CM Nayab Singh Saini approves Rs 350 Crore for development works under AMRUT 2.0

Development Works in Hisar and Yamunanagar towns to gain momentum

Chandigarh, May 26: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has approved an amount of Rs 35087.42 lakh for the augmentation of sewerage schemes in Hisar and Yamunanagar towns under the AMRUT 2.0. The funds will be utilized for the repair of old and damaged manholes, laying sewerage in newly approved colonies, and the construction of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).

23,678.86 lakh approved for Hisar Town

Providing details, an official spokesperson stated that an estimated amount of Rs 23,678.86 lakh has been approved for Hisar town under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme. The funds will be used for the augmentation of the sewerage scheme, including the providing and laying of sewer lines ranging from 200 mm to 1200 mm in various colonies, CIPP of brick sewers, construction of two Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), five Intermediate Pumping Stations (IPS), and one Main Pumping Station (MPS). The project also includes the construction of brick masonry manholes, rising and lowering of manhole slabs, and the repair of old or damaged manholes.

Rs 11,408.56 lakh approved for Yamunanagar Town

He stated that an estimated amount of Rs 11,408.56 lakh has been approved under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme for providing and laying of sewer lines in 12 newly approved colonies in Yamunanagar town, as well as for extending the sewerage network to newly approved colony in the suburban area of Yamunanagar town.

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Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini urges farmers to embrace natural farming over chemical fertilizers

Government offers Rs 30,000 subsidy on purchase of indigenous cows to promote natural farming

Chief Minister inaugurates Government Veterinary Polyclinic in Biholi Village, Kurukshetra

Chief Minister announces Rs 21 lakh for development works in village

Chandigarh May 26: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has urged farmers to avoid the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in their crops. He emphasized that for future generations to be empowered and healthy, a shift towards natural farming is essential. Encouraging farmers to adopt organic methods, the Chief Minister highlighted that natural farming not only preserves soil fertility but also benefits the environment and public health. To promote natural farming, the Haryana Government is offering subsidies of up to Rs 30,000 to farmers for the purchase of indigenous cows, enabling them to adopt cow-based organic farming practices.

Sh Saini was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the Government Veterinary Polyclinic in village Biholi, district Kurukshetra, on Monday. On this occasion, he also announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for various development works in the village.

The Chief Minister stated that the polyclinic, constructed at a cost of approximately Rs 4.67 crore, will provide specialized veterinary services to cattle in the surrounding areas. The facility will offer a range of services including pathology, parasitology, gynecology, microbiology, surgery, ultrasound, X-ray, as well as indoor and outdoor units. Staffed with expert veterinary officers, technicians, and support staff, the polyclinic aims to become a model veterinary center in the region.

Referring to the current challenges in the animal husbandry sector, the Chief Minister said that today the price of milch animals runs not in thousands but in lakhs of rupees. This makes it difficult for landless and small farmers to afford such expensive livestock. Even if they manage to purchase one, they remain concerned about the cattle’s health. Under these circumstances, the importance of veterinary institutions has grown significantly.

He stated that presently, six government veterinary polyclinics operate across the state, located in Sirsa, Jind, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Sonipat, and Rewari. The newly inaugurated polyclinic in Kurukshetra now serves as the seventh center. In District Kurukshetra, 49 Government Veterinary Hospitals and 72 Government Veterinary Dispensaries are currently functioning. Of the 51 veterinary doctor posts, 47 are filled, and out of 130 Veterinary Livestock Development Assistant (VLDA) posts, 119 have been staffed.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the State Government is continuously working to protect and promote Gauvansh. Over the past 10 years, approximately 650 Gaushalas have been established across Haryana. Before 2014, the government’s budget for Gaushalas was only Rs. 2 crores; however, the present government has increased this allocation to Rs. 515 crores to ensure that no Gauvansh remains destitute.

Haryana leading in milk production

The Chief Minister expressed pride in the farmers and cattle rearers of the state, whose hard work has earned Haryana a distinguished reputation in animal husbandry. Although the state accounts for only 2.1 percent of the country’s milch animals, it contributes 5.11 percent of India’s total milk production. In 2023-24, Haryana produced 1 crore 22 lakh 20 thousand tonnes of milk. He expressed confidence that progressive cattle farmers will continue to increase this output. Haryana’s per capita daily milk availability is also 2.34 times the national average—while the national average is 471 grams, Haryana’s stands at 1105 grams. The Chief Minister said that the government’s aim is to further boost milk production by improving cattle breeds.

He said that under the Mukhyamantri Dugdh Utpadhak Protsahan Yojana , a subsidy of Rs 5 per liter is provided to general milk producers, while milk producers from poor families receive Rs 10 per liter. Additionally, scholarships of Rs 2,100 are awarded to children of cooperative milk producers who score more than 80 percent in Class 10 exams, and Rs 5,100 for those passing Class 12. Apart from this, milk producers of cooperative milk producing societies are provided with accident insurance of Rs 10 lakh. So far, Rs 4.40 crore has been paid out against a total of 78 insurance claims.

He said that to provide financial security to cattle rearers, the ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Samuhik Pashudhan Bima Yojana’ insures large cattle at a premium ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 300, based on their milk production capacity. Small livestock such as sheep, goats, and pigs are insured at a nominal premium of Rs 25 per livestock. Livestock owned by Scheduled Caste beneficiaries in the state are insured free of cost. Since 2014, 15.90 lakh livestock have been insured under this scheme, with a total of 24,576 insurance claims worth Rs 97.40 crore settled. The scheme also provides financial assistance of up to Rs 1 lakh on the death of a registered milch animal.

Interest subsidy for setting up dairies

The Chief Minister stated that beneficiaries who establish dairy units of 20 to 50 milch animals receive an interest subsidy on bank loans taken for this purpose. In addition, a 25 percent subsidy is offered for setting up smaller dairy units of 2, 4, and 10 milch animals. Incentives ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 are also provided to breeders of high milk-yielding indigenous breeds such as Hariana, Sahiwal, and Belahi cows to promote upliftment of indigenous cows. Since October 2014, 16,921 cattle farmers have benefited from this scheme.

Ladwa witnesses two-and-a-half times more development under current government compared to congress

Referring to the development works carried out in the Ladwa assembly constituency, the Chief Minister said that since 2024, development works worth approximately Rs 110 crore have been undertaken in the area, with some already completed and others ongoing. Over the past 10 years, the present government has undertaken development works worth Rs 794 crore in Ladwa. In contrast, during the Congress regime, development works worth only Rs 310 crore were executed in the constituency. The public is aware of the widespread corruption that prevailed during that period, but our government has implemented development projects in a planned and transparent manner, not just in Ladwa but across every assembly constituency.

He added that under the Har Ghar Grihini Yojana, gas cylinders are being provided to 17 lakh women in the state at a subsidized rate of Rs 500. In the Ladwa area, 9,240 families benefit from this scheme. Additionally, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 364 houses have been constructed in the area, and 249 are currently under construction. The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is now working not just twice but three times faster on development. So far, 22 Sankalp of the Sankalp Patra have been fulfilled, and 90 Sankalp are to be completed within this year.

State Government expanding natural farming and veterinary facilities: Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana

On this occasion, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana thanked the Chief Minister for inaugurating the veterinary polyclinic. He said that this facility will provide improved medical care for animals in the region. Sh Rana emphasized that the state government is not only promoting traditional farming but is also actively encouraging alternative sectors such as animal husbandry, horticulture, and fish farming to enhance farmers' incomes.

He said that during the Green Revolution, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was employed to boost grain production across the country. However, over time, this has adversely affected human health, livestock, and soil quality, leading to reduced soil fertility. Given these challenges, returning to natural farming practices has become essential.

Sh Shyam Singh Rana highlighted that natural farming is currently being practiced on approximately 180 acres of land at the Gurukul campus, serving as a model example. He urged farmers to learn from this model and adopt natural farming methods. He said that natural farming not only yields nutritious and healthy food but also enhances soil fertility and helps recharge groundwater levels.

He said that to promote natural farming, the government is offering a subsidy of up to Rs 30,000 for the purchase of indigenous cows. Sh Rana added that the government plans to establish a market to ensure that produce from natural farming receives fair prices. He said that every family should keep a cow at home.

On this occasion, Chairman, Livestock Development Board Sh Dharamvir Mirzapur, former Minister Sh Subhash Sudha and Director General of Animal Husbandry Department Dr. Prem Singh along with other dignitaries were present.

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Gene sequencing machine to get operational soon at PGIMS Rohtak: Director

Chandigarh, May 26 - The PGIMS Rohtak has clarified on the recent media reports concerning the gene sequencing machine at the hospital.

PGIMS Rohtak Director Dr. Suresh Kumar Singhal said the core purpose of the gene sequencing machine installed at PGIMS Rohtak is to perform advanced gene sequencing, including the detection of COVID-19 variants. The machine was donated to Haryana by a U.S.-based institution in January 2023. The donated reagents were used for gene sequencing operations and were exhausted by July 2023. Subsequent supplies of reagents could not be secured from the same donor or from alternative suppliers, including the Bengaluru-based reagent supplier.

He said the machine itself is in good condition and is fully operational. There are no technical faults or issues with the equipment. The department is taking proactive steps to resume the functioning of the gene sequencing machine. The procurement process for reagents will be fast-tracked, and we are committed to ensuring that it becomes operational as soon as possible, he added.

Notably, RTPCR tests for COVID-19, with 100% sensitivity and specificity, are fully operational in the viral laboratory established in the Department of Microbiology, PGIMS Rohtak. These tests are continuing without interruption, ensuring the safety and health of the population. The Health Department remains committed to provide the highest quality health services to the people of Haryana.

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Haryana Announces Vigyan Ratna and Yuva Vigyan Ratna Awards for 2022, 2023 & 2024

Distinguished Scientists Recognized for Outstanding Contributions in Science and Technology

Chandigarh, May 26- The Directorate of Science and Technology, Government of Haryana has finalized the Haryana Vigyan and Yuva Vigyan Ratna Awards for the calendar years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Under this scheme, there is a provision of maximum two Vigyan Ratna Awards and two Yuva Vigyan Ratna Awards for each year and are given to distinguished scientists who have made outstanding contributions in the field of science and technology.

This scheme is for scientists who have worked and/or educated in Haryana State for ten years or more OR be in possession of a validHaryana Resident Certificate. Haryana Vigyan Ratna Award is for scientists above 40 years of age and Yuva award is for scientists below 40 years of age. The prize money for each Vigyan Ratna Award is Rs. 5.00 lakhs whereas the prize money for each Yuva award is Rs. 1 lakh.

Sharing more details in this regard, Director General of the S&T Directorate, Sh. Rajiv Rattan elaborated that the State Government has finalized the names of the awardees based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Haryana on April 4, 2025. The Selection Committee was having Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardees of various fields as external experts besides the Administrative Secretary and DG of the Directorate. These awards will be conferred in a State level function in near future.

Sh. Rajiv Rattan further shared that for the calendar year 2022, the Haryana Vigyan Ratna Award has been conferred upon Dr. Arvind Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, and Dr. Raj Kumar, Professor at the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. The Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna Award for the same year goes to Dr. Vineet Vashista, Assistant Professor at IIT Gandhinagar, and Dr. Vikas, Scientist D at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun.

Sh. Rajiv Rattan said that for the year 2023, the Haryana Vigyan Ratna Award has been awarded to Dr. Sudesh Kaur Khanduja, INSA Honorary Scientist at IISER Mohali. The Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna Award has been conferred upon Dr. Paramvir Singh, Assistant Professor at NIT Agartala, and Dr. Chirag Jain, Assistant Professor, IISc, Bangalore, he said.

He further shared that in 2024, the Haryana Vigyan Ratna Award has been given to Dr. Deepak Thankappan Nair, Professor at the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, and Dr. Anirban Basu, Scientist VII at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC), Manesar. The Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna Award recipients for 2024 are Dr. Jogender Singh, Assistant Professor at IISER Mohali, and Dr. Swati Singh, Consultant at the LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad.

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Haryana Leads the Way in Digital Policing and Governance through CCTNS

Chandigarh, May 26 – Haryana has once again reinforced its position as a national leader in digital governance and citizen-centric policing. Chairing the 30th meeting of the State Apex Committee (SAC) today, Chief Secretary, Sh. Anurag Rastogi reviewed the progress of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) and highlighted the State’s remarkable achievements in the project’s implementation.

Sh. Rastogi informed that since October 2024, Haryana has consistently scored 100% on the Pragati Dashboard, showcasing its top performance in digital crime tracking and data management. Over the last 46 months, beginning June 2021, the State has secured the top position 35 times, reflecting its sustained commitment to effective and transparent policing.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr Sumita Misra said that the Haryana Police has been scoring a perfect 10 out of 10 on the Right to Service (RTS) dashboard for citizen services available on the HarSamay portal. With over 69.95 lakh applications processed within the designated time limits on the SARAL portal as of May 22, 2025, Haryana Police ranks first among all departments in timely service delivery.

She further said that several key technological enhancements have also been integrated into the CCTNS system to improve efficiency. These include the deployment of Patch-10 for Medical Legal Cases (MLC), postmortem registration, and doctor information. Now the system allows for court confirmation of chargesheet verifications. The eSign facility was made generic for all relevant forms and documents enabling seamless digital authentication. Furthermore, the Aadhaar cards of Investigating Officers have been mapped to their CCTNS login IDs, removing the need to manually enter Aadhaar numbers for every eSign use. The eFIR module for automatic registration of FIRs in vehicle theft cases is now fully functional. Additionally, emails regarding accidental death cases are automatically sent to the concerned Deputy Commissioners from the CCTNS platform.

The Meeting was attended by DGP, Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur, besides senior officers from NIC, National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB), Punjab & Haryana High Court, Prosecution Department etc.

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Gau Samvardhan Yojana Implemented to make Gaushalas Self-Reliant- Chief Minister

Chief Minister Lays Foundation Stone of Gau Hospital in Village Mathana, Ladwa

Chief Minister announces Rs 21 Lakh for Construction of Gau Hospital

Chandigarh, May 26 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has implemented the Gau Samvardhan Yojana to make gaushalas self-reliant. Under this scheme, the state’s first biogas plant will be established in Yamunanagar, with an expenditure of Rs 90 crore.

The Chief Minister was addressing a programme after laying the foundation stone of a Gau hospital at the Govanśh Dham and Research Centre in village Mathana, Ladwa Assembly constituency on Monday. He performed the puja and did gau seva.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also announced Rs 21 lakh for the construction of the modern Gau hospital.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that with the construction of the gaushala and modern animal hospital in Mathana, stray cattle will no longer roam on the streets, and sick cattle will also receive timely treatment. This hospital will also benefit local livestock farmers by providing veterinary services, he said.

The Chief Minister said that Rs 270 crore has already been released for fodder in gaushalas across the state. Last year, Rs 166 crore was released to 608 gaushalas. Additionally, Rs 30 crore has been released for the construction of sheds in 310 Gaushalas. The state government has also enacted strict laws to ensure the safety of cows, he said.

Solar Plants Installed in 331 Gaushalas

The Chief Minister said that serving cows is an integral part of our religion and culture. The government is consistently emphasizing Govansh Sanrakshan. Along with economic and industrial development, the state government is also focused on preserving religious identity.

He shared that the target for this financial year is to implement natural farming on 1 lakh acres. Indigenous cattle breeds are essential for natural farming, and a subsidy of Rs 30,000 is being provided for the purchase of each such cow.

The Chief Minister said that the government has also made provisions for allocating panchayat Gau charan land to gaushalas to ensure the availability of fodder for stray cattle. Solar plants have already been installed in 331 Gaushalas, and construction is underway in 344 more. The government is providing a 90 percent subsidy for these solar plants, he shared.

Rs 8 crore released for Shed, Water, and Fodder Arrangements in Gaushalas

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the government has decided to establish three ‘Gau Abhyaranya’ in the villages of Nain, Dhandhur, and Panchkula. An amount of Rs 8 crore has been released for providing sheds, water, and fodder in Gaushalas.

He further informed that the government had announced Rs 10 lakh per gaushala for shed construction, and so far, 50 gaushalas have completed their sheds. Construction in the remaining gaushalas will be completed soon, said the Chief Minister.

He said that a special scheme has been formulated by the government for the support of gaushalas. In the current financial year’s budget, more than Rs 500 crore has been allocated for gaushalas, while before 2014, only Rs 2 crore was provided in the budget.

The Chief Minister said that in 2014, there were 214 registered gaushalas in the state with 1.74 lakh cattle. Under the present government’s special plan, the number has grown to 683 registered gaushalas with 4.5 lakh cattle.

Meanwhile, earlier Sarpanch Anjana Devi of village Mathana presented a memorandum of village demands to the Chief Minister. After the event, the Chief Minister also listened to the grievances of attendees and directed officers to resolve them.

Farmers should adopt Natural Farming, Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that India is an agrarian country. He said that three types of farming are practised in India: chemical farming, organic farming, and natural farming. To ensure the health of their children and themselves, farmers should adopt natural farming. For this purpose, the government is providing subsidies on indigenous cows and ingredients used in making Jeevamrut (natural fertilizer).

He said that during the Congress government, payment for crops would go to arthiyas, but the present government has implemented a policy of direct benefit transfer, ensuring that farmers receive their payment directly into their bank accounts. The government is also supporting farmers through the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana in case of low yields.

On this occasion, Chairman Dharmveer Mirzapur, Chairman Haryana Gau Seva Ayog Sh. Sarvan Kumar Garg, Zila Parishad Chairperson Kamaljit Kaur, former Minister Sh. Subhash Sudha, and Media Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh. Praveen Atreya, among other dignitaries, were present.

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ECI convenes National Conference of Counsels and CEOs to strengthen and reorient its legal framework

Chandigarh, May 26- Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal said that the Election Commission of India has taken several new initiatives to improve the efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness of the electoral process. These steps were taken through direct interaction with Chief Electoral Officers from all states and union territories, recognized national and state political parties, and legal experts during a recent meeting in New Delhi. These efforts have been welcomed by all stakeholders.

Sh. Pankaj Agarwal said that Chief Election Commissioner, Sh. Gyanesh Kumar in the presence of Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi inaugurated the National Conference of Counsels representing the Election Commission of India at IIIDEM, New Delhi. Senior Advocates from the Supreme Court of India and 28 High Courts across the country along with the officers and 36 CEOs of all States/UTs participated in the Conference.

This initiative is aimed at strengthening and reorienting the legal framework of the Commission to meet emerging challenges more effectively by achieving synergy. The conference laid emphasis on being non adversarial and to offer ample opportunities for hearing.

The day-long conference provided a vital platform for dialogue and exchange between the Commission and prominent legal professionals from across the country. The strategic engagement marks a significant step by the Election Commission in aligning its legal resources with the dynamic landscape of electoral jurisprudence in India. Discussions focused on enhancing the preparedness, efficiency, and coordination of the Commission's legal team, with particular emphasis on issues related to election law, judicial proceedings, and legal reforms. Through this interaction, the Commission sought to reinforce the effectiveness of its legal representation across various judicial forums.

He further said that the Election Commission held a conference of Chief Electoral Officers at IIIDEM, New Delhi. The conference was held to firm up and devise a roadmap for the IT initiatives of ECI. ECI has already incubated a new initiative in 2025 to design and develop an Integrated Dashboard, ECINET, to provide a single window access to all the relevant data, within the ambit of requisite legal provisions, required by all its stakeholders. This unique initiative will unify all the ICT initiatives of ECI under a single umbrella.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that the Election Commission has announced the schedule for biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha for 2 seats from Assam and 6 seats Tamil Nadu. The official notification will be issued on June 2, 2025. Candidates can submit their nomination papers until June 9. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on June 10.

Candidates can withdraw their nominations until June 12. Voting will be held on June 19, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. The counting of votes will begin the same day at 5:00pm. The entire election process will be completed by June 23, 2025.

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No Shortage of Funds for Development Projects- Krishan Kumar Bedi

Rural development is among the top priorities of the state government- Minister

Minister lays foundation stones for various development works in Narwana Assembly constituency

Chandigarh, May 26 — Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare, and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, said that there will be no shortage of funds for development projects and the welfare and upliftment of villages, poor, farmers, and laborers.

The Cabinet Minister was addressing a public gathering in the village Loan of the Narwana Assembly constituency.

The Cabinet Minister also laid the foundation stones for various development works worth approximately Rs 2 crore. These include paving the rural roads from Loan to Hamirgarh, Loan to Kharal, and Loan to Karmgarh. He also announced the approval of nearly three dozen other demands placed by the Gram Panchayat, subject to departmental and technical clearances, and assured that efforts will be made to complete all these works within the current financial year. These include the construction of a sports stadium, an indoor gym, a community center, e-library, upgrading the school to senior secondary level, beautification of all village ponds, renovation of all chaupal structures, construction of a new chaupal, and paving of village streets.

Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi emphasized that rural development is among the topmost priorities of the state government. He said that the Narwana Assembly constituency is not just a legislative area for him, but like a family. He appealed to the villagers to maintain mutual coordination and a harmonious environment with public representatives to fully benefit from the government’s schemes so that village development can progress rapidly. =====================================

Haryana to host grand Yoga Mahotsav in Panchkula today

Chandigarh, May 26 – The Department of AYUSH, in collaboration with the Haryana Yog Aayog, is all set to host a grand Yoga Mahotsav on May 27, 2025 (Tuesday), marking the countdown to International Yoga Day-2025. The event, to be held at the Indradhanush Auditorium, Sector-5, Panchkula, from 10 AM to 12 PM, promises to be a vibrant celebration of yoga and wellness.

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will be the Chief Guest at the event while Health and Family Welfare Minister Arti Singh Rao will preside over the celebrations. As the driving force behind Haryana's health and wellness initiatives, Arti Singh Rao’s leadership has played a pivotal role in promoting the practice of yoga and holistic health across the state.

The festival will also witness the Felicitation Ceremony of Surya Namaskar-2025 Champions, honouring participants who have excelled in the recent Surya Namaskar competition.

Yoga enthusiasts, health practitioners and the general public will be taking part in this event. Arti Singh Rao, in her capacity as the Health and AYUSH Minister, has been instrumental in conceptualizing and executing innovative programmes like the Yoga Mahotsav, reflecting her vision for a healthier Haryana.

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Governor administers oath to newly appointed Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also attends oath-taking ceremony

Chandigarh, May 26 - Haryana Governor Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya administered the oath of office and allegiance to the Chief Information Commissioner and four State Information Commissioners during a dignified oath-taking ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Monday. Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was also present on the occasion.

The Governor first administered the oath of office and allegiance to former Chief Secretary and newly appointed Chief Information Commissioner Sh. TVSN Prasad (Retired IAS officer). Also, four newly appointed State Information Commissioners, Sh. Amarjit Singh (Retired HCS officer), Sh. Karmaveer Saini, Smt. Neeta Kheda and Sh. Sanjay Madan were also administered the oath of office and allegiance.

The Governor described the role of the Chief Information Commissioner and State Information Commissioners as important in ensuring transparency and accountability in democracy. He said he expected from the newly appointed commissioners that they will discharge their duties with fairness, honesty and dedication, so that the Right to Information can be further strengthened.

On this occasion, Haryana Education Minister Sh. Mahipal Dhanda, Agriculture Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Director General of Police Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur, senior administrative officers, former ministers, former MLAs, heads of various departments and other dignitaries were present.

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Officials must motivate farmers to do shrimp farming: Shyam Singh Rana

Agriculture Minister chairs review meeting of Fisheries Department

Chandigarh, May 26 - Haryana Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said to promote fisheries in the state, the government is providing subsidies to producers at every stage — from fish seed production to final sale. He directed the officers to prepare a year-long action plan based on the department's allocated budget, ensuring timely disbursement of subsidies to fish farmers. This will also help in completing the projects within the stipulated period.

Sh. Rana was giving instructions to the officers while chairing a review meeting of the Fisheries Department here today.

On this occasion, Commissioner of Fisheries Department Smt. Amneet P. Kumar, Director Shripal Rathi, Deputy Director Sh. Sandeep Kumar Beniwal and other senior officers of the department were present.

The Fisheries Minister directed the officers to motivate farmers to do shrimp farming in saline water. Due to lack of agricultural crops in saline water, farmers have been considering it as a curse till now. If the officers will motivate the farmers to do shrimp farming in this saline water, then this water can prove to be a boon.

He also directed that they should make a plan in collaboration with the Agriculture Department in which ponds should be made in the saline or waterlogged areas of the state, so that these ponds can be filled by removing the saline water from the ground through tube wells. This will make the area around the tube well free of saline and the farmers will also get a good income from shrimp.

Sh. Shyam Singh Rana reviewed the activities under "Intensive Fisheries Development Program", "Agriculture Human Resource Development Program", "National Fish Seed Program", "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana", "Waterlogging and Salinity Areas", subsidy and other facilities given to Scheduled Caste families in the field of fisheries and directed to achieve the targets. He also reviewed the establishment of brackish water "Aquaculture Cluster Project" in Sirsa, Rohtak, Fatehabad and Hisar districts.

He informed that the 60 per cent subsidy being given to SC/ST and women under the "Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana" has had a special impact on their standard of living.

The Fisheries Minister directed to expedite the work of setting up the proposed "Integrated Aquapark Centre of Excellence" in Garwa village of Bhiwani district.

After reviewing the departmental projects, he directed the officers to expedite the work of the ongoing projects and also explore the possibilities of new projects so that farmers are encouraged towards modern profitable agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry instead of traditional agriculture. With this, the state government will be successful in fulfilling the vision of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister to double the income of farmers.