Chandigarh, May 2 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana has directed officials to ensure the complete and effective utilization of the allocated budget across all schemes of the Agriculture Department, so that farmers can derive maximum benefit. He also instructed to conduct a fresh survey of wet land and explore the possibility of promoting fish farming in those areas.

The Minister was presiding over a review meeting of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department officials held here today. Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sh. Raja Shekhar Vundru, along with other senior officers, was also present.

During the meeting, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana reviewed ongoing work related to soil conservation and fertilizer availability in view of the upcoming sowing season. He directed the department to take proactive steps to ensure adequate fertilizer supply to farmers.

Emphasizing the importance of seed quality, the Minister held detailed discussions on seed subsidy schemes and instructed that only high-quality seeds be provided to farmers. He asserted that no shortage of funds would be allowed to hinder the implementation of farmer-centric schemes, and that every eligible farmer should benefit from the initiatives of the Agriculture Department.

Addressing the issue of wet land in the state, the Minister said that a target has been set to reclaim one lakh hectares of such land this year. He urged officials to exceed this target and make Charkhi Dadri, Sirsa, and Fatehabad districts completely wet-free, while simultaneously intensifying efforts in other districts.

The Minister also instructed officials to encourage Panchayats to adopt fish farming by developing model ponds on wet Panchayat land. If successful, this model can be replicated for individual farmers whose land remains uncultivated due to wet land. In areas where fish farming is not feasible and water stagnation is a persistent issue, he suggested the plantation of Safeda to help restore groundwater balance.

The Minister said that both Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini envision a transformation of wet land areas into productive assets. Promoting alternative livelihoods like fish farming is part of that vision and will play a vital role in enhancing farmers’ income.

Reviewing preparations for the upcoming paddy and cotton sowing season, the Minister assured that there would be no shortage of fertilizers and directed officials to maintain advance stocks and distribution plans.

In addition, he reviewed initiatives such as the Soil Health Card program, stubble management, and farmer training schemes, reiterating that agriculture remains the backbone of both the national and state economy, and therefore, safeguarding the interests of farmers is a top priority for the government.

Chandigarh, May 2 – The Haryana Pavilion, developed under the guidance of Mr. KM Pandurang, Director General of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, has become a major highlight at the ongoing Waves Summit (World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit) at the Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai. The four-day summit, which began on Thursday, is witnessing enthusiastic participation from both Indian and international visitors.

Mr. KM Pandurang, along with department officials and artists, is present at the pavilion to welcome guests and provide insights into the state’s rich cultural and cinematic offerings.

A special attraction at the Haryana Pavilion is the presence of two female artists dressed in traditional Haryanvi attire who greet every visitor with folded hands at the entrance. Their warm welcome draws visitors in, most of whom are compelled to explore the pavilion further.

Adding to the charm is the statue of the iconic ‘Haryanvi Dadi’, seated in a blessing posture and dressed in a traditional daaman. The installation has quickly become a selfie hotspot, with both domestic and international guests queuing up to take photos while seeking blessings from the beloved Dadi figure.

Spotlight on Haryana’s Film Policy

The pavilion is also drawing attention from film industry professionals. Producers and directors have expressed strong interest in the Haryana Film Policy, which aims to promote Haryanvi cinema, attract film shoots to the state, and generate employment opportunities for local youth and artists. Several filmmakers met Mr. Pandurang to learn more about the subsidies and incentives offered by the Haryana government for film production in the state.

Showcasing Government Welfare Schemes

In addition to promoting its film policy and cultural identity, the Haryana Pavilion effectively showcases the state government’s welfare schemes. Various initiatives and developmental achievements—where Haryana leads other states—have been presented in an engaging and informative manner, highlighting the state’s commitment to public welfare and innovation.

Chandigarh, May 2– Haryana has achieved another milestone by establishing the Quality Assurance Authority (QAA), marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country. Today, the QAA launched its Standard Operating Methods and Procedures (SOMPs), aimed at promoting robust, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure across the state.

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini launched the SOMPs and the official website of the QAA at an event held in Panchkula.

The QAA initiative is aligned with the vision of Prime Minister, Sh.Narendra Modi for a ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’. For the first time, all key stakeholders—including engineering wings of various departments and boards such as the Public Works Department (Buildings and Roads), Public Health Engineering, Development and Panchayats, Irrigation, Power, Urban Local Bodies, Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board (HSAMB), HSIIDC, and state-level contractors—have come together under a unified quality assurance framework.

Notably, similar Quality Assurance Authorities already exist in countries like the USA and the UK. Haryana is the first state in India to adopt such a model, reflecting its commitment to high-quality infrastructure development.

Following the inauguration, four focused brainstorming sessions were conducted, featuring field experts and faculty members from institutions such as PEC Chandigarh and CPET Ahmedabad, NIT Kurukshetra and other technical institutes of the country.

Experts shared their insights on key 4 topics, including, Cultivating quality consciousness at the ground level, Use of eco-friendly materials and smart design for sustainable infrastructure, Adoption of new-age technology to enable quality assurance in engineering works and State-level best practices in infrastructure development. A total of 24 experts gave their insights having 6 in each session.

In conclusion, experts emphasised the need to use eco-friendly construction materials, involve industries in CSR funding, and ensure the implementation of NGT guidelines. It was also discussed that after the completion of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure projects, there is currently no provision for their long-term maintenance. Therefore, the Quality Assurance Authority should soon introduce a comprehensive maintenance policy. Besides this, relevant legislation will also be brought in to support these initiatives.

Chairman, Quality Assurance Authority, Sh. Rajeev Arora, expressed his gratitude to all the panelists and experts whose valuable contributions played a significant role in the success of the Quality Assurance Conclave.

Chandigarh, May 2 – In a significant fiscal milestone, Haryana has ascended to the 4th position in Gross GST Collection nationwide, registering a collection of Rs 14,057 crore in April 2025. This achievement comes as India recorded its highest monthly GST collection of Rs 2.37 lakh crore during the same period.

Sharing this information here today, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the portfolio of Excise and Taxation Department, said that Haryana, which stood at 5th place during the financial year 2024–25, has now overtaken Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh to secure the 4th rank in April 2025.

The Haryana’s State GST (SGST) collection reached Rs 2,492.43 crore in April 2025, registering a notable 15.70% growth compared to Rs 2,154.13 crore collected in April 2024. This substantial increase reflects Haryana’s consistent economic performance and efficient tax administration.

The Chief Minister attributed this success to the state’s transparent and technology-driven governance, which has enhanced tax compliance and broadened the tax base. He added that this surge in GST revenue not only strengthens Haryana’s economic stature but also underscores its vital role in supporting the national economy. “This record-breaking GST collection is a testimony to the resilience of the Indian economy and Haryana’s significant contribution to national revenue, even amid global economic challenges,” said the Chief Minister.

According to the latest data released, the top six states in Gross GST Collection for April 2025 are Maharashtra (Rs 41,645 crore), Karnataka (Rs17,815 crore), Gujarat (Rs 14,970 crore), Haryana (Rs 14,057 crore), Tamil Nadu (Rs 13,831 crore), and Uttar Pradesh (Rs 13,600 crore).

Chandigarh, May 2 – While strongly condemning the Punjab Leaders for politicizing the water issue, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini advised Punjab’s leaders not to indulge in petty politics. Punjab is the land of the Gurus, and we bow to them. Work for the welfare of Punjab’s people. Haryana was once a part of Punjab and emerged from there. Such low-level politics is not good for anyone, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. 

The Chief Minister said this while interacting with the media persons in Panchkula after attending the Quality Assurance Conclave organized by the Quality Assurance Authority.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said, as the head of Haryana, I assure that if the people of Punjab ever need drinking water, we will install tubewells, extract water from our groundwater, and provide it to them. I guarantee that no person in Punjab will remain thirsty.

The Chief Minister said that if we look at past records, Haryana is only asking for the water it has always received. Water is a natural resource. If politics continues like this, the water will go waste and flow into Pakistan, which has been shedding the blood of our unarmed citizens, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Chief Minister  reiterated that Haryana is only asking for the share of water it used to receive earlier, not more than that. “We are also seeking the same SYL water as per the agreement. The Supreme Court has ruled that this is our right, he said.

Chandigarh, May 2 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday inaugurated the Standard Operating Methods and Procedures (SOMPs) prepared by the Quality Assurance Authority to ensure robust, sustainable,  reliable infrastructure in the state. The Chief Minister said that this is not just a document but a vision, a foundation upon which a grand structure of quality, long-lasting infrastructure, services, and good governance will be built. This event is a testament to the government’s commitment to prioritizing quality in Haryana’s development journey, said Sh. Nayab Singh  Saini.

While addressing the gathering after the inauguration of SOMPs during the  Quality Assurance Conclave  held in Panchkula, the Chief Minister congratulated the Haryana Quality Assurance Authority on completing two years of its establishment. He praised the Authority for its exemplary work in a short span of time. The Chief Minister also launched the website of Quality Assurance Authority.

The Chief Minister said that this ‘Quality Assurance Authority’ is the first state-level institution in India that is entirely focused on infrastructure quality. Its model is being studied by other states and central institutions. He expressed hope that this model will soon evolve into a ‘national network for quality assurance’ across the country.

He emphasized that incomplete or poorly executed construction is more harmful than no construction at all. Embracing this philosophy, the government has decided to prioritize quality. These SOMPs are the standards for ensuring quality for government departments, engineers, contractors, and policymakers.

The Chief Minister said that SOMPs are not just administrative tools, they are instruments of safety, reliability, and efficiency. For instance, in commercial aviation, SOPs have helped reduce accidents significantly. Similarly, in healthcare, SOPs save lives and help ensure product quality in the global construction industry through standards like ‘Six Sigma’, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. 

He said this Quality Assurance Conclave is not just about procedures and protocols, but part of a holistic approach that will lead us toward building a strong, secure, and smart Haryana.

Our Goal is to ensure that Every Construction, Service, and Policy in Haryana Reflects International Standards– Chief Minister

The Chief Minister said the government aims that every construction project, service, and policy in Haryana must adhere to international standards. The theme of this conclave, “Strong, Sustainable, and Reliable Infrastructure,” reflects the government’s focus not only on the speed of development but also on its quality, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that ensuring sustainable completion of any work requires a clear, scientific, and systematic process. The SOMPs offer a comprehensive approach from planning to maintenance. It  also specifies how planning should be done, what the design should look like, and the quality of materials to be used. Additionally, SOMPs outline inspection checkpoints during construction, safety standards, and environmental considerations, said the Chief Minister. 

Ensuring Quality along with Development for Viksit Bharat- Viksit Haryana

The Chief Minister said that, aligned with the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision, Haryana is moving swiftly toward the goal of  Viksit Bharat- Viksit Haryana. It has become essential that development projects are not only fast-paced but also sustainable and reliable. Speed alone is not enough, compromising quality in the name of speed leads to accidents, increased costs, and a loss of public trust, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Research and Development Center to be established to promote best practices in Indian Construction Contexts

The Chief Minister said that the Quality Assurance Authority was established to guarantee quality construction across all departments. This Authority is a multi-dimensional body ensuring quality in key sectors like roads, bridges, buildings, irrigation, water, sewage, and energy, he said.

The Chief Minister  said that the focus is not only on quality but also on capacity-building through training engineers, regional workshops, and digital manuals. Besides this,  a Research and Development center will be set up to promote best practices tailored to Indian construction needs, he said.

Plan to extend Quality Assurance Authority’s scope to Private Infrastructure Projects in Future

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government plans to extend the Quality Assurance Authority’s scope to include private infrastructure projects, especially those linked to the government licensing process. This will cover public-private partnership projects, private buildings, townships, and industrial parks. This step will broaden quality assurance beyond public works, increase public confidence, and boost investor trust, he said.

We must collectively embrace the vision that quality is not just a task, but a habit. By laying this foundation today, we can pass on a legacy of trust and safety to future generations. We have the resources, the skills, and most importantly, the determination. Now is the time to turn this determination into action that will be remembered for decades, said the Chief Minister.

Our endeavour is to make Haryana a state and the Nayab government a model where supplementary budgets are minimal – Krishan Lal Panwar

Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that the SOMPs launched today by the Quality Assurance Authority will help improve the quality of development projects. He said that many projects remain pending, and when work is not completed on time and re-tendering is required, additional funds are sought from the government. This often leads to the necessity of supplementary demands. Our effort should be to make Haryana a state and the ‘Nayab Sarkar’  a model where the need for supplementary budgets is minimal. This will only be possible if all projects in the state are completed on time, said the Minister.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar urged the engineering wing to resolve that a message should go out from today’s event: under the leadership of Chief Minister. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, every project initiated by the state government will be completed within the stipulated time frame.

Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar emphasized that the engineers of the state should earn such a reputation that projects are completed on time and Haryana’s name is held high. He said that whenever a new project begins, a DPR is prepared and work is initiated. The Quality Control Authority or the quality wings within departments inspect the project. If we monitor projects from the beginning, there will definitely be a quality improvement, said Krishan Lal Panwar.

He said that the Quality Assurance Authority should also contribute to the Panchayats department’s projects. Our government has ensured that facilities like drinking water and sewerage, on par with urban areas, will be provided in Mahagram. These efforts involve projects worth crores of rupees. Currently, work is underway in 22 Mahagram. If the Quality Assurance Authority monitors these projects, the Panchayat department will certainly benefit.

He said  that the Panchayat Department maintains approximately 70,000 rural roads. In addition, under the Pond Authority, out of around 19,000 ponds in the state, about 6,000 polluted ponds are being rejuvenated.

Viksit Haryana will have its own identity on Viksit Bharat’s map – Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa

Public Works Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa stated that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has presented a vision to make India a developed nation by 2047. In support of this vision, we will work towards making Haryana a developed state. When the map of a developed India is drawn, Haryana will have its distinct identity. For this, we must focus on strengthening our infrastructure. It is crucial to ensure that there is no compromise in the quality of developmental projects, as it not only results in financial loss but also causes difficulties for the public, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He said that the government is taking significant steps to reduce delays and cost overruns in infrastructure projects by adhering to defined standards. These measures aim not only to complete projects on time but also to enhance the durability and safety of the nation’s infrastructure, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, India is entering an era where governance is moving forward with a focus on quality. Our government has worked to transform governance into good governance. People have full trust in the government, which is why the Bharatiya Janata Party has been elected for a third consecutive term at both the central and Haryana, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He emphasized that to meet the aspirations of the people, the government has a responsibility to prioritize not just good governance but also high-quality infrastructural development. When we talk about infrastructure projects, we are not just referring to bricks and mortar, but to the trust that people place in us. To uphold that trust, the government has created many plans, and today marks an important milestone in improving the quality of infrastructural development, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

He said that this is not just a mission, it is a movement, a foundation of development, trust, and a new India, said Sh. Ranbir Gangwa.

Quality Assurance Authority is a Comprehensive Structural Framework that Focuses on Planning, Material Quality, and Maintenance Methods – Chairman Rajeev Arora

The Chairman, Quality Assurance Authority, Sh. Rajeev Arora, shared information about the Authority’s work through a presentation. He said that the Haryana government has established a unique authority not found anywhere else in India. He explained that the vision of the then Chief Minister of Haryana was that quality assurance should not be limited to on-site sampling, but should go beyond to strengthen processes and integrate them into everyday operations.

He shared that the Authority has also worked extensively on training and capacity building. In the past month alone, 80 engineers have been trained, and another 80 are scheduled to receive training this month, said Sh. Rajeev Arora.

He emphasized that the Quality Assurance Authority is a comprehensive structural framework that offers a holistic approach. It focuses on how planning should be done, what the design should be like, and the quality of materials to be used. In addition, it monitors the types of inspections to be carried out during construction, the safety standards to be maintained, and the methods for ongoing maintenance, informed Sh. Rajeev Arora.

He further said that the SOMPs developed by the Authority incorporate project quality assurance, efficiency, proper procedural compliance, safety, risk management, and accountability.

Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Commissioner and Secretary,  Public Health Engineering Department Sh. Mohammed Shayin, Media Secretary Sh. Praveen Attrey and other senior officers also remained present in the conclave.