Haryana came into existence but could not develop its prosperous identity: M.S. Chopra, Former Deputy Secretary, Government of India

Haryana came into existence but could not develop its prosperous identity: M.S. Chopra, Former Deputy Secretary, Government of India

A separate capital is essential for the glorious culture and holistic development of Haryana: S.C. Chaudhary, Former Chief Secretary, Haryana

The absence of even a single member from Haryana in NZCC is a direct proof of injustice being done to the state: Padma Shri Mahavir Guddu, Haryanvi folk singer

Under the “Haryana Banao Abhiyan”, the demand for a separate capital and High Court for the state was raised strongly.

Chandigarh 21 August ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : It has been 58 years since Haryana was separated from Punjab, but unfortunately, the region has still not been granted the status of a fully autonomous state, as it does not have its own capital and a separate High Court. Because of this, the golden opportunity of creating a distinct identity for the state on the basis of its glorious history and rich ancient culture is being wasted. These views were expressed today at the Chandigarh Press Club by former Deputy Secretary, Government of India, M.S. Chopra, during a press conference organized under the “Haryana Banao Abhiyan” on the issue of a new capital and a separate High Court for Haryana. He said that the sacred land of Haryana holds an important place in India for its ancient civilization, rich culture, glorious history, spiritual prosperity, and social harmony. But today, Haryana is deprived of its own capital. The people of Haryana lack a central place to preserve and promote their heritage and to celebrate modern economic progress and achievements. Haryana may have come into existence, but its prosperous identity could not develop. It has yet to achieve completeness and special recognition. Building a modern capital at an appropriate location will accelerate the development of underdeveloped areas of the state and strengthen its economy. Former Chief Secretary of Haryana, S.C. Chaudhary, addressing the journalists, said that a separate capital is extremely essential for Haryana’s glorious culture and holistic development. He said that having a separate capital and High Court will make it far more convenient for the people of Haryana to avail administrative and judicial services. The creation of 22 districts from the original 7 districts was indirectly justified to provide administrative and judicial services closer to the people. But as the capital lies in one corner of the state, most people from far-off regions have to travel long distances and pay thousands of rupees in tolls to reach administrative offices and the High Court. Due to lakhs of pending cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the people of Haryana face long delays in justice, which also proves costly. Former Vice-Chancellor Radheshyam Sharma highlighted that the most serious problem in Haryana is unemployment. Frustrated youth are falling prey to drugs and crime, committing suicides, or risking their lives to migrate to foreign countries. Recruitment on government vacancies alone cannot solve this problem. New opportunities for employment must be created, and the construction of a new state capital will play a crucial role in solving this issue. Like Gurugram, potential investments worth billions from foreign and private companies will generate lakhs of jobs of various kinds.

Padma Shri Haryanvi folk singer Mahavir Guddu said that for Haryana’s unique identity, completeness, progress, and prestige, the establishment of a second capital and a separate High Court is necessary. For the overall development of the state, the centralization of political, cultural, economic, and social forces is indispensable. He further pointed out that the fact that not even a single member from Haryana is included in the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) is a direct example of injustice towards the state. Ranbir Singh Badhran, Convener of the Haryana Banao Abhiyan, senior advocate of the Punjab-Haryana High Court, and former Chairman of the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, said that lawyers are also demanding a separate Bar for Haryana and substantial budgetary provisions for the welfare of advocates in the Haryana state budget. They are also demanding that retirement benefits under the Advocate Welfare Fund Act be implemented through a separate Bar Council for Haryana. Many other states have already made such budgetary provisions for the welfare of advocates in their annual budgets. For the creation of a separate Bar Council under the Advocates Act, it is essential to have a separate High Court for Haryana. According to records, more than 14,25,047 cases are pending before Haryana’s district and subordinate courts, and over 4,50,000 cases are pending before the High Court. In addition, lakhs of cases are pending before various commissions, tribunals, and other authorities. It is estimated that over 45 lakh people in Haryana are involved in litigation, and most litigants suffer due to delays in case disposal. Quick resolution of cases is of utmost importance for both litigants and advocates of Haryana. To solve this issue, both Haryana and Punjab need separate High Courts. Retired Commandant Ishwar Singh Duhan, Dr. R.R. Malik (former Principal, GMN College, Ambala), Sunil Katyal (former Commissioner, Right to Service Commission, Haryana), Bimla Chaudhary (social worker), Randhir Singh Saroha (co-convener, Haryana Banao Abhiyan), retired Principal R.R. Malik, Advocate Lalit Barada, Yadvinder Singh, Ravikant Sain, Advocate Riya Malik, Deepal Tamang, Anukriti (Advocate, Punjab & Haryana High Court), and other social workers including Sanjeev Nehra, Sadiq Chauhan, Agnivesh Nara, Labh Singh, Ashok Dadupur, Sanjeev Kumar, Ishwar Goyat, Pooja, etc. were also present on the occasion and shared their views.