Haryana Diary: Khattar gets a taste of tradition

Yamunanagar: Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar, along with former minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar, tried their hand at the traditional jaggery-making process during a visit to Araiyanwala village. The leaders stopped at a local ‘gur’ unit, observed the entire production process and interacted with workers. They also participated in making jaggery and sampled the hot, freshly prepared product. Appreciating the quality and traditional methods, both stressed the need to promote rural entrepreneurship.

BJP steps up MC poll strategy

Ambala: With the Municipal Corporation elections approaching, the BJP has intensified its campaign in Ambala. Senior leaders, including a Cabinet minister, have been deputed, while booth-level workers and Panna Pramukhs have been activated. Party leaders said preparations have been intensified, with workers from other blocks also roped in to strengthen campaigning and highlight the party’s policies, schemes and achievements.

Power bill standoff troubles officials

Rohtak: District officials are facing a tough situation after several gram panchayats refused to clear rental dues for electricity pump sets used to drain water during the last monsoon. The panchayats have claimed they were unaware of such installations. Officials are now exploring alternative options to recover the dues as the panchayats remain firm in their refusal.

DITS employees seek service security

Hisar: Employees of the District Information and Technology Society (DITS) have expressed resentment, alleging they were excluded from the Contractual Employees (Service Security) Act, 2024. They said DITS staff play a key role in delivering digital services such as CM Window, SARAL, e-Disha centres, land records digitisation and online registrations. Despite their contribution, they continue to work without service security, creating uncertainty about their future.

Sonepat MC polls turn prestige battle

Sonepat: The upcoming Municipal Corporation elections in Sonepat have become a prestige issue for all major political parties, including the BJP, Congress, AAP, INLD and JJP. With elections to be fought on party symbols, all sides are making efforts to strengthen their presence. While the city was once considered a Congress bastion, the BJP currently holds the MLA seat and its state president Mohan Badoli resides here. Aspirants have submitted claims for mayoral and councillor posts in all 22 wards, even as the election date is awaited.