Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that pilgrimages are a great medium to unite society. Such journeys connect the younger generation with their roots, culture, and values. When a devotee visits a pilgrimage site, he or she does not merely return after offering prayers, but comes back with renewed energy, inspiration, and awareness.
The Chief Minister was addressing devotees at a function organized in Sirsa regarding the departure of a special pilgrimage train to Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra), under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yatra Yojana’. On the occasion, Director General of the Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Sh. K.M. Pandurang, presented a memento to Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. The Chief Minister also handed over rail tickets to five devotees travelling to Sri Nanded Sahib. Later, he flagged off the special train. More than 800 pilgrims from different parts of Haryana are travelling on the train. He also interacted with the devotees onboard and railway officials accompanying the train. The Chief Minister also participated in the Ardas ceremony before the departure of the train.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that it was his privilege to get the opportunity to flag off the special train carrying devotees from the historic land of Sirsa to Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded. He said that the journey symbolizes devotion, faith, and dedication towards the Guru Sahibs. Offering respectful obeisance to all Guru Sahibs, he prayed for their blessings upon everyone and extended his heartfelt wishes to the devotees for a successful and auspicious journey.
He said that Sirsa holds a revered and respected place in Sikh history and is associated with the Tenth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. In 1706, while travelling southward from Talwandi Sabo, Guru Sahib had also stayed in Sirsa. Gurudwara Shri Chilla Sahib, situated here, still commemorates that sacred visit. He added that this holy land has been blessed multiple times by the presence of Guru Sahibs. On the other hand, Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded is the sacred place where Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji attained Jyoti Jot. Guru Sahib taught that standing against injustice is true religion and service to humanity is the greatest form of worship.
The Chief Minister said that the special train running today from Sirsa to Nanded symbolizes India’s spiritual stream that connects the entire nation from north to south through the teachings of the Guru Sahibs. Pilgrimages are a powerful means of social unity. Keeping in view the importance of pilgrimage sites, unprecedented work is being undertaken under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for the preservation and promotion of religious and cultural heritage. Several important steps have also been taken by the Central Government for preserving Sikh history and heritage.
He said that under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, approval has been granted for the development of a heritage circuit including Sri Anandpur Sahib, Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, Sri Chamkaur Sahib, Amritsar, Khatkar Kalan, Kalanaur, and Patiala. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi had also participated in the state-level programme organized at Jyotisar on the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and paid homage to him. He also released commemorative coins, postage stamps, and a coffee table book dedicated to Guru Sahib. Earlier, in 2019, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak, fulfilling the long-pending demand of millions of devotees.
Similarly, the Prime Minister made the historic decision to observe the martyrdom day of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
He said that every year on December 26, the entire nation observes Veer Bal Diwas with devotion and pride. It inspires future generations with the values of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to religion. A special air service has also been started from Amritsar to Sri Nanded Sahib to facilitate convenient travel for devotees.
Special train for Somnath Temple also planned under agreement with Railways
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yatra Yojana’, the Haryana Government has entered into a special agreement with the Railway Department for the convenience of devotees. Special arrangements have been made for food, security, and all other necessary facilities to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Earlier, on March 28, a special pilgrimage train was sent to Ayodhya Dham, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. Today, the second special train has been flagged off for Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded. Around 800 devotees from 14 districts of the state are participating in this journey. The first train had departed from Kurukshetra on May 5. A special train for Somnath Temple, Gujarat, will be flagged off on June 8.
Government committed to ensuring no devotee is deprived of pilgrimage due to financial hardship
The Chief Minister said that the government is committed to ensuring that no devotee is deprived of pilgrimage due to financial constraints. With this objective, the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yatra Yojana’ was launched. Earlier too, under this scheme, devotees were sent to Ayodhya Dham and Prayagraj Kumbh through special buses. The government is also providing financial assistance for various pilgrimages. Under the Swarn Jayanti Sindhu Darshan Yojana, financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per pilgrim is provided. Under the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Scheme, assistance of Rs 50,000 per pilgrim has been provisioned. Similarly, under the Swarn Jayanti Guru Darshan Yatra Yojana, devotees travelling to Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded, Sri Nankana Sahib, Sri Hemkund Sahib, and Sri Patna Sahib are provided assistance of Rs 6,000 per pilgrim.
He further said that the government had announced the allocation of 70 kanal land to Gurudwara Sri Chilla Sahib, which has now been fulfilled. In December 2022, the long-pending demand of the Sikh community was fulfilled through the establishment of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, which has provided autonomy to the Sikh community in Haryana in managing their religious affairs. In addition, state-level programmes were organized on the 550th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, and the 350th Prakash Parv of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Several educational institutions, healthcare institutions, roads, squares, and gates in the state have also been named after Guru Sahibs.
President of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda, appreciated the government’s efforts. He said that both the Central and State Governments have organized programmes related to the Sikh community from time to time. Considerable enthusiasm was seen among devotees from Haryana travelling to Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, Nanded, under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yatra Yojana’.
Earlier, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also visited Gurudwara Chilla Sahib in Sirsa, where he paid obeisance and prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the state.
Former Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal, former MP Smt. Sunita Duggal, former MLA Ramchandra Kamboj, Chairmen Dev Kumar Sharma and Jagdish Chopra, Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President Sardar Jagdish Singh Jhinda, Baba Baljit Singh Daduwal, Baba Narender Singh, Baba Gurpal Singh and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Haryana Health Minister, Ms. Arti Singh Rao, said that Haryana is becoming a source of inspiration for other states in the campaign against anaemia. The state has secured second position in the country in the “Anaemia Mukt Bharat” Scorecard 2025-26 with an excellent performance. This achievement reflects Haryana’s strong commitment towards reducing anaemia.
She said that Haryana has secured a strong position among the top-performing states with an AMB Index of 86.5. Haryana was ranked fifth in 2024-25, and this year the state has shown significant improvement in its ranking.
The Health Minister said that this achievement is the result of a multi-dimensional strategy. Special campaigns were conducted during Anaemia Elimination Month, along with a 100-day anaemia control campaign and data management through a state-developed anaemia tracking web application.
She said that the AMB Scorecard is ssued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, and measures the coverage of Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation in five major categories — children aged 6 to 59 months, school children aged 5 to 9 years, adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
The Health Minister further said that Haryana is among the few states that have consistently maintained the highest coverage of around 95 percent among children aged 5 to 9 years and pregnant women over the years. The IFA coverage among lactating mothers has also increased from 72.3 percent in 2024-25 to 72.8 percent in 2025-26. She said that Haryana’s AMB Index of 86.5, against the national average of 65.4, has placed the state among the top two states in the country.
Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) Haryana, Dr. R.S. Dhillon said that regular review meetings at the state, district and block levels, ensuring last-mile supply of IFA medicines, better coordination among the Health, ICDS and Education Departments, and training of ANMs, ASHA and Anganwadi workers have played an important role in this success. Special monitoring in low-performing areas and awareness campaigns have also helped strengthen anaemia prevention efforts in the state, he added.
Dr. Dhillon said that Haryana’s performance is being seen as a major achievement in the country’s fight against anaemia and is becoming a source of inspiration for other states.
Haryana Strengthens Safe Workplaces for Women under POSH Act
Zero Tolerance for Workplace Harassment; State Mandates 100% POSH Compliance Across All Sectors
Reaffirming its commitment towards ensuring safety, dignity and equal opportunities for women at workplaces, the Haryana Government has strengthened its institutional framework under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The State Government has put in place robust, accessible and time-bound grievance redressal mechanisms across Haryana to ensure safe working environments for women in both government and private sectors.
Director, Women and Child Development Department, Haryana, said that the State Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards workplace sexual harassment and has made it mandatory for all establishments, including government departments and private organisations, to comply with the provisions of the POSH Act.
She informed that Internal Committees (ICs) have been constituted across all government departments and in more than 900 private organisations in the state. In addition, nodal officers have been designated in all 22 districts to monitor and ensure effective implementation of the Act.
The Director further stated that the POSH Act provides for a confidential, impartial and time-bound inquiry mechanism, safeguards women against victimisation and places accountability on employers to ensure a safe and respectful work environment. To strengthen implementation at the grassroots level, regular awareness and sensitisation programmes are being conducted across the state. Capacity-building initiatives are also being organised for members of Internal Committees and Local Committees to enhance their effectiveness in handling complaints.
She said that women facing harassment at workplaces can file complaints with the Internal Committee of their respective organisation. In cases involving small establishments or the unorganised sector where Internal Committees may not exist, complaints can be submitted before the Local Committees constituted at the district level. Complaints can also be filed online through the Government of India’s SHe-Box portal.
The State Government has directed all employers to ensure complete compliance with the provisions of the POSH Act and has warned that strict action will be taken against establishments found violating the law.
Emphasising the importance of creating respectful, inclusive and secure workplaces, the Haryana Government reiterated that women’s safety at work is non-negotiable and remains central to women empowerment and their active participation in the workforce.
The government further affirmed that ensuring safe workplaces for women is essential for building an equitable, progressive and inclusive society and reiterated its commitment towards protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of every working woman in the state.
For Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material related to the POSH Act, citizens can visit: https://tinyurl.com/iecforposh.
*Haryana Government Takes Step Towards Farmer Registry: Free Digital Registration at Common Service Centres*
The Haryana Government has decided to accelerate the preparation of a Farmer Registry through Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the state.
Financial Commissioner, Revenue & Disaster Management Department (FCR), Dr. Sumita Misra, stated that this initiative will bring government services directly to the village level. Under the Central Government’s AgriStack initiative and PM-Kisan Yojana, farmer registration and e-KYC work will now be carried out through CSCs spread across Haryana. This database will enable targeted delivery of schemes, subsidies and services, strengthening farmer welfare and agricultural planning.
The CSC, in a letter to the Haryana Government, highlighted its impressive track record, having already successfully registered over 2.8 crore farmers across states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Odisha. Building on this experience, Haryana aims to make its own farmer registry process faster and simpler.
In a recent high-level meeting convened in compliance with FCR directions, it was made clear that the service fee of Rs. 15 per farmer for PM-Kisan e-KYC will be entirely borne by the government. Farmers will not be charged any amount whatsoever. CSC centres have been given strict instructions not to collect any money from farmers.
Dr. Misra said that this initiative will eliminate the need for farmers to visit government offices repeatedly. Digital verification, farmer registry updates, and PM-Kisan related services will now be available at the village level itself bringing greater transparency to government schemes and ensuring benefits reach eligible farmers directly and efficiently.
The state government’s initiative is being widely regarded as a step towards digital good governance and simplified service delivery for the farmers of Haryana.
State Government committed to the health and hygiene of women and adolescent girls: Arti Singh Rao
Free sanitary napkins to be provided to women and adolescent girls belonging to BPL category
Online applications can be submitted till May 20
Haryana Health Minister, Arti Singh Rao said that the State Government is aware and committed to the health and hygiene of women and adolescent girls in the state. She said that under the objective of “Cleanliness, Dignity and Empowerment”, the “Menstrual Hygiene Mission” is being implemented effectively under the Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana.
The Health Minister said that under this scheme, women and adolescent girls of the BPL category in the age group of 10 to 45 years are being made aware of menstrual hygiene and are also being provided free sanitary napkins. She said that this initiative is a major step towards improving women’s health and socially empowering them.
Ms. Arti Singh Rao said that to avail the benefits of the scheme, beneficiaries will have to apply through the designated portal by May 20, 2026 under a simple process. Apart from this, beneficiaries can also get information and facilities related to the scheme from their nearest Anganwadi centres.
She further said that the main objective of the government is to remove myths related to menstruation among women, increase awareness about hygiene and provide them a dignified life. Through this scheme, the government aims to improve the health standards of women and bring positive change in society.
The Health Minister appealed to all eligible women and adolescent girls to take maximum benefit of the scheme and remain aware about their health. She also directed the concerned departments to make special efforts to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every eligible beneficiary.
Haryana Government Issues New Instructions Regarding Increment for Sports Achievements
Increment will be effective from the month following approval of employee’s claim
Claim must be submitted within one year from the date of conclusion of the competition
The Haryana Government has issued new instructions regarding increments for government employees participating in national and international sports competitions. As per the revised provisions, increments granted on the basis of sports achievements will come into effect from the month following the approval of the claim by the competent authority. Eligible employees must submit their claims within one year from the date of conclusion of the concerned competition.
The State Government has issued new instructions with the objective of making the provisions related to incentives and increments granted to government employees participating in national and international level sports competitions more clear and systematic. Under the new instructions, additional provisions have been incorporated for effective implementation of increments granted on sports achievements after reviewing the previous instructions issued in the year 1990. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has issued a letter in this regard.
The letter also clarifies that sportspersons appointed through direct recruitment under the Outsourcing Sports Persons Policy will not be eligible for the benefit of additional increments under these instructions.
It is noteworthy that the State Government has already been providing special facilities to government employees participating in national and international sports competitions, training camps, mountaineering expeditions and Civil Services sports competitions. These include treating the competition period as duty, granting special casual leave, travel facilities and incentive schemes such as salary increments for outstanding performance.
The Government has issued directions to all Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Managing Directors of Boards and Corporations, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Registrars of Universities and other concerned officers to ensure that information regarding these provisions is communicated to all concerned employees and strict compliance is maintained.
Women and Children are the Foundation of Society, Empowering Them is Government’s Priority: CM Nayab Singh Saini
Chief Minister Reviews Five-Year Action Plan of Women and Child Development Department
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that women and children form the foundation of any society and nation, and no country can become strong without empowering them. He said that empowering women and children is among the top priorities of the Haryana Government and the Women and Child Development Department should prepare its next five-year action plan keeping this objective in mind.
The Chief Minister gave these directions while reviewing the upcoming five-year action plan of the Women and Child Development Department under Haryana Vision-2047.
He said that the Haryana Government aims to build an inclusive and equitable society where women have the right to live with dignity, remain free from violence, and where every child is nurtured in a safe, healthy and supportive environment with full opportunities for growth and development.
The Chief Minister directed the department to introduce various activities for children to assess whether they are achieving age-appropriate physical and mental milestones. He said that baby shows and health competitions should be organised for children of every age group and winning children should also be rewarded. Representatives from society, families and the government should also be involved in such programmes. He said these activities would create awareness among mothers regarding children’s health. He further stated that the first six years of a child’s life are extremely important as their entire future depends on this stage.
Nayab Singh Saini said that an ideal family and a healthy society cannot be imagined without women’s education, health and awareness, because the physical and mental well-being of children also depends upon mothers. Therefore, strategies to create greater awareness among women should also be included in the department’s future action plan. To provide a supportive environment and empower women, working women hostels and crèche centres for their children should be established in every district.
The Chief Minister said that the Women and Child Development Department should prepare a special awareness campaign across the state to improve the birth rate of girls. He directed the department to set a target of taking Haryana’s sex ratio above the national average of 933 and prepare a concrete action plan to achieve it. He also directed the department to increase the target for anaemia screening among women and children and provide supplements as required. He further issued directions regarding providing special nutritional support to children up to three years of age and lactating mothers.
Nayab Singh Saini said that a district-wise Women Empowerment Index should be prepared in Haryana to identify districts where facilities for women need to be enhanced. He added that Anganwadi workers and helpers should be given special training to effectively spread awareness among women.
Commissioner and Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department, Shekhar Vidyarthi, informed that at present 25,962 Anganwadi centres are operational across the state. He said that Anganwadi workers and helpers working at these centres are required to upload various types of information related to women and children online. Therefore, the department is preparing a proposal to enhance their capabilities and provide them with the necessary equipment.
Those present on the occasion included Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Shekhar Vidyarthi, Director Dr. Priyanka Soni, OSD to the Chief Minister and Director General of Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management Dr. Raj Nehru, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Yashpal Yadav and other officers.
Revenue Lok Adalats to be Organised in All Districts for Resolution of Land Disputes: CM Nayab Singh Saini
Chief Minister Reviews Five-Year Action Plan of Revenue and Disaster Management Department under Haryana Vision-2047
Revenue Lok Adalats will be organised across Haryana for the speedy resolution of land-related disputes. Through these Lok Adalats, Deputy Commissioners, SDMs and Tehsildars will ensure time-bound settlement of disputes through mutual agreement between the concerned parties.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini gave these directions while reviewing the five-year implementation roadmap and action plan prepared by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department under Viksit Bharat-2047.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary and FCR of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Sumita Misra, informed that the department will implement a Digital Court Case Management System for the speedy resolution of revenue-related disputes so that cases can be disposed of on a priority basis. On this, the Chief Minister directed that Revenue Lok Adalats should be organised on the lines of National Lok Adalats for swift resolution of land disputes, where concerned officers would settle disputes through mutual consent of both parties. He directed that people should be informed and made aware about these Lok Adalats through Patwaris in all districts and Deputy Commissioners, SDMs and Tehsildars should be assigned targets for resolving land disputes so that the general public gets relief.
The Chief Minister said that new online services should be introduced in the Revenue Department by moving beyond traditional methods so that all government services can be delivered to citizens in a transparent and simplified manner. He directed that laptops and tablets should be procured for all newly-appointed Patwaris and high-speed internet services should be provided so that all Patwaris can deliver services digitally. He also directed that a state-level training centre should be established to make Patwaris proficient in new technologies and revenue-related work.
Nayab Singh Saini said that all types of stamp sales in the state should be carried out through e-stamps and efforts should be made to make the system blockchain-based to ensure transparency in stamp transactions. He further directed that faceless registration facilities should be introduced for individuals residing in other states or abroad who are unable to remain personally present for registry purposes.
When the Chief Minister sought information regarding paperless registration work in the state, officials informed him that around 4 lakh registrations have been completed under the initiative so far. They further informed that no registration application older than 15 days is pending in any tehsil of the state. Officials also informed that, from the security perspective, an updated data centre is being established in the state through HARTRON for storage of Revenue Department data, for which tenders have already been floated. The Chief Minister also directed that urban property revenue records should be linked with Property IDs and systematically organised.
Revenue officials informed that, in coordination with the Agriculture Department, 100 percent digitisation and geo-tagging of land records is being carried out across the state. Under this initiative, a unique number is being generated for every land parcel. The Chief Minister directed that government land belonging to all departments should also be updated on the portal.
While reviewing disaster management initiatives, the Chief Minister was informed that there is a proposal to create a separate department for Disaster, Fire and Emergency Services. Officials informed that the Aapda Mitra Yojana is currently operational in 8 districts and will be expanded to all 23 districts of the state. Special training will also be imparted to Aapda Mitras for this purpose.
Director General of Fire Services Shekhar Vidyarthi informed that AI-based Integrated Command and Control Centres on the lines of foreign countries will be established in all districts of the state. Possibilities of using robots in firefighting operations are also being explored. The Chief Minister directed that the basic infrastructure of the Fire Department should be strengthened and modernised and the latest equipment should also be procured. He also directed that a comprehensive plan should be prepared for reducing risks faced by fire service personnel and ensuring their welfare.
Those present on the occasion included Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr. Sumita Misra, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Gupta, OSD to the Chief Minister and Director General of Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management Dr. Raj Nehru, Deputy Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Yashpal Yadav and other officers.
