Addressing the Haryana Assembly on the first day of the budget session, Governor Bandaru Dattatraya on Tuesday said that the Government is committed to making agriculture profitable, as well as to farmers' welfare and their economic upliftment. He said that under the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana”, an amount of Rs. 4157.73 crore has been directly deposited into the accounts of 19.94 lakh farmers of the state in the last four years. Apart from this, the state government has set a unique example by procuring 14 crops at MSP.
He further stated that a sum of Rs 90,000 crore has been directly deposited into the accounts of farmers registered on the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal. An amount of Rs. 836.12 crore has been deposited into the bank accounts of Bajra producing farmers under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.
Dattatraya said that the Government has acted as a shield for farmers during natural disasters. Under the ‘Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme’ claims worth Rs.8178 crore have been given to 32.06 lakh farmers whose crops were damaged. He further shared that the compensation amount for crop damage due to natural calamities has been increased from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 and around Rs 1845.95 crore was disbursed as compensation to farmers for crop damage due to natural disasters.
He said that to protect soil health from degradation and discourage the use of hazardous pesticides, the government has implemented the Natural Farming Scheme. For this, 13,388 farmers have so far registered on the dedicated Natural Farming Portal launched for this purpose. Four Natural Farming Training Centres have been opened at Kurukshetra Gurukul, Gharaunda in Karnal district, Hameti in Jind, and Mangiana in Sirsa.
The Governor said that an amount of Rs 1095 crore has so far been allocated for the development of new and additional markets. Additionally, construction work for new and additional grain and vegetable markets is underway, with a budget of Rs 100 crore. Moreover, construction is ongoing for an international-level horticulture market in Gannaur, costing Rs 3050 crores, and an apple, fruit, and vegetable market in Pinjore, covering 78 acres of land at a cost of Rs 150 crores. Furthermore, 108 mandis in the state have been integrated with the ‘National Agriculture Market Portal’ (e-NAM). The ‘Atal Kisan Mazdoor Canteen’ scheme has initiated canteens in 25 mandis to provide food at a subsidized rate of Rs 10 per plate. Plans are underway to establish canteens in another 15 mandis soon.
Commenting on the stubble burning issue, Dattatreya said the state government has notified the Haryana Ex-Situ Management of Paddy Straw Policy, 2023, to make stubble a source of income for the farmers and to protect the environment. The governor said this policy will focus on increasing private investment in straw-based projects and ensuring the use of straw by incentivizing the farmers. The target is to eliminate the problem of crop residue burning by 2027 under this policy, he added. Touching upon the Ram temple issue, the governor said he expresses profound gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who served as the harbinger of this milestone for the nation. "By realising the dream of constructing the temple of Lord Shri Ram, he has fulfilled the hopes of millions of Indians and fortified their faith. This temple (in Ayodhya) stands as the matchless symbol of our nation's social, cultural, and philosophical heritage," Dattatreya said.
"The spirit of Ram prevails in every corner of our country along with a sense of devotion, strength, pride and glory. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the people of the state for this sacred achievement earned after a wait of about 500 years," he added. Commenting on the progress made by the state in various fields, he said, "Whether it is the per capita income, industrial development, social security, public welfare or innovation in agriculture, Haryana's strong presence is visible on the national canvas." "Our agrarian state is forging ahead on the path of progress at full speed, riding the chariot of science and technology," he added.
So far, 2.85 crore members of about 71.42 lakh families have been registered on 'Parivar Pehchan Patra', he added. The governor said the government is making efforts to increase the number of women police personnel in the Haryana Police from 10 to 15 per cent. He said the government is committed to guaranteeing equal opportunities for all classes and individuals in Haryana, rising above the narrow-mindedness of region, caste, religion and gender.
Speaker admits no-confidence motion against Khattar government, fixes Feb 22 for debate
Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta admitted a no-confidence motion moved by the main opposition Congress against the Manohar Lal Khattar government. The Speaker fixed Thursday for the debate. Gupta admitted the no-confidence motion after a head count of over 18 MLAs as required under the rules.
House pays rich tributes to those died during inter-session
Leader of the House and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar paid tributes and read out the obituary resolutions. Obituary resolutions were passed to pay rich tributes to Kanwal Singh, former Minister of Haryana, Martyrs of Haryana, and those prominent personalities who have expired between the period from the end of the previous session and the beginning of this session. Speaker Gupta also read the obituary resolutions and paid tributes to the departed souls. Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda also read the obituary resolutions on behalf of his party. The House conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families. The House gave a tearful farewell to 9 brave Martyrs of Haryana who showed indomitable courage and made the supreme sacrifice while safeguarding the unity and integrity of the motherland.
