Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday addressed the longstanding demand of plywood factory operators in Yamunanagar by reducing the market fee on the purchase of lumber from two to one percent. The decision is expected to yield an annual profit of over Rs eight crore for the plywood factory operators.
Recognizing the challenges faced by board traders due to the post-COVID slowdown in business, the Chief Minister has taken this initiative to provide much-needed relief.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while addressing the Jan Samvad programme held at Dussehra Ground in Yamunanagar. He emphasized his commitment to engage with the public and resolve their concerns through the Jan Samvad programme. In this regard, he revealed plans to conduct a survey of old colonies in the state, some of which have legal status while others remain unauthorized. The goal is to legalize these colonies within the next four-five months.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that a physical survey will be carried out for families grappling with high electricity bills due to their business activities. Based on this survey, appropriate facilities will be extended to these families. Additionally, families working in various occupations, such as auto drivers, washermen, ironworkers, barbers, and carpenters, will also receive support.
Highlighting the progress in providing essential services to the public, the Chief Minister shared that the number of Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders in Yamunanagar district has increased from 55,693 in December 2022 to 71,388 at present, with approximately 16,000 new cards issued in just seven months. He announced that all BPL cardholders would now receive 2 liters of mustard oil, removing the previous Rs 12,000 per month electricity bill threshold for BPL families.
Launches Over 100 Online Portals to Provide Services, Benefits Directly to Public
In another event in Karnal, Khattar said that over the past nine years, the State Government has successfully achieved comprehensive development without any form of discrimination. The State Government has executed a range of development projects and public welfare programs that have directly contributed to the betterment of the citizens.
He highlighted the government's initiatives, such as the issuance of online BPL ration cards to approximately 12.5 lakh individuals through Parivar Pehchan Patra. Additionally, the Ayushman Card has played a significant role in extending crucial healthcare benefits to nearly 37 lakh families across the state. In another initiative to provide economic relief, the state government has raised the annual income limit for BPL beneficiaries from Rs. 1.20 lakh to Rs. 1.80 lakh, thus ensuring a wider reach of government welfare schemes to the beneficiaries.
Furthermore, Khattar said that the state government has introduced over 100 online portals to offer online services and streamline the distribution of government scheme benefits directly to the public — an initiative that has garnered national acclaim.