Chandigarh, May 17 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that “I have devoted myself completely to the development of Ambala Cantonment and I assure the people that I will continue to work for its development till my last breath.”

Sh. Vij was addressing people today during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the stone pitching work from Babyal to Ramgarh Majra on the Tangri embankment near Sant Shiromani Ravidas Temple in Babyal, Ambala Cantonment, and for the reconstruction of the Mahesh Nagar Pump House building along with the upliftment of new flood gates.

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that today the stone pitching work from Babyal to Ramgarh Majra along the Tangri river embankment is being started, while tenders have already been floated for the stone pitching work from Ramgarh Majra to the Punjab border. Stone pitching from Babyal to the Punjab border will be carried out at a total cost of approximately Rs. 7.34 crore. Similarly, during the programme at Mahesh Nagar Pump House, Minister Anil Vij laid the foundation stone for reconstruction of the building and raising of flood gates at a cost of Rs. 2.80 crore.

He said that continuous efforts are being made to protect the region from floods. When the government was formed in Haryana for the first time under their leadership, he got a permanent embankment constructed from Ramgarh Majra to Ghasitpur and also built a road there, which people are benefiting from today. Last year, Tangri river witnessed a record flow of 43,000 cusecs of water, due to which the opposite side of the industrial area was affected. He said that excavation work of the Tangri river was initiated, but some anti-development elements in Ambala Cantonment did not allow the river to be deepened.

Now the Tangri river has been deepened from Ramgarh Majra to the Saharanpur railway line, while excavation from the Saharanpur railway line to the Delhi railway line is still pending. Tenders have also been floated for river excavation from Shahpur to Durana, but anti-development elements are creating obstacles, due to which work has remained stalled for the past month. He said that until water drainage becomes faster, the administration is proceeding cautiously and carrying out demarcation. He explained that according to river engineering principles, water cannot flow swiftly unless the entire riverbed remains at the same level. He expressed the desire that excavation work should be completed before the monsoon season so that water drainage can improve significantly.

Anti-development elements are obstructing development works in the city; Energy Minister Anil Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that efforts were also made to construct an embankment on the industrial area side of the Tangri river, but anti-development elements created obstacles there as well. A proposal has been sent to the government to strengthen the embankment by constructing a proper protective wall. He further said that several other works have also been undertaken to improve water drainage. Earlier, only a 100-cusec capacity motor was installed at the Mahesh Nagar Pump House and there was no direct access to the Tangri river. Land was acquired from the embankment to the Tangri river, a drain was excavated up to the river, and now 350-cusec pumps have been installed. Despite this, these anti-development elements continued to oppose the work.

He further stated that boundary walls are being constructed around the industrial area, but some mischievous elements are trying to disrupt the work. Issuing a stern warning, Energy Minister Anil Vij said that “Those who create hurdles in development works will not be spared. My name is Anil Vij, and all of Haryana knows that I do not spare troublemakers.” He said that the boundary wall must be constructed under all circumstances because thousands of people in the city get employment from the industrial area, and the industrial area itself is a symbol of the city’s development. Last year, goods worth crores of rupees were damaged due to flooding, and the wall is necessary to prevent such losses this year as well. Minister Vij also directed the SDM Cantonment from the stage to take immediate action in this matter.

Rs. 58 crore approved for laying storm water lines in other parts of Ambala Cantonment: Energy Minister Anil Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that at the entry point of the Tangri river into the cantonment area, a drain was excavated connecting directly to the river, allowing nearly 700 cusecs of water to flow directly into Tangri before entering the city. He also got the Gudgudiya drain concretized, enabling mechanical cleaning. In Ambala Sadar area, storm water drainage pipelines have already been laid. Now, storm water drainage pipelines will also be laid in other parts of the cantonment, for which Rs. 58 crore has already been approved. He also got a Rs. 24 crore project approved for concretizing the Mahesh Nagar drain, and only a small portion of the work remains pending.

Previous governments did nothing in 50 years to protect the cantonment from floods: Anil Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that previous governments had done nothing over the last 50 years to protect the cantonment from floods. Upon becoming minister, the first major work he undertook was constructing a permanent road on the Tangri embankment from Ramgarh Majra to Ghasitpur. Today, this road serves as a major route for public movement. The road has now been connected to GT Road and most of the work has been completed, with only some anti-development elements creating hurdles. He further stated that another road connecting to GT Road has also been constructed through the Nanhera overbridge area. A new road will also be built there, and the process of taking railway land on lease is underway.

He said that the Tangri river has been deepened further this year to avoid any flood-like situation. Similarly, embankment construction is also being planned on the other side of the river, and the file for approval has already been sent to the department. Proper arrangements, including sandbag reinforcement, will also be made there.

Second phase work of Bank Square to begin soon: Anil Vij

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that the first phase work of Bank Square has been completed and tenders worth Rs. 58 crore have already been floated for the second phase. Around 32 banks and showrooms of major companies will be established there. He also said that auctions for shops in the upcoming Night Food Street will soon take place. Sh. Vij further stated that the local bus service launched in Ambala has proved to be highly successful, with nearly half the buses being electric vehicles and the remaining non-EV buses. In the coming days, all buses in Ambala will be converted into EV buses. This will provide people with air-conditioned bus facilities while also helping in reducing pollution.

SDM Kanika Goyal, Irrigation Department SE Manish Bhardwaj, Municipal Council Chairperson Swaran Kaur, Vice Chairman Lalta Prasad, Sanjeev Soni, Madanlal Sharma, Dimple Rana, Narendra Rana, Mohit Kaushik, Bharat Kochhar, Billu Rana, Reena Shakya, Babita Jain, Shyam Sundar Arora, Shilpa Pasi, Aarti Sehgal, Puneet Sarpal, Raman Chhatwal, Harsh Bindra, Pravesh Sharma, Ravi Budhiraja, Vijendra Chauhan, Rajeev Gupta Dimple, Ashish Aggarwal, Anuj Yadav, Gaurav Saini, Shaili Khanna, Satish Shakya, Anil Nagar, Himanshu, Kirti Sharma, Sonali Uppal and several other dignitaries were present during the programme.

Chandigarh, May 17 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij strongly reacted to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak case. He said that nowadays, demanding resignations without proper thought has become a “common practice” in politics. It is very easy to stand up and demand someone’s resignation, but the real thing is to prove oneself through work and performance.

Sh. Vij was responding to questions from media persons in Ambala today.

Defending Union Education Minister Sh. Dharmendra Pradhan, Sh. Vij said that he is among the most capable and hardworking ministers in the Central Government. He stated that as soon as the incident came to light, the Central Government immediately initiated action. Investigating agencies are continuously taking action, and the accused are being arrested and sent to jail. He said that the government is taking the matter very seriously and no guilty person will be spared.

Responding to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s remarks questioning Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s foreign visits, Sh. Anil Vij said that perhaps Bhagwant Mann does not understand the purpose of the Prime Minister’s foreign tours. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertakes foreign visits in the national interest to strengthen India’s international relations, enhance trade, and further strengthen India’s position in the world.

He added that some people comment on foreign visits merely for political reasons, whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working in the interest of the nation. Sh. Vij questioned whether the opposition wants the Prime Minister to stop traveling abroad for strengthening India’s foreign relations and simply sit at home. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken India’s global image to new heights through his leadership.

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that “this decade is becoming a decade of disasters for the world,” Sh. Anil Vij said that no matter how difficult the challenges may be, the country is in safe hands. He stated that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India successfully faced major challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from this, even during difficult situations under Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister led the country forward with his visionary thinking and strong leadership. Sh. Vij said that even amid current global conditions and war-like situations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fully capable of steering the country safely through every challenge. He expressed confidence that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, India will not only remain secure but will also emerge as an even stronger nation on the global stage.

Chandigarh, May 17 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced that a Study Centre and a Chair in the name of Maharana Pratap will be established at Kurukshetra University. Besides this, the name of the Government Women’s College located at Baragadh in Shahzadpur will be changed to Maharani Padmavati Government College.

The Chief Minister made these announcements on Sunday at the state-level function organized at Shahzadpur in Ambala under the “Sant-Mahapurush Samman Evam Vichar Prasar Yojana” on the occasion of Maharana Pratap Jayanti. He also announced Rs. 5 crore for various development works in the Naraingarh Assembly constituency, Rs. 31 lakh for the construction work of the Rajput Hostel and construction of a pucca drain in Shahzadpur. Earlier, the Chief Minister also unveiled the renovated statue of Maharana Pratap. Governor of Mizoram General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh specially attended the function.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Maharana Pratap was such a great warrior that merely taking his name fills every heart with a wave of patriotism. He said Maharana Pratap was born in the Rajput community at a time when Indian society was overshadowed by injustice and oppression and efforts were being made to destroy our glorious culture and hurt religious sentiments. He inherited bravery and valour from Maharana Kumbha and Rana Sanga and after assuming power in Mewar, set unparalleled examples of courage, valour and heroism. His horse ‘Chetak’ and elephant ‘Ramprasad’ were also extraordinary like him and set examples of sacrifice for the protection of the nation, religion and honour.

The Chief Minister said that when Maharana Pratap assumed power in Mewar, half of Mewar had already come under Mughal rule. To liberate his birthplace and karmabhoomi from the Mughals, Maharana Pratap spent nearly 20 years in forests. He accepted eating grass rotis but never accepted defeat. He said Maharana Pratap was born in the brave Rajput community. Rajput is not a symbol of a caste, but a symbol of justice and truth. This community has given great rulers to the country. The community holds a leading place among those who sacrificed for the honour, pride and dignity of the nation during India’s freedom struggle and after Independence.

The Chief Minister said that the life of Maharana Pratap gives us the message that as long as self-respect remains alive, our soul remains alive. His principles of not allowing any harm to come to the country’s civilization and culture continue to guide us even today. Inspired by his bravery, our armed forces have defeated enemies many times in wars.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that recently we observed the anniversary of Operation Sindoor. A year ago, under the capable leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, our armed forces taught a lesson to the terrorists who killed unarmed civilians in Pahalgam. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country is today emerging as a strong India and the strength of India is being acknowledged across the world. This is the same strong India envisioned by great personalities like Maharana Pratap. The heroic tales of Maharana Pratap are the pride of our history.

Governor of Mizoram General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh said that the life of Maharana Pratap should be an inspiration for every Indian. We should learn from his life that we should never forget our heritage, culture and religion. Maharana Pratap always gave priority to the welfare of the people and never cared for his own comfort or welfare. Only by following his ideals can society, the state and the country progress.

He said the style of warfare through which Maharana Pratap defeated the Mughals was later adopted by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Maharana Pratap’s war strategy was unparalleled and teaches us that no task should ever be carried out impulsively; rather, if every task is done thoughtfully and carefully, victory will always be yours. Just as Maharana Pratap never forgot his duty and dharma despite hardships, we too should learn to struggle and fight against difficulties. To take Haryana forward, we should draw inspiration from his life.

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana, who presided over the function, elaborated on the bravery, valour and sacrifice of Maharana Pratap, his horse and elephant and highlighted the struggles and incidents related to the Battle of Haldighati. He said Maharana Pratap was a true warrior. Along with Maharana Pratap, the previous 12 generations before him also made sacrifices for the country. His birth anniversary is being celebrated with full devotion and faith in different parts of the country.

Chandigarh, May 16 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, continuous development works are being carried out in the country and the state. He said the benefits of government schemes are directly reaching eligible people. The government is dedicated to public service, nationalism, and the welfare of farmers and all sections of society.

The Agriculture Minister was interacting with media persons during the launch of the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan programme held at Kaithal on Saturday.

The Minister said that the purpose of the training camps being organised across the state is to spread awareness about government schemes among the public through party workers so that eligible people can avail their benefits. He said the camps also aim to strengthen the spirit of nationalism and contribute towards building a stronger nation.

He said the government is implementing various schemes for the welfare and upliftment of poor people, farmers, labourers and all other sections of society. The government is also committed to making women self-reliant and prosperous.

The Agriculture Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that a grand programme will be organised at Shahzadpur in Ambala on May 17 to mark Maharana Pratap Jayanti. He appealed to people in large numbers to participate in the event and make the programme a success.

He said Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel so that the impact of global situations and wars can be minimised on the country. He added that Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini is also working in the same direction. He appealed to people to reduce the use of personal vehicles and travel through public transport.

The Minister said that he himself reached the programme in an escort vehicle instead of a private vehicle and the number of vehicles in the convoy was also reduced to save fuel. He also appealed to people attending the Maharana Pratap Jayanti programme to use public transport.

Replying to questions from journalists, the Minister said the government is continuously implementing new schemes to increase farmers’ income. He said Minimum Support Price (MSP) is announced before sowing of crops and payments are directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts through online mode. He added that the government is ensuring timely facilities so that farmers do not face any inconvenience.

MLA, Sh. Satpal Jamba, Sh. Sushil Rana, Former Minister, Smt. Kamlesh Dhanda, along with other dignitaries, remained present.

Chandigarh, May 16 – Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, said that the State Government is fulfilling its responsibility by providing pilgrimage tours to elderly people. He said the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana reflects the government’s respect towards senior citizens. The government is continuously working for public welfare and Antyodaya.

The Cooperation Minister said this while flagging off a special train from Charkhi Dadri railway station for Sri Nanded Sahib. Wishing the devotees, he said that sending the Sri Nanded Sahib pilgrimage train under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana is not just a government programme, but a celebration of faith, service and respect. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini flagged off the train carrying devotees for Sri Nanded Sahib from Sirsa.

He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister and said that under his leadership, the State Government is continuously working with the spirit of public welfare and Antyodaya.

Under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, senior citizens are being given the opportunity to undertake free pilgrimage tours. The government is bearing the full cost of travel, food, accommodation and other arrangements. With the support of IRCTC, special trains have been arranged to take devotees to pilgrimage sites. He said this is not just a facility, but a mark of respect for the elderly.

He said the holy journey beginning today will take devotees to Sri Nanded Sahib, one of the five Takhts of the Sikh community. Therefore, Sri Nanded Sahib is not just a pilgrimage site, but a symbol of faith, courage, sacrifice and spiritual awareness.

He further said that a free pilgrimage tour to Somnath will also be organised soon.

Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Munish Nagpal, Superintendent of Police, Sh. Logesh Kumar P, SDM, Dr. Virender Singh, Vice Chairman Sh. Sandeep Phogat and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Chandigarh, May 16 – The Government of India has started the nationwide Census work in the state from May 1, 2026. During this period, authorised enumerators appointed by the administration are visiting houses to collect general information from citizens. People are requested to cooperate with the census staff and provide accurate and updated information. Citizens should check the identity cards of the enumerators and should not share any bank account-related information.

Sharing information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that the Census is a work of national importance. After the self-enumeration phase, enumerators are now conducting door-to-door surveys, which will continue till May 30. The spokesperson clarified that all information provided by citizens will be kept completely confidential and will not be shared with any person or organisation.

The spokesperson appealed to citizens to cooperate in the Census process and remain alert while sharing information. Officials will not ask for Aadhaar number, PAN number, bank account details or any OTP information. Citizens have also been advised to verify the identity card of the concerned official before sharing any details. The administration expects participation and cooperation from all citizens to ensure the success of the census.

Legal action may be taken in case of non-cooperation

The spokesperson said that the Census is a national responsibility, as development policies and distribution of resources are planned based on Census data. The spokesperson cautioned that refusing to provide information to Census officials or not cooperating with them is a punishable offence under the Census Act.

For any information related to Census 2027, citizens can contact the national toll-free helpline number 1855. Through this helpline, people can get answers in their own language regarding house listing and housing census-related queries.

These 33 questions will be asked during the Census

The spokesperson said that enumerators will ask questions related to building number or census number, house number, material used for the floor, walls and roof of the house,(e.g., cement, granite, or marble) use and condition of the house, family number, number of family members, name and gender of the head of the family, category (General, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, OBC), ownership status of the house, number of rooms, number of married couples, source and availability of drinking water, source of electricity, availability and type of toilet, drainage system, availability of bathroom, gas connection, main cooking fuel, availability of radio/transistor/TV, internet facility, laptop/computer, telephone/mobile/smartphone, bicycle/scooter/motorcycle, car/jeep/van, main cereal consumed and mobile number.

Chandigarh, May 16 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday inaugurated the two-day Prashikshan Maha Abhiyan-2026 in Yamunanagar. Earlier, the Chief Minister offered prayers at Saraswati Udgam Sthal Shri Adi Badri Narayan Temple and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the state. He also inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the development works of Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana to provide economic and social security to women and girls. Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs. 2,100 is being provided. So far, Rs. 1,415 crore has been given to around 9.76 lakh women beneficiaries. Poor women are also being provided LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 every month to help manage household expenses. Under this scheme, Rs. 243 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of around 14.38 lakh eligible women in the state.

He said that farmers’ welfare is at the centre of the government’s policies. All 24 crops are being purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). So far, Rs.1,80,000 crore has been transferred into the accounts of 12 lakh farmers for crop procurement. During the last 11 years, farmers have been given compensation worth Rs. 16,160 crore under compensation schemes and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana for crop losses.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, around 20.18 lakh farmers have received Rs. 7,562 crore in 22 instalments directly into their bank accounts. To support stubble management, crop residue management machines are being provided to farmers at 50 percent subsidy. Since 2018-19, around 1,10,767 machines have been distributed on subsidy.

The Chief Minister said that the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana was introduced to protect farmers from fluctuations in market prices. The government has abolished the Abiana system, ending a practice that had continued since the British era. Paperless registration of land and property has been initiated across the state, making the registry process completely digital, he added.

He said that the creamy layer income limit for Backward Classes has been increased from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh. Reservation has also been provided to Backward Class-B in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies.

The Chief Minister said that people living in houses built on Panchayati land up to 500 square yards in villages have been given ownership rights. Under the Happy Haryana Yojana, around 18.20 lakh Happy Cards have been issued to poor families, allowing them to travel free up to 1,000 kilometres annually in Haryana Roadways buses. He said that no poor person will now be deprived of medical treatment due to lack of money.

He further said that under the Pradhan Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, free solar rooftops have been installed on 54,958 houses. Under the Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon Yojana, 24-hour electricity supply is being provided to 6,019 villages. Line losses in the state have reduced from 30 percent to 9.97 percent. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Har Ghar Nal Se Jal scheme has been provided to 30.41 lakh households.

The Chief Minister said that in the last one year, 36,000 youth have been given government jobs without “parchi-kharchi”. With this, a total of 1.80 lakh jobs have been provided during the last 11 years. Job security has also been ensured for 1.18 lakh youth appointed through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam. To assist youth seeking jobs abroad, the Haryana Overseas Employment Cell has been established, which is benefiting many people.

BJP Kurukshetra District President, Sh. Tejinder Singh Goldy, BJP District President, Sh.Rajesh Sapra, former Cabinet Minister, Sh. Subhash Sudha, former Cabinet Minister, Sh. Kanwar Pal, BJP State Vice President, Smt. Banto Kataria, Mayor, Smt. Suman Bahmani, Sarasvati Heritage Board, Vice Chairman, Sh. Dhuman Singh Kirmich, Zila Parishad Chairman, Sh. Ramesh Thaska and several other dignitaries were present.