Chandigarh, March 30: The meeting of the High Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC) held under the Chairmanship of  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal today approved purchases of good  to be  procured by various departments upto the limit Rs. 400 crore.  

Later while addressing the media persons, Sh. Manohar Lal while divulging the meeting details said that approval for purchasing various educational equipments required for upgrading traditional classrooms into web-based smart classrooms has been given. Promoting online education is the need of the hour and therefore the approval for purchasing these modern educational equipments has been given, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

The Chief Minister further informed that an amount of Rs. 25 crore has been approved for purchase of 38 outdoor and indoor sports items to be utilized in the schools across the State.

Responding to a question regarding Rabi Procurement season commencing from April 1, 2021, Sh. Manohar Lal said that adequate arrangements have made by the concerned departments ensuring hassle-free procurement. Besides this, it would also be ensured that both Farmers’ and Arhtiyas do not face any problem throughout the procurement process.

“This time the payment of procured crops will directly be made in the accounts of the farmers. We have decided to make direct payments to the farmers’ accounts, while the mode of payment between Arhtiyas and farmers is their internal matter,” said the Chief Minister.

Responding to another question regarding the attack on BJP MLA, Sh. Arun Narang in Punjab, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the incident is highly condemnable and the matter has been brought to the notice of Punjab and Central Government.

“In democracy, everyone has the right to freedom of speech and expression. Protest should be done in a peaceful manner. Adopting violent ways is highly condemnable. Things should be pursued in a democratic way. All such leaders leading such protests should responsibly give their statements, “said the Chief Minister.

“Any person from political or non-political background should refrain themselves from giving such statements. I publicly appeal that no politician should give such statements because such statements not only disturb the social environment but also badly impact the credibility of the leader who speaks in such a wrong way,” said Sh. Manohar Lal while responding to a question asked regarding a statement given by Sh. Abhay Chautala.

Responding to a query regarding the meeting with officials of Parle G Biscuits and Kaka Namkeen, Sh. Manohar Lal said that talks have been held for increasing the consumption of millet. Besides this, talks are also being held with other companies making such food items.

Millet and Maize are also beneficial for health, so the government is making efforts to increase the consumption of millet. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi while promoting coarse grain, has declared the year 2023 as ‘Millet Year’ so that everyone remains hale and hearty. Therefore, the use of millet and maize should increase.