*Wide-ranging Scope for Cooperation Between Haryana and Australia in Education, Skills, Innovation and Investment: CM Nayab Singh Saini*

*Australian High Commissioner Philip Green-led delegation meets Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini*

*Focus on partnership with Australia to open new avenues of global skills and employment opportunities for Haryana’s youth*

Chandigarh, September 9: A high-level meeting was held on Wednesday in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini with a delegation led by Australian High Commissioner to India Sh. Philip Green. The meeting discussed in detail ways to enhance cooperation between Haryana and Australia in various areas, including education, higher education, skill development, innovation, agriculture, green energy, sports, tourism, investment, and providing global opportunities to the youth.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that India and Australia share a strong and comprehensive strategic partnership. Trade, education, technology, innovation, skill development and people-to-people contacts between the two countries are continuously growing. In this context, there is significant scope for further strengthening state-level cooperation between Haryana and Australia. He said that ensuring the benefits of the strengthening India-Australia relationship reach Haryana’s youth, students, farmers, entrepreneurs and industries is a priority of the State Government. Cooperation in education, skills, research, innovation and emerging technologies can give fresh impetus to Haryana’s development.

Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Ajay Kumar, Advisor to the Chief Minister in the Department of Foreign Cooperation, Sh. Pawan Choudhary, Joint Director, Department of Foreign Cooperation, Smt. Hina Bindlish, representatives associated with the Australia-India Business Council, and other members of the delegation were present at the meeting. Detailed discussions were also held on promoting trade and investment between Haryana and Australia and further strengthening business-to-business cooperation between the two sides.

*Special Focus on Cooperation in Universities and Innovation*

The meeting placed special emphasis on strengthening collaboration between universities in Haryana and leading Australian universities and research institutions. Possibilities of launching joint research, student and faculty exchange programmes, and joint academic programmes in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, agriculture, engineering, clean energy and public policy were discussed.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana is witnessing rapid expansion in the fields of higher education, technical education and research. By leveraging the expertise of Australian universities and research institutions, innovation, research and industry-academia partnerships in Haryana can be further strengthened. Discussions were also held on the possibilities of Australian cooperation in developing Centres of Excellence, research and innovation hubs, and training centres focused on emerging technologies in Haryana.

*Initiative to Connect Haryana’s Youth with Global Skills*

The meeting also focused on providing international-level skills to Haryana’s youth and connecting them with global employment opportunities. Possibilities of strengthening collaboration between Australian technical and vocational education institutions and Haryana’s ITIs, polytechnics and skill universities were discussed. Both sides emphasised the need for industry-oriented skill training, modern curricula, English-language training, certification and employment-focused training.

The Australian delegation also discussed possibilities of cooperation in training and skill development for Haryana’s youth aligned with employment opportunities in Australia in sectors such as healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, logistics and IT.

*Scope for Technical Cooperation in Agriculture*

The meeting also discussed linking the expertise of Haryana and Australia in the agricultural sector. Potential areas of cooperation highlighted included precision agriculture, water-efficient farming, climate-resilient agriculture, soil health, farm mechanisation, dairy technology, food processing, cold chains and agri-innovation.

*Cooperation in Green Hydrogen and Clean Energy*

Discussions were also held on enhancing cooperation in areas such as green hydrogen, solar energy, battery storage, renewable energy, waste-to-energy and the circular economy. Possibilities of developing new projects in clean energy and future energy needs by combining Haryana’s industrial capabilities with Australia’s technological expertise were explored.

*Discussions on Investment and Advanced Manufacturing*

The meeting also explored possibilities for Australian investment in sectors such as automobiles, advanced manufacturing, agri-tech, technology, logistics and Industry 4.0. The Chief Minister said that Haryana’s strong industrial economy, developed infrastructure, skilled human resources and rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem offer significant opportunities for Australian companies and investors.

The meeting also discussed cooperation in sports science, high-performance training, athlete development and sports management. Possibilities of leveraging Australia’s expertise in various sports, including cricket, hockey, wrestling and boxing, for the benefit of Haryana’s athletes were also explored.

The meeting also discussed promoting tourism and cultural exchanges. Australian High Commissioner Sh. Philip Green invited Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini to visit Australia.

The Chief Minister said that education, skills, innovation, sports and tourism can further strengthen people-to-people connections between the youth and institutions of the two countries.

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

*Haryana tightens monitoring of CM meeting decisions; departments told to give evidence-based action reports*

Chandigarh, September 9: The Haryana Government has put in place a detailed monitoring system for decisions taken at meetings chaired by the Chief Minister, requiring departments to fix responsibility and deadlines for every actionable direction and back claims of compliance with documentary evidence.

Under a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, all departments have been told to avoid vague compliance remarks such as “action is being taken” and instead spell out what has actually been done on each decision.

The directions have been circulated to all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors and chief administrators of boards, corporations and public sector undertakings, deputy commissioners, sub-divisional officers (civil) and registrars of state universities. The order says decisions taken at the Chief Minister's meetings on administrative, developmental, welfare, law and order, infrastructure and other important matters require timely and result-oriented implementation.

Each decision will now have to be converted into a separate action point, clearly answering five questions — what is to be done, who will do it, by when, what outcome is expected and what will constitute proof of completion.

Expressions such as “take necessary action”, “take immediate action” and “look into it” should, as far as possible, be replaced by specific and measurable directions. Where more than one department is involved, the lead department or agency and the role of other departments must also be identified.

The draft Minutes of Meeting (MoM) will have to be prepared within three working days of the conclusion of a meeting. Once approved at the competent level, the minutes will be circulated to the departments and officers concerned.

No oral alteration will be permitted in an approved MoM. Any factual correction or amendment will require a separate corrigendum or amendment with the approval of the competent authority.

Departments will also have to come better prepared for CM meetings. As far as possible, a background or briefing note should be made available at least three working days before the scheduled meeting. It should include the current position, previous decisions and action taken, progress achieved, major bottlenecks, financial or administrative position, approvals required and proposed timelines and targets.

The SOP makes the Action Taken Report (ATR) an evidence-based compliance document rather than a formal report.

The status of each action point must be classified as Completed, In Progress, Overdue, Not Started, or Not Feasible/Issue Requiring Decision.

For completed decisions, departments will have to provide supporting material such as orders, notifications, approvals, progress reports, photographs, portal reports, letters, statistical data or other relevant documents. For partially completed or pending work, they must specify action already taken, work remaining, reasons for delay, current status, revised or proposed completion date and the officer concerned.

*First ATR within one month*

The first ATR will have to be submitted within one month of circulation of the approved MoM, unless a shorter deadline has been prescribed for a particular action point.

For action points not completed within the stipulated period, an updated ATR must be submitted in the first week of every month until the work is completed. Where compliance cannot reasonably be achieved within a month, the department must specify milestone-based timelines in its initial report.

*Repeated delay can reach Chief Secretary*

The SOP also provides an escalation mechanism for missed deadlines. The administrative secretary or head of department will review the reasons if an action point is not implemented within the prescribed period.

Where delay is attributable to another department or agency, it will have to be specifically recorded in the ATR and taken up at the appropriate level. Matters facing persistent delays or requiring policy, financial or administrative decisions can be escalated for a decision at a higher level.

Repeated failure to adhere to prescribed timelines may be brought to the notice of Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi for review.

*CM Meeting Monitoring Portal to track decisions*

The CM Meeting Monitoring Portal will serve as the central monitoring mechanism for decisions and directions issued at meetings chaired by the Chief Minister.

Action points will have to be entered or uploaded on the portal within two working days after approval of the MoM. The portal record will include the department concerned, responsible officer, deadline, target or milestone, current status, ATR, supporting evidence and reasons for delay.

Before marking an action point as “Completed”, the department will have to upload appropriate supporting evidence. The department concerned will be responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of information placed on the portal.

Each department has also been directed to designate a senior and responsible officer as Departmental Nodal Officer to coordinate action points, obtain ATRs from branches and officers, verify their quality and factual accuracy and ensure timely updates on the portal.

Departments have been asked to furnish details of their nodal officers by September 15, 2026.

The SOP has come into force with immediate effect and, as far as possible, will also apply to pending action points arising from earlier meetings chaired by the Chief Minister. The order says unnecessary delay or disregard of the directions will be viewed seriously.

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

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi AND SANT KABIR KUTIR CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh, 09.09.26-Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi on September 9, 2026.

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini redressing the grievances of the people at his residence Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh on September 9, 2026.

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

*Haryana Strengthens Fire Safety Preparedness for High-Rise Buildings*

*Fire and Emergency Services Department to Procure 90-Metre and 104-Metre Aerial Ladder Platforms*

*Pre-NIT Meeting to be Held on September 11*

Chandigarh, September 9 – The Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Haryana is set to procure two 90-metre and two 104-metre Aerial Ladder Platforms (ALPs) to further modernise and strengthen emergency response capabilities in the state.

Ahead of the proposed procurement, the Directorate will hold a Pre-NIT and market consultation meeting to seek inputs from Indian and foreign manufacturers, authorised representatives and other stakeholders on technical specifications, eligibility criteria, warranty, delivery schedule and commercial provisions.

The consultation meeting will be held through video conferencing at 12:30 p.m. on September 11, 2026. Interested stakeholders are required to register by 5:30 p.m. on September 10, 2026. For registration and submission of suggestions, they may contact the Directorate at technical-dfs@hry.gov.in, providing the name of the applicant organisation, representative’s name and designation, email ID and contact number.

The Department clarified that the meeting is being held solely to obtain industry inputs and information for finalising the forthcoming tender document. It does not constitute a tender, Expression of Interest (EoI) or selection process, nor will participation confer any special right or preference upon any stakeholder in the future procurement process.

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

*Seva Sankalp Campaign to Provide a Platform for Youth Innovation by Linking Service with Innovation – Dr Arvind Sharma*

*Special Focus on National Innovation Challenges on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Birthday*

*Dedicated Website to Invite Innovative Ideas from Across Haryana*

*Best Ideas to be Recognised at District and State Levels*

Chandigarh, September 9 – Haryana Cooperation, Jails, Tourism, Heritage and Elections Minister, Dr Arvind Sharma, said that the ‘Seva Sankalp Campaign’, being organised on the occasion of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s birthday will go beyond holding programmes and focus on service, innovation and tangible outcomes. Under the campaign, National Innovation Challenges related to the Industries and Commerce Department will provide a major platform to youth, startups and innovators across Haryana to showcase their talent and ideas.

Dr Arvind Sharma said this while chairing a review meeting in Chandigarh on Wednesday with officers of the Industries and Commerce, MSME and other concerned departments regarding preparations for the ‘Seva Sankalp Campaign’.

He directed officers to prepare a detailed framework for the campaign and launch a dedicated website to invite innovative ideas from youth, startups and innovators from all districts of Haryana. The best innovative idea from each district will be selected and recognised at the district level, while the best and most viable ideas will also be honoured at the state level.

The Cabinet Minister said that promising ideas should not remain confined to competitions or presentations. The government will explore ways to provide necessary support to translate useful and viable ideas into practical solutions.

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has always placed service at the forefront of public life and has consistently encouraged the talent and potential of the country’s youth. By promoting startups, skills, modern technology and self-reliance, youth are being encouraged not merely to seek employment but also to become creators of employment opportunities.

*Youth to Work on Real Challenges Faced by Industries*

Dr. Arvind Sharma directed officers to make the National Innovation Challenges practical and outcome-oriented. Real challenges faced by industries in the state should be identified and presented to youth and startups so that they can develop solutions through modern technology and innovative ideas.

He said that where useful solutions emerge, possibilities for departmental support should be explored to facilitate their implementation. This will provide industries with innovative solutions while creating opportunities for talented youth to grow.

*Link Prime Minister’s Birthday with Service and Nation-Building*

Dr Arvind Sharma said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s birthday should not merely be an occasion for greetings or celebrations, but an opportunity to carry forward his resolve of service and nation-building. Every programme organised under the ‘Seva Sankalp Campaign’ should deliver tangible benefits to society.

He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is continuously working towards realising the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India. The endeavour is to ensure that, along with reaffirming the resolve of service, Haryana’s talented youth receive recognition, a platform and encouragement, and that their best ideas contribute to the state’s development.

Director General, MSME, Sh. Yash Garg, Campaign Co-In-charge, Sh. Sandeep Sheoran, Additional Director, Industries and Commerce Department, Sh. Satish Kumar, HARTRON Project Manager, Sh. Charan Singh Bhandari, Sh. Nitin Bansal from the IT Cell, Private Secretary, Sh. Sunil Lakra; and other concerned officers and representatives were present at the meeting.

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

*Haryana to Strengthen Sports Ecosystem with Digital Portal and Common Calendar*

*Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi Chairs First Meeting of State Sports Administrative Committee*

Chandigarh, September 9: In a major push to further strengthen sporting ecosystem, Haryana is planning to set up a single State Sports Portal, undertake a State-wide mapping of sports infrastructure, prepare a common State Sports Calendar, develop a structured State talent-pathway framework to identify and nurture sporting talent from the grassroots to national and international levels, and enable the wider use of existing sports facilities in schools, colleges, panchayats and urban bodies by recognised athletes and sports clubs.

The decisions were taken at the first meeting of the State Sports Administrative Committee, chaired by Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today. The Committee also decided to examine norms for earmarking adequate sports space in new layouts and colonies in coordination with the Town and Country Planning Department and Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), with the objective of ensuring that sports infrastructure is factored into urban planning from the initial stage itself.

Principal Secretary, Sports, Amneet P Kumar informed that the proposed State Sports Portal will serve as a unified digital platform for Haryana's sports ecosystem, bringing together information on sports infrastructure and assets, tournaments and sports calendars, coaches, equipment, sportspersons and their achievements. Departments, boards and corporations associated with sports infrastructure will nominate nodal officers to ensure that information is updated regularly. A State-wide exercise will also be undertaken to build a comprehensive baseline database of existing sports infrastructure and assets, strengthening planning and monitoring at the State level.

The State will focus on maximising the use of sports infrastructure already available across Haryana. Sports facilities in schools, colleges, panchayats and municipal institutions will be brought under a shared-use mechanism, enabling recognised athletes and sports clubs to access them outside institutional hours.

A comprehensive State-wide mapping of facilities under the Sports Department, Education Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, HSVP, universities and other agencies will help identify infrastructure gaps and support more scientific planning for future development.

Haryana will prepare a consolidated State Sports Calendar covering tournaments, competitions, training camps and other sporting activities organised by different departments and institutions. The common calendar will help prevent scheduling conflicts, improve the utilisation of facilities and resources and enable greater participation by athletes in sporting events across the State.

A major feature of the new framework will be the development of a State talent-pathway framework to systematically identify and nurture promising sportspersons. The pathway will begin with competitions and talent identification at the school and panchayat levels, followed by progression through district and State-level centres, with the objective of preparing talented athletes for national and international competitions.

Director, Sports, Sh. Parth Gupta said the support extended to sportspersons, including coaching, scholarships, awards, equipment, diet and logistical assistance, will be brought under a more coordinated monitoring mechanism through the State Sports Portal. The State will also strengthen safety and compliance across its sports infrastructure. The framework will cover playfields, stadiums, swimming pools, gymnasiums, flood-lighting systems, spectator galleries and sports equipment. Periodic safety inspections, envisaged at least once every six months, will be linked with the State Sports Portal to strengthen compliance monitoring.

The new framework will place special emphasis on ensuring wider and more inclusive sporting opportunities. For women athletes, the focus will include safer sports facilities, greater availability of women coaches and improved residential and transport support. For rural youth, greater utilisation of panchayat-level playfields and rural sporting activities will be encouraged. For para-athletes, major sports facilities will be reviewed for accessibility, with emphasis on barrier-free infrastructure and adapted equipment. A district-wise assessment of infrastructure, coach availability, and participation levels will also help identify underserved districts and blocks that require greater attention.

There will be a two-tier structure for sports governance, comprising the State Sports Administrative Committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, which will provide overall policy direction and strategic oversight, and the State Sports Executive Committee, which will serve as the operational arm for implementation, coordination and effective execution of decisions taken by the Administrative Committee.

Additional Chief Secretary, Development & Panchayats, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, School Education, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, Commissioner & Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

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

*No Nation Can Ever Repay the Debt Owed to Its Soldiers; Haryana Government Committed to Their Welfare: Rao Narbir Singh*

*Says Haryana’s youth have tremendous enthusiasm to join the Armed Forces*

*Recruitment process for January 2027 session of RIMC Dehradun successfully completed in Panchkula*

Chandigarh, September 9: Haryana Minister for Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Sh. Rao Narbir Singh said that no society or nation can ever repay the debt owed to the brave soldiers who defend the motherland. Governments can only make continuous efforts to safeguard their welfare and the interests of their families. He said that Haryana’s youth have tremendous enthusiasm to join the Indian Armed Forces, whether at the other ranks or officer level.

Sh. Rao Narbir Singh said that the recruitment process for the Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), Dehradun, was recently successfully conducted in Panchkula. The examination was held for the session commencing in January 2027.

He said that the Rashtriya Indian Military College was established in 1922, before Independence. Since its inception, the institution has played an important role as a nursery for military leadership. A large number of students trained at the institution have subsequently joined prestigious institutions such as the National Defence Academy (NDA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and Indian Military Academy (IMA).

*58.93 Per Cent Increase in Budget for Welfare of Soldiers*

Rao Narbir Singh said that the Haryana Government established the Department of Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare in 2016. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced in the 2026-27 Budget the establishment of the Haryana Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Corporation for the rehabilitation and livelihood enhancement of soldiers. The process for setting up the corporation is currently underway.

He said that the budget of the Department of Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare has been proposed to be increased by 58.93 per cent to Rs. 178.14 crore. This reflects the government’s commitment towards soldiers and their families.

*Government Jobs Provided to 423 Dependents of Martyrs*

The Minister said that during the tenure of the present government, 423 dependents of martyred soldiers have so far been provided government jobs. In addition, a decision has been taken to increase the one-time gallantry award amount provided to personnel of the Armed Police Forces and Agniveers.

He said that Haryana is the first state in the country to decide to provide reservation to Agniveers in government jobs on the lines of ex-servicemen for their rehabilitation. The Haryana Cabinet has also approved the policy in this regard.

The first batch of Agniveers returned on July 31, 2026, after completing four years of service. The Haryana Government has made provisions for reservation for Agniveers in Haryana Police posts such as SPO, Forest Guard and Fireman. For former Agniveers who wish to establish enterprises for self-employment, interest-free loans of up to Rs. 5 lakh have also been provided.

*Significant Participation of Haryana Youth in Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces*

Rao Narbir Singh said that Haryana has always been a land of brave soldiers. The youth of the State are rendering significant service in the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as in Central Armed Police Forces such as the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal and Assam Rifles.

*Registration of Retired Central Armed Police Force Personnel to Be Undertaken*

The Minister said that the State Government has decided to register retired Central Armed Police Force personnel from Haryana on the website of the Department of Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare. He appealed to all District Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Offices, ex-servicemen organisations, Central Armed Police Force organisations, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local administrative officials to encourage eligible personnel to register and provide them with the necessary guidance.

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

*Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership, We Will Build Viksit Punjab on the Lines of Viksit Bharat once BJP Forms Government in Punjab – Chief Minister*

*Over 500 People from Various Constituencies of Punjab Join BJP*

Chandigarh, September 9 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Punjab’s politics today is passing through a phase where there is a struggle between power, stability and public interest. The youth are in the grip of drugs. Punjab needs a government that is not afraid to take decisions for the development of the state, places public interest above all else and works in the national interest. He said that all this is possible under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. Once the Bharatiya Janata Party forms the government in Punjab, efforts will be made to build a developed Punjab on the lines of the Prime Minister’s resolve of Viksit Bharat, and Haryana’s welfare schemes will also be implemented in Punjab.

The Chief Minister was interacting with people from various constituencies of Punjab at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, in Chandigarh on Wednesday. On the occasion, more than 500 sarpanches, Zila Parishad members and leaders of farmers’ organisations from various constituencies of Punjab joined the BJP. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini welcomed them into the party by presenting them with party scarves.

The Chief Minister said that the BJP has fulfilled 70 out of the 217 Sankalps in its Sankalp Patra for the Haryana Assembly elections within just 18 months. In contrast, the Aam Aadmi Party Government in Punjab has not been able to fulfil even one of its 57 election promises in five years.

He said that over the past 12 years, more than two lakh youth in Haryana have been given government jobs without ‘Parchi’ or ‘Kharchi’, whereas youth in Punjab are being discriminated against in the name of jobs.

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government has launched a comprehensive and stringent campaign to protect youth from the menace of drugs, whereas Punjab’s youth are in the grip of drugs. He said that the Punjab Government has failed to eradicate the drug menace.

He said that due to Haryana’s better sports policy, sportspersons from the state are winning the highest number of medals for the country at the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government is procuring all crops of farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Over the past 12 years, the government has provided Rs. 16,500 crore to farmers as compensation for crop damage.

The Chief Minister said that the country’s culture has been strengthened under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi. The Haryana Government has commemorated occasions associated with Gurus and saints. As part of these efforts, the Parkash Purabs of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji have also been celebrated.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab has been a prosperous state of the country, but Haryana, which was carved out of Punjab nearly 19 years after Independence, has today moved far ahead of Punjab on the path of development.

The Chief Minister said that if a BJP Government comes to power in Punjab, the trust and identity that people once associated with Punjab will be restored. Youth will be steered away from drugs, the migration of industries will be stopped, youth will be encouraged to move forward through startups, and fear among the business community will be eliminated.

Former Punjab MP Sardar Jagmeet Singh Brar, OSD to Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Mahendra Singh Saini; Sardar Didar Singh Bhatti; Sardar Raghubir Singh Chhinda, Jathedar Baba Punjab Singh, Rajendra Kaur; Vishal Gurjar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.