Haryana Cabinet decisions : Haryana Government Introduces Major Reforms and Initiatives

Haryana Cabinet decisions: Haryana Government Introduces Major Reforms and Initiatives: Boosts Support for Journalists, Farmers, and Contract Workers

Haryana Government Simplifies Pension Rules for Senior Journalists

In a significant move aimed at providing enhanced support to recognized journalists in Haryana, the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, has approved crucial amendments to the pension scheme for journalists aged 60 years and above. The decision was made during the Haryana Cabinet meeting held in Chandigarh on August 8, 2024.

Previously, the pension scheme included provisions that allowed for the suspension of pension benefits if a journalist was involved in criminal cases or if their conduct was found to be against journalistic ethics. These rules have now been abolished, ensuring that the pension scheme is more inclusive and supportive. Additionally, the rule that restricted pension eligibility to only one member per family, as per the Family Identification Certificate, has also been removed.

Currently, the Haryana government provides a monthly pension of ₹15,000 to recognized journalists associated with daily, evening, weekly, fortnightly, and monthly newspapers, news agencies, radio stations, and news channels. This move is expected to benefit numerous journalists across the state, ensuring financial security and encouraging ethical journalism.

Cabinet Approves Proportional Reservation for Backward Class ‘B’ in Panchayati Raj Institutions

In alignment with the recommendations of the Haryana Backward Classes Commission, the Haryana government has decided to amend sections 9, 59, and 120 of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. This amendment aims to provide proportional reservation for individuals belonging to Backward Class ‘B’ in Panchayati Raj institutions, including positions such as Panch, Sarpanch, Panchayat Samiti members, and District Council members.

This progressive change is set to empower and uplift the underprivileged individuals belonging to Backward Class ‘B’. The decision to introduce the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2024, was taken during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini. Given that the Haryana Assembly is not in session, the Cabinet has approved the ordinance to expedite the process.

Furthermore, the ordinance includes provisions for reserving a minimum of one-third of the seats for women in wards reserved for Backward Class ‘B’, similar to the provisions for Backward Class ‘A’. This move will ensure increased representation and empowerment of women from backward classes in local governance.

Haryana Government to Provide LPG Cylinders at ₹500 for BPL Families

In a historic decision aimed at benefiting the economically weaker sections, the Haryana Cabinet has approved a new LPG subsidy scheme for Below Poverty Line (BPL) families registered under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). The scheme, effective from August 1, 2024, will provide 12 LPG cylinders (14.2 kg domestic cylinders) per year at a subsidized rate of ₹500 each.

This initiative, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s empowerment in the state. The LPG subsidy amount will be directly transferred to the bank account of the senior-most female member of the family. If there is no female member over 18 years of age, the subsidy will be credited to the senior-most male member’s account.

The scheme is expected to benefit over 4.9 million families across Haryana, significantly improving the health and living standards of poor women in the state. The government will bear the financial burden of ₹1,417 crore to ensure the success of this initiative.

Haryana Extends Deadline for Societies to Obtain New Registration Numbers

The Haryana government has approved an amendment to the Haryana Societies Registration and Regulation Rules, 2012, extending the deadline for existing societies registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, to obtain new registration numbers. This decision was made during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini on August 8, 2024.

The amendment to Rule 8(1) of the Haryana Societies Registration and Regulation Rules, 2012, will provide societies with additional time to obtain their new registration numbers. This extension will be implemented through a notification, and societies will be required to pay the re-registration fee as specified in Schedule-1 of the rules.

The amendment aims to streamline the re-registration process, ensuring that societies comply with the provisions of the HRRS Act, 2012. Despite several extensions and efforts, a large number of societies have yet to transition to the new regulatory framework. Initially, 86,717 societies were registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, but only 12,923 have re-registered under the HRRS Act, 2012, leaving 73,981 societies pending.

Each society will be required to submit an application along with the necessary documents, including a certificate from an authorized officer of the governing body, confirming that the society’s memorandum and by-laws comply with the provisions of the Act and the model by-laws.

Historic Decision for Contractual Workers: Job Security Guaranteed

In a landmark decision, the Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, has taken a major step towards ensuring job security for contractual workers across the state. This decision is expected to benefit approximately 1.2 lakh contractual workers employed under various policies, including Outsourcing Policy Part-1 and Part-2, as well as those working under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN).

The ordinance, approved during the Cabinet meeting on August 8, 2024, guarantees that the services of all contractual employees working under the state government and HKRN will be secured until the date of their retirement. Employees who have completed five years of service by August 15, 2024, will be eligible for benefits under this policy. The policy also includes provisions for contractual employees to receive the basic pay scale of their position, along with an annual increment after one year of service.

Additionally, contractual workers will be entitled to benefits such as Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity, maternity leave, and health benefits under the PM-Jan Arogya Yojana-Chirayu Extension Scheme. Employees earning over ₹50,000 per month and those employed under centrally sponsored schemes will not be eligible under this policy.

Moreover, the policy includes special provisions for Guest Teachers, ensuring that they receive all applicable benefits that are not currently provided under the Guest Teachers Act. This decision underscores the government’s commitment to the welfare of its employees.

Haryana Cabinet Approves Bonus for Kharif and Horticulture Crops

In response to the adverse weather conditions and increased input costs faced by farmers this year, the Haryana government has approved a bonus of ₹2,000 per acre for Kharif and horticulture crops. This decision, made during the Cabinet meeting on August 8, 2024, is expected to benefit farmers across the state, providing much-needed financial relief.

Farmers and various farmer organizations had raised concerns about the increased input costs due to unfavorable weather conditions, including reduced rainfall and higher water consumption. Insects and diseases, often exacerbated by climate change, have also contributed to the increased costs of crop maintenance.

The government’s decision to provide a one-time bonus of ₹2,000 per acre will cover all Kharif crops, including fruits, flowers, and other horticultural crops. The financial burden of approximately ₹1,300 crore will be borne by the state government.

Farmers who have registered their crops under the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ (MFMB) portal by August 14, 2024, will receive the first installment of the bonus by August 15, 2024. As the MFMB registration process progresses, newly registered farmers will also be eligible for the bonus.

Haryana Government to Implement Supreme Court Ruling on SC Reservation Classification

The Haryana government has decided to request the Haryana Scheduled Castes Commission to expedite its recommendations based on the recent Supreme Court ruling on the classification of Scheduled Caste reservations in jobs. This decision was made during the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini on August 8, 2024.

Haryana Government Announces Bonus for Kharif and Horticulture Crops

In another significant move to support the farming community, the Haryana government has approved a bonus of ₹2,000 per acre for Kharif and horticulture crops. Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini announced that the bonus will be provided to all farmers, regardless of the size of their landholding, ensuring that even those with less than one acre of land receive the financial benefit.

Addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Saini highlighted the challenges faced by farmers due to below-average rainfall and increased input costs. He emphasized that the government is committed to the welfare of farmers, and this bonus is a testament to that commitment.

The decision to provide a bonus was made unanimously during the Cabinet meeting, and the state government will incur an expenditure of ₹1,300 crore to implement it. The Chief Minister also urged farmers who have not yet registered their crops on the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal to do so by August 15, 2024, to ensure they receive the bonus.

The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to respond to political criticism, stating that the current government is focused on making decisions that benefit the people, particularly farmers and workers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens and criticized the opposition for engaging in misleading rhetoric.

Vinesh Phogat to Receive Benefits Equivalent to Olympic Silver Medalist

In recognition of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s outstanding performance, the Haryana government has announced that she will be awarded benefits equivalent to those given to Olympic silver medalists. Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini made this announcement during a felicitation event for Haryana athletes who excelled in the recent Asian Games.

The decision reflects the state government’s commitment to encouraging sports and recognizing the achievements of athletes who bring glory to Haryana and India. Phogat’s success has inspired many young athletes in the state, and this recognition is expected to further boost the morale of sportspersons.

The government’s support for athletes extends beyond monetary benefits, as it also includes provisions for employment opportunities, training facilities, and other resources to help them excel in their respective sports.

The Haryana government’s recent decisions mark a series of progressive reforms and initiatives aimed at supporting various sections of society, including journalists, farmers, contractual workers, and athletes. These decisions are expected to have a significant impact on the state’s social and economic landscape, ensuring greater inclusivity, security, and empowerment for its citizens. The government’s focus on addressing the needs of underprivileged and vulnerable groups underscores its commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous Haryana.

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