Haryana will soon get its state song reflecting the history, heritage and culture of the state as Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday introduced a proposal in this regard during the first day of the winter session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

Three songs chosen by the government were played in the House which will decide on one song to be officially declared as the state song for the upcoming year. The song encapsulates Haryana's rich history, heritage and culture, symbolizing a significant cultural milestone for the state.

Presenting the proposal, Khattar said that though Haryana came into existence on 1st November 1966, it has been the centre of our history, tradition and culture since the pre-Vedic period. The people of Haryana have always made several sacrifices in defending the nation and significantly contributed to nation-building, he said.

“Haryana has its own emblem, it does not have a State Song that represents its history and culture and embodies the virtues and contributions of its people. The State Song once adopted will provide a new proud identity to all Haryanvis irrespective of their caste, gender religion or economic status” said Khattar.

He added that the song options have been chosen through an elaborate process from amongst 204 entries submitted by the people of the State in response to public invitation through newspaper advertisements. “The song is adopted initially one year from today as the State Song of Haryana. I hope the State song will represent the collective will people of Haryana whom we all represent” said the Chief Minister.

He said that members should share their opinions after reviewing these songs on December 19, 2023. In addition, if they wish to propose a new draft of the song, they are encouraged to do so.

Centre to set up AIIMS Rewari soon

Replying to a question, Khattar said that the Central Government will soon establish AIIMS in Rewari. The Haryana Government is actively advancing the project by collaborating with the Central Government, and the tender process will start soon.

He was replying to a question raised by MLA Sh Chiranjeev Rao during the Question Hour on the first day of the winter session of the Haryana Assembly.  Khattar highlighted that in response to the 2015 demand from the people of Rewari, the decision to build AIIMS was announced. The state government actively pursued this matter through discussions with the central government, and in 2022, our request was accepted.

He mentioned that the initially identified land for AIIMS was found to be under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department. Subsequently, a new piece of land was chosen. Following this, the Haryana government acquired the land for AIIMS, leasing it to the Central Government, and a boundary wall has also been erected. The construction responsibility lies with the Central Government, and processes such as tender invitations are set to conclude soon, initiating the construction phase, he added.

Haryana govt ready to reform system in public interest

Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Varun Chaudhary, Khattar said that the present state government is always prepared to reform systems in the public interest whenever the need arises. He said that before the year 1976, there were separate rules for issuing bills of salary, allowances etc. for gazetted and non-gazetted. Before 1976, gazetted officers could independently sign their bills, while non-gazetted officers relied on the DDO for the same. However, on July 12, 1976, the government discontinued this system, centralizing DDO power to authorize an officer for all bills and salaries. He said that the issue spans 47 years, and despite the state being under the governance of Congress for 21.5 years, INLD for 11.5 years, and Haryana Vikas Party for 3.5 years, no one raised the matter. He emphasized that the rule change in 1976 aimed to reform the system, and currently, there is no consideration for further modifications.  The Chief Minister said that if a member gives any proposal to change the system in the public interest, we will consider it.

Three bills introduced in Assembly

Three bills were introduced on the first day of the winter session of the Assembly. These include the Haryana Settlement of Outstanding Dues (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Amendment Act, 2023 and the Haryana Private Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Assembly pays tributes to departed prominent personalities

The House paid rich tributes to noted personalities and martyrs from the State who have expired between the period from the end of the previous session and the beginning of this session. The leader of the House and State Chief Minister paid tributes and read out the obituary resolutions. These include Professor Chhattar Singh Chauhan, former Speaker of Haryana Legislative Assembly and Dr Ram  Prakash, former Minister of State, Haryana. Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gian Chand Gupta also read the obituary resolutions and paid tributes to the departed souls. The House conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families. The leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda also read the obituary resolutions on behalf of his party. The House gave a tearful farewell to 18 brave Martyrs of Haryana who showed indomitable courage and made the supreme sacrifice while safeguarding the unity and integrity of the motherland. Apart from this, the House also expressed deep sorrow for the sad demise of Ranjan Mittal, brother-in-law of Speaker, Rao Arjun Singh, nephew of Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State, Shakuntala Rani, mother of Sunita Duggal, MP Mohammad Hanif among others.

Tight security in and outside Assembly; visitors frisked and checked multiple times

In the wake of the security breach incident at the Indian Parliament on Wednesday, elaborate security arrangements were made inside and outside the Haryana Vidhan Sabha premises. Additional police forces and personnel were deployed at the entry gates. Security officials were witnessed frisking and checking the visitors properly and effectively. Visitors were frisked at around five and six places before allowing them to enter the Vidhan Sabha building. Those carrying valid identity cards and passes were thoroughly frisked before they were allowed to enter the Assembly premises. Some visitors were also asked to open their shoes as a part of the security drill.

Sources said that the passes were issued only on the recommendations of the legislators and are signed by the Assembly Speaker. Visitors who had come to the Assembly to watch the session went through multiple-tier security checks. Their details – name, address, telephone number and ID card number – were noted at the reception after which they frisked. They had gone through frisking again before entering the visitors’ gallery. Officials at the visitors’ gallery were witnessed vigilant of persons sitting there.
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