‘Vande Bharat Train is a testament to India's rapid development’
Talking to the journalists before leaving for Delhi from Chandigarh Railway Station by 'Amritsar-Ajmer Vande Bharat' train on Monday, Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has experienced rapid development over the past decade, and the ‘Vande Bharat’ train is a prime example of this progress.
The Chief Minister said that the Congress has always weakened the country through falsehoods, while under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the nation has grown stronger. Responding to the “Haryana Mange Hisab” question, the Chief Minister said that Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda should give account for his 10-year tenure first.
He stated that during previous government reign, FIRs were not even registered for the poor, job opportunities were lacking, proper compensation for crop damage was not provided, and MSP for crops was not ensured. Now, MSP is provided for 14 crops in Haryana, and even the last person in the society is benefiting from government welfare schemes during the present government tenure.
Regarding frequent questions about meetings in Delhi, the Chief Minister stated that, Chief Ministers from all states regularly visit Delhi for discussions with central ministers on various schemes. He expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a massive majority in the upcoming elections.
Gives approval for an amendment in policy of State Award for teachers
The Chief Minister has approved an amendment in the policy of State Award for teachers working in State Universities, Government Colleges, and Government-aided Private Colleges. According to the amendment, the service evaluation period for teachers has been reduced from 15 years to 10 years. This change will allow new teachers to also be eligible for awards. An official spokesperson said that the state government runs a State Teacher Award Scheme for Excellence and Commendable Services for the contribution of teachers working in various State Universities, Government Colleges and Government-aided Private colleges for their academic, curricular and extracurricular assignments. The aim of these awards is to honour faculty members for their outstanding performance in the field of teaching. The spokesperson said that faculty members in higher education who demonstrate outstanding exceptional academic efficiency, quality of teaching, professional competence, good conduct, team spirit, community engagement, and use innovative teaching methods will be recommended for the awards. The spokesperson further said that under the policy, a total of 14 state awards will be given each year, for their outstanding services. Eligibility criteria include that teachers must be working in State Universities/Government Colleges/Government-aided colleges situated in the jurisdiction of the Haryana State. All regular working faculty members who have taught for at least 10 years and have an outstanding record in teaching, research, and contributions to students/society are eligible for the award. However, once a teacher has received the award, they are not eligible for it again.
Himachal CM lauds forest corporation for over 25 pc profit rise in 2023-24
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday commended the forest corporation for earning profits of over Rs 10 crore in the financial year 2023-24, over 25 per cent rise from last year's gains. He also directed the officials to expedite the disposal of timber wood stock accumulated in depots to prevent them from rotting. Sukhu's direction to officials came while he was presiding over the 214th meeting of the Board of Directors of Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation (HPFSDC). Sukhu said that for the first time, the HPFSDC would engage in mining activities from the Beas River, for which it would obtain clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA). He asked the corporation to blacklist defaulting contractors and initiate recovery proceedings against them besides barring them from participating in future tenders. He also commended the corporation for earning profits of Rs 10.04 crore in the financial year 2023-24, Rs 8 crore in 2022-23, and Rs 2.17 crore during the fiscal year 2021-22. He said that 100 "van veers" (forest volunteers) would be engaged to address the staff shortage in the forest corporation. The Board of Directors gave its approval to grant employee bonus for the year 2022-23, benefiting about 227 employees.
Bains directs to ensure potable and clean water in schools
Chandigarh: Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Monday directed that clean drinking water be provided to students in all government schools across the State. With the rainy season underway, there is a risk of waterborne diseases spreading. To ensure students’ health and safety, it is crucial to provide clean drinking water and prevent rainwater accumulation in school premises. To this end, the Punjab School Education Department has issued instructions to school heads and school management committees to conduct routine water sampling, keep drinking water tanks covered, regularly clean and chlorinate tanks.
Punjab Govt committed to provide urban facilities in rural areas: Minister
Chandigarh: “Punjab Government is dedicated to delivering urban-level facilities to rural areas. The State Government's initiatives have not only made life easier for the common people but have also saved valuable time for the populace,” said the state’s Social Justice, Empowerment, and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur, while speaking at the 15th CSC Day event on Monday. Highlighting the significance of Common Service Centers (CSCs), she said that these centers play a crucial role in aiding citizens in rural and remote regions, offering a wide range of services that promote digital inclusion, access to government and private sector services, financial accountability, e-governance, entrepreneurship, skill development, healthcare and education.
TEDx event inspires students with diverse speakers
Chandigarh: Nine diverse and accomplished speakers inspired students at an independently organized TEDx event at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Chandigarh, on Monday. Dikshant Schools chairman Mitul Dikshit expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Hosting this prestigious TEDx event is an honour. We are committed to providing youngsters with knowledge and perspectives to inspire societal contributions. Such interactions boost students' morale.” Speakers included actor, storyteller, and writer Lovleen Misra; filmmaker Mridul Toolsidass; IIT-Delhi engineer and entrepreneur Sachin Jha; photographer Amit Ashar, Quidich Innovation Labs co-founder Rahat Kulshreshtha; Associate Professor at Christ University Dr Saji Varghese; Founder of TakeMe2Space Ronak Samantray; and Senior Director at TERI Dr Dipankar Saharia delivering engaging speeches.
Rs 1.33 lakh crore invested in last decade for robust drinking water and sewerage infrastructure: Hry Minister
Chandigarh: Haryana Public Health Engineering and Public Works (Building and Roads) Minister Banwari Lal on Monday said that during the last about 10 years of the present government, an amount of Rs 1,33,343.36 crore has been spent on creating effective and enduring infrastructure for various drinking water and sewerage schemes in both urban and rural areas of the state. The Minister further detailed that Rs 575.50 crore has been spent for supply of clean drinking water to citizens through 294 canal water-based projects and 265 tube well-based projects across Haryana. Additionally, 4,861 new tube wells and 1,343 boosting stations have been constructed and become operational, with an investment of Rs 1,508.45 crore. He said that in 14 large villages across the state, the drinking water supply has been increased from 70 liters to 135 liters per person per day.
Hry Govt working with the interest of all sections of society in mind: Kanwar Pal Gujjar
Chandigarh: Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar on Monday said that the State Government is working in mind the interests of every section. By setting new dimensions in developmental work, the government has positioned the state among the leading states in the country. The government's Antyodaya Yojana has brought prosperity to poor families. Gujjar was hearing public grievances in Jagadhri town of Yamunanagar district.
Haryana Right to Service Commission orders fine of Rs 5,000 on Meter reader
Chandigarh: The Haryana Right to Service Commission has taken serious note of the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) office in Jakhal (Fatehabad) and ordered a fine of Rs. 5,000 to be recovered from the meter reader. This penalty has been imposed due to the failure to provide the notified service within the stipulated time frame and the delay in completing the work.
A dozen leaders join Congress after leaving INLD and JJP
Rohtak: About a dozen leaders, who had left INLD and JJP on Monday joined Congress party in a programme in Rohtak in the presence of former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The congress leader said that former president of Kiloi constituency INLD and Kisan Cell, Balwan Majra alias Ballu Nandal, former youth secretary of JJP and former district president of INSO Amit Majra, BJP's Shri Ram Yatra Cell Rohtak president Advocate Randeep Majra, Puneet Nandal, Rajesh Nandal and Joginder Narwal joined Congress along with their colleagues. In his address, Hooda said that the ‘Padak Lao, Pad Pao’ scheme will be implemented again for sportspersons when the Congress government is formed in the state. He further said that the sportspersons will also be given a three percent quota in jobs again, and stadiums will be built in villages like before and all facilities will be provided in them to strengthen the sports infrastructure in the state. He said diet, allowances, coaching and all facilities will be given to children at school level to promote sports talent from the beginning.
