Chandigarh 2 July 2025:

NRI Affairs Minister S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal  today met C R Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, on a matter of significant concern regarding the River Ravi, which flows through the Ajnala district of Amritsar, Punjab, and forms an international border with Pakistan. He earnestly requested him to grant necessary funds to the Government of Punjab. These funds are crucial for implementing the required projects to safeguard our land, protect our security infrastructure, and curb the heightened risk of Illicit activities along this sensitive border.

During periods of heavy flooding, the areas along the Ravi in Ajnala experience substantial damage. This includes not only the loss of valuable cultivable land for our farmers but also severe damage to critical Army and BSF outposts. This damage directly impacts our national security and the operational capabilities of our border guarding forces. Furthermore, the disruption caused by floods in these border areas unfortunately enhances the chances of drug trafficking, posing a serious threat to our state and nation, said Dhaliwal.

Dhaliwal further informed the Union Minister that to effectively control and mitigate these pressing issues, it is imperative that we undertake significant strengthening and protection measures along this stretch of the river. This will involve robust flood control infrastructure and reinforcement of the border security installations.

Chandigarh, July 2 – In a significant initiative to transform Haryana into a global tourism hotspot,  the ‘Nayab Sarkar’ is gearing up for a series of ambitious projects that promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and put Haryana firmly on the international map. From building a world-class Disneyland in the heart of Delhi-NCR region to expanding the scale of the International Gita Mahotsav, the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini-led state government is set to become a hub of cultural celebration and spiritual heritage.

Additionally, to establish the state as a global destination for pilgrimage, a proposal has been made to organize three Melas every year at Surajkund and to celebrate the International Gita Mahotsav on a larger scale, with a request for financial assistance from the Central Government.

Leading this vision, on Wednesday, the Chief Minister paid a courtesy visit to the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi to discuss these ambitious projects. During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed ways to promote tourism in Haryana and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage, with the aim of establishing the state as a prominent tourist destination on the global map.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Disneyland in Haryana, particularly in the Delhi-NCR area, will be a game-changing project. This entertainment hub will bring economic, cultural, and social benefits not only to the state but to the country as a whole, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the objective of the project is to capitalize on market potential and connectivity to create a world-class amusement center. It will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, and bring major changes in the surrounding areas, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that many Fortune companies have their headquarters in Gurugram, which is a major contributor to the state’s economy. The upcoming Global City project in Gurugram will be another milestone for the region. Hence, Gurugram is the most suitable location for the proposed Disneyland, he said.

He informed that approximately 500 acres of land near Pachgaon Chowk in Manesar, Gurugram district, have been identified for the project. This site is strategically located on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway and Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor, said the Chief Minister. 

He said that the Disneyland project will significantly contribute to Haryana’s economic growth, and if Disneyland establishes its park in India, it will boost tourism and attract international tourists, thereby increasing revenue for both the state and the country, he said.

*Three Melas to be organized annually at Surajkund*

The Chief Minister further shared that the International Surajkund Mela is held annually in Faridabad district to position Haryana as a tourism hub and to provide a large platform for artisans from across India and abroad. The Mela showcases a unique blend of Indian art, culture, handicrafts, music, and cuisine. Every year, artisans, artists, and folk performers from around the world participate and exhibit their regional products and cultural heritage. The theme of the fair changes annually, focusing on a different Indian state to highlight its unique traditions and folk art. The Surajkund Mela is not only a celebration of Indian diversity but also a key cultural event that promotes tourism, he said.

The Chief Minister said that considering the popularity of the Surajkund Mela, the government is planning to organize a Diwali Mela and a Book Fair at Surajkund as well. This initiative will provide an excellent platform for artisans, artists, and folk performers from local, state, national, and international levels to showcase their talent, he said.

*CM urges Centre Government to support for International Gita Mahotsav*

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government organises the International Gita Mahotsav every year to spread the message of ‘karma’ delivered by Lord Krishna to the world. During the event, a crafts Mela and cultural programmes are held, attracting a large number of international artists and artisans, thereby fostering cultural exchange, he said.

He emphasised that the International Gita Mahotsav is a major platform for establishing Haryana as a unique spiritual tourism destination with high potential to attract global tourists. To achieve this vision, active support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is essential. Hence, he urged the Central Government to provide financial assistance for organising the Gita Mahotsav on a grand scale, so that Haryana can emerge as a key pilgrimage destination on the global map.

Chandigarh, July 1 – In a renewed push to improve the sex ratio in Haryana, the Health and Women and Child Development Departments have launched an intensified state-wide ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign. As part of this initiative, awareness rallies and marches are being organized in public parks across the state. Each rally prominently displays banners featuring the sex ratio of the respective district, aimed at fostering public engagement and strengthening the social message of valuing the girl child.

Additionally, the Women and Child Development Department is also undertaking dedicated campaigns on the social media handles of all Deputy Commissioners in the state to further amplify the message.

With such persistent efforts, Haryana’s sex ratio has improved to 906 during the period of January 1 to June 30, 2025, up from 904 in the corresponding period last year.

The information was given during the weekly meeting of the State Task Force (STF) for Improving Sex Ratio in Haryana held under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal here today. The meeting focused on intensifying efforts to curb illegal abortions and further improve the state’s sex ratio under the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign.

During the meeting, the Additional Chief Secretary mandated intensified enforcement against illegal abortions, with a clear directive for officials to pursue strict punitive action, including cancellation of licence, for any doctors found complicit. In one such recent case, a hospital in Hisar had its MTP (Medical Termination of Pregnancy) licence revoked for illegal abortion activities.

The Additional Chief Secretary directed officials to organize birth registration camps in economically disadvantaged areas and emphasized the need for widespread public awareness campaigns to inform residents about these drives, ensuring that all unregistered children are brought into the official system. The concerned Programme Officers (ICDS) were told to compile lists of unregistered children in consultation with local Anganwadi workers by next week.

The Additional Chief Secretary emphasized enhanced surveillance of Community Health Centres (CHCs) and held Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) accountable for any illegal practices reported in their jurisdictions. He warned that non-compliant SMOs would face disciplinary action, including being barred from leaving their stations, and directed the creation of a blacklist for such officers.

The officials were also directed to keep surveillance on suspected IVF centres carrying out PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing) and indulging in sex-determination activities. The Additional Chief Secretary also directed intensifying action and raids in the districts falling behind in sex ratio.

To curb cross-border sex-selective practices, he called for strengthened inter-district coordination with Delhi, Punjab, and Rajasthan, particularly in border areas where residents may be accessing such services outside Haryana.

Further, incentives will be granted to SAHELIs associated with pregnant women who ensure safe and successful deliveries. On the other hand, SAHELIs linked to cases of abortion will face disciplinary action.

Secretary, Health Department and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Sh. Rippudaman Singh Dhillon, and senior officers of various departments were present in the meeting. 

Chandigarh, July 1 – The Haryana Government has provided major relief to farmers by extending the procurement period for sunflower by three more days. Now, procurement will continue till July 3.

Sharing more details in this regard, a spokesperson from the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs said that due to rainfall in June this year, the harvesting of the sunflower crop was delayed, because of which farmers were not able to bring their produce to the mandi to sell it at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Taking the farmers’ interest into consideration, the government has made this decision.

The spokesperson further shared that in the state, sunflower procurement is being carried out by two agencies – HAFED and Haryana Warehousing Corporation. During 2025–26, a total of 47,300 metric tonnes of sunflower have been procured so far, compared to 38,903 metric tonnes procured last year.

Chandigarh, July 1 – The Haryana Government has taken another commendable step to support the marriages of daughters from poor and needy families by deciding to increase the financial assistance provided under the Mukhyamantri Vivaah Shagun Yojana. Now, backward class families will receive Rs 51,000 as Kanyadan assistance for the marriage of their daughters. Previously, this amount was Rs 41,000.

Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has accorded approval to a proposal in this regard today. This decision will directly benefit thousands of eligible families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh.

These will be the beneficiaries

Sharing information in this regard here today, an official spokesperson said that the objective of the Mukhyamantri Vivaah Shagun Yojana is to provide financial assistance for the marriage of girls from economically weaker sections. Under this scheme, backward class families living below the poverty line will now receive Rs 51,000 as Kanyadan for their daughters’ marriages. In addition, female sportspersons of any category will also get Rs 51,000 assistance for their own marriage. The scheme also extends similar financial support to divyang couples where either the husband or wife is differently-abled.

These beneficiaries are already receiving support

In addition, eligible families belonging to the Scheduled Caste, Vimukta Jati, and Tapriwas communities are receiveing Rs 71,000 on the occasion of marriage. Widows, divorced, orphaned, or destitute women are also provided Rs 51,000 on their remarriage, provided they did not receive benefits under this scheme at the time of their first marriage. Furthermore, if both members of a newly married couple are divyang, they are getting financial assistance of Rs 51,000.

The spokesperson said that to avail the benefits of the scheme, it is mandatory to register the marriage within six months of the wedding. The application process has been designed to be simple and user-friendly, ensuring eligible applicants can easily access the benefits. Applicants can apply for the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana by visiting the official portal at shadi.edisha.gov.in.