Face2News/Chandigarh 

Haryana Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today approved amendments in the Common Eligibility Test (in CET Stage 1) Policy, 2022 for Group-C & D posts. This policy will be called the Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, (Amendment) Rule, 2024.

As per the amendments, the 5 percent weightage for social economic criteria provided for the bona-fide residents of Haryana has been removed. The said amendments have been done as per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The Policy for Recruitment to Group C and D posts through Common Eligibility Test, (Amendment) Rule, 2024 shall apply to direct recruitment to Group C posts including the posts of Police service, Prisons and Home Guards etc, excluding (i) the teaching posts (ii) Ex-Agniveer and (iii) Group D posts for which minimum educational qualification is below Matriculation in the Haryana Group D Employees (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2018 (5 of 2018), in the departments of State Government or any Board, Corporation, statutory body or any other agency owned and controlled by the State Government other than any University established by or under a State Act.

The State Government on May 5, 2022 introduced Common Eligibility Test for Group-C & D posts with a view to securing and sustaining the confidence of the public in general and to ensure credible and trustworthy recruitments to the posts in government of Haryana and for standardizing the recruitment process for government employment to all direct recruitment of Group-C & D posts, including the posts of Police, Prisons, Home Guards, etc., excluding the teaching posts.

Cabinet approves Aadhaar Authentication for Group A and B recruitmen, will be mandatory during the registration process for various posts on the HPSC portal 

Cabinet approved the use of Aadhaar authentication services for candidates appearing in examinations for Group A and B posts conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). The Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory during the registration process for these posts on the HPSC portal. 

The introduction of Aadhaar authentication aims to streamline the application procedure, eliminate fraudulent candidates, and ensure the accuracy of candidate data through de-duplication. This move will enhance the credibility and reliability of the recruitment process, maintaining public confidence in the competitive exams. 

Aadhaar authentication helps verify the identity of candidates, reducing the chances of fraudulent applications and impersonation. It simplifies the application process, ensuring accurate and authenticated data. Candidates will be required to provide their Aadhaar number during registration and undergo biometric verification (fingerprint or iris scan) during various stages of the recruitment process. In addition, demographic details such as name, date of birth, and address will be cross-verified with the Aadhaar database. 

This decision follows the guidelines set under Rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2020, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's directive dated March 8, 2024. 

Approves amendments to Travelling Allowance Rules 

Now Hotel Charges to be reimbursed as per trainee’s entitlement if boarding and lodging is not provided by training institute or State Government 

Chandigarh, December 28 – Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini here today, has approved amendments to the Haryana Civil Services (Travelling Allowance) Rules, 2016. 

As per the amendment, if boarding and lodging arrangements are provided by the training institute or the Government of Haryana but are not availed by the trainee, he shall be deemed to have availed such arrangements for the purpose of this rule and no hotel charges shall be admissible. However, if the training institute or the Government of Haryana does not provide boarding and lodging, hotel charges will be reimbursed as per the trainee’s entitlement.  

Government increases Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for State Employees and Judicial Officers by 25%, Effective January 1, 2024, Now the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity raised to Rs 25 lakh 

Haryana Government has decided to increase the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for state government employees by 25 percent, raising it from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. This enhancement will take effect from January 1, 2024. 

The proposal in this regard was approved by the State Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini here today. 

Similarly, the Cabinet also approved a 25 percent increase in the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for Judicial Officers of the State Government, raising it from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. This enhancement will also be effective from January 1, 2024. 

These decisions are aimed at providing enhanced financial security to state government employees and their families as well as the Judicial Officers of the state government. 

Approved the Standing Operating Procedure (SOP), for the implementation of Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana (MMPSY) from the year 2024-25.

As per the Standing Operating Procedure, instead of reimbursing the premium to the beneficiaries of PMJJBY, PMSBY, PMKMY, PMSYMY and PMLVMY under Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana, Rs 1000 per eligible family per year will be transferred to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Parivar Suraksha Yojana (DAYALU) for payment of compensation under DAYALU having family income from all sources less than or equal to Rs 1.80 lakh per annum, and having a Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP).

Cabinet approves amendments to the Haryana Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007, and the Punjab Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Rules, 1951, to provide compassionate assistance to dependents of deceased Judicial Service Members, Haryana to give Rs 1 crore Ex-Gratia grant to kin of martyrs  Approves Plot Allocation to Martyr's Family , Cabinet approves Ordinance to amend Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024 

Approved the proposal of Finance Department to amend the Haryana Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, and Haryana Civil Services (Assured Career Progression) Rules, 2008.

As per the amendment, the Haryana Civil Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2008, will be called the Haryana Civil Services (Revised Pay) Amendment Rules, 2024. These Rules shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from September 1, 2009. Similarly, the Haryana Civil Services (Assured Career Progression) Rules, 2008 will be called the Haryana Civil Services (Assured Career Progression) Amendment Rules, 2024. These rules shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from September 1, 2009.

These rules have been amended for engineering posts in three key engineering wings of the state: PWD (B&R), Irrigation and Water Resources, and Public Health Engineering Department. Following the amendment, there will be no need to re-fix the pay of any employee.

ACCORDED EX POST FACTO APPROVAL FOR PROVIDING STATE GOVT. GUARANTEE OF RS. 800 CRORES:

Cabinet  accorded ex-post facto approval for providing State Government Guarantee of Rs 800 crore in favour of Canara Bank, Sector -17C Chandigarh against sanctioned fresh Capex loan of Rs 800 crore to meet with Capex requirements during Financial Year 2024-25 by Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL).

The Cabinet also accorded ex-post facto approval for providing State Government Guarantee of Rs 400 crore in favour of Bank of India, Sector -17B Chandigarh against sanctioned fresh Capex loan of Rs 400 crore to meet with Capex requirements during Financial Year 2024-25 by Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL).

Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited is a State-owned power distribution utility responsible for supply of electricity to the consumers in ten Northern Districts of the State. The operations of the utility are regulated by Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission.   

Haryana to give Rs 1 crore Ex-Gratia grant to kin of martyrs 

Haryana Cabinet approves Rs 1 Crore Ex-Gratia for Families of Martyrs from Union Armed Forces and CAPF, approved the revision of the Ex-Gratia amount to be given to the families of battle casualties of Union Armed Forces personnel and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. The revised Ex-Gratia amount has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 Crore. 

This decision follows the announcement made by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini in his Budget speech for 2024-25, where he declared the increase in the Ex-Gratia amount from the earlier Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore, in recognition of the sacrifices made by the martyrs and their families. 

The Ex-Gratia grant is given to the family members/Next-of-Kin of Martyr of Union Armed Forces personnel (Army, Navy & Air Force) belonging to Haryana, in case of the 'battle casualty including various kinds of incidents declared as 'Battle casualty' by the Defence Authorities/Ministry of Home Affairs, as the case may be, irrespective of any operation or any specified areas of operation in which a member of Armed Forces or Central Armed Police Force is killed in harness, in the performance of bonafide official duties in war/IED Blast/terrorist or militant attacks/border skirmishes and in United National Peacekeeping Force including death in M.T. accident, Cardiac arrest, Air crash accident and Natural calamities which demand exceptional courage and decisions towards performance of duties.  

In case of CAPF personnel, who come under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Home affairs, Government of India, the payment of Ex-Gratia amount is given to the families of battle casualties of personnel belonging to Haryana who lay down their lives in the performance of their bona fide official duties while serving in operational area in war or during terrorist/militant attack including contingencies like death during performance of their duties during natural calamities, elections, rescue operations, etc.   

Haryana Cabinet approves extension of Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy, 2019

The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved the extension of Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy, 2019 along with the schemes notified under it till the new Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy is notified.  

The Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy, 2019 offers various fiscal incentives to reduce the cost of doing business and to promote investments in the logistics, warehousing and retail sector in Haryana. The units are supported through incentives on Investment - Capital Subsidy, Interest Subsidy, Stamp Duty reimbursement, EDC reimbursement, and electricity Duty exemption along with support on capacity building. 

The policy focuses on simplification of regulatory laws and procedures for the logistics, warehousing and retail sectors. It aims at creating quality and cost competitive multi-modal logistics and warehousing infrastructure as well as retail-oriented infrastructure, along with promoting human capital development initiatives targeted at the creation of a labour pool skilled for these sectors. 

The policy also aims to attract private sector investments as well as PPP investments in logistics, warehousing and retail sectors, apart from creating a strong ecosystem for delivering on big ticket industry and infrastructure projects. It also intends to enhance the upgradation and adoption of modernized technologies in these sectors. 

It is worth mentioning that the Department of Industries & Commerce is in the process of getting the Haryana Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy, 2024 notified. The 2019 policy was valid for a period of 5 years and expired on 8th March, 2024. The same has been extended by the Cabinet today till 31st December, 2024 or till the time the final Logistics, Warehousing & Retail Policy, 2024 is approved, whichever is earlier.   

Haryana Cabinet Approves Plot Allocation to Martyr's Family 

Cabinet  has approved a proposal by the Development and Panchayats Department to allocate a 200-square-yard plot from shamilat deh land to Smt. Kamlesh Sharma, wife of Shaheed Sub-Inspector Sh. Jai Bhagwan. The late Sub-Inspector, a resident of Village Hirapur in Block Ballabgarh, District Faridabad, sacrificed his life during a counter-insurgency operation on December 12, 1995.

Smt. Kamlesh Sharma, who currently does not have residential accommodation, will receive the plot as a token of respect and support for her family. 

This decision aligns with Rule 13 of the Punjab Village Common Lands (Regulation) Rules, 1964, which allows a Gram Panchayat, with prior approval from the State Government, to gift up to 200 square yards of shamilat deh land for residential purposes. This provision specifically benefits members of defense and paramilitary forces who are seriously injured and rendered handicapped, or the dependent families of those martyred in wars or counter-insurgency operations, provided they lack adequate residential accommodation.  

Increases monthly pension for Matribhasha Satyagrahis of Hindi Aandolan-1957 

The Haryana Government has approved an enhancement in the monthly pension of Matribhasha Satyagrahis of the Hindi Aandolan-1957 from the existing Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, with immediate effect. 

A decision to amend Pension Scheme for the Matribhasha Satyagrahis was taken by the State Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini here today.While the pension amount has been increased, the eligibility criteria and other terms and conditions of the scheme will remain unchanged. 

Cabinet approves Ordinance to amend Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024 

Cabinet approved the decision to bring an Ordinance for further amending the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024.

Under this amendment, the phrase "in a calendar year" will be replaced with "during a period of one year of contractual service." This amendment is being introduced to address request raised by contractual employees regarding the calculation of their service days. 

Currently, employees had requested that the 240-day service requirement be calculated based on the actual number of days during a one-year period of contractual service, instead of a calendar year. The current system posed challenges for employees who joined between May and December, as the service days for their first year of employment were not being fully counted. For instance, employees whose date of joining falls after May and before December would not meet the 240-day service requirement for their first calendar year of service, thus affecting their job security. 

In addition, for the year 2024, employees raised concerns as the number of days until the cut-off date of August 15, 2024, is only 227, which falls short of the required 240 days.

 In response to these genuine request, the Haryana Cabinet has approved the amendment to consider 240 days of service during a period of one year of contractual service, thereby addressing these issues and ensuring better job security for contractual employees. 

Under the Haryana Contractual Employees (Security of Service) Act, 2024, the benefit of job security is admissible to those contractual employees who fulfil the 5 years contractual service before 15th August 2024. 

Cabinet approves amendments to the Haryana Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007, and the Punjab Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Rules, 1951, to provide compassionate assistance to dependents of deceased Judicial Service Members : The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved amendments to the Haryana Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007, and the Punjab Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Rules, 1951, as applicable to the state of Haryana. The amendments pertain to the provision of compassionate financial assistance or appointment to the dependents of deceased members of the Haryana Superior Judicial Service and Haryana Civil Service (Judicial Branch). 

In response to a request from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Cabinet approved the insertion of Rule 24A in the Haryana Superior Judicial Service Rules, 2007, after Rule 24, and the addition of Part EE after Part E in the Punjab Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Rules, 1951, as applicable to Haryana. 

Under the newly inserted Rule 24A, compassionate financial assistance or an appointment to the dependents of deceased members of the Haryana Superior Judicial Service will be provided in accordance with the Haryana Civil Services (Compassionate Financial Assistance or Appointment) Rules, 2019, as amended from time to time. 

Similarly, as per the newly inserted Part EE, compassionate financial assistance or appointment to the dependents of deceased members of the Haryana Civil Service (Judicial Branch) will also be governed by the Haryana Civil Services (Compassionate Financial Assistance or Appointment) Rules, 2019, as amended from time to time. 

These rules will be called as Haryana Superior Judicial Service (Amendment) Rules, 2024 and Punjab Civil Service (Judicial Branch) Haryana Amendment Rules, 2024, and shall come into effect from August 1, 2019, as amended from time to time.

Cabinet, which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini here today, approved the proposal of the Health Department regarding amendment in Haryana Health Department Multipurpose Health Supervisors and Multipurpose Health Workers Group ‘C’ Service Rules, 1984. 

The new rules will be called the Haryana Health Department Multipurpose Health Supervisors and Multipurpose Health Workers Group ‘C’ Service (Amendment) Rules, 2024. 

As per the amendment, the educational qualification for the posts of Multipurpose Health Worker (Male) and Multipurpose Health Worker (Female) will now be 10+2 in any stream. Under the existing departmental service rules, the educational qualifications for recruitment to the MPHW post required 10+2 with science stream. 

Approved the amendment in Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority Act, 2021 (Act 23 of 2021). The new Act will be called the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (Amendment) Act, 2024.

The amendment is required to be carried out for making enabling provisions in the original Act 23 of 2021 for exercising powers of Haryana New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952 (Punjab Act 1 of 1953) by Chief Executive Officer and also to make relevant insertions in appropriate sections and clauses with respect to area falling within limits of Municipal Council, Kalka. 

The Section 15 of the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority Act, 2021 enables Chief Executive Officer of the authority to exercise powers of the Director, Town and Country Planning, Haryana, Chandigarh as conferred under the Haryana Scheduled Roads and Controlled Areas and Restrictions of Unregulated Development Act, 1963 (Punjab Act 41 of 1963), but as most of the area falling within the jurisdiction of the authority is part of Controlled Area declared under Haryana New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952 (Punjab Act 1 of 1953) hence, the powers of the Director, Town and Country Planning Department conferred under the provisions of Act 1 of 1953 are also required to be exercised by the Chief Executive Officer of the authority for the smooth and streamlining working. Further, in the original Act, there is a mention of Municipal Corporation, Panchkula only, whereas an area situated within limits of Municipal Council, Kalka is also falling within jurisdiction of the authority. 

The Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority was established under the PMDA Act, 2021, with the aim of fostering continued, sustained, and balanced growth in the Panchkula Metropolitan Area. The authority's objectives include enhancing the quality of life and providing a reasonable standard of living for residents, ensuring integrated and coordinated planning, infrastructure development, the provision of urban amenities, mobility management, sustainable urban environmental management, and promoting social, economic, and industrial development. 

Cabinet approves revision of Indexation mechanism for calculation of External Development Charges, proposal to increase EDC rates by 10 per cent every year gets Cabinet nod

Cabinet has approved revision of Indexation mechanism for calculation of External Development Charges (EDC) of various potential zones in the state.

The Indexation Policy was based on EDC rates for the year 2015 and these had not been increased for last 8 years till date. Prior to the Indexation Policy, the EDC rates were increased by 10 per cent every year. Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal to increase EDC rates by 10 per cent every year, hereafter.

The Cabinet also approved engagement of a consultant to decide the base EDC rates for determination of indexation rates in future and till such time the base EDC rates get determined. Cabinet approved one time increase of 20% from January 01, 2025 and for later years an increase of 10% every year w.e.f 01st January of every year was approved.

The approval will pave the way for issuing of policy instructions under Section 9A of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Area Act, 1975, as well as for undertaking amendments in the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Rules, 1976.

It is worth mentioning that the rates of EDC were fixed under Indexation Mechanism on the recommendations of Cabinet Sub-Committee consisting of Finance Minister, Public Works (B&R) Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister and Health and Medical Education Minister. In 2018, the government had requested IIT Delhi to undertake the work of determination of EDC rates of Gurugram & Rohtak Circle and IIT Roorkee for Faridabad, Panchkula & Hisar Circle. However, both the institutes expressed their inability to undertake the work of determination of EDC rates due to which the same Indexation Policy as well as EDC rates continued till date.

Cabinet approves upgradation of Pataudi-Haily Mandi and Farrukhnagar to Medium Potential Zones 

Cabinet approved the amendment to upgrade the potential zones of Pataudi-Haily Mandi and Farrukhnagar in district Gurugram from the Low Potential Zone to the Medium Potential Zone.

Currently, the areas of Pataudi-Haily Mandi and Farrukhnagar fall under the 'Low Potential Zone' as defined in the 'Schedule' of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Rules, 1976, which outlines various potential zones such as low, medium, high, and hyper. However, these areas have now shown significant potential for development, including the establishment of colonies, institutions, industries, and warehouses. 

A representation received on August 1, 2024, highlighted that the classification of Farrukhnagar and Pataudi-Haily Mandi as Low Potential Zones results in lower revenue receipts, especially in terms of External Development Charges (EDC), Internal Development Charges, License Fees, and Conversion Charges. The representation urged the government to upgrade these areas to a higher potential zone to increase revenue generation. 

Both Farrukhnagar and Pataudi-Haily Mandi are located in close proximity to the Hyper Potential Zone of the Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex (GMUC). Farrukhnagar has gained significant attention from developers, largely due to the development of the Model Economic Township by Reliance, the KMP Expressway, and the rapidly expanding railway network. Similarly, Pataudi-Haily Mandi's proximity to NH-8 and the KMP Expressway positions it as an area with enormous development potential. 

By upgrading Farrukhnagar and Pataudi-Haily Mandi to Medium Potential Zones, the Haryana Government aims to enhance revenue collection from developers, particularly through increased rates for License Fees, External Development Charges, Conversion Charges, and other related fees. This upgrade will contribute positively to the State Exchequer, fostering economic growth in these areas.  

Cabinet approves draft policy- the Haryana Human Resources Management System (Administration) Policy, 2024 for systematic management of human resources through e-HRMS 2.0.. 

Cabinet approved the draft policy namely, the Haryana Human Resources Management System (Administration) Policy, 2024 for systematic management of its human resources through a revised and updated human resource management system e-HRMS 2.0. 

The policy seeks to optimize the utilization of services of employees 

The policy aims to systematically manage the process of creation and alteration of the posts sanctioned for any department/organization as a whole and various functional offices under that department/organization, to manage placements, transfers/postings of officials of the State Government, both regularly recruited as well as contractual employees, as required in public interest from time to time. The policy seeks to optimize the utilization of services of employees of the Government departments/organizations, ensuring the best possible public service. Additionally it aims to maintain up-to-date data in respect of different terms and conditions of services of employees of the Government, facilitating faster decision making in the overall interest of the employees. 

The policy will be applicable to all Haryana Government employees 

This policy will be applicable to all Haryana Government employees working in various departments and organizations under the Haryana Government, whether working on regular or contract basis. Human Resources Department (HRD) will be the administrative department for custody and management of the e-HRMS 2.0. HRD will oversee the development and hosting of various software modules on the portal, ensuring their smooth operations at all the times. Additionally, the HRD will also be responsible for safety and integrity of the date hosted on the e-HRMS 2.0 

e-HRMS 2.0 will serve as a single platform for managing placements, transfers and postings 

e-HRMS 2.0 will serve as a single platform for managing placements, transfers/postings, and other terms and conditions of service for employees across Departments/Organizations. It may consist of multiple modules, as determined by the Government through the Human Resources Department from time to time. 

An Empowered Committee (EC) chaired by the Chief Secretary will make decisions in the interest of efficient human resource management 

An Empowered Committee (EC) will be constituted, chaired by the Chief Secretary, with the Director General/Director of the Human Resources Department serving as the Member Secretary. The Administrative Secretaries of the Finance Department and the Human Resources Department will be members of the Committee. The EC will meet as needed to make decisions regarding the functioning of e-HRMS 2.0, including additions, alterations, or modifications to modules, in the interest of efficient human resource management and the deployment of employees across various offices within a Department/Organization. 

The data hosted on e-HRMS 2.0 will be backed by documentary evidence 

The Human Resource Department will be responsible for ensuring that the correct and duly verified data only is hosted on e-HRMS 2.0 by different departments/organizations. The data hosted on e-HRMS 2.0 will be backed by documentary evidence, a copy of which will be maintained by the department/organization concerned as well as in the records of the Human Resource Department. No information will be hosted on e-HRMS 2.0 unless it is duly verified and supported by documentary evidence. The information regarding sanctioned posts must be supported by sanction letters issued by the Finance Department. Heads of the Departments/Organizations concerned will ensure that no unauthenticated data or information is put in the e-HRMS 2.0 portal.