*Haryana targets 100% coverage in Census 2027; 87,450 field personnel estimated for digital population count**

*FCR Dr. Sumita Misra directs Deputy Commissioners to prevent omissions and double counting, ensure strict accountability; 70,000 enumeration blocks planned across the state**

Chandigarh, October 12 – Setting an uncompromising target of 100 per cent population coverage, the Haryana government on Monday directed district administrations to ensure that not a single individual or household is left out of Census 2027, calling for strict accountability, intensive field supervision and timely preparations to prevent omissions, double counting and inaccuracies in the nationwide exercise.

With the first phase of the Census successfully completed across 51,907 house listing blocks, Haryana is now preparing for the second phase of population enumeration, which is expected to involve an estimated 87,450 enumerators and supervisors, including reserve personnel, across approximately 70,000 enumeration blocks.

Financial Commissioner Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, who is also the State Nodal Officer for Census 2027, issued the directions at a one-day conference of Principal Census Officers at Haryana Niwas here today.

Describing Census 2027 as a major national responsibility directly linked to nation-building, development planning and effective governance, Dr. Misra said the credibility of the exercise would depend on accurate enumeration, clearly defined administrative responsibilities and effective district-level supervision.

"The quality of Census data depends significantly on the seriousness, leadership and field supervision at the district level," she said, emphasizing that Deputy Commissioners would play a decisive role in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the exercise. She directed Deputy Commissioners to personally monitor preparations, conduct regular reviews with Charge Officers and identify potential operational difficulties well before population enumeration begins.

Dr. Misra made it clear that Census operations must be treated as a priority assignment rather than an additional departmental responsibility. She called for greater ownership of preparations, clearly defined responsibilities and strict adherence to prescribed timelines.

"There must be no compromise on coverage, accuracy and confidentiality," she said, directing district administrations to prepare special operational plans for difficult-to-reach areas, rapidly expanding residential settlements, high-rise buildings, urban slums and localities with substantial migrant populations.She stressed that technology and available administrative information should be used to identify potential coverage gaps, prevent duplication and strengthen field-level monitoring.

According to the operational roadmap presented at the conference, the second phase will cover an estimated 70,000 enumeration blocks across Haryana's 23 districts, comprising 6,522 villages and 88 towns. The exercise will involve approximately 74,800 enumerators and 12,650 supervisors, including reserve personnel, working across 203 census charges under the supervision of 34 Principal Census Officers.

A major highlight of the forthcoming exercise will be the use of digital technology for population enumeration, with dedicated mobile applications, online self-enumeration and a centralised monitoring system designed to improve efficiency, transparency and data accuracy.Dr. Misra also called for strict scrutiny of requests seeking exemption from Census duties, including those submitted by personnel who had already performed assignments during the first phase.

She emphasised that the selection of competent personnel, timely appointments and comprehensive training would be crucial to the success of the exercise. Training activities have commenced with the conference of Principal Census Officers and will subsequently extend to Charge Officers, Master Trainers, Field Trainers, Enumerators and Supervisors to familiarise them with prescribed procedures, digital applications and operational responsibilities. She directed Charge Officers to maintain regular communication with field personnel and conduct weekly meetings with supervisors to identify operational problems and ensure their timely resolution.

The FCR also placed particular emphasis on the welfare and operational preparedness of Census personnel, directing district administrations to ensure adequate training facilities, security arrangements, logistical assistance and administrative support.

She called for the prompt clearance of pending honorarium payments through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), stressing that personnel engaged in the exercise should not face avoidable difficulties. Under the financial norms presented at the conference, enumerators and supervisors are entitled to a combined honorarium of Rs. 25,000 for the two phases, comprising Rs. 9,000 for houselisting operations and Rs. 16,000 for population enumeration.

Recognising public participation as essential to the success of the exercise, Dr. Misra directed Deputy Commissioners to launch extensive awareness campaigns and promptly counter rumours and misinformation through factual communication. The government plans to use social media, educational institutions, gram panchayats, Resident Welfare Associations, wall writings and traditional public announcements to reach households across urban and rural Haryana.Major public gatherings, including the Gita Jayanti and Surajkund fairs, will also be used to spread awareness about Census 2027 and encourage citizens to participate in self-enumeration.

Dr. Misra stressed that the confidentiality of personal information collected during the Census must be strictly protected in accordance with the Census Act, 1948, and prescribed procedures.She called for effective coordination among the Revenue, Education, Police, Health, Women and Child Development, Urban Local Bodies, Panchayati Raj institutions, Information Technology and Public Relations departments to prevent administrative bottlenecks and ensure uninterrupted field operations.

"The success of Census 2027 will ultimately be reflected in the quality of the data produced," she said, underscoring that effective district-level leadership would determine the credibility of the exercise.

Director of Census Operations, Haryana, Dr. Lalit Jain, briefed officials on the technical and operational preparations and said Census 2027 would be India's first fully digital Census.He explained that enumerators would collect population information through dedicated mobile applications on smartphones, while the Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) would facilitate the monitoring of field operations, administrative progress and coordination among Census functionaries. Under the schedule presented at the conference, citizens will be able to submit their information online through the Self-Enumeration Portal from January 10 to January 24, 2027.

House-to-house population enumeration will begin on January 25 and continue until February 28, followed by a five-day revisional round from March 1 to March 5 to identify omissions, rectify discrepancies and ensure comprehensive coverage. The Census reference date and time have been fixed at 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027. Even households opting for self-enumeration will undergo subsequent verification by enumerators through household visits. Supervisors will verify 20 percent of records, while Charge Officers will be able to flag entries requiring further field verification.

The conference also featured technical sessions covering population enumeration procedures, questionnaires, digital applications, the Self-Enumeration Portal, statutory provisions and arrangements for enumeration in special areas.

Additional Chief Secretary, SEWA Department, Dr G. Anupama; Additional Chief Secretary, Development and Panchayats Department, Vijyendra Kumar; Director, Women and Child Development Department, Dr Priyanka Soni; Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and senior officers of Census Departments were present in the meeting.

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*Robust Arrangements in Place to Ensure Every Grain of Farmers’ Produce Is Procured at MSP: Shyam Singh Rana*

*- Around 17.25 lakh metric tonnes of paddy arrived in mandis across Haryana as of October 11*

*- Procurement agencies purchased 10.78 lakh metric tonnes of paddy*

Chandigarh, October 12: Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the state government is fully committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers and has made robust arrangements to ensure the procurement of every grain of their produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

To ensure that farmers face no inconvenience while selling their produce, the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board has made adequate arrangements for essential facilities, including drinking water, toilets, drainage and help desks at mandis and procurement centres.

Sh. Rana said that, keeping farmers’ interests in mind, paddy procurement for the Kharif Marketing Season 2026–27 commenced on September 29, 2026, instead of the scheduled date of October 1, and will continue until November 15, 2026.

The Government of India has fixed the MSP at ₹2,441 per quintal for common-grade paddy and ₹2,461 per quintal for Grade-A paddy. To ensure smooth procurement, 278 mandis, procurement centres and additional procurement locations have been opened across the state, and all these locations have been geo-fenced. Procurement operations are being carried out by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, HAFED and the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation.

The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister stated that the Government of India has set a paddy procurement target of 58 lakh metric tonnes for Haryana this year. In addition, a target has been set for the delivery of 32.5 lakh metric tonnes of Custom Milled Rice (CMR), with 10 per cent broken rice, to the Food Corporation of India.

He informed that, as of October 11, 2026, around 17.25 lakh metric tonnes of paddy had arrived in mandis across the state, of which procurement agencies had purchased 10.78 lakh metric tonnes. The process of lifting the procured paddy has also commenced, and 4.19 lakh metric tonnes had been lifted so far.

He further stated that 1,458 rice millers had undertaken CMR operations in the state last year, while 1,415 rice millers had registered for CMR operations as of October 10, 2026, for the current season.

Sh. Rana added that, keeping the issue of excess moisture in paddy in view, district administrations had also issued prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, regarding paddy harvesting.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana reiterated that farmers would not be allowed to face any difficulty in selling their crops and that the state government remains committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent procurement process.

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Haryana Government Approves Eight New Sub-Health Centres in Rural Areas of Nuh District*

*Access to and quality of healthcare services will improve significantly: Arti Singh Rao*

Chandigarh, October 12 – In a major step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure and making health services more accessible to the public, the Haryana Government has approved the establishment of eight new sub-health centres in rural areas of Nuh district, Health, Medical Education and Ayush Minister Arti Singh Rao said.

The Health Minister stated that the administrative approval has been granted in line with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s Budget announcement to establish 100 new sub-health centres across the state. The new centres will be set up in the villages of Manaut, Khanpur Ghati, Jharpuri, Salamba, Badli, Gurnawat, Papra and Raipuri in Nuh district.

The Gram Panchayats of all eight selected villages have already passed resolutions and given their consent to provide land free of cost, along with temporary buildings, for the construction and operation of these sub-health centres.

Furthermore, GIS mapping has been used to ensure that all the proposed locations meet the prescribed population criteria and adequately address the healthcare needs of the respective areas.

The Health Minister said that the establishment of these eight sub-health centres would significantly expand the reach of healthcare facilities in rural areas, saving patients from having to travel long distances to access medical treatment.

Arti Singh Rao said that this important initiative reflects the Haryana Government’s commitment to providing high-quality primary healthcare services close to the7 homes of residents living in remote villages of Nuh district. The initiative is expected to bring about a significant improvement in both the accessibility and quality of services.

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

CHANDIGARH, 12.10.26-Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh on October 12, 2026.

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*Haryana powers ahead with industrial investment; IMTs drive growth and job prospects*

*Modern infrastructure, investor-friendly policies and worker amenities give fresh momentum to employment prospects*

Chandigarh, October 12- Haryana’s industrial growth is gaining pace, with rising investor interest, expanding Industrial Model Townships (IMTs), and modern industrial facilities opening new avenues for development and employment. These developments are giving the State’s economy fresh momentum and strengthening prospects for job creation. Industrial areas developed by the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) are evolving into comprehensive industrial ecosystems encompassing industry, trade, logistics and worker amenities.

Commissioner and Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal said that industrial investment in the State is steadily expanding through the special efforts of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. This indicates that Haryana is becoming an important investment destination for Indian and global companies. A high-level delegation from Haryana, led by the Chief Minister, recently visited Singapore to facilitate the establishment of new industries and attract foreign investment. This will create new opportunities for direct employment as well as employment in transportation, storage, supply chains, maintenance, construction, security, catering and other support services.

*Six major IMTs provide a strong foundation for investment*

Dr. Amit Agrawal said that six major IMTs have been developed in Haryana. These include IMT Manesar, spread over approximately 4,000 acres; IMT Rohtak, approximately 3,600 acres; IMT Bawal, approximately 3,300 acres; IMT Kharkhoda, approximately 3,200 acres; IMT Faridabad, approximately 1,800 acres; and IMT Sohna, approximately 1,500 acres.

The Government has provided roads, electricity, water, logistics, industrial plots and other essential facilities in these industrial areas to enable companies to establish industries and provide a better foundation for their operations. The availability of land and infrastructure at a single location in planned industrial areas makes it easier for investors to take their projects forward.

*Major corporate investments shape Haryana’s industrial future*

He said that companies from various sectors are investing in these IMTs in Haryana. Through their projects in these IMTs, Maruti Suzuki is investing Rs. 18,000 crore on 800 acres of land; ATL, Rs. 7,000 crore on 178 acres; Aditya Birla Group, Rs. 1,140 crore on 70 acres; Toyota Boshoku, Rs. 400 crore on 21 acres; Amul, Rs. 300 crore on 10 acres for milk and dairy products; Denso, Rs. 570 crore on 37 acres; Flipkart, Rs. 1,300 crore on 140 acres; Faiveley Transport, Rs. 200 crore on 5 acres; Uflex, Rs. 300 crore on 14 acres; and Uno Minda, Rs. 11,000 crore on 94 acres, giving a new shape to Haryana’s development.

In addition to these major companies, several companies, including Yamaha, Escorts, Whirlpool, Indian Oil, Asian Paints, JCB, Honda, Harley-Davidson, Sun Pharma, Panasonic, Duracell, Benetton, Hero, Goodyear, DLF, Yokohama, Google, Tata, Nestlé, Microsoft, Motorola, Samsung, Osram, Airtel, Su-Kam and Bharat Electronics, are establishing their projects. This demonstrates that investment in Haryana is not confined to a single industry or sector. Industrial activities are developing across various sectors, including automobiles, advanced manufacturing, energy storage, rail transport and food processing.

*Industrial growth opens opportunities across the employment chain*

He said that the impact of any industrial project is not limited to employees working in the factory. Industrial expansion generates demand for skilled technical personnel, engineers, machine operators, quality control specialists, administrative personnel and other workers.

It also creates opportunities for people engaged in freight transportation, warehousing, packaging, industrial maintenance, construction and local supply services. Growing demand for housing, transport, markets, healthcare services and other facilities around industrial areas also gives momentum to local economic activities.

In this way, the benefits of industrial investment extend to small and medium enterprises, local businesses and the service sector, alongside large industries. MSME units, in particular, expand their businesses by becoming part of the supply chains of large companies.

*Investor-ready infrastructure and worker amenities strengthen industrial ecosystems*

Dr. Agrawal said that the Haryana Government’s strategy is not limited to providing industrial land to companies. Emphasis is being placed on developing industrial areas with plug-and-play facilities, clear land titles, pre-approved industrial land use, single-window assistance and better road connectivity. Ready-built factory sheds, warehouses, logistics facilities, employee housing, hospitals, commercial centres, skill development centres, and startup and incubation facilities are also being provided within industrial areas.

These facilities aim to make it easier for companies to establish industries and commence operations. Facilities such as employee housing, hostels and public transport are part of the infrastructure being developed, keeping in view the needs of people working in industrial areas.

Initiatives such as hostels for women employees in all major industrial areas, a network of 10 Matri Shakti crèches in industrial areas, common facility centres, and dormitories and single-room accommodation for workers have also been developed. Such facilities help improve living and working conditions near workplaces.

*From Kharkhoda to Bawal, expansion plans widen Haryana’s industrial footprint*

Dr. Amit Agrawal said that plans are also in place to extend industrial development to new areas in Haryana. Approximately 5,800 acres of additional land have been identified for the expansion of IMT Kharkhoda, approximately 5,000 acres for IMT Kosli, approximately 2,000 acres for the expansion of IMT Bawal and approximately 1,500 acres for the expansion of IMT Sohna.

*Skill development prepares the workforce for new industrial opportunities*

He said that preparing a skilled workforce in accordance with industry requirements is also important for generating employment opportunities through investment. Skill development centres, common facility centres, startup support and incubation facilities are being developed for this purpose. Other measures include a Saksham Fund with an initial corpus of Rs. 500 crore for improving infrastructure in older industrial areas, common facility centres for MSMEs and joint arrangements involving the departments concerned in industrial areas.

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*Haryana Cracks Down on Drug Trafficking*

*71 Drug Cartels Identified, 6,824 Accused Arrested and Properties Worth ₹19.52 Crore Attached in Nine Months*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi Conducts High-Level Review Meeting*

Chandigarh, October 12: The Haryana Government is focusing on strengthening cyber investigations, monitoring the financial activities of drug cartels, curbing the misuse of medicines and chemicals, and expediting prosecution to make the campaign against drug trafficking more effective. Accordingly, the state's strategy is being strengthened in line with the national framework for drug control being prepared for 2026–29.

These initiatives were reviewed at a high-level meeting of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal said that Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah had recently set an ambitious target for the states. He said that, just as terrorism and Naxalism had been eliminated in the country, efforts must be made to eradicate the drug trade as well. This would require a time-bound, multi-pronged strategy.

HSNCB Chairman Sanjay Kumar informed the meeting that 71 drug cartels had been identified in the state and action was underway to dismantle their networks. A specialised unit is being developed to investigate drug trafficking through the dark web and transactions involving cryptocurrency. A cyber expert has also been engaged to strengthen expertise in cyber investigations. He said that, alongside conventional police action, special emphasis was being placed on tracing illicit proceeds from drug trafficking, identifying organised trafficking networks, and strengthening coordination among the police, prosecution and regulatory agencies.

The ADGP informed the meeting that Haryana Police registered 3,809 cases under the NDPS Act and arrested 6,824 accused between January and September 2026. Compared with the corresponding period last year, the number of cases increased by 39.93 per cent and arrests by 26.53 per cent. During January–September 2025, 2,722 cases had been registered and 5,393 accused arrested. Cases involving commercial quantities increased from 346 to 380, while cases involving intermediate quantities rose from 1,887 to 2,844, registering an increase of 50.72 per cent.

Regarding action against properties linked to drug trafficking, he stated that properties worth ₹19.52 crore had been attached in 113 cases between January and September 2026. During the corresponding period last year, properties worth ₹5.92 crore had been attached in 49 cases. Thus, the value of attached properties increased by 229.72 per cent, while the number of property attachment cases rose by 130.61 per cent.

The state has set an annual target of attaching properties worth ₹30 crore, against which properties worth ₹19.52 crore have already been attached. In addition, proposals concerning properties worth ₹15.09 crore are under consideration by the competent authority. From 2007 to September 2026, properties worth a total of ₹86.52 crore had been attached in 318 cases involving 534 affected persons.

HSNCB Chairman Sanjay Kumar further informed the meeting that, from 2022 to September 2026, 176 unauthorised or illegally occupied properties linked to 167 drug traffickers had been demolished. A specialised Financial Investigation Cell has been established at the Bureau's headquarters to strengthen financial investigations in narcotics cases involving commercial quantities. Under this initiative, 139 police personnel have received training through four specialised training courses. The Bureau is conducting financial investigations based on documents related to identified drug cartels to trace the sources of illicit income and their financial networks.

He said that a significant increase had also been recorded in drug seizures. Between January and September 2026, heroin seizures rose from 43.176 kg in the corresponding period last year to 84.695 kg, an increase of 96.16 per cent. Opium seizures increased from 235.550 kg to 430.326 kg, while cocaine seizures rose from 1,004.76 grams to 2,958.757 grams. Similarly, seizures of MD and MDMA increased from 525.036 grams to 1,761.55 grams.

The meeting identified the illegal use and abuse of medicines such as pregabalin, zopiclone and tapentadol for intoxicating purposes as an emerging challenge. Proposals for necessary policy and regulatory measures to prevent their misuse and improve coordination among the concerned departments were also discussed.

Monitoring precursor chemicals that may be used in the manufacture of synthetic drugs has also been made an important part of the strategy. The meeting was informed that details of registered firms had been shared with the Excise and Taxation Department for verification. Police personnel at the frontline are also being sensitised to identify illegally operated synthetic drug manufacturing laboratories. Station House Officers, police post in-charges and patrolling personnel are being made aware of the warning signs of such activities. A list of warning signs issued by the Narcotics Control Bureau has been displayed at police stations and the offices of Superintendents of Police across the state.

The meeting also reviewed prosecution and conviction rates in drug trafficking cases. The conviction rate in NDPS cases stood at 48.81 per cent in 2023, 54.67 per cent in 2024 and 54.68 per cent in 2025. It increased to 58.34 per cent during January–September 2026. During the current year, the conviction rate was 69.89 per cent in cases involving intermediate quantities and 62.09 per cent in cases involving commercial quantities.

A total of 21 fast-track courts have been established in the state. In addition, eight dedicated fast-track or special courts dealing with NDPS cases are operational in Sirsa, Fatehabad, Ambala, Hisar, Kaithal, Karnal, Kurukshetra and Panipat. The state is also considering the establishment of additional fast-track courts in districts facing a heavier burden of drug trafficking cases.

To strengthen prosecution in important cases, 50 NDPS cases have been identified for special monitoring in coordination with the Directorate of Prosecution. In one of these cases, the accused was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment and fined ₹2 lakh.

The meeting also reviewed efforts to arrest absconding accused wanted in drug trafficking cases. It was informed that 29 absconders had been identified. Two Blue Notices and one Red Corner Notice had been issued in connection with them, and the relevant information had been shared with the Narcotics Control Bureau in New Delhi. District administrations have been directed to initiate the process of issuing Look Out Circulars and cancelling passports in appropriate cases, in accordance with the provisions of law.