*Grand Opening of the 6th State-Level Khel Mahakumbh in Haryana*
*CM inaugurates event at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula; over 15,000 athletes to compete across 26 disciplines*
Chandigarh, August 2 - Haryana witnessed a vibrant celebration of athleticism and youth energy today as Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini formally inaugurated the 6th State-Level Khel Mahakumbh at Panchkula’s Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Saturday. The large-scale sporting event will see participation from 15,410 athletes competing across 26 sports.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the Khel Mahakumbh is not just a sporting event; it is a powerful platform that nurtures young dreams and propels them toward national and global recognition. This initiative gives emerging athletes state-level exposure and prepares them for future national and international competitions, he said.
Notably, launched during Haryana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2017, the Khel Mahakumbh has since become a flagship initiative, with five successful editions already held.
Preparing for Olympic Glory in 2036
Highlighting Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of hosting the 2036 Olympic Games in India and establishing the country as a sporting superpower, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini affirmed that Haryana is taking proactive steps in that direction. We have already begun preparations at scale. I am confident that Haryana will contribute the maximum number of medals to the national tally in 2036, he added.
He also underscored the state’s ambition of transforming every village into a cradle of sporting excellence, where at least one athlete emerges to represent the nation on the global stage. Our long-term vision isn’t just to make Haryana India’s sports capital, but the world’s, he said.
Round-the-Year Competitions and Sports Calendar
The Chief Minister said that apart from the Khel Mahakumbh, Haryana has rolled out an annual sports calendar packed with competitions such as traditional Akhada Dangal, boxing, volleyball, athletics, badminton, swimming, basketball, taekwondo, gymnastics, and handball, among others. Ten years ago, we envisioned connecting every child to sports, building playgrounds in every village, and providing youth with real opportunities. Today, that vision is becoming a reality, remarked Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Haryana: The Nursery of Indian Sports
The Chief Minister said that because of its robust sports policy and grassroots development efforts, Haryana has earned a reputation as the "nursery of Indian sports." From the Olympics to the Asian and Commonwealth Games, the state's athletes have consistently made the nation proud, he said.
The Chief Minister further shared that in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, 4 of India’s 7 medals were won by athletes from Haryana. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, 5 out of the 6 medals won by India went to Haryana players. In the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, 82 athletes from the state participated, securing 28 of India’s 111 medals. Similarly, at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Haryana’s athletes brought home 20 medals. These achievements are the outcome of our visionary sports policies, said the Chief Minister.
Strong Support for Budding Talent
The Chief Minister emphasized that the Khel Mahakumbh serves as a launchpad for young talent aspiring to build a future in sports. To foster this ambition from an early age, the state has set up 1,489 sports nurseries where 37,225 children currently receive training, financial support, and mentorship. Children aged 8–14 receive Rs. 1,500 per month, while those aged 15–19 are given Rs. 2,000 per month to support their training.
The Chief Minister said that to ensure career security for top-performing athletes, the state implemented the Haryana Outstanding Player Service Rules, 2021, creating 550 new posts in the Sports Department. So far, 224 athletes have been offered government jobs, with reservations extended from Class I to Class IV positions, he shared.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is also recognized for offering the highest cash rewards to medal-winning athletes in India. The government has disbursed Rs. 593 crore in cash prizes to date. In addition, 298 athletes receive honorariums, and over 29,000 students have received scholarships worth Rs. 53.45 crore since 2014. Through the Haryana Provision of Sports Equipment Scheme, 15,634 athletes have been provided with modern sports gear, he said.
Investing in Infrastructure and Fitness
The state has significantly strengthened its sports infrastructure, aiming to offer athletes world-class facilities. The Khel Mahakumbh is also a vehicle to promote physical fitness and health awareness among the youth. This Mahakumbh marks the beginning of a new era in Haryana’s sporting journey. It will inspire our youth, fuel their aspirations, and elevate Haryana’s status on the global sporting map, the Chief Minister said, while also honoring several outstanding athletes during the event.
Haryana emerging as a sporting powerhouse, Khel Mahakumbh giving youth new energy and recognition, Minister of State Gaurav Gautam
Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that more than 15,000 athletes from across Haryana will participate in 26 sporting disciplines in this Khel Mahakumbh, an event that surpasses even national-level competitions like ‘Khelo India’ in terms of participation.
He lauded Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for taking sports to villages and districts through visionary leadership, helping nurture raw talent at the grassroots. He highlighted that the state government has set up sports nurseries in villages to groom rural talent, while the central government is polishing athletes through initiatives like Khelo India by providing international-level facilities. Simultaneously, the Haryana government is preparing players for the Olympics through the ‘Mission Olympic Vijay Bhav:’ so that Haryana can win a record number of medals in 2036. Keeping the 2036 Olympics in focus, athletes in the state are being given access to sports science support and world-class coaching.
Haryana has become the leading state in sports today. Despite having only 2 percent of India’s population, Haryana’s athletes have won more than 60 percent of the medals, he said.
The Chief Minister further said that Haryana is rapidly gaining global recognition in sports. He further added that under the Outstanding Sportsperson scheme, the state government is offering government jobs to athletes who win medals at national and international levels.
Comparing previous governments, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that while the Congress government spent only Rs. 33 crore on sports during its tenure, from 2014 to 2024, the present government has invested Rs. 600 crore in athletes and sports development. He credited Haryana’s players’ dedication and the state’s progressive sports policy for putting the state and the country on the world map.
MP Sh. Kartik Sharma, MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Panchkula Mayor Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Principal Secretary, Sports Department Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director, Sports Sh. Sanjeev Verma, players Babita Phogat and Deepak Hooda, and other dignitaries also remained present on this occasion.
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Public service must be the top priority for every employee, says CM
Haryana has become a hub of growth and innovation, achieving new milestones across sectors-CM
Unlike the Opposition that treated jobs as a bargain, our government ensures merit-based employment for youth, says Nayab Singh Saini
Our goal is to build a strong, inclusive and self-reliant Haryana, CM
Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that government employees are the backbone of the state’s administrative machinery and play a pivotal role in driving development.
Addressing newly recruited Group-D employees at a state-level ‘sammelan’ held in Panchkula on Saturday, he urged them to work with the spirit of “public interest above all” and to function as a team to build a strong, inclusive and self-reliant Haryana.
Extending best wishes to all the newly recruited employees, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that a government job is not just employment but an opportunity to serve the motherland that has given us everything and the society that has shaped our identity. Government employees are the most crucial link between the people and the administration, he said.
Highlighting Haryana’s progress, the Chief Minister said the state has emerged as a frontrunner in the country, achieving new milestones in agriculture, industry, education, healthcare, sports, women empowerment and digital governance. This success does not belong to policymakers alone, it is equally the result of the dedication and integrity of hardworking officers and employees who discharge their duties tirelessly. Employees must continue to uphold the values of service, integrity, transparency and efficiency, he added.
The Chief Minister said that under the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 11 years, India has witnessed transformative changes across sectors. In 2014, India ranked 14th in terms of economic strength, but today, after years of steady progress, it has become the world’s fourth-largest economy, he said.
Taking a dig at the Opposition, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini recalled that during the Assembly elections, a leader from the Opposition had promised jobs in exchange for votes. Bids were being placed on jobs. Our government has taken a firm stand against such practices and has ensured that recruitments are done strictly on the basis of merit, he asserted.
The Chief Minister said that today, children from economically weaker families are also securing government jobs and realising their dreams. Earlier, during the tenure of previous governments, the youth were deprived of the desired results of their hard work. But now, jobs are being given purely on the basis of merit, he remarked, he said.
The Chief Minister said that since 2014, the state government has been working with the mantra of ‘Public service is the ultimate duty’. He reiterated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, a policy that is no longer confined to paper but is visible on the ground.
He assured employees that the government remains committed to their training, skill development, and welfare, while simultaneously promoting a better work culture, modern infrastructure and digital processes at every level. In the third term of our government, 30,000 government jobs have been given. For Group C and D posts, the process of interviews has ended, and recruitment is now done only through written examinations. In addition, through 2,083 Rozgar Melas, 1,06,283 youth have been provided with an employment opportunities in the private sector, he said.
The Chief Minister further said that on the lines of the Central Government’s Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), Haryana employees would be given the same benefit from August 1, 2025. A notification in this regard was issued on July 2, and around two lakh state employees will benefit from the scheme.
Referring to the recently held Common Eligibility Test (CET) for Group C posts on July 26 and 27, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini appreciated the support of officers, employees, the Roadways Department, private schools and various NGOs in ensuring that candidates could reach examination centres without any inconvenience.
In Haryana, government jobs are now earned through merit only, says Gaurav Gautam
Minister of State for Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that the Chief Minister had fulfilled his promise of providing 24,000 jobs transparently. With the Chief Minister’s guidance, I have been given the opportunity to serve as a representative of the youth, and I am committed to performing this role with utmost dedication, he said.
He added that Haryana now leads the country in transparency and integrity. Before 2014, young people had no hope for justice. They were forced to run after politicians and middlemen for jobs. Today, the same youth are working hard in coaching centres, sports grounds and libraries. This transformation is a result of the Chief Minister’s visionary leadership, said Sh. Gaurav Gautam..
He emphasised that in Haryana, government jobs are now given on merit basis only. 'Bina Parchi Kharchi naukari', is not merely a slogan but a strong foundation that will establish the state as a model of honesty and transparency in the coming years, said the Minister.
Extending his best wishes to the newly appointed employees, Sh. Gaurav Gautam urged them to discharge their duties with full dedication and sincerity.
MLA Shakti Rani Sharma, former Assembly Speaker, Sh. Gian Chand Gupta, Panchkula Mayor, Sh. Kulbhushan Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department Dr. Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Human Resources Department, Sh. C.G. Rajinikanthan, Director, Human Resources Department, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, along with several other dignitaries also attended the programme.
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Prime Minister releases 20th Installment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
Rs. 353 crore Transferred to accounts of 16.77 lakh Farmers in Haryana
Chief Minister attends State-Level PM-Kisan Utsav in Panchkula as Chief Guest
This installment is more than financial aid, it reflects the trust placed in farmers, says Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh, August 2 – Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi today released the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, transferring Rs. 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers across the country. Out of this, Rs. 353 crore has been credited to the accounts of 16.77 lakh farmers in Haryana.
To mark this occasion, a state-level PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas programme was organized in Panchkula, where Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini participated as the chief guest. Similar celebrations were held in other districts, where Cabinet and Ministers of State were present. Farmers across Haryana also listened to the Prime Minister’s address live.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the release of the 20th installment is not just financial support but a testimony of the trust that the Prime Minister has placed in the farmers of the country. It reiterates his commitment to the welfare of the ‘Annadata’ and further strengthens the vision of making farmers prosperous and empowered, a key pillar of a developed India. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the farmers of Haryana for this support.
It may be recalled that the scheme launched by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has infused new confidence and energy among farmers. Under this scheme, small and medium farmers receive Rs. 6,000 in three installments as direct income support. The transparency and commitment of this initiative have become a hallmark of New India.
Haryana Government has implemented the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme effectively. Alongside, the state has taken significant steps in increasing farmers’ income, adopting technological innovations, and promoting water conservation. The government is ensuring that every eligible farmer receives the benefits of these schemes without exception.
Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has identified four key pillars for realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047 i.e farmers, poor, women, and youth. The prosperity of farmers is fundamental to achieving this goal. The Haryana government, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision, is consistently working to enhance farmers’ welfare and make agriculture profitable while efficiently implementing central government schemes. These initiatives reflect the commitment of the “double-engine” government.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, Haryana is advancing rapidly towards the goal of “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Haryana.” By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, farmers will be self-reliant, environmentally conscious, digitally connected to global markets, and producers of high-quality branded products, he said.
Minister of State for Sports Sh. Gaurav Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director, Agriculture Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik, former Vidhansabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta and other dignitaries were present.
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Chief Minister releases Punjabi Translation of the ‘Balkand’ of Ramayana
Depicts the Childhood Leelas of Lord Rama
Translation completed under the Guidance of Saptasindhu Valmiki Study Centre and Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy
Chandigarh, 2 August – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, on Saturday released the Punjabi translation of the ‘Balkand’ from the Ramayana composed by Maharishi Valmiki. This ‘Balkand’ beautifully narrates the childhood ‘leelas’ of Lord Rama.
The Chief Minister thanked the Saptasindhu Valmiki Study Centre and the Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy for their contribution in accomplishing this significant task. He said that their efforts have gifted society an invaluable cultural treasure, making this day both spiritually enriching and historically important.
The Chief Minister also recalled that on August 5, 2020, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi took part in the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the Shri Ram Lalla Mandir. Crores of Lord Rama devotees across the world felt proud and honoured on that day. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had described the temple as a modern symbol of India’s culture, inspiring faith, devotion, and determination for generations to come.
He emphasised that translating the ‘Balkand’ of the Ramayana into Punjabi will strengthen cultural harmony and have a lasting positive impact. It will serve as a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented copies of the translated ‘Balkand’ to all attendees.
OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Executive Vice President, Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, saints, and other dignitaries also attended the event.
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Prime Minister releases 20th Installment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
Rs. 353 crore Transferred to accounts of 16.77 lakh Farmers in Haryana
Chief Minister attends State-Level PM-Kisan Utsav in Panchkula as Chief Guest
This installment is more than financial aid, it reflects the trust placed in farmers, says Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh, August 2 – Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi today released the 20th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, transferring Rs. 20,500 crore to the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers across the country. Out of this, Rs. 353 crore has been credited to the accounts of 16.77 lakh farmers in Haryana.
To mark this occasion, a state-level PM-Kisan Utsav Diwas programme was organized in Panchkula, where Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini participated as the chief guest. Similar celebrations were held in other districts, where Cabinet and Ministers of State were present. Farmers across Haryana also listened to the Prime Minister’s address live.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the release of the 20th installment is not just financial support but a testimony of the trust that the Prime Minister has placed in the farmers of the country. It reiterates his commitment to the welfare of the ‘Annadata’ and further strengthens the vision of making farmers prosperous and empowered, a key pillar of a developed India. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the farmers of Haryana for this support.
It may be recalled that the scheme launched by the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has infused new confidence and energy among farmers. Under this scheme, small and medium farmers receive Rs. 6,000 in three installments as direct income support. The transparency and commitment of this initiative have become a hallmark of New India.
Haryana Government has implemented the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme effectively. Alongside, the state has taken significant steps in increasing farmers’ income, adopting technological innovations, and promoting water conservation. The government is ensuring that every eligible farmer receives the benefits of these schemes without exception.
Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has identified four key pillars for realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047 i.e farmers, poor, women, and youth. The prosperity of farmers is fundamental to achieving this goal. The Haryana government, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision, is consistently working to enhance farmers’ welfare and make agriculture profitable while efficiently implementing central government schemes. These initiatives reflect the commitment of the “double-engine” government.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, Haryana is advancing rapidly towards the goal of “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Haryana.” By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, farmers will be self-reliant, environmentally conscious, digitally connected to global markets, and producers of high-quality branded products, he said.
Minister of State for Sports Sh. Gaurav Gautam, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar, Director, Agriculture Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik, former Vidhansabha Speaker Sh. Gian Chand Gupta and other dignitaries were present.
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Chief Minister releases Punjabi Translation of the ‘Balkand’ of Ramayana
Depicts the Childhood Leelas of Lord Rama
Translation completed under the Guidance of Saptasindhu Valmiki Study Centre and Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy
Chandigarh, 2 August – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, on Saturday released the Punjabi translation of the ‘Balkand’ from the Ramayana composed by Maharishi Valmiki. This ‘Balkand’ beautifully narrates the childhood ‘leelas’ of Lord Rama.
The Chief Minister thanked the Saptasindhu Valmiki Study Centre and the Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy for their contribution in accomplishing this significant task. He said that their efforts have gifted society an invaluable cultural treasure, making this day both spiritually enriching and historically important.
The Chief Minister also recalled that on August 5, 2020, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi took part in the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the Shri Ram Lalla Mandir. Crores of Lord Rama devotees across the world felt proud and honoured on that day. The Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had described the temple as a modern symbol of India’s culture, inspiring faith, devotion, and determination for generations to come.
He emphasised that translating the ‘Balkand’ of the Ramayana into Punjabi will strengthen cultural harmony and have a lasting positive impact. It will serve as a source of inspiration for people from all walks of life. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented copies of the translated ‘Balkand’ to all attendees.
OSD to Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Executive Vice President, Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy Dr. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, saints, and other dignitaries also attended the event.
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No employee working under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam will be removed from service-Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that no employee working under the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam will be removed from service. The welfare of employees remains a top priority for the government, which has undertaken several measures to safeguard their future. Recently, the CET examination was successfully conducted, through which eligible youth will be provided permanent jobs in various government departments.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while speaking to mediapersons after a programme held in Panchkula today.
He said that the resolution of the state government is Non-stop efforts – non-stop development. He said that the state is moving rapidly in this direction, ensuring balanced development across all sectors three times faster than before.
He highlighted that the BJP government has provided over 1.85 lakh jobs to youth during its ten and a half years in office, in contrast to 80,000 jobs provided during the Congress regime, which he described as riddled with corruption. Today, our government is offering employment purely on the basis of merit without recommendations or bribes, he said.
Responding to a question, the Chief Minister criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, stating that it came to power by making several promises, including a commitment to provide Rs 2,000 per month to women. However, he claimed, the government failed to fulfill these promises, leading to widespread public disillusionment. He said that soon a portal is being launched in Haryana to provide the benefit of Lado Laxmi Yojana to women.
The Chief Minister also said that the state government is procuring all crops from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). In addition, under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, farmers are being compensated for lower market prices. So far, Rs 15,284 crore has been disbursed to farmers for crop losses, with an additional Rs 58 crore released just yesterday as compensation.