The Haryana Government has enhanced the authority of Divisional Commissioners (Commissioners). According to the recent government decision, Commissioners will now oversee the work of District Commissioners (DCs). Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal has issued a notification regarding this. In addition to law and order responsibilities, they will directly intervene in tasks such as crop assessment (Girdawari) and checking ration depots.
As per the new notification, Divisional Commissioners have the right to conduct monthly meetings with DCs to review the progress of land-related disputes and cases from government departments. They will discuss pending cases, which have been unresolved for the past six months, with DCs and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). Additionally, a report on the actions taken for resolution will be submitted to the government.
Moreover, Commissioners will be responsible for implementing senior citizen welfare schemes on the ground and expediting matters related to civil aviation services. They are empowered to hold review meetings with key officials, including Inspector General (IG), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Police Commissioner (PG), DC, SP, DSP, and DCP, at least once a month.
Commissioners are now required to submit confidential reports on sensitive places, subjects, and major developments to the Chief Secretary. They have been granted the authority to oversee development works in both urban and rural areas, resolving issues that may arise during the process, and reporting back to the government. They are also tasked with addressing problems in property tax collection and property ID work.
In a bid to enhance transparency, Divisional Commissioners are mandated to inspect at least two ration depots in their respective areas monthly. They will ensure the proper distribution of ration through biometric systems, check stock availability, and monitor the grain procurement process in the state. Furthermore, in case of crop failure, Commissioners will supervise the distribution of Girdawari and compensation.
The government has entrusted Divisional Commissioners with personally investigating one percent of Girdawari land cases to ensure fairness and prevent irregularities.
Monthly reports on these investigations will be submitted to the Chief Secretary.
Meanwhile, with the upcoming elections in Haryana, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda is actively engaging with the public. In a recent speech at the Congress’s Jan Aakrosh rally in Sonipat, Hooda hinted at his political future and sought support from the people for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Hooda addressed the crowd emotionally, expressing his desire to fight one last time in his life and sought their support for the political clash with the BJP. He also sent a clear message to internal dissenters within the Congress, emphasizing that he is neither retired nor tired. Notably, the trio of Kumari Selja, Randeep Surjewala, and Kiran Chaudhary, collectively known as the SRK faction in Haryana Congress, has been openly opposing Hooda.
Political experts analyzing the situation believe that Hooda’s emotional appeal and speech serve multiple political purposes. By playing the emotional card, he aims to connect with the people and revive his influence in the Sonipat-Rohtak-Jhajjar districts, known as Old Rohtak, which played a crucial role in forming the Congress government in Haryana from 2005 to 2014. Hooda’s stronghold in this region has historically been significant.
Hooda’s message at the Baroda rally suggests his intention to reclaim support in this area. Despite the BJP government’s presence, Hooda succeeded in securing victory for his supporter Induraj Bhalu in the 2020 by-election on the Baroda Assembly seat. However, the region’s status has changed since the formation of the BJP government in 2014, and Hooda aims to regain his influence.
While many Congress leaders are challenging Bhupendra Singh Hooda in Haryana, he continues to make promises and present himself as the CM face of Congress. Through the Baroda rally, Hooda has conveyed a clear message to his opponents within the party that if Congress secures a majority, his claim to the post of CM will be strong.
