Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to contribute towards building self-reliant villages, empowering young people and ensuring prosperity for farmers, stating that the vision of a Developed India can only be realized through the development of rural India.
Addressing the annual foundation day celebrations of the Seva Sadhana and Gram Vikas Kendra at Samalkha in Panipat district as the Chief Guest, the Chief Minister described the institution as a living model of self-reliant India and praised its efforts to transform rural communities through service, skill development, education, agriculture and social empowerment.
Congratulating the thousands of families associated with the initiative, Saini said the institution represents a powerful example of collective social commitment. When society itself resolves to drive its own development, transformation is not merely visible, it continues across generations, he said.
Highlighting Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India, the Chief Minister said villages form the strongest foundation of the nation’s growth story. He further said that the centre’s focus on the holistic development of nearly 100 surrounding villages reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening education, healthcare, agriculture, sports, culture, employment and skill development in rural areas.
Calling the institution, a confluence of service, spiritual discipline and rural development, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said these three pillars together create not only economic progress but also social awakening. He added that the centre’s philosophy of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” reflects India’s civilizational values and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
The Chief Minister welcomed the establishment of a Skill Development Centre at the campus and appreciated its collaboration with Shri Vishwakarma Skill University. He said skill-based education is essential in a rapidly changing world driven by technology and innovation. The goal is not merely to create job seekers but job creators, he remarked, expressing confidence that the initiative would help thousands of young people become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
Nayab Singh Saini also highlighted the state government’s commitment to promoting natural farming. He said the centre is providing training to farmers in sustainable and chemical-free agricultural practices at a time when the global agricultural sector is increasingly moving towards eco-friendly farming methods.
Sharing a series of incentives introduced by the Haryana Government, the Chief Minister said the subsidy for indigenous cows used in natural farming has been enhanced to Rs 30,000. Farmers adopting natural farming will also receive Rs 3,000 assistance for purchasing storage and processing drums required for preparing natural inputs.
He further said that APEDA-certified natural and organic farmers will receive financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per acre annually for five years. Around 800 acres of land owned by the Agriculture Department will be leased exclusively to farmers committed to natural and organic farming for at least ten years. A new policy is also being formulated to promote natural farming on Panchayat land, said the Chief Minister.
To strengthen market access, Nayab Singh Saini said that dedicated spaces for natural and organic produce will be created in ten mandis across the state, along with testing laboratories and APEDA-recognised certification centres.
The Chief Minister further shared that a 2,000-acre Smart Agriculture Project will be launched in Kurukshetra district in collaboration with Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University. The initiative will combine modern technology with natural farming practices. Significantly, he assured farmers that any losses incurred under the project would be compensated by the state government.
Praising the sports nursery being run at the centre, Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana has earned national recognition as India’s sporting powerhouse and stressed that rural talent, if nurtured properly, can produce future national and international champions.
He also appreciated the institution’s plans to establish hostels for underprivileged children, saying such facilities would become centres for nurturing talent and expanding educational opportunities for disadvantaged sections of society.
Describing the Seva Sadhana and Gram Vikas Kendra as a model of inclusive development inspired by the philosophy of Antyodaya, the Chief Minister said the institution has the potential to emerge as a national example of how social participation, cultural values and modern development can be integrated to bring meaningful change.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to actively participate in rural transformation by empowering youth, supporting farmers, creating opportunities for children and contributing to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India.
Earlier, Chairman, Madhav Jan Seva Nyas, Pawan Jindal welcomed the Chief Minister. Saini paid floral tributes to the statue of Bharat Mata at the campus. The programme commenced with the singing of Vande Mataram.
Education Minister, Mahipal Dhanda, Panipat Urban MLA, Pramod Vij and Samalkha MLA, Manmohan Bhadana were also present on the occasion.
*Haryana Matches National Average in Infant Mortality Rate, Records Faster Improvement Than Punjab*
*State Reduces IMR by 14% in Five Years; Strengthening Newborn and Maternal Care Infrastructure*
Haryana has made significant progress in improving child health outcomes, with the state’s Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) declining to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2024.
The achievement places Haryana on par with the national average and reflects sustained improvements in maternal and child healthcare services across the state.
Sharing this information, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Haryana, Dr. Sumita Misra said the state has been consistently improving key health indicators through focused interventions in maternal and newborn healthcare. She said Haryana’s performance demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure and community-based health services.
The latest data show that Haryana’s IMR has fallen from 28 to 24 over the past five years, representing a reduction of nearly 14 per cent. During the same period, Punjab’s IMR declined from 18 to 16, an improvement of about 11 per cent. The figures indicate that Haryana has achieved a faster pace of reduction despite the challenges associated with serving a larger and more densely populated population.
Dr. Misra said Haryana has now reached the national average in IMR and continues to make steady progress in reducing infant deaths.
She noted that while comparisons are often made with smaller states and Union Territories, Haryana’s achievements are significant given its size, population density and healthcare delivery challenges.
Health officials noted that Haryana’s performance compares favourably with several large states where infant mortality remains significantly higher. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh continue to report IMRs of around 35, while Chhattisgarh’s rate is approximately 36 per 1,000 live births.
The improvement has been attributed to a series of initiatives undertaken by the Haryana Government to strengthen neonatal and child healthcare services. These include the expansion of Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), Newborn Stabilisation Units (NBSUs), Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs), Newborn Baby Care Corners (NBCCs), Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) facilities, Hybrid HDU-ICU units, Comprehensive Lactation Management Centres (CLMCs), Lactation Management Units (LMUs), Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and Home-Based Newborn Care services.
Dr. Misra said the state has witnessed a continuous decline in neonatal and infant mortality due to improved institutional deliveries, better newborn care and strengthened healthcare infrastructure. She added that the government is focusing on further improving antenatal care services, ensuring safe deliveries and upgrading neonatal intensive care facilities across government hospitals.
To further accelerate progress, Haryana plans to establish additional SNCUs, NBSUs, NRCs and Lactation Management Units across the state. Existing SNCUs are also being upgraded into Maternal and Newborn Care Units (MNCUs) to provide integrated care for mothers and newborns under one roof.
While infant mortality continues to pose challenges in some rural areas and parts of eastern Haryana, Dr. Misra said the state’s long-term trajectory remains encouraging.
Over the last decade, Haryana has reduced its IMR from 41 to 24 per 1,000 live births, reflecting sustained improvements in public health services and healthcare access.
She expressed confidence that continued strengthening of maternal and child health services, coupled with focused implementation at the grassroots level, would help Haryana achieve even better outcomes in the coming years and ensure that more children survive and celebrate their first birthday.
Make Yoga a Part of Daily Life; Only Healthy Citizens Can Build a Healthy India- Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa
One-Day Yoga Training Programme Organised at the Hockey Ground of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium; Cabinet Minister Attends as Chief Guest
Haryana Public Works and Public Health Engineering Minister, Ranbir Gangwa said that yoga should not be viewed as an activity meant for a specific day or occasion. Rather, it must become an indispensable part of everyday life. He said that a healthy society can be built only when every citizen adopts yoga as a regular practice and incorporates it into his or her daily routine.
The Cabinet Minister was addressing a one-day Yoga Training Programme organised jointly by the Women and Child Development Department, the AYUSH Department and the District Administration at the hockey ground of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, Sirsa on Saturday. Participating as the Chief Guest, Ranbir Gangwa highlighted the importance of yoga in maintaining physical fitness, mental well-being and overall quality of life.
He said that in today’s fast-paced world, increasing professional commitments, changing lifestyles and rising stress levels have exposed people to numerous physical and mental health challenges. As a result, lifestyle-related ailments are becoming increasingly common. In such circumstances, yoga serves as a comprehensive and effective solution that helps individuals achieve balance in both body and mind, said the Minister.
The Cabinet Minister further said that Yoga is perhaps the only practice that simultaneously strengthens the body, calms the mind and nurtures inner well-being. It not only makes the body energetic, flexible and resilient but also provides mental peace, emotional stability and greater concentration. By practising yoga regularly, individuals can improve their overall health and lead a more disciplined and fulfilling life, he said.
The Minister said that the health of a nation is directly linked to the health of its citizens. If people remain physically fit and mentally strong, they are better equipped to contribute to society and the country’s development. A healthy population forms the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation, he added.
Ranbir Gangwa said that yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, has now emerged as a global movement for health and wellness. He credited Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and sustained efforts for bringing yoga to the forefront of the international community.
He said that because of the Prime Minister’s commitment and initiatives, yoga has received unprecedented recognition across the world. Today, millions of people in different countries are embracing yoga and benefiting from its transformative impact. The international acceptance and growing popularity of yoga clearly demonstrate its relevance and importance for the well-being of humanity as a whole, he said.
The Cabinet Minister further said that under the able guidance of Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, extensive yoga programmes are being organised across all districts of Haryana. The State Government is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle and ensuring that the benefits of yoga reach every section of society, he said.
The Cabinet Minister said that various awareness campaigns, training sessions and community-based programmes are being conducted to encourage people to adopt yoga as a way of life. The government’s objective is not merely to organise events but to transform yoga into a people’s movement that contributes to better public health and social well-being, he said.
Appealing to the citizens, Ranbir Gangwa urged them not only to practise yoga themselves but also to motivate their family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues to become part of this healthy initiative. He said that collective participation would help create a healthier and more conscious society while significantly improving the overall quality of life.
Earlier, District Ayurvedic Officer, Dr Ashu Sharma welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. On the occasion, Yoga Coordinator Dr Surender Pal Nagar elaborated on the significance and benefits of yoga and highlighted its role in achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Yoga instructors Pankaj and Aina conducted various yoga sessions and demonstrated different yogic practices, enabling participants to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of the techniques.
SDM Rajender Jangra, and several other distinguished guests, officers and yoga practitioners also remained present on the occasion.
