To revolutionize agriculture through renewable energy, Punjab is rolling out a significant solar initiative, targeting both environmental sustainability and social equity by installing 20,000 solar pumps (Surface and Submersible). Of these, the state has reserved 5,000 solar pumps exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers and Gram Panchayats, offering unprecedented subsidies that promise to transform farming practices while easing financial burdens on marginalized communities.   Punjabs New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora on Friday announced that under the ambitious PM Kusum Scheme, the state will install 20,000 solar pumps, marking a decisive step towards reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Of these, 2,000 solar pumps have been reserved for SC farmers, who will benefit from an 80 percent subsidy on installation costs.   In addition, 3,000 pumps are set aside for gram panchayats to encourage collective farming initiatives at the village level. General category farmers, meanwhile, are eligible for a 60 percent subsidy under the same scheme.   Emphasizing the governments focus on cleaner energy, Arora pointed out that the Punjab Government is pushing for widespread use of solar energy to decarbonize the agricultural sector. This move aligns with the states broader environmental agenda, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable farming practices.   The Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), tasked with executing the solar pump initiative, has developed an online portal to streamline the application process. The portal, designed with support from the Department of Governance Reforms (DGR), will allow farmers to easily apply for the solar pumps. Minister Arora, alongside department secretary Ravi Bhagat, personally reviewed the portals operations to ensure a seamless experience for applicants, pledging that transparency and efficiency will be the hallmarks of this initiative.   Mandatory for political parties to submit election manifesto copies: Hry CEO PNS Chandigarh Haryana Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal on Friday said that all the political parties and candidates contesting the elections must submit three copies each of their election manifestos in Hindi and English to the Chief Electoral Officers office within 3 days from the date of issuance of the manifesto. Agarwal said that all political parties should thoroughly study all aspects of the Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission and ensure full compliance during the election process. According to sub-clause 3 of Paragraph 8 of the Model Code of Conduct, in the interest of transparency, fair opportunities, and the credibility of promises, it is expected that election manifestos reflect the justification for their promises. Primarily, they should outline the methods and means to meet the financial requirements, and voter confidence should only be sought for promises that are feasible to fulfill. Divyang and voters above 85 years can vote from home The CEO said that the Election Commission of India has made provisions for Divyang (Persons with Disability) voters and those over the age of 85 years to cast their votes from home as well, ensuring their participation in the democratic process. This facility is optional, and such voters can also choose to vote at the polling station if they prefer. Agarwal said just like any other voter, Divyang individuals and those above 85 years of age should also exercise their right to vote. Therefore, this special facility has been made for them. In Haryana, voting for the general elections of the Legislative Assembly will take place on October 5, 2024, and every voter should contribute to it by casting their vote.  To avail the facility of the home voting, Divyang voters and those over the age of 85 need to fill out Form 12-D and submit it to the Returning Officer within five days of the election notification (September 5, 2024). Apart from this, Divyang voters must submit a copy of their disability certificate of more than 40 percent and should also be marked in the electoral roll, added the CEO.    He further stated that BLOs would collect Form 12-D from such voters homes and also a list of these voters will also be provided to the candidates so that they can appoint representatives to monitor the home voting process.  Agarwal said that a team of polling officers would visit the homes of these voters to collect their votes. Voters will be informed in advance about the officers visit. A videographer and a police security officer will accompany the polling officers to ensure the process is conducted according to the Election Commissions guidelines, while maintaining the confidentiality of the vote, he added.

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