Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Sainion Tuesday said that since the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Haryana, the state has made significant strides in all-round development. He said that since 2014, there has been a remarkable transformation in every aspect of the state, from infrastructure improvements to welfare initiatives, with the common people experiencing these positive changes firsthand.
Addressing the media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Saini said that the Haryana Government is consistently reimbursing treatment costs for all private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat Card Scheme. He said that the "double engine" government led by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi is offering free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh to the poor and needy through this scheme. To date, approximately 20 lakh beneficiaries in Haryana have received assistance through the Ayushman scheme.
Responding to a question regarding the upcoming elections for urban local bodies, the Chief Minister said that we are fully prepared for the elections.
In response to a question about the ongoing crackdown on gangsters by the Haryana Police, Saini stated that it is the state government's responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its people. He said that anyone involved in wrongdoing will face consequences, and the police will take strict action against those involved in criminal activities.
When asked about corruption, the Chief Minister asserted that there is no tolerance for corruption in Haryana. He assured that strict action would be taken against anyone found indulging in corrupt practices.
The Chief Minister described the budget for the year 2025-26, presented by the third-term government of the Center, as a strong foundation for a developed India. He stated that this budget reinforces Prime Minister Modi's vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He added that no matter how much good work the current government accomplishes, it is the opposition's compulsion to criticize. While the opposition is entitled to its views, it should ensure that such opposition does not harm society.
Saini said that the Union Budget has provided significant relief to farmers, small industries, and the middle class. He said that income up to Rs 12 lakh has been made tax-free, benefiting crores of people. The limit for Kisan Credit Cards for farmers has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, providing greater financial support. Under the Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana, special attention will be given to 100 low-productivity districts, which will enhance farmers' income.
Additionally, a five-year mission has been outlined in the budget to boost cotton production, which will strengthen the country's textile industry. Loans up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to cotton farmers at low interest rates. The Chief Minister said that this budget is a significant step toward improving the standard of living of farmers and strengthening the agriculture sector. As Haryana is an agriculture-dominated state, it stands to benefit greatly from these provisions. To further strengthen the urea supply, a new plant with an annual capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tonnes will be set up in Namrup, Assam.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav for allocating Rs 3,416 crore to strengthen Haryana's rail infrastructure in the Railway Budget, Saini said that this amount is 11 times greater than the Rs 315 crore allocated from 2009 to 2014. He further highlighted that since 2014, 823 km of railway track work has been completed in Haryana, and work is currently underway on 14 new projects covering 1,195 km, with a total investment of Rs 15,875 crore.
He mentioned that 34 railway stations in Haryana are being developed as Amrit stations with an allocation of Rs 1,149 crore. Additionally, work is currently underway on 14 new railway tracks in the state, with a total investment of Rs 15,875 crore for laying 1,195 km of new tracks. During this period, the electrification of 121 tracks has been completed, and the construction of 534 railway flyovers and underpasses has also been carried out. He further highlighted that Rs 398 crore has been allocated for the modernization of railways under the Kavach projects. Haryana has also received connectivity for five Vande Bharat Express trains. Currently, Wi-Fi facilities have been provided at 144 railway stations across the state.
40 Additional Atal Kisan Majdoor Canteens to be set up in Hry: CM Saini
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, while reviewing the progress of the Apple, Fruit, and Vegetable Market in Pinjore and the India International Horticulture Market in Ganaur on Wednesday, instructed the officers to complete the work within a specified time frame. Additionally, he directed that work should begin on the construction of Flower Market in Gurugram, which will provide Haryana's flower farmers with a major platform to showcase and sell their produce. The Flower Market is proposed to be constructed on 8.26 acres of land in Sector-52 A. Atal Kisan Majdoor Canteens are being set up in mandis across the state to provide subsidized meals at the rate of Rs 10 for farmers and laborers. These canteens are being operated by Women Self-Help Groups under the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission (HSRLM). A total of Rs 12.23 crore has been released as assistance to the Self-Help Groups for providing 74.63 lakh meals through 46 canteens as of December 2024. It was also informed that work is underway to establish seven more Atal Canteens. Additionally, a proposal for setting up 40 more canteens is currently under approval by the government.
Govt making dedicated efforts to prevent cancer: Hry Health Minister
Chandigarh: Haryana Health Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao on Tuesday said that considering the rising number of cancer cases in Haryana, the state government is making dedicated efforts to prevent cancer. A strong and comprehensive approach is being adopted to ensure better treatment and healthcare facilities, even for patients in remote areas. A state-level seminar was organised in Panchkula on World Cancer Day. On the occasion, she made people aware about the disease on World Cancer Day.
Haryana to conduct training on AI for Govt employees
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi held a meeting on Tuesday with Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) of India, to discuss training initiatives for government employees under ‘Mission Karamyogi Haryana’. The initiative, implemented by the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), aims to enhance the skills of civil servants and other government employees. Joshi emphasized the need to equip government officials with knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI). He directed officials to collaborate with HIPA and conduct AI training programs for Additional Chief Secretaries (ACS) and Director-level officers as the first phase, eventually extending the training to the entire state workforce. The Chief Secretary instructed officials to register all Haryana government employees, including those in boards and corporations, on the Mission Karamyogi portal. He also stressed the importance of offering training modules in Hindi for broader accessibility.
Procurement for Oilseeds and Pulses for Rabi Marketing Season to begin from March 20
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Vivek Joshi on Tuesday reviewed the preparations for the procurement of oilseeds and pulses for the Rabi Marketing Season 2025-26. The procurement schedule includes the purchase of lentils from March 20, mustard from March 28, gram from April 1, summer moong from May 15, and sunflower from June 1. Joshi directed officials to ensure adequate procurement arrangements, identify procurement centers, and make necessary provisions for storage and gunny bags to facilitate smooth operations. He emphasized the timely commencement of procurement to benefit farmers. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops in the 2025-26 season has been fixed as follows: mustard at Rs. 5,950 per quintal, gram at Rs. 5,650 per quintal, sunflower at 7,280 per quintal, summer moong at Rs 8,682 per quintal, and lentil at Rs. 6,700 per quintal.
Hry to start special bus service for Kumbh Mela: Anil Vij
Chandigarh: Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij on Tuesday announced a special bus service for Mahakumbh Prayagraj. This service will operate from all districts of Haryana, starting on February 5. Buses will depart from the main bus stands of each district headquarters between 10 AM and 12 noon and will reach Prayagraj the next morning between 5 AM and 6 AM. A return service from Prayagraj will also be available in the evening. This special bus service has been initiated considering the religious and cultural significance of the MahaKumbh, ensuring that everyone can participate in this significant event. Special priority will be given to elderly passengers so they can travel comfortably. The service will be open to all devotees, allowing more people to take part in the Mahakumbh.
18 challans issued, Rs 2.54 lakh fine imposed on drivers for overloading
Chandigarh: A raid was conducted by Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij against overloaded vehicles on the Ambala-Naraingarh Highway on Monday evening after which action has been taken against 18 drivers, who have been fined Rs 2.54 lakh.
Haryana to conduct its civic body elections on March 2
Panchkula: State Election Commissioner Dhanpat Singh on Tuesday announced civic body elections for 8 municipal corporations, four municipal councils and 21 Municipal Committees. The Model Code of Conduct has been implemented in the jurisdiction of these civic bodies. Polling for municipal corporations of Faridabad, Gurugram, Manesar, Hisar, Karnal, Rohtak and Yamunanagar, and four municipal councils of Ambala Sadar, Pataudi Jatauli Mandi, Thanesar and Sirsa will take place on March 2. The Polling for 21 municipal committees- Barara, Bawani Khera, Loharu, Siwan, Jakhal Mandi, Farukh Nagar, Narnaund, Beri, Julana, Kalayat, Siwan, Pundri, Indri,Nilokheri, Ateli Mandi, Kanina, Taoru, Hathin, Kalanaur, Kharkhoda and Radaur- will also be held on March 2. In the case of Panipat, the polling will take place on March 9. Counting of votes for all the civic bodies will be held on March 12. About 10,000 EVMs will be deployed for polling.