normalnormalnormalIn a significant step towards strengthening the Haryana Government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption and making it more citizen-centric, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the ‘Satarak–Haryana’ mobile app at the Haryana Secretariat. The app will enable citizens to directly report corruption-related complaints and information to the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SV&ACB), Haryana, through their mobile phones.Furthermore, the app provides facilities to connect directly with the SV&ACB helpline, upload digital evidence, obtain information and the location of the ACB officer concerned in a particular district, and download copies of FIRs, wherever provided as per rules.*No Need to Remember Helpline Number; Connect with SV&ACB with One Touch* A key feature of the mobile app is that citizens often have information related to corruption but may not remember the SV&ACB helpline number. The ‘Satarak–Haryana’ app addresses this issue by providing a direct helpline facility. With just one touch, citizens can connect with the SV&ACB helpline and contact the Bureau immediately whenever required, without having to remember the helpline number.*Information Can Be Shared Even Without Seeking Immediate Action; Confidentiality Assured* If a citizen has a video, audio, photograph or any other important information related to corruption but does not wish to seek immediate action against any particular person, such information can also be shared with the SV&ACB through the app. Full confidentiality of the information will be maintained.This will also help in creating a systematic digital database of information related to corruption. As required, such information may subsequently be analysed and utilised in accordance with the applicable rules. *Information and Location of ACB Teams in Every District Available with One Click* For the convenience of citizens, all 23 districts of Haryana have been linked to the app. If a person is visiting another district and needs to submit a complaint or information related to corruption there, selecting the concerned district on the app will provide the name and mobile number of the SV&ACB officer in charge.The app also provides the location of the concerned office and directions to reach it through Google location services. Citizens can contact the concerned officer over the phone or visit the office personally to submit their complaint or information, as required.*Details of Senior SV&ACB Officers Also Available* The app also provides citizens with access to senior officers in case they wish to lodge a complaint regarding inappropriate conduct by any SV&ACB officer or employee.Through the next-level option, users can access the name and mobile number of the concerned Superintendent of Police, along with the office location and directions to reach it. This will enable citizens to directly contact the senior officer concerned and submit their complaint or information.*Citizens Can Also Download FIR Copies; App Available on Google Play Store* The Chief Minister informed that citizens will also be able to download copies of FIRs made available through the app in accordance with the applicable rules.The ‘Satarak–Haryana’ mobile app is currently available on the Google Play Store under the name ‘Satarak Haryana’. Based on its usage and outcomes, the app will soon also be made available on the Apple App Store. *Citizens Urged to Upload Only Factual and Genuine Information* SV&ACB Chief Dr. Arshinder Singh Chawla appealed to the public to use the ‘Satarak–Haryana’ app to provide genuine, accurate and fact-based information related to corruption. He urged citizens not to upload unnecessary or misleading information with the intention of defaming any officer or employee without any factual basis.He clarified that if any person knowingly uploads false, misleading or artificially created material, including fake content generated through AI, as genuine information, action may also be taken against such person in accordance with the rules.Citizens have therefore been urged to use the app responsibly and share only accurate information. Dr. Chawla said the objective of the ‘Satarak–Haryana’ app is to make the exchange of information between citizens and the SV&ACB more effective.He appealed to the people of Haryana to become part of this digital initiative against corruption and contribute to the efforts to make the state corruption-free.Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Yashpal Yadav and senior officers were also present on the occasion.*Energy Minister Anil Vij Orders Probe into Alleged Harassment and Salary Deductions by MES Contractor; Directs Registration of FIR *Salary Deductions and Harassment Will Not Be Tolerated”: Anil Vij* *Discom Employees Raise Slogans in Support of Anil Vij; Minister Gives In-Principle Approval for New Power Building at Rai Market* *On Woman’s Complaint, Vij Reprimands Energy Deptt. Officials, Directs Them to Restore Electricity Supply by Tonight* *Vij Orders Probe into Alleged Encroachment in Brahman Majra, Directs SDM to Take Action*Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij heard public grievances at the PWD Rest House in Ambala Cantonment and reprimanded several officials over alleged delays in addressing complaints. He directed the concerned officers to ensure that all complaints raised during the hearing are resolved before the next public grievance hearing scheduled for the following week.During the hearing, several youths working under a contractor at the Military Engineer Services (MES) submitted a joint complaint alleging that the contractor had earlier been giving salary and deducting ₹8,000 from their salaries and had not paid their wages for the past two months. Taking serious note of the complaint, Minister Anil Vij directed Labour Department officials to conduct an immediate inquiry and register a case against those found responsible. Vij said that salary deductions and harassment of workers would not be tolerated and directed the officials to take prompt action in accordance with the law. *Discom Employees Raise Slogans in Support of Anil Vij* When Energy Minister Anil Vij arrived at the PWD Rest House for the public grievance hearing, employees of the power centre at Rai Market raised slogans in his support. Vij met the employees and heard their concerns. The employees requested that the existing power centre building at Rai Market be replaced with a new building. Before the employees could complete their submission, Minister Vij gave in-principle approval for the proposal on the spot and directed the staff to initiate the necessary action. *Woman’s Complaint Over ₹1.17 Lakh Electricity Bill; Vij Directs Restoration of Power by Tonight* A woman from Railway Road, Ambala City, approached Minister Anil Vij and complained that she had received an electricity bill of ₹1.17 lakh, despite having purchased the house only recently. She alleged that power officials had disconnected the electricity supply without properly considering her grievance. Taking note of the complaint, Vij reprimanded the concerned power officials and directed them to conduct an inquiry and restore the electricity supply by tonight. He also directed that the matter concerning recovery of the alleged outstanding amount be examined. *Probe Ordered into Alleged Encroachment in Brahman Majra* A resident of Brahman Majra in Ambala Cantonment complained that some persons had allegedly encroached upon the village phirni (village peripheral road) and constructed structures there. The complainant said that he had informed the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) about the matter before the construction began, but alleged that no action was taken. Vij reprimanded the BDPO on the spot and questioned what action had been taken when the alleged encroachment was taking place. He directed the SDM, Ambala Cantonment, to conduct an inquiry and take strict action against those found responsible. *Kurukshetra SE Directed to Act on Electricity Meter Complaint* A woman from Shahabad complained that she had purchased a shop where no electricity meter had previously been installed. When she applied for a new meter, she was informed that an electricity bill amounting to approximately ₹1.5 lakh was outstanding against the property. She said that no meter had ever been installed at the shop and alleged that an incorrect electricity bill had been generated against the property. Minister Vij directed the SE of the Kurukshetra to examine the matter and take appropriate action. *Ambala SE Reprimanded Over Non-Relocation of Electricity Meter* A resident of Balapur village complained that electricity poles and meters had been installed in a narrow street, creating difficulties for movement. He said that following a complaint, the electricity poles were shifted but the meters were not. He alleged that tractors and trolley vehicles passing through the street were damaging the meters, resulting in losses. Taking note of the complaint, Minister Vij reprimanded the concerned SE and directed that the meters be shifted immediately. *Instructions to Pave Village Access Roads in Ambala Cantonment* During the public hearing, Minister Anil Vij directed officials of the Ambala Sadar Municipal Council to ensure that the gohars (village access roads) in all villages falling under the Ambala Cantonment Assembly constituency are paved. He directed Municipal Council officials to prepare estimates for the work at the earliest. Earlier, a woman from Boh village had raised the demand for paving the village access road. *Night Police Patrolling to Be Increased on Tangri River Bund Road* Residents of Ramgarh Majra complained that miscreants had allegedly been placing stones on the Tangri River bund road at night and attempting to rob people passing through the area. Taking serious note of the complaint, Minister Vij directed the Mahesh Nagar SHO to increase night patrolling on the road. He also directed Municipal Council officials to install streetlights along the bund road. *“Complaints Received Today Should Be Resolved Before Next Week’s Hearing”: Vij*While speaking to mediapersons after the public grievance hearing, Minister Anil Vij said that decisions had been taken on several complaints received during the hearing and the concerned officials had been directed to resolve the issues before the next week’s hearing meeting. He said that anyone facing a problem related to his departments could approach him with their complaint.Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar also visited the public grievance hearing and paid a courtesy call on Minister Anil Vij. SDM Kanika Goyal, DSP Vijay Kumar and officials from various departments were also present.*“Smriti Irani is a Skilled Strategist; Her Appointment as Haryana In-Charge Will Benefit Organisation and Government”: Vij* On the appointment of Smriti Irani as Haryana BJP in-charge, Minister Anil Vij said that she is a skilled strategist and that her appointment would benefit both the organisation and the government. He said that the government would be able to move forward and work with greater speed.*Quality Healthcare and Patient Convenience Government’s Priority- Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa* *Cabinet Minister conducts surprise inspection of Civil Hospital Barwala, reviews arrangements; directs doctors and officers to discharge duties with seriousness*Haryana Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa on Thursday conducted a surprise inspection of the Civil Hospital, Barwala, in Hisar district and reviewed the healthcare services, facilities and arrangements for patients. He interacted with the hospital administration and concerned officials to take stock of the services being provided and issued necessary directions.The Cabinet Minister said any negligence or lapse in the treatment of patients would not be tolerated. He directed that the hospital should not merely function as a referral centre and that patients should receive all possible healthcare services locally. Specialist doctors should be available round the clock, he said, adding that patient care should not be left solely to paramedical staff.Ranbir Gangwa said providing accessible, affordable and quality healthcare to the people is a key priority of the State Government and that necessary steps are being taken continuously to strengthen healthcare services. He directed officials to ensure that patients visiting the hospital face no inconvenience and receive the required medical care on time.During the inspection, the Minister also reviewed cleanliness, patient facilities and other key aspects related to healthcare services. He stressed that every patient visiting a government health institution should receive quality treatment along with courteous and dignified care.Later, the Cabinet Minister interacted with the media on key issues related to healthcare services and apprised them of the State Government’s public welfare schemes and priorities in the health sector. He said quality healthcare forms the foundation of a healthy society and that the Government is working to ensure that every citizen has access to necessary healthcare facilities near their place of residence, while continuously improving the quality of services at health institutions.*Seva Setu Camps to Provide Information on PM Surya Ghar Scheme, Bank Loans and Rooftop Solar Services* *Camps to be held across 23 districts in villages, blocks and urban areas during September-October* *Government services to reach households through Seva Setu Camps; PM Surya Ghar Scheme to get wider outreach*Seva Setu Camps are being organised on a large scale across 23 districts of Haryana during September and October 2026 to bring government welfare services and schemes closer to citizens.As per the directions of the Managing Director, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), Sh. Vikram Singh, the camps will provide information and guidance on various government services and schemes, with special focus on expanding the reach of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana among consumers.Consumers will receive information and assistance at the camps regarding the installation of rooftop solar plants, registration, required documents, bank loans, subsidy and financial assistance, as well as the process for obtaining electricity connections.A spokesperson said Sh. Vikram Singh has directed officials to ensure effective conduct of the Seva Setu Camps and reach the maximum number of citizens with information on government services and welfare schemes. Special emphasis has been laid on providing interested consumers with on-the-spot guidance regarding the PM Surya Ghar scheme so that eligible families can access its benefits easily.The spokesperson said the camps will cover 23 districts—Ambala, Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, Faridabad, Fatehabad, Gurugram, Hansi, Hisar, Jhajjar, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Mahendragarh, Nuh, Palwal, Panchkula, Panipat, Rewari, Rohtak, Sirsa, Sonipat and Yamunanagar. As per the Seva Setu calendar, separate dates have been fixed for camps at municipal corporation, municipal council, municipal committee, block and village levels, enabling both urban and rural residents to access information on government services and schemes closer to their homes.The camps will also guide interested consumers through the application process, documentation, rooftop solar installation and electricity connection, besides explaining procedures for bank loan applications and the subsidy and financial assistance available under the scheme.The initiative will save consumers from having to visit different offices for information and guidance, with the required assistance available at a single location. Special emphasis has also been given to rural areas, with camps scheduled not only at block headquarters but also in a large number of villages on different dates.UHBVN and DHBVN will use the camps to create awareness among consumers about the benefits of installing rooftop solar systems and provide guidance from application and installation to the related electricity connection process. The campaign also aims to bring more eligible families under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and promote the use of clean and solar energy.The spokesperson said the Seva Setu Camps are an effective mechanism for making government welfare services and schemes accessible to citizens closer to their homes. Under the directions of Shri Vikram Singh, special focus is being placed on creating wider awareness about the PM Surya Ghar scheme and providing consumers with the necessary guidance to avail its benefits.Consumers have been urged to check the date and venue of the Seva Setu Camp scheduled in their area and visit the camp to avail information and assistance regarding the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and other government services and welfare schemes. A district-, block-, urban local body- and village-wise calendar of the camps has been issued, detailing the dates of camps to be held in the respective areas during September and October 2026.Haryana to showcase MSMEs, artisans at IITF-2026; subsidised stalls plannedHaryana will showcase its MSMEs, artisans and state-manufactured products at the India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2026 in New Delhi, offering stalls at subsidised rates to smaller enterprises and craftspeople as part of a push to widen their market access.The IITF will be held at Bharat Mandapam from November 14 to 27 under the theme “Development and Heritage”, with Haryana participating through the Trade Fair Authority of Haryana (TFAH).The state’s participation plan was taken up at the 37th meeting of the TFAH Governing Body, chaired by Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi on Thursday.Officials said MSMEs and artisans from Haryana would be provided subsidised stalls at the fair to display and sell products manufactured in the state, giving smaller producers access to one of the country’s major trade exhibition platforms.Haryana State Day will be celebrated on November 22 at the Amphitheatre at Bharat Mandapam during the IITF.The Governing Body also approved a Rs 4.14-crore budget for TFAH for 2026-27, providing for the Authority’s activities and participation in trade exhibitions during the financial year.Haryana has lined up participation in a series of other national trade events after the IITF. The state is scheduled to participate in Annapoorna Inter Food 2026 in Mumbai from December 9 to 11, organised by FICCI and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.It also plans to participate in the East Himalayan Expo in Guwahati in January 2027, a multi-product exhibition organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), followed by the AAHAR International Fair-2027 at Bharat Mandapam in March 2027.TFAH may also take part in other domestic and overseas exhibitions, with the events and dates to be finalised subsequently.The exhibition calendar is intended to give Haryana enterprises, particularly MSMEs and artisans, opportunities to display and market locally manufactured products beyond the state and connect with buyers at major trade platforms.Administrator, Trade Fair Authority of Haryana, Vinay Pratap Singh, Director General, Industries and Commerce Department. Yash Garg, Director, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture, Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Additional Secretary, Finance Department, Manoj Khatri, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.*Chief Minister Holds Consultations with Religious and Social Organisations on Preparations for International Gita Mahotsav* *Kurukshetra gearing up for International Gita Mahotsav to take the message of the Gita to every section of society* *Call to make International Gita Mahotsav a celebration of public participation* Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held a meeting with representatives of religious and social organisations of Kurukshetra at Gita Gyan Sansthanam, Kurukshetra, to discuss preparations for the International Gita Mahotsav-2026. Representatives of various organisations shared their suggestions and views with the Chief Minister regarding the organisation of the Mahotsav.The Chief Minister called upon all organisations to work together to make the Mahotsav grand, dignified and reflective of widespread public participation. *Gita is a guiding light in the struggles of life- Chief Minister* The Chief Minister said that the Gita is not merely a religious scripture, but a message that provides direction to life. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s views on the Gita, he said that Gandhi Ji regarded the Gita as a source of guidance and solace during difficult circumstances and struggles in life.Similarly, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak laid special emphasis on the Gita’s message of Karma Yoga and inspired people to remain committed to their duties and continue performing their actions. Referring to the views of Sri Aurobindo, the Chief Minister said that the message of the Gita is not about turning away from life, but about giving life a better direction through action and spiritual consciousness.The Chief Minister said that efforts should be made through the International Gita Mahotsav to take this very message of the Gita to every section of society. The message of the Gita should remain at the centre of every activity of the Mahotsav, and every person visiting Kurukshetra should return with the culture of Kurukshetra and the message of the Gita. *‘Clean Kurukshetra, Sacred Kurukshetra’ to become a collective resolve* The Chief Minister said that everyone must work together to ensure that the environment of Kurukshetra remains clean, beautiful and well-organised in keeping with the sanctity of the land of the Gita. He called for making ‘Clean Kurukshetra, Sacred Kurukshetra’ a collective resolve.He urged people to pay special attention to cleanliness at temples, ashrams, dharamshalas, markets and public places and to extend cooperation in creating a plastic-free environment.He said that devotees and tourists coming from across the country and abroad should be welcomed in the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, so that every visitor feels a sense of belonging and respect in Kurukshetra. *Kurukshetra’s major squares to be developed on Mahabharata-era theme*The Chief Minister said that all major squares of Kurukshetra would be developed on the Mahabharata-era theme. This would help showcase the historical and cultural identity of Kurukshetra in different parts of the city.He said that the endeavour is to ensure that the entire city of Kurukshetra reflects the spirit of being the city of the Gita and Lord Shri Krishna.The Chief Minister called upon religious and social organisations to contribute to the preparations for the Mahotsav at their respective levels and share their suggestions with the administration. He said that only with the participation of organisations and citizens can the Mahotsav be given the character of a broad-based public celebration.*All organisations should participate in Gita Mahotsav in the spirit of harmony- Swami Gyananand Maharaj* On the occasion, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj called upon all religious and social organisations to join the International Gita Mahotsav in a spirit of harmony. He said that this would enhance the pride of the pilgrimage centre, Kurukshetra and all of us.He said that along with the administration, all organisations should also come forward and contribute to the cleanliness campaign.He urged every individual and organisation to join the ‘18 Minutes for the Gita’ initiative. He said that the message of creating awareness about the Gita would become meaningful only when the teachings of the Gita are also reflected in our conduct.He said that it is the collective responsibility of all to carry forward the glory of the Gita, and making an effort to incorporate its teachings into daily life should be an important part of the Mahotsav.BJP State President Archana Gupta, former Minister of State Subhash Sudha, Honorary Secretary of Kurukshetra Development Board, Sh. Upendra Singhal, OSD to Chief Minister Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, spiritual leaders and representatives of various religious and social organisations of Kurukshetra, and other dignitaries were present at the meeting.Children’s Imagination Reflects the Future of Developed India: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Seva, values and the spirit of nation-building to be carried forward to the new generation through Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Focus on nurturing innovation, digital skills and a global outlook among children along with education Life of Guru Ji an inspiration for dedication to the nation and societyHaryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today said that the Viksit Bharat envisioned by children will shape the India of tomorrow. He said that providing children with the right platform and encouragement can help nurture their creativity, values, spirit of service and commitment to nation-building.The Chief Minister was addressing the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan and Nipuna Painting Exhibition programme organised at the Government Senior Secondary School, Kanipla, Kurukshetra, on Thursday. On the occasion, he unveiled the ‘Madhav Auditorium’ and a mural of Param Pujaniya Shri Guru Ji and also visited the painting exhibition. The Chief Minister also planted a sapling on the school premises.Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, former Minister of State Subhash Sudha, Deputy Commissioner Vishram Meena, Dr. Om Prakash Arora, Ratna Chand Sardana, Dr Pritam Singh, senior officers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 11 lakh for installation of solar panels at the Government Senior Secondary School, Kanipla. He also announced Rs. 21 lakh for development works in Kanipla village.Seva Sankalp Abhiyan to inspire children towards nation service The Chief Minister said that the programme was organised under the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’. Under the campaign, painting and speech competitions were organised from September 17 to 21 for students from Classes III to XII, in which students participated enthusiastically. The selected entries from these competitions have been displayed at the district-level exhibition.Congratulating the students whose works were showcased at the exhibition, Nayab Singh Saini said that children hold colours in their hands, but it is their families and teachers who give them the confidence to transform those colours into dreams. Through their creativity, the children have presented themes such as Swachh Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, environmental protection, the spirit of service and their vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, he said. Call to contribute to building Developed India, inspired by 25 years of public service Nayab Singh Saini said that the ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ is not merely an occasion to recall achievements, but also a medium to carry forward the spirit of service, dedication and nation-building to the new generation. Drawing inspiration from the Prime Minister’s 25 years of public life, everyone should resolve to play their role in building a Developed India.He said that India is continuously advancing in the fields of science, technology and innovation. The country has demonstrated its capabilities in several areas, including space science. He called upon students to turn their dreams into goals and make continuous efforts to contribute to the development of the country.Madhav Auditorium and mural to inspire the new generation The Chief Minister said that while the paintings created by children at the Kanipla school present their vision of the India of the future, the mural of Param Pujaniya Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, ‘Shri Guru Ji’, at the Madhav Auditorium reminds us of history, values and duty.He said that history gives us roots, education gives us wings, values give us direction, and dreams give us the power to soar. No one can stop a generation with strong roots and a clear vision of the future from moving forward.Nayab Singh Saini said that Shri Guru Ji was an extraordinary personality who devoted his entire life to the nation. His life will always remain a source of inspiration for generations to come. The mural has been created to familiarise children with his life, thoughts and spirit of service to the nation, and to preserve his memory. This initiative will carry forward to the new generation the spirit of dedication to the nation, culture, and society.He said that a life is not considered great when it is lived for oneself; rather, a life lived for society is truly noble. The life of Shri Guru Ji is an example of this very spirit of dedication towards the nation and society. Special focus on technology, innovation and skills in education system The Chief Minister said that the State Government is continuously working to provide quality and modern education to students. Digital education, smart classrooms, distribution of tablets and e-learning have been promoted in government schools. Along with connecting students with artificial intelligence, coding and digital skills, efforts are being made to link skill development programmes with the school level and promote research and innovation in higher education.He said that programmes such as Super-100 and Buniyaad are being implemented in government schools to provide better guidance to students for competitive examinations. The number of seats under Super-100 has been increased from 500 to 600. Haryana preparing students for global opportunities The Chief Minister said that today’s India is moving forward shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world. Therefore, it is equally important to prepare students for global opportunities. In this direction, the French language has been introduced in government schools, while an agreement has been signed for the German language. Preparations are also underway to introduce Japanese and Korean languages in a phased manner.He said that special attention is also being paid to the development of sports facilities in government schools. This year, Rs. 1 lakh each has been provided for the development of playgrounds in all government high and senior secondary schools. Children should take their talent forwardThe Chief Minister told the students that the art displayed at the exhibition should not remain confined to paper. The colour of service should be visible in their conduct, the colour of values in their personality, the colour of hard work in their studies and the colour of their duty towards the nation in their lives.Congratulating all the students who participated in the Nipuna Haryana district-level art exhibition, he said that the message emerging from Kanipla School would travel far and the creativity and talent of the children would lay the foundation for a bright future for the State and the country. Life of Guru Ji an inspiration for youth: Swami Gyananand MaharajGita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that the mural of Shri Guru Ji is a symbol of inspiration and resolve for the new generation. He said that issues related to Sanatan culture, the Gita, traditions and values of life should not be viewed through the lens of politics. These are matters connected with our culture and life values.He called upon the youth to make great personalities like Shri Guru Ji their ideals, work for society and the nation, and draw inspiration from their lives. He also extended his best wishes to Ratna Chand Sardana for his work ‘Apna Madhav’.*Haryana to deploy ‘Parali Protection Force’ to combat stubble burning; Rs 1,200-per-acre incentive, drones and late-night patrols planned* *Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi reviews state’s action plan for elimination of stubble burning and compliance with CAQM directions*Haryana will deploy a dedicated “Parali Protection Force” at district and block levels to prevent paddy stubble burning, intensify late-evening patrolling and use drones for surveillance, while offering farmers an incentive of Rs 1,200 per acre for optimal utilisation of crop-residue management machinery, as the state steps up enforcement ahead of the harvesting season.Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Thursday reviewed the state’s action plan for elimination of stubble burning and compliance with Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directionsThe action plan provides for a Parali Protection Force comprising police personnel, Agriculture Department officials, administrative officers, nodal and cluster officers and officials of other stakeholder departments. The force will operate at district and block levels to closely monitor farm-fire incidents and take action against stubble burning.Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Vijayendra Kumar informed that the state has also called for intensified patrolling during late-evening hours, taking into account attempts by some farmers to burn paddy residue after dark to evade satellite recording of farm fires.The enforcement plan stipulates three actions in every verified case of paddy stubble burning — registration of an FIR, challan and a “red entry” in the farmer’s land record. Appropriate environmental compensation charges are also to be imposed and recovered from violators.At the same time, the government is focusing on incentives and machinery availability to provide farmers alternatives to burning. The state is providing an incentive of Rs 1,200 per acre, besides subsidy on the purchase of crop-residue management machines, for their optimal utilisation.The government plans to move balers, rakers and other machines between districts according to paddy harvesting schedules. Harvesting begins in Yamunanagar, Ambala, Karnal and Kurukshetra from September and progresses to Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar and Jind during the last week of October. Officials have been asked to coordinate with baler owners in neighbouring states and adjoining Haryana districts to facilitate movement of machinery during the season.*8,134 nodal officers deployed*Director, Agriculture, Amit Khatri informed that as many as 8,134 village-level nodal officers have been appointed for field monitoring. Haryana has around 621,285 registered paddy farmers across 5,600 villages, covering about 3.41 million acres. So far, 604,314 farmers have been covered by nodal officers.Under the monitoring mechanism, a maximum of 100 farmers can be tagged to each nodal officer, with the limit reduced to 50 in hotspot villages. Nodal officers are to use a mobile application to report active fire locations and record whether tagged farmers are managing crop residue through in-situ, ex-situ or fodder-based methods. The Parali Protection Force is expected to take immediate action on active fire locations reported through the app.*Drones to keep watch on farm fires*The state is also moving towards drone-based surveillance. In accordance with CAQM directions, Haryana is in the process of deploying drones in association with DRIISHYA for monitoring stubble-burning incidents. Deputy Commissioners will finalise in advance the villages and locations where drones will fly.The action plan further calls for government and panchayat land to be identified for safe storage of paddy straw bales, while storage facilities are to be arranged in coordination with industries that use paddy residue. District-level supply-chain plans are also envisaged to map baling, pelleting, briquetting and storage infrastructure and link farmers with end-user industries.The government is simultaneously expanding its awareness campaign. 646 village and block-level camps, discussions and demonstrations have been held, involving 23,189 farmers, while 370 school and college activities involving 19,232 students have been conducted.The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments, Deputy Commissioners and field officers to maintain close coordination, intensify ground-level monitoring and ensure prompt action against every verified instance of stubble burning. He said the objective is to protect the environment and air quality while supporting farmers in adopting sustainable residue-management practices.normalnormalThe post CM launches ‘Satarak–Haryana’ App Major Step towards easier, safer&more Convenient Reporting of Corruption appeared first on Chandigarh City News.