Category Archives: Haryana

Government’s New Initiatives to Make Haryana a Hub of Innovation: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, January 21 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while interacting with startup founders and entrepreneurs during a pre-budget consultation programme held today in Manesar, said that young innovators and startups are giving a new direction to Haryana’s economy.

The Chief Minister said ‘National Startup Day’ was celebrated on January 16, and today’s pre-budget consultation is a continuation of that celebration. Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, he said, “Startup India is not merely a government scheme, but a ‘Rainbow Vision’ that connects different sectors with new possibilities.”

He said a startup is an idea that needs to be given a concrete shape. It is a small seed which, with the right support, can grow into a huge tree.

On this occasion, Haryana’s Industries and Commerce Minister Sh. Rao Narbir Singh, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Sh. Gaurav Gautam, and Gurugram MLA Sh. Mukesh Sharma were present.

The Chief Minister said with the resolve to make the country developed by the year 2047, the government is continuously working at a fast pace. He said that major and historic changes are being witnessed in the country today. Whether it is road and transport infrastructure or other developmental projects, India is moving ahead at an unprecedented speed. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country has taken a new direction of development, and progress is clearly visible in every sector.

Emphasis on Funding and Technical Support

Welcoming the suggestions given by startup founders, the Chief Minister said that ideas received on issues such as ‘ease of doing business’, ‘funding’, and ‘technical support’ have been noted. He said, “No matter how small an idea may be, if it has the strength and vision, it does not take long to change the world.”

The Chief Minister informed that over the past 10 years, the number of startups in the country has increased from 500 to more than 2 lakh. Haryana has played a leading role in this growth, especially Gurugram and Manesar. Haryana now has more than 9,500 startups and ranks seventh in the country in this regard. Additionally, 19 unicorns have emerged from Haryana.

Haryana AI Mission to be established

Sharing details of key steps taken in the Budget 2025–26, the Chief Minister said that the future belongs to Artificial Intelligence (AI). With this vision, the Haryana Government has proposed the establishment of the ‘Haryana AI Mission’, for which an assurance of assistance of Rs. 474 crore has been received from the World Bank. Under this mission, one AI hub each will be set up in Gurugram and Panchkula, where 50,000 youth will be trained in new technologies.

He said to promote research in colleges and universities, the ‘Haryana State Research Fund’ has been established with an initial corpus of Rs. 20 crore. Along with this, a ‘Fund of Funds’ of Rs. 2,000 crore has also been created.

The Chief Minister said that to encourage startups, financial assistance of Rs. 10 lakh per startup is being provided through HSIIDC, and the ‘Mukhyamantri Kaushal Samman Yojana’ has been launched. The ‘Haryana State Startup Policy–2022’ is in force in the state, and recently, financial assistance of Rs. 1.14 crore has been provided to 22 startups.

He said that the startup culture will no longer remain limited to big cities. From the academic session 2025–26, ‘entrepreneurship competitions’ will be organized in every district, in which selected teams will be given financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh by the government to convert their ideas into business models.

Considering Manesar as an industrial hub, the Chief Minister said that ‘incubation centres’ will be established in all industrial estates of HSIIDC so that startups can be provided workspaces at affordable rates. For this purpose, land has already been identified by HSIIDC in three IMT areas.

Reiterating the Prime Minister’s vision, the Chief Minister said, “Risk-taking has now become mainstream. Earlier, people were afraid to take risks, but today, not taking risks is considered the biggest risk.”

The Chief Minister expressed pride that more than 50 percent of startups in Haryana have at least one woman director, and the government is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs at every step.

He said that startups and young innovators working in different sectors across the country are the identity of New India. Whether it is the space sector or the defence sector, Haryana’s youth are making their strong presence felt in every field.

The Chief Minister made two requests to everyone—first, to send their suggestions through the chatbot within the next 8 to 10 days; and second, to listen to the Budget 2026–27 when it is presented in the Legislative Assembly.

He said those whose suggestions are included in the budget will be sent special invitations to witness the proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, so that they can personally see that the government has honoured their suggestions.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department, Sh. Vineet Garg; Additional Chief Secretary, Citizen Resources Information Department, Smt. G. Anupama; Principal Secretary, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department, Sh. Rajiv Ranjan; Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal; Director General, Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Yash Garg; and OSD to the Chief Minister, Dr. Raj Nehru, were also present.

Max Hospital Mohali introduces most advanced radiation therapy technologies

Chandigarh: Strengthening its advanced cancer care services, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, on Tuesday introduced EDGE (3.0) which is a most advanced radiation therapy technologies—integrated with HyperArc™ and surface guided radiation therapy.


This cutting-edge platform marks a major advancement in cancer treatment in Tricity and nearby area by offering unmatched precision, a non-invasive and pain-free approach, and faster recovery for patients, said Dr. Sajal Kakkar director–radiation oncology during a press conference here today.


Dr. Pankaj Kumar Arora director–radiation oncology said,”EDGE (3.0) represents a significant leap in the delivery of radiosurgery and radiotherapy. The system enables clinicians to treat a wide range of cancers with exceptional accuracy, flexibility, and efficiency. Its sub-millimetre precision, combined with HyperArc’s automated radiosurgery workflows, allows highly targeted radiation delivery while significantly reducing treatment time and enhancing patient comfort.”
The introduction of EDGE (3.0) allows us to integrate state-of-the-art technology into our cancer treatment protocols, said Dr. Kakkar.
With this advancement, Max Institute of Cancer Care (MICC), Mohali further strengthens its position as a comprehensive cancer care centre equipped with globally benchmarked technology, he informed.


Dr. Arora said that EDGE (3.0) empowers us to deliver precise, non-invasive treatments with enhanced efficiency, even for the most complex cancer cases. This technology significantly improves treatment accuracy while minimising discomfort, offering patients better outcomes and an improved quality of life, Dr Arora opined.
The EDGE radiosurgery system offers an effective alternative to traditional surgery for select cancer patients. It enables radiation oncologists to deliver high-dose, highly precise radiation treatments without incisions or prolonged hospitalisation. Its advanced mobility and imaging capabilities allow treatment of tumors located in areas that are difficult to access surgically.

Role of youth is crucial in the resolve of making ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047: Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan

Chandigarh, January 16

The second edition of the two-day ‘Haryana Yuva Samvad’ began on Friday in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha with the cooperation of the Rajdhani Yuva Sansad organization. The programme was inaugurated by Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Sixty-five participants from 13 states are taking part in the programme.

Addressing the programme, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said that India endured a long and difficult period of slavery, during which attempts were made to damage its rich culture and values. Despite this, India is the world’s largest democracy today and is continuously moving on the path of development. This is proof of the strength of the Constitution and the unity of the people of the country. The Constitution teaches us that the real strength of India lies in its people. All of us together have to realize the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047.

He said that India is a country of diversity. There are different languages, traditions, and cultures, but amid all these, there is a common goal—the progress of the nation and the State. Although the languages of states may differ in various Legislative Assemblies of the country, the objective of all public representatives is to frame effective and welfare-oriented policies for every section of society. Removing the difficulties of the people and fulfilling their needs is the real aim.

Harvinder Kalyan told the youth that today they are sitting in the same Vidhan Sabha building from where many eminent MLAs and leaders have played an important role in law-making and the all-round development of Haryana. He expressed hope that the youth present here would, in the future, get an opportunity to become public representatives, carry forward democratic traditions, and participate actively and meaningfully in discussions in the House.

He said that diversity of opinions is natural in a democracy, but youth should move forward with positive thinking towards solutions, so that society and the nation can get a new direction.

The Vidhan Sabha Speaker said that if the country has to move forward, it is essential to empower women socially, politically, and economically. With this objective, a historic Bill providing 33 percent reservation to women has been passed.

Sharing his experience of the Commonwealth Parliament held in Delhi, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said that many Speakers from different countries were surprised that India is progressing so strongly despite having hundreds of languages, customs, and cultural diversities.

During the programme, MLA Pooja Chaudhary, Advisor to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Ram Narayan Yadav, co-founder of Haryana Yuva Samvad Jai Saini, and Isha Kapoor also addressed the youth and shared their views on the freedom movement, experiences of the Constituent Assembly, democratic values, leadership capacity, and the role of youth.

In the second phase of the programme, a question hour was organized. Thereafter, two special sessions were held. In the first session, in-depth discussion was held on the topic ‘Sustainable Development of Haryana: Industrial Expansion, Environmental Protection, and Balanced Use of Natural Resources’. In the second session, the Haryana Industrial Policy–2025 was discussed in detail with reference to the need for industrial expansion, challenges before it, and the necessary steps to achieve Vision 2030.

Haryana Registers Record 3,738 NDPS Cases in 2025, Arrests Over 6,800 Accused Including 33 Foreigners in Major Anti-Drug Crackdown

Chandigarh, January 10 – In a significant milestone in the fight against narcotics, Haryana registered a record 3,738 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested 6,801 accused persons during 2025, marking the state’s strongest enforcement action against drug trafficking to date. Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra shared these achievements here today.

From 2020 to 2025, she said that the state registered 20,519 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested an impressive 35,207 accused persons during the last six years. This sustained crackdown has sent a strong deterrent message to drug traffickers across the region, with enforcement numbers showing a steady upward trajectory year after year.

The arrests spanned multiple states with the largest numbers coming from Uttar Pradesh with 169 arrests, followed by Punjab with 147, Rajasthan with 64, and Delhi with 45 accused. Other states including Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and several north eastern states also saw their residents arrested in Haryana for drug-related offenses.

Among foreign nationals, authorities apprehended 26 Nigerians, 6 Nepalis, and 1 Senegal (Africa) individual, demonstrating the state’s capability to tackle sophisticated international drug cartels operating within its borders.

The state has achieved particular success in combating commercial drug operations, which represent large-scale trafficking networks. In 2025 alone, authorities registered 457 commercial NDPS cases and arrested 1,227 accused, the highest annual figures in the six-year period. Overall, commercial cases resulted in 2,224 FIRs and 5,824 arrests during the period under report.

Haryana’s anti-narcotics teams have successfully penetrated inter-state and international drug networks with remarkable efficiency. In 2025, a total of 586 accused were arrested, including 553 from other states and 33 foreign nationals, representing a significant increase from 444 arrests in 2024. This showcases the growing reach and effectiveness of Haryana’s enforcement agencies.

Over the six-year period, Haryana has seized narcotics worth hundreds of crores, striking a major blow to drug trafficking networks. The seizures include a staggering 55,701 kilograms of ganja, disrupting cannabis supply chains across northern India. Poppy straw emerged as the largest category with 89,696 kilograms seized, followed by 1,300 kilograms of charas and 229 kilograms of heroin. Notably, in 2025 alone, authorities confiscated 55.84 kilograms of heroin, one of the highest annual seizures for this dangerous narcotic, Dr. Misra added.

Other significant recoveries included 1,819 kilograms of opium, 3,392 kilograms of opium plants, and 814 grams of cocaine over the six-year period. The authorities also seized emerging synthetic drugs including over one kilogram of MD, MDA, and MDMA, along with smaller quantities of methamphetamine, LSD, and brown sugar.

Dr. Misra further informed that in year 2025, enforcement agencies confiscated 18,039 kilograms of poppy straw and 6,257 kilograms of ganja, along with 645 grams of MDMA and 240 grams of cocaine. A particularly concerning category has been pharmaceutical drugs, where authorities seized over 58.44 lakh units including capsules, injections, tablets, and bottles that were being diverted for abuse. In 2025 alone, more than 6.59 lakh pharmaceutical drug units were recovered from illegal channels.

“We are ensuring that crime doesn’t pay,” emphasized Dr. Misra, highlighting the state’s focus on economic disruption of drug networks. From 2007 to 2025, Haryana has seized, frozen, and forfeited properties worth Rs. 67.01 crore belonging to 370 drug traffickers under the NDPS Act. This aggressive asset seizure strategy has proven to be a powerful deterrent, as it directly impacts the financial motivation behind drug trafficking.

In 2025 alone, properties worth Rs. 13.59 crore belonging to 143 affected persons were attached, while in 2023 and 2024, properties worth Rs. 13.27 crore and Rs. 7.55 crore were seized from 61 and 54 individuals respectively. This sustained focus on financial investigation and asset forfeiture ensures that convicted drug dealers cannot enjoy the proceeds of their illegal activities.

To ensure speedy trials and justice, Haryana has established eight operational NDPS Fast Track and Special Courts across the state. These dedicated courts function in the districts of Sirsa, Fatehabad, Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra, and Panipat, exclusively handling NDPS cases to expedite the judicial process.

The first two courts were established in Sirsa and Fatehabad in April 2022, followed by six more courts in February 2023. The state government has demonstrated continued commitment to strengthening the judicial infrastructure, with proposals already submitted for additional dedicated NDPS courts at Yamunanagar, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Rohtak. These proposed courts will further enhance the capacity for swift justice and reduce case backlogs in high-incidence areas.

Under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1988, Haryana has detained 147 hardcore drug offenders from 2022 to 2025, effectively neutralizing habitual offenders who posed a continuing threat to society. The numbers show a dramatic increase in the use of this preventive measure, with just three detentions in 2022, rising sharply to 51 in 2023, 12 in 2024, and 76 in 2025. This preventive action has proven crucial in breaking the cycle of repeat offenses by known drug traffickers.

“Prevention through awareness is our strongest weapon,” stated Dr. Misra, highlighting the state’s comprehensive outreach programs that complement enforcement efforts. Haryana has conducted an impressive 18,540 anti-drug awareness programmes across the state, reaching 28.46 lakh participants from all walks of life. These programmes have been strategically designed to target schools, colleges, workplaces, and community centers to maximize impact.

40% Drop in Extortion Cases, 9 Major Conspiracies Foiled — Haryana Police Tighten Grip on Overseas Crime Networks

Chandigarh, January 10. Haryana’s decisive crackdown on organized crime and extortion rackets is now yielding strong, visible results. Compared to 2024, the state recorded a remarkable 40% reduction in extortion-related incidents in 2025. Not only this, but police teams successfully foiled nine major targeted-murder conspiracies, preventing large-scale criminal violence and restoring public confidence.

High-Level Review at Police Headquarters

These developments were shared during a high-level review meeting chaired by Director General of Police Ajay Singhal at the Police Headquarters. Opening the session, DGP Singhal highlighted the growing threats posed by gangsters and their overseas handlers, making it clear that no individual spreading fear or intimidation in the state will be spared.

Zero Tolerance for Terror-Like Activities

Emphasizing an uncompromising approach, DGP Singhal stated that individuals who create an atmosphere of fear among citizens will be treated on par with terrorists and dealt with under the harshest provisions of law. He stressed that the only effective way to dismantle organized crime is to examine the entire structure of these gangs and strike at the core sources of their power.

STF Presentation Highlights International Links

During the meeting, IG STF Satish Balan delivered a detailed presentation outlining the operational architecture and technological mechanisms used by organized criminal groups. He revealed that several gangsters operate from foreign locations, managing their network through social media platforms, encrypted applications and internet-based calling systems. Using virtual numbers and fake online identities, these criminals issue instructions, coordinate operations and even attempt recruitment from abroad.

Close Surveillance on Criminals Operating From Overseas

IG Balan informed attendees that STF is maintaining continuous surveillance on such individuals and is working in close coordination with international agencies to facilitate their deportation. DGP Singhal stressed the need to strengthen this coordination further, noting that no country wants to shelter criminals, and cooperation at the global level is essential.

Rising Influence of Gangsters on Youth a Serious Concern

The meeting also raised concern over the growing trend of young people being influenced by gangsters through rapidly expanding social media channels. Criminals lure impressionable youth into performing minor tasks and gradually push them into serious offences, while gang leaders remain protected in remote or foreign locations.

Focus on Prevention and Public Awareness

To counter this trend, officials recommended expanding awareness and counselling programs among youth alongside ongoing technical surveillance. They also emphasized the need to map specific regions where criminal influence is rising, enabling targeted prevention measures at the grassroots level.

Directive to Strike at the Root of Organized Crime

The meeting concluded with a strong directive from DGP Singhal to intensify and sustain the campaign against organized crime. He stated that this fight cannot end with arrests alone—it must continue until the entire ecosystem of organized crime, including its financial foundation, is dismantled completely.

MNREGA is the backbone of rural livelihoods; tampering with its core structure is disastrous: Rao Narendra Singh

Chandigarh/Narnaul.
January 10, 2026

The Congress party has adopted an aggressive stance against the Central Government’s attempts to alter the original structure of MNREGA. Under the “Save MNREGA Campaign,” the party has begun organizing press conferences across the state as part of a well-planned strategy. As part of this campaign, press conferences were held simultaneously at all district headquarters, including Narnaul, under the leadership of State Congress President Rao Narendra Singh.
Addressing the press conference, Rao Narendra Singh said that MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), implemented by the UPA government in 2005, is a rights-based law that provides every rural household with a legal right to demand employment. He said that for the past 20 years, MNREGA has remained the lifeline of rural India.
Rao Narendra Singh stated that during the difficult period of the COVID pandemic, MNREGA provided employment to 4.6 crore families. The scheme functions as the backbone of rural livelihood security. Every year, 5 to 6 crore families receive employment under MNREGA, which helps reduce migration from rural areas to cities. He added that women’s participation accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total person-days generated under MNREGA.
The State President said that the UPA government ensured that even the last person in society had the right to demand work. Any unemployed person in rural areas could demand work from the government without any qualification, and employment had to be provided within 15 days.
He alleged that the Central Government is now preparing to scrap MNREGA and replace it with the (GRAM G) – Viksit Bharat Rozgar Aajeevika Guarantee Mission Bill, which abolishes the legal guarantee of work, weakens village communities and panchayats, and gives the Central Government the authority to decide in which states the scheme will be implemented and in which it will not.
Rao Narendra Singh said that earlier, nearly 90 percent of MNREGA expenditure was borne by the Central Government, with only 10 percent borne by state governments. Now, however, up to 40 percent of the burden is being shifted to the states. State governments are already under heavy debt, and in such a situation, they will be unable to make payments, leading to the gradual shutdown of MNREGA.
He warned that this would result in a sharp increase in rural unemployment, exploitation of families without minimum wages, increased migration to cities, and the erosion of powers and rights of gram panchayats.
During the press conference, District President Satbir Yadav said that this is a well-planned conspiracy by the BJP government against MNREGA. He termed it the daylight murder of MNREGA, a robbery of the rights of crores of workers, and a direct attack on the livelihood of the working class. He said the right of the poor to demand work is being snatched away. He added that over 90 percent of MNREGA beneficiaries come from Dalit and backward classes, and this is a conspiracy to deprive them of social justice.
State Youth Congress President Nishit Kataria said that under the MNREGA scheme introduced by the Congress government, every family was guaranteed a minimum of 100 days of work by law. Now, beneficiaries will be left without any legal guarantee, and work will be available only in villages selected by the Central Government.
District Women Congress President Dr. Raj Sunesh said that MNREGA legally guaranteed minimum wages, but after the changes made by the Modi government, work will not be available during crop-harvesting seasons and wages will be fixed arbitrarily by the government.
Calling the situation extremely shameful, Rao Narendra Singh said that gram panchayats are now being sidelined. Earlier, development work in villages was carried out through gram panchayats with the support of MNREGA mates and employment assistants. Now, the government will decide who works where and on what, and workers will not even receive assistance from mates or employment assistants.
He asserted that the Congress party will continue its struggle—from the streets to Parliament—to protect MNREGA and the rights of rural workers.
Those present on the occasion included Mahender Ratan, Manoj Patikara, Youth Block President Ravindra Mandi, Ram Singh Joya, Tota Ram Kohli, Advocate Kuldeep Bhardgarh, OBC President Vikram Awana, former judge Rakesh Yadav, Professor Bhup Singh, Seva Dal President Ajit Yadav, Avinash Mandi, Shyam Sunder Soni, Chairman Dalip Singh, Professor Rajbir, Shakti Mandhana, Rewari Youth President Raj Prakash, and several other Congress workers.

Haryana Government Revises HCS Exam Syllabus, Introduces 4 GS Papers for Mains

Chandigarh, January 8 – In a significant update to streamline recruitment for top administrative posts, the Haryana Government has released a comprehensive revision of the syllabi for the Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) and Allied Services examinations through an Extraordinary Gazette notification. A notification in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.

For the Preliminary Examination, candidates will face two objective papers totaling 400 marks. Paper I on General Studies delves into general science, drawing from everyday observations expected of an educated individual; current national and international events; broad aspects of Indian history, including the National Movement’s resurgence and independence; Indian and world geography with focus on physical, social, and economic features, agriculture, and resources; Indian polity, economy, culture, and mental ability through reasoning. Haryana-specific elements like its economy, people, social institutions, culture, and language are integrated throughout. Paper II, the Civil Services Aptitude Test, tests comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy (Class X level), and data interpretation from charts, graphs, tables, and sufficiency questions.

The Main Written Examination introduces a more robust structure with six descriptive papers, each of three hours’ duration and 100 marks, totaling 600 marks—a key change eliminating optional subjects and introducing four General Studies papers, as confirmed in recent HPSC updates. Paper I (English and Essay) evaluates reading serious prose, precise expression through precis writing, passage comprehension, usage, vocabulary, grammar, composition, and an essay on a chosen topic stressing orderly ideas and conciseness. Paper II (Hindi and Hindi Essay in Devnagri script) covers English-to-Hindi translation, letter/precis writing, prose/poetry explanations, idioms, corrections, composition, and a topic-based essay.

General Studies-I explores Indian art forms, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times; modern Indian history from the 18th century, freedom struggle stages and contributors; post-independence consolidation; world history including industrial revolution, wars, colonization, and philosophies like communism and socialism; Indian society’s diversity, women’s roles, population, poverty, urbanization, globalization effects, social empowerment, communalism, regionalism, secularism; world physical geography, resource distribution, industry locations, geophysical phenomena like earthquakes and cyclones, and critical changes in geography, flora, fauna, with Haryana linkages.

General Studies-II covers the Indian Constitution’s evolution, features, amendments, federal structure challenges, devolution to local levels, separation of powers, dispute mechanisms, comparisons with other nations; Parliament and legislatures’ functioning; executive and judiciary structures, pressure groups; Representation of People’s Act; constitutional bodies; statutory/regulatory institutions; development policies, NGOs, SHGs; welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, health, education, poverty, hunger; governance aspects like e-governance, transparency, civil services’ role, India-neighborhood relations, international groupings, diaspora, global institutions, and Haryana issues.

General Studies-III addresses Indian economy planning, resource mobilization, growth, employment, inclusive growth, budgeting; agriculture including crops, irrigation, subsidies, MSP, PDS, food security, animal rearing, food processing; land reforms; liberalization effects, industrial policy; infrastructure like energy, ports, transport; science-technology applications, IT, space, biotech, IPR; environment conservation, disasters; extremism linkages, internal security challenges from cyber, media, organized crime, border issues, security forces, with Haryana relevance.

Finally, General Studies-IV on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude uses case studies to probe attitudes towards public life probity, covering ethics essence in actions, human values from leaders, attitude influences, foundational civil service values like integrity and empathy, emotional intelligence, moral thinkers; public service ethics, dilemmas, accountability; governance probity including RTI, codes, citizen charters and corruption challenges.

Decade of Transformational Governance has Strengthened Public Trust and Institutional Reforms: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, January 8-  Haryana Chief Minister,  Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that India has witnessed a decisive and positive transformation over the past eleven years, driven by transparent governance, citizen-centric policies, and effective implementation of welfare initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. He said that the most significant outcome of this period has been the restoration of public trust, with citizens increasingly feeling that the government truly belongs to them. This sense of ownership and confidence among the people, he emphasized, represents the true and enduring meaning of good governance.

The Chief Minister said this while addressing a programme organised in Panchkula on Wednesday, where he underlined that public expectations have evolved significantly. Citizens now demand accountability, efficiency, and long-term solutions that improve the quality of life. This shift, he said, marks a mature democratic transition towards performance-driven governance.

On the occasion, he launched the National Education Evaluation and Validation (NEEV) Portal, designed to strengthen the implementation of the National Education Policy through continuous evaluation and data-based monitoring.

Meanwhile, in the presence of the Chief Minister, Memoranda of Understanding were also signed under the ‘Gyan Setu’ initiative between the Golden Jubilee Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management and various universities to promote academic collaboration, research integration, and institutional capacity building.

*National Education Policy Anchored in Skills, Innovation, and Self-Reliance*

The Chief Minister said that the initiatives unveiled mark a defining moment in Haryana’s education reforms. The objective is to build an education ecosystem that goes beyond conventional degrees and focuses on skills, innovation, and employability. Referring to the Vision Document–2047, launched in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047, he said Haryana is positioning education as a central pillar of long-term development.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini further said the National Education Policy reflects a forward-looking framework that integrates knowledge with practical skills, enabling youth to become self-reliant and economically productive. The MoUs signed under the Gyan Setu initiative will ensure that academic research and institutional expertise are aligned with governance priorities and societal needs, he said.

*Historic Budgetary Support to Strengthen Research Culture*

Highlighting a major policy milestone, the Chief Minister said that the state budget has provided Rs. 20 crore for research for the first time, signalling the government’s commitment to strengthening research and innovation across higher education institutions. He emphasized that universities should focus on problem-driven research that addresses pressing challenges such as waterlogging, environmental sustainability, and urban infrastructure, thereby contributing directly to policy formulation and development planning.

*Welfare-Oriented Governance Has Improved Quality of Life*

The Chief Minister stated that since 2014, governance in India has shifted towards inclusive and outcome-oriented welfare delivery. Initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu, Har Ghar Nal Se Jal, Mhara Gaon–Jagmag Gaon, and the Ujjwala Yojana have expanded access to healthcare, drinking water, electricity, and clean cooking fuel. These programmes, he said, have reduced everyday hardships and significantly enhanced the dignity and well-being of citizens, he said.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini shared that India’s economic progress reflects the success of sustained reforms, with the country emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy and moving steadily towards becoming the third-largest. This economic growth, he said, must be reinforced through strong institutions, skilled human capital, and innovation-led development.

*AI-Enabled Pre-Budget Feedback Portal Encourages Citizen Participation*

The Chief Minister informed that an AI-based pre-budget feedback portal has recently been launched to enable citizens, students, and stakeholders to share suggestions in the budget formulation process. He emphasized that the budget represents collective aspirations and that greater public participation will result in more inclusive and effective policy decisions.

*Focused Push on Crop Diversification and Modern Horticulture*

Addressing agricultural reforms, the Chief Minister said the government is actively encouraging farmers to adopt crop diversification and modern horticulture practices to enhance income while protecting environmental health. Measures include promotion of natural farming, reduced chemical usage, establishment of Centres of Excellence, and development of export-oriented infrastructure. He highlighted the ultra-modern horticulture market being developed at Ganaur as a key initiative to provide farmers with better market access and improved price realization.

*Universities Called Upon to Align Education with Industry Needs*

During a focused interaction with Vice-Chancellors, the Chief Minister urged universities to design skill-based training programmes aligned with industry requirements. He suggested the development of a dedicated digital platform where industries can post their workforce needs, enabling institutions to tailor academic and training modules and improve employment outcomes for graduates.

*Research and Innovation Central to Haryana Vision–2047*

Earlier, Haryana Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi emphasized that universities must play a pivotal role in realizing the objectives of Haryana Vision Document–2047, particularly in transitioning the state towards a robust manufacturing and services economy. He highlighted the creation of the Haryana State Research Fund with an allocation of Rs. 20 crore to support research and innovation.

Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department,  Sh. Vineet Garg stressed the importance of introducing new-age courses in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, aligned with industry demand. He also underlined the importance of resource sharing among institutions and noted that government colleges established at regular intervals are being developed in accordance with NEP-2020 standards.

OSD to Chief Minister and Director General, Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, Dr. Raj Nehru, said the NEEV Portal has been developed to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of NEP-2020 implementation. The portal will facilitate phased data submission by schools, colleges, and universities, enabling evidence-based planning and informed policy decisions, he said.

NEEV Portal to Strengthen Policy Compliance and Quality in Educational Institutions: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, January 8- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides a clear roadmap to align India’s education system with the demands of the 21st century. However, the real success of any policy depends on its timely and effective implementation. Thus, to bridge the gap between policy intent and execution on the ground, the state government has developed the NEEV Portal, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while interacting with mediapersons after an MoU exchange programme held in Panchkula on Thursday.

He described the NEEV Portal as an intelligent, data-driven decision support system that links policy formulation with institutional implementation. The portal enables objective, continuous and technology-enabled assessment of various provisions of NEP 2020.

The Chief Minister said that the primary objective of the NEEV Portal is to ensure transparent, impartial and sustained evaluation of NEP 2020 compliance in educational institutions. Through real-time data, performance indicators and predictive analytics, the portal continuously monitors the education ecosystem, clearly identifying institutions that are performing in line with the policy and those that require improvement, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the portal functions not only as a monitoring mechanism but also as an effective tool for timely corrective action and strategic guidance. He informed that in the first phase, the NEEV Portal is being implemented in universities and will subsequently be extended to colleges and, at a later stage, to schools and other educational institutions. This phased rollout will help ensure uniformity, improved quality standards and greater preparedness for NEP 2020 across the state.

Sh. Nayab Sinmgh Saini further said that the government’s vision is to develop a globally competitive education system by 2047. Through the NEEV Portal, digital tracking of 100 per cent compliance with NEP 2020 across universities, colleges and other educational institutions will be made possible by 2047.

Referring to the MoUs, the Chief Minister said that under the ‘Gyan Setu’ initiative, the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management has entered into partnerships with around 28 reputed academic institutions. The objective of these collaborations is to connect academic knowledge with real administrative and social challenges, ensuring that research outcomes contribute directly to governance and societal problem-solving, said Sh. Nayab Sinmgh Saini.

He shared that these collaborations will support the impact evaluation of key government schemes, capacity-building programmes, and enhanced internship and field engagement opportunities for students. This will strengthen the policymaking process while also providing young scholars with valuable exposure to real-world administrative functioning.

The Chief Minister said that the NEEV Portal and the ‘Gyan Setu’ initiative, taken together, will play a crucial role in making Haryana’s education system future-ready, inclusive and aligned with global standards. These initiatives will help ensure that education becomes a strong foundation for skills development, innovation, employment generation and overall social progress, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Remarks by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Gurus are deeply unfortunate

Responding to a question on the remarks made by former Delhi Chief Minister Ms Atishi against the Gurus, the Chief Minister said that the Gurus sacrificed not just their lives but entire generations to uphold religion, humanity and the nation. He said that such a mindset towards the Gurus is deeply unfortunate. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the teachings of the Gurus continue to inspire society and provide strength and direction to future generations.

Replying to another question, the Chief Minister said that during his tenure as Delhi Chief Minister, Sh Arvind Kejriwal prioritised the opening of liquor vends instead of strengthening the education system. He pointed out that separate liquor shops were opened for women, something that happened only in Delhi across the country.

Answering yet another question, the Chief Minister said that during the Congress regime, jobs were distributed arbitrarily. In contrast, the present government is providing employment purely on merit, without recommendations or monetary influence. He added that nearly two lakh jobs have been provided so far under this transparent system.

Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary, Education Department,  Sh. Vineet  Garg, OSD to Chief Minister and Director General,  Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, Dr. Raj Nehru, and Media Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey were present on the occasion.

18th Meeting of Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board Chaired by Chief Minister, Special Incentive Packages Approved for Industrial Units

Chandigarh, January 8

The 18th meeting of the Haryana Enterprise Promotion Board (HEPB) was held on Thursday in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The meeting took several decisions to grant special incentive packages and relief to various industrial units with the objective of promoting industrial investment and employment generation in the State.

Special incentive packages for the projects were approved by the HEPB based on the recommendations of the Empowered Executive Committee (EEC), chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma was also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, a special incentive package of ₹73.15 crore was approved for A.W.L. Agri Business Limited (formerly Adani Wilmar Limited) under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy–2020.

Similarly, a special incentive package of ₹35.47 crore was approved for Hamdard Foods India under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy–2020. This project will promote investment in the food processing sector and generate employment at the local level.

The meeting also approved amendments to the conditions of the special incentive package earlier granted to Enrich Agro Food Products Private Limited under the Enterprise Promotion Policy–2015.

In addition, approval was accorded to provide SGST reimbursement and other admissible relief in incentive subsidy cases related to Canpack India Private Limited. The meeting also granted the special incentive package earlier approved to Aarti Greentech Limited under the Enterprise Promotion Policy–2015.

Further, a special incentive package of approximately ₹749 crore was approved for Uno Minda Limited under the Haryana Enterprise and Employment Policy–2020 for setting up an auto component manufacturing unit in the State with an investment of ₹1,930 crore. This project is associated with large-scale investment and employment generation in the auto and auto components sector.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Rajesh Khullar; Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta; Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal; Director General, Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Yash Garg, and other senior officers.