Haryana State Cold Storage Association meets the Chief Minister

Association thanks the Chief Minister for transitioning the cold storage market fee on lump-sum basis (slab-based system) and also reducing the slab rate as per their storing capacity

Slab-based system to provide significant relief to small and medium cold storage operators

Government committed to supporting trade, industry, and the agriculture Sector

Chandigarh, April 1 - A delegation from the Haryana State Cold Storage Association met Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today and expressed their gratitude for his decision to transition the cold storage market fee system from a lump sum to a slab-based structure and also reducing the slab rate as per their storing capacity.

The implementation of the slab-based lump-sum fee system and also reducing the slab rate as per their storing capacity will provide significant relief to small and medium cold storage operators. Under the new system, fees will be based on their storage capacity, which will not only ease the burden on smaller operators but also encourage new investors and entrepreneurs to enter the sector.

It is worth noting that the Haryana State Cold Storage Association had met with Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini to highlight the challenges posed by the lump sum market fee system. The Chief Minister listened attentively to the association's representatives and assured them that the issue would be addressed promptly. By amending the market fee system to better align with the industry's needs, the Chief Minister has demonstrated his government's commitment to supporting the trade, industry, and agriculture sectors. Under his leadership, the Haryana Government has made several key decisions aimed at promoting transparency and fostering entrepreneurship in trade policies, and this is one such significant step.

The representatives of the Cold Storage Association expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister, highlighting that this decision reflects his trade- and agriculture-friendly approach. They emphasized that the state government's move will not only provide relief to small and medium cold storage operators but will also help expand cold storage services across the state. This expansion will offer farmers better facilities for storing their crops, thereby strengthening the agriculture sector.

On this occasion, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana, Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Sh Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Chief Administrator of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board Sh Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, C.M.E.O. Board Sh Sunil Sharma, President of the Association Sh Baldev Raj Sethi, and other representatives were also present.

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Dr. Prem Singh assumes office as Director General, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Haryana

Chandigarh April 1: Dr. Prem Singh officially assumed the charge of Director General of the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department, Haryana, today. Prior to this, Dr. Singh served as the Joint Director at the department’s headquarters and brings with him extensive experience, having held several key positions within the department.

Dr. Prem Singh’s extensive knowledge and commitment to the welfare of the animal husbandry and dairy sector are poised to drive significant improvements and advancements in Haryana’s agricultural and rural development. His leadership is expected to strengthen initiatives and projects focused on promoting sustainable growth within the sector.

A large number of officers from the department, along with various employee and officers' associations, as well as individuals from different sectors of society, extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Prem Singh on his new appointment. They expressed confidence in his ability to lead the department to greater heights.

Dr. Singh’s appointment marks a new chapter in the growth and development of the Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department in Haryana. The department looks forward to benefiting from his capable leadership in the years to come.

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800 MW thermal power plant to be set up in Yamuna Nagar- Anil Vij

Strict action against illegal vehicles

Chandigarh, April 1- Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that a new 800 MW thermal power plant will be set up in Yamunanagar. Besides this, thermal power plants will also be established in Hisar and Panipat.

Sh. Anil Vij said this while interacting with the media here today.

He said that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure an adequate power supply during the upcoming summer season. Transformers have been upgraded, and if any transformer gets damaged, arrangements have been made to replace it immediately. He also directed officers to update the information about the availability of transformers online.

Responding to a question regarding electricity rates, Sh. Vij said that there has been no increase in electricity rates in Haryana for the past eight years. The electricity rates are determined by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission, and at present, there is no proposal to increase them.

In response to another question regarding illegal vehicles, the Transport Minister said that it is a serious problem and he has personally inspected the situation on the roads several times. He directed departmental officers to take appropriate action against illegal vehicles under the law, he added.

He said drug abuse is a social issue and society as a whole needs to come forward to eliminate it. He said that changing the mindset of those affected by addiction is the key solution.

Regarding the increase in toll tax rates, Sh. Vij stated that the central government is working on making the toll plaza system simpler and more efficient. Plans include installing automatic chips to make toll payment easier and more convenient for travelers.

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Repair work of all damaged roads should be completed by June 15 - Chief Minister

Any negligence or laxity will not be tolerated in this direction

Timely and high-quality road construction a top priority

Maintenance work of roads inside all mandis should also be ensured- Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, April 1 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has directed officials to complete the repair work of all damaged roads in the state by June 15. A special campaign should be launched to ensure that tendering and other necessary processes are completed within 15 days, enabling high-quality road repairs before the upcoming monsoon season.

The Chief Minister issued these instructions while chairing a review meeting of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board here today. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana was also present.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the condition of roads, the Chief Minister instructed officials to identify and initiate repairs within 15 days to provide relief to the general public. He further directed that roads transferred to the Zila Parishads in five districts should also be repaired within the stipulated timeframe, ensuring strict quality standards. He said that any negligence or laxity in road repairs would not be tolerated.

It is noteworthy that during the Vidhan Sabha budget session, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini had announced that all roads in Haryana would be renovated within six months, ensuring that no road in the state remains in poor condition.

The Chief Minister also called for expediting road widening projects. He directed officials to work towards increasing the width of roads maintained by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board from 12 feet to 18 feet, considering the growing traffic volume. In addition, he stressed the need for proper repair and maintenance of roads inside all Mandis to facilitate smooth movement for farmers bringing their produce.

During the meeting, it was informed that out of 4,313 roads maintained by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, 465 roads are 18 feet wide. The widening work for 34 more roads is in progress, while the tendering process is underway for an additional 35 roads covering 118 km.

Reviewing the progress of CM announcements, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure timely execution of all commitments. He urged all departments to work in close coordination to facilitate smooth implementation of development projects.

While giving instructions regarding the announcements made in the budget, the Chief Minister said that the concerned departments should make plans and work at a fast pace within the stipulated time frame ensuring 100% execution of all schemes on the ground for maximum public benefit.

During the review, he also issued necessary guidelines regarding key projects, including the Apple Market in Pinjore, the upcoming Flower Market in Gurugram, the India International Horticulture Market in Gannaur, and the Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteen.

Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh Raja Shekhar Vundru, Commissioner and Secretary Development and Panchayat Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, Chief Administrator Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, Sh Mukesh Kumar Ahuja, Director Agriculture, Sh Raj Naraian Kaushik, Director Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Sh. Rajesh Jogpal, Managing Director HAFED, Sh. Mukul Kumar and other officers were also present in the meeting.

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Government makes robust arrangements for wheat procurement: CM

Chandigarh, April 1 - Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has made comprehensive arrangements for wheat procurement. All necessary preparations have been completed in the Mandis to ensure farmers do not face any difficulties.

The Chief Minister said this while interacting with the media persons in Panchkula on Tuesday.

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said that all district officers have been directed to make arrangements for wheat procurement. The government will ensure that farmers do not face any problems while selling their crops.

The Chief Minister said that farmers' welfare is a top priority for the state government. Proper arrangements for gunny bags, cleanliness, and drinking water have been made in the Mandis. To ensure timely payments, guidelines have been issued to make payments to farmers within 48 to 72 hours after the procurement at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). This year, the central government has set the wheat price at Rs. 2,425 per quintal, he added.

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CM seeks blessings at Chandi Mata Temple

CM prays for the health and prosperity of the people of Haryana

Chandigarh, April 1 - Haryana Chief Minister,Sh. Nayab Singh Saini visited the Chandi Mata Temple on Tuesday to seek blessings for the health and bright future of the people of the state.

On the occasion of Navratri, the Chief Minister visited the Chandi Mata Temple in Panchkula to offer prayers. During his visit, he extended his greetings and best wishes for Navratri to the people of Haryana and expressed hope that, with the blessings of Mata Rani, the state would continue to progress rapidly. After this, the Chief Minister reached Yagnyashala and performed Havan.

MLA, Kalka, Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Mayor, Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta and other dignitaries also remained present.

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Strict action taken against illegal mining in Yamuna Nagar; 1692 vehicles checked, one vehicle seized, Fines of Rs. 4.32 lakh was imposed

Chandigarh, April 1- Following the directions of Director General, Mining and Geology Department, Sh. K.M Pandurang, the Mining Department is continuously taking action against illegal mining and transportation in the state. The district administration and mining department in Yamuna Nagar checked 1,692 vehicles. As a result, one vehicle was seized, and fines amounting to Rs.4.32 lakh were imposed on seven vehicles.

Sharing information in this regard a spokesperson from the mining department shared that the Haryana government is taking strict action against those involved in illegal mining. To ensure this, teams have been formed at various levels for regular monitoring. The administration is committed to curbing illegal mining and transportation in the district, and continuous efforts are being made in this direction.

The spokesperson said 946 vehicles were checked by the teams of SDM Chhachhrauli. Similarly, the teams under SDM Jagadhri checked 169 vehicles, seizing one vehicle and imposing a fine of Rs. 4.26 lakh. The teams led by SDM Radaur checked 466 vehicles, issuing challans to seven vehicles and collecting fines totaling Rs. 6,000. Besides this, the team under SDM Byaspur checked 111 vehicles. District’s SDMs, police, and mining department officers are conducting round-the-clock inspections, the spokesperson added.

The administration is monitoring illegal mining near the Yamuna River and other areas in the Yamunanagar district. Teams appointed by the district administration are actively checking mineral-vehicles on the roads to ensure they have valid e-Rawanna bills. Strict action is being taken against the culprits.

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Chief Secretary reviews arrangements for Prime Minister's visit with officers

Chandigarh , April 1 – Prime Minister, Sh Narendra Modi will inaugurate air travel services from Maharaja Agrasen Airport Hisar on April 14, marking the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. On the same day,the Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a new 800 MW unit at the Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar.

The Chief Secretary, Sh Anurag Rastogi reviewed the preparations for the Prime Minister's visit in a meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh Arun Gupta, senior officers from various departments.

Sh Anurag Rastogi directed the officers to ensure robust security and cleanliness arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit. He also directed them to ensure an uninterrupted power supply and adequate provisions for drinking water at the venues. Considering large public turnout, Chief Secretary stressed the need for effective traffic management to ensure public face no inconvenience.

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Shyam Singh Rana pushes for blue revolution

Directs officials to expedite plans and enhance coordination for fisheries and agriculture projects to boost farmers' income

Directives issued to fast-track projects, reclaim saline land, and promote aquaculture in Bhiwani and Sirsa Districts

Chandigarh, April 1: In a significant move to strengthen coordination between fisheries and agriculture in the state, Haryana Agriculture, Farmers' Welfare, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana held a high-level meeting with officials and issued directives to expedite projects through enhanced interdepartmental coordination.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the need for synergy among departments and directed officials to expedite ongoing projects. He stressed the necessity of working on a global level to explore additional income sources for farmers through aquaculture.

A key focus of the meeting was the fisheries projects in Bhiwani and Sirsa districts. The Minister instructed officials to have the final project drawings approved by the end of this month. Land possession for the Bhiwani project has already been secured, and blueprints for electricity and water supply are being developed. The tendering process will begin soon, with work set to commence by the end of April. Regarding the proposed Propad Fish Farm in Sirsa district, the Minister directed the department to submit a progress report to ensure timely completion. The process of identifying land for the 25-acre project is underway, and the Deputy Commissioner has been instructed to expedite land allocation.

The Minister emphasized the importance of joint meetings between the Fisheries, Agriculture, and Soil Conservation Departments to optimize water usage. He highlighted that water from waterlogged areas could be effectively utilized for both fisheries and shrimp cultivation, thereby fostering a sustainable blue revolution in the state.

He directed officials to identify additional saline water zones and develop projects to leverage them for aquaculture. The Minister also stated that after June, the government aims to reclaim one lakh acres of saline soil, transforming it into a productive resource.

Officials have been directed to conduct field visits and submit status reports on tubewell operations

The Minister stated that the government is providing a Rs 14 lakh per hectare subsidy for fish farming and instructed officials to connect eligible farmers with the scheme through a dedicated campaign to educate them on the benefits of fish farming. He also directed Agriculture department officials to compile a list of installed tubewells and launch an awareness drive to encourage farmers to effectively utilize government schemes. Furthermore, the Minister urged officials to collaborate with the Forest Department to plant eucalyptus and other trees on saline lands, creating an alternative source of income for farmers.

The Minister emphasized that fisheries have shown higher profitability compared to traditional agriculture, with horticulture also emerging as a highly lucrative sector. He highlighted that the state government is actively working to reduce dependency on conventional farming by promoting sustainable, high-income-generating alternatives. He said that district-level committees would be formed to ensure the smooth execution of projects.

Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Sh Raja Sekhar Vundru, who attended the meeting, assured that interdepartmental coordination would be prioritized to effectively harness saline water resources for shrimp farming.

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First budget of Nayab government will be written in golden letters in history of Haryana: Rao Narbir Singh

CM has given benefits to every section of society in budget: Rao Narbir Singh

Chandigarh, April 1 - Haryana Industry and Commerce, Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister Sh. Rao Narbir Singh said the first budget presented by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini is the most important budget of his 38 years of political life which will be written in golden letters in the history of Haryana. He said that when Haryana was formed in the year 1966, the budget of the state was Rs 650 crores which is now touching a new record of Rs 2.5 lakh crores. He said that when former Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal presented his first budget in the year 2014, a provision of 1.18 lakh crores was made in the budget. There has been an unexpected increase of 87,000 crores in the last 10 years for the welfare of the public. Rao Narbir Singh was addressing a press conference in Gurugram today.

He said that the Chief Minister has tried to give benefits to every section of the society through his first budget. He said that the BJP had made 214 announcements for the next five years in its Sankalp Patra. Some of these announcements have already been completed before the budget and 90 announcements will be completed this year with the set targets. He said that this budget will pave the way for the creation of a better and prosperous Haryana while ensuring the upliftment of all sections. He said that the Chief Minister has made a provision of Rs 5000 crore for the Lado Laxmi Yojana in the current budget.

Rao Narbir Singh said that there is no doubt over building a martyr's memorial in Naseebpur. The martyr's memorial will be developed here on 42 kanal i.e. 5.25 acres of land. He said that this is a matter related to the sentiments of the people of South Haryana. In the revolution of 1857, the people of Ahirwal fought against the British under the leadership of Rao Tularam in which a large number of people were martyred. He said that respect for the martyrs is a part of the ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The contribution of the martyrs cannot be forgotten in any way. The Cabinet Minister said that the Chief Minister has also given his approval to this. He clarified that this work will not be done by the Military and Paramilitary Welfare Department but by the Department of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture. There was a confusion regarding this in the past days. But now its DPR is being prepared by PWD-B&R. Lack of funds will not be allowed to become an obstacle in the construction of Shaheed Smarak. He said that the government is trying to get rid of waterlogging problem in Gurugram. Under these efforts, a permanent solution to the problem of waterlogging will soon be found in Narsinghpur as well. The Cabinet Minister said that drainage work is going on on the Dwarka Expressway. As soon as this work is completed, water drainage will be connected with drainage in Narsinghpur.

Rao Narbir Singh said that the government is also moving forward with full seriousness regarding the future water needs of Gurugram. He said that the Chief Minister has specially allotted an amount of Rs 2000 crores in the budget for the covered pipeline from Kakroi of Sonipat to Gurugram. He said that along with getting rid of the problem of water leakage from the entire project, the quality of water will also be maintained.

The Cabinet Minister said that in the coming five years, the foundation of the golden future of Gurugram will be laid with better connectivity and strong road network. He said for the development of infrastructure, an elevated road from Gurugram Jaipur National Highway to Vatika Chowk and four flyovers from Vatika Chowk to Ghata will be constructed at a cost of Rs 850 crore.

Rao Narbir Singh said that in the coming five years, his priority will be to provide smooth and easy traffic route to the general public by relieving the city from traffic jams. He said that he had a fruitful discussion with the Chief Minister to make Dhankot village on Gurugram Jhajjar road jam-free in which work will be done on the options of bypass for Badhsa AIIMS from Dwarka Expressway. Similarly, the process of land acquisition will be started soon for the bypass to be built in village Chandu.

The Environment Minister informed that the Forest and Wildlife Department has applied to the Central Zoo Authority and the Hon'ble Supreme Court regarding the world's largest jungle safari proposed in Gurugram. This project will be taken forward as soon as it is approved.

He informed that in view of the efforts to improve the environment, an Environment Training Center will be set up in I.M.T. Manesar, Gurugram, which will also strengthen the efforts to deal with pollution in Gurugram.

Rao Narbir Singh said that whatever renovation work is being done on the roads in Gurugram, before that the de-silting work of the drains along the road is being completed. He said that the officers have been instructed that the consent of the concerned RWA must be taken in the development work being completed in any area. Only after this the concerned contractor should be paid for the work.

He said that he is confident that the work of Metro expansion in the city will start on the ground on May 1. He said that the general public should not face any kind of inconvenience during this entire construction work. For this, he himself visited the proposed route along with GMDA and Metro officials and gave necessary instructions to the concerned officials.

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The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has announced its consumer-centric electricity tariff order for the financial year 2025-26, effective from April 1, 2025

The retail supply tariff schedulewithin the state has been revised after seven years i.e. FY 2017-18. It has been possible because of earnest efforts put in by both the DISCOMS i.e. UHBVN and DHBVN during the last 10 years. Both the DISCOMs has not only strategically improved the efficiency, but also reduced the AT&C losses from 30% to around 10% during this period. With this, the financial health of both the companies has significantly improved over the last decade. However, due to erratic increase in the fuel charges and other inflationary parameters, the prevailing retail supply tariff schedule has been revised, which is still lower for consumersas compared to the neighboring states.

Consumers in domestic category are divided into 3 categories on the basis of load. Out of total domestic consumers, around 78% consumers are having the load upto 2 KW, around 16% between 2-5 KW and only 6% are above 5 KW.

Earlier in FY 2020-21, tariff for the Category -I was reduced from Rs. 2.70 per unit to Rs. 2.00 per unit (0-50 units per month) and in case of consumption between 51 unit to 100 units the tariff was reduced from
Rs. 4.50 per unit to Rs. 2.50 per unit, which have now been fixed as
Rs 2.20 and Rs 2.70 per unit respectively in the latest Tariff Order. Further, this new tariff structure delivers immediate relief to households by eliminating the burden of Minimum Monthly Charges (MMC). However, two-part tariff regime has been introducedin which no fix charges will be levied on domestic consumers having monthly energy consumption upto300 units.The tariff for the Category-I domestic consumers is still one of the lowest in neighboring states.

In a move to further support farmers, the tariff for agriculture category having metered connection have been reduced by lowering Monthly Minimum Chagres (MMC) from the prevailing tariff of Rs. 200 per BHP per year to Rs. 180/144 per BHP per year as per the load. A new tariff slab above 20 KW for Agro Industry/FPO has been introduced to encourage emerging sectors such as Mushroom Compost and Spawn, High Tech Hydroponics, High Tech Aeroponics, and Cold Storage. With this decision, the tariff for above mentioned units is now fixed at
Rs. 6.50 per unit. Earlier, FPO units with load above 20 KW were being billed with tariff applicable to LT supply category.

Besides, the energy charges have been marginally increased for HT supply category and the resultant tariff for such consumers has been consciously kept below with the prevailing rates for HT supply category in neighboring states across northern region.

The HERC has carefully structured these revisions to prioritize the needs of key consumer segments, balancing the financial sustainability of distribution companies with tangible benefits for the people of Haryana.

The Haryana DISCOMs are committed to provide continuous and reliable supply to its consumers.

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*Express gratitude for the decision to reduce interest on delayed milk cess payments, including penalties, to 12% simple interest per annum*

*Another significant step by the government towards promoting the dairy sector*

Chandigarh, April 1 – Representatives of the Milk Plant Association and Milk Plant Owners of the state met Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today and expressed their gratitude for the decision to reduce the interest on delayed milk cess payments, including penalties, from 2% compound interest per month (24% per annum) to 12% simple interest per annum.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Sh Raja Sekhar Vundru and Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar were also present on this occasion.

It is noteworthy that, in a significant move to promote the state's dairy sector, the Haryana Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini recently, approved an amendment to Sub Rule (1) and (2) of Rule 21 of the Haryana Murrah Buffalo and Other Milch Animal Breed Rules, 2002.

The Haryana Milk Plant Association and milk plant owners had met with the Chief Minister and requested an amendment to the existing rules to alleviate the financial burden on milk plants across the state. This amendment will bring significant improvements in the dairy sector by reducing the financial pressure on milk processing industries, ensuring smooth operations and promoting overall development.

Under the new provisions, any delayed payment of fees or cess—along with any penalties—will attract simple interest at the rate of 12% per annum, starting from the due date of payment. The defaulting amount will only be considered to have been paid after both the principal amount and the interest have been paid. This amendment is set to provide a major fillip to the dairy industry, enhancing the operational ease for milk plants and supporting Haryana’s position as a key player in the milk processing industry.

On this occasion, Vice-President of the Haryana Milk Plant Association Sh Vipin Gupta, Sh Gyan Prakash Gupta from Karnal Dairy Milk Food Limited, CEO of Vita Ambala Sh Rakesh Kumar, Devender Punia from Sabar Dairy Rohtak Amul, Baljeet Reddu from Lakshya Dairy Jind, and representatives from various other milk plants were also present.