*Dhanteras Bonanza- Chief Minister Transfers Rs 4,470.77 Crore to Beneficiaries*

*Panchayati Raj institutions and municipalities receive major allocation for development works*

*Rs 1,158 crore released to panchayats for rural development; municipalities receive Rs 1,727.80 crore*

*CM announces 3% hike in DA and DR for employees and pensioners; revised rate rises to 63%*

Chandigarh, November 6- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday marked the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras by transferring Rs 4,470.77 crore directly into the bank accounts of lakhs of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, as well as Panchayati Raj institutions and municipalities across the state.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said the State Government had released the 13th instalment under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, transferring Rs 222.52 crore into the bank accounts of 10.59 lakh women beneficiaries. With this disbursement, the total amount released under the scheme has reached Rs 2,689.15 crore across 13 instalments. During this Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Bedi, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi and other senior officers remained present.

He said the second phase of the scheme commenced on September 17, with the government expanding its coverage by raising the annual income eligibility limit from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.80 lakh. The latest disbursement includes 49,290 eligible women covered under the expanded criteria.

The Chief Minister further said that Rs 1,135.21 crore had been transferred directly into the bank accounts of 35,26,358 beneficiaries under 15 social security pension schemes, including the Old Age Samman Allowance, disability allowance and other social security pensions.

Highlighting reforms in the delivery of welfare benefits, he said the State Government had adopted a proactive model under which eligibility is determined automatically through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (Family ID) database. The system enables eligible citizens to receive their allowances without submitting applications or visiting government offices.

Under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana, the Chief Minister also released Rs 24.25 crore as subsidy for LPG cylinder refills undertaken in September, benefiting 6.05 lakh women. Under the scheme, eligible women are provided LPG cylinders at a subsidised price of Rs 500 per month.

With the latest disbursement, the government has so far transferred Rs 404.46 crore into the bank accounts of 14.66 lakh eligible women under the scheme.

*Rs 1,158 Crore Released to Panchayati Raj Institutions; Municipalities Receive Rs 1,727.80 Crore*

The Chief Minister said the State Government had earmarked Rs 2,316 crore under the State Finance Commission for rural development works during the current financial year. Of this, Rs 1,158 crore has now been released towards the first and second instalments of State Finance Commission grants.

The amount has been transferred into the bank accounts of 22 Zila Parishads, 143 Panchayat Samitis and 6,230 Gram Panchayats across Haryana.

For urban development, the Chief Minister said the government had made a budgetary provision of Rs 2,754 crore under the State Finance Commission scheme this year. An amount of Rs 1,727.80 crore has now been released to municipalities across the state, taking the total allocation released to urban local bodies during the current financial year to Rs 1,927.80 crore.

The Chief Minister also disbursed financial assistance of Rs 202.99 crore to 5,429 families under the Dayalu Yojana. With this, the total assistance provided under the scheme has reached Rs 3,682.83 crore, benefiting 97,655 families so far.

*CM Announces 3% Hike in DA and DR; Revised Rate of 63% Effective from July 1, 2026*

In another announcement on Dhanteras, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced a three-percentage-point increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners.

The increase will take effect from July 1, 2026, raising the DA and DR rates from 60% to 63%.

The decision will benefit approximately 2.78 lakh regular state government employees and around 2.60 lakh pensioners. Employees of boards, corporations, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings and other such organisations will also receive corresponding benefits.

The revision will entail an additional expenditure of Rs 545 crore for the state exchequer during the financial year 2026-27.

==========================================

*Major Relief for Beekeepers, Brings Beekeeping Under Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana*

*Insurance cover of Rs 1,250 per bee colony and box at a premium of just Rs 50; claims of up to Rs 6.25 lakh*

*Haryana procures 43 lakh MT of paddy; Rs 9,880 crore transferred to bank accounts of 2.88 lakh farmers*

Chandigarh, November 6- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the State Government is taking sustained measures to enhance farmers' incomes, make agriculture more remunerative and protect farmers against natural calamities and other risks. He said the double-engine government stands firmly with farmers at every stage, from seed to market. As part of these efforts, the government has brought beekeeping under the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana, providing financial protection to beekeepers against potential losses.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Friday, the Chief Minister said beekeepers would now be required to pay a premium of just Rs 50 per bee colony and box to avail an insurance cover of Rs 1,250 per colony and box. Under the scheme, beekeepers will be eligible to receive insurance claims of up to Rs 6.25 lakh.

The Chief Minister said the government is also committed to promoting beekeeping and ensuring remunerative prices for honey producers. In this regard, the inclusion of honey under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana was announced in Kurukshetra on August 16, 2025, and implemented on September 27, 2025. The protected price of honey under the scheme has been fixed at Rs 120 per kilogram.

He recalled that the inclusion of beekeeping under the Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana was announced in his Budget Address for 2026-27 on March 7, 2026. With the implementation of this announcement, beekeepers will now have financial protection against potential losses arising from natural calamities and other risks. The initiative will also help promote beekeeping as a remunerative enterprise in Haryana.

*Haryana Procures 43 Lakh MT of Paddy; Rs 9,880 Crore Paid to Farmers*

Sharing details of paddy procurement in the state, the Chief Minister said procurement during the Kharif marketing season began on September 29 at 278 mandis across Haryana and will continue until November 15.

He said common-grade paddy is being procured at a Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,441 per quintal, while Grade-A paddy is being purchased at Rs 2,461 per quintal.

The Chief Minister said that as of November 5, a total of 48 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy had arrived in mandis across the state, of which 43 lakh MT had been procured. In addition, 37.20 lakh MT of paddy had been lifted from the mandis.

Reiterating the State Government's commitment to procuring every grain of farmers' produce at MSP and ensuring timely payments, the Chief Minister said Rs 9,880 crore had so far been transferred directly into the bank accounts of 2,88,102 farmers.

=============================

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people

CHANDIGARH, 06.11.26-Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh on November 6, 2026.

==========================================

*Come to Haryana for Debate, Face Questions from Our Yuva Morcha Chief- Haryana Chief Minister to Rahul Gandhi*

*I Will Arrange the Venue, Says CM*

*Congress Should Approach Election Commission or Courts Over Electoral Complaints Instead of Making Allegations- CM*

*CM Questions Punjab’s Crop Procurement System, Says Haryana Farmers Receive Payments Within 48–72 Hours**

Chandigarh, November 6- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday took a swipe at Congress leader Sh. Rahul Gandhi over his debate challenge, inviting him to Haryana to face questions from the BJP Yuva Morcha president. Offering to arrange the venue himself, the Chief Minister said Gandhi could not expect to make what he described as false allegations without facing questions in return. It cannot be a one-sided affair where someone makes false claims and then walks away, he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that if the Congress had any grievances regarding the electoral process, it should present its case before the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is an independent institution, and the doors of the courts are also open. He questioned why the Congress is unwilling to approach these forums, saying that merely making allegations from home for public consumption would serve no purpose.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was interacting with mediapersons at Haryana Niwas on Friday after transferring funds under various government welfare schemes. He responded to questions on government initiatives, crop procurement, allegations levelled by the Congress and several other issues. Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Bedi, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi and other senior officers were also present.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, the Chief Minister said the party had no substantive issue to take to the people and is therefore attempting to mislead the country in the name of "vote theft" while casting doubts on the credibility of democracy and the Election Commission.

He said that if the Congress had complaints about voters' names being deleted or incorrectly recorded, the Election Commission had already prescribed a procedure for raising objections. Electoral rolls had been made available in the public domain, and a month's time had been provided for filing objections through the prescribed forms.

Despite these provisions, he said, the Congress continued to mislead the public. He said people were watching these developments closely and would no longer be swayed by such claims. There has been no vote theft. What the Congress is facing today is the consequence of its own actions. People are now even saying that the Congress should shut down the party, he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that during Congress rule, elderly people often went without pensions for as long as six months and were forced to make repeated visits to government offices and political leaders to secure their dues. Many, he said, had to wait outside offices in the scorching sun, with no one willing to listen to their grievances.

He said Congress leaders were now raising allegations of vote theft but should first answer for the treatment meted out to the poor, elderly and needy during their tenure. He said that under the earlier system, when benefits worth Rs 200 were meant for a poor person, only Rs 50 would reach the intended recipient, with no accountability for the remaining Rs 150. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, he said, the full amount of welfare benefits is being transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts.

The Chief Minister said the Congress had governed the country for decades and had been given opportunities by successive generations of voters. People had hoped that the next generation of Congress leadership would bring change, but the situation remained the same, he remarked.

He further stated that the Congress lacked a concrete vision for national development even when it was in power and that its politics remained confined to allegations and counter-allegations. At times, its leaders staged protests wearing black clothes; at others, they sat on dharnas, and now they had begun turning to village chaupals, he said.

*Congress Only Raised 'Garibi Hatao' Slogans; Modi Government Lifted Over 50 Crore People Out of Poverty-CM*

The Chief Minister said the Congress had raised the slogan of poverty eradication for 55 years but had failed to alleviate poverty. In contrast, he claimed, more than 50 crore people had been lifted out of poverty over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, bringing positive changes to their lives.

He said poor families had received permanent houses, LPG connections, clean drinking water in their kitchens and electricity connections. The Prime Minister, he added, had helped ensure a dignified life for underprivileged families by providing access to basic amenities. He asked Congress leaders to explain what they had done for the poor during their 55 years in power.

The Chief Minister said every scheme launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi represented an assurance of support for the poor, farmers, women's empowerment and opportunities for young people.

He said approximately Rs 7.5 lakh crore had been transferred into farmers' bank accounts through 24 instalments of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

He said that Congress was spreading false claims among farmers that the Modi Government would abolish the Minimum Support Price (MSP), whereas MSP rates were being increased every year. Farmers, he said, could see for themselves the benefits they were receiving under government schemes.

*CM Targets Kejriwal and Congress Over Unfulfilled Promises to Women*

Taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, the Chief Minister said women in Punjab had been promised Rs 1,000 per month during the elections. Over five years, this would amount to Rs 50,000 per woman. However, with elections approaching, there is now talk of depositing Rs 1,000 into women's accounts.

He questioned why the promised amount had not been provided over the preceding five years. Making promises to women to secure their votes and subsequently failing to fulfil them amounted to a betrayal, he said.

The Chief Minister said the Haryana Government had taken concrete steps to fulfil its commitments to women. The government had decided to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh. He said his government did not merely make announcements but ensured their implementation on the ground.

Referring to the Congress promise of providing 100-square-yard residential plots to poor families in Haryana, the Chief Minister said that the party had made the announcement in the final days of the election campaign without providing either ownership documents or actual possession.

In contrast, he said, the present government had provided eligible beneficiaries with plot documents as well as possession. While the Congress had confined its politics to securing votes, his government is working to ensure that the poor received their rightful entitlements, he added.

*Punjab Government Indulged in Politics Even During Natural Calamities- CM*

The Chief Minister also criticised the Punjab Government, alleging that it had politicised assistance to farmers even during natural calamities.

He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had provided financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore to Punjab and Rs 1,500 crore to Himachal Pradesh. Questions, he added, were being raised over the utilisation of relief funds in Punjab.

Referring to the outbreak of disease among livestock in Punjab during the disaster, the Chief Minister said people there had sought assistance for the treatment of affected animals. Haryana had offered to send veterinary doctors and medicines, but the Punjab Government had not granted permission.

This was not a political issue but a matter of humanity, he said, adding that farmers were losing their livestock to disease and the Haryana Government wanted to help save the animals. He termed it unfortunate that politics had been brought into a matter involving the welfare of farmers and their livestock.

*Double-Engine Government Ensuring Crop Payments Within 48 to 72 Hours- CM*

The Chief Minister said one of the key advantages of the double-engine government is that farmers in Haryana were receiving payments for their produce directly into their bank accounts within 48 to 72 hours.

He said that if payment is delayed beyond 72 hours, farmers are compensated with interest. This is not merely an announcement but reflected the government's commitment to farmers, he added.

Drawing a comparison with Punjab, the Chief Minister said farmers there had to wait for payments, whereas Haryana had put in place a system to ensure timely disbursement.

Questioning the crop procurement arrangements in Punjab, he said farmers from the neighbouring state frequently met him and shared their difficulties. According to these farmers, Aam Aadmi Party leaders had promised from public platforms that their entire produce would be procured, but they were still facing difficulties in selling their crops.

The Chief Minister further said that regional favouritism had prevailed during Congress rule in Haryana. At that time, he said, development was largely discussed in the context of Rohtak, but even residents of the region now complained that they had not received the promised development.

He said that funds meant for development had been lost to corruption, whereas the present government is working to ensure equitable development across Haryana.

The Chief Minister said the Congress and its allies had neither substantive issues to raise nor achievements to present before the public. Instead, he said, they were attempting to pursue politics by spreading falsehoods and misleading people.

Referring to senior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Meira Kumar, the Chief Minister said he held her in high regard as a distinguished and experienced leader. Commenting on the manner in which she had been seated during a Congress event in Parliament, he said it was inappropriate and that the stature and dignity of senior political leaders should always be respected.

===========================================

*Come to Haryana for Debate, Face Questions from Our Yuva Morcha Adhyaksh- Haryana Chief Minister to Rahul Gandhi*

*I Will Arrange the Venue, Says CM*

*Congress Should Approach Election Commission or Courts Over Electoral Complaints Instead of Making Allegations- CM*

*CM Questions Punjab’s Crop Procurement System, Says Haryana Farmers Receive Payments Within 48–72 Hours**

Chandigarh, November 6- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday took a swipe at Congress leader Sh. Rahul Gandhi over his debate challenge, inviting him to Haryana to face questions from the BJP Yuva Morcha president. Offering to arrange the venue himself, the Chief Minister said Gandhi could not expect to make what he described as false allegations without facing questions in return. It cannot be a one-sided affair where someone makes false claims and then walks away, he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that if the Congress had any grievances regarding the electoral process, it should present its case before the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is an independent institution, and the doors of the courts are also open. He questioned why the Congress is unwilling to approach these forums, saying that merely making allegations from home for public consumption would serve no purpose.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was interacting with mediapersons at Haryana Niwas on Friday after transferring funds under various government welfare schemes. He responded to questions on government initiatives, crop procurement, allegations levelled by the Congress and several other issues. Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Bedi, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi and other senior officers were also present.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, the Chief Minister said the party had no substantive issue to take to the people and is therefore attempting to mislead the country in the name of "vote theft" while casting doubts on the credibility of democracy and the Election Commission.

He said that if the Congress had complaints about voters' names being deleted or incorrectly recorded, the Election Commission had already prescribed a procedure for raising objections. Electoral rolls had been made available in the public domain, and a month's time had been provided for filing objections through the prescribed forms.

Despite these provisions, he said, the Congress continued to mislead the public. He said people were watching these developments closely and would no longer be swayed by such claims. There has been no vote theft. What the Congress is facing today is the consequence of its own actions. People are now even saying that the Congress should shut down the party, he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that during Congress rule, elderly people often went without pensions for as long as six months and were forced to make repeated visits to government offices and political leaders to secure their dues. Many, he said, had to wait outside offices in the scorching sun, with no one willing to listen to their grievances.

He said Congress leaders were now raising allegations of vote theft but should first answer for the treatment meted out to the poor, elderly and needy during their tenure. He said that under the earlier system, when benefits worth Rs 200 were meant for a poor person, only Rs 50 would reach the intended recipient, with no accountability for the remaining Rs 150. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, he said, the full amount of welfare benefits is being transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts.

The Chief Minister said the Congress had governed the country for decades and had been given opportunities by successive generations of voters. People had hoped that the next generation of Congress leadership would bring change, but the situation remained the same, he remarked.

He further stated that the Congress lacked a concrete vision for national development even when it was in power and that its politics remained confined to allegations and counter-allegations. At times, its leaders staged protests wearing black clothes; at others, they sat on dharnas, and now they had begun turning to village chaupals, he said.

*Congress Only Raised 'Garibi Hatao' Slogans; Modi Government Lifted Over 50 Crore People Out of Poverty-CM*

The Chief Minister said the Congress had raised the slogan of poverty eradication for 55 years but had failed to alleviate poverty. In contrast, he claimed, more than 50 crore people had been lifted out of poverty over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, bringing positive changes to their lives.

He said poor families had received permanent houses, LPG connections, clean drinking water in their kitchens and electricity connections. The Prime Minister, he added, had helped ensure a dignified life for underprivileged families by providing access to basic amenities. He asked Congress leaders to explain what they had done for the poor during their 55 years in power.

The Chief Minister said every scheme launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi represented an assurance of support for the poor, farmers, women's empowerment and opportunities for young people.He said approximately Rs 7.5 lakh crore had been transferred into farmers' bank accounts through 24 instalments of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

He said that Congress was spreading false claims among farmers that the Modi Government would abolish the Minimum Support Price (MSP), whereas MSP rates were being increased every year. Farmers, he said, could see for themselves the benefits they were receiving under government schemes.

*CM Targets Kejriwal and Congress Over Unfulfilled Promises to Women*

Taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, the Chief Minister said women in Punjab had been promised Rs 1,000 per month during the elections. Over five years, this would amount to Rs 50,000 per woman. However, with elections approaching, there is now talk of depositing Rs 1,000 into women's accounts.

He questioned why the promised amount had not been provided over the preceding five years. Making promises to women to secure their votes and subsequently failing to fulfil them amounted to a betrayal, he said.

The Chief Minister said the Haryana Government had taken concrete steps to fulfil its commitments to women. The government had decided to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh. He said his government did not merely make announcements but ensured their implementation on the ground.

Referring to the Congress promise of providing 100-square-yard residential plots to poor families in Haryana, the Chief Minister said that the party had made the announcement in the final days of the election campaign without providing either ownership documents or actual possession.

In contrast, he said, the present government had provided eligible beneficiaries with plot documents as well as possession. While the Congress had confined its politics to securing votes, his government is working to ensure that the poor received their rightful entitlements, he added.

*Punjab Government Indulged in Politics Even During Natural Calamities- CM*

The Chief Minister also criticised the Punjab Government, alleging that it had politicised assistance to farmers even during natural calamities.

He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had provided financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore to Punjab and Rs 1,500 crore to Himachal Pradesh. Questions, he added, were being raised over the utilisation of relief funds in Punjab.

Referring to the outbreak of disease among livestock in Punjab during the disaster, the Chief Minister said people there had sought assistance for the treatment of affected animals. Haryana had offered to send veterinary doctors and medicines, but the Punjab Government had not granted permission.

This was not a political issue but a matter of humanity, he said, adding that farmers were losing their livestock to disease and the Haryana Government wanted to help save the animals. He termed it unfortunate that politics had been brought into a matter involving the welfare of farmers and their livestock.

*Double-Engine Government Ensuring Crop Payments Within 48 to 72 Hours- CM*

The Chief Minister said one of the key advantages of the double-engine government is that farmers in Haryana were receiving payments for their produce directly into their bank accounts within 48 to 72 hours.

He said that if payment is delayed beyond 72 hours, farmers are compensated with interest. This is not merely an announcement but reflected the government's commitment to farmers, he added.

Drawing a comparison with Punjab, the Chief Minister said farmers there had to wait for payments, whereas Haryana had put in place a system to ensure timely disbursement.

Questioning the crop procurement arrangements in Punjab, he said farmers from the neighbouring state frequently met him and shared their difficulties. According to these farmers, Aam Aadmi Party leaders had promised from public platforms that their entire produce would be procured, but they were still facing difficulties in selling their crops.

The Chief Minister further said that regional favouritism had prevailed during Congress rule in Haryana. At that time, he said, development was largely discussed in the context of Rohtak, but even residents of the region now complained that they had not received the promised development.

He said that funds meant for development had been lost to corruption, whereas the present government is working to ensure equitable development across Haryana.

The Chief Minister said the Congress and its allies had neither substantive issue to raise nor achievements to present before the public. Instead, he said, they were attempting to pursue politics by spreading falsehoods and misleading people.

Referring to senior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Meira Kumar, the Chief Minister said he held her in high regard as a distinguished and experienced leader. Commenting on the manner in which she had been seated during a Congress event in Parliament, he said it was inappropriate and that the stature and dignity of senior political leaders should always be respected.

===========================================

*Haryana Chief Secretary Directs Timely Disposal of First Appeals Under RTI Act*

Chandigarh, November 6: The Haryana Government has directed all concerned authorities to ensure the disposal of first appeals filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, within the prescribed timeframe. The government has also instructed First Appellate Authorities to pass clear and reasoned orders, duly recording the grounds for their decisions.

According to a communication issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, every first appeal must be disposed of within the statutory timeframe prescribed under Section 19(6) of the RTI Act. Further, every order passed on a first appeal must clearly record the reasons for the decision, after duly considering all major points and grounds raised by the appellant.

The instructions further clarify that wherever the information sought is disclosable under the law, the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) must ensure that it is furnished without any unnecessary delay.

It may be noted that the Haryana State Information Commission had expressed concern over delays in the disposal of first appeals and the issuance of orders without adequate reasoning. The Commission had requested that necessary instructions be issued to all concerned administrative departments, Heads of Departments and authorities in this regard.

The State Government has directed First Appellate Authorities across all departments to strictly comply with these instructions so that applicants seeking information are not compelled to approach the State Information Commission through second appeals unnecessarily.

====================================

*Haryana Government Fully Committed to Ensuring Safe and Quality Medicines for Citizens: Arti Singh Rao*

*966 Drug Sale Licences and 12 Manufacturing/Blood Centre Licences Suspended Following Detection of Irregularities*

*FDA Inspects 13,590 Drug Sale Units and 423 Manufacturing Units Between April and September 2026*

Chandigarh, November 6: Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the State Government is fully committed to ensuring the availability of safe and quality medicines to citizens and is taking sustained action in this regard. She said that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Department has been directed to take stringent action against those involved in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit medicines.

A spokesperson of the Food and Drugs Administration Department said that, acting on the directions of the Health Minister, the Drug Wing conducted an extensive inspection drive from April 1 to September 30, 2026. During this period, a total of 13,590 drug sale units and 423 manufacturing units were inspected. Following the detection of regulatory violations and irregularities, 966 drug sale licences and 12 manufacturing/blood centre licences were suspended. In addition, 15 licences were cancelled completely, while five were partially cancelled.

The spokesperson said that, as part of efforts to strengthen quality control, 2,389 samples were collected during the period, of which 2,189 have been tested. Of these, 11 samples were found to be substandard.

The spokesperson further said that the Department initiated prosecution in 64 cases against those found violating the prescribed regulations. Meanwhile, 15 cases pending before various courts were disposed of, resulting in convictions in eight cases and acquittals in seven. At present, 462 cases remain pending before the courts.

In addition, 376 joint raids were conducted by police and FDA officials, leading to the registration of two First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and four FIRs under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.

Highlighting major enforcement actions, the spokesperson said that in April 2026, an FDA team seized counterfeit Mounjaro injections, used for weight management and diabetes treatment, valued at approximately Rs 70 lakh. Similarly, in July 2026, the FDA team in Gurugram busted an interstate racket involved in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit Telma-AM, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure.

In another significant operation on July 28, 2026, the FDA team in Faridabad, acting on a complaint, seized a large consignment of counterfeit propylene glycol.

The spokesperson further said that, as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory compliance and promote healthcare standards, the Department issued 2,675 retail/wholesale drug sale licences and 20 manufacturing licences. In addition, 14 medical institutions were granted recognition, while two manufacturing units were upgraded to World Health Organization–Good Manufacturing Practices (WHO-GMP) standards.

Arti Singh Rao assured the people of Haryana that the State Government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against unscrupulous elements who endanger public health. She asserted that no compromise would be made on the quality of medicines available in the market.

The Minister reiterated that ensuring the availability of genuine, safe and high-quality medicines to every citizen of Haryana remains the State Government's highest priority. She said that the enforcement drive against counterfeit and substandard medicines would continue with the same rigour in the coming days.

====================================================

*Identify Five High-Potential Crops for Natural Farming, Chief Secretary Directs Officials*

*Haryana moves to strengthen certification, procurement and marketing of natural and organic farm produce*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chairs high-level meeting to develop a coordinated framework for natural and organic farming*

*Departments asked to identify suitable crops, production clusters and marketing opportunities for initial programme*

Chandigarh, November 6: Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting at the Haryana Civil Secretariat here today to deliberate on developing a coordinated framework for the certification, procurement and marketing of naturally and organically grown agricultural produce in the state.

The meeting focused on strengthening the institutional arrangements required to connect farmers practising natural and organic farming with reliable procurement systems and organised marketing channels, while ensuring quality assurance, traceability and remunerative returns to growers.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed officials to identify at least five crops suitable for cultivation under natural farming practices and prepare a comprehensive action plan for their production, promotion and marketing to enhance farmers’ incomes. He said that crops such as turmeric, red chillies and ginger could be considered under the proposed initiative, keeping in view their cultivation potential and market demand.

The Chief Secretary emphasised that the action plan should clearly identify suitable cultivation areas, production targets, farmer participation, certification requirements and marketing arrangements.

He also directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to compile verified district-wise and crop-wise information on farmers and farmer groups engaged in natural and organic farming. The information would include the area under cultivation, certification status, estimated production and likely marketable surplus. The exercise would help identify suitable crops and production clusters for the proposed programme.

Managing Director, HAFED, Sh. Chandrashekhar Khare highlighted HAFED's role in exploring viable marketing channels, with particular emphasis on securing remunerative returns for farmers and building consumer confidence in certified natural and organic products.

The meeting also examined certification arrangements for natural and organic produce, including the role of the Haryana State Seed Certification Agency (HSSCA) and other recognised certification bodies. Emphasis was laid on developing a transparent system for certification, testing and verification, along with end-to-end traceability from the farm to the final product.

The Chief Secretary also directed officials to ensure farmer mobilisation, training, registration and certification, besides maintaining reliable records of farmers and their produce. Technical guidance from the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF), appropriate PGS-India representatives and other relevant certification bodies was also envisaged.

Principal Secretary, Cooperation, Sh. Pankaj Yadav, Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Amneet P Kumar, Director, Agriculture, Sh. Amit Khatri, and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

=================================

*Come to Haryana for Debate, Face Questions from Our Yuva Morcha Adhyaksh- Haryana Chief Minister to Rahul Gandhi*

*I Will Arrange the Venue, Says CM*

*Congress Should Approach Election Commission or Courts Over Electoral Complaints Instead of Making Allegations- CM*

*CM Questions Punjab’s Crop Procurement System, Says Haryana Farmers Receive Payments Within 48–72 Hours**

Chandigarh, November 6- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday took a swipe at Congress leader Sh. Rahul Gandhi over his debate challenge, inviting him to Haryana to face questions from the BJP Yuva Morcha president. Offering to arrange the venue himself, the Chief Minister said Gandhi could not expect to make what he described as false allegations without facing questions in return. It cannot be a one-sided affair where someone makes false claims and then walks away, he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that if the Congress had any grievances regarding the electoral process, it should present its case before the Chief Election Commissioner. The Election Commission is an independent institution, and the doors of the courts are also open. He questioned why the Congress is unwilling to approach these forums, saying that merely making allegations from home for public consumption would serve no purpose.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was interacting with mediapersons at Haryana Niwas on Friday after transferring funds under various government welfare schemes. He responded to questions on government initiatives, crop procurement, allegations levelled by the Congress and several other issues. Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Bedi, Chief Secretary Sh Anurag Rastogi and other senior officers were also present.

Launching a sharp attack on the Congress, the Chief Minister said the party had no substantive issue to take to the people and is therefore attempting to mislead the country in the name of "vote theft" while casting doubts on the credibility of democracy and the Election Commission.

He said that if the Congress had complaints about voters' names being deleted or incorrectly recorded, the Election Commission had already prescribed a procedure for raising objections. Electoral rolls had been made available in the public domain, and a month's time had been provided for filing objections through the prescribed forms.

Despite these provisions, he said, the Congress continued to mislead the public. He said people were watching these developments closely and would no longer be swayed by such claims. There has been no vote theft. What the Congress is facing today is the consequence of its own actions. People are now even saying that the Congress should shut down the party, he remarked.

The Chief Minister said that during Congress rule, elderly people often went without pensions for as long as six months and were forced to make repeated visits to government offices and political leaders to secure their dues. Many, he said, had to wait outside offices in the scorching sun, with no one willing to listen to their grievances.

He said Congress leaders were now raising allegations of vote theft but should first answer for the treatment meted out to the poor, elderly and needy during their tenure. He said that under the earlier system, when benefits worth Rs 200 were meant for a poor person, only Rs 50 would reach the intended recipient, with no accountability for the remaining Rs 150. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, he said, the full amount of welfare benefits is being transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts.

The Chief Minister said the Congress had governed the country for decades and had been given opportunities by successive generations of voters. People had hoped that the next generation of Congress leadership would bring change, but the situation remained the same, he remarked.

He further stated that the Congress lacked a concrete vision for national development even when it was in power and that its politics remained confined to allegations and counter-allegations. At times, its leaders staged protests wearing black clothes; at others, they sat on dharnas, and now they had begun turning to village chaupals, he said.

*Congress Only Raised 'Garibi Hatao' Slogans; Modi Government Lifted Over 50 Crore People Out of Poverty-CM*

The Chief Minister said the Congress had raised the slogan of poverty eradication for 55 years but had failed to alleviate poverty. In contrast, he claimed, more than 50 crore people had been lifted out of poverty over the past 12 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, bringing positive changes to their lives.

He said poor families had received permanent houses, LPG connections, clean drinking water in their kitchens and electricity connections. The Prime Minister, he added, had helped ensure a dignified life for underprivileged families by providing access to basic amenities. He asked Congress leaders to explain what they had done for the poor during their 55 years in power.

The Chief Minister said every scheme launched by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi represented an assurance of support for the poor, farmers, women's empowerment and opportunities for young people.He said approximately Rs 7.5 lakh crore had been transferred into farmers' bank accounts through 24 instalments of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

He said that Congress was spreading false claims among farmers that the Modi Government would abolish the Minimum Support Price (MSP), whereas MSP rates were being increased every year. Farmers, he said, could see for themselves the benefits they were receiving under government schemes.

*CM Targets Kejriwal and Congress Over Unfulfilled Promises to Women*

Taking a dig at the Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress, the Chief Minister said women in Punjab had been promised Rs 1,000 per month during the elections. Over five years, this would amount to Rs 50,000 per woman. However, with elections approaching, there is now talk of depositing Rs 1,000 into women's accounts.

He questioned why the promised amount had not been provided over the preceding five years. Making promises to women to secure their votes and subsequently failing to fulfil them amounted to a betrayal, he said.

The Chief Minister said the Haryana Government had taken concrete steps to fulfil its commitments to women. The government had decided to provide LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to families with an annual income of up to Rs 1.80 lakh. He said his government did not merely make announcements but ensured their implementation on the ground.

Referring to the Congress promise of providing 100-square-yard residential plots to poor families in Haryana, the Chief Minister said that the party had made the announcement in the final days of the election campaign without providing either ownership documents or actual possession.

In contrast, he said, the present government had provided eligible beneficiaries with plot documents as well as possession. While the Congress had confined its politics to securing votes, his government is working to ensure that the poor received their rightful entitlements, he added.

*Punjab Government Indulged in Politics Even During Natural Calamities- CM*

The Chief Minister also criticised the Punjab Government, alleging that it had politicised assistance to farmers even during natural calamities.

He said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had provided financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore to Punjab and Rs 1,500 crore to Himachal Pradesh. Questions, he added, were being raised over the utilisation of relief funds in Punjab.

Referring to the outbreak of disease among livestock in Punjab during the disaster, the Chief Minister said people there had sought assistance for the treatment of affected animals. Haryana had offered to send veterinary doctors and medicines, but the Punjab Government had not granted permission.

This was not a political issue but a matter of humanity, he said, adding that farmers were losing their livestock to disease and the Haryana Government wanted to help save the animals. He termed it unfortunate that politics had been brought into a matter involving the welfare of farmers and their livestock.

*Double-Engine Government Ensuring Crop Payments Within 48 to 72 Hours- CM*

The Chief Minister said one of the key advantages of the double-engine government is that farmers in Haryana were receiving payments for their produce directly into their bank accounts within 48 to 72 hours.

He said that if payment is delayed beyond 72 hours, farmers are compensated with interest. This is not merely an announcement but reflected the government's commitment to farmers, he added.

Drawing a comparison with Punjab, the Chief Minister said farmers there had to wait for payments, whereas Haryana had put in place a system to ensure timely disbursement.

Questioning the crop procurement arrangements in Punjab, he said farmers from the neighbouring state frequently met him and shared their difficulties. According to these farmers, Aam Aadmi Party leaders had promised from public platforms that their entire produce would be procured, but they were still facing difficulties in selling their crops.

The Chief Minister further said that regional favouritism had prevailed during Congress rule in Haryana. At that time, he said, development was largely discussed in the context of Rohtak, but even residents of the region now complained that they had not received the promised development.

He said that funds meant for development had been lost to corruption, whereas the present government is working to ensure equitable development across Haryana.

The Chief Minister said the Congress and its allies had neither substantive issue to raise nor achievements to present before the public. Instead, he said, they were attempting to pursue politics by spreading falsehoods and misleading people.

Referring to senior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Smt. Meira Kumar, the Chief Minister said he held her in high regard as a distinguished and experienced leader. Commenting on the manner in which she had been seated during a Congress event in Parliament, he said it was inappropriate and that the stature and dignity of senior political leaders should always be respected.

============================================

*Haryana Chief Secretary Directs Timely Disposal of First Appeals Under RTI Act*

Chandigarh, November 6: The Haryana Government has directed all concerned authorities to ensure the disposal of first appeals filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, within the prescribed timeframe. The government has also instructed First Appellate Authorities to pass clear and reasoned orders, duly recording the grounds for their decisions.

According to a communication issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, every first appeal must be disposed of within the statutory timeframe prescribed under Section 19(6) of the RTI Act. Further, every order passed on a first appeal must clearly record the reasons for the decision, after duly considering all major points and grounds raised by the appellant.

The instructions further clarify that wherever the information sought is disclosable under the law, the concerned State Public Information Officer (SPIO) must ensure that it is furnished without any unnecessary delay.

It may be noted that the Haryana State Information Commission had expressed concern over delays in the disposal of first appeals and the issuance of orders without adequate reasoning. The Commission had requested that necessary instructions be issued to all concerned administrative departments, Heads of Departments and authorities in this regard.

The State Government has directed First Appellate Authorities across all departments to strictly comply with these instructions so that applicants seeking information are not compelled to approach the State Information Commission through second appeals unnecessarily.

===================================================

*Agriculture Minister Reviews Procurement Arrangements at Grain Markets*

*Government committed to procuring every grain of farmers’ produce: Shyam Singh Rana*

Chandigarh, November 6- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, is committed to procuring every grain of farmers’ produce and ensuring timely payment. He was interacting with people during his visit to the Nangal Chaudhary, Narnaul and Ateli grain markets in Mahendragarh district on Friday.

The Minister said the Haryana Government provides minimum support price (MSP) for 24 crops. If produce is sold in the mandis below the MSP, the government compensates farmers for the difference under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. He reiterated that the government is procuring every grain of farmers’ produce.

Reviewing procurement arrangements for the Kharif season, Shyam Singh Rana sought detailed information on crop arrivals, procurement, lifting and payments. He also enquired about the arrangements from Market Committee officials and staff present at the mandis.

The Minister interacted with farmers and commission agents and heard their concerns. He directed officials to ensure that farmers face no difficulty at the mandis.

==============================

*Identify Five High-Potential Crops for Natural Farming, Chief Secretary Directs Officials*

*Haryana moves to strengthen certification, procurement and marketing of natural and organic farm produce*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chairs high-level meeting to develop a coordinated framework for natural and organic farming*

*Departments asked to identify suitable crops, production clusters and marketing opportunities for initial programme*

Chandigarh, November 6: Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting at the Haryana Civil Secretariat here today to deliberate on developing a coordinated framework for the certification, procurement and marketing of naturally and organically grown agricultural produce in the state.

The meeting focused on strengthening the institutional arrangements required to connect farmers practising natural and organic farming with reliable procurement systems and organised marketing channels, while ensuring quality assurance, traceability and remunerative returns to growers.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed officials to identify at least five crops suitable for cultivation under natural farming practices and prepare a comprehensive action plan for their production, promotion and marketing to enhance farmers’ incomes. He said that crops such as turmeric, red chillies and ginger could be considered under the proposed initiative, keeping in view their cultivation potential and market demand.

The Chief Secretary emphasised that the action plan should clearly identify suitable cultivation areas, production targets, farmer participation, certification requirements and marketing arrangements.

He also directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to compile verified district-wise and crop-wise information on farmers and farmer groups engaged in natural and organic farming. The information would include the area under cultivation, certification status, estimated production and likely marketable surplus. The exercise would help identify suitable crops and production clusters for the proposed programme.

Managing Director, HAFED, Sh. Chandrashekhar Khare highlighted HAFED's role in exploring viable marketing channels, with particular emphasis on securing remunerative returns for farmers and building consumer confidence in certified natural and organic products.

The meeting also examined certification arrangements for natural and organic produce, including the role of the Haryana State Seed Certification Agency (HSSCA) and other recognised certification bodies. Emphasis was laid on developing a transparent system for certification, testing and verification, along with end-to-end traceability from the farm to the final product.

The Chief Secretary also directed officials to ensure farmer mobilisation, training, registration and certification, besides maintaining reliable records of farmers and their produce. Technical guidance from the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF), appropriate PGS-India representatives and other relevant certification bodies was also envisaged.

Principal Secretary, Cooperation, Sh. Pankaj Yadav, Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Amneet P Kumar, Director, Agriculture, Sh. Amit Khatri, and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

=====================================================

*Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announces Diwali Gift for Gramin Chowkidars (Rural Watchmen); monthly honorarium increased to Rs 15,221*

*Chief Minister makes several major announcements for Gramin Chowkidars at State-Level felicitation ceremony in Panchkula*

*Rural watchmen to receive an additional Rs 4,221 per month; annual benefit exceeds Rs 50,000: Chief Minister*

*Chief Minister announces increase in uniform, equipment and bicycle allowances for Gramin Chowkidars*

*All welfare announcements for Gramin Chowkidars to come into effect immediately: Chief Minister*

*State Government to spend Rs 27 crore annually on the welfare of Gramin Chowkidars: Sh. Nayab Singh Saini*

*Chief Minister calls upon Gramin Chowkidars to join the fight against drug abuse and ensure the safety of women and senior citizens*

Chandigarh, November 6: On the auspicious occasions of Dhanteras and Diwali, Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced an increase in the monthly honorarium of the Gramin Chowkidars (Rural Watchmen) from Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,221. With this increase, each watchman will receive an additional Rs 4,221 per month, translating into an annual benefit of more than Rs 50,000.

Highlighting the significant improvement in the honorarium, the Chief Minister said that in 2014, rural watchmen were receiving a monthly honorarium of only Rs 3,500, which has now increased more than fourfold.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was speaking as the Chief Guest at the state-level Gramin Chowkidars Samman Samaroh held in Panchkula today.

Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Dr. Krishan Middha, Chairman of the Haryana Public Enterprises Bureau Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli, Additional Chief Secretary of the Development and Panchayats Department Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Yashpal, Director of the Development and Panchayats Department Sh. Sushil Sarwan and Additional Director, Panchayats Sh Ashutosh Rajan were also.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the festivals of Dhanteras and Diwali.

The Chief Minister also made several significant announcements for Gramin Chowkidars. These include an increase in the annual uniform allowance from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000; the annual allowance for essential equipment, including a lathi (baton), flashlight, whistle and umbrella, from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 and the bicycle allowance from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000.

In another significant decision aimed at the welfare of Gramin Chowkidars, the Chief Minister announced that, for the first time in Haryana's history, they would be covered under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme, on the lines of the provisions applicable to water supply and sanitation workers. Under this scheme, rural watchmen and their families will have access to medical treatment in case of illness. They will also receive benefits in the event of an accident or disability.

He further announced that every rural watchman would now also be covered under the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund. This will enable them to avail financial assistance under various government welfare schemes for the education and marriage of their children, as well as to meet other family-related needs.

The Chief Minister announced that all these benefits would come into effect with immediate effect. He stated that these decisions would entail an additional annual expenditure of approximately Rs 27 crore for the state government. However, he emphasised that this expenditure on those who safeguard the villages is, in essence, an investment in the security of every village and every household in the state.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that he has directed the officials concerned to issue notifications regarding these decisions at the earliest. He further instructed that the enhanced monthly honorarium must be credited directly to the bank accounts of rural watchmen before the 7th of every month. He also directed that every watchman be registered under the ESI Scheme and the Haryana Labour Welfare Fund without delay. District- and block-level officials have been instructed to personally monitor the registration process, ensuring that no watchman has to visit government offices repeatedly to avail the benefits to which they are entitled.

Interacting with the rural watchmen, the Chief Minister urged them to become active partners in the fight against drug abuse. He said that drug addiction destroys families and shatters the dreams of the youth. "You know the streets and people of your villages. If anyone is involved in selling drugs, report the matter without fear," he urged.

Emphasising that the youth are the future of Haryana, the Chief Minister called upon the watchmen to extend their full cooperation in this campaign. He also stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of women, girls and senior citizens. Whether it is a girl going to school, a woman working in the fields or an elderly person living alone, he urged the watchmen to come forward with sensitivity and a sense of responsibility whenever anyone needs assistance.

The Chief Minister also asked the watchmen to ensure that all records on the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) portal are updated accurately and in a timely manner. He said that a single accurate entry could ensure that an eligible family receives its rightful benefits without delay. Therefore, he urged them to consider this responsibility an integral part of their public service.

*Rural chowkidars are the true guardians of village security and public trust: Chief Minister*

The Chief Minister said that village chowkidars have always been a trusted and integral part of rural life. Whether it is an untoward incident, a dispute, the presence of an unfamiliar person at night, the loss of livestock or a theft, the village chowkidar is often the first person who comes to mind. He said that the slogan "Main Bhi Chowkidar" (I am also a Chowkidar), popularised by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi in March 2019, gave a new dimension to the country's political and social discourse. The Prime Minister transformed the term Chowkidar into a symbol of honesty, dedication to duty, public service and commitment to the nation.

The Chief Minister said that anyone who serves the country, protects national assets and performs their duties honestly for the welfare of society is a true Chowkidar. He affirmed that rural watchmen are the real guardians of village security and public trust.

*Government takes several decisions to honour the service and welfare of Gramin Chowkidars*

The Chief Minister expressed regret that, for decades, the needs and welfare of Gramin Chowkidars did not receive the attention they deserved. He said that, recognising their dedicated service, the present state government has taken several important decisions to safeguard their interests and improve their welfare.

He stated that when the present government assumed office in 2014, a Chowkidar was receiving a monthly honorarium of just Rs 3,500. This was increased to Rs 7,000 per month in September 2018 and subsequently raised to Rs 11,000 per month in February 2024. Keeping their financial security and future in mind, the government also introduced a Provident Fund (PF) facility to ensure regular monthly savings for rural watchmen. In addition, a retirement benefit of Rs 2 lakh has been provided for them. The Chief Minister further stated that physically fit rural watchmen have been allowed to continue in service up to the age of 65 years. Moreover, their families have been brought under DAYALU Scheme to ensure financial support in the event of any unfortunate incident.

*Congress has insulted chowkidars and the poor; it must apologize to the nation: Chief Minister*

Targeting the opposition Congress party, the Chief Minister said that the party has no substantive issues to raise and is attempting to mislead the public by spreading falsehoods across the country. He asserted that Congress would not succeed in its attempts to mislead the people, as the public is now aware of the party's record.

He remarked that by disrespecting the Prime Minister for calling himself a 'chowkidar', Congress had insulted not only the Prime Minister but also all chowkidars and the poor across the country. The party must, therefore, apologize to the nation for its remarks.

The Chief Minister also referred to several major scams that took place during the Congress regime. He emphasized the importance of making both the present and future generations aware of these scams so that they can understand the party's record.

*Gramin Chowkidar are an integral part of the Government; special attention being given to their basic needs: Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar*

Earlier, while addressing the gathering, Development and Panchayats Minister Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for making several significant announcements for rural watchmen. He said that the Chief Minister is well aware of the basic needs of rural watchmen, who perform their duties with dedication at the grassroots level, and that the government has taken several important steps keeping their welfare in mind.

He emphasised that rural watchmen serve as a vital link between the government and the people at the grassroots level, ensuring that any incident or untoward occurrence is promptly brought to the notice of the police or the concerned department.

He further stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government has taken several important decisions for the welfare of economically weaker sections. He cited the example of the government's decision to grant ownership rights to individuals who had constructed houses on Gram Panchayat land before 2004. Under this provision, eligible residents can obtain ownership rights by depositing an amount equivalent to 1.5 times the collector rate, provided the land does not fall under categories such as village common pathways (phirni), agricultural land or ponds.

The Minister also highlighted that under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, houses have been constructed and handed over to poor families to ensure that no one is left without shelter. He further stated that under the Ujjwala Yojana, LPG cylinders are being provided to eligible households at a subsidised price of Rs 500.

Deputy Commissioner Sh. Satpal Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ms. Aditi Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Parishad Sh. Vivek Arya, former Mayor Ms. Manveer Kaur Gill and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

===============================================

*Agriculture Minister Reviews Procurement Arrangements at Grain Markets*

*Government committed to procuring every grain of farmers’ produce: Shyam Singh Rana*

Chandigarh, November 6- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, is committed to procuring every grain of farmers’ produce and ensuring timely payment. He was interacting with people during his visit to the Nangal Chaudhary, Narnaul and Ateli grain markets in Mahendragarh district on Friday.

The Minister said the Haryana Government provides minimum support price (MSP) for 24 crops. If produce is sold in the mandis below the MSP, the government compensates farmers for the difference under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. He reiterated that the government is procuring every grain of farmers’ produce.

Reviewing procurement arrangements for the Kharif season, Shyam Singh Rana sought detailed information on crop arrivals, procurement, lifting and payments. He also enquired about the arrangements from Market Committee officials and staff present at the mandis.

The Minister interacted with farmers and commission agents and heard their concerns. He directed officials to ensure that farmers face no difficulty at the mandis.

===============================

*Identify Five High-Potential Crops for Natural Farming, Chief Secretary Directs Officials*

*Haryana moves to strengthen certification, procurement and marketing of natural and organic farm produce*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chairs high-level meeting to develop a coordinated framework for natural and organic farming*

*Departments asked to identify suitable crops, production clusters and marketing opportunities for initial programme*

Chandigarh, November 6: Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chaired a high-level meeting at the Haryana Civil Secretariat here today to deliberate on developing a coordinated framework for the certification, procurement and marketing of naturally and organically grown agricultural produce in the state.

The meeting focused on strengthening the institutional arrangements required to connect farmers practising natural and organic farming with reliable procurement systems and organised marketing channels, while ensuring quality assurance, traceability and remunerative returns to growers.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi directed officials to identify at least five crops suitable for cultivation under natural farming practices and prepare a comprehensive action plan for their production, promotion and marketing to enhance farmers’ incomes. He said that crops such as turmeric, red chillies and ginger could be considered under the proposed initiative, keeping in view their cultivation potential and market demand.

The Chief Secretary emphasised that the action plan should clearly identify suitable cultivation areas, production targets, farmer participation, certification requirements and marketing arrangements.

He also directed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to compile verified district-wise and crop-wise information on farmers and farmer groups engaged in natural and organic farming. The information would include the area under cultivation, certification status, estimated production and likely marketable surplus. The exercise would help identify suitable crops and production clusters for the proposed programme.

Managing Director, HAFED, Sh. Chandrashekhar Khare highlighted HAFED's role in exploring viable marketing channels, with particular emphasis on securing remunerative returns for farmers and building consumer confidence in certified natural and organic products.

The meeting also examined certification arrangements for natural and organic produce, including the role of the Haryana State Seed Certification Agency (HSSCA) and other recognised certification bodies. Emphasis was laid on developing a transparent system for certification, testing and verification, along with end-to-end traceability from the farm to the final product.

The Chief Secretary also directed officials to ensure farmer mobilisation, training, registration and certification, besides maintaining reliable records of farmers and their produce. Technical guidance from the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF), appropriate PGS-India representatives and other relevant certification bodies was also envisaged.

Principal Secretary, Cooperation, Sh. Pankaj Yadav, Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Amneet P Kumar, Director, Agriculture, Sh. Amit Khatri, and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

==============================================