Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday inaugurated the ‘Third Panchkula Book Fair’,  organized at Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector-5 in Panchkula. On this occasion, he also inaugurated Sardar Patel libraries built in village Arunai, district Kurukshetra, village Bara, district Karnal and village Madana Kalan, district Jhajjar through video conferencing. He also went around the Book Fair and released several books.

Addressing the gathering, Saini said, “Our culture and heritage are available in the books. Darkness of life can be dispelled only with the light of knowledge. The purpose of this book fair is also to enhance our knowledge.”

Saini said that the Fair features thousands of books in various languages. Observing the large crowd gathered, he underlined the significance of books in our lives. "Anyone with an interest in a particular subject can find valuable knowledge in the wide selection available at this fair," he added.

He said, “By learning under the guidance of teachers and studying in libraries, we acquire in-depth knowledge of various subjects.” He said that Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) has established over 25 libraries in the past three years through its CSR initiatives. "Today, we inaugurated three more libraries, which serve as an inspiration for other departments," he stated.

Saini said that the BJP government has committed to providing 2 lakh jobs for the youth of the state and emphasized the importance of libraries for preparing for recruitment and competitive examinations. District-level libraries are already operational at district headquarters, and the government is now upgrading digital libraries in colleges and schools. "The government is also opening libraries in villages, equipped with computer facilities," he said. "Online resources and e-books are being made available, allowing youth to access information about their subjects online." He said that for the past ten years, youth in the state have been securing jobs without the need for bribes or recommendations. "Now, instead of seeking recommendations, the youth are preparing for their future by utilizing library resources," he added.

The CM said that under the Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon Yojana, 86 percent of the villages in the State are being provided 24-hour electricity. He emphasized that the state's power utilities have achieved self-reliance in the power sector. The Chief Minister also highlighted the Adarsh Gram Yojana, which aims to transform over 200 villages into model villages. Under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), support is being provided for various initiatives, including poverty alleviation, malnutrition reduction, healthcare, sanitation, environmental sustainability, pensions, education, improving the sex ratio, sports development, and contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund. He also acknowledged the significant support from private companies and industries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which greatly assisted local communities through their CSR initiatives.

Hry Agri Minister reviews DAP availability; Says all steps taken to meet demand

PNS Chandigarh

Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana on Monday assured farmers that there is no shortage of DAP fertilizer in the state, urging them to remain calm as the government is committed to ensuring adequate supplies. The minister conducted a review of DAP availability and emphasized that all necessary steps are being taken to meet the demand.

According to ministry data, DAP consumption in the October 2023 Rabi season stood at 1,19,470 metric tonnes, while consumption in October 2024 was slightly lower at 1,14,000 metric tonnes. Presently, the state has a stock of 24,000 metric tonnes of DAP, with a daily supply mechanism in place to keep up with farmers’ needs.

The Central Government has allocated 1,10,000 metric tonnes of DAP for Haryana in November, up from 72,697 metric tonnes consumed in November last year. The distribution schedule includes phased deliveries across the state to prevent any shortfall. Under this plan, 41,600 metric tonnes will arrive in the first week, followed by 40,000 metric tonnes in the second, and 20,000 metric tonnes in the third week.

Rana directed officials to keep a close watch on the ground-level supply and ensure the timely availability of DAP to farmers. Additionally, he instructed a review of urea stocks, as its demand is expected to increase next month.

In a broader appeal, the minister urged farmers to consider using crop residue as a natural fertilizer and to avoid burning it, highlighting the benefits for soil health and sustainable agriculture practices.