Over 3.5 lakh families below the poverty line (BPL) and, or, from the economically weaker sections (EWS) in Haryana are likely to avail the state government’s assistance for construction of houses under its new housing policy — Priyadarshini Awaas Yojna, stated a top state official.

On the line of ‘ Indira Awaas Yojna’, the policy details would be sent to the state Cabinet for approval and is likely to be launched from April 1.This was stated by Ram Niwas, principal secretary, rural development & panchayat, Haryana, while addressing the state level banker’s committee meet here on Thursday.

After tasting success in Punjab, the Progressive Dairy Farmer—an association of farmers with about 6,000 members—is planning to promote commercial dairy farming in other states. Taking a step forward in this direction, the association has formed the All India Progressive Dairy Farmers Association and has plans to provide dairy farmers technical know-how in setting up commercial dairy and other relevant information.

It is worth noting that with 6,000 odd commercial dairy farms, Punjab is fast emerging as a model for other states. Speaking to Business Standard, Dr Jaswinder Singh Bhatti, technical coordinator, Progressive Dairy Farmers Association, said, “ Progressive dairy farming in Punjab is a huge success and a role model for other states.

The Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) is contemplating the introduction of a two-part tariff in electricity for retail supply consumers except agricultural pumpset consumers, temporary supply consumers and public lighting. The proposed move would not only help the state power utility to raise additional revenue, which has already invested significant amount in transmission network, but also strengthen its existing network.

The state has, at present, a single part tariff policy. In a two-part tariff policy, the consumer would have to pay fixed charges, based on the sanctioned load or contract demand of the consumer besides variable charges, based on the actual consumption of power.

Primary sector's contribution to GSDP is declining, that of secondary & tertiary increasing

Punjab—the pioneer of Green Revolution—is facing stagnancy in agricultural growth. According to an economic survey, the share of primary sector in the gross state domestic product (GSDP) is constantly decreasing in the state while that of secondary as well as tertiary sector is increasing. Survey shows the growth in primary sector has been tardy, due to near saturation in production of wheat and paddy in the absence of technological break through.

The withdrawal of subsidy by The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on March 31, 2012 has affected the sales of electric two-wheelers.

The withdrawal of subsidy by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) on March 31 has drastically affected the sales of electric two-wheelers.

According to manufacturers, their business has fallen by over 70 per cent in the last three months, and, if the government does not take proactive steps, there are chances the industry might find itself in ‘hot water’. Manufacturers says they are also facing closure of dealership with around 250 dealers having already closed their operations in the last three months.