A well-crafted legislative draft should not only address existing issues but also guide society toward progress- CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chief Minister addresses the participants of the 36th International Training Programme in Legislative Drafting

Delegatges from 13 countries participate in the Programme

Haryana implements technological and structural reforms for transparent and accountable legislative system

State moving steadily toward a more modern, inclusive, and accessible legislative process- Chief Minister

Chandigarh April 16: Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, emphasized that while drafting legislation, it is essential to consider not only the language of the law but also the emotions, needs, and aspirations of society. A well-crafted legislative draft should not only address existing issues but also guide society toward progress. Therefore, clarity, equality, and active citizen participation must be given special importance in the legislative process.

The Haryana Government has consistently worked to ensure that policy and law-making processes are inclusive and robust. Through e-Governance, the state has introduced greater transparency in governance and made significant strides in sectors such as education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment. "We are now steadily moving toward making the legislative process more modern, inclusive, and accessible," he added.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks while addressing the participants of the 36th International Training Programme in Legislative Drafting, being organized at the Haryana Vidhan Sabha from April 16 to April 21, 2025.

The training programme is being held in collaboration with the Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) of the Lok Sabha Secretariat. A total of 28 participants from 13 countries are taking part in this initiative. Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, was also present on the occasion.

Legislative drafting is not merely a technical exercise, it is a visionary process

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that India, as the world's largest democracy, takes great pride in its legislative system, which has consistently set benchmarks in social justice, inclusivity, and transparency. Legislative drafting is not merely a technical exercise, it is a visionary process that embodies the spirit of social transformation, upholds constitutional values, and reflects the aspirations of the people. He said that the motto of our Legislative Drafting and Research Institute is ‘Prarupan Gyaanam Abhyase Shobhate’, that is, continuous practice and knowledge is necessary for correct drafting. Today's training program is also based on this concept.

Haryana made significant strides towards establishing a digital legislature

He said that the Haryana Vidhan Sabha has consistently taken the lead in advancing this vision. We have implemented various technological and structural reforms aimed at fostering a more transparent and accountable legislative system. He added that significant strides have been made towards establishing a digital legislature in Haryana. These initiatives have not only enhanced the efficiency of our legislators but have also made access to legislative information more convenient and accessible for the general public.

Training programme makes a significant step towards fostering mutual understanding

While referring to the International Training Programme in Legislative Drafting, the Chief Minister said that this training programme is not merely a formal exercise; it represents a significant step towards fostering mutual understanding, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, and promoting legislative transparency among nations. This platform serves as a valuable medium for sharing experiences, gaining insights into each other's legislative frameworks, and collectively working towards strengthening our democratic institutions. Today, as participants from various countries have come together, it stands as a testament to global cooperation and partnership. Such events further strengthen India’s timeless philosophy of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the world is one family, asserted the Chief Minister.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the objective of this training programme is also to acquaint the participants with the intricacies, procedures, constitutional framework, and practical examples of legislative drafting. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and experiences shared in this programme will contribute to strengthening the legislative processes in their respective countries.

The Chief Minister remarked that the visit of the participants was not merely a formal engagement, but the beginning of a lasting friendship. On behalf of the people of Haryana, he assured them that the doors of the state would always remain open to them. “When you return to your countries, may you carry with you cherished memories of India and Haryana’s rich culture, warm hospitality, enduring friendships, and meaningful experiences,” he added.On this occasion, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini and Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh Harvinder Kalyan also honoured the participants of the training program by presenting them with mementos.

Legislative drafting skills is key to the legislative process- Speaker, Sh Harvinder Kalyan

Speaking on this occasion, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh Harvinder Kalyan said that it is a matter of delight that, “PRIDE” , under the guidance of Speaker Lok Sabha has been conducting capacity building programs since 1985. In the series of such training, this is the 36th International Training Programme in Legislative Drafting, with the aim to enhance Legislative Drafting skills - a foremost requirement in the legislative process. The valuable experience gained by them will add efficiency and vigor to their areas of work.

Several new initiatives undertaken during his tenure to reform and strengthen the parliamentary system

He stated that during his tenure as Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha, he has undertaken several new initiatives aimed at reforming and strengthening the parliamentary system. These initiatives include organizing training programmes for legislators and staff of the legislature secretariat, conducting Youth Parliaments, convening meetings of all Leaders of Legislature Parties, enhancing the effectiveness of the parliamentary device “Zero Hour,” providing ample opportunities for legislators to raise matters of public importance, and maintaining order and decorum in the House.

Former Law Secretary to the Government of India and Course Director at PRIDE, Sh. K.N. Chaturvedi, provided a detailed overview of the training programme and highlighted the key requirements for effective legislative drafting. He also praised the significant development that has taken place in Haryana in recent years. Sharing his experience, he mentioned that during their journey from Delhi to Chandigarh, the delegation observed firsthand how progressive and peaceful the state of Haryana is.

Group leader Mr Alejandro Nicolas Weisson Nemalceff thanked Haryana Vidhan Sabha and PRIDE for organizing this training programme. He expressed his confidence that the new techniques and enhanced efficiency in legislative drafting gained through this programme will certainly help participants further strengthen the democratic systems in their respective countries.

Advisor Foreign Cooperation Department Sh Pawan Chaudhary, Media Secretary to Chief Minister Sh Praveen Atrey, senior officers of Lok Sabha and Haryana Vidhan Sabha were also present on this occasion.

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Resolving complaints of citizens priority of government: Shyam Singh Rana

Chandigarh, April 16 – A total of 15 complaints were heard in the meeting of District Public Relations and Grievances Committee chaired by Haryana's Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana. Out of these, 6 complaints were resolved and for the resolution of 9 complaints, the concerned officers were directed to submit a report in the next meeting.

Sh. Rana was chairing the meeting of District Public Relations and Grievances Committee in Jhajjar today.

In the meeting, 6 complaints were settled on the spot with the satisfaction of the complainants. Apart from the agendas set in the meeting, other citizens also came with their complaints, on whose complaints the minister took cognizance and directed the officers to provide relief to the citizens by resolving them immediately.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the government is serious about solving the problems of the citizens. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini himself is monitoring the Jan Samadhan system.

During the public hearing, some complaints came up which were already resolved by the district administration, so the concerned complainants did not attend the meeting. In such cases, the Cabinet Minister himself called the complainants on mobile to know the status of the complaint and asked whether they were satisfied with the solution. The complainants said their problems have been resolved. On this, the minister directed the officials to close those complaints formally.

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Government's focus on making ‘sem’ infested land fertile: Shyam Singh Rana

Promotion of natural and organic farming government's priority: Agriculture minister

Chandigarh, April 16 - Haryana's Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the government is trying to make the ‘sem’ affected land fertile again and is implementing grant-based schemes.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana was chairing a joint meeting of departmental officers related to farming, prominent farmers and fish farmers in Jhajjar district today.

He said a report should be prepared by surveying the ‘sem’ infested land in Jhajjar district. 1,86,925 acres of land is ‘sem’ infested in Jhajjar district. He said this year, the target of making at least 10,000 acres of land free from this problem.

The Agriculture Minister said the saline water extracted from land can be used for fish farming. This will give double benefit to farmers. Where there is saline land, fish farming can be started by digging a pond near it. Saline water is considered the best for shrimp. For this, grant-based schemes have been made and implemented by the government. The minister was told that a farmer from Bakara village has started project work on this. The Agriculture Minister said the farmer should be given full help in preparing this project and he himself will observe this project during the next visit.

The minister said for the benefit of fish farmers, the government is going to start the facility of mobile water testing lab. It is also considering increasing the limit and scope of grant-based schemes. The government is trying to increase the income of farmers, promote organic and natural farming instead of chemical farming.

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Haryana Right to Service Commission directs Municipal Corporation-Faridabad to pay Rs 5,000 compensation to complainant

Chandigarh, April 16 – In a significant decision, the Haryana Right to Service Commission has expressed displeasure over the functioning of Municipal Corporation-Faridabad and ordered to pay Rs 5,000 compensation to a complainant.

Faridabad resident Shri Raja Ram had lodged a complaint before the Commission that his property tax has been wrongly assessed to a very high amount by Municipal Corporation-Faridabad. He said transparency was not maintained in tax assessment and despite repeated requests, neither the correct calculation was done on time nor his objections were resolved.

Giving information, a spokesperson of the Commission said after investigating the matter, the Commission found that even though the property tax has been recalculated by the corporation, unnecessary delay in this process is regrettable. The Commission clarified that if the complainant had not approached the Commission and had not made continuous efforts, he would have had to pay a huge amount of property tax on the basis of arbitrary calculation done by the department.

It is noteworthy that the Municipal Corporation-Faridabad had initially fixed the property tax of Rs 16,06,360 and 70 paise for the year 2023-24, which has now been reduced to Rs 87,358.

Exercising powers vested under Section 17(1)(H) of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, the Commission has ordered to provide compensation of Rs 5,000 to the complainant. This compensation will be given from the funds of Municipal Corporation-Faridabad.

The Commissioner, Municipal Corporation-Faridabad, has been directed to deposit this amount in the bank account of the complainant and recover this compensation from the employees responsible in the case who repeatedly made wrong calculations and caused unnecessary delay.

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In a first, ECI trains Booth Level Agents to strengthen grassroot participation by political parties

Around 280 BLAs from Bihar of 10 recognised political parties take part in 2-day training programme

Chandigarh, April 16 - The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the training of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from Bihar in view of the forthcoming elections in the State. Around 280 BLAs from the State associated with 10 recognised political parties are taking part in the 2-day training programme being organised at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.

Chief Election Commissioner Sh. Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi addressed the BLAs in a first of its kind training programme. The training was conceptualised during the Chief Electoral Officers’ (CEO) conference held on March 4, 2025. The Commission underscored the importance of BLAs in the election processes and asserted that the training programme would help them fulfil their responsibilities as delineated in the Representation of People act, 1950 and 1951, Registration of Elector Rules 1960, Conduct of Election Rules 1961 and the manuals, guidelines and instructions issued by ECI from time to time.

The BLAs were given an overview of their appointment, roles, and responsibilities as per the legal framework. The training programme familiarised them with various aspects of the election processes including the preparation, updation and revision of electoral rolls and the associated forms and formats associated. BLAs are appointed by recognised political parties and play an important role in ensuring error-free electoral rolls as per the provisions of the RP act, 1950. The BLAs were also trained in the use of the provision of first and second appeals under sections 24(a) and 24(b) of the RP Act 1950 in case they are aggrieved of the final electoral rolls as published.