*Punjab needs a double-engine government today: CM Nayab Singh Saini*
*BJP government will work to build a Viksit Punjab: CM*
Chandigarh, August 22 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Punjab’s politics is passing through a phase where a deep conflict appears to be emerging between power, stability and public interest. Referring to the recent developments, he said political instability in the state is increasing.
He said Punjab today needs a double-engine government that not only makes promises but also has the ability to fulfil them. The state needs leadership that is not afraid to take decisions, puts the interests of the people above everything else and works in the national interest. All this is possible under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi. If the Bharatiya Janata Party forms the government in Punjab, it will work towards building a Viksit Punjab on the lines of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a programme organised for representatives of the Valmiki and Sikh communities of Punjab at his official residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, in Chandigarh on Saturday.
On the occasion, Sh. Randeep Singh Gill, Vice Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Congress SC Wing and National Chairman of All India Akhil Valmiki Dharam Samaj, from the Attari Assembly constituency of Punjab, joined the Punjab BJP along with dozens of workers after leaving the Congress. The Chief Minister welcomed all of them into the party and assured them that they would be given full respect and honour in the party.
The Chief Minister said that the BJP has already fulfilled 70 of the 217 commitments made in its Haryana Assembly election manifesto within just 18 months. He said the government has provided government jobs to youth without parchi and kharchi, while in Punjab, youth are facing discrimination in the name of employment.
Chief Minister Sh. Saini said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed unprecedented progress. Revolutionary changes have taken place in road and rail connectivity, while a record number of new medical colleges, universities, IITs and IIMs have been established.
Highlighting Haryana’s progress, he said medical colleges have already been started in 17 of the state’s 23 districts.
Emphasising the bright future of the youth, the Chief Minister said the Haryana Government has launched a comprehensive campaign to protect young people from the menace of drugs. Strict action is being taken against drug peddlers. While, due to the Punjab Government’s neglect, the youth there are increasingly falling prey to drugs, Haryana has established 2,000 sports nurseries to connect young people with sports, where lakhs of youth practise every day.
He said the results of this sports policy are evident in the achievements of Haryana’s young men and women at the recently held Commonwealth Games. It is a matter of pride that out of the seven gold medals won by India, five were secured by daughters of Haryana, bringing laurels to the country and the state on the global stage.
Haryana Chief Minister’s OSD Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Sh. Raj Kumar Valmiki and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
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*Government agrees to 13 of 14 demands of Safai Karamchari Sangh; legal opinion being sought on regularisation: Krishan Kumar Bedi*
*Office-bearers of Safai Karamchari Sangh to meet Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini soon: Krishan Kumar Bedi*
Chandigarh, August 22 — Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that the state government has agreed to 13 of the 14 demands raised by the Haryana Nagar Palika Karamchari Sangh. Importantly, legal opinion is being sought on the demand for regularisation of employees. Further action on this demand will be taken as soon as the legal opinion is received.
Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi was speaking to journalists after a meeting held at the Gymkhana Club in Kurukshetra on Saturday. Earlier, Sh. Bedi held detailed discussions in a cordial atmosphere with the 10-member committee of the Sangh along with the Haryana Fire Services Employees Union on all their demands and issues. He said that the office-bearers of the union would soon be facilitated to hold discussions with Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Speaking to the media, Sh. Bedi said that Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini had assigned him the responsibility of holding discussions with the union representatives. He said that he had held discussions with the union representatives today and had also met them earlier on August 5.
He said that the union had placed 14 demands before the government, of which the government had agreed to 13. Regarding the demand for regularisation of employees, he said that legal opinion was being sought to ensure compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court and the High Court. After receiving the legal opinion, the government would take further action on the matter with seriousness.
He further said that a meeting between the union representatives and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini would be arranged soon.
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Punjab CM only passing time by cracking jokes: CM Nayab Singh Saini
Haryana CM asks Punjab CM — What happened to the promises made to women and youth?
CM gives message of self-reliance and a drug-free society to the women of Punjab at Teej festival in Ghanaur, Patiala
Chandigarh, August 22: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is merely passing his time by cracking jokes. He asked Bhagwant Mann to explain what happened to the promises made by the Aam Aadmi Party to women and youth during the last elections. The Aam Aadmi Party had promised to provide Rs. 1,000 every month to women, and nearly five years of the government’s tenure have passed, with the next elections now around the corner. Yet, the Punjab Chief Minister is still asking women from the stage whether he should deposit one month’s money, two months’ money or three months’ money into their account. What else can this be if not a joke? Similarly, due to the poor law-and-order situation, industries are migrating from Punjab, creating an employment crisis for the youth, while frustrated and disappointed youngsters are increasingly falling into the trap of drug addiction.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing the women of Punjab at the Teej festival organised in Ghanaur town of Patiala district on Saturday. He gave women a message of women’s empowerment, self-reliance and building a drug-free society. He distributed kothlis and suits among women and felicitated women artists who presented cultural programmes. Former Haryana Minister Sh. Aseem Goel, Teej festival convenor Sh. Vikas Sharma and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that during the last election, the Aam Aadmi Party managed to secure votes by misleading the people of Punjab, but this time the people of Punjab, especially mothers and sisters, are fully aware. This time, women are ready to bring about a change in Punjab and, inspired by the policies of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, they will form a BJP government in Punjab and once again make Punjab a happy and prosperous state. The youth of Punjab have also made up their minds to make a BJP government in the state.
Several schemes implemented for women in Haryana
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that before the elections, the Haryana government had promised women a monthly assistance of Rs. 2,100 and fulfilled this promise immediately after forming the government. The government made a provision of Rs. 5,000 crore for the scheme in its very first budget, and 10 lakh women are now receiving Rs. 2,100 every month. So far, Rs. 2,000 crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of women under the scheme.
Similarly, the government is providing LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 to families with an annual income of up to Rs. 1.80 lakh. To strengthen women running Self-Help Groups, financial assistance of up to Rs. 20 lakh is being provided. Women in Haryana are earning between Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 45 lakh in just four days by participating in Swadeshi Melas. Likewise, pregnant women in Haryana are being provided Rs. 6,000 for nutritious food. The government is also handing over plots, houses and flats to poor families.
CM reiterates resolve to implement Haryana’s schemes in Punjab
He said that all these schemes would also be implemented for the people of Punjab after a BJP government is formed in the state. Like Haryana, all crops of Punjab farmers will also be procured at MSP, while the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana will be implemented for potatoes and other vegetables and fruits.
He said that after the formation of a BJP government in Punjab, those involved in the drug trade would either quit the business or leave Punjab. Like Haryana, jobs in Punjab would also be provided to youth without parchi and kharchi, and the entire network of corruption in recruitment would be eliminated.
He said that there had recently been irregularities in the recruitment of Excise Inspectors in Punjab, while the Punjab and Haryana High Court had even issued a stay notice in connection with recruitment in the Health Department, as influential people were allegedly recommended for jobs, thereby cheating poor youth.
Teej symbolises the shared culture of Haryana and Punjab
Extending Teej greetings and best wishes to women, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the festival is not merely a celebration of the greenery and happiness of the month of Sawan, but also a festival of marital bliss, good fortune, love, devotion and our rich cultural heritage. The festival symbolises the shared culture of Haryana and Punjab, the love between sisters and daughters, and the spirit of the shared soil of the two states — a spirit that is much larger than state boundaries.
“I feel as if I have come to my sisters’ maternal home”
He said that the celebration organised on the land of Ghanaur felt less like a formal programme and more like visiting the maternal home of his sisters. He said that all the colours of Punjab’s culture could be seen here — the colours of chunnis, the fragrance of mehendi, the sweetness of giddha and folk songs, and the enthusiasm of Punjab clearly visible in the swings of Sawan.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that today he had come among his sisters as a brother, carrying kothlis for them. He said that these kothlis contained not only sweets, but also the sweetness of relationships, the fragrance of respect and prayers for the well-being of his sisters.
He said that just as a brother’s presence stands beside his sister at her maternal home, he too would stand with his sisters through every happiness and sorrow.
Wishes for happiness, prosperity and dignity for sisters and daughters
Extending Teej greetings to all mothers, sisters and daughters, the Chief Minister said that just as the Teej swing rises high, may the dreams of the daughters of Ghanaur and Punjab rise even higher; just as the colour of mehendi becomes deeper, may the bond of trust between Punjab and Haryana become deeper; and just as the land turns green during Sawan, may the prosperity of Ghanaur and Punjab become even greener and more flourishing.
He wished that on the auspicious occasion of Teej, every sister and daughter’s life be filled with happiness, dignity, self-reliance and prosperity.
The Chief Minister called upon everyone to take a pledge on the auspicious occasion of Teej, saying that the swings of Teej should not be confined to courtyards alone, but should also soar with the dreams of daughters, the aspirations of women, the hopes of youth, the hard work of farmers and the prosperity of the fields.
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*Haryana to Fast-Track 8 MCH Wings, Convert SNCUs into MNCUs by November 1; Major Push for Mother-Newborn Care*
Chandigarh, August 22 - Haryana is set to give a major push to maternal, newborn and child healthcare, with Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra directing officials to fast-track the construction of eight Mother and Child Health (MCH) wings and work towards converting all Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs) into Mother-Newborn Care Units (MNCUs) by November 1.
Dr. Misra gave these directions while chairing the 12th meeting of the Executive Committee of the State Health Society, NHM, held here today. She called for a stronger, outcome-oriented healthcare system, with special focus on ensuring that mothers and newborns remain together during care, strengthening women-centric health services, empowering frontline health workers, expanding referral facilities and intensifying the monitoring and tracking of pregnancies.
*SNCUs to become MNCUs, bringing mother and baby care together*
A key focus of the meeting was the proposed conversion of SNCUs into MNCUs. The new model will bring maternal and newborn care under one integrated system, allowing mothers to remain closely connected with their newborns during specialised treatment. Haryana currently has 29 SNCUs, 62 Newborn Stabilisation Units and 527 Newborn Care Corners.
Dr. Misra directed that the planned conversion be completed by November 1, strengthening a care model in which the health and recovery of both the mother and child are addressed together.
*Eight MCH wings to strengthen dedicated mother-child infrastructure*
Dr. Misra directed officials to expedite construction of eight Maternal and Child Health (MCH) wings, which will expand dedicated infrastructure for women and children and enhance the capacity of government hospitals to provide integrated maternal and child healthcare.
The meeting also reviewed the strengthening of First Referral Units (FRUs) so that pregnant women requiring specialised or emergency care can be referred and treated without unnecessary delay.
Haryana has increased the number of designated FRUs to 100, from 40 earlier. The state has also recorded improvement in key maternal and child health indicators, with the maternal mortality ratio declining from 127 to 94 and the neonatal mortality rate from 26 to 17. Dr. Misra stated that 38 specialist doctors have been recruited, covering key specialties including paediatrics, gynaecology, medicine, and anaesthesia.
*Mahila Clinics to be made more effective*
The performance of Mahila Clinics was also reviewed, with Dr. Misra directing officials to improve their functioning and service delivery.
The focus is to make these women-focused facilities more responsive and accessible, enabling women to receive essential healthcare services closer to their homes. The department will work towards strengthening the continuum of women's healthcare covering pregnancy, reproductive health, maternal care and postnatal support.
*Creches in all district hospitals*
Dr. Misra directed that creches will be established in all district hospitals. She stated that the move is aimed at creating a more women-friendly environment in government hospitals, particularly for women employees and visitors who may need childcare support while working or accessing healthcare services.
*Medical Personnel to get stronger ground-level training & Continuing Medical Education (CME)*
Dr. Misra directed officials to introduce special training measures for ASHA workers at the grassroots level, with the effectiveness of such interventions to be assessed through measurable field-level outcomes.
The emphasis will be on strengthening ASHAs as the frontline link between pregnant women, families and the healthcare system, particularly for identification of high-risk pregnancies, timely referral and follow-up care.
She also directed that yearly calendar for need based & skill upgradation based Continuing Medical Education (CME) for all categories doctors, nurses, radiographer and other para-medical staff
*FCM use to be strengthened for pregnant women*
The meeting also reviewed measures to increase the availability and appropriate use of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) for eligible pregnant women suffering from iron-deficiency anaemia.
The focus on strengthening FCM availability and utilisation is aimed at improving anaemia management during pregnancy and supporting better maternal health outcomes.
*Stronger reverse tracking and PNDT enforcement*
Dr. Misra further directed officials to intensify reverse tracking of pregnancies and strengthen enforcement under the PC-PNDT Act, including increased monitoring and raids.
The objective is to make field-level surveillance more effective and ensure strict compliance with the law, while strengthening mechanisms for tracking pregnancies and identifying irregularities.
Haryana has already achieved 99.1 per cent institutional deliveries during April-July 2026. The latest directions seek to build on these gains by strengthening infrastructure and frontline services and by placing the health, safety and dignity of women, mothers and children at the centre of the state's healthcare delivery sy stem.
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*Haryana to Showcase Investment Potential at Happening Haryana 2.0 Outreach Programme in Mumbai*
*CM Nayab Singh Saini to Meet Business Leaders, Investors in Mumbai on August 23-24*
*Haryana Committed to Creating a Strong Ecosystem for Innovation and Investment: CM*
Chandigarh, August 22 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will lead a high-level investment outreach programme in Mumbai on August 23-24. The programme will lay the foundation for the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit scheduled for April 2027. The Chief Minister will be accompanied by Haryana Industry & Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Commissioner and Secretary, Industry and Commerce, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, and other senior officials.
The visit aims to attract global and domestic capital, promote advanced industrialisation and strengthen Haryana’s contribution to the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
On August 23, the Chief Minister will attend a Diaspora Interaction and Dinner. The programme will feature a traditional Haryana cultural presentation, an audio-visual presentation highlighting Haryana’s journey from 'Heritage to a Harmonious Haryana', and interaction with Pravasi representatives and industry leaders.
On August 24, the Chief Minister will participate in an Investors Meet, attend a breakfast roundtable with private equity and venture capital representatives and hold one-on-one meetings with the top Industry Leaders. The plenary session will showcase Haryana’s investment propositions, government policies and the upcoming Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit 2.0. Business leaders will also share their views, followed by an MoU exchange and a keynote address by the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister will thereafter hold one-to-one meetings with business leaders. These interactions will provide an opportunity to discuss investment opportunities and Haryana’s industry-friendly ecosystem.
The Haryana delegation will highlight investment opportunities in electric vehicles and mobility, semiconductors, data centres, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and green energy. Haryana’s strategic location around the national capital, with 57% of its area falling in the NCR, along with strong road, rail, aviation and logistics connectivity, gives it a major advantage for industry and investment.
The state will also showcase its investor-friendly governance, including a digitised single-window clearance system and progressive sectoral policies aimed at ensuring faster approvals and smooth project execution.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana is entering a new era of industrial and technological expansion, backed by 11 newly launched sectoral policies. He said the state has already received initial investment intentions worth over ₹1.10 lakh crore and that the Mumbai outreach will focus on building long-term institutional partnerships, accelerating projects, promoting innovation and creating quality employment.
The Mumbai programme will seek to convert investor interest into concrete investment commitments, strategic partnerships and large-scale industrial projects ahead of the Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit 2027.
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*Haryana Government Accepts Most Demands of Sanitation Workers, Fire Employees in Principle*
Chandigarh, August 22: The Haryana Government has expressed sympathy and consideration towards the demands of sanitation workers and fire service employees and has given in-principle approval to most of their demands.
In this regard, the Municipal Employees’ Union, Haryana, and the Fire Employees’ Union have been informed that the government has agreed in principle to their demands, which mainly include:
Uniform allowance: ₹440 per month, to be paid along with salary.
Equal pay for equal work and arrears: Payment has already been made to eligible employees.
LTC benefit: The benefit is being provided.
Minimum wages: In-principle approval to pay minimum wages as determined under the Minimum Wages Act.
Employees’ State Insurance (ESI): In-principle approval to extend the benefit to eligible employees.
Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF): In-principle approval to extend the benefit to eligible employees.
Risk allowance: In-principle approval to provide ₹2,000 per month risk allowance to sanitation workers.
Compassionate assistance: In-principle approval to increase the amount from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
Accident insurance: In-principle approval for ₹50 lakh in case of death and ₹25 lakh in case of permanent disability.
PM-JAY: In-principle approval to include eligible employees working on municipal rolls and their daily-wage workers under the scheme.
Leave: In-principle approval for 20 days of earned leave and 20 days of casual leave.
Promotion: In-principle approval for providing a provision for promotion of sanitation workers and sewer-men to clerical (Group-C) posts.
The main issue under discussion is the regularisation of sanitation workers and fire service employees working on municipal rolls. The government is seeking legal opinion on the matter.
The government is prepared to bring these employees under the ambit of the Haryana Contractual Employees (Service Security) Act, 2024, so that they can receive benefits at par with regular employees. The government is also prepared to ensure job security up to the age of 60 years for these employees.
Going a step further, the government is also considering providing an additional 15 per cent amount over and above the minimum salary applicable to these employees. At present, sanitation workers working on municipal rolls receive ₹19,000 per month, which the government has considered increasing to ₹21,000 per month.
Under the Haryana Contractual Employees (Service Security) Act, 2024, the government has also agreed in principle to extend several other benefits to these employees, including annual salary increments, death-cum-retirement gratuity, maternity leave, and ex-gratia financial assistance and ex-gratia appointment under H.K.R.N., among other benefits, broadly equivalent to those available to regular employees.
Thus, the government has, in principle, accepted almost all the demands raised by the sanitation and fire service employees’ unions.
However, due to the continued insistence of sanitation workers, not only is the sanitation system being affected, but the general public is also facing inconvenience.
Government employees going on strike does not mean that they can prevent other employees who are willing to perform sanitation duties from doing so. Such action is unlawful. In such a situation, apart from taking action against employees who violate the law, the government has no other option.
Therefore, if any employee takes the law into their own hands, legal action will be taken against them strictly in accordance with the rules.