*Tax Simplification Key Focus in GST Council Meeting; Haryana Extends Full Support: CM Nayab Singh Saini*
Chandigarh, Sept 3 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that several significant decisions were taken during the GST Council meeting. These include the rationalization of the tax structure, reduction in tax rates on essential goods used by the common man, improvement in the classification of tax rates, simplification of the registration process, exemption of life and health insurance including reinsurance from taxation, and the abolition of cess to provide relief to citizens. He added that the Haryana government has extended its full support to all these decisions.
The Chief Minister was talking to reporters after addressing the 56th meeting of the GST Council held in New Delhi today. The meeting was chaired by Union Finance Minister and GST Council Chairperson Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and attended by Finance Ministers of states and Union Territories, along with GST Council members.
In response to a question, the Chief Minister said that GST rates have been rationalized on food items, healthcare and agricultural equipment, fertilizer inputs, renewable energy, textiles, and other commonly used goods. He said that this move will provide significant relief to farmers, entrepreneurs, service providers, and the general public. He said that the reduction in GST on food items will help lower prices, control inflation, and make nutritious food more accessible to the common man. He specifically highlighted the reduction in GST rates on tractors and their parts, stating that this measure will lower input costs for farmers, promote the adoption of modern machinery, and contribute to the modernization of agriculture.
Expressing gratitude to the Central Government and the GST Council, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that it has been proposed to reduce the GST rate on dairy projects such as packaged milk and cheese from 5 percent to zero. Similarly, the rate on ghee, butter, and dry fruits is proposed to be reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent. He added that the complete abolition of GST on common food items will provide a significant boost to Haryana’s desi food businesses. These proposals will not only boost Haryana’s food processing industry but also strengthen the entire value chain from agriculture to the consumer, he added.
The Chief Minister described the GST, implemented in 2017 under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, as the country’s biggest economic reform since independence. He stated that it has made the tax system simpler and more transparent, eliminated trade barriers between states, and realized the vision of ‘One India – One Tax – One Market’.
He highlighted that Haryana’s net SGST collection has risen from Rs 18,910 crore in the financial year 2018-19 to Rs 39,743 crore in 2024-25, reflecting a remarkable increase of 110 percent. Despite having a relatively small population and geographical size, Haryana has emerged as one of the leading tax-collecting states and ranked fifth among the larger states in terms of total gross GST collection for 2024-25.
Shri Nayab Singh Saini further said that the Central Government’s proposal to reduce GST rates on commonly used items is highly commendable. He urged representatives of both the Central and State Governments to ensure that the benefits of these rate reductions effectively reach the end consumers.
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*PMDA's proactive action to ensure quick drainage of rainwater in Panchkula city*
*CEO K. Makarand Pandurang visited the city, reviewed the arrangements on the spot*
Chandigarh, September 3 - Chief Executive Officer of the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA), Mr. K. Makarand Pandurang, today inspected various roads and major roundabouts across Panchkula city. During his visit, he reviewed the arrangements in place to address waterlogging caused by heavy rains. He also assessed ongoing water drainage work at Shaheed Sandeep Sankhla Chowk in Sector-2.
To tackle waterlogging during Wednesday’s continuous rainfall, PMDA teams are actively working to remove garbage and other obstructions from roads and lanes at multiple locations.
The PMDA team ensured immediate drainage of rainwater in the underpass near Gurudwara Kohni Sahib, clearing it completely within just 30 minutes. This swift action provided significant relief to both pedestrians and motorists.
CEO Sh. K. Makarand Pandurang instructed all officers to remain fully alert and prepared to respond to any emergencies. He emphasized the importance of regular cleaning of main stormwater sewer lines to ensure smooth rainwater flow. He stated that PMDA’s objective is to eliminate waterlogging in Panchkula city and provide safe, uninterrupted traffic movement for residents. Working in coordination, PMDA teams play a crucial role in offering timely relief during the monsoon.
Additional CEO of PMDA, Mr. Vinay Kumar, Chief Engineer Mr. Sunil Kundu, Expert (Infra Engineering) Mr. Amar Singh, Executive Engineer, and other officers and staff were also present during the inspection.
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*Gurugram’s development to gain new momentum with metro expansion project: Rao Narbir Singh*
*Foundation stone of metro expansion project to be laid on September 5*
Chandigarh, September 3 – Haryana’s Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said the Gurugram Metro Expansion Project is a historic achievement for the citizens of Gurugram. He said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is committed to giving new direction to development, and this metro project is clear proof of that. He informed that the foundation stone for the project will be laid on September 5 at Sector 44.
Rao Narbir Singh said the metro will not only be a transport system but will serve as a strong foundation for a modern and sustainable urban framework for future generations. It will provide daily convenience to lakhs of commuters, save time, ease traffic congestion, and reduce pollution. He added that the project is also a major step towards environmental protection.
He further said that Gurugram is a hub of national and international IT and industrial companies, where lakhs of people travel every day for work. With the metro expansion, connectivity will improve, opening up new opportunities for trade, investment, and employment. “For the youth and professionals of Gurugram, this facility will make life better and give them more opportunities. The city will emerge not only as the economic hub of Haryana but also of the entire country,” he said.
Rao Narbir Singh stated that due to the Chief Minister’s vision, Gurugram is rapidly moving ahead in the field of infrastructure. Along with metro expansion, special attention is being given to road renovation, traffic management, and expansion of urban facilities. It is being ensured that the benefits of development reach not just the city but also the surrounding areas.
He said that this metro project marks the end of a long wait for the people. “This is not just a construction project but a reflection of the trust, dreams and aspirations of the people. Together, we are realizing this dream, and I am confident that in the coming years, Gurugram’s name will shine even brighter among the list of the country’s most modern cities,” he added.
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*Prime Minister Modi Envisions Strong Legislative Institutions-Harvinder Kalyan*
*Speaker addresses All India Mayor’s Council meeting in Karnal*
Chandigarh, September 3– Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan, said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision is to strengthen the country’s legislative institutions, and for this, public awareness about these institutions is essential. He was addressing the 53rd annual general meeting of the All India Mayor’s Council in Karnal.
On Wednesday, Sh. Harvinder Kalyan attended the second day of the meeting as the chief guest and thanked Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for announcing during the Budget Session that the Haryana Vidhan Sabha would take forward subjects referred by the Lok Sabha, with full cooperation from the state government. He also congratulated Karnal Mayor, Smt. Renu Bala Gupta on being elected National President of the Mayor’s Council.
*Discussion on 74th Amendment and New Projects*
The Speaker shared that during the two-day meeting discussions were held regarding innovative projects, new systems, and effective governance models. Referring to the 74th Constitutional Amendment, he said some states have already started its implementation. He praised Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal, who as Chief Minister, steered Haryana on the path of progress by reforming and strengthening administrative systems. Direct elections of mayors and literate panchayats were among the landmark decisions that showed India the way forward, he added.
*Towards ‘One Nation–One Election*
Sh. Harvinder Kalyan said that we talk about One Nation–One Municipality, which envisions a common platform. States and cities must learn from one another. For example, if Assam adopts good practices, Haryana should know about them, and vice versa. By collaborating and exchanging innovations, we can work effectively in public interest, he added.
The Speaker further underlined that the Prime Minister is advocating ‘One Nation–One Election’ to prevent wastage of resources and avoid disruption of development work due to frequent imposition of the model code of conduct. We already have One Nation–One Tax in the form of GST. The Prime Minister has also called for ‘One Nation–One Legislation’, urging states to work together to strengthen governance, empower society, and lead the country in the right direction, he said.
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*Health Minister requested to open e-Kshatipurti portal*
*Letter written to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini*
Chandigarh September 3: Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao has requested Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini to open e-Kshatipurti portal for uploading details of crop damage caused by heavy rains.
Today, she wrote a letter to the Chief Minister regarding this matter, stating that the state has experienced excessive rainfall this year. Southern Haryana particularly Mahendragarh, Rewari, and Gurugram has received significantly more rainfall than in previous monsoon seasons. As a result, key crops such as cotton and millet have been completely destroyed.
The Health Minister stated that the year-long hard work of many farmers has been rendered nearly futile due to this natural disaster. She also emphasized that the impact of this calamity may extend to the upcoming crops. As a result, our food providers are now facing a severe economic crisis.
She has requested the Chief Minister to open e-Kshatipurti portal for uploading crop damage reports across Haryana, particularly in Southern Haryana, to ensure that affected farmers receive appropriate compensation.
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*Haryana receives the gift of 200 MBBS seats*
*Health Minister Arti Singh Rao express gratitude to Union Minister JP Nadda and CM Nayab Singh Saini*
*Admissions to begin this session at Bhiwani and Koriyavas Medical Colleges*
Chandigarh, Sept 3 – Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao’s persistent efforts have yielded positive results. Within just 13 days of writing her letter, Haryana has received the gift of 200 new MBBS seats. This will now fulfill the long-awaited dream of Haryana’s talented students, who secured merit in the NEET exam, to pursue MBBS studies in their own state.
Arti Singh Rao expressed her gratitude to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for approving admissions to 100 MBBS seats each at Pandit Nekiram Sharma Government Medical College, Bhiwani and Maharshi Chyavan Medical College, Koriyavas (Mahendragarh).
The Health Minister informed that on 19 August 2025, she had written to Union Health Minister Sh Nadda and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, requesting approval for MBBS admissions in these newly established colleges for the current academic session. Prompt action was taken in this matter, and the National Medical Commission has now issued permission for admission to 100 seats in each of the two colleges.
Arti Singh Rao said that with this decision, the aspirations of Haryana’s meritorious youth to study MBBS within their own state will finally be realized. Along with academic opportunities, the opening of these medical colleges will also generate new avenues of employment in the surrounding regions.
She further added that the State Government is committed to providing affordable and accessible healthcare to its people and is determined to establish a medical college in every district of Haryana.
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*CISF creates first-ever All-Women Commando unit*
*Initiative aimed at bringing women in front-line operational roles*
Chandigarh, September 3 - In a significant policy initiative to encourage women empowerment, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is all set to induct its first-ever All-Women Commando Team into the core operations.
A CISF spokesperson said the training of women commandos has already begun at the Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. This 8-week advanced commando course will prepare women personnel for Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Special Task Force (STF) duties at high-security establishments and plants. The programme includes physical fitness and weapons training, live-fire drills under stress, endurance-building exercises like running, obstacle courses, rappelling, survival training in forests, and a 48-hour confidence-building exercise designed to test decision-making and teamwork under adverse conditions.
The first batch of 30 women—currently deployed across various airports—will undergo training from August 11 to October 4, 2025, followed by a second batch from October 6 to November 29, 2025. In its initial phase, at least 100 women from different Aviation Security Groups (ASGs) and sensitive CISF units will complete the programme. The Force is committed to making such all-women courses a regular part of its training calendar. Post training, they shall primarily be deployed at airports followed by other sensitive installations.
The CISF is also increasing women’s recruitment to achieve the Ministry of Home Affairs’ target of 10% representation. At present, CISF has 12,491 women (8% of its strength), and 2,400 more will be recruited in 2026. In the coming years, recruitment will be structured to ensure that women consistently make up at least 10% of the Force.
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*Haryana Government directs T&A, Local Audit Departments to process all bills & approvals through HEWP portal*
Chandigarh, September 3 – The Haryana Government has directed all officers and employees of the Treasury & Accounts Department and the Local Audit Department posted in various Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Committees across the state to discontinue any kind of physical file processing. All bill processing and approval-related work must be carried out only through the Haryana Engineering Works Portal (HEWP).
Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, who also holds the charge of Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, has issued a letter in this regard.
According to the letter, the government has observed that physical exchange of files not only causes delays but also hampers the objective of establishing good governance through modern technology. Keeping this in view, officers and employees of the Treasury & Accounts Department and the Local Audit Department posted in various Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Committees have been instructed to completely stop physical file processing. All bill-related proceedings, approvals, and monitoring of work must now be done only through the HEWP Portal.
The letter also states that these instructions must be strictly followed and any kind of negligence will be taken seriously.
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*Amid heavy rain situation, Ranbir Gangwa chairs Emergency Meeting*
*Directs Officers to ensure timely Water Drainage and clean Drinking Water Supply across the State*
*Minister directs make adequate arrangements for Drinking Water for people Coming from Flood-Affected areas of Punjab*
Chandigarh, September 3- Amid heavy rains causing waterlogging across several districts, Haryana Public Health and Engineering Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday and directed officers to ensure immediate drainage and uninterrupted drinking water supply across the state.
Chairing the disaster management review meeting at the Secretariat, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa stressed that identifying vulnerable spots and preparing a long-term action plan is essential to prevent recurring crises. Our foremost duty is to provide relief and safe drinking water to the people. Officers and staff must work in team spirit to deliver during this challenging time, he said.
In the meeting, circle-wise discussions were held regarding the situation that emerged after continuous rainfall in different parts of Haryana. Officers apprised the Minister about the duration and process of water drainage in waterlogged areas.
The Cabinet Minister directed that affected STPs, WTPs, and tube wells must be restored immediately. In colonies or regions where water supply has been disrupted for the past 3–4 days due to rainfall, quick corrective measures must be taken. If necessary, drinking water must be supplied through tankers.
Sh. Ranbir Gangwa strictly directed that under no circumstances should sewage-mixed water be supplied and rainwater must not be allowed to mix into waterworks. He further directed that proper drainage systems be ensured in densely populated areas of Haryana.
*Aid for Punjab Flood Victims*
Taking note of the floods in neighbouring Punjab, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa directed the officers to make special arrangements for clean water and other necessary items for those entering Haryana from affected areas. Proper drainage in densely populated settlements of the state was also stressed.
*24x7 Duty, Emergency Readiness*
The Minister made it clear that no field officer would be allowed leave and must remain on 24-hour duty. He called for updated machinery at waterworks, backup arrangements for power, and readiness of generators and tractor pumps. Cleaning of drains, sewer lines, and flood-control preparedness must be closely monitored, he said.
Sh. Ranbir Gangwa also directed the officers to maintain close coordination with district administrations, ensure public grievances raised by elected representatives are addressed on priority.
Commissioner and Secretary, Public Health Engineering Department, Mohammed Shayin and officers also attended the meeting, while field engineers from across the state joined virtually.
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*Plants to be set up in 7 sugar mills on PPP mode; bagasse to be converted into pellets for use in thermal power plants*
*Online monitoring of sugar bags to be introduced, each bag to have a unique number: Dr. Arvind Sharma*
*Cooperation Minister holds meeting with Sugar Federation and sugar mill officials*
Chandigarh, September 3 – In order to supply pellets made from bagasse (sugarcane residue) to thermal power plants, plants will be established in seven cooperative sugar mills of Haryana under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Sugar Federation will soon prepare a special action plan for this initiative. Acting on the directions of Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, cooperative sugar mills will also ensure online marking on sugar bags. Each bag will carry a unique serial number, batch number, production details, and date of filling, thereby bringing more transparency into the system.
On Wednesday, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma chaired a review meeting with the Sugar Federation and cooperative sugar mills. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Cooperation) Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Sugar Federation MD Sh. Shakti Singh, and MDs of cooperative sugar mills. Officials presented detailed reports regarding the federation and the functioning of cooperative sugar mills.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dr. Sharma said under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, continuous reforms are being introduced in cooperative sugar mills. He appreciated the crushing of 303.81 lakh quintals of sugarcane during the 2024–25 season and the release of ₹1,210 crore to farmers. For the upcoming 2025–26 season, a target of crushing 343 lakh quintals has been set. So far, 60 percent of maintenance work in the mills has already been completed.
Dr. Sharma informed that cooperative sugar mills in Karnal, Gohana, Sonipat, Jind, Palwal, Meham, and Kaithal will have PPP-mode plants to produce pellets from bagasse, which will be used extensively in thermal power plants. In addition, a cooperative ethanol plant worth ₹150 crore will be established in Panipat sugar mill, with the tender process to begin shortly.
Expressing concern over the declining area under sugarcane cultivation, Dr. Sharma directed MDs of cooperative sugar mills to visit farmers in their respective areas to re-engage growers who had moved away from sugarcane cultivation in the past five years. He also instructed regular training programmes for mill officials and employees. To reduce losses, he emphasized boosting power generation in mills and exploring other revenue-enhancing measures. Going forward, tenders for cooperative sugar mills will be issued jointly under uniform rules.
The Cooperation Minister also instructed senior officials of the department to work closely with the Agriculture Department to resolve labour-related issues faced by cane growers. He said that arrangements should be made to provide harvesting machines on subsidy so that farmers’ difficulties can be addressed effectively.
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*E- Kshatipurti Portal open till September 15, farmers can upload crop loss details*
*Vipul Goel takes review of flood control rooms, relief stock & rescue equipment*
*First Battalion of IRB Bhondsi with 950 personnel notified as State Disaster Response Force*
Chandigarh, September 3 – Haryana’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Sh. Vipul Goel today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the situation arising due to above-normal rainfall and preparations for flood management in the state. The meeting evaluated the preparedness of various departments, district administrations, disaster management units, and other stakeholders.
To provide relief to farmers affected by floods and waterlogging, the government has decided to keep the E-Kshatipurti Portal open till September 15, 2025. Through this portal, farmers can upload details of losses to their Kharif crops and file compensation claims. So far, claims have been filed for crop damage on nearly 4 lakh acres. The Minister instructed officials to complete the verification and payment process at the earliest so that farmers can receive timely financial assistance.
The meeting reviewed the functioning of flood control rooms, availability of relief material and rescue equipment. Strengthening coordination with the Army, NGOs, and volunteers was also emphasized. Haryana has received an allocation of about ₹636 crore this year under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), to be utilized for disaster management and relief works. In addition, all Deputy Commissioners have been provided with reserve funds to ensure prompt emergency response, and the Public Health Engineering Department has been given a special reserve fund to tackle waterlogging issues.
The Minister informed that the first battalion of IRB Bhondsi, comprising 950 personnel, has been designated as the Haryana State Disaster Response Force (HSDRF). This force is ready for immediate relief and rescue operations in disaster-affected areas. It has been deployed in sensitive districts such as Yamunanagar, Ambala, Panchkula, Karnal, Kaithal, Palwal, Faridabad, Kurukshetra, Hisar, Rohtak, and Gurugram. Additionally, 1,149 posts have been sanctioned for HSDRF to strengthen disaster management capacity. For rescue operations in flood-affected areas, 151 boats have been deployed across different parts of the state to help evacuate people to safer locations.
Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Dr. Sumita Misra informed that heavy rains have disrupted normal life in several districts. The department has ensured immediate relief and support to affected people and has taken necessary measures to tackle any emergency. Disaster management teams have been deployed in affected districts to work with local administrations and accelerate relief operations. Rapid surveys are also being conducted to assess losses so that affected families can receive appropriate compensation and assistance.
Sh. Vipul Goel directed all concerned departments to enhance coordination and strengthen disaster preparedness. He emphasized the importance of strong planning and quick response systems to deal with disasters such as floods and waterlogging. He further stressed that all relief measures should be carried out in a time-bound and transparent manner.
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*Gurugram’s development to gain new momentum with metro expansion project: Rao Narbir Singh*
*Foundation stone of metro expansion project to be laid on September 5*
Chandigarh, September 3 – Haryana’s Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh said the Gurugram Metro Expansion Project is a historic achievement for the citizens of Gurugram. He said under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is committed to giving new direction to development, and this metro project is clear proof of that. He informed that the foundation stone for the project will be laid on September 5 at Sector 44.
Rao Narbir Singh said the metro will not only be a transport system but will serve as a strong foundation for a modern and sustainable urban framework for future generations. It will provide daily convenience to lakhs of commuters, save time, ease traffic congestion, and reduce pollution. He added that the project is also a major step towards environmental protection.
He further said that Gurugram is a hub of national and international IT and industrial companies, where lakhs of people travel every day for work. With the metro expansion, connectivity will improve, opening up new opportunities for trade, investment, and employment. “For the youth and professionals of Gurugram, this facility will make life better and give them more opportunities. The city will emerge not only as the economic hub of Haryana but also of the entire country,” he said.
Rao Narbir Singh stated that due to the Chief Minister’s vision, Gurugram is rapidly moving ahead in the field of infrastructure. Along with metro expansion, special attention is being given to road renovation, traffic management, and expansion of urban facilities. It is being ensured that the benefits of development reach not just the city but also the surrounding areas.
He said that this metro project marks the end of a long wait for the people. “This is not just a construction project but a reflection of the trust, dreams and aspirations of the people. Together, we are realizing this dream, and I am confident that in the coming years, Gurugram’s name will shine even brighter among the list of the country’s most modern cities,” he added