CHANDIGARH: In two significant governance decisions, the Haryana Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Haryana State Commission for Minorities Bill, 2026 to establish a statutory body for protecting the rights of minority communities.The Cabinet also cleared a policy to grant Rs 7.5 lakh compensation to the legal heirs of persons who die under specified circumstances in police custody.The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Council of ministers chaired by chief minister Nayab Singh Saini.While the proposed Minorities Commission aims to institutionalise oversight of constitutional safeguards and welfare measures for minority communities, the custodial death compensation policy seeks to fix accountability by providing financial assistance in cases of unnatural deaths in police custody and allowing recovery from erring police personnel in torture-related cases.The proposed Haryana State Commission for Minorities will consist of a Chairperson, five non-official members and a Secretary appointed by the government.The Chairperson and members will have a three-year tenure.The Commission will monitor the implementation of constitutional and statutory safeguards available to minority communities, review government welfare schemes and programmes, assess their representation in government services and recommend measures for their social, educational, economic and cultural development.It will also investigate complaints regarding deprivation of minority rights and take up such cases with the competent authorities.To strengthen its functioning, the Commission will enjoy powers of a Civil Court while conducting inquiries, including summoning witnesses, calling for official records, receiving evidence on affidavits and issuing commissions for examination of documents and witnesses.The legislation also provides for government grants, annual budgeting, audit of accounts and submission of reports to the State Legislature.The government may also establish specialised research, information and library cells on the Commission’s recommendation.The Cabinet also approved a detailed framework governing compensation in cases of deaths in police custody. Under the policy, Rs 7.5 lakh will be paid to the legal heirs or next of kin in cases of unnatural deaths resulting from quarrels among detainees, police torture or assault, suicide in custody or negligence by police officials.However, no compensation will be payable in cases of natural deaths due to illness, deaths occurring during an escape from police custody or those caused by natural disasters while the person is in custody.The Cabinet further decided that where death results from police torture or assault, at least 50% of the compensation amount paid by the government will be recovered from the salary of the guilty police officer or official.In cases involving multiple officials, the director general of police will determine the proportion of recovery based on individual responsibility.Compensation in negligence cases will be released only after negligence is established through a Magistrate’s inquiry under Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Other Cabinet Decision
Cabinet clears Bill for Kusum International University in RewariThe Haryana Cabinet also approved a proposal to introduce an amendment to the Haryana Private Universities Act, 2006 for establishing Kusum International University in Rewari.The move is aimed at expanding higher education capacity in the state and supporting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 target of achieving a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030.The government said greater participation of the private sector is essential to meet the rising demand for higher education and improve academic standards across Haryana.
Abadi Deh Rules Cleared to Grant Legal Ownership in Lal Dora Areas
The Haryana Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Haryana Abadi Deh (Vesting, Recording and Resolving of Ownership Rights) Rules, 2026, paving the way for recording and resolving ownership rights in Abadi Deh (Lal Dora) areas across the state.Framed under the 2025 Act, the rules establish a framework for preparing permanent property records and resolving disputes through summary proceedings.Authorities will have civil court-like powers, while draft records will be published for objections and appeals.Built on surveys conducted under the SVAMITVA Scheme, the initiative is expected to benefit lakhs of rural property holders by providing legally recognised ownership records.
Training of Patwaris Cut to One Year; Trainees to Get Salary
The Haryana Cabinet approved amendments to the Haryana Revenue Patwaris (Group-C) Service Rules, 2011, reducing the mandatory training period for newly recruited Patwaris from 18 months to one year with effect from January 1, 2025.Trainees will now receive a starting salary of Rs. 19,900 instead of a stipend during training and will move to Functional Pay Level-5A after successful completion.The revised rules also update the departmental examination syllabus with digital governance modules, allow candidates to opt for posting in all districts, and bring Patwaris under the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016.
Cabinet Creates Career Path for Radiology Officers in Health Department
The Haryana Cabinet approved amendments to the Haryana health department Para-Medical and Miscellaneous Posts (State Group-C) Service Rules, 1998, incorporating 22 newly created posts of Senior Radiology Officer.One post has been created in each district and will be filled mainly through promotion from eligible Radiology Officers with at least five years of service.The Cabinet also approved renaming the post of Radiographer as Radiology Officer across the service rules.The amendments update reservation, eligibility and service provisions and are aimed at strengthening diagnostic services and improving career progression for radiology professionals in government hospitals.
