Industry Body Welcomes Haryana Government’s Decision to Increase Minimum Wages of Unskilled Workers

Chandigarh, April 8 – The Haryana Government’s decision to increase the minimum wage of unskilled workers, taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, in the Cabinet meeting today, has been widely welcomed by industry representatives.

President of the Rewari Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Sh. Krishan Yadav expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini for this landmark initiative aimed at improving the welfare of the labour force.

Sh. Krishan Yadav stated that the announcement made during the recent Budget Session to raise the monthly minimum wage from ₹11,275 to ₹15,200 is a significant step towards ensuring financial stability for workers. He said that this substantial increase will directly benefit millions of workers across the state and provide them with much-needed economic relief, thereby enabling a more dignified standard of living.

He further said labour plays a crucial role in strengthening the economy, describing it as the “fuel” that drives production, innovation, and consumption. He said empowering workers through better wages will have a positive impact on overall economic growth and industrial productivity.

Sh. Yadav added that the decision reflects the state government’s commitment towards inclusive development and social welfare. He expressed confidence that such progressive measures will further boost confidence among the workforce and contribute to sustainable economic progress in Haryana.

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Haryana Raises Minimum Wage of Unskilled Workers to ₹15,220 per Month

Cabinet Approves Wage Hike for Labourers in Haryana

People of West Bengal are ready for change, BJP government will be formed: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, April 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting held in Chandigarh today, said the state government has taken a major decision in the interest of the labour class by increasing the minimum wage of unskilled workers to ₹15,220 per month. This decision will directly benefit lakhs of unskilled workers in the state and improve their standard of living.

The Chief Minister said that during the Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly, he had announced that an expert committee had recommended an increase in the minimum wages of unskilled workers. Fulfilling this announcement, the Cabinet has now approved fixing the minimum wage at ₹15,220 per month.

He stated that the state government is giving top priority to the welfare and social security of workers. This increase in minimum wages will not only raise the income of unskilled workers but will also strengthen the economic condition of their families. The Chief Minister informed that a total of seven agenda items were placed before the Cabinet today, out of which six were approved.

Responding to various questions from journalists during the press conference, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, a strong foundation is being laid for the formation of a BJP government in West Bengal. The people of Bengal now want change, and their trust in BJP is steadily increasing for development, industry, women’s safety, and good governance.

The Chief Minister said that during the long period of Left rule and under the present government in West Bengal, industry and employment have suffered. Due to issues such as atrocities against women, farmers not receiving the benefits of MSP, a sense of insecurity among the general public, and a deteriorating law and order situation, people there are ready for change. He added that the BJP organisation is strengthening rapidly, and it is certain that a BJP government will be formed in West Bengal in the coming time.

Responding to another question, the Chief Minister said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is a symbol of service to the nation. Whenever the country has faced any crisis, its volunteers have been among the first to serve. The organisation has never engaged in publicity-driven politics but has always worked quietly and with dedication for society. However, it is unfortunate that the opposition is making statements on this issue.

The Chief Minister said that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, lakhs of people across the country have benefited from medical treatment, but due to non-implementation of the scheme by the governments of West Bengal and Punjab, many needy people there have been deprived of its benefits.

On voter list revision, he said that it is a regular and necessary process carried out by the Election Commission. The purity of the electoral roll is essential for democracy, and it should be updated from time to time.

He stated that the government’s focus is on providing work and opportunities to people from all sections of society. The public wants development, employment, and security, and problems cannot be solved merely through allegations.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the country is moving rapidly on the path of development, security, and public welfare, and the Haryana Government is also working in the same spirit for the welfare of the state.

On this occasion, Additional Director (Administration), Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, and Media Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey were present.

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Three-tier verification, biometric authentication and geo-fencing have strengthened the procurement system: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Opposition spreading unnecessary misinformation to mislead farmers: CM

Government committed to procuring every grain of farmers’ produce: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, April 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing a press conference held today at the Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh, said that the opposition is unnecessarily spreading misinformation regarding the procurement system in an attempt to mislead farmers, which is unfortunate. He stated that the state government is fully committed to the welfare of farmers and will ensure the procurement of every single grain of their produce. The government has implemented comprehensive reforms in the procurement system and appointed nodal officers in every mandi.

He informed that senior officials have been assigned the responsibility of regularly monitoring mandis across districts, and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been made in charge of procurement arrangements at the district level. Ministers and MLAs are also continuously visiting mandis to review arrangements, ensuring that farmers do not face any inconvenience. He appealed to commission agents to rise above any political motives and cooperate in the interest of farmers. The Chief Minister also appealed to farmers to extend their cooperation, stating that the government is conducting procurement operations in a transparent, accountable and well-organised manner, and procurement of all crops will be ensured.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government has implemented several new initiatives to make the procurement system more transparent, secure and farmer-friendly. These measures will enhance transparency in the procurement process, curb unauthorised activities, and provide farmers with more convenient and faster services.

Increased transparency through technology-based verification

The Chief Minister informed that the government has made a three-tier crop verification system mandatory. Under this system, crops brought to procurement centres will be matched with the crops registered by the farmer, making the verification process more accurate and reliable.

He said that Aadhaar-based biometric verification has been made mandatory to ensure the identity of farmers in the procurement process. As of April 8, 2026, 75 percent of wheat brought to mandis has been successfully verified through biometric authentication. Keeping farmers’ convenience in mind, up to three nominated individuals have also been permitted for biometric verification.

Strengthened monitoring through geo-fencing and gate pass system

The Chief Minister informed that all mandis and warehouses have been brought under geo-fencing to prevent unauthorised usage and strengthen location-based monitoring. So far, geo-fencing has been completed for 416 wheat mandis, 112 mustard mandis, and 179 additional locations to handle higher arrivals. Additionally, 1,344 storage points have also been geo-fenced to ensure safe and systematic storage of food grains.

He stated that to enhance traceability and accountability of goods in mandis, it has been made mandatory to record the vehicle number and capture photographs of the vehicle/load while issuing entry gate passes. However, considering farmers’ convenience, in cases of very old or new vehicles where a vehicle number may not be available, gate passes can be issued based on vehicle photographs alone.

The Chief Minister further informed that before stock is moved out of mandis, mandatory approval from both the transporter and the Market Committee Secretary has been ensured for exit gate passes. This multi-agency verification system is enabling secure and authenticated movement of stock. He said that as of April 8, 2026, a total of 1,74,635 exit gate passes have been issued without any issues, reflecting the success of the new system.

The Chief Minister stated that these technology-based initiatives of the state government have enhanced transparency, accountability and efficiency in the procurement process, directly benefiting farmers. On this occasion, Additional Director (Administration), Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Smt. Varsha Khangwal, and Media Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Praveen Attrey were present.

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CM Nayab Singh Saini Reviews Progress of ₹474 Crore AI Development Programme

State to Skill Over One Lakh Youth, Incubate 100+ Startups Under AI Programme

Chandigarh, April 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini held a review meeting on Wednesday to assess the progress of the Haryana AI Development Programme (HAIDP), a ₹474 crore initiative being developed jointly with the World Bank under a 70:30 funding arrangement between the Bank and the state. MD Hartron Sh. J.Ganeshan and other officers remained present.

It was informed in the meeting that the Preliminary Project Report (PPR) of the programme has been approved by the Department of Economic Affairs, Government of India, in January this year, following clearances from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and NITI Aayog. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for HAIDP is expected to be submitted in June.

The programme aims to skill over one lakh residents in artificial intelligence and incubate more than 100 startups, among other objectives. It is structured around five key pillars aligned with the IndiaAI Mission, namely skilling and workforce development, startup financing and incubation, compute and datasets, use cases and applications, and ethical AI governance.

The review meeting was held following a two-day visit by a World Bank mission team to Panchkula on April 6 and 7. On the first day, various government departments were requested to identify potential AI use cases. Departments have been given 15 days to submit their inputs, after which priority use cases will be finalised for the state’s AI Innovation Sandbox.

The AI Innovation Sandbox is envisaged as a “test before invest” platform that will identify, validate and pilot AI solutions across priority sectors. The sandbox is fully funded by the World Bank.

On the second day of the visit, the mission team held a roundtable interaction with private sector firms. Discussions focused on compute procurement models, skilling initiatives and startup incubation frameworks.

Separately, the state is also pursuing two AI hubs under the IndiaAI Mission. The Haryana Advanced Computing Facility (HACF), proposed to be set up in Panchkula in partnership with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), is designed as a compute-intensive research facility. The Global Artificial Intelligence Centre (GAIC), planned in Gurugram in collaboration with NASSCOM, is envisaged as an incubation and industry collaboration hub. Fresh proposals for both facilities have recently been submitted to MeitY.

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Annual Report of Haryana Right to Service Commission to be released at Haryana Lok Bhavan on Thursday

Officers delivering quality services to be honoured

Chandigarh, April 8 – The Annual Report of the Haryana Right to Service Commission for the year 2024–25 will be released on Thursday at Haryana Lok Bhavan, Chandigarh. On this occasion, the Governor of Haryana, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, will release the report. Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will be present as the Chief Guest at the ceremony.

The annual report is a comprehensive document highlighting the year-long achievements in time-bound service delivery, grievance redressal, the Auto Appeal System, and department-wise service performance in the state.

During the event, officers and technical experts who have made outstanding contributions in time-bound service delivery, prompt grievance redressal, and effective implementation of the Auto Appeal System will also be honoured. These include Chief Administrator, Haryana Urban Development Authority, Sh. Chander Shekhar Khare, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Faridabad Sh. Dhirendra Khadgata, Executive Engineer, DHBVN Hisar, Sh. Hoshiyar Singh, Executive Engineer, PHED Naraiangarh Sh. Anil Kumar Chauhan, System Analyst, NIC, Ms Anshu Sethi, and Software Developer, NIC Sh. Prashant Kumar.

It is noteworthy that the Haryana Right to Service Commission, through 802 notified services of 56 departments and organisations, has so far registered a total of 27,43,481 appeals/revisions, out of which 26,98,634 cases have been disposed of. This accounts for approximately 98.4 percent of the total cases, reflecting the Commission’s effective functioning and its commitment to time-bound service delivery.

The annual report also highlights the performance of key services across various departments. These include income certificates (for educational purposes), domicile certificates, birth and death certificates, caste certificates, electricity connections, billing complaints, restoration of water supply, sewerage blockage resolution, issuance of property IDs, character certificates, and services related to various welfare schemes. Through these services, timely benefits have been delivered to lakhs of citizens, strongly demonstrating the Haryana Government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountable administration.

It is also noteworthy that the Auto Appeal System (AAS) is an innovative and citizen-centric initiative of the Haryana Right to Service Commission. Under the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, there was earlier a provision for manual filing of appeals, which was relatively complex and time-consuming for citizens.

In 2019, work began on the concept of automatic filing of appeals. Under this initiative, a dedicated software was developed and implemented as a pilot project on the online services of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam. Subsequently, necessary amendments were made in the rules to enable system-generated appeals.

Finally, the Auto Appeal System was formally launched on September 1, 2021, giving a new direction to transparency, accountability, and timeliness in service delivery.

This annual report is not only a record of the Commission’s achievements but also a strong reflection of Haryana’s governance model focused on citizen-centric administration, technological innovation, and continuous service improvement.

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Youth clearing prelims of UPSC, HPSC and Judicial exams to receive financial assistance: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Coaching to be provided through evening classes in government universities

Thinking, planning, and decisions of an IAS officer determine the direction of India’s future: CM Nayab Singh Saini

Felicitation ceremony held for Haryana’s newly selected candidates in UPSC examination

Chandigarh, April 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini announced that youth who clear the preliminary examinations of UPSC, HPSC, and Judicial Services will be provided financial assistance by the state government to support their further coaching expenses.

He stated that under the “Mukhyamantri Yuva Pratibha Protsahan Yojana”, economically weaker candidates will receive financial assistance ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹70,000.

The Chief Minister was addressing a felicitation ceremony for newly selected candidates of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) held here today.

On this occasion, Cooperation Minister Sh. Arvind Sharma, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, OSD to the Chief Minister, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti and Sh. Rakesh Sandhu, Additional Director (Administration) Smt. Varsha Khangwal, Director, Shahid Samark Dr. Kuldeep Saini, along with other senior officers, were present.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said the present government had committed in its manifesto to launch the Mukhyamantri Yuva Pratibha Protsahan Yojana, and fulfilling that commitment, financial assistance will now be provided to economically weaker youth who clear the preliminary stages of UPSC, HPSC, and Judicial examinations.

He further detailed that students from families with an annual income up to ₹1 lakh will receive ₹70,000, those with income up to ₹1.80 lakh will receive ₹60,000, those with income between ₹1.80 lakh and ₹3 lakh will receive ₹50,000, and those with income between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh will receive ₹25,000.

The Chief Minister also announced that coaching for UPSC and HPSC examinations will be provided in all government universities of the state through evening classes, ensuring that more youth can benefit and succeed in these competitive exams.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the thinking, planning, and decisions of an Indian Administrative Service officer determine the direction of the nation’s future, as their decisions impact the lives of millions. He congratulated the newly selected candidates for their remarkable achievement, stating that success in such examinations is not easy, as lakhs of candidates appear, but only those with unwavering focus and dedication succeed.

He especially encouraged Akansh Dhull, who secured the 3rd rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, along with 77 successful candidates from Haryana. He emphasized that the Indian Administrative Service is not merely a job but a responsibility, a duty, and a platform for public service.

He advised the newly selected officers that every decision they make should consider the hopes of the poorest citizens and its impact on them.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Haryana’s youth have excelled not only in civil services but also in fields like medicine, engineering, management, and technology, reflecting the abundance of talent in the state. He emphasized that the government is committed to providing the right opportunities and direction.

He added that over the past eleven and a half years, a transparent and fair system has been established in Haryana, restoring confidence among youth. The state government has provided more than 1.8 lakh government jobs purely on merit, without favoritism or corruption.

He cautioned the newly selected officers about future challenges such as administrative complexities, political pressures, and adverse social situations, stating that those who overcome these obstacles will be true administrators.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that the Constitution should be the guiding force for every IAS officer, promoting equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity, and urged them to rise above all forms of discrimination and serve the public selflessly.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, India is progressing rapidly and gaining global recognition, moving steadily towards the goal of a developed nation. He described young officers as the driving force behind this transformation.

Commissioner and Secretary, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, welcomed the Chief Minister and the newly selected candidates. He stated that Haryana is not only strong in sports but also leading in intellectual development. He encouraged the new IAS officers to work with sensitivity in the field after their training.

He also appreciated the working style of Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, noting his dedication to public service, often meeting people late into the night and resuming work early in the morning.

On this occasion, along with Ekansh Dhull (Rank 3) and Zinnia Aurora (Rank 6), newly selected candidates Nitish, Shagun Mehra, and Shikha also shared their journeys of success.

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Haryana State Enforcement Bureau launches special drive against power theft

90 electricity thieves arrested in 2026 on ADGP’s directions

No leniency for habitual offenders, says Navdeep Singh Virk

Chandigarh, April 8- The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau has intensified its crackdown on power theft, with Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Navdeep Singh Virk directing officials to launch a focused campaign against repeat offenders.

Chairing a review meeting, Sh. Navdeep Virk instructed all officers and staff to take strict action against habitual electricity thieves. He emphasized that the objective of the drive is to send a strong message that power theft is not merely a loss of revenue but a criminal offence.

As part of the ongoing campaign, cases have been registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and deliberate as well as repeat offenders are being arrested. Between January and March 2026, a total of 90 individuals were booked and arrested in such cases.

In one such instance, on April 6, 2026, Ramesh, son of Dhanpat Singh and a resident of Kala village under Jatusana police station in Rewari district, was arrested in connection with five cases of electricity theft. Despite repeated notices to deposit the penalty amount with the power utility, he failed to comply. Being a habitual offender, he was formally charge-sheeted and produced before the District and Sessions Court, Rewari.

The Bureau has been identifying and acting against such offenders across the state. Officials, including Police Station Manager PSI/SHO Naresh Kumar and Investigating Officer SI Bharat Sharma of Rewari, have been commended for their work.

Statewide action against habitual offenders

So far, the Bureau has arrested a total of 397 accused across Haryana and produced them before the courts. The district-wise figures include: Panchkula (1), Faridabad (13), Nuh (2), Gurugram (48), Rewari (3), Fatehabad (30), Jind (104), Hisar (136), Sirsa (33), Jhajjar (6), Charkhi Dadri (8), Rohtak (2), Sonipat (2), and Bhiwani (10).

The ADGP appreciated the efforts of station heads and investigating officers involved in the campaign. Inspector General of Police Kuldeep Singh and Superintendent of Police Tahir Hussain were also present at the meeting.

Revenue recovery

In the first quarter of 2026, the drive against power theft has resulted in revenue recovery of Rs 32.28 crore.

The district-wise recovery (in Rs crore) is as follows: Ambala (1.98), Kurukshetra (1.09), Panchkula (0.16), Yamunanagar (0.62), Faridabad (4.37), Palwal (1.92), Nuh (0.81), Gurugram (4.28), Mahendragarh (0.41), Rewari (1.54), Fatehabad (1.93), Jind (1.96), Hisar (2.20), Sirsa (0.96), Karnal (0.67), Panipat (1.31), Kaithal (2.12), Jhajjar (1.60), Charkhi Dadri (0.93), Rohtak (1.92), Sonipat (1.80), and Bhiwani (2.80).

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Haryana State Enforcement Bureau launches special drive against power theft

90 electricity thieves arrested in 2026 on ADGP’s directions

No leniency for habitual offenders, says Navdeep Singh Virk

Chandigarh, April 8- The Haryana State Enforcement Bureau has intensified its crackdown on power theft, with Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Navdeep Singh Virk directing officials to launch a focused campaign against repeat offenders.

Chairing a review meeting, Sh. Navdeep Virk instructed all officers and staff to take strict action against habitual electricity thieves. He emphasized that the objective of the drive is to send a strong message that power theft is not merely a loss of revenue but a criminal offence.

As part of the ongoing campaign, cases have been registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, and deliberate as well as repeat offenders are being arrested. Between January and March 2026, a total of 90 individuals were booked and arrested in such cases.

In one such instance, on April 6, 2026, Ramesh, son of Dhanpat Singh and a resident of Kala village under Jatusana police station in Rewari district, was arrested in connection with five cases of electricity theft. Despite repeated notices to deposit the penalty amount with the power utility, he failed to comply. Being a habitual offender, he was formally charge-sheeted and produced before the District and Sessions Court, Rewari.

The Bureau has been identifying and acting against such offenders across the state. Officials, including Police Station Manager PSI/SHO Naresh Kumar and Investigating Officer SI Bharat Sharma of Rewari, have been commended for their work.

Statewide action against habitual offenders

So far, the Bureau has arrested a total of 397 accused across Haryana and produced them before the courts. The district-wise figures include: Panchkula (1), Faridabad (13), Nuh (2), Gurugram (48), Rewari (3), Fatehabad (30), Jind (104), Hisar (136), Sirsa (33), Jhajjar (6), Charkhi Dadri (8), Rohtak (2), Sonipat (2), and Bhiwani (10).

The ADGP appreciated the efforts of station heads and investigating officers involved in the campaign. Inspector General of Police Kuldeep Singh and Superintendent of Police Tahir Hussain were also present at the meeting.

Revenue recovery

In the first quarter of 2026, the drive against power theft has resulted in revenue recovery of Rs 32.28 crore.

The district-wise recovery (in Rs crore) is as follows: Ambala (1.98), Kurukshetra (1.09), Panchkula (0.16), Yamunanagar (0.62), Faridabad (4.37), Palwal (1.92), Nuh (0.81), Gurugram (4.28), Mahendragarh (0.41), Rewari (1.54), Fatehabad (1.93), Jind (1.96), Hisar (2.20), Sirsa (0.96), Karnal (0.67), Panipat (1.31), Kaithal (2.12), Jhajjar (1.60), Charkhi Dadri (0.93), Rohtak (1.92), Sonipat (1.80), and Bhiwani (2.80).

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