CM Nayab Singh Saini chairs HPWC meeting, urban infrastructure projects worth Rs 127.87 crore approved

Savings of nearly Rs 8.77 crore achieved during HPWC meeting

CM emphasizes quality and timely execution during HPWC meeting on urban infrastructure projects

Chandigarh, January 28 - A significant meeting of the High-Powered Works Committee (HPWC) of the Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Department was held under the chairmanship of Haryana CM Sh. Nayab Singh Saini at Haryana Niwas here today. During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on proposals related to major urban infrastructure and development projects across the state. Urban Local Bodies Minister Sh. Vipul Goel was also present in the meeting.

A total of 3 tenders with an approximate cost of Rs 136.64 crore were considered in the HPWC meeting while re-tendering was ordered in the fourth project. For these 3 tenders, detailed negotiations were conducted with the bidders. After negotiations, the final agreed value of these works was fixed at approximately Rs 127.87 crore. Through this transparent and effective negotiation process, the state government ensured savings of nearly Rs 8.77 crore, reflecting strong financial management and efficient use of public resources.

The projects approved included tender for providing water supply system for civic amenities and infrastructure-deficient areas in Faridabad town under the AMRUT programme, and work of mechanized and manual sweeping of roads in the Municipal Corporation, Ambala City, aimed at improving cleanliness and urban sanitation. In addition, the committee also cleared balance works related to Public Health Services, Electrical, HVAC and Firefighting systems for the redevelopment of the Shree Mata Sheetla Devi Shrine Campus in Gurugram.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for timely execution of projects and strict adherence to quality standards. He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to strengthening urban infrastructure, improving service delivery and ensuring transparency in public works.Principal Secretary to CM Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary to CM and Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Local Bodies, Dr. Saket Kumar, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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Strict compliance to water conservation and pollution control norms mandatory for dhabas on GT Road: Rao Narbir Singh

Forest and Environment Minister holds meeting with Murthal Dhaba owners

Chandigarh, January 28 – Haryana Environment, Forest and Wild Life Minister Rao Narbir Singh has called upon dhaba operators along the GT Road, especially in the Murthal area, to strictly adhere to the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He said that the installation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STP) and Common Treatment Plants (CTP) in all dhabas is mandatory to ensure water conservation and reuse.

The Minister was chairing a meeting with dhaba owners from Murthal, led by MLA, Sh. Devender Kadyan. During the meeting, the Minister made it clear that dhaba operators running their establishments without Change of Land Use (CLU) permission must complete all required documentation related to municipal taxes and other statutory charges. Even dhabas with approved CLU must strictly follow all norms laid down by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board, failing which action and penalties will be imposed as per rules, he added.

Rao Narbir Singh said that the government does not intend to harm any business. The objective is to protect the environment, conserve water resources, and ensure that all commercial activities operate in an organised and lawful manner. He directed Secretary, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh.Yogesh Kumar to hold discussions with the Board Chairman at the earliest and take necessary steps towards a comprehensive solution.

During the meeting, the Minister was informed that when closure orders are issued against dhabas during inspections by the NGT and other relevant institutions, penalties are calculated based on the period from the date of construction of the dhaba to the date of inspection. Responding to this, the Minister advised dhaba operators to ensure timely compliance with all norms to avoid any action.

He appealed to the dhaba owners to voluntarily adopt environment-friendly measures and cooperate with the government and administration so that the Murthal area can be made clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable.

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Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhry holds meeting with officers on upcoming budget

Minister reviews budget expenditure of Irrigation and Water Resources Department till December

Remaining budget to be utilised in a proper and effective manner

Advance planning directed for the new budget

Chandigarh, January 28 – Haryana Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, held a meeting with senior officers of the Irrigation and Water Resources Department to review the work carried out so far, utilisation of the budget, and future plans in view of the upcoming budget.

During the meeting, the Minister sought detailed information regarding the budget expenditure incurred by the department till December. She also reviewed how the remaining budget would be utilised in a proper and effective manner. She made it clear that the government’s objective is to ensure that every rupee is spent in the public interest and that no allocated funds remain unused.

Smt. Shruti Choudhry directed the officers to prepare advance planning for the new budget so that works related to irrigation projects, canal repairs, water conservation, and farmer welfare are completed on time. She said that all schemes must be visible on the ground and should not remain limited to paperwork. The Minister directed officers to perform their duties with complete honesty and responsibility, warning that strict action would be taken against those failing to discharge their responsibilities properly.

The Irrigation and Water Resources Minister said that the department is directly linked to farmers and the state’s economy, and therefore no laxity would be tolerated. She emphasised that the government’s priority is efficient management of water resources, strengthening irrigation facilities, and ensuring timely water supply to farmers. She also directed officers to work in coordination, visit the field to assess the actual status of schemes, and resolve public issues on a priority basis.

Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, along with other departmental officers, was present during the meeting.

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Surajkund Craft Festival to make a strong mark on the world’s cultural and tourism map- Dr. Arvind Sharma

*Vice President to inaugurate the Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival

Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to grace the Event as Special Guests

Festival to feature participation from over 50 Countries, with Egypt as Partner Nation and Uttar Pradesh–Meghalaya as Theme States

Surajkund Mela to Provide a Global Platform for Weavers, Artisans, and Artists

Chandigarh, January 28 — Haryana Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival will make a strong impact on the world’s cultural and tourism map. With the objective of realizing Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Mela will strengthen the cultural heritage of national and international artists, artisans, and weavers, while giving fresh momentum to intellectual and commercial activities. The guiding mantra of the festival will be “Local to Global – Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

Dr. Arvind Sharma while addressing a press conference at his office in the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Wednesday shared that the Vice President of India, Sh. C.P. Radhakrishnan, will inaugurate the craft conclave at Surajkund, Faridabad, on January 31. Union Tourism Minister, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will attend as special guests. He added that the 16-day-long festival will conclude on February 15, with Governor, Professor Ashim Kumar Ghosh as the Chief Guest.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the 39th Surajkund International Aatmanirbhar Craft Festival is not merely an event, but a celebration of India’s cultural unity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of self-reliance. He said that the festival will live up to its commitment to preserving Haryana’s heritage, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for talented artisans and craftsmen, and strengthening international cultural cooperation.

He informed that Egypt, as the Partner Nation for the fourth time, will attract visitors with its ancient art and culture, while the Theme States Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya will showcase their rich cultural and folk traditions at the fairground. Last year, 635 participants from 44 countries displayed their talent, whereas this year nearly 800 participants from over 50 countries will take part.

The Heritage and Tourism Minister further shared that more than 1,200 stalls have been allotted at the festival for national and international weavers, artisans, and for the exhibition and sale of traditional crafts. Renowned artists including Padma Shri Kailash Kher, Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan, and Padma Shri Mahabir Guddu, among others, will perform at the festival.

To keep Haryana’s cultural and folk art traditions alive, regional artists will perform on various stages, featuring traditional musical instruments such as the ektara, sarangi, and dheru. Keeping in view the increasing footfall of tourists every year, infrastructure development works worth approximately Rs. 4.75 crore have been undertaken at the fairground. These include beautification of the venue, widening of pathways, construction of 127 new huts, repair of old huts, and expansion of the amusement area.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma also expressed deep grief over the untimely demise of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. Sh. Ajit Pawar in a crash landing.

Sharing more information, Commissioner and Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, said that the Surajkund International Craft Mela is not just a fair, but an event with national and international recognition. Artisans from all corners of the country participate in it, along with wide international participation. He said that the fair witnesses continuous demand and diversity in craft products.

Dr. Agarwal further said that the Surajkund Mela is organized not for commercial purposes, but to promote artisans and their craftsmanship. The event strengthens self-reliance, enhances export potential, and gives local products a global platform, thereby realizing the vision of “Local to Global.”

Director, Tourism, Sh. Parth Gupta also remained present on this occasion.

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CM Nayab Singh Saini to Hold Pre-Budget Consultations with Stakeholders in Manesar and Panipat today

Chandigarh, January 20 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will participate in the pre-budget consultation programmes in Manesar and Panipat on Wednesday. The objective of these programmes is to make the forthcoming State Budget more inclusive, development-oriented and aligned with public aspirations. This initiative is considered an important step by the State Government towards ensuring the participation of every section of society in the budget formulation process.

Senior administrative officers of the State Government, industrialists, representatives of industrial organisations, key stakeholders from the business community and experts from various fields will be present at the meetings in Manesar and Panipat. During the consultations, detailed discussions will be held on issues related to industrial development, investment promotion, employment generation, expansion of infrastructure, skill development, innovation and the overall economic progress of the State.

Through these pre-budget consultation programmes, the government aims to incorporate valuable suggestions into the policy-making process so that the forthcoming budget can provide a new direction to the overall development of the State and ensure equal opportunities for all sections.

It is noteworthy that earlier, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also participated in pre-budget consultation programmes held in Faridabad, Gurugram and Hisar. During those meetings, discussions were held with women, panchayat representatives, social organisations and representatives of various sections of society. Through these interactions, suggestions related to development and issues concerning both rural and urban areas were collected.

These pre-budget consultation programmes being organised by the State Government are being regarded as an important step towards preparing a strong, balanced and future-oriented budget for the upcoming financial year, with special emphasis on maintaining a balance between development, social justice and economic strength.

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*Chief Minister chairs the fourth meeting of the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran*

*Emphasises need for certification labs to boost value of organic farm produce*

Chandigarh, January 28— Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that concrete steps should be taken to establish laboratories for certifying organic farm produce so that, after certification, farmers are able to secure better prices for their crops.

The Chief Minister was chairing the fourth meeting of the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran (HKKP) on Wednesday. Environment and Forest Minister, Rao Narbir Singh, Cooperation Minister, Sh. Arvind Sharma, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, and OSD to the Chief Minister Sh. Virender Badhkhalsa were present on the occasion.

After the meeting, the Chief Minister also released a booklet of the Fisheries Department titled 'Report of the Working Group on Fisheries Development' in Haryana.

The Chief Minister directed officers to actively encourage farmers to adopt organic and natural farming practices. As a first step, he directed that a “Smart Agriculture Zone” covering about 5,000 acres be developed under a pilot project. Farmers in this zone should be sensitised about natural farming and assured that they will not incur losses. He said that while such produce generally fetches premium prices, the State Government would compensate farmers if there is any loss in income.

He further directed that a laboratory for certification of natural farming produce be established at the earliest to ensure better market prices for certified crops. Emphasising sustainable practices, he asked officers to adopt micro-irrigation systems through effective water management in the proposed Smart Agriculture Zone. He also issued directions for the development of high-quality seeds for crops.

The Chief Minister directed officers to prepare a calendar of farmer meetings, workshops, seminars, training programmes and awareness campaigns up to the block level to disseminate knowledge and policy initiatives among farmers. During these campaigns, farmers should be made aware of the adverse effects of excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, as well as the benefits of natural farming.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also held detailed discussions on several initiatives of the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Pradhikaran, including pilot cooperative farming clusters, use of advanced drainage techniques, solarisation of feeders under the PM-KUSUM scheme, crop diversification, joint dairy projects, promotion of shrimp farming, goat and sheep rearing, and encouragement of oilseeds and pulses during the Kharif season. He directed officers to make more schemes women-centric to further empower women in the State.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources, Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Department, Sh. D. Suresh, Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, Director General, Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Yash Garg, Director General, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik and other senior officers also attended the meeting.

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*Prepare an action plan for farmers cultivating medicinal plants- CM*

Clusters to be formed for medicinal plant growers, better marketing support to be ensured for such farmers, says Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, January 28 — Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed officers of the Herbal Federation to prepare a comprehensive action plan for farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation so that herbal farming can be actively promoted and more farmers are encouraged to adopt it.

The Chief Minister was chairing a meeting of officers of the Haryana State Herbal Cooperative Federation. Health Minister, Ms. Arti Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Dr. Sumita Misra, and other senior officers were present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister directed the officers to prepare crop-wise data on different medicinal plants based on the area under cultivation and to assess which plants can be easily grown in specific regions. This, he said, would help motivate farmers to take up medicinal plant farming. He also directed that detailed information be compiled on the land being used for such cultivation and the number of farmers involved, so that they can be organised into clusters.

The Chief Minister said the state government would soon provide improved marketing facilities to farmers cultivating medicinal plants to give a boost to medicinal crop farming in the state. He informed that medicinal plants are currently being cultivated over 4,557 hectares in Haryana, including amla, aloe vera, stevia, mulethi, shatavari, tulsi, ashwagandha, harad, bael leaves, turmeric, and others. He said that Ayurvedic medicines are linked with employment generation, are cost-effective, and promote a healthy environment; therefore, reforms in procurement processes and ease of doing business are essential.

He further said that the primary objective of the State Medicinal Plant Board is to promote medicinal plant cultivation and to guide farmers in preparing schemes, proposals, and programmes related to collection and storage. He said that the Herbal Federation has launched the e-Aushadhi portal for farmers, on which around 4,500 farmers and 118 Ayurvedic medicine manufacturers have registered so far.

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*State-level function to be held at Umri on January 31 to mark 649th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas: Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar*

*Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal to attend the event*

*Government taking teachings and ideals of Saints to the Masses*

*People from across the state to participate in State-Level function*

*Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Bhawan and Museum to be built at Umri at a Cost of Rs.124 Crore*

Chandigarh, January 28 – Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said that a grand Mahakumbh will be organised at Umri, Kurukshetra on the occasion of the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas. A state-level function will be held on January 31 to mark Guru Ravidas Jayanti. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will attend the programme as the Chief Guest, while Union Power Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal will be present as the Special Guest. The function will be presided over by Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar himself. A large number of people from across the state are expected to participate in the programme. Prominent saints and intellectuals from other states will also attend the event.

Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, on Wednesday, visited Umri in Kurukshetra to inspect the event venue. He said that all Ministers of the state government, MLAs, and other public representatives will be invited to the state-level programme. Social and religious organisations and common citizens from across the state, will also be invited so that the thoughts and message of Guru Ravidas can reach every section of society.

He said that Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas was a great saint who preached social harmony, equality, and humanity. Through his teachings and writings, Guru Ravidas raised a strong voice against discrimination, untouchability, and caste-based inequality prevalent in society. His ideas continue to inspire people even today and convey a powerful message of equality and unity.

The Minister further said that with the objective of spreading the teachings and ideals of saints and great personalities among the masses, the Haryana Government has been regularly organising birth anniversaries and remembrance programmes under the “Sant-Mahapurush Samman Vichar evam Prasar Yojana”.

Sh. Panwar said that a Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Bhawan and Museum will be constructed at Umri at a cost of Rs.124 crore. The project will be dedicated to the life, teachings, and Bhakti movement of Guru Ravidas, and construction work will begin soon.

He informed that the tender process for the project is currently underway. After approval from the High Power Purchase Committee, construction work will start at the earliest. A 38-metre-high statue of Guru Ravidas will be installed at the top of the building.The Bhawan and Museum will be built on five acres of land at a total cost of Rs. 124 crore. The tendering process for works worth approximately Rs. 90 crore of this project is currently in progress.

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Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, today inaugurated a Centralised Digital Platform for the Health Department of Haryana.

Chandigarh- 28 Jan- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, today inaugurated a Centralised Digital Platform for the Health Department of Haryana. Health Minister, Ms. Aarti Singh Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Smt. Sumita Mishra and Secretary, Health, Sh. Ripudaman Singh Dhillon were also present during the launch. On this occasion, the integrated web portal, mobile application and job portal for various health councils in the State were formally launched.

With this initiative, Haryana becomes the first State in the country to launch an integrated digital platform bringing multiple health councils onto a single system. The platform has been developed to serve approximately 1.5 lakh health professionals registered with different councils, including Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, AYUSH, Homeopathy and other allied health councils. The system will provide online access to services such as registration, renewal, issuance of certificates, profile management and employment-related information. The job portal will enable linkage between health professionals and institutions for employment opportunities.

The project is being implemented in a phased manner. In the first phase, professionals from Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, AYUSH and Homeopathy councils have been onboarded. Nursing and Physiotherapy professionals will be integrated in subsequent phases.

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*Chief Minister directs preparation of village development plans for selected villages under Mahagram Mahayojana*

*Along with Development, Cultural Heritage, Traditional Character and Local identity of villages must be preserved, says Chief Minister*

*CM chairs review meeting of Mahagram Mahayojana*

Chandigarh, January 28 — Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed officers to assess the current conditions of villages selected under the Mahagram Mahayojana and prepare comprehensive Village Development Plans to ensure overall development and availability of modern urban-like facilities in rural areas. He said that panchayat land should be identified and planning should be done after consultation with the Gram Sabha and villagers, so that the plans meet both present and future needs of the villages.

The Chief Minister was chairing a review meeting of the Mahagram Mahayojana held at Haryana Niwas on Wednesday. During the meeting, detailed presentations were made on the Village Development Plans prepared for five Mahagrams — Kohand (District Karnal), Sondhad (District Palwal), Deeghot (District Palwal), Aurangabad (District Palwal) and Khanpur Kalan (District Sonipat).

Sh.Nayab Singh Saini directed that detailed, sector-wise planning should be prepared for all proposed land uses under the Village Development Plans. He emphasized that while undertaking the planning process, the cultural heritage, traditional character, and local identity of villages must be preserved and promoted.

The Chief Minister further directed that planning for these Mahagrams should be carried out using modern technology, including drone surveys, to ensure accurate and effective planning.

He said that under the Mahagram Mahayojana, urban-level infrastructure such as roads, water supply, sewerage systems, green spaces, and other civic amenities will be developed in 21 selected Mahagrams across the state, which will significantly improve the quality of life in rural areas.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh.Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning Department, Sh. A.K. Singh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Sh. Mohammed Shayin, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director, Town and Country Planning Department, Sh.Amit Khatri, and other senior officers were present during the meeting.