Wednesday, October 17, 2018
  • Chandigarh, October 17:  With three more blocks in Haryana having been declared “Saksham” by the Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal, for achieving grade-level competencies taking the total to 21 and 15 more blocks inching close to achieve the tag, education quality is progressing in Government schools across the State.
  • Making the announcement on these three blocks, the Chief Minister said the state-wide campaign being run in co-operation with the Education Department to improve the quality of education in schools, had begun to show results. It aims to enhance the learning level of students of Government schools and to ensure they have the knowledge of subjects as per their age group. It includes assessment of students of Grade 3, 5 and 7 in Hindi language and mathematics The aim is to make the whole of Haryana Saksham, he added.   
  • The Chief Minister said that under Saksham campaign various initiatives were being implemented, including focus on remedial education through Learning Enhancement Programme, improving SAT results by reducing cheating, improving data collection and data analysis, strengthening the review and monitoring mechanism etc. If a block feels that 80 per cent of its students have achieved grade level competency, it nominates itself under ‘Saksham Ghoshana’, which is then assessed by third party. He said that scientific sampling method is used to choose schools so that there is equal participation of rural, urban, boys and girls, primary and secondary. After this, decision and assessment of a particular block to be Saksham is taken by third party.
  • The Education Minister, Mr Ram Bilas Sharma said that based on these assessments and latest results, the blocks that have been declared Saksham include Kharkhoda (Sonipat), Sampla (Rohtak) and Panipat (Panipat). He said that earlier in first  three rounds, 18 blocks have been declared Saksham and 15 more are moving ahead to be declared as Saksham soon. He said that the State Government is aiming to make the whole State Saksham.
  • Mr Sharma congratulated all the teachers and the officials who actively participated in making these blocks Saksham under this ‘Saksham Haryana’ Campaign besides hoping from them in improving the quality of school education further.
  • Chandigarh, Oct 17 – The students’ union elections in colleges and universities of Haryana were held peacefully today. Till the time of filing of news, results have been declared in 11 state universities and 224 colleges.
  • Congratulating the winning candidates of students’ unions, the Education Minister, Mr. Ram Bilas Sharma said that he is sure that the winning candidates would further improve the educational environment and bring the student related issues to the notice of the State Government, and get them implemented in the right manner.
  • He said that for 22 years, students’ union elections were not held in the colleges and universities of the state. During these years, several governments were formed in the state, but no one paid attention to this issue. As per its commitment made in the election manifesto, the present State Government has successfully got completed the students’ union elections today in a peaceful manner for which students, teachers and departmental officers of the colleges and universities deserve applause.
  • Mr. Sharma said that as per the results received up to 5 p.m. today, elections to 1,108 Class Representatives in 11 state universities were completed in which 517 candidates were elected unopposed, 254 through election process and 296 class toppers were elected. These candidates have cast their votes to elect president, vice-president, secretary, deputy secretary and five executive council members, he added.
  • He said that elections were also held in all colleges which have established in 2016-17 or before. As per the results received up to 5 p.m. today, elections to 4,011 Class Representatives were held in 224 colleges out of total 288 colleges in the state. In these elections, 1,862 candidates were elected unopposed, 966 through election process and 1,183 class toppers were elected. The elected candidates had also cast their vote to elect students’ council in their colleges, he added.
  • Chandigarh, Oct 17 – The Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana Transport Department, Mr. Dhanpat Singh has urged the roadways unions to resume their work as besides leading  to loss of revenue to the state, it is causing inconvenience to people during festival season. He has requested roadways employees to get back to work keeping in view the interests of people.
  • Mr. Singh was addressing a press conference, here today.
  • He said that ironically, the strike was not related to demand of any union or employee, but it has been called against the 700 buses which would be plied on km basis. He said that out of the total buses to be plied on kilometre basis, tendering process has been completed on 510 buses.
  • Mr. Singh said that the population of Haryana was about 2.80 crore and about 30 lakh people travel in buses. He said that 12 lakh people of the state travel daily in state roadways buses.  To provide bus travel facility to 30 lakh people, the Haryana Roadways need to ply about 15,000 buses and at present, the State Roadways has only 4,100 buses. He said that only sanctioned staff would be deputed on these 4,100 buses and the kilometre scheme would not affect the employees of roadways.
  • Under the kilometre scheme, the buses would be of the private operators and most of the operators have agreed to get their buses  made from Haryana Roadways Engineering Corporation, Gurugram. He said that the driver would be of the operator and he would pay  for the salary of the driver, diesel and maintenance of the vehicle. The conductor on such vehicles would be deputed by the government and the revenue generated for tickets would be deposited to the state exchequer. Apart from this, the expenditure of toll and others would be borne by the government, he added.
  • Others present on this occasion included Transport Commissioner, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Additional Director, State Transport, Dr. Virender Kumar Dahiya and  Mr. Samwartak Singh
  • Chandigarh, October 17: With a view to ensure convenience and to facilitate the people of the state, it  has been decided to ply buses under Kilometer(Km)  Scheme throughout the State. These buses would be plied on PPP Mode.
  • This was disclosed by Additional Chief Secretary, Transport department, Mr Dhanpat Singh during a press conference regarding his meeting with the Haryana Roadways Employees Unions here today.
  • Giving details about the  district wise Kilometer scheme, he said that in Ambala 12 buses would be plied at the rate of Rs. 37.10 per Km. Similarly, in Chandigarh, 20 buses would be  plied at the rate of Rs. 37.30 per Km, 15 buses in Kurukshetra  at the rate of Rs. 36.80 per Km, 10  buses in Yamuna Nagar at the rate of Rs. 36.60 per Km, 20 buses in Karnal at the rate of Rs. 36.50 per Km, 20 buses in Panipat  at the rate of Rs. 34.75 per Km, 15 buses in Kaithal at the rate of Rs. 34.30 per Km, 25 buses in Hisar at the rate of Rs. 36.75 per Km, 20 buses in Fatehabad at the rate of Rs. 36.90 per Km, 17 buses in Sirsa at the rate of Rs. 36.80 per Km, 58 buses in Bhiwani at the rate of Rs. 36.50 per Km, 15 buses in Charkhi Dadri at the rate of Rs. 36.30per Km, 15 buses in Faridabad at the rate of Rs. 36.75 per Km, 40 buses in Gurugram at the rate of Rs. 37.10 per Km, 45 buses in Jhajjar at the rate of Rs. 34.65 per Km, 5 buses in Bahdurgarh at the rate of Rs. 31.01 per Km, 15 buses in Narnaul at the rate of Rs. 36.09 per Km, 5 buses in Nuh at the rate of Rs. 36.75 per Km, 10 buses in Palwal at the rate of Rs. 36.75 per Km, 48 buses in Rohtak at the rate of Rs. 35.65 per Km, 42 buses in Sonipat at the rate of Rs. 35.75 per Km, 5 buses in Rewari at the rate of Rs. 37.24 per Km and 15 buses in Jind at the rate of Rs. 36.40 per Km.
  • He said that in this scheme the department would not be required to do any investment.  This scheme would also benefit the people as the buses would be maintained by the operators themselves. The scheme would also benefit the State Government by saving of Rs 5 to Rs 8 per kilometer.
  • Others present on this occasion included Transport Commissioner, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Additional Director, State Transport, Dr. Virender Kumar Dahiya and  Mr. Samwartak Singh.
  • Chandigarh, October 17– Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Transport Department, Mr. Dhanpat Singh said that soon, 367 new buses would be included in the fleet of Haryana Roadways. For this, orders have been issued for the release of tenders. Besides, 700 buses would be plied on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode to provide bus travel facility to the people.
  • The Additional Chief Secretary was interacting with media persons at a press conference held regarding strike of Haryana Roadways Employees’ Union, here today.
  • Mr Singh said that plying of 700 buses on PPP mode would not  harm the interests of any employee of roadways  infact it would facilitate people.
  • He said that in the coming time, Special Purpose Vehicle and formation of a Corporation could also be considered so as to run the Haryana Roadways efficiently. He said that the stand of state government is very clear on buses being plied under Kilometer Scheme. These buses would be plied keeping in view the interest of people and there would be no compromise on this issue.
  • In reply to a question, he said that in the last strike held on September 5, 2018, actions were taken against  180  persons,  under which Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) was imposed on Union leader, Dalbir Kirmara and others. He said that on October 16, 2018, 1,507 buses were plied and some buses were plied even without conductors. At some places, the buses were run with the assistance of the police and Special Police Officers (SPOs). He said that even today, about 40 buses were run in Hisar with the help of heavy vehicle drivers of other departments.
  • In reply to a question related to strike, he said that if the strike is not called off then recruitment would be carried out through outsourcing policy and buses would be plied for the facility of people. He said that the drivers and staff on probation period who participated in strike on September 5, 2018 as well as at present on strike for  two days and action is taken against them under ESMA then such employees would be terminated.
  • He said that though, the state government has sent the requisition to Haryana Staff Selection Commission for the recruitment of conductors, but till then, 930 conductors and 500 drivers would be recruited under the outsourcing policy for the facility of the people. From ‘Saksham’ portal of the state government, those having license of conductor could be recruited as conductors, he added.
  • He said that the department has taken action  against not only on  officials but also against the officers. In this connection, it had been recommended to suspend the General Manager, Haryana Roadways, Palwal, Lajpat Rai. Similarly, Duty Inspector, Rewari, Karan Singh and works manager, Bahadurgarh, Bhagwan Dahiya have been suspended. He said that be it an employee or a leader, whosoever would give provocative  speech, actions would be taken against the one.  
  • Others present on this occasion included Transport Commissioner, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal, Additional Director, State Transport, Dr. Virender Kumar Dahiya and  Mr. Samwartak Singh.
  • Chandigarh, October 17: Much renowned Pinjore Heritage festival will be historic this year in which play titled “1857 ki Kahani, Haryana ki Zubani” showing sagas of  bravehearts of  Haryana will also be staged.  Apart from this, the audience will also be able to see the confluence of Odissi, Manipuri, Kuchipudi and Kathak to be presented by the acclaimed dancer Reela Hota.
  • While giving this information in a press conference here today, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism department, Mr Vijai Vardhan said that to commemorate the unique heritage of Pinjore Gardens, the Haryana Tourism Corporation started the First Pinjore Heritage festival in 2006. This time this festival would be held from October 19 to October 21 and would be  inaugurated by Tourism Minister,  Mr Ram Bilas Sharma.
  • He said that this year a bouquet of performances await the aficionados of art and culture. Like every year, Crafts Bazaar would also be the centre of attraction for everyone in which craftspersons from all different parts of the country would display their unique handlooms and handicrafts including pottery, apparels and handicrafts from states like Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, J&K besides Haryana.
  • Mr Vijai Vardhan said that a Mushaira would also be organised on October 21 in which eminent Urdu Poets have been invited.  He also said that a light and sound-show will also start in Pinjore by next year.
  • Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Development Corporation, Mr Vikas Yadav and other senior officers of the department were also present on this occasion.
  • Chandigarh, Oct 17: Haryana Governor, Mr Satyadeo Narain Arya today called upon the youth to propagate the literary work related to the life of brave martyrs and freedom fighters and take inspiration from them in their lives.
  • The Governor was speaking to Chairman, Mr Lakhwinder Pal Singh and the office bearers of Freedom Fighter Raja Ajit Singh Memorial Trust, here today. Mr Lakhwinder Pal Singh invited the Governor Mr Arya on the occasion of Kargil Martyr Major Nitin Bali award distribution ceremony.
  • Mr Arya said that he is proud of such social institutions which are working for the welfare of family members of martyrs and freedom fighters. The state government is also working to provide honour and financial support to the family members of martyrs and freedom fighters through Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department.
  • Mr Arya said that the present government has established a war memorial on 22 acres of land in the memory of martyrs of first freedom struggle of India in 1857, in Ambala Cantt. Similarly, the people who had suffered during the Emergency were honoured last year. The state government has also made a provision to provide government jobs on compassionate grounds. After 2014 till today, 222 dependents have been given jobs. The financial assistance being given to ex-servicemen of 60 years and above, their widows and orphans and war widows of 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, has been increased to Rs 3400 per month. Similarly, the financial assistance being given to the soldiers and widows of World War II has been increased to Rs 10,000 per month.
  • He also asked the administrative officials to give priority to the families of martyrs and freedom fighters, besides poor and needy families, in the implementation of government schemes and programmes. He said that the officers would ensure that no eligible beneficiary remain bereft of the benefit of government schemes.
  • The Chairman of Memorial Trust, Mr Lakhwinder Pal Singh apprised the Governor that every year their Trust gives away Kargil Martyr Major Nitin Bali Award. Along with the families of martyrs and freedom fighters, this award is also given to meritorious youth in the field of sports, education and also to people doing exceptional work in the social sector.
  • Mr Arya also met with Additional Chief Secretary, Transport, Mr Dhanpat Singh and held departmental discussions.
  • Chandigarh, Oct 17: Haryana Governor, Mr Satyadeo Narain Arya today called upon the youth to propagate the literary work related to the life of brave martyrs and freedom fighters and take inspiration from them in their lives.
  • The Governor was speaking to Chairman, Mr Lakhwinder Pal Singh and the office bearers of Freedom Fighter Raja Ajit Singh Memorial Trust, here today. Mr Lakhwinder Pal Singh invited the Governor Mr Arya on the occasion of Kargil Martyr Major Nitin Bali award distribution ceremony.
  • Mr Arya said that he is proud of such social institutions which are working for the welfare of family members of martyrs and freedom fighters. The state government is also working to provide honour and financial support to the family members of martyrs and freedom fighters through Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Department.
  • Mr Arya said that the present government has established a war memorial on 22 acres of land in the memory of martyrs of first freedom struggle of India in 1857, in Ambala Cantt. Similarly, the people who had suffered during the Emergency were honoured last year. The state government has also made a provision to provide government jobs on compassionate grounds. After 2014 till today, 222 dependents have been given jobs. The financial assistance being given to ex-servicemen of 60 years and above, their widows and orphans and war widows of 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, has been increased to Rs 3400 per month. Similarly, the financial assistance being given to the soldiers and widows of World War II has been increased to Rs 10,000 per month.
  • He also asked the administrative officials to give priority to the families of martyrs and freedom fighters, besides poor and needy families, in the implementation of government schemes and programmes. He said that the officers would ensure that no eligible beneficiary remain bereft of the benefit of government schemes.
  • The Chairman of Memorial Trust, Mr Lakhwinder Pal Singh apprised the Governor that every year their Trust gives away Kargil Martyr Major Nitin Bali Award. Along with the families of martyrs and freedom fighters, this award is also given to meritorious youth in the field of sports, education and also to people doing exceptional work in the social sector.
  • Mr Arya also met with Additional Chief Secretary, Transport, Mr Dhanpat Singh and held departmental discussions.
  • Chandigarh, October 17– Haryana Government has posted Parth Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Zila Parishad, Kaithal, Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, DRDA, Kaithal and Secretary, RTA, Kaithal, has been posted Secretary, Haryana Staff Selection Commission, vice Mahavir Kaushik.
  • Mahavir Kaushik has been posted as State Project Director, Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad relieving Rajnarayan Kaushik of the said charge.
  • Chandigarh October 17- Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal, has approved signing  of agreement for Kishau and Renuka dam which would add new storage capacities of 1.04 MAF and 0.404 MAF water on two tributaries of river Yamuna, that is river Tons  and Giri respectively. In addition, these two dams would generate 660 MW and 40 MW power respectively.
  • It may be recalled that Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal has already signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between six states for the Lakhwar project on August 28, 2018.
  • While stating this here today, a spokesman of Irrigation and Water Resources Department said that with the signing of agreement, would reduce the pressure on Haryana for supplying extra raw water to Delhi.
  • The spokesman said that Kishau project is located on river Tons, which is a tributary of river Yamuna, in districts of Dehradun (Uttarakhand) and Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh). The storage capacity of the dam would be 1.04 MAF and it would produce 660 MW of power. About 2950 hectares land of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh would be submerged. He said that a joint venture of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) and Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) would be the executing agency. The water would be shared by the shareholder states in proportion to their shares as per MoU of May 12, 1994 whereas power would be shared by Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
  • He said that the Renuka Project is located on river Giri, a tributary of river Yamuna in district Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. This dam would have a storage capacity of 0.404 MAF and generation capacity of 40 MW. A total of 1216 hectares land of Himachal Pradesh would be submerged. HPPCL would be executing agency. He said that Delhi has been staking its claim on waters to be released from Renuka Dam. Initially, it was proposed to allocate entire releases from Renuka Dam to Delhi for meeting its drinking water needs. But after objection by Haryana, it is now proposed that only the additional water available due to construction of Renuka Storage would be made available on priority to meet the drinking water needs of Delhi as worked out by Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB). Meaning thereby, the waters that would have flown down the river Giri without there being any storage, would continue to be distributed like before and only the additional waters  that  become available  due to the construction of storage would be made available to Delhi. Delhi would have priority but not the entire additional water. 
  • He said that total cost of the 3 projects would be Rs. 9588.60 Crore of which 90% will be borne by Government of India as these have been declared projects of national importance. Government of Haryana will pay Rs 458.52 Crore as its portion of the remaining 10% cost to be borne by the states.
  • Major action taken by the State Government against Haryana Roadways employees, who participated in the strike
    · Besides employees, strong action against the officers also, who participated in strike.
    · General Manager of Palwal and Works Manager of Bahadurgarh have been suspended.
    · Decision has been taken to suspend drivers without any show cause notice who are on probation period and participated in this strike.
    · The newly appointed clerks who are on probation and participated in the strike would also be suspended.
    · Action taken against 252 drivers who are on contract under Outsourcing Policy–II and joined the strike, they would also be removed from the services.
    · 930 conductors and 500 drivers under Outsourcing Policy–II would be appointed immediately. An advertisement in this regard would be released today itself.
  • Chandigarh, October 17: Taking a strict view of the two- day strike by Haryana Roadways employees causing inconvenience to the public, the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal has directed to suspend employees and the officers who are participating in this strike during a review meeting here today.
  • The decision has also been taken in the review meeting to suspend the drivers without any show cause notice who are on probation period and participated in this strike. Similarly, 252 drivers who are on contract under Outsourcing Policy –II and joined the strike,  they would also be removed from services  from today.
  • The Chief Minister also took action against the officers and ordered suspension of General Manager of Palwal and Works Manager of Bahadurgarh.  He also ordered enquiry against the officers who indirectly participated in this strike. Besides this, a decision has also been taken to suspend the newly appointed clerks, who are on probation period and participated in this strike.
  • During the review meeting, it has been decided that today itself an advertisement would be released to invite applications to appoint 930 conductors and 500  drivers  under Outsourcing Policy–II.
  • Transport Minister, Mr Krishan Lal Panwar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Transport department,  Mr Dhanpat Singh were also present in the meeting.
  • Chandigarh, Oct 17: In a major boost to further strengthen the road network and infrastructure in Haryana, as many as  16 new National Highways with total length measuring over 1153  kms  have been declared during the tenure of present State Government after November 1, 2014 which is a significant achievement. Contrary to this, only 14 National Highways with a length of over 1501 kms were declared in the State prior to this period.
  • While stating this here today, a spokesman of Public Works (Building and Roads) Department said that at present the State has total 30 National Highways having length of over 2655 kms.
  • He said that the 16 new National Highways which have been declared after November 1, 2014 included  over 176 kms long Meerut-Sonepat-Kharkhauda-Sampla-Jhajjar-Charkhi Dadri-Loharu, 78.540 kms Jhunjhunu-Chirawa-Narnaul-Ateli-Rewari(Rajasthan Haryana border-Narnaul-Ateli-Rewari), 18.920 kms Sardulgarh-Sirsa, over 164 kms Bhiwani-Mundhal-Jind-Karnal-Meerut, 32.415 kms Ambala-Saha-Shahabad, 85.900 kms Jind-Gohana-Sonepat, over 103 kms Rohtak-Bhiwani-Loharu-Pilani-Rajgarh (Section Bhiwani to Loharu-Pilani), 95.390 kms Sahpura Alwar, Ramgarh, Nuh, Gurugram, 223.43 kms Kotputli, Narnaul, Mahendragarh, Charkhi Dadri, Bhiwani, Hansi, Barwala, Tohana in Haryana and  Mansa Bathinda in Punjab (section from  Rajasthan border to Charkhi Dadri and  from  Bhiwani to Punjab border).
  • The spokesman said that the other National Highways included 18.00 kms long Kherki Daula on NH8- Dwarka Expressway-Dwarka-Delhi, 32.00 kms Highway starting from its junction with NH-52 near Khanauri, Shergarh in Punjab, Sangatpura, Nand, Sighwla, Sanghan, Mahal Kheri, Padala, Gandhi and terminating at its junction with NH-152 near Kaithal in Haryana, 15.00 kms Highway starting from its junction with NH No.907 near Jagadhari connecting Jaroda, Budheri, Bherthal, Mahmoodpur, Salempur Banger and terminating near Bilaspur in Haryana, 22.50 kms Highway starting from its junction with NH-352 (Jhajjar Bypass) connecting Dulhera, Daboda Khurd, Nuna Majra and terminating at its junction with NH-9 (Bahadurgarh bypass) in Haryana, 50.00 kms Highway starting from its junction with NH-352 near Vijay Nagar (Rewari) connecting Kakoria, Jaitpur, Pataudi, Jamalpur, Wazirpur, Harsaru and terminating at its junction with NH-48 near Shaktinagar (Gurugram) .
  • He said that similarly, the remaining National Highways included 21.00 kms Highway starting from its junction with NH-709 near Panipat connecting to Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Bhopa, Bijnor and terminating at its junction with NH-734 near Nagina in Uttar Pradesh and 15.60 kms Palwal to Aligarh road.