Double the Number of Pilgrims to Receive Financial Assistance for Guru Darshan, Kailash Mansarovar and Sindhu Darshan Yatras: CM Nayab Singh Saini*

*Tourism development roadmap prepared in line with Haryana Vision-2047 to give fresh boost to rural economy*

*Departmental action plan for 2030 and 2047 targets discussed at review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini*

Chandigarh, October 22: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government will now provide financial assistance to 100 pilgrims each every year for the Swarna Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Sindhu Darshan Yatra. So far, financial assistance has been provided to 50 pilgrims annually under each of these three pilgrimage schemes. He also directed that registration for these yatras be carried out online through a dedicated portal.

The Chief Minister issued these directions while chairing a review meeting on Thursday at the Haryana Civil Secretariat to discuss the Tourism Department's action plan for the next five years under Haryana Vision-2047. He issued comprehensive directions to improve the functioning of the department and develop Haryana into a tourism hub.

Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary Dr. Amit Agrawal informed the meeting that the Haryana Government provides financial assistance of ₹20,000 per pilgrim for the Swarna Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra, ₹50,000 per pilgrim for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and ₹20,000 per pilgrim for the Sindhu Darshan Yatra. At present, 50 pilgrims receive assistance annually under each scheme.

The Chief Minister directed that the number of beneficiaries be increased from 50 to 100 annually for each of the three yatras. He also instructed the department to develop an online registration portal and ensure that only pilgrims registered through the portal receive financial assistance.

Dr. Amit Agrawal informed the meeting that the Tourism Department currently has 42 tourist complexes, 21 banquet and convention halls, 35 conference halls, 842 air-conditioned rooms, eight dormitories, 243 shops and 1,192 acres of tourism-related land. The state also operates five institutes of hotel management and 15 petrol pumps.

*Directions Issued for Revamp of Key Tourism Sites*

The Chief Minister directed the department to renovate important tourism sites wherever required. Keeping the broader public interest in view, he said that sites suitable for operation through leasing arrangements or the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode should be developed through private companies.

Under Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi's vision of 'Wed in India', he issued directions regarding the establishment of a wedding city in Pinjore, restoration of the Surya Temple in Yamunanagar, development of a golf course in Faridabad and promotion of water sports activities.

*Farm Stays and Homestays to Generate Employment in Rural Areas*

The Chief Minister said that, under Haryana Vision-2030, the scheme for registration, marketing and promotion of farm stays and homestay units should be revised as required to encourage agri-tourism.

He directed the department to increase the number of registered farm stays and homestays in the state from the existing 38 farm stays and 11 homestays to 100. He also instructed officials to connect tourism-related establishments with online platforms and develop plans to present rural life, local cuisine and traditional experiences in an attractive manner for tourists.

*Local Products and Self-Help Groups to Receive Encouragement*

The Chief Minister said that a plan should be prepared to display products made by self-help groups, handicrafts and local food items at tourist information centres, thereby linking rural tourism with the local economy.

This initiative will provide rural entrepreneurs, women and local artisans with opportunities to promote and sell their products. He directed that this model be developed in a phased manner at Kurukshetra and other tourist destinations.

*Millet Festivals and Organic Farm Stays to Enhance Tourism Appeal*

The Chief Minister said that preparations should be made to organise a millet festival in Gurugram this year to introduce new experiences in agri-tourism. The festival would promote millets, traditional cuisine and agricultural tourism.

He also directed the department to plan special fairs at locations where mustard and wheat crops are ready for harvesting, at lily flower cultivation sites in the Narnaul region, and at sunflower cultivation areas around Shahabad. The objective is to develop these locations as attractive tourist destinations.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the status of announcements related to the department, budget announcements, commitments made in the election manifesto and complaints received through the CM Grievance Portal. He issued necessary directions to officials regarding their implementation and resolution.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal; Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Yashpal Yadav; OSD to the Chief Minister and Director General of the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, Dr. Raj Nehru; Tourism Department Director Sh. Parth Gupta; and other officials were also present at the meeting.

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*Haryana Strengthens Anti-Pollution Drive with Focus on Stubble Management, Vehicular Emissions and Road Dust*

*State exceeds target for crop-residue management machines by 47%; 748.89 km of roads redeveloped; over 19,000 end-of-life vehicles impounded*

*CAQM Appreciates Haryana for Continuous Decline in Stubble-Burning Incidents*

Chandigarh, October 22: Haryana has intensified its efforts to control air pollution through measures covering stubble burning, vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activities and industrial pollution. These measures were reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by the Chairman of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) Sh. Rajesh Verma and Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi here today. The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing initiatives and enforcement measures being implemented across the state to improve air quality.

Director, Agriculture, Sh. Amit Khatri informed that Haryana has distributed 13,200 crop-residue management machines against a target of 9,000, exceeding the target by 47 per cent. To prevent stubble burning, 52 FIRs have been registered this year and 21 people have been arrested. Environmental compensation of ₹10,000 has been recovered. Red entries have also been made in farm records in cases related to stubble burning.

The state is using a mobile application developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre to verify burnt areas at the village level, helping authorities monitor incidents using satellite data. To promote the use of paddy residue as a resource, district-level agreements have been made with industries to utilise 27.10 lakh metric tonnes of paddy residue during the current season.

The meeting was informed that biomass-based power projects had consumed 7.284 lakh metric tonnes of paddy straw by September 30, achieving 77.16 per cent of their annual target. Compressed biogas plants had consumed another 1.053 lakh metric tonnes.

*CAQM Appreciates Haryana’s efforts in controlling stubble burning*

CAQM Chairman Sh. Rajesh Verma appreciated the Haryana Government for the continuous decline in stubble-burning incidents across the state, acknowledging the sustained efforts being made to prevent crop residue burning and promote environment-friendly alternatives.

Sh. Verma also commended the Jhajjar district administration for developing a model brick kiln in the Badli area that is effectively utilising paddy stubble as fuel. He appreciated this initiative as a practical example of converting agricultural residue into a useful resource while helping reduce stubble burning and air pollution. He emphasised the importance of promoting such innovative and sustainable practices, encouraging wider adoption of paddy-straw-based fuel in brick kilns and strengthening coordination between district administrations and industry stakeholders.

The meeting was informed that brick kilns in eight non-NCR districts are using paddy straw pellets as fuel, with an average co-firing rate of 21.9 per cent. Of the 708 brick kilns in these districts, 707 have been brought under compliance.

Thermal power plants are also being encouraged to blend biomass with coal. The Indira Gandhi Super Thermal Power Station has achieved 72.89 per cent of its co-firing target.

*Drones and Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring*

Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi informed that to strengthen monitoring of air pollution and stubble burning, Haryana has installed 79 PM2.5 sensors in identified red-zone villages.

Twenty drones have been deployed in the first phase of surveillance, and another 30 are planned. These measures will help authorities monitor affected areas and identify incidents of stubble burning more effectively.

*Measures to Control Vehicular Pollution*

Haryana has approved the procurement of 600 automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at a cost of ₹14.50 crore. A separate tender has also been floated for an additional 1,500 cameras.

Under the proposed enforcement measures, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate will not be permitted to obtain fuel at petrol pumps or CNG stations in the state's National Capital Region (NCR) districts.

Between January and mid-October this year, Haryana Traffic Police impounded 19,067 end-of-life vehicles, of which 785 have been sent for scrapping.

Under the Parivartan scheme, 18,501 beneficiaries have registered to replace old commercial trucks and buses with cleaner BS-VI, electric or CNG vehicles.

The state has also phased out 596 diesel-operated auto-rickshaws in NCR districts. The registration of new diesel auto-rickshaws has been suspended since January 2023.

To reduce traffic congestion and associated emissions, measures have been taken at 84 congestion points requiring short-term interventions and 10 points requiring long-term solutions. A total of 205 ANPR cameras have been installed at these locations to support automated enforcement.

*Road Dust and Construction Waste Management*

Haryana has redeveloped 748.89 kilometres of roads in Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Manesar, Karnal, Panipat and Rohtak to help control road dust. The state has deployed 78 mechanised road-sweeping machines against a requirement of 81.

All 44 secondary collection centres for construction and demolition (C&D) waste have been established across the seven cities. GPS-enabled vehicles have also been deployed for C&D waste collection. To improve dust control at construction sites, 56 building plans covering areas larger than 500 square metres have been registered on the Dust Portal.

Municipal bodies have been directed to ensure compliance with dust-control measures, including video surveillance, fortnightly self-audits, low-cost air-quality sensors, wind barriers, dust screens, water sprinklers and covered transportation of construction materials.

*Inspection and Monitoring of Industrial Units*

Member Secretary, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Sh. Yogesh Kumar informed that the Board has stepped up inspections of industrial units to ensure compliance with pollution-control requirements. Between January and September, the board inspected 4,129 industrial units in conforming areas and 462 units in non-conforming areas. Action, including closure of non-compliant facilities, has been taken.

Among stone-crushing units, 191 have installed web cameras or video surveillance systems, while 293 have installed low-cost particulate matter sensors. Revised operating consents with dust-control conditions have been issued to 707 of the 708 units.

The state has also taken action to check emissions from diesel generator (DG) sets. Of the 2,978 DG sets inspected, 153 non-compliant units have been shut down.

*Need to turn paddy stubble into an economic asset: CAQM Member Secretary Tarun Kumar Pithode*

Speaking to mediapersons after the meeting, CAQM Member Secretary Sh. Tarun Kumar Pithode emphasised the need to turn paddy stubble into an economic asset through better management and productive use, while ensuring effective enforcement of directions against vehicular, industrial and dust pollution. “CAQM’s endeavour is to ensure that stubble emerges as an asset and that an ecosystem is established in Punjab and Haryana where burning incidents can be prevented and crop residue can be put to productive use,” he said.

He said the objective was to build a circular economy around crop residue, enabling farmers to earn additional income while reducing pollution and its adverse effects on people in both villages and cities.

Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena, Transport Commissioner Sh. Prabhjot Singh, and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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*Haryana to Develop a New Corridor Connecting Historical Sites: Chief Minister*

*CM Nayab Singh Saini reviews the five-year action plan of the Archaeology and Museums Department under Haryana Vision 2047*

*Focus on exploring, preserving and promoting Haryana’s 10,000-year-old heritage*

Chandigarh, October 22: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state is home to numerous historical sites that reflect its glorious past and the struggles of its ancestors. To familiarise people with this rich heritage, a new corridor connecting historical sites should be developed in Haryana so that future generations can learn about the stories of brave heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The Chief Minister issued these directions while chairing a review meeting on Thursday at the Haryana Civil Secretariat to assess the five-year action plan of the Archaeology and Museums Department under Haryana Vision 2047. He also issued comprehensive directions to further improve the functioning of the Tourism Department and develop Haryana into a tourism hub.

The Chief Minister said that stories of the struggle waged by Haryana’s ancestors for India’s independence are scattered across every corner of the state. The First War of Independence in 1857 began from Ambala Cantonment, and to raise public awareness about this historic event, the government has constructed a grand and magnificent Shaheed Smarak in Ambala Cantonment.

All the locations associated with the freedom struggle depicted at the memorial still exist in Ambala and other districts. These sites need not only to be preserved but also developed in an integrated manner to create a new corridor that enables the public to learn about Haryana’s history. He directed the officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan in this regard.

Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary, Archaeology and Museums Department, presented details of the department’s five-year action plan under the Vision 2047 framework. The plan aims to preserve the state’s ancient civilisation, historical treasures and cultural heritage while promoting tourism.

He said the objective was to explore, preserve and promote Haryana’s nearly 10,000-year-old heritage and develop the state into a leading centre for cultural tourism. The plan places special emphasis on scientific excavations at archaeological sites, documentation of historical heritage, conservation and restoration of monuments, modernisation of museums, and increased public participation.

*Plan to undertake excavations at 21 new archaeological sites*

Between 1972 and 2025, archaeological excavations were conducted at nine sites in the state. The department plans to undertake excavations at 21 new sites in the coming years.

In the first phase, excavations are planned at Siswal in Hisar district during 2026–27. This will be followed by excavations at Kharar Alipur in two phases. During 2029–31, sites will be selected from Balu, Jogna Khera, Tigadana and Rakhigarhi based on archaeological priorities.

*Target to increase the number of protected monuments to over 120*

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that the number of protected monuments in the state be increased from the current 72 to more than 120 by 2031.

He called for the identification, documentation and scientific conservation of historical forts, ancient stepwells, temples and havelis. He also pointed out that inscriptions in a language dating back to the Mahabharata era are present inside a temple at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra and stressed the need to preserve them.

He directed officials to ensure that the temple’s original structure remains untouched. He also instructed them to preserve bridges and historic buildings constructed during British rule.

*Renovation of six museums and development of six new museums*

Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal informed the meeting that the department plans to renovate six museums: the Panipat Museum, Jahaj Kothi Museum in Hisar, Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram Museum in Garhi Sampla, Jayanti Devi Museum in Jind, Bhima Devi Temple Museum in Pinjore, and Guru Gobind Singh Martial Arts Museum at Kapal Mochan.

The Chief Minister directed that the historical site at Shahzadpur and the rest house at Narayangarh police station also be included in the list.

In addition, plans are underway to develop six new museums, including a State Museum in Panchkula, a museum at Rakhigarhi, Sikh and Ravidas museums in Kurukshetra, Swami Omanand Museum in Jhajjar, and a museum at Kunal.

*Special focus on Rakhigarhi and the Saraswati-Indus civilisation*

The Chief Minister said that Rakhigarhi should be developed as a major archaeological and tourism destination, while work should also be undertaken on the concept of a Saraswati-Indus Heritage Corridor.

The proposed corridor will connect prominent sites, including Rakhigarhi, Bharadana, Tigadana, Banawali, Kunal, Balu, Bhagwanpura and Kharar Alipur. The heritage of Kurukshetra, Agroha, Thanesar, Pinjore and other historical sites will also be given prominence.

*Public participation and cultural tourism to receive a boost*

The Chief Minister said that activities such as the Rakhigarhi Festival, heritage and museum walks, fairs, cultural festivals and distribution of heritage kits in schools should be organised to raise public awareness about the state’s heritage.

Efforts should also be made to increase tourist participation at protected monuments and museums.

He said that under the long-term vision for 2047, documentation and research publications on Haryana’s historical forts, temples and architectural heritage should be encouraged, along with collaboration with national and international institutions.

These initiatives will help strengthen heritage conservation, promote tourism and employment, accelerate regional development, and establish Haryana’s cultural identity at the national and international levels.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal; Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism Department, Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal; Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Sh. Yashpal Yadav; OSD to the Chief Minister and Director General of the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management, Dr. Raj Nehru; Director, Archaeology and Museums Department, Sh. Amit Khatri; and other officials were also present at the meeting.

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*Market Committee Secretaries to Coordinate with Revenue Department for Immediate Verification of Crops*

*More than 30 lakh metric tonnes of paddy arrivals recorded in mandis so far*

*Paddy procurement continues smoothly across Haryana*

Chandigarh, October 22: The Haryana Government has directed Market Committee Secretaries to coordinate with the Revenue Department and ensure immediate verification of farmers registered on the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal whose paddy crops could not be verified for certain reasons, even though they have already brought their produce to the mandis. The move aims to ensure that farmers do not face any inconvenience. Senior officers have also been appointed as nodal officers at the mandis.

A spokesperson for the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department said that paddy procurement at mandis and procurement centres was proceeding smoothly and with complete transparency. The Kharif procurement season began on September 29, 2026, with the Government of India setting a paddy procurement target of 58 lakh metric tonnes (MT).

He stated that, as of October 21, 2026, the state’s estimated non-basmati paddy production stood at approximately 60.67 lakh MT, against which around 30.26 lakh MT of paddy had arrived at mandis. This represents approximately 52 per cent of both the procurement target set by the Government of India and the total estimated production projected by the Agriculture Department.

He further informed that, as of October 21, 2026, a total of 24.93 lakh MT of paddy had been procured out of the total arrivals. Of this, approximately 17.54 lakh MT, or nearly 70 per cent of the procured paddy, had also been successfully lifted from the mandis.

Among the various procurement agencies, the Food and Supplies Department had procured the highest quantity at 13.60 lakh MT, followed by HAFED at 7.63 lakh MT and the Haryana State Warehousing Corporation at 3.70 lakh MT.

Additionally, payments for approximately 14 lakh MT of paddy procured under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism have been made so far, with ₹3,447 crore transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts.

The spokesperson further stated that the state government had made robust administrative arrangements to ensure that farmers faced no difficulties in selling their produce. All Administrative Secretaries have been deployed to conduct regular inspections of mandis and procurement centres, and the department has provided them with checklists and relevant lists for this purpose.

In addition, all Superintendents of Police have been directed to establish strict checkpoints to prevent the illegal inflow of foodgrains from neighbouring states.

The spokesperson also said that the entire procurement process was being continuously monitored at the highest level. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini held review meetings with the concerned departments and agencies on August 6, September 25, October 7 and October 13, 2026.

Furthermore, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sh. Rajesh Nagar held review meetings on September 22 and October 12. The Chief Secretary chaired a meeting on October 15, while the Principal Secretary and Director General of the Food Department held review meetings with senior administrative officers, Deputy Commissioners and procurement agencies on September 29 and October 14.

He added that the quality of paddy had been excellent this year, enabling farmers to receive prices higher than the MSP in the open market. According to a report by the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board, private traders are purchasing approximately 62,000 MT of paddy in the mandis of Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra and Panipat districts, depending on quality, at an average price of ₹2,468 per quintal, with rates ranging from ₹2,462 to ₹2,800 per quintal.

The spokesperson said that the state government remained fully committed to safeguarding the interests of Haryana’s farmers. All necessary efforts were being made to ensure that farmers faced no inconvenience while selling their crops and that every grain of their paddy was procured at the Minimum Support Price.

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*Third Surajkund Diwali Fair to Begin from Tomorrow; CM Nayab Singh Saini to Inaugurate the Grand Event*

*Four-day cultural festival to begin in the presence of Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma; preparations completed*

*Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal to attend the closing ceremony on October 26; tourists from Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states invited*

Chandigarh, October 22: The third Surajkund Diwali Fair will begin with a grand opening on Friday, with the aim of showcasing Haryana’s rich cultural heritage, folk arts and traditional handicrafts. Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the four-day cultural festival in the presence of the state’s Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma.

The Tourism Department has completed preparations for the fair, which will be held from October 23 to 26. The event will offer a unique glimpse into the art, culture, handicrafts, traditional cuisine and folk music of different parts of the country. Around 300 stalls have been set up, where visitors can enjoy Diwali shopping and explore exquisite creations by artisans from across India.

Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that the Surajkund Diwali Fair is not merely a festival or a shopping event, but also an important platform for celebrating Indian culture, traditions and the talent of artisans. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is continuously working to preserve cultural heritage and promote tourism.

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*Rakhigarhi Museum Project to Be Completed Soon; ₹180 Crore Approved for Remaining Works: Dr. Arvind Sharma*

*Harappan Heritage to Get a New Dimension; Rakhigarhi to Be Developed as a World-Class Archaeological and Tourism Centre*

Chandigarh, October 22: Haryana Cooperation, Archaeology, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said that significant steps are being taken to give the historic archaeological site of Rakhigarhi, one of the prominent sites of the Harappan Civilisation, global recognition. The work on the modern museum complex at Rakhigarhi will be completed soon, with ₹180 crore approved for the remaining works. The project will give a new dimension to Rakhigarhi's historical heritage and help establish the site as a major centre for archaeological research, cultural activities and tourism.

Dr. Arvind Sharma was addressing an international conference organised as part of the Rakhigarhi Festival. He said that Rakhigarhi is an important symbol of India's ancient civilisation, scientific thinking, advanced urban planning and rich cultural traditions. The government is making continuous efforts to preserve its historical heritage, present archaeological discoveries effectively and enhance its recognition both nationally and internationally.

*Modern Museum to Showcase Glorious Heritage*

The Minister said that the modern museum complex, being developed at a cost of ₹180 crore, would mark a significant milestone in the development of Rakhigarhi. An auditorium will also be constructed as part of the project to promote historical, educational and cultural activities. The modern museum will facilitate the systematic and effective display of archaeological remains discovered at the site and other evidence associated with the ancient civilisation.

He said the museum would serve as an informative centre for students, researchers, historians and tourists, offering them an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the lifestyle, social organisation, craftsmanship, agriculture, residential structures and urban planning of the Harappan Civilisation. Keeping the convenience of tourists in mind, the construction of a rest house at Rakhigarhi has also been completed.

*Archaeological Discoveries Provide Insights into the Development of Ancient Civilisation*

Dr. Arvind Sharma said that excavations at Rakhigarhi have brought to light several important findings that reflect the advanced lifestyle and well-organised social structure of ancient society. The archaeological remains discovered here play a significant role in understanding Indian history and studying the development of ancient civilisations.

He said that preserving this heritage goes beyond safeguarding historical monuments and artefacts; it is also a means of connecting future generations with their civilisation and culture. The modern museum complex will enable these significant discoveries to be presented more effectively and help Rakhigarhi gain greater recognition at the national and international levels.

*Tourism to Create Employment Opportunities for Local Residents*

The Minister said that the expansion of infrastructure and promotion of tourism at Rakhigarhi would also strengthen the local economy. An increase in tourist footfall could create new opportunities for local residents in employment, self-employment, handicrafts and other economic activities.

The museum and auditorium will also offer greater scope for hosting national and international academic conferences, cultural programmes and archaeological events.

He said that integrating important historical sites such as Rakhigarhi with modern facilities would help present Haryana's cultural heritage more effectively on the global stage. The government aims to preserve heritage, promote tourism and accelerate local development.

On the occasion, CDLU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vijay Kumar, Padma Shri Dr. R.S. Bisht, Deputy Director Dr. Narendra Parmar, Dr. Amarendra Nath, Dr. Garima Singh and other archaeological experts elaborated on the rich culture of the Harappan period.

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*NGOs to Be Engaged for Care and Support of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Haryana*

*Applications invited from interested NGOs*

Chandigarh, October 22: The Haryana State AIDS Control Society (HSACS), functioning under the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, will seek the assistance of registered Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) for the implementation of Care Support Services in the state.

The initiative is being launched as a community-based intervention under the National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP), funded through the Domestic Budget Grant. Its primary objective is to provide outreach services and support for continuity of treatment to people living with HIV (PLHIV).

A government spokesperson stated that the scheme will be implemented in two major clusters in the state: the Faridabad Cluster, comprising Faridabad, Mahendragarh, Gurugram, Nuh, Rewari and Palwal districts; and the Kurukshetra Cluster, comprising Kurukshetra, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Karnal, Kaithal and Sonipat districts.

Following their selection, the concerned organisations will be responsible for carrying out several important activities, including tracking patients who have interrupted their treatment; providing tracking and outreach services to newly diagnosed patients until their first viral load test; tracking patients due for viral load testing; counselling patients with high viral loads; providing care and support to HIV-positive pregnant women and their infants; and linking eligible patients with social security schemes.

The spokesperson further stated that applications have been invited from NGOs/CBOs for undertaking these activities. Interested and eligible organisations may submit their applications, along with all required self-attested documents in PDF format, in both hard copy and soft copy by 5:00 PM on November 20, 2026.

Applications and supporting documents may be sent via email to haryanasacs@gmail.com and pd-aids.dhs@hry.gov.in. The eligibility criteria, guidelines and prescribed format for the Letter of Intent are available on the official websites: haryanahealth.gov.in and haryanasacs.in.

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**Haryana clears Rs 3.26 crore healthcare procurement plan to upgrade district hospitals, blood banks and drug-testing facilities**

**Nine mortuary chambers, 17 autopsy tables and advanced laboratory equipment approved; statewide digitisation of medical equipment also cleared**

Chandigarh, October 22 - The Haryana government on Thursday approved procurement and service proposals worth approximately Rs. 3.26 crore to upgrade district hospitals, strengthen blood banks and diagnostic laboratories, improve pharmaceutical quality testing and create a centralised digital inventory of medical equipment across all districts of the state.

The decisions were taken at separate meetings of the State Health Procurement Special Standing Purchase Committee (SSPC), chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Dr. Sumita Misra.

The committees approved two-year rate contracts for nine mortuary chambers, each with a capacity to accommodate six bodies, at an estimated cost of Rs 70.62 lakh, and 17 elevating pedestal autopsy tables costing approximately Rs 66.27 lakh for district hospitals across Haryana.

The two proposals, involving a combined estimated expenditure of Rs 1.37 crore, are aimed at expanding mortuary capacity and improving the safety and efficiency of post-mortem examinations.

In another major decision, the committees approved medical equipment worth approximately Rs 1.09 crore to strengthen blood bank, screening and laboratory services.

The equipment includes 25 deep freezers capable of maintaining temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius at an estimated cost of Rs 56.64 lakh, 20 ELISA readers with washers costing Rs 34.02 lakh and 15 digital analytical balances costing Rs 18.55 lakh.

The said the equipment would improve the storage of samples and reagents, strengthen screening and testing capabilities and support the availability of safe blood at healthcare facilities.

To strengthen pharmaceutical quality control, two dissolution machines costing approximately Rs 16.04 lakh and two disintegration apparatus costing Rs 8.96 lakh were approved for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Haryana.

The instruments, involving a combined estimated cost of Rs. 25 lakh, will enhance the FDA's capacity to test pharmaceutical products and monitor compliance with prescribed quality standards.

The committees also approved a statewide exercise to survey, verify, validate and digitise medical equipment installed in healthcare facilities across all districts of Haryana. An agency has been approved to undertake the exercise at an estimated cost of Rs 22.42 lakh.

The initiative is intended to create an accurate, centralised digital inventory of medical equipment, allowing authorities to track assets, monitor their condition and utilisation, and improve maintenance and procurement planning.

Officials said the digital inventory would help strengthen account inability and enable more efficient management of medical equipment across public healthcare institutions.

In addition, the committees approved the engagement of an agency for housekeeping services at the HMSCL office in Panchkula under a three-year service-level agreement at an estimated cost of Rs 32.40 lakh.

The arrangement is aimed at maintaining cleanliness, hygiene and upkeep of the corporation's office premises. The government said the decisions would strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve diagnostic and pharmaceutical testing facilities and ensure better management of medical equipment and essential support services across the state.

The approvals cover two-year rate contracts for medical equipment, a three-year housekeeping agreement and the proposed statewide equipment digitisation exercise.

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*Haryana to strengthen healthcare infrastructure- Health Minister Arti Singh Rao*

*Administrative approval accorded for construction works at various health institutions*

Chandigarh, October 22- Haryana Health, Medical Education and AYUSH Minister, Ms Arti Singh Rao, said the State Government has accorded administrative approval for construction works worth about Rs. 423.48 lakh at various health institutions to strengthen healthcare services in rural and urban areas. The initiative aims to provide modern, standardised buildings to Sub-Health Centres that currently lack their own buildings or operate from panchayat buildings and other premises.

The Cabinet Minister said that the approved works include the construction of new buildings for Sub-Health Centres at Rajgarh and Kalinga-II villages in Bhiwani district, Mangorka and Gadpuri villages in Palwal district, and Dewrar and Dharoli villages in Jind district. Land filling and laying of interlocking pavement blocks for the Block Public Health Unit (BPHU) at the Community Health Centre, Rania, in Sirsa district have also been approved.

She said that all these Sub-Health Centres are fully functional and already have the requisite human resources. They will now be provided with permanent, modern buildings based on standard designs covering 187.60 square metres, prepared by the Department of Architecture in accordance with the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), 2022.

In addition, the State Government has approved the construction of a new Primary Health Centre at Sakras village in Nuh district.

The Health Minister said that the State Government is committed to constructing new health institutions during the financial year 2026–27 and has made adequate budgetary provisions for this purpose. On completion, these works will improve access to quality medical care and healthcare services close to home for patients in rural areas and further strengthen the State’s healthcare infrastructure.

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Nodal Officer to Be Appointed in Every Department to Provide Information to Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau

Chandigarh, October 22 – The Haryana Government has directed all departments to designate a gazetted officer as a nodal officer to ensure the timely and smooth exchange of information between various departments and the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

According to a letter issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, the designated nodal officers will be responsible for coordinating and providing information sought by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau through written correspondence.

The government has directed that, wherever practicable, the information sought should be provided within 48 hours of receiving a written request from the Bureau, ensuring that the exchange of essential information is not unnecessarily delayed.

All departments have been instructed to submit the complete details of their designated nodal officers, including their names, designations, mobile numbers and email IDs, to the Vigilance Department and the Director General of Police of the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau within 15 days of the issuance of these instructions.