Chandigarh, March 17

The Haryana government is taking strict measures to curb illegal mining in the state. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini  who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, while presenting the state budget for 2025-26 in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Monday allocated Rs.121.52 crore in the year (2025-26) to Mines and Geology department  increasing by 25 percent, from last year 2024-25 i.e Rs. 97.22 crore.

While presenting the budget Finance Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini informed the house that mining is being done in 42 mines in 8 districts of Haryana, from which revenue of Rs.670.23 crore has been received so far in the year 2024-25. A target has been set to deposit an additional amount of Rs.645 crore in the revenue account by starting new mines in Ambala and Faridabad districts in the year 2025-26.

Chandigarh, March 17

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, who is also the state Finance Minister, said in his budget speech presented in the Haryana Assembly today that the minimum wage rates in the state of Haryana are increased every year according to the dearness allowance. Due to this increase, the minimum wage rates for unskilled labourers, which were fixed at Rs 7600 in the year 2015, have now increased to Rs 11,001.76. In the coming financial year, the government will revise and amend the basic rates of minimum wages.

He said there are currently 9 labour courts functioning in Haryana for prompt settlement of industrial disputes, including one each in Ambala, Panipat, Hisar and Rohtak, two in Gurugram and three in Faridabad. To make the dispute settlement process more accessible, the number of labour courts will be increased to 14 in this financial year.

He said the construction of 100-bed ESI hospital buildings in Bawal and Bahadurgarh and ESI dispensary building in Panchkula will also be completed in the coming financial year 2025-2026. For construction of hospitals and dispensaries, HSIIDC will provide land to ESIC New Delhi at concessional rates in Saha, Sohna, Kharkhoda, Bahadurgarh, Karnal, Farrukhnagar, Charkhi Dadri, Chhachhrauli, Kosli, Gharaunda, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Pataudi and Gohana.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said a new scheme was announced with the aim of empowering gig workers and ensuring their social security coverage. Under this, a special portal will be created for all gig workers working in the state, where they will be able to register themselves. This portal will work to connect gig workers with various government schemes and opportunities. All gig workers registered on the portal will be provided insurance protection. Under this insurance scheme, gig workers will get essential protection like health, accident and life insurance. The aim of this initiative is to provide financial stability, social security and better working conditions to the workers working in the gig economy, so that they can become more self-reliant and become active participants in the economic development of Haryana.

He said the powers to decide on the factory map and factory licence application of industries up to five acres and to renew the factory licence of industries up to 10 acres will be given to the Additional Deputy Commissioner at the district level.

The Chief Minister allocated Rs 96.81 crore to the Labour Department for the financial year 2025-26, which is an increase of 29.80 per cent over the previous allocation.

Chandigarh, March 17

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, while presenting the state budget for 2025-26 in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Monday said that Rs 262.31 crore has been allocated  for the year 2025-26 for the Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department.

He said that to revive the Saraswati River and the Rakhigarhi civilization that are  invaluable parts of our cultural and historical heritage, a Public Trust named ‘Haryana Sapt Sindhu Saraswati Sahitya, Kala evam Sanskriti’ will be established  and an amount of Rs. 25 crore  will be  allocated for it in the financial year 2025-26.

The Chief Minister said that the construction of the ‘Shaheed Smarak of the First Independence Struggle’ on the National Highway in Ambala, at a cost of Rs. 538 crore, will be completed and inaugurated in the financial year 2025-26.

He said that under ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana,’ elderly individuals from low-income families were provided with the facility to visit the Ayodhya Teerth and take a dip in the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Yatras to Mata Vaishno Devi and Shirdi Sai Temple will be started in the financial year 2025-26.

The Chief Minister said that an announcement was made last year to build a memorial in Pipli to educate the new generations about the life and teachings of Guru Ravidas ji.  Therefore to increase citizen participation in this memorial and establish a separate trust for its supervision and administration as well as to allocate an initial fund of Rs 5 crore for this purpose.

He further shared that an sum of Rs.10 crore has been allocated to the Lohgarh Trust for the construction and administration of the memorial of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, who raised his voice against the atrocities of the Mughals, was the founder of Khalsa Raj, and remains an epitome of bravery.

Benefits of Cashless Medical Treatment’ facility extended to mediapersons

The Chief Minister said that in the financial year 2025-26, the benefits of  ‘Cashless Medical Treatment’ facility have been started for government employees and will also be extended to media persons.

He said that  as in our state, festivals, fairs, and celebrations spread enthusiasm and joy among all sections of society. Therefore Rs. 100 crore  will be allocated for organizing public participation programs on all such occasions. He said that the government had announced plans to build a Sikh Museum in Pipli to educate the new generations about the glorious history of the Sikhs and their contributions to the country and humanity. The construction work of the same will be started soon by HSVP, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Chandigarh, March 17

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while presenting the budget in the Haryana Legislative Assembly today, allocated a budget of Rs 1372.10 crore for the Women and Child Development Department in the year 2025-26, which is 36.1 percent more than the revised estimate of Rs 1008.44 crore of the previous year. He said the government is committed to the empowerment of women.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini informed the House in his budget speech that in the year 2025-26, a target has been set to improve the nutritional level of 80,000 malnourished children by spending an additional amount of Rs 12 crore for malnutrition. On the other hand, the Government of India is running the Kishori Yojana for girls in Nuh district. The target has been set to implement this scheme in all 22 districts with an additional amount of Rs 60 crore.

He said the government aims to build women hostels in Panchkula, Panipat, Sonipat, Rewari, Faridabad and Gurugram for working women and to give women a chance in business, and to allot one-third of the tenders of canteens running in government institutions, panchayats, urban bodies, educational institutions and any other government building to women self-help groups on a priority basis.

The Chief Minister said in his budget speech that a target has also been set to convert 2000 Anganwadi centers into play schools in a phased manner with an amount of Rs 81.63 crore and to convert 2000 Anganwadi centers into Saksham Anganwadi centers.

Chandigarh, March 17

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, while presenting the state budget for 2025-26 in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Monday said that the budget is dedicated to empowering the most deprived sections of society, uplifting communities, and building an inclusive society. For this, he allocated Rs 16,650.78 crore for the year (2025-26) to the Social Welfare department, increasing by 28.3 percent from last year 2024-25 i.e .Rs 12,975.81 crore.

He said that the Haryana government adopted a proactive pension mode in 2022 to provide eligibility for social security pensions. Under this system, beneficiaries such as the elderly, disabled, widows, destitute children, widowers, and unmarried men receive pension benefits at home without the need to apply.

From 2022 until now, a total of Rs. 1,093.40 crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of 5,43,663 beneficiaries through this proactive pension mode. It is a matter of great satisfaction that, today, approximately Rs.1,041.83 crore is being transferred every month to the accounts of 34,55,968 beneficiaries under various pension schemes.

He said that in the financial year 2025-26, the Haryana government is taking a historic step towards the empowerment of the disabled. From April 1, financial assistance will be provided for all 21 types of disabilities recognized under the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act).’ In addition, the age limit restriction has been abolished for persons suffering from hemophilia, thalassemia, and sickle cell anemia. Individuals affected by these three diseases will now be eligible for this benefit under any existing social security pension scheme. 

A “Divyangjan Kosh” will also be established in the state, for which I propose a budget provision of Rs 50 crore.  Under the Pradhan Mantri Scheduled Caste Abhyudaya Yojana, the subsidy benefit given to beneficiaries of Scheduled Castes with an annual income of up to Rs 3 lakh under the bank tie-up scheme will be increased from 10 percent to 50 percent. For entrepreneurs from backward classes, in addition to the Mudra scheme, a loan of Rs 25 lakh will be provided through the Haryana Backward Classes Welfare Corporation. For this, an amount of Rs 50 crore will be allocated to the corporation. We had resolved to provide financial assistance of Rs 2,100 per month to women. To fulfill this, the “Lado Laxmi Yojana” is being finalized. A provision of Rs 5,000 crore has been made for this in the financial year 2025-26.

The Finance Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a sub-portal will be provided in HKRNL for providing employment to ex-servicemen of Indian Army and Paramilitary Forces. This will help willing ex-servicemen to provide security service jobs in government and private sectors. “Armed Forces Preparation Institutes” will be established in Charkhi Dadri, Hisar, and Yamunanagar to prepare individuals for army recruitment. A target has been set to train 1,000 students per year in these institutes.

He said that the government will start a scholarship scheme for the children of martyred soldiers and paramilitary forces. Under this scheme, children studying from Class 6 to 12 will receive Rs 60,000 per year, diploma or graduation level students will get Rs 72,000 per year, and postgraduate students will be awarded Rs 96,000 per year. Besides this, a dedicated helpline will also be started for soldiers and paramilitary personnel to support them with their needs and concerns, he added.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a new “Veer Udaan Yojana” is launched, under which 2,000 ex-servicemen will receive training to secure employment. Upon successful completion of the training and skill certification, they will receive a lump sum amount of Rs 50,000 and a Sainik Sangrahalya will also be built in Rewari.

Chandigarh, March 17

In a significant move towards shaping progressive Haryana, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while presenting the state budget as Finance Minister, allocated the budget of Rs.7,313.98 crore (2025-26) to Panchayati Raj and Rural Development sector, increasing by 29.93 percent, from last year 2024-25 i.e Rs. 5,629.18 crore .

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini who also holds the portfolio of Finance Minister, while presenting the state budget for 2025-26 in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha on Monday said that giving top priority to rural development, the state government is committed to making related schemes more effective in the coming years. In addition to increasing financial resources, innovations will be adopted to ensure self-reliance and inclusive development at the Panchayat level. He said that all kaccha phirnis in Panchayats with a population of more than 1,000 will be paved. So far, kaccha phirnis in 224 such gram panchayats at a cost of Rs. 69.11 crore have been paved, and have set a target to pave the remaining kaccha phirnis in these villages in the coming year.

He said that to promote women empowerment, the government has decided to build a ‘Mahila Chaupal’ in every village. In the first phase, 754 villages have been identified for this project. Besides this, over 600 buildings, which have remained incomplete for years across all Panchayats in the state, will be completed with an allocation of approximately Rs. 64 crore, ensuring they can be put to proper use.

The Chief Minister said that under the Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojana, about 7,300 eligible families who were allotted plots 15 years ago but could not be given possession for various reasons have been given possession through a special campaign. The remaining eligible families will also be allotted plots of up to 100 square yards under the ‘Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana.’ Basic facilities such as electricity, roads, and drinking water will be provided in all colonies developed under the ‘Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojana.’ For this work, an amount of Rs. 200 crore has been allocated specifically.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that 891 e-libraries and 250 indoor gyms have been set up in rural areas so far. In the upcoming financial year, these facilities will be expanded in a phased manner to the remaining rural areas as well. Under the Amrit Sarovar Mission, launched by Prime Minister, Sh.Narendra Modi on the occasion of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ each district was tasked to construct 75 Amrit Sarovars (water reservoirs). So far, 2,088 ponds have been converted into Amrit Sarovars, surpassing the target of 1,645, through MNREGA, the Pond Authority, and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. A target has been set to construct 2,200 new Amrit Sarovars across the state in the upcoming years, he added.

He further said that the main objective of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin is to transform all villages into ‘model villages’ by making them open defecation free and improving cleanliness through solid and liquid waste management activities. The state government will provide ‘hopper tipper dumpers’ to Mahagrams and Gram Panchayats with a population of over 10,000, enabling large-scale garbage management in these Panchayats. Also, the government has planned to assign this responsibility to self-help groups, who will collect garbage from every household in rural areas, similar to urban areas and they will receive monthly wages in proportion to the population of the village.

He said whenever any department of the State Government places a tender on the HEW portal, the concerned Gram Panchayat will be informed.

Chandigarh, March 12

Haryana Development and  Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, said that the state government is continuously working on the restoration of ponds. To ensure systematic development, a Pond Authority has been formed. Expressing gratitude to the former Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal for forming this authority, he said that the double-engine government of the Center and the state are working together to improve the conditions of the ponds.

Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar was responding to the attention motion tabled in the house by MLA, Sh. Aditya Devi Lal regarding the improvement of ponds, during the ongoing budget session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha today.

Sh. Pawar said that no previous government had paid attention to ponds, but the present government has taken significant steps in this direction. He said that the state has a total of 19,723 ponds, out of which 18,719 are in rural areas and 904 in urban areas.Of these, 11,295 ponds are polluted ponds, including 10,814 rural and 481 urban ponds. 

He further said that Haryana Pond Authority is getting restored/rejuvenated these polluted as model ponds under Amrit Sarovar Yojana. Similarly several schemes have been started for the treatment of dirty water coming into these ponds. This restoration work is being carried out with the collaboration of departments such as Panchayati Raj, Public Works, Irrigation and Water Resources, and Urban Local Bodies. 

At present, out of 11295 polluted ponds 6507 ponds are taken for restoration into the Annual Action Plan of Financial year 2025-26 and (1069 under Model Ponds and 1159 under MGNREGA) i.e. Total 2228 ponds have already been restored.

He further said that from 2018-19 to 2024-25, Rs.579.42 crore has been released, out of which Rs.533.52 crore has been spent. The Minister also said that untreated drain water in cities will be treated through STPs and will be used for irrigation.  A Water Treatment Plant will be set up in Naultha village of Israna Assembly constituency to treat wastewater from Panipat city. This treated water will then be used for land restoration in Jhojhu Kalan and Khurd villages, where barren land will be improved.

Chandigarh, March 10 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the opposition is continuously spreading misinformation regarding the Dadupur Nalvi Canal issue. He clarified that the decision delivered by the Hon’ble High Court on December 20, 2024, does not pertain to the Dadupur Nalvi Canal in any way. The 76-page ruling does not mention the reconstruction of the Dadupur Nalvi Canal. In an attempt to conceal its failures, the opposition is making baseless allegations, he added.

         Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks while interacting with media persons here today.

         He said that the opposition should read the court’s decision. The Advocate General of Haryana has opined that the judgment by the Hon’ble Punjab and Haryana High Court dated December 20, 2024, can be challenged by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) before the Hon’ble Supreme Court, particularly regarding the repeal of Section 101-A of the 2013 Act. Preparations are underway to file the SLP.

         The Chief Minister strongly criticized the opposition, stating that 2,247 acres of land were to be acquired for the construction of the canal, with 190 acres being government land. Due to public opposition during the previous state government’s tenure, 1,227 acres of land could not be acquired, and only 830 acres were acquired. He said that when this land was acquired in 2004-05, the court ordered compensation enhancement, which amounted to Rs 6 crore per acre.

         Responding to a question about encroachment on the pond land at Peer Bodhi on the Rohtak-Gohana road, the Chief Minister clarified that, as per the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order, no encroachment is permitted on this land. The land was allocated to the Waqf Board, and opposition is making false and baseless allegations on this issue.

         In response to another query, the Chief Minister highlighted that the current government has fulfilled 18 of its sankalp within the first 100 days, with 10 more sankalps set to be completed soon. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the pace of development will tripple, and all sankalps will be achieved within the five years.

         The Chief Minister also mentioned that, as promised in the Sankalp Patra, gas cylinders are being provided to 13.5 lakh poor women in the state for Rs 500. He said that despite Congress governments in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana, they have failed to fulfill even a single promise made to the people.

         The Chief Minister reiterated that the current government is making serious efforts to eradicate drug abuse from its roots. A regional committee, comprising Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Chandigarh, has been formed, with regular meetings held to address this issue. Joint operations are being conducted with neighboring states to curb the cross-border movement of drugs. Strict action is being taken against drug abuse and this action will be further intensified in the future also.

         He further informed that the Manas Portal has been started, where Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh Amit Shah is actively involved in monitoring and reviewing the actions taken against drugs. The portal allows individuals to report drug-related activities while ensuring the anonymity of those providing the information.

         On this occasion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi, Director General of Information Public Relations and Languages Department Sh K. Makrand Pandurang and Media Secretary Sh Praveen Attrey were also present.

Chandigarh, March 9 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labor Minister, Sh. Anil Vij expressed his immense happiness at witnessing the “Mr. Ambala Bodybuilding Competition” being held at the open-air theater in Ambala’s Subhash Park. He stated that his vision of establishing an open-air theater for diverse activities in the city had finally been realized. He encouraged young bodybuilders to share their skills with others and assured them of full support in promoting bodybuilding.

Sh. Vij addressed the gathering at the event, organized by the Ambala Fitness and Bodybuilding Association, and later distributed awards to the winners today in Ambala.

He highlighted that various events are regularly held at the open-air theater, with hardly a week passing without a cultural program. He emphasized that his dream was for the people of his city to remain happy, engaged and active. He also pledged government support for the youth aspiring to excel in bodybuilding.

“Ambala Cantonment Should Be Recognized as a Leader in Bodybuilding” – Vij

Anil Vij stated that he wishes not only for the “Mr. Ambala” competition to be held but also for “Mr. Haryana” and “Mr. India” bodybuilding competitions to take place in Ambala Cantonment. He envisions local wrestling arenas (akhadas) bustling with activity, where young people regularly train and practice bodybuilding.

“Bodybuilding Promotes Health Awareness” – Vij

Sh.Vij praised the bodybuilding event, stating that it helps eliminate negative societal influences while promoting health awareness. He noted that today’s youth are often drawn toward harmful activities, and events like this serve as a positive outlet. He believes that even those who attended as spectators would be inspired to build their bodies and muscles like the participants. He commended the organizers for hosting such an inspiring event and congratulated all the participants.

Minister Honors Winners and Encourages Enthusiasm During the event

Sh. Vij personally honored winners across different categories and motivated them. Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed by bodybuilding association representatives, including Vikas Jindal and others.

The event was attended by BJP leaders Narendra Rana, Fakir Chand Saini, Madan Lal, Pramod Lucky, Mohit Kaushik, Harsh Bindra, Ravi Buddhiraja, Deepak Bhaseen, and several other dignitaries.