category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has addressed the longstanding demand of plywood factory operators in Yamunanagar by reducing the market fee on the purchase of lumber from 2 percent to 1 percent. This decision is expected to yield an annual profit of over Rs 8 crore for the plywood factory operators. Recognising the challenges faced by board traders due to the post-COVID slowdown in business, the Chief Minister has taken this initiative to provide much-needed relief. The Chief Minister made this announcement while addressing the Jan Samvad programme held at Dussehra Ground in Yamunanagar today. He emphasized his commitment to engage with the public and resolve their concerns through the Jan Samvad programme. In this regard, he revealed plans to conduct a survey of old colonies in the state, some of which have legal status while others remain unauthorized. The goal is to legalize these colonies within the next 4-5 months. Furthermore, the Chief Minister said that a physical survey will be carried out for families grappling with high electricity bills due to their business activities. Based on this survey, appropriate facilities will be extended to these families. Additionally, families working in various occupations, such as auto drivers, washermen, ironworkers, barbers, and carpenters, will also receive support. Highlighting the progress in providing essential services to the public, the Chief Minister shared that the number of Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders in Yamunanagar district has increased from 55,693 in December 2022 to 71,388 at present, with approximately 16,000 new cards issued in just seven months. He announced that all BPL cardholders would now receive 2 liters of mustard oil, removing the previous Rs 12,000 per month electricity bill threshold for BPL families. The Chief Minister underscored the government s efforts to digitize public services and deliver information through mobile platforms. A survey will be conducted to identify families without mobile phones, with the aim of providing them with mobile facilities to access online services. The Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that all government facilities for persons with disabilities are effectively delivered in the district. He also said that the state government had successfully completed flyover projects connecting Delhi to Chandigarh. During the programme the Chief Minister highlighted the success of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, with 148,715 cards issued in the Yamunanagar assembly constituency. Of these, 17,383 people have received treatment at a cost of Rs 44.78 crore, with no financial burden on the beneficiaries. Those who have benefited from this scheme expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister during the Jan Samvad program. The Chief Minister assured that efforts are underway to expedite payments for medical tests through the Ayushman card, ensuring that individuals in need do not have to bear any expenses. Moreover, the Chief Minister announced approvals for the construction of 15 roads in the Yamunanagar assembly constituency, with work already underway on 8 roads and tenders to be issued for the remaining 7 soon. He highlighted the progress on the workshop road, which is nearing completion, with an expenditure of approximately Rs 3.5 crore. During the programme the Chief Minister personally handed over pension certificates to 11 individuals aged 60 or above, whose income was less than Rs. 3 lakhs, offering his congratulations. Yamunanagar MLA Ghanshyam Das Arora extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present at the event. (editor dailyworld.in)