with financial assistance soon to be provided to the eligible beneficiaries for house construction.

State Government also making efforts to provide housing facility to workers industrial areas

The Chief Minister said that the state government has also made a policy to provide housing facility to migrant workers in industrial areas. Residential complexes, including dormitories and single-room accommodations, will be constructed in industrial estates. In addition, 1,600 flats will be built in Sonipat for rental housing.

He urged all officers to carry out awareness drive and ensure the maximum registration of eligible families under the schemes so that the beneficiaries can get their house as soon as possible.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to providing a roof to every family under the vision of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. He expressed hope that the government would continue to make progress in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of providing a home to every person in the country.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary Housing for All Department Mohammad Shayin, Commissioner and Secretary Development and Panchayats Department Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General Information Public Relations and Language Department Sh K. Makrand Pandurang, Director General Housing for All Department Sh J Ganeshan and other officers were also present on this occasion.

===================================

हरियाणा नागरिक संसाधन सूचना विभाग के आयुक्त एवं सचिव, श्री विकास गुप्ता एन. आई. सी. हरियाणा राज्य केंद्र द्वारा चंडीगढ़ में दो दिवसीय डी. आई. ओ. अधिवेशन व तकनीकी प्रशिक्षण कार्यशाला में उपस्थित जन को सम्बोधित करते हुए।

==============================

*People put a full stop to Congress in the elections - Chief Minister*

*Country and State have progressed rapidly under Prime Minister's leadership for the last 10 years - Nayab Singh Saini*

Chandigarh, March 20 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that he will respond to the budget on the floor of the House on the March 27th. He said that every question raised by the opposition regarding the budget would be addressed. He also said that opposition members must attend the session and listen to his statement on that day.

The Chief Minister was interacting with media persons after the budget session in the Vidhan Sabha here today.

He criticized the opposition’s attempts to mislead the House about the budget for the financial year 2025-26, calling it inappropriate. He clarified that the state's outstanding loan remains at 6.67 percent of the prescribed limit, the same level as it was in 2014-15.

Reacting to Congress referring to the “non-stop” government as a "full stop" in the House, the Chief Minister said that the public has already put a full stop to Congress in the civic elections. He further added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the current government is progressing at three times the speed.

The Chief Minister said that for the past 10 years, both the country and the state have experienced rapid progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. He highlighted the development of a vast road network in the state, the establishment of medical colleges in every district, the establishment of colleges for girls within a 20-kilometer radius, and the doubling of hospital capacities. In addition, he mentioned the provision of tap water and clean water to every household. He recalled that during Congress rule, women had to carry water on their heads from a distance of two kilometers, but under the double-engine government led by Prime Minister Modi, this issue has been resolved, ensuring that every household now receives clean water through taps.

The Chief Minister further said that under the government's resolution to provide 24-hour electricity, about 5,600 villages are currently receiving uninterrupted power supply. He reiterated Prime Minister Sh Nareendra Modi's commitment to making India a developed nation by 2047, stating that Haryana will stand shoulder to shoulder with this resolve.

In response to a question about the opening of Shambhu and Khanauri borders in Punjab, the Chief Minister said that farmers were protesting at the sites. The Center is also continuously talking to the farmers on their demands and has given more time for this. People should also not face any problems.

When asked about the swearing-in ceremony for the Mayor and councilors following the civic elections, the Chief Minister said that the event is scheduled to take place in Panchkula.

Director General Information Public Relations and Languages Department Sh K. Makrand Pandurang and Media Secretary Sh Praveen Attrey were also present on the occasion.

======================================

Administrative approval of Rs 38.67 crore was given for 56 ponds under Amrit Sarovar Yojana in Sadhaura Assembly

Chandigarh, March 20- Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that administrative approval of Rs 38.67 crore was given for 56 ponds under Amrit Sarovar Yojana in Sadhaura Assembly constituency during the year 2022 and 2023, out of which Rs 17.07 crore was released. Out of that, Rs 16.42 crore has been spent.

Responding to the question of the member in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, the minister said that the work of 31 out of 56 ponds in Sadhaura has been completed and work on the remaining 25 ponds will start soon. She informed that Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority has prepared a pond atlas of all the ponds in the state of Haryana, the information of which has been uploaded in the Data Management System Software under 19 parameters.

====================================

Proposed roads of Bawani Khera Assembly constituency falling under the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board will be constructed by March 31, 2026

Chandigarh, March 20 - Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the proposed roads of Bawani Khera Assembly constituency falling under the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board will be constructed by March 31, 2026.

Sh. Rana was responding to a question asked by a member of the House during the budget session of the Assembly today.

In the House, it was requested to get the kutcha road from village Milkpur to Aurangnagar in Bawani Khera Assembly constituency paved and to get the road constructed from Ward No. 3 of Bawani khera to Sundar Branch Canal, from village Jatu Luhari to village Prem Nagar, from railway gate of Bawani Khera to village Bhurtana, from village Sirsa Ghoghra to railway line, from Buklana Johar Baliali to village Sagban, from village Bamla-Rewari Kheda to village Dhani Harsukh and from village Rohnat to village Hajampur through Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board. In response, Sh. Rana said that out of these roads, except four Karam roads, the remaining six roads will be constructed through the board. He also assured that the construction work of these roads will be completed by March 31, 2026.

=======================================

Tenders will be re-issued by May 7, 2025 for the construction of 100-bed hospital in Nilokheri, Primary Health Centre in village Gularpur and village Samana Bahu.

Chandigarh, March 20 - Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that tenders will be re-issued by May 7, 2025 for the construction of 100-bed hospital in Nilokheri, Primary Health Centre in village Gularpur and village Samana Bahu. Apart from these, the tender work for the construction of Primary Health Centre, Sagga will be completed by the end of May 2025.

The Health Minister was responding to a question asked by a member of the House during the budget session of the Assembly today.

She said that all these works will be completed within 18 months of the tender. She said that the state government is trying to provide quality health services to the people of the state and she will also hold a meeting with the Public Works Department to expedite the construction work.

Responding to a question of another member, the Health Minister said that the government has recently completed the process of selection of 561 doctors and the recruitment process of 777 doctors is in its final stage. Soon, efforts will be made to fill the vacant posts of doctors at the Loharu Sub-Divisional Civil Hospital. She also informed that 2 Ayurvedic Medical Officers have also been appointed through the AYUSH Department. MLA of Loharu Assembly constituency Sh. Rajbir Fartia thanked Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Health Minister Arti Singh Rao for approving a 100-bed hospital in Loharu.

=====================================

A proposal to solve the problem of falling groundwater level in villages Rajgarh, Dharan, Narsinghpur Gadhi, Takdi

Chandigarh, March 20 - Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry said a proposal to solve the problem of falling groundwater level in villages Rajgarh, Dharan, Narsinghpur Gadhi, Takdi and surrounding villages falling under the Bawal Assembly Constituency is under consideration of the government and this work will start in the financial year 2025-26.

Responding to a question asked by a member in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha today, she said that Bawal Assembly Constituency falls in the dark zone. The groundwater level of the area has gone down to 1200 feet. During the Chief Minister's Jan Samvad program, the villagers had raised a demand regarding this matter, on which the Chief Minister had given directions to prepare a plan for it.

The department has prepared a project for filling up the existing ponds of Rajgarh, Dharan, Narsinghpur Gadhi, Takdi and surrounding villages of Bawal Assembly constituency from the end of Sanjarpur Distributory as well as construction of new canal based water storage tanks at a cost of Rs 2669.00 lakh. Work on this project will be started soon, she added.

==========================================

MRI and Cath Lab services will be started soon at Sonipat Civil Hospital: Health Minister

Chandigarh, March 20 - Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that MRI and Cath Lab services will be started soon at the Sonipat Civil Hospital. Apart from this, the appointment of Civil Surgeon will also be done soon.

The Health Minister was responding to a question asked by a member of the House during the budget session of the Assembly today.

Arti Singh Rao said that an ultrasound machine is already available at the Sonipat Civil Hospital. A request is being sent to Haryana Medical Services Corporation Limited to issue a tender for the purchase of machine for MRI service, whereas a tender was issued by the corporation for establishing a Cath Lab but no bid was received. The tender will be issued again for this soon.

She said the state government is trying to start MRI and Cath Lab services at the Sonipat Civil Hospital as soon as possible.

======================================

ITI building at Chorpura village in Kunjpura block of Karnal is about to be completed and 145 students are being trained in the ITI presently being run in Karnal.

Chandigarh, March 20- Haryana Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Minister Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that the ITI building at Chorpura village in Kunjpura block of Karnal is about to be completed and 145 students are being trained in the ITI presently being run in Karnal. Classes will be shifted to the newly constructed building within the next 2 months.

14 rooms and 8 workshops are being made in the under-construction building and 232 students will be able to take training in the ITI.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam was replying to a question asked by Indri MLA Sh. Ram Kumar Kashyap in the Assembly Budget Session today.

=======================================

Farmers to receive electricity connections for tube wells soon: Krishan Lal Panwar

Chandigarh, March 20– Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh.Krishan Lal Panwar said that farmers who deposited security for electricity tube wells by July 31, 2023, will soon receive 10 kW (BHP) to 12.5 kW (BHP) solar energy connections from the state government.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar was responding to questions asked by MLA’s during the Haryana Vidhan Sabha session today.

He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini the government is providing 100-square-yard plots to underprivileged families to ensure everyone has a home. The state government is also giving the rights of those plots and also getting the registry done.

He further said that if any eligible person has not yet received ownership of a 100-square-yard plot in their village, they should inform the concerned Panchayat Department officers in writing, and the government will ensure their rightful claims.

Sh. Panwar said that 4,547 colonies across the state have been regularised, with 2,200 already inhabited. The government has also spent Rs.391 crore on providing electricity and water in these colonies.

Besides this, he said that if any village wants to set up a gaushala on Panchayat land, they can get the land on lease from the Panchayat Department. Under the ‘Khet Khalihan Yojana’, the government will also work on paving agricultural field roads of karam three and four.

========================================

NIC Haryana State Centre is organizing a two-day DIO Convention and Technical Training Workshop at Chandigarh

Chandigarh March 20- NIC Haryana State Centre is organizing a two-day DIO Convention and Technical Training Workshop at Chandigarh during which various topics of IT industry and various ICT projects successfully implemented by NIC in the state will be discussed.

For its inauguration, Shri Vikas Gupta (IAS), Commissioner and Secretary (Citizen Resource Information Department), Haryana were present as the Chief Guest and Shri Rajesh Mishra, Deputy Director General, NIC, Headquarters were present as the Special Guest.

On this occasion, Deputy Director General and State Informatics Officer Shri Deepak Bansal welcomed the Chief Guest and Special Guest and addressed the participants.

During his address, Shri Vikas Gupta shared his pleasant experience with NIC in providing citizen-centric services. While extending his best wishes to the newly appointed officers, he motivated them to contribute diligently in the successful journey of NIC. He praised the dedicated contribution of NIC in the digital development of Haryana.

Mr. Rajesh Mishra, who is currently heading the Cyber Security and Information Security Audit Group of NIC, gave his presentation on cyber security and hygiene and described in detail the impressive initiatives being taken by NIC in this field. He also resolved the queries of the participants present during the discussion.

========================================

Health Minister calls meeting for purchase of medicines and medical equipment today

Chandigarh, March 20 - Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has set a unique example by calling a meeting of the "Special High Powered Purchase Committee" in the middle of the budget session of the Assembly. In this meeting, rates will be finalized for the panelization of all those medicines, medical consumables, testing laboratories and purchase of medical equipment, about which many MLAs had raised issues during the proceedings of the House.

During the Question Hour of the House, many members had raised the issue of machines, equipment and laboratory testing facilities for the treatment of diseases in government hospitals of their respective areas. The Health Minister had assured them that the issues raised by the MLAs in the House will be resolved on priority. The Health Minister today directed the officials to call a meeting of the "Special High Powered Purchase Committee" on March 21 itself.

The officers immediately followed the instructions and started preparations for the meeting

==============================================

Haryana government's tough stand against sellers of fake and adulterated seeds

The government has introduced a bill in the Assembly

Once passed, it will categorize such offenses as cognizable and non-bailable

Those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years

Fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh will be imposed on the offenders

Chandigarh, March 20 – The Haryana government is set to take stringent action against individuals and companies involved in selling fake, adulterated, and substandard seeds. To address this issue, the government is enacting tougher laws. Today, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha passed a bill amending the existing Seed Act, which introduces harsher penalties and fines. Once the bill is approved by the Governor and notified, it will become law.

While there was already a law in place to regulate seed quality, the low penalties and fines under the previous law failed to deter those involved in selling counterfeit or substandard seeds. The newly amended law, however, includes strict provisions aimed at both companies producing fake seeds and those selling them.

What was the first law

The Seed Act was first implemented in 1966 and later amended in 1972. The primary objective of the Seed Act, 1966, by the Government of India, was to regulate the quality of seeds for food crops, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, cotton, animal fodder, jute, and other crops. The goal was to ensure that farmers have access to high-quality seeds for better crop production.

Why amendment required

The sale and distribution of fake, adulterated, and substandard seeds has not been effectively controlled, as the current penal provisions under the existing Act are not stringent enough. As a result, farmers are often forced to purchase substandard seeds, which negatively impacts crop production, raises the cost of farming, and ultimately harms the national economy.

To address this issue, the Haryana government has taken the initiative to amend the old Act in order to curb the sale of substandard seeds. As part of this amendment, Section 19-A has been added after Section 19, which addresses violations of Section 7 of the Insecticides Act, 1966, in the State of Haryana. To ensure stricter enforcement, the state government has made such violations a cognizable and non-bailable offense.

What was the punishment and penalty earlier, what will be now

Under the old Act, the provisions for penalizing companies or producers involved in the production or manufacture of fake, adulterated, and substandard seeds were limited. For a first offense, the penalty was only a fine, and the maximum fine was a nominal Rs. 500. In the case of a second or subsequent offense, the company or producer could face a maximum of six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs. 1000, or both.

Similarly, if any person or seed seller was found guilty of selling or distributing fake, adulterated, or substandard seeds, the penalty for a first offense was also just a fine, with a maximum of Rs. 500. For a second or subsequent offense, the person or seed seller could face up to six months in prison, a fine of up to Rs. 1000, or both.

The amended provisions have significantly strengthened the penalties for those involved in the production, sale, and distribution of fake, adulterated, and substandard seeds. Under the new provisions, any company or producer found guilty of producing or manufacturing such seeds will face a minimum imprisonment of one to two years, along with a fine ranging from one lakh rupees to three lakh rupees for the first offense. In the case of a second or subsequent offense, the punishment increases to a minimum of two to three years of imprisonment, and a fine ranging from three lakh rupees to five lakh rupees.

Similarly, for persons or seed sellers found guilty of selling and distributing fake, adulterated, or substandard seeds, the new law imposes a minimum imprisonment of six months to one year, along with a fine of 50,000 rupees to one lakh rupees for the first offense. For a second or subsequent offense, the punishment increases to a minimum of one to two years of imprisonment, with a fine ranging from one lakh rupees to two lakh rupees.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers. He said that the amendment to the Seed Act aims to take strict action against those responsible for selling and distributing fake, adulterated, and substandard seeds in the state. The primary goal is to ensure that farmers have access to quality seeds, which will ultimately protect agricultural productivity and strengthen the economy.

========================================

Fake pesticide sellers to face strict action

The government has introduced a bill in the assembly aimed at safeguarding farmers' interests

Once law passed, strict measures will be enforced against those involved in selling counterfeit pesticides

Those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 3 years

Fines between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 5 lakh will be imposed

Chandigarh, March 20 – The Haryana government is set to introduce a stringent law targeting the sale of counterfeit and substandard pesticides in the state. In today’s assembly session, the Haryana government passed a bill amending the existing Insecticides Act, increasing penalties and fines for offenders. Once approved and notified by the Governor, this will come into effect as law.

The first Insecticides Act was introduced by the Government of India in 1968. The objective of the Insecticides Act of 1968 was to regulate the manufacture, sale, import, transportation, distribution, and use of pesticides to safeguard soil, human health, and animals from any potential harm. This Act was implemented nationwide on September 2, 1968.

Why amendment is required

Under the provisions of the existing Act, it has been observed that the production and sale of counterfeit and misbranded pesticides pose a significant challenge. The lenient penalties outlined in the current law have failed to instill sufficient fear in offenders, leading to the exploitation of farmers by sellers and manufacturers of fake pesticides. This has resulted in increased agricultural production costs, reduced crop yields, and adverse effects on the environment, human health, and the nation's economy.

In light of these issues, the Haryana Government has deemed it necessary to amend the outdated law in order to curb the sale of counterfeit and misbranded pesticides. For this purpose, sub-sections (i) and (ii) of sub-section (1) of section 29 of the Insecticides Act, 1968 of the State of Haryana have been substituted.

Under the provisions of the old Act, the first offense is punishable with a maximum of two years imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000, or both. For the second or subsequent offenses, the offender faces a maximum of three years imprisonment, a fine ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 75,000, or both.

What will be the punishment now

However, under the amendment proposed by the Haryana Government, for a first-time offense, the offender will face a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. For a second or subsequent offense, the punishment increases to a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years imprisonment, and a fine ranging from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

According to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, the primary objective of the amendment to the Insecticide Act is to regulate and control the manufacture, sale, and distribution of fake and misbranded pesticides through stricter provisions.