Cabinet Meeting held in Gurugram, Special Session of Haryana Legislative Assembly to be convened on April 27
Haryana Clerical Services Bill to be Introduced for Promotion of Group D Employees
Chandigarh, April 22 – A meeting of the Haryana Cabinet was held on Wednesday in Gurugram under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. It was decided to convene a special session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly on April 27, 2026. During this session, the Haryana Clerical Services Bill will be introduced to facilitate promotions for Group D employees.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the Chief Minister said that the Cabinet has agreed to frame necessary rules for the promotion of Group D employees in the common cadre. These employees have completed more than five years of service and are now eligible for promotion to the post of Clerk. Accordingly, the draft of the Haryana Clerical Services (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Bill, 2026 has been approved. The draft bill proposes to increase the promotion quota from Group D to the post of Clerk from 20 percent to 30 percent. Additionally, a provision has been included to mandatorily keep 5 percent ex-gratia posts.
Insult to Women’s Power in Lok Sabha Exposes Opposition
Responding to a question, the Chief Minister said that everyone witnessed how opposition parties in the Lok Sabha tried to hinder the progress of India’s women and crushed their aspirations. What happened in Parliament has exposed the true face of Congress and its allies before the nation. These parties have once again proven that when it comes to granting rights to women, their real character is anti-women and power-hungry. He added that the opposition’s narrow mindset towards women has been revealed, as they want to confine women within four walls.
Women Empowerment a Top Priority Under Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The Chief Minister said that today’s India is reaching new heights through women’s leadership and participation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, women empowerment has been given the highest priority, enabling women to play leading roles in every sector.
He said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign in 2015 from the land of Panipat. The campaign was taken seriously and helped transform societal thinking. Over the past 11.5 years, the journey of women empowerment has continued steadily, made possible through strong leadership.
He added that today women in India are excelling in fields such as industry, healthcare, education, agriculture, and sports. Daughters are bringing pride to the nation by winning medals at the international level, while women are also playing significant roles in the armed forces.
He further said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has advanced women empowerment as a mission. Campaigns like ensuring toilets in every household have brought dignity and safety to women, despite being mocked by Congress and its allies at the time. Through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, women’s dreams of owning homes have been realized. In Haryana alone, about 1.6 lakh houses have been constructed over the past nearly 11 years, empowering women and making them self-reliant.
Congress Did Nothing in 55 Years
The Chief Minister said that during the Congress regime, women had to stand in queues for gas cylinders for days, whereas Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ensured access to LPG connections under the Ujjwala scheme. Similarly, earlier women had to fetch drinking water from several kilometers away, but now clean tap water is being provided to every household.
He said Congress ruled for 55 years—a period that could have been used to develop the nation and improve the lives of the poor—but they failed to do so.
He questioned why Congress and opposition parties always considered women weak. He added that actions taken against women will not be forgiven even by God. The opposition spreads lies and constantly looks for new ways to mislead people, but the public understands the truth. Over the past 11.5 years, numerous welfare initiatives have been implemented, yet the opposition has not appreciated even one. Instead, they resort to abusive language against the Prime Minister.
Problems Created by Congress Being Resolved Under Leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that the people of the country have rejected the opposition. He alleged that the opposition fears losing political relevance if women are empowered. He stated that the opposition is not serving the country but creating problems. Issues like Article 370 and Naxalism, which he attributed to Congress-era policies, are being addressed under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. He added that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty, whereas during the Congress regime, poverty had increased significantly.
Replying to another query, he said that there is a one-sided political atmosphere in West Bengal, and the benefits of welfare policies under the Prime Minister’s leadership are being widely discussed there and across the country. He expressed confidence that change will come in West Bengal in the coming time, and that Punjab will also see a shift in the future.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has described the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as the most significant decision of the 21st century, calling it a historic step towards empowering women.
On this occasion, Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Tourism and Heritage Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Public Works Minister Shri Ranbir Gangwa, Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry, Additional Director (Administration) of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Smt. Varsha Khangwal, and the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Shri Rajiv Jaitley were present.
===============================================
Haryana Surpasses National Benchmarks in Public Healthcare Quality, Sets Sights on 100% Certification by 2026
Over 1,560 facilities certified under national quality programmes, State leads with record achievements in NQAS and Kayakalp initiatives
Chandigarh, April 22 - Haryana has emerged as a frontrunner in public healthcare reforms, surpassing national quality benchmarks under the National Quality Assurance Programme (NQAP) and the Kayakalp Award initiative. This was disclosed by Dr. Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, after a review meeting held in Chandigarh today.
The Haryana State Health Resource Centre (HSHRC) has certified 1,560 public health facilities, achieving a 57 per cent certification rate, significantly exceeding the initial target of 50 per cent set for December 2025. Haryana’s performance under the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) has positioned it among the top-performing states in India. The programme ensures standardized healthcare delivery while also providing financial incentives to institutions achieving certification.
The state has recorded several national milestones. The District Civil Hospital in Panchkula became India’s first NQAS-certified district hospital in April 2017. This was followed by the Urban Primary Health Centre at Krishna Nagar Gamri, which emerged as the country’s first certified urban primary health facility in February 2018. In June 2022, the District Civil Hospital in Faridabad achieved another distinction by becoming the first ‘MusQan’-certified district hospital in India. More recently, in June 2024, the Ayushman Arogya Mandir Sub-Centre at Raipur in Sonipat became the first facility in the country to be virtually assessed and certified under the programme.
The NQAS certifications have shown consistent progress across all levels of healthcare delivery. Nearly all district hospitals in the state—21 in total—have achieved certification, reflecting an impressive 95 per cent coverage. Among sub-district hospitals, 16 facilities have been certified, accounting for 57 per cent. At the grassroots level, Ayushman Arogya Mandir Sub-Centres have demonstrated significant advancement, with 1,342 centres, or 65 per cent, attaining certification. Meanwhile, 134 primary health centres have also met the standards, representing 35 per cent certification at that level.
As a foundation towards achieving NQAS, the Kayakalp Award Programme has played a crucial role in strengthening sanitation, infection control, and biomedical waste management across public health institutions. During the 2025–26 fiscal year, the state carried out an extensive evaluation exercise in which 2,548 facilities completed internal assessments, while 2,645 facilities underwent peer assessments. Out of these, 416 facilities qualified for external assessments.
Notably, as many as 1,539 facilities scored above 70 per cent, making them eligible for Kayakalp incentives. This achievement includes all 21 district hospitals, 40 sub-district hospitals, and more than 1,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandir Sub-Centres. In addition, special incentives were granted to two facilities one district hospital and one community health centre for their outstanding performance as eco-friendly institutions.
To sustain and expand these quality improvements, Kayakalp monetary incentives of Rs. 5.39 crores will be provided to health facilities underlining the state’s continued financial commitment to strengthening healthcare standards.
With 1,560 facilities already certified, HSHRC has now set an ambitious target of achieving complete, 100 per cent NQAS certification across all public health facilities in Haryana by December 2026. Dr. Misra stated that this goal will be pursued through sustained monitoring, capacity building, and infrastructure enhancement.
The steady expansion of certified facilities, coupled with improved hygiene and service standards, reflects a significant transformation in Haryana’s public healthcare system. By aligning quality assurance mechanisms with policy support and financial incentives, the state is steadily moving towards delivering accessible, standardized, and patient-centric healthcare services, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
==================================
Rewari District gets boost with nearly a dozen new and upgraded health centres
Chandigarh, April 22 – The Haryana Government has approved nearly a dozen health centres for Rewari district, including the upgradation of five existing facilities, and opening seven new centres.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning and Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh wrote a letter to Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao requesting the upgradation of five health centres and the establishment of six new ones in Rewari district.
Acting on the request, the Health Minister directed the department to take appropriate action. After submission of the feasibility report by the department, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini approved the proposal.
As per the decision, Primary Health Centre (PHC) Bharawas has been accorded in-principle approval for upgradation to a Community Health Centre (CHC). Similarly, PHC Dharuhera will be upgraded to a CHC, while Sub-Health Centres at Jhabuwa, Shahbajpur Khalsa and Tint will be upgraded to PHCs.
She informed that approval has also been granted to open new Sub-Health Centres in villages Meerpur, Asiaki Tappa Jarthal, Bhandor, Nathera and Surakhpur in Rewari district. It has been decided that in villages where approval has been granted for the upgradation and establishment of new health centers, the respective Gram Panchayats will provide buildings to the Health Department rent-free until land for construction is finalised.
Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao said that the new and upgraded health institutions will significantly enhance access to healthcare services in rural areas and help reduce the burden on larger hospitals. This will ensure timely treatment for people and further strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
She added that the state government is continuously working to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand facilities, and ensure quality healthcare services reach every citizen.
====================================================
Preparations Accelerate for April 27 Special Session; Assembly Speaker Calls on Governor
Discussion held on key contemporary issues; directions issued to ensure smooth conduct of the session
Chandigarh, April 22 — Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on the Governor of the State, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, and held detailed discussions on various contemporary issues. During the meeting, deliberations were also held regarding the special session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly scheduled for April 27.
The Speaker apprised the Governor that the Haryana Council of Ministers has decided to convene the Assembly session on April 27. Discussions were also held on the likely agenda of the session, which is expected to include several important legislative and policy matters concerning the State.
Notably, the Haryana Cabinet, in its meeting held in Gurugram, decided to call a special session of the Vidhan Sabha. The session is expected to deliberate on key issues related to development, governance reforms, and public interest.
In this regard, Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan issued necessary directions to the officers and staff of the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. He emphasized that all arrangements for the session should be ensured in a timely, systematic, and efficient manner. He particularly directed officers to focus on technical arrangements, security measures, members’ facilities, and media coordination to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of the proceedings.
=================================================
Rewari District gets boost with nearly a dozen new and upgraded health centres
Chandigarh, April 22 – The Haryana Government has approved nearly a dozen health centres for Rewari district, including the upgradation of five existing facilities, and opening seven new centres.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning and Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh wrote a letter to Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao requesting the upgradation of five health centres and the establishment of six new ones in Rewari district.
Acting on the request, the Health Minister directed the department to take appropriate action. After submission of the feasibility report by the department, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini approved the proposal.
As per the decision, Primary Health Centre (PHC) Bharawas has been accorded in-principle approval for upgradation to a Community Health Centre (CHC). Similarly, PHC Dharuhera will be upgraded to a CHC, while Sub-Health Centres at Jhabuwa, Shahbajpur Khalsa and Tint will be upgraded to PHCs.
She informed that approval has also been granted to open new Sub-Health Centres in villages Meerpur, Asiaki Tappa Jarthal, Bhandor, Nathera and Surakhpur in Rewari district. It has been decided that in villages where approval has been granted for the upgradation and establishment of new health centers, the respective Gram Panchayats will provide buildings to the Health Department rent-free until land for construction is finalised.
Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao said that the new and upgraded health institutions will significantly enhance access to healthcare services in rural areas and help reduce the burden on larger hospitals. This will ensure timely treatment for people and further strengthen the state’s healthcare system.
She added that the state government is continuously working to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand facilities, and ensure quality healthcare services reach every citizen.
=============================================
Haryana Super 100 Delivers Outstanding Performance; 16 Students Create History in IIT-JEE Main: Education Minister
Chandigarh, April 22– Haryana Education Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that the state government’s ambitious initiative, Haryana Super 100, has once again set a new benchmark in the field of education by delivering exceptional results. He informed that 16 students associated with the programme secured 99-plus percentile in IIT-JEE Main 2026 (Session-2), bringing pride to the state at the national level. He said this achievement is an inspiration not only for Haryana but also for government schools across the country.
The Minister stated that the Haryana Super 100 programme is being run in collaboration with Vikalpa Foundation Trust, under which meritorious students of government schools are provided high-quality coaching free of cost. The main objective of this initiative is to ensure equal opportunities for students from economically weaker sections to succeed in competitive examinations.
He said that a total of 263 students from Super 100 appeared in the examination this year, out of which 235 students (151 boys and 84 girls) qualified for JEE Advanced, reflecting an impressive success rate of nearly 89 percent. In particular, 16 students securing 99-plus percentile stands as testimony to the quality of the programme and the hard work of the students.
Sharing further details, the Education Minister said that 35 students secured 98-plus percentile, 57 students achieved 97-plus percentile, 85 students scored 95-plus percentile, while 161 students obtained 90-plus percentile. He said these figures represent not only success, but also the dedication of students, commitment of teachers, and the strength of an effective academic system.
Highlighting the role of Mission Buniyad, the Cabinet Minister said that out of the 16 students who secured 99-plus percentile, four students had been associated with this mission. This proves that a strong foundation is the basis of future success.
Congratulating all successful students, teachers and supporting institutions, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said that Haryana’s model would serve as a guiding example for other states in the country. He expressed confidence that students of the state would continue to excel in national-level competitions and take Haryana to new heights in the future.
===============================================
Political parties assure cooperation for free, fair and peaceful elections at meeting chaired by State Election Commissioner Devinder Singh Kalyan
Chandigarh, April 22 – Haryana State Election Commissioner, Sh. Devinder Singh Kalyan chaired a meeting with representatives of political parties regarding the upcoming elections and said that all necessary preparations have been completed by the State Election Commission.
He expressed confidence that, with collective cooperation, the electoral process will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner. Guidelines issued by the Commission were also shared on the occasion.
Emphasis on Adherence to the Model Code of Conduct
Emphasising strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct, he informed that it has come into force from April 13, 2026, following the announcement of the election schedule and will remain effective till the completion of the elections. Representatives of all political parties were urged to fully comply with its provisions and cooperate in the electoral process. The Code of Conduct mandates refraining from seeking votes on the basis of caste or religion, making misleading allegations, or damaging campaign material of other parties.
Highlighting collective responsibility for peaceful elections, the State Election Commissioner said that offering inducements, intimidation of voters, or campaigning near polling stations must be strictly avoided. It was also agreed to adhere to the rules of refraining from public meetings 48 hours prior to polling and not carrying out campaigning within a 100-metre radius of polling stations.
He further said that maintaining peace and order during rallies and processions is a shared responsibility of all political parties. Representatives were also urged to avoid provocative demonstrations, effigy burning, or any activity that could damage public property and instead promote a positive environment.
Focus on Transparency, Accountability, and Awareness
Referring to the Haryana Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1989, the State Election Commissioner said that it is everyone's duty to maintain the dignity of public property. He appealed to all stakeholders to ensure that public property is not defaced through posters, banners or other means. Relevant provisions of the Act were also explained.
The Commissioner also elaborated on the requirement for candidates to submit affidavits disclosing criminal cases and to publicise the same through newspapers and electronic media, with copies to be submitted to the concerned Deputy Commissioner. Similarly, political parties were also informed about the process for publishing the necessary information regarding such candidates on their websites and other media.
He further said that expenditure limits for candidates have been prescribed and strict compliance will be ensured. All candidates must maintain detailed accounts of election expenditure in the prescribed format, and action will be taken as per the rules for violating expenditure rules.
Special vigilance is also being maintained regarding paid news in social media and newspapers. Political parties were advised to use social media responsibly and refrain from spreading misleading or unlawful content.
The State Election Commissioner appealed to all political parties, candidates and concerned officers to contribute towards ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections through mutual cooperation, trust and positive participation.
Secretary, State Election Commission, Haryana, Sh. Gaurav Kumar, along with senior representatives of various political parties, were present during the meeting.