Ludhiana, August 4:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday said that the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign in the state has reached its final phase, and the newly formed Defence Committees in villages and cities will uproot drug trafficking from the state.

Addressing the members of these Defence Committees, the Chief Minister said the Punjab government launched the campaign on February 4 this year and has achieved major success in eliminating the root of the drug problem. He added that the backbone of the drug supply chain has been entirely broken. Bhagwant Singh Mann profusely thanked the people of Punjab for their enthusiastic support in this noble mission to save the future generations.

The Chief Minister said that to keep villages and cities drug-free in the future, the government has formed Defence Committees. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he is fully confident that these defence committees will act as generals in this war against drugs and safeguard our villages and cities. We have dreamt of making Punjab vibrant again, and with your cooperation, no power in the world can stop us from realizing this dream, he added.

The Chief Minister said that he had pledged to restore Punjab’s pride, honour, and self-respect adding that no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann explained that each Village or Ward Defence Committee will be formed with four core members: the village sarpanch or ward councillor, a representative from the anti-drug campaign, the BDPO or their representative, and the SHO or their representative. He said that these committees will include 10 to 20 members depending on the population adding that only individuals with clean records and reputations—such as retired army personnel, teachers, and village headmen—will be included.

The Chief Minister categorically said that each committee will be officially notified by the local SDM and committee members will be issued special government ID cards. He said that it will facilitate communication with the administration regarding drug-related information or anti-drug activities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Villages and wards will have 24/7 surveillance to ensure no trafficker dares to operate.

The Chief Minister envisioned that committee members will also assist in drug rehabilitation efforts and help reintegrate former addicts into society. He said that Any village or ward that achieves 100% drug-free status will receive formal recognition and certificates of appreciation from the government. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that These committees will raise awareness through street plays and door-to-door campaigns adding that schools will also conduct awareness programs for children.

The Chief Minister noted that more than 10,000 village-level meetings have already been held, and many Panchayats have passed resolutions to declare their villages drug-free. Squarely blaming traditional political parties for dragging Punjab into the swamp of drug addiction, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the current government is forced to launch such extensive campaigns to wipe out this stigma. “If the previous governments had restrained drug traffickers, we wouldn’t need to conduct such programs today. Governments usually form development committees—not defence committees, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has been forced to form these committees to fight the war against drug dealers. He said that While the incumbent state government is fighting them, traditional parties were hand in glove with them and were offering them protection. Targeting leaders of traditional parties who supported a former Akali minister currently in Nabha jail on drug charges, Bhagwant Singh Mann said it’s shocking that Congress leaders Charanjit Singh Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP leader Captain Amarinder Singh, and Ravneet Singh Bittu are openly speaking in his favour.

The Chief Minister said that this exposes the collusion between traditional political parties adding that when in power, they’ve covered up each other’s wrongdoings. He once again challenged them to make it clear to the people of Punjab that whether they are with the drug traffickers or against them. Bhagwant Singh Mann also revealed that important evidence has been found against the jailed former Akali minister and it will be presented in court.

Making another major announcement, the Chief Minister said that after the monsoon season ends, the government will begin extensive repair work on 20,000 km of link roads across the state, describing them as Punjab’s economic lifelines. Highlighting the Aam Aadmi Party government’s achievements over the past three and a half years, Bhagwant Singh Mann said many pro-people decisions have been made as for the first time, canal water is reaching the tail ends of fields, resolving irrigation issues. He further said that over  55,000 government jobs have been given solely on merit adding that by closing several toll plazas across the state is saving Punjabis ₹64 lakh daily, a major economic relief.

During the event, identification cards were officially distributed to Defence Committee members.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, and other dignitaries were also present.

Chandigarh, 2 August – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, on Saturday released the Punjabi translation of the ‘Balkand’ from the Ramayana composed by Maharishi Valmiki. This ‘Balkand’ beautifully narrates the childhood ‘leelas’ of Lord Rama.

The Chief Minister thanked the Saptasindhu Valmiki Study Centre and the Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy for their contribution in accomplishing this significant task. He said that their efforts have gifted society an invaluable cultural treasure, making this day both spiritually enriching and historically important.

The Chief Minister also recalled that on August 5,  2020, Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi took part in the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the Shri Ram Lalla Mandir. Crores of Lord Rama devotees across the world felt proud and honoured on that day. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had described the temple as a modern symbol of India’s culture, inspiring faith, devotion, and determination for generations to come.

He emphasised that translating the ‘Balkand’ of the Ramayana into Punjabi will strengthen cultural harmony and have a lasting positive impact. It will serve as a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented copies of the translated ‘Balkand’ to all attendees.

OSD to Chief Minister, Sh.  Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Executive Vice President, Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, saints, and other dignitaries also attended the event.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Prime Minister, Sh.  Narendra Modi today released the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, transferring Rs. 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers across the country. Out of this, Rs. 353 crore has been credited to the accounts of 16.77 lakh farmers in Haryana.

To mark this occasion, a state-level PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas programme was organized in Panchkula, where Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini participated as the chief guest. Similar celebrations were held in other districts, where Cabinet and Ministers of State were present. Farmers across Haryana also listened to the Prime Minister’s address live.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the release of the 20th installment is not just financial support but a testimony of the trust that the Prime Minister has placed in the farmers of the country. It reiterates his commitment to the welfare of the ‘Annadata’ and further strengthens the vision of making farmers prosperous and empowered, a key pillar of a developed India. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the farmers of Haryana for this support.

It may be recalled that the scheme launched by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has infused new confidence and energy among farmers. Under this scheme, small and medium farmers receive Rs. 6,000 in three installments as direct income support. The transparency and commitment of this initiative have become a hallmark of New India.

Haryana Government has implemented the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme effectively. Alongside, the state has taken significant steps in increasing farmers’ income, adopting technological innovations, and promoting water conservation. The government is ensuring that every eligible farmer receives the benefits of these schemes without exception.

Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has identified four key pillars for realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047 i.e  farmers, poor, women, and youth. The prosperity of farmers is fundamental to achieving this goal. The Haryana government, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision, is consistently working to enhance farmers’ welfare and make agriculture profitable while efficiently implementing central government schemes. These initiatives reflect the commitment of the “double-engine” government.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, Haryana is advancing rapidly towards the goal of “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Haryana.” By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, farmers will be self-reliant, environmentally conscious, digitally connected to global markets, and producers of high-quality branded products, he said.

Minister of State for Sports Sh. Gaurav Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director, Agriculture Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik, former Vidhansabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh.  Nayab Singh Saini said that government employees are the backbone of the state’s administrative machinery and play a pivotal role in driving development.

Addressing newly recruited Group-D employees at a state-level ‘sammelan’  held in Panchkula on Saturday, he urged them to work with the spirit of “public interest above all” and to function as a team to build a strong, inclusive and self-reliant Haryana.

Extending best wishes to all the newly recruited employees, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a government job is not just employment but an opportunity to serve the motherland that has given us everything and the society that has shaped our identity. Government employees are the most crucial link between the people and the administration, he said.

Highlighting Haryana’s progress, the Chief Minister said the state has emerged as a frontrunner in the country, achieving new milestones in agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, sports, women empowerment and digital governance. This success does not belong to policymakers alone, it is equally the result of the dedication and integrity of hardworking officers and employees who discharge their duties tirelessly. Employees must continue to uphold the values of service, integrity, transparency and efficiency, he added.

The Chief Minister said that under the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 11 years, India has witnessed transformative changes across sectors. In 2014, India ranked 14th in terms of economic strength, but today, after years of steady progress, it has become the world’s fourth-largest economy,  he said.

Taking a dig at the Opposition,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini recalled that during the Assembly elections, a leader from the Opposition had promised jobs in exchange for votes. Bids were being placed on jobs. Our government has taken a firm stand against such practices and has ensured that recruitments are done strictly on the basis of merit, he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that today, children from economically weaker families are also securing government jobs and realising their dreams. Earlier, during the tenure of previous governments, the youth were deprived of the desired results of their hard work. But now, jobs are being given purely on the basis of merit, he remarked, he said.

The Chief Minister said that since 2014, the state government has been working with the mantra of ‘Public service is the ultimate duty’. He reiterated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, a policy that is no longer confined to paper but is visible on the ground.

He assured employees that the government remains committed to their training, skill development, and welfare, while simultaneously promoting a better work culture, modern infrastructure and digital processes at every level. In the third term of our government, 30,000 government jobs have been given. For Group C and D posts,  the process of interviews has ended, and recruitment is now done only through written examinations. In addition, through 2,083 Rozgar Melas, 1,06,283 youth have been provided with an employment opportunities in the private sector, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that on the lines of the Central Government’s Unified Pension Scheme (UPS),  Haryana employees would be given the same benefit from August 1, 2025. A notification in this regard was issued on July 2, and around two lakh state employees will benefit from the scheme.

Referring to the recently held Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group C posts on July 26 and 27, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini appreciated the support of officers, employees, the Roadways Department, private schools and various NGOs in ensuring that candidates could reach examination centres without any inconvenience.

In Haryana, government jobs are now earned through merit only, says Gaurav Gautam

Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that the Chief Minister had fulfilled his promise of providing 24,000 jobs transparently. With the Chief Minister’s guidance, I have been given the opportunity to serve as a representative of the youth, and I am committed to performing this role with utmost dedication, he said.

He added that Haryana now leads the country in transparency and integrity. Before 2014, young people had no hope for justice. They were forced to run after politicians and middlemen for jobs. Today, the same youth are working hard in coaching centres, sports grounds and libraries. This transformation is a result of the Chief Minister’s visionary leadership, said  Sh. Gaurav Gautam..

He emphasised that in Haryana, government jobs are now given on merit basis only.  ‘Bina Parchi Kharchi naukari’, is not merely a slogan but a strong foundation that will establish the state as a model of honesty and transparency in the coming years, said the Minister. 

Extending his best wishes to the newly appointed employees, Sh. Gaurav Gautam urged them to discharge their duties with full dedication and sincerity.

MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, former Assembly Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Panchkula Mayor, Sh.  Kulbhushan Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department, Sh.  C.G. Rajinikanthan, Director, Human Resources  Department, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, along with several other dignitaries also attended the programme.

Chandigarh, August 2 – A large jungle safari project spread over 10,000 acres in Gurugram and Nuh districts is set to become a major tourist attraction in the upcoming years. Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal and Union Environment Minister, Sh. Bhupender Yadav,inspected the proposed safari site near Sakatpur village in Gurugram on Saturday. Haryana Environment, Forest and Wildlife Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh was also present during the visit.

Speaking at the site, Sh. Manohar Lal said the project has the potential to significantly boost tourism in the state. Jungle Safari will prove to be an important project in preserving the natural beauty, biodiversity and historical heritage of the Aravalli mountain range passing through Haryana. He informed that the jungle safari will be developed with world-class facilities, making it a popular destination for tourists. This project will be developed in a phased manner. The project will be implemented in four phases, with the first phase covering 2,500 acres.

He further said that the project will promote eco-tourism in the Aravallis, help conserve the environment and wildlife, and also provide employment opportunities for local communities.

Union Environment Minister, Sh. Bhupender Yadav assured full support from the central government for the development of the safari. During the site inspection, he also held detailed discussions with Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal and senior officers of Haryana Forest Department about the plan for the first phase. He said the project will include local tree species and wildlife-friendly ecosystems to promote greenery and support biodiversity.

Environment Forest and Wildlife Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh welcomed the Union Ministers during their visit to Gurugram. He said the safari project will be developed jointly by the Haryana and central governments. A detailed roadmap is being prepared for the different phases of the project. There will be four entry gates to the jungle safari – near Sohna on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, on the Tauru–Sohna road, near Naurangpur, and at Sakatpur village, he added.

The ministers also reviewed the documentary and design presentation prepared by the Haryana Forest Department for the first phase of the safari.

Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Department Haryana, Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, PCCF (HOFF), Sh. Vineet Garg, PCCF Wildlife, Sh. Vivek Saxena,  MD, Haryana Forest Development Corporation, Sh. K. C Meena, CCF, Sh. T. P Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Ajay Kumar and several other officers remained present during the visit.

Chandigarh, August 2 – The ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign launched by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi to promote environmental awareness and tree plantation, has now received overwhelming support from the industrial sector as well.

A special plantation programme was organised on Saturday at IMT Manesar, where over 4,000 representatives from various industries came together to plant saplings. The Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal and Union Environment Minister, Sh. Bhupender Yadav, and Haryana Environment Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, along with senior district officers was also present.

The plantation was carried out simultaneously at five key locations in Manesar — Honda Point and Sona Comstar in Sector 2, the entrance of Maruti and VVDN in Sector 8, and Fortis Hospital campus and adjacent green belt in Sector 5.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Calls for Public Awareness

Speaking at the event, Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that an average of 15 trees are required in a person’s entire life. Thus, it is everyone’s responsibility to plant at least that many trees. He said that districts like Gurugram, which face high urban and industrial pressure, are witnessing growing air pollution concerns, and such public participation campaigns  are the need of the hour. He appreciated the active involvement of industrial organisations and said that this initiative would help create a greener legacy for future generations.

Environment Minister praises industry participation

Haryana Environment Minister, Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, while addressing the gathering, said that initiatives like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ are connecting with people, and when society, government, and industry work together, the goal of greenery is not far. He also said that the government will run such tree plantation programs in a phased manner across all industrial areas in Haryana, increasing green coverage throughout the state.

Industry representatives present at the event expressed their strong support for the campaign and said that industrialists pledged to plant more trees within their factory premises and nearby areas.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Energy, Manohar Lal said that while Gurugram is globally recognized for its rapid development, it is now essential to strike a balance between progress and nature. He emphasized the importance of not only planting trees but also nurturing them for at least five to six years to ensure their growth and sustainability.

He made these remarks while addressing the Van Mahotsav celebration held to mark the development of Matri Van under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign in Sector 54, Gurugram, on Saturday.

On the occasion, he laid the foundation stone of Matri Van by planting saplings along with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav. Initiated by Haryana Forest, Environment and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Matri Van will be developed across 750 acres in the Aravalli mountain range near Sector 54. The Matri Van will feature a diverse range of native species, including Banyan, Peepal, Gular, Bael Patra, Tamarind, Pilkhan, Neem, Bamboo, flowering plants, and medicinal herbs. Invasive Choti Kabuli Kikar species will be cleared to restore the ecological balance. Additionally, the project will include the development of Nakshatra Vatika, Rashi Vatika, a Cactus Garden, and a Butterfly Park within the Matri Van.

The Union Energy Minister said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized the importance of planting a tree in the name of one’s mother. He urged that this initiative aimed at making the Earth greener should be deeply embedded in our culture.

Highlighting the environmental impact of carbon emissions, he said that an average person emits approximately one kilogram of carbon daily, while a single tree can absorb only 60 to 90 grams per day. This means that each individual needs around 15 to 16 trees to offset their carbon footprint over a lifetime. In this context, he underlined the significance of initiatives like Gurugram’s Matri Van, adding that such green projects are vital not only for improving the environment of Gurugram but also for contributing to cleaner air in the national capital, Delhi.

The Union Minister said that while Gurugram is widely known for its industrial growth, there is also an urgent need to promote tourism in the region. To this end, several ambitious projects are being planned. A Jungle Safari will be developed in Gurugram, and an Anand Van—modeled after New York’s Central Park—will be created over 125 acres by HSIIDC. Additionally, a Disneyland spread across 500 to 600 acres, Disneyland on the lines of Singapore or a big aquarium will be built in Sector 29 will be built. Plans are also underway to construct a world-class convention center and to develop a dedicated vending zone to support destination-based street vending. The existing Biodiversity Park will be further enhanced as part of this tourism push. These initiatives will be brought to life through detailed discussions and coordination with Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini.

Matri Van to Serve as the ‘Green Heart’ of Delhi-NCR: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sh Bhupender Yadav stated that the upcoming Matri Van being developed across 750 acres in Gurugram will serve as the “Green Heart” of the entire Delhi-NCR region in the near future. He emphasized that the forest will not only stand as a symbol of environmental protection but will also mark the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s green development. While addressing the launch event of the Matri Van Abhiyan, the Union Minister called for transforming Gurugram into a model city. He highlighted the progress of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and said that over the past two years, concerted efforts have been made to rejuvenate the Aravalli region through this initiative.

He further informed that under the Green Aravalli Project, saplings of indigenous species are being cultivated in 29 districts across five states, with an ideal nursery model under development. Work has already commenced in three of these districts. The Union Minister also suggested that the Haryana Forest Department develop a butterfly park modeled on the one in Coimbatore, with a special focus on medicinal plants. He said that Matri Van has the potential to become a major tourist destination in the future, and therefore, planning and infrastructure should be carefully managed from the outset. In his address, he also emphasized the importance of public participation and collective responsibility in environmental efforts, urging people to actively engage in nationwide campaigns such as Mission Life and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, both spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi.

Local Plant Species to Be Prioritized in Matri Van; Tangible Results Expected in 10 Years: Rao Narbir Singh

Haryana’s Forest, Environment and Wildlife Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the significance of the Aravalli mountain range one of the oldest in the world which passes through Haryana. However, he said that the proliferation of Kabuli Kikar, an invasive species, has limited the ecological benefits of the region. To restore the natural biodiversity, the Minister said that priority will be given to planting native species such as Banyan, Peepal, Neem, Gular, and others in the 750-acre Matri Van, being developed by the Haryana Forest Department. He highlighted that this project is a collective endeavor and expressed confidence that meaningful environmental improvements will be visible within the next 10 years.

Rao Narbir Singh urged citizens to actively participate in protecting the environment. He emphasized that as a key district within the NCR, Gurugram holds significant influence. “If we take meaningful initiatives here, other districts will be inspired to follow our lead,” he said, calling for collective responsibility and public engagement in environmental conservation efforts.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that no employee working under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam will be removed from service. The welfare of employees remains a top priority for the government, which has undertaken several measures to safeguard their future. Recently, the CET examination was successfully conducted, through which eligible youth will be provided permanent jobs in various government departments.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to mediapersons after a programme held in Panchkula today.

He said that the resolution of the state government is Non-stop efforts – non-stop development. He said that the state is moving rapidly in this direction, ensuring balanced development across all sectors three times faster than before.

He highlighted that the BJP government has provided over 1.85 lakh jobs to youth during its ten and a half years in office, in contrast to 80,000 jobs provided during the Congress regime, which he described as riddled with corruption. Today, our government is offering employment purely on the basis of merit without recommendations or bribes, he said.

Responding to a question, the Chief Minister criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, stating that it came to power by making several promises, including a commitment to provide Rs 2,000 per month to women. However, he claimed, the government failed to fulfill these promises, leading to widespread public disillusionment. He said that soon a portal is being launched in Haryana to provide the benefit of Lado Laxmi Yojana to women.

The Chief Minister also said that the state government is procuring all crops from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). In addition, under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, farmers are being compensated for lower market prices. So far, Rs 15,284 crore has been disbursed to farmers for crop losses, with an additional Rs 58 crore released just yesterday as compensation.

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana witnessed a vibrant celebration of athleticism and youth energy today as Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini formally inaugurated the 6th State-Level Khel Mahakumbh at Panchkula’s Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Saturday. The large-scale sporting event will see participation from 15,410 athletes competing across 26 sports.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the Khel Mahakumbh is not just a sporting event; it is a powerful platform that nurtures young dreams and propels them toward national and global recognition. This initiative gives emerging athletes state-level exposure and prepares them for future national and international competitions, he said.

Notably, launched during Haryana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2017, the Khel Mahakumbh has since become a flagship initiative, with five successful editions already held.

Preparing for Olympic Glory in 2036

Highlighting Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India and establishing the country as a sporting superpower, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini affirmed that Haryana is taking proactive steps in that direction. We have already begun preparations at scale. I am confident that Haryana will contribute the maximum number of medals to the national tally in 2036, he added.

He also underscored the state’s ambition of transforming every village into a cradle of sporting excellence, where at least one athlete emerges to represent the nation on the global stage. Our long-term vision isn’t just to make Haryana India’s sports capital, but the world’s, he said.

Round-the-Year Competitions and Sports Calendar

The Chief Minister said that apart from the Khel Mahakumbh, Haryana has rolled out an annual sports calendar packed with competitions such as traditional Akhada Dangal, boxing, volleyball, athletics, badminton, swimming, basketball, taekwondo, gymnastics, and handball, among others. Ten years ago, we envisioned connecting every child to sports, building playgrounds in every village, and providing youth with real opportunities. Today, that vision is becoming a reality, remarked Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Haryana: The Nursery of Indian Sports

The Chief Minister said that because of its robust sports policy and grassroots development efforts, Haryana has earned a reputation as the “nursery of Indian sports.” From the Olympics to the Asian and Commonwealth Games, the state’s athletes have consistently made the nation proud, he said.

The Chief Minister further shared that in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, 4 of India’s 7 medals were won by athletes from Haryana. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, 5 out of the 6 medals won by India went to Haryana players. In the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, 82 athletes from the state participated, securing 28 of India’s 111 medals. Similarly, at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Haryana’s athletes brought home 20 medals. These achievements are the outcome of our visionary sports policies, said the Chief Minister.

Strong Support for Budding Talent

The Chief Minister emphasized that the Khel Mahakumbh serves as a launchpad for young talent aspiring to build a future in sports. To foster this ambition from an early age, the state has set up 1,489 sports nurseries where 37,225 children currently receive training, financial support, and mentorship. Children aged 8–14 receive Rs. 1,500 per month, while those aged 15–19 are given Rs. 2,000 per month to support their training.

The Chief Minister said that to ensure career security for top-performing athletes, the state implemented the Haryana Outstanding Player Service Rules, 2021, creating 550 new posts in the Sports Department. So far, 224 athletes have been offered government jobs, with reservations extended from Class I to Class IV positions, he shared.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is also recognized for offering the highest cash rewards to medal-winning athletes in India. The government has disbursed Rs. 593 crore in cash prizes to date. In addition, 298 athletes receive honorariums, and over 29,000 students have received scholarships worth Rs. 53.45 crore since 2014. Through the Haryana Provision of Sports Equipment Scheme, 15,634 athletes have been provided with modern sports gear, he said.

Investing in Infrastructure and Fitness

The state has significantly strengthened its sports infrastructure, aiming to offer athletes world-class facilities. The Khel Mahakumbh is also a vehicle to promote physical fitness and health awareness among the youth. This Mahakumbh marks the beginning of a new era in Haryana’s sporting journey. It will inspire our youth, fuel their aspirations, and elevate Haryana’s status on the global sporting map, the Chief Minister said, while also honoring several outstanding athletes during the event.

Haryana emerging as a sporting powerhouse, Khel Mahakumbh giving youth new energy and recognition, Minister of State Gaurav Gautam

Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that more than 15,000 athletes from across Haryana will participate in 26 sporting disciplines in this Khel Mahakumbh, an event that surpasses even national-level competitions like ‘Khelo India’ in terms of participation.

He lauded Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for taking sports to villages and districts through visionary leadership, helping nurture raw talent at the grassroots. He highlighted that the state government has set up sports nurseries in villages to groom rural talent, while the central government is polishing athletes through initiatives like Khelo India by providing international-level facilities. Simultaneously, the Haryana government is preparing players for the Olympics through the ‘Mission Olympic Vijay Bhav:’ so that Haryana can win a record number of medals in 2036. Keeping the 2036 Olympics in focus, athletes in the state are being given access to sports science support and world-class coaching.

Haryana has become the leading state in sports today. Despite having only 2 percent of India’s population, Haryana’s athletes have won more than 60 percent of the medals, he said.

The Chief Minister further said that Haryana is rapidly gaining global recognition in sports. He further added that under the Outstanding  Sportsperson scheme, the state government is offering government jobs to athletes who win medals at national and international levels.

Comparing previous governments, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that while the Congress government spent only Rs. 33 crore on sports during its tenure, from 2014 to 2024, the present government has invested Rs. 600 crore in athletes and sports development. He credited Haryana’s players’ dedication and the state’s progressive sports policy for putting the state and the country on the world map.

MP Sh. Kartik Sharma, MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Panchkula Mayor Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Principal Secretary, Sports Department Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director, Sports Sh. Sanjeev Verma, players Babita Phogat and Deepak Hooda, and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.