Chandigarh, January 3: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has consistently placed youth at the core of its policies and implemented numerous youth-centric schemes. He added that over the past decade, the Central and State governments have accomplished what previous governments could not achieve even in several decades.
The Chief Minister was addressing the Prernadaayi Samvad Karyakram (inspiring interaction programme) held with the Haryana state delegation participating in the 29th National Youth Festival-2026, in Panchkula as the chief guest. Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh Gaurav Gautam, was also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Chief Minister boosted the morale of the 64 young participants of the National Youth Festival–2026, interacted with them, posed for a group photograph, and flagged off the delegation. The delegation will represent Haryana at the National Youth Festival–2026 to be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from January 9 to January 12, where they will participate in various competitions, including group dance, debate, painting, Young Leaders’ Dialogue, Hack for Social Cause, and Design for Viksit Bharat.
After flagging off the delegation, the Chief Minister interacted with the youth and said that the flag is not merely a piece of cloth, but a symbol of the values inherited from our ancestors, our brave culture, and the indomitable courage of the youth. He added that it carries the trust that the entire state has placed in them. He further said that National Youth Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Saint Swami Vivekananda, who was youthful not only in age but also in his thinking, mindset, ideas, and actions.
He said that the future of any nation is shaped by the strength of its youth. When young people are energetic, educated, self-confident, and devoted to the nation, no goal remains unattainable. The youth of Haryana have always been hardworking, disciplined, and patriotic, which is why they are playing a leading role today in every field, including the armed forces, sports, education, agriculture, and entrepreneurship. Likewise, Haryana’s rich folk culture-its dances, music, art, and traditions reflect simplicity, strength, and warmth. When these are showcased at the National Youth Festival, the entire country will witness the true soul of Haryana.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized that youth empowerment is the key to building a strong India, and that the nation’s youth must play a pivotal role if India is to emerge as a global leader. He added that it is the result of the Prime Minister’s efforts that India has today become the world’s fourth-largest economy. The Prime Minister’s vision is to make India a developed nation and the world’s largest economy by 2047.
Referring to Haryana, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the present State Government has consistently worked to recognize and nurture the talent of the youth and has formulated a comprehensive youth policy. He recalled that during the Assembly elections, he had promised that immediately upon assuming office, the light of government employment would reach the homes of 24,000 young people. He said this promise was treated as a sacred commitment, and accordingly, on October 17, 2024, along with the formation of the Cabinet, appointment letters for Group C posts were handed over to 24,000 youth.
He said that the government has not confined its efforts to providing only government jobs, but has also taken care of youth employed through the Haryana Kaushal Razgor Nigam. Their future has been secured through the enactment of a law. As a result, these young employees will now receive benefits such as dearness allowance and annual increments, similar to regular employees, enabling them to lead their lives with dignity and self-respect.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over incidents of young people going abroad through illegal means, commonly referred to as the “donkey route.” He said that to put an end to such fraud and the activities of illegal agents, the State Government passed a historic Bill in the Legislative Assembly on March 26, 2025, which has now been enacted into law. This will ensure transparency in the functioning of travel agents and hold those involved in fraudulent practices accountable. He emphasized that the government wants the youth to go abroad, but with dignity, safety, and security. In this direction, 1.14 lakh young people have also been provided with skill training to help them establish themselves in global markets.
Earlier, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh Gaurav Gautam, said that a total of 64 participants from Haryana, representing various fields and districts, will showcase their talent and skills at the national level. He expressed confidence that the youth of Haryana will create a distinct identity for the state across the country. He added that today’s youth are not only custodians of rich traditions but also pioneers of innovation. Through startups, they are generating employment, and in the field of sports, they are hoisting the tricolour at the international level.
On this occasion, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Gian Chand Gupta, State Vice President Banto Kataria, District President Ajay Mittal, Principal Secretary of the Department of Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Ranjan, Director Vivek Agarwal, Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma, Media Secretary to Chief Minister Sh Praveen Atrey along with participants and a large number of young people, were present.
