*“Prime Minister gave the slogan ‘Vocal for Local’, which means we must manufacture and use products within our own country” – Energy, Transport & Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij*

*“If we manufacture and use goods in our own country, employment will increase” – Anil Vij*

*Under the able leadership of the Prime Minister, India has taken historic steps toward self-reliance – Vij*

*The Prime Minister’s visionary policies have accelerated growth in agriculture, industry, health, education, Digital India, startups, women empowerment and infrastructure – Vij*

*The Present government has eliminated middlemen – Vij*

*PM Modi considers farmers not just a vote bank, but nation-builders – Vij*

*Efforts are underway to bring water from the Indus River to Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other areas – Vij*

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that “The Prime Minister has given the slogan ‘Vocal for Local’, meaning we should produce and use goods within our own country. Employment will increase only when we manufacture these items domestically and use products made in India.”

Sh. Vij added that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has not only made historic strides toward self-reliance but also established a strong identity on the global stage. His visionary policies have driven rapid development in agriculture, industry, health, education, Digital India, startups, women empowerment and infrastructure.

Sh. Vij was addressing farmers as the chief guest at a program organized at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tepla (Ambala) under the Prime Minister Kisan Utsav initiative. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi transferred Rs. 20,500 crores to the bank accounts of 9.7 crore farmers across the country through an online process from Varanasi under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

*“The current government has eliminated middlemen” – Vij*

Sh. Vij expressed joy on the occasion of the 20th installment being transferred under the PM-Kisan scheme. In Ambala district alone, Rs. 9.28 crore was transferred to 46,431 beneficiary farmers. He contrasted this with the past, citing that during Rajiv Gandhi’s time, only Rs. 15 out of every Rs.100 actually reached beneficiaries due to middlemen. The BJP government has eliminated these middlemen, and now funds are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts.

He added that since the scheme's inception in 2019, Rs. 3.69 lakh crore has been distributed to farmers up to the 19th installment, and today, Rs. 20,500 crore was transferred to 9.57 crore farmers under the 20th installment.

*“PM Modi sees farmers not just as a vote bank but as nation-builders” – Vij*

The Minister praised the Prime Minister for recognizing farmers as nation-builders and for connecting agriculture with modernity. He highlighted the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the farmer’s key role. With 65 percent of the population dependent on agriculture, India must focus on its development journey under PM Modi’s leadership.

*“We must manufacture and use goods within our country” – Vij*

Reiterating the “Vocal for Local” message, Sh.Vij emphasized that domestic production and consumption would boost employment. He noted India’s progress in defense, stating that earlier ammunition was imported, but now India’s defense exports are in demand globally. He praised the Indian Army’s recent successful operation under PM Modi’s leadership and noted the global increase in respect for Indians. He mentioned that PM Modi has been honored by over 27 countries and is warmly welcomed during foreign visits, reflecting India’s growing global reputation.

*“Work is ongoing to bring Indus River water to dry farmlands in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh” – Vij*

Sh. Vij criticized the Congress and its allies, claiming that during Nehru’s time, 80% of the Indus River’s water was given to Pakistan, leaving only 20% for India. PM Modi has suspanded the Indus Water Treaty and is initiating projects to redirect that water to Indian farms. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the Indus water reaches thirsty fields in various states.

He praised Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini for working consistently for the upliftment of all sections and for driving the state's rapid progress.

*“Agricultural scientists should spread awareness among farmers” – Vij*

Sh. Vij urged scientists to help farmers progress using modern technology. He asked them to spread awareness about crops, fertilizers and seeds so that farmers can achieve new milestones in agriculture.

*“PM transferred PM-Kisan funds to farmers”*

During the event, PM Modi addressed farmers via video conferencing from Varanasi and transferred the PM-Kisan funds directly into their accounts. He also delivered an encouraging message to farmers, promoting advancement and modernization, which was watched and heard by all present.

*“Remaining section from Saha to Highway to be made four-lane soon” – Vij*

Sh.Vij said that a network of roads is being developed in the state. He thanked Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for approving road projects related to Ambala. While the Ambala–Saha four-lane road is already built, the remaining section from Saha to the highway will also be four-laned soon, and the approval has been granted.

*Rs.9.28 crore transferred to 46,431 Ambala farmers' accounts*

Welcoming the chief guest, Dr. Jaswinder Saini (Deputy Director, Agriculture) said that under the 20th installment of PM-Kisan, Rs. 9.28 crore was transferred to 46,431 farmers in Ambala district. Dr. Rajendra Kumar Singh and Dr. Upasana Singh (KVK Tepla Head) also presented a memento to the chief guest. Upon arrival, SDM Vinesh Kumar and Dr. Rajendra Kumar Singh greeted the chief guest with a bouquet.

On this occasion SDM Vinesh Kumar, Dr. Rajendra Kumar Singh, Dr. Jaswinder Saini, Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Rajan Mishra, Dr. Vikram, Dr. Virender Singh, Abhay Kumar, BJP leaders Kiran Pal Chauhan, Vikas Bahgal, Vipin Khanna, Councilor Sanjeev Atri, Udyam Singh, and other officials and dignitaries were also present.

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*Ambala Airport built due to the efforts of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who has graciously accepted the request to inaugurate it – Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij*

*Ambala Airport is fully completed, key officials have been posted, remaining staff will be deployed soon – Anil Vij*

*In the initial phase, three airlines will operate from Ambala, other airlines have also shown interest – Vij*

*Ambala Airport’s central location benefits people, offers direct connectivity to various states and cities – Vij*

*Cabinet Minister Anil Vij inspected Ambala Airport today and issued directions to the officers*

Chandigarh, August 2 – Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the domestic airport constructed in Ambala has been made possible due to the efforts of Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh. He mentioned that the Defence Ministry had allocated its land for the construction of the airport, and thus, he had requested the Defence Minister to inaugurate it – a request which was gladly accepted. Sh. Vij added that he has now written to both the Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Haryana to decide on a date for the inauguration, preferably around August 15.

Sh. Vij today intracting with the media and answering the questions asked by the media persons after inspecting the Ambala Airport.

He said that the airport is fully ready. The Civil Aviation Department has already issued orders for the appointment of two senior officials, and the remaining staff will soon be deployed. The MoU related to the airport has been signed and the Haryana Government will hand over the airport to the Civil Aviation Department, with the handover process now complete. Rooms for airport staff and officials have been constructed. The installed X-ray machines have been checked by security personnel, furniture has arrived and refreshment arrangements have also been made. He directed the PWD officials to ensure the final coat of paint on the airport is completed within ten days so that it can be inaugurated.

*Three airlines to operate from Ambala – Vij*

Minister Vij shared that he received a letter from the Union Civil Aviation Minister mentioning approval for three airlines to operate from Ambala. The letter also noted that other airlines have expressed interest in operating from the city. Initial flights will connect Ambala to Ayodhya, Lucknow, Jammu and Srinagar. He expressed hope that flights to more cities will be added soon.

*Ambala Airport’s central location ensures easy access for people from several states – Vij*

Sh. Vij said that Ambala Cantonment is a junction connected by trains and buses from various cities. In contrast, reaching Mohali Airport is difficult due to traffic signals and common congestion during peak hours. But Ambala Airport, located right along GT Road, is much more accessible. Nearby states and regions like Himachal Pradesh, Western Uttar Pradesh, and cities along GT Road, as well as adjoining districts like Kaithal and Jind, will benefit from easy access. He said that Ambala might be the first airport in India located within the city. Even cities like Delhi and Chandigarh have airports outside their main urban areas. Another unique feature of Ambala Airport is its proximity to both the railway station and bus stand, just 2 kilometers away.

*All work to be completed within 10 days – Vij*

Earlier, during the inspection, Energy Minister Anil Vij issued instructions to officials from PWD, Public Health and other departments. He emphasized that construction of staff offices at the airport is in the final stages and must be completed within 10 days. Separate arrangements for staff seating have also been made. He also directed the SDM of Ambala Cantonment to personally monitor the swift completion of any remaining airport-related work.