Chandigarh, November 8 - Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal said that the government has decided to permit people to sell and burst firecrackers for only two hours on Diwali in the state. This decision has been taken in view of the rising levels of pollution while adhering to the guidelines issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to decrease air pollution.

The Chief Minister said this while interacting informally with the mediapersons in Daulatapur village of Fatehabad today. The Chief Minister said that citizens can only burst crackers for two hours on Diwali in the state. It has been observed that there has been a spike in corona infected patients due to air pollution. In order to reduce pollution and to prevent the spread of corona infection, selling and bursting crackers has been prohibited.

While responding to a question regarding the increase in fee of MBBS course the Chief Minister said that it has been marginally increased. Elaborating on it further he added that there had been no increase in the fee for several years. He said that compared to other states, medical fees is still very minimal in Haryana. On the question pertaining to submitting bonds worth ten lakh, the Chief Minister said that it has been included so that after pursuing MBBS, students can work in the state and provide their services to the people of the state. He said that the bonds are being submitted to increase the inclination of students towards working in the state.

The Chief Minister said that the farmer agitation in the state is ineffective. All three Farm Act are in favour of the farmers. He added that the Congress was trying to mislead the farmers and the real face of the Congress Party was revealed in the Vidhan Sabha Session. The people of the state witnessed the dirty politics of the Congress Party as the latter did not participate in the discussion during the Vidhan Sabha Session. In a democratic system, it is necessary to have discussion which is followed by voting, he added.

In reply to another question, Chief Minister Manohar Lal said that the Bihar results and exit poll have no significance on the political scenario of Haryana. On the incident of death due to poisonous liquor in Sonipat, the Chief Minister said that such incidents inappropriate. Taking cognisance of this, the State Government has directed to register an FIR. He said that relief amount has also been announced by the government to the families of the deceased. He said that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of selling illicit liquor.

Responding to the query regarding Dera Chief going on parole, the Chief Minister said that according to the Jail Manual, the local Jail Administration has the authority of giving parole from Sunrise to Sunset. He added that security-related matters are taken up by the District Administration and parole has been given in accordance to the rules.