*Chief Minister honours Commonwealth Games medallists and participants at state-level felicitation ceremony in Panchkula*
*24 athletes presented cash awards of Rs. 13.97 crore at state-level ceremony*
*Haryana athletes once again prove their mettle at Commonwealth Games, win over 28 per cent of India’s total medals, says Nayab Singh Saini*
*Haryana accounts for just 2 per cent of the country’s population, yet its athletes win 11 Commonwealth Games medals, says Chief Minister*
*Haryana athletes bag 11 medals, including seven gold; daughters of the state bring laurels with six medals*
*Haryana’s soil produces not only foodgrain, but champions too, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini*
Chandigarh, August 26- Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday honoured the medallists and participating athletes of the Commonwealth Games 2026 at a state-level felicitation ceremony held in Panchkula. On the occasion, 24 athletes were presented with cash awards amounting to Rs. 13 crore 97 lakh 50 thousand.
Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, Minister of State for Sports Sh. Gaurav Gautam, Member of Parliament Smt. Rekha Sharma, Mayor Sh. Shyam Lal Bansal, Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar, Director, Sports Department, Sh. Parth Gupta, athletes and their family members, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Expressing pride in the achievements of the athletes, the Chief Minister said an athlete’s story does not begin with a medal. It begins in the soil where they first learnt to run, on the field where they first experienced defeat, and on those mornings when the rest of the world was asleep while they were working towards their dream. Behind every athlete stands the faith of their parents, the discipline instilled by their coach and the determination to rise after every defeat. The world may see an athlete on the podium for a few moments, but what often remains unseen are the years of struggle that took them there, he said.
The Chief Minister said Haryana’s athletes demonstrated their strength and talent before the world in Glasgow. Today, every Haryanvi takes immense pride in their achievements, and their success has become a celebration across the state. The greatest quality of Haryana’s soil, he said, is that it produces not only foodgrain in its fields, but champions as well.
The Chief Minister said Haryana accounts for barely 2 per cent of the country’s total population, yet 24 of the 122 athletes who represented India at the Games were from Haryana, and nearly every second athlete from the state returned with a medal. Haryana’s athletes won 11 medals, comprising seven gold, two silver and two bronze. Their contribution was more than 28 per cent of India’s total medal tally. This, he said, is not merely a statistic, but a reflection of Haryana’s sporting talent, hard work and fighting spirit, which has once again raised the pride of the Tricolour on the world stage.
On behalf of Haryana’s nearly 2.75 crore people and on his own behalf, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to every medallist and participating athlete from Haryana who raised the Tricolour high in Glasgow. He also congratulated their parents and coaches for standing by the athletes at every step of their journey.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the athletes have brought glory to the country and the state through their talent, hard work, discipline and determination. The occasion, he said, is not merely about honouring medals, but also the years of perseverance, struggle and resolve behind them. A medal around an athlete’s neck is not an individual achievement alone; it also embodies the sacrifices of the family, the guidance of the coach and the hopes of the entire state, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that with Haryana’s athletes leading the way, India will emerge as a major global sporting power at the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Olympic Games. Haryana’s athletes have raised the Tricolour high in Glasgow today, and in the years ahead, they will do the same on the Olympic podium, he said.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said India won a total of 39 medals at the 23rd Commonwealth Games, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze medals, finishing fourth in the medal tally. This achievement reflects the athletes’ willpower, confidence and dedication to the nation. Haryana, he said, once again carved out a distinct identity for itself in this remarkable campaign.
*Haryana’s daughters win six medals, including five gold*
The Chief Minister particularly lauded the performance of Haryana’s women athletes, saying that of the 11 medals won by the state’s athletes, six were won by its daughters, including five gold medals. Haryana also dominated the boxing ring, with its boxers winning six of India’s seven gold medals in the sport. He said Preeti Pawar, Jaismine Lamboria, Sakshi Chaudhary, Priya Ghanghas, Sachin Siwach and Ankush Panghal defeated their opponents to script golden history.
Referring to para-athlete Sharmila, who won a gold medal, the Chief Minister said she had proved that no obstacle can withstand the strength of the human spirit. Neeraj Chopra once again demonstrated his world-class ability by winning silver in the javelin throw, while boxer Narender Berwal brought laurels to the state with a silver medal. Seema Kaliraman added an important bronze to Haryana’s medal tally. Competing in different arenas, all these athletes raised the same Tricolour high.
*Honouring not just medals, but athletes’ perseverance, struggle and determination- Chief Minister*
The Chief Minister said the felicitation ceremony is not limited to medal winners. Every athlete who represented India at the Commonwealth Games had made an equally proud contribution. Winning a medal is undoubtedly a major achievement, but stepping onto the field wearing the national colours and competing against the world’s best athletes is itself an extraordinary honour, said Nayab Singh Saini.
He said those who returned with medals are Haryana’s achievements today, while those who returned with experience are the foundation of its next achievements. Today’s experience can become tomorrow’s medal. The government, the Sports Department and the entire state of Haryana stand firmly behind its athletes, said the Chief Minister.
*Athletes representing the country should not have to worry about their future- Chief Minister*
The Chief Minister said the State Government’s approach is clear: when athletes compete for the country, they should not have to worry about what their future will hold after their sporting career.
Therefore, he said, the government’s policies are not limited to medals but are aimed at providing athletes with recognition, security and opportunities. Opportunities in government service for outstanding sportspersons, sports academies, sports nurseries, training facilities and the continuous expansion of modern sports infrastructure are all part of this approach, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
*260 outstanding sportspersons provided government jobs so far*
The Chief Minister said that under Haryana’s Outstanding Sportspersons Recruitment Rules, 260 outstanding sportspersons have so far been provided Group A, B and C government jobs.
He said the Sports Gradation Policy has also recently been amended. Athletes participating in the Haryana State Games will now be eligible for sports gradation benefits, enabling them to avail opportunities in government employment and other areas.
*17,544 athletes given Rs. 742 crore in cash awards over nearly 12 years*
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said 24 athletes were presented cash awards amounting to Rs. 13 crore 97 lakh 50 thousand on Wednesday. This, however, is not limited to today’s felicitation. Over the past nearly 12 years, the State Government has given cash awards worth Rs. 742 crore to 17,544 athletes.
He said there is also a provision for providing athletes with advance financial assistance for preparation before representing the country in international sporting competitions, ensuring that no athlete’s training is interrupted due to lack of funds.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has also enhanced the monthly honorarium for award-winning sportspersons. Recipients of the Khel Ratna, Dronacharya, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Tenzing Norgay awards are now being provided a monthly honorarium of Rs. 20,000, while Bhim Award recipients receive Rs. 5,000 per month.
*Goal is not only to honour today’s champions, but also to prepare tomorrow’s champions- Chief Minister*
The Chief Minister said the government’s goal is not merely to honour today’s champions but also to prepare the champions of tomorrow. An athlete’s journey begins in the soil of a village, on a school playground or at a local sports nursery. With this approach, 2,000 sports nurseries have been opened across the state to identify and nurture sporting talent.
He said talent needs financial support along with opportunity. Therefore, a provision has been made to provide a monthly scholarship of Rs. 1,500 to athletes aged eight to 14 years and Rs. 2,000 to those in the 15-to-19-year age group.
He further shared that the state has also established 25 residential sports academies, where every athlete is provided diet money at the rate of Rs. 500 per day.
*Around Rs. 1,100 crore spent on sports infrastructure; budget increased to Rs. 668.42 crore*
The Chief Minister said that along with opportunity and financial assistance, athletes also need world-class facilities, making strong and modern sports infrastructure essential.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that over the past nearly 12 years, around Rs. 1,100 crore has been spent on sports infrastructure. The Sports Department’s budget has been increased to Rs. 668.42 crore from just Rs. 163 crore in 2013-14.
*‘A-STAR’ centre established to help athletes return stronger after injuries*
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said an injury can put an athlete’s entire career at risk. To address this challenge and give athletes confidence in their recovery and return to sport, a national-level ‘A-STAR’ Advanced Scientific Training and Rehabilitation Centre has been established at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula at a cost of around Rs. 10 crore. It is the first and most advanced centre of its kind in North India, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister said the State Government is following a policy of nurturing athletes from an early age and is committed to providing them with all necessary facilities at every stage of their preparation. The government endeavours to ensure that no sporting talent emerging from Haryana’s soil has to abandon their journey midway due to lack of resources, and that their journey ultimately reaches the world podium, he said.
He further said the state’s athletes have proved through their performances that they deserve such encouragement and facilities. After every national and international competition, Haryana’s athletes have allowed the state to celebrate. It is now the government’s responsibility to stand with them as they prepare for their next victory. The celebratory atmosphere surrounding Commonwealth Games 2026 is a reflection of this confidence.
*2030 Commonwealth Games an opportunity to showcase India’s growing sporting strength- Chief Minister*
The Chief Minister said another major opportunity lies ahead for the country. Through the efforts of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, India has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. It is not merely a sporting event, but an opportunity to showcase India’s growing sporting strength before the world.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini expressed confidence that Haryana’s athletes will play a significant role in making India a major global sporting power at the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Olympic Games. Today, Haryana’s athletes have raised the Tricolour high in Glasgow, and in the coming years they will raise it high on the Olympic podium as well.
The Chief Minister said the medals around their necks today are not their destination, but the beginning of their next flight. From the same soil where they first traced the outlines of their dreams, they must now write their identity on the world’s biggest sporting stages. The Tricolour has flown high in Glasgow through their achievements today, and every Haryanvi and every Indian hopes to see it fly even higher on the Olympic podium tomorrow.
Congratulating the Sports Department, coaches, parents and especially the athletes, the Chief Minister in poetic style said, ‘Thak kar bhi jo thehra nahi, wahi safar ki pehchaan bana, Gir kar jisne uthna seekha, wahi aaj Hindustan bana. Manzil mili to kya hua, ab raah nayi banani hai, ek jeet mili hai aaj, kal duniya jeet kar aani hai’.
*Chief Minister personally interacts with athletes, learns about their journeys of struggle and success*
Following the felicitation ceremony, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini held a special interaction with the athletes who brought laurels to Haryana and the country at the Commonwealth Games.
The Chief Minister joined the athletes and interacted with them warmly, learning in detail about their sporting journeys to the international stage, the years of hard work and struggle involved, and the challenges they encountered along the way. The athletes shared their experiences and success stories with the Chief Minister, explaining how years of hard work, discipline and consistent training enabled them to reach the Commonwealth Games and win medals for the country.
During the interaction, the athletes also shared experiences from their sporting careers and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the State Government for the encouragement and support being extended to sportspersons in Haryana. They said the government is ensuring all possible assistance through training, sports facilities and other necessary support. This encouragement and support has enabled them to focus fully on their sport and motivated them to perform better at the international level. The impressive performance of Haryana’s athletes at the Commonwealth Games, they said, is a reflection of these efforts.
The Chief Minister lauded the achievements of the athletes, wished them a bright future and encouraged them to continue representing the country with the same dedication and passion while striving for new milestones. He said the State Government stands firmly with its athletes and will continue its efforts to provide them with the support and facilities required to progress further.
*Haryana’s sports policy earning nationwide recognition, other states following its lead: Sh. Mahipal Dhanda*
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has always considered politics as a means of public service and has consistently worked to create opportunities for the youth of Haryana and the country to move forward. His doors, he said, are always open to young people and sportspersons. It is this approach that has enabled the state to identify sporting talent from an early age and nurture children according to their potential, with the Chief Minister himself taking a keen interest in ensuring the necessary arrangements.
He said the Chief Minister consistently emphasises that athletes should never face any shortage of facilities or resources and remains deeply concerned about the youth of Haryana and their future. The pride and happiness visible on the Chief Minister’s face when Haryana’s athletes won medals reflected how personally he values and celebrates their achievements.
Thanking the Chief Minister, Sh. Mahipal Dhanda said Haryana’s sports policy has earned recognition across the country and other states have also begun following Haryana’s model. He congratulated and welcomed the athletes of Haryana and their families, and lauded the hard work, enthusiasm and determination of the sportspersons.
He said, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has placed before the country a resolve that every talented Indian, irrespective of the field, should contribute to the fullest of their ability and play a role in making India one of the world’s most powerful nations by 2047. Haryana’s athletes, he said, have taken strong strides in this direction.
Encouraging the young children attending the programme, the Education Minister expressed confidence that through hard work and discipline, they too would bring laurels to the state and the country in the years ahead. He said Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will never allow the children and youth of Haryana to lose hope and will continue to provide them with every possible opportunity and support to move forward.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam also addressed the gathering.
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Health Minister urges people to pledge eye donation during 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight
Eye donation is a noble gift, come forward and help bring light into someone’s life,says Minister
Chandigarh, August 26- Haryana Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao has urged people across the state to pledge their eyes for donation on the occasion of the 41st National Eye Donation Fortnight, being observed till September 8, 2026. She said eye donation is a noble act that can bring new light into the life of a visually impaired person.
Ms. Arti Singh Rao said the eyes donated by one person can benefit two visually impaired persons and bring light into their lives. She said that a person can pledge to donate their eyes during their lifetime, while the eyes can be retrieved within six to eight hours after death. No fee is charged from donors or recipients for the entire process.
She said following the death of an eye donor, family members can immediately contact the nearest government health centre, eye donation centre at the District Civil Hospital, medical college or eye bank. Citizens in Haryana can also dial 112 or contact the national helpline number 1800-11-4770.
The Health Minister appealed to people from all sections of society to come forward and become part of this noble initiative so that the gift of sight can reach as many people in need as possible.
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Haryana Government announces financial assistance for cotton farmers
Subsidy to be provided for micronutrients and Integrated Pest Management- Agriculture Minister
Chandigarh, August 26- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said the State Government has decided to provide financial assistance to farmers for adopting micronutrients and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices with the objective of increasing cotton productivity and protecting crops from pests. Under the special scheme, cotton growers in the state can avail financial assistance of up to Rs. 4,000.
Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said farmers will be provided a subsidy of 50 per cent of the cost of agricultural inputs for micronutrients and Integrated Pest Management, or Rs. 2,000 per acre, whichever is lower. The benefit will be available for a maximum of two acres.
He said farmers will have to purchase the agricultural inputs strictly in accordance with the recommendations of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, from semi-government agencies, cooperative societies or authorised dealers. To avail the subsidy, farmers will subsequently have to upload their purchase bills on the Agriculture Department’s official portal, www.agriharyana.gov.in
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister further said the department has fixed September 15, 2026, as the last date for uploading the bills. He urged eligible farmers to avail the benefit of the scheme within the stipulated period. For any assistance or further information, farmers can contact the toll-free number 1800-180-2117 or the Deputy Director of Agriculture of their respective district.
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Experience the Mahabharata at Jyotisar’s Immersive Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra
Modern Technology Brings Mahabharata’s Epic Stories and Teachings to Life at Jyotisar
Chandigarh, August 26: If you wish to not merely read or listen to the story of the Mahabharata, but see it come alive before your eyes through modern technology, the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra is a destination worth visiting. Dedicated to the rich legacy of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, the centre is emerging as one of Haryana’s prominent cultural and tourism attractions.
A government spokesperson said that the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, inaugurated by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, aims to bring the epic narrative of the Mahabharata and the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to people through a blend of traditional storytelling and modern technology. Developed at Jyotisar, the sacred land traditionally associated with Lord Krishna imparting the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, the centre is an important destination for promoting cultural interpretation, experiential learning and heritage tourism.
The spokesperson said that constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,240 crore, the centre is spread over approximately 17 acres and has more than one lakh square feet of indoor space. Advanced technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), UV laser technology, projection mapping, holographic presentations and immersive visual experiences have been used to bring key episodes from the Mahabharata to life.
He said the centre’s immersive galleries present important events, characters and philosophical themes from the Mahabharata in an engaging manner. The combination of traditional storytelling and modern technology gives visitors an opportunity to understand the epic in a comprehensive and experiential way. The galleries have been designed keeping in mind pilgrims, tourists, students, researchers and families.
The spokesperson said that the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra offers a contemporary presentation of India’s ancient cultural heritage. Through the centre, the philosophy of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita is being presented to people through modern mediums, while also contributing to the development of Kurukshetra as a leading destination for spiritual, cultural and heritage tourism.
The Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra is open to the public from 9 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The centre remains closed to the public on Mondays.
*Government Aims to Connect New Generation with the Legacy of Mahabharata*
Director, Haryana Tourism Department, Sh. Parth Gupta said that the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra seeks to bring the rich legacy of the Mahabharata and the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to people through modern technology and experiential presentation. The centre aims to promote heritage tourism alongside cultural interpretation and experiential learning, while further strengthening Kurukshetra as a prominent destination for spiritual, cultural and heritage tourism.
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*Gram Sabhas to lead transparent verification of welfare beneficiaries across Haryana*
*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi reviews ambitious field exercise aimed at ensuring that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries*
Chandigarh, August 26: Haryana has launched a major grassroots exercise to make identification of eligible beneficiaries more accurate, transparent and people-centric, with Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chairing a high-level meeting to review the rollout of the Gram Sabha Module for verification of rural families.
The initiative places the Gram Sabha at the centre of the verification process, bringing government welfare data closer to the ground and giving village communities a direct role in establishing the actual status of families. The exercise is aimed at ensuring that government assistance and welfare benefits are directed to deserving households on the basis of verified field-level information.
Commissioner and Secretary, CRID, Sh. J Ganesan informed that the Gram Sabha Module has been developed to undertake a comprehensive assessment of rural households covering family structure, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, family income, ‘kachhi chhat’ status and occupation profiles. The integrated approach is expected to provide a more reliable picture of the socio-economic status of families and strengthen the delivery of welfare schemes.
He said the initiative has already shown encouraging results. As many as 1,309 families have been verified through 166 Gram Sabhas across 13 of the state's 23 districts, reflecting the administration's growing capacity to conduct structured verification at the grassroots level.
The exercise follows a decision to verify pending cases through Gram Sabhas after approximately 1.66 lakh families requiring income verification were identified. Subsequently, the scope was strengthened to include rural families with annual income below Rs 1.8 lakh, with such cases being placed before the respective Gram Sabhas for determination of the appropriate income range.
Under the system, verification will be carried out in a clearly defined sequence. Gram Sabhas will first establish family structure, followed by confirmation of AAY beneficiaries and verification of families with income below Rs 1.8 lakh. The exercise will also physically verify ‘kachhi chhat’ status, supported by photographs with a family member, while the occupation category of each earning member will be recorded.
The government has simultaneously created a robust supervisory mechanism to maintain the quality of the exercise. CEOs of Zila Parishads, ADCs, Gazetted Officers, CRID officials and Gram Sachivs have been assigned specific responsibilities.
A dedicated training programme is being put in place to ensure smooth implementation. DCRIM officials will receive training through a video conference on August 27, after which they will work as master trainers for field officials in their respective districts. ADCs will supervise the training cascade to ensure that officials are adequately prepared before field-level implementation.
The next phase of the exercise is scheduled to commence shortly, with the Gram Sabha process targeted for completion by September 28 and the first phase of the exercise by October 2, 2026.
The initiative represents a significant step towards data-driven, participatory and transparent governance in rural Haryana. By combining digital records with physical verification and the collective scrutiny of Gram Sabhas, the state is building a stronger mechanism to identify genuine beneficiaries, improve the accuracy of welfare databases and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the families for whom they are intended.
Additional Secretary, Citizen Resources Information Department, Sh. Shashvat Sangwan, and other senior officers were present in the meeting while all Deputy Commissioners and CEOs of Zila Parishads joined via videoconferencing.
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*Haryana Moves to Fill Ex-Agniveer Quota Posts, Seeks Vacancy Count Across Departments*
Chandigarh, August 26: Haryana has begun identifying direct recruitment vacancies for Ex-Agniveers across government departments, boards, and corporations, setting the stage for implementing the horizontal reservation benefit extended to former Agniveers domiciled in the state.
Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has directed all Administrative Secretaries to compile the vacancy positions from the departments, boards, and corporations under their control and submit the information to the government on priority. The exercise follows the state government's instructions dated August 18, 2026, extending the benefit of horizontal reservation to Ex-Agniveers domiciled in Haryana.
According to the communication issued by the Chief Secretary, the government has now decided to ascertain the availability of vacancies under the direct recruitment quota in various departments, boards, and corporations for recruitment of Ex-Agniveers through the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC).The government has sought a post-wise and category-wise breakdown of vacancies, including the names of posts reserved for Ex-Agniveers, the applicable reservation percentage, and the tentative number of vacancies available to them.
Departments have been specifically asked to provide the number of vacancies earmarked for Ex-Agniveers under the UR, OSC, DSC, BC-A, BC-B, and EWS categories. The prescribed proforma also seeks the month-wise Ex-Agniveer recruitment position.
The direction covers all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, as well as Managing Directors, Chief Administrators and Chief Executive Officers of Haryana's boards and corporation.
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Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh on August 26, 2026.
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Daulatabad PHC in Gurugram to be upgraded to CHC- Health Minister
Chandigarh, August 26- Haryana Health Minister Ms. Arti Singh Rao said the State Government is committed to providing better healthcare facilities to citizens closer to their homes. In line with this objective, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has given the go-ahead to the proposal for upgrading the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Daulatabad in Gurugram district to a Community Health Centre (CHC). The decision will enable people in the area to access a wider range of healthcare services locally.
The Health Minister said the upgradation of Daulatabad PHC to a CHC will provide people from surrounding villages with better and more comprehensive healthcare services. Once developed as a CHC, the facility will have greater scope for strengthening bed capacity, diagnostic facilities, emergency healthcare services and specialist medical services.
Ms. Arti Singh Rao said the State Government is continuously taking important decisions to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Haryana. The upgradation of Daulatabad PHC to a CHC is a significant step for the people of the area and will considerably improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the surrounding rural areas.
She said the government is working with full commitment to strengthen healthcare facilities in both rural and urban areas to realise the vision of ‘Swasth Haryana’.
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Experience the Mahabharata at Jyotisar’s Immersive Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra
Modern Technology Brings Mahabharata’s Epic Stories and Teachings to Life at Jyotisar
Chandigarh, August 26: If you wish to not merely read or listen to the story of the Mahabharata, but see it come alive before your eyes through modern technology, the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra at Jyotisar in Kurukshetra is a destination worth visiting. Dedicated to the rich legacy of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, the centre is emerging as one of Haryana’s prominent cultural and tourism attractions.
A government spokesperson said that the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, inaugurated by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, aims to bring the epic narrative of the Mahabharata and the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to people through a blend of traditional storytelling and modern technology. Developed at Jyotisar, the sacred land traditionally associated with Lord Krishna imparting the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, the centre is an important destination for promoting cultural interpretation, experiential learning and heritage tourism.
The spokesperson said that constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,240 crore, the centre is spread over approximately 17 acres and has more than one lakh square feet of indoor space. Advanced technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), UV laser technology, projection mapping, holographic presentations and immersive visual experiences have been used to bring key episodes from the Mahabharata to life.
He said the centre’s immersive galleries present important events, characters and philosophical themes from the Mahabharata in an engaging manner. The combination of traditional storytelling and modern technology gives visitors an opportunity to understand the epic in a comprehensive and experiential way. The galleries have been designed keeping in mind pilgrims, tourists, students, researchers and families.
The spokesperson said that the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra offers a contemporary presentation of India’s ancient cultural heritage. Through the centre, the philosophy of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita is being presented to people through modern mediums, while also contributing to the development of Kurukshetra as a leading destination for spiritual, cultural and heritage tourism.
The Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra is open to the public from 9 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. The centre remains closed to the public on Mondays.
*Government Aims to Connect New Generation with the Legacy of Mahabharata*
Director, Haryana Tourism Department, Sh. Parth Gupta said that the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra seeks to bring the rich legacy of the Mahabharata and the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to people through modern technology and experiential presentation. The centre aims to promote heritage tourism alongside cultural interpretation and experiential learning, while further strengthening Kurukshetra as a prominent destination for spiritual, cultural and heritage tourism.
=================================================
*Gram Sabhas to lead transparent verification of welfare beneficiaries across Haryana*
*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi reviews ambitious field exercise aimed at ensuring that benefits reach eligible beneficiaries*
Chandigarh, August 26: Haryana has launched a major grassroots exercise to make identification of eligible beneficiaries more accurate, transparent and people-centric, with Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi chairing a high-level meeting to review the rollout of the Gram Sabha Module for verification of rural families.
The initiative places the Gram Sabha at the centre of the verification process, bringing government welfare data closer to the ground and giving village communities a direct role in establishing the actual status of families. The exercise is aimed at ensuring that government assistance and welfare benefits are directed to deserving households on the basis of verified field-level information.
Commissioner and Secretary, CRID, Sh. J Ganesan informed that the Gram Sabha Module has been developed to undertake a comprehensive assessment of rural households covering family structure, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries, family income, ‘kachhi chhat’ status and occupation profiles. The integrated approach is expected to provide a more reliable picture of the socio-economic status of families and strengthen the delivery of welfare schemes.
He said the initiative has already shown encouraging results. As many as 1,309 families have been verified through 166 Gram Sabhas across 13 of the state's 23 districts, reflecting the administration's growing capacity to conduct structured verification at the grassroots level.
The exercise follows a decision to verify pending cases through Gram Sabhas after approximately 1.66 lakh families requiring income verification were identified. Subsequently, the scope was strengthened to include rural families with annual income below Rs 1.8 lakh, with such cases being placed before the respective Gram Sabhas for determination of the appropriate income range.
Under the system, verification will be carried out in a clearly defined sequence. Gram Sabhas will first establish family structure, followed by confirmation of AAY beneficiaries and verification of families with income below Rs 1.8 lakh. The exercise will also physically verify ‘kachhi chhat’ status, supported by photographs with a family member, while the occupation category of each earning member will be recorded.
The government has simultaneously created a robust supervisory mechanism to maintain the quality of the exercise. CEOs of Zila Parishads, ADCs, Gazetted Officers, CRID officials and Gram Sachivs have been assigned specific responsibilities.
A dedicated training programme is being put in place to ensure smooth implementation. DCRIM officials will receive training through a video conference on August 27, after which they will work as master trainers for field officials in their respective districts. ADCs will supervise the training cascade to ensure that officials are adequately prepared before field-level implementation.
The next phase of the exercise is scheduled to commence shortly, with the Gram Sabha process targeted for completion by September 28 and the first phase of the exercise by October 2, 2026.
The initiative represents a significant step towards data-driven, participatory and transparent governance in rural Haryana. By combining digital records with physical verification and the collective scrutiny of Gram Sabhas, the state is building a stronger mechanism to identify genuine beneficiaries, improve the accuracy of welfare databases and ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the families for whom they are intended.
Additional Secretary, Citizen Resources Information Department, Sh. Shashvat Sangwan, and other senior officers were present in the meeting while all Deputy Commissioners and CEOs of Zila Parishads joined via videoconferencing.
===========================================
*Haryana Moves to Fill Ex-Agniveer Quota Posts, Seeks Vacancy Count Across Departments*
Chandigarh, August 26: Haryana has begun identifying direct recruitment vacancies for Ex-Agniveers across government departments, boards, and corporations, setting the stage for implementing the horizontal reservation benefit extended to former Agniveers domiciled in the state.
Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has directed all Administrative Secretaries to compile the vacancy positions from the departments, boards, and corporations under their control and submit the information to the government on priority. The exercise follows the state government's instructions dated August 18, 2026, extending the benefit of horizontal reservation to Ex-Agniveers domiciled in Haryana.
According to the communication issued by the Chief Secretary, the government has now decided to ascertain the availability of vacancies under the direct recruitment quota in various departments, boards, and corporations for recruitment of Ex-Agniveers through the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC).The government has sought a post-wise and category-wise breakdown of vacancies, including the names of posts reserved for Ex-Agniveers, the applicable reservation percentage, and the tentative number of vacancies available to them.
Departments have been specifically asked to provide the number of vacancies earmarked for Ex-Agniveers under the UR, OSC, DSC, BC-A, BC-B, and EWS categories. The prescribed proforma also seeks the month-wise Ex-Agniveer recruitment position.
The direction covers all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, as well as Managing Directors, Chief Administrators and Chief Executive Officers of Haryana's boards and corporations.