Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that the comprehensive and rational GST reforms announced by the Central Government will bring revolutionary changes in the country’s healthcare sector. With these reforms, the cost of medicines, medical equipment, insurance schemes, and nutrition-related products will come down, making healthcare services more affordable and accessible for the common people.
She said that the objective of these reforms is to simplify the life of every citizen and strengthen the economy. These measures will also reduce the financial burden on families and provide relief across different sectors. Describing them as “multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary reforms,” she said this is a major step towards making both business and life easier.
The Health Minister said that GST rates on essential medicines have been reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent or even zero, significantly lowering the long-term treatment cost of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. Similarly, with reduced tax rates on medical equipment like oxygen, surgical gloves, thermometers, and diagnostic kits, will reduce service costs for hospitals and diagnostic centres. This will also encourage the wider use of modern diagnostic equipment, especially in tier II and III cities.
The reduction of tax on spectacles and lenses will benefit lakhs of people by making vision correction more affordable. This will particularly help students, senior citizens, and low-income families. The tax exemption on personal health insurance policies is also a major relief for the middle class and elderly citizens, she added.
She further said that lower taxes on items like milk, paneer, dry fruits, and diabetic-friendly food will directly benefit families. Tax cuts on gyms and fitness services will further boost the “Fit India Movement” among youth.
The Minister said that both branded and unbranded milk and paneer have been made GST-free to ensure daily nutrition remains tax-free. The GST on dry fruits and diabetic/diabetes-specific food has been reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent to promote healthy eating habits. Similarly, cleaned or preserved fish, fruit pulp or juice based beverages and milk beverages have also been reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent. These measures will improve family nutrition, giving special benefits to women, children, and the elderly.
The Health Minister said that the Central Government has strengthened the resolve of “Nirogi Bharat” by not giving any concession on harmful items like tobacco, pan masala and sugary beverages which create bad habits/addictions in the society. She said that these reforms are aligned with national programmes like Ayushman Bharat, Poshan Abhiyan, and Fit India Movement, and will help fulfill Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of “Nirogi Bharat”.
*Government Taking Every Step to Safeguard Lives and Livelihoods Amid Heavy Rainfall – FCR, Dr. Sumita Misra*
Financial Commissioner Revenue, Dr. Sumita Misra today said that the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management is closely monitoring the prevailing flood like situation arising from continuous heavy rainfall in various parts of the State as well as in neighbouring States.
The persistent rainfall has led to rising water levels in rivers, overflowing drains, and waterlogging in low-lying areas across multiple districts. The Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, along with senior government officers, is personally reviewing the flood situation on a continuous basis to ensure effective coordination, she added.
Dr. Misra stated that Haryana has received 48% more rainfall than normal during the monsoon season so far. She noted that Fatehabad, Jhajjar, Kurukshetra and Mahendragarh districts, received large excess rainfall during this period.
She stated that all Deputy Commissioners and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure timely dissemination of weather warnings and safety advisories to the public in their respective jurisdictions.
Highlighting the government’s support for farmers, Dr. Misra said that the State Government has operationalized the e-Kshatipurti Portal till September 15, 2025 covering 2,687 villages to facilitate systematic crop damage assessment and compensation for affected farmers.
She shared that 1,46,823 farmers have already registered on the portal, covering a total of 8,66,927 acres of agricultural land for damage assessment. This digital initiative ensures streamlined processing of compensation claims and support measures for the farming community affected by unprecedented rainfall and flooding.
Giving details of the ongoing rescue operations, Dr. Misra said that 2,247 affected people have been successfully rescued and shifted to well-equipped relief camps established in Palwal, Faridabad, Fatehabad, Bhiwani, Kurukshetra, and Ambala districts. She highlighted that these operations are being conducted through coordinated efforts involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration teams.
She added that specialized rescue equipment, including boats, professional divers, and other emergency tools, is being deployed. SDRF units have been strategically stationed across seven districts—Palwal, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, and Faridabad—while NDRF teams are providing additional specialized support in Palwal.
Dr. Misra disclosed that the State Government has sanctioned a total of Rs. 3.06 crore to districts as reserve funds for immediate relief measures in flood-affected areas. These funds will be used to provide food and clothing to affected populations, temporary shelters and tents for displaced families, fodder for livestock, and other essential needs, including POL (Petrol, Oil, and Lubricants), transportation of relief material and dewatering operations in rural areas. Further, an ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 44 Lac (@ Rs. 4 Lac each) have also been released to provide financial assistance to the bereaved families of the kin of deceased persons died due to house collapse in Fatehabad, Hisar, Bhiwani, Kurukshetra and Yamunanagar districts.
Additionally, Rs. 50 lakh has been released to the Public Health Engineering Department as reserve funds for dewatering operations in urban areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage of both rural and urban flood-affected regions. The Irrigation & Water Resources and Public Health Engineering Department as per the directions are ensuring pumps for accelerating dewatering operations where necessary.
Dr. Misra emphasized the paramount importance of public safety during this challenging period. She strongly advised citizens to avoid venturing near rivers, streams, or waterlogged areas due to the unpredictable nature of floodwaters.
The FCR urged people to strictly follow all advisories issued by District Administrations, which are based on real-time assessments of local conditions. She also highlighted the availability of the toll-free emergency Helpline 112, encouraging citizens to promptly report any emergency situations.
*Officers should resolve citizens’ grievances honestly while respecting public sentiments: Chief Minister*
*14 out of 18 cases resolved in District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee meeting in Gurugram*
*Chief Minister resolves 16-year-old complaint; complainant expresses gratitude*
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that officers must ensure the honest and timely redressal of citizens’ grievances while respecting public sentiments. He said that the Haryana Government is working at the grassroots level with the aim of Antyodaya upliftment, where quick resolution of public grievances remains the top priority.
The Chief Minister was chairing the meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee in Gurugram on Friday. Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary, Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar and Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma were also present in the meeting.
A total of 18 complaints were placed before the committee, out of which the Chief Minister resolved 14 cases on the spot, while directing to keep 4 cases pending till the next meeting.
*Decade-and-a-half old complaint resolved*
During the meeting, the case of Pramod Kumar, a resident of Devat Colony, came up. He had earlier in last meeting (July), complained that a 24-foot-wide street in his colony had been illegally encroached upon by a neighbor who had occupied 12 feet of the road for the past 16 years, restricting access to his home. At that time, the Chief Minister had directed the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Gurugram, and committee member Priyavrat Kataria to visit the site, investigate, and take action as per rules. On Friday, the complainant informed that after action by the Municipal Corporation, the illegal encroachment had been removed. He expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for resolving a 16-year-old grievance.
*Electricity-related complaint resolved, RWA expresses gratitude*
The Surya Vihar Resident Welfare Association had complained about unsafe electricity infrastructure in the colony. They stated that while 11 new poles had been installed, the wires were over 30 years old, hanging dangerously low, and several dilapidated poles were obstructing traffic, posing risks during the rainy season. This complaint was raised in the last meeting. Following the Chief Minister’s directions in the last meeting, DHBVN replaced all the old conductors, removed damaged poles, and installed new poles. The RWA thanked the Chief Minister for ensuring timely redressal of their complaint.
*Immediate action ordered on Sector-85 Oris Society complaint*
Residents of Sector-85 Oris Society raised the issue of a 24-meter-wide road connecting their society’s main road to the Dwarka Expressway, which had been blocked by some landowners. This forced residents, including school children, to use a narrow and unsafe route, increasing the risk of accidents. Taking serious note, the Chief Minister directed the concerned officials, including DTP and STP, to take immediate action and provide relief to the complainants.
Manesar Mayor Dr. Indrajit Yadav, GMDA Principal Advisor D.S. Dhesi, GMDA CEO Shyamal Mishra, and officers of the district administration were also present in the meeting.
*India moving towards becoming number one in metro service availability – Manohar Lal*
*28.5 km-long metro corridor to be built at a cost of Rs 5,500 crore in Gurugram*
*Union Housing Minister Manohar Lal and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini perform Bhoomi Pujan*
Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal said that metro services are expanding rapidly across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2014, metro services were available over just 248 km in 5 cities. Today, this network has grown to 1,066 km across 24 cities, with another 970 km metro service is in the pipeline. Once completed, India will emerge as the world’s number one country in metro service availability.
Manohar Lal was addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the Gurugram Metro Bhoomi Pujan program, organized by Gurugram Metro Rail Limited at the Gurugram University Campus Auditorium on Friday. The event was presided over by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma, Sohna MLA Tejpal Tanwar, and Pataudi MLA Bimla Chaudhary were also present.
On the occasion, the Union Minister and the Chief Minister extended greetings to the people on Teachers’ Day, Onam, and Eid. Earlier, the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for the construction of the new metro line was held in Sector 44.
The 28.5 km-long Metro corridor from Millennium City Center to Cyber City up to Dwarka Expressway, costing about Rs 5,500 crore will include 27 stations and connect new and old Gurugram.
*Urban Ministry committed to providing metro wherever required- Manohar Lal*
Manohar Lal said that metro services are being expanded to provide convenience and better mobility to the people. He assured that wherever metro connectivity is needed across the country, the Urban Ministry will ensure timely approvals and implementation. Congratulating the people of Gurugram and the NCR for this project, he said that better transport facilities will save both time and money. The Union Minister further said that the Urban Ministry will provide 10,000 buses at concessional rates across the country, out of which 450 will be allotted to Haryana, including 100 buses dedicated to Gurugram. He added that to improve last-mile connectivity, transport facilities linked with metro stations will be made available through an app-based system, which will ensure safety and allow fare payments through metro cards, eliminating parking issues.
*Commitment to make Gurugram number one in cleanliness*
The Union Minister also administered a cleanliness pledge to the public, urging everyone to adopt cleanliness as a way of life. He said that with the cooperation of social and business organizations, every citizen must contribute to keeping their surroundings clean. Manohar Lal informed that he has assured the Prime Minister that Gurugram will make exemplary contributions in becoming number one in the national cleanliness rankings. He also thanked the Prime Minister for recently rationalizing GST slabs into two categories.
*Metro corridor will give a new identity to Gurugram: Chief Minister*
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal on his arrival in Gurugram and expressed gratitude to the Central Government for gifting the new metro project to the city. He said that today is a historic day for Gurugram. Together we are fulfilling a long-awaited dream. This metro service will benefit every citizen by reducing traffic congestion, saving travel time, decreasing pollution, and creating new employment opportunities. Metro stations have been strategically planned at key locations such as Subhash Chowk, Hero Honda Chowk, Udyog Vihar, Palam Vihar, and the Railway Station. He said that the project, to be completed within the next four years, will give Gurugram a distinct new identity. He further informed that metro extensions from Rejangla Chowk to Dwarka Sector-21, Sector-56 to Pachgaon, as well as NaMo Metro Corridor Delhi–Karnal, Delhi–Neemrana, and Gurugram–Noida via Faridabad are also part of the future plans. These projects will connect Gurugram more deeply with Delhi and the entire NCR. This metro is not just a means of transport, it is a symbol of progress, he added.
*Gurugram emerging as a hub of economic power*
Highlighting the city’s rapid growth, the Chief Minister said that Gurugram has become one of India’s most important economic centers, housing major IT, BPO, startup, and automobile companies. It is home to more than 250 Fortune 500 companies, and most of Haryana’s 19 unicorns are also based here. He said that lakhs of people from across the country and the world come to Gurugram in search of employment, business, and opportunities. The city, once a small village, is today known worldwide as the Millennium City. Gurugram now ranks third in per capita income in India, after Chandigarh and Mumbai.
*Haryana moving forward under the leadership of the Prime Minister*
Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana is progressing under the decisive leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. We will do what we have promised. Our policy, intention, and leadership are clear. Under Modi ji’s leadership, India has witnessed a decisive and transparent government, bringing unprecedented change in work culture. Our goal is the balanced development of the entire state, and we will leave no stone unturned to make Gurugram the most developed city in the country, he said.
*Metro will boost growth and connectivity – Rao Narbir Singh*
Haryana Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh described the Gurugram Metro Rail Expansion Project as a historic step for the city’s development and people’s convenience. He said the project will not only provide safe, fast and comfortable travel but also help in controlling pollution and easing traffic jams. It will become a strong base for Gurugram’s socio-economic progress, giving new impetus to industrial and business activities and boosting investment opportunities, he added.
Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma termed the occasion a proud moment for the city. He said the 28.5 km corridor with 27 elevated stations will connect old and new Gurugram with Cyber City, Udyog Vihar, the Railway Station, and Dwarka Expressway, making daily travel more convenient for local residents and providing the city with a modern transport network.
GMDA Chairman D.S. Dhesi, GMRL CEO Chandshekhar Khare, BJP District President Sarvpriya Tyagi, officers of the district administration and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.
*PM accelerates India’s growth by reducing GST Rates – Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij*
Government imposes 40 percent GST on products linked to harmful habits-Vij
Government introduces and passes bill on online gaming- Vij
Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Anil Vij praised the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s decision to reduce GST rates, calling it a major boost to India’s economic growth. By lowering GST rates, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has put India’s development on the fast track.
While interacting with the media persons, he said that when GST rates are reduced, goods become cheaper. Cheaper goods mean higher purchasing power, which increases demand. Increased demand leads to more factories being established, creating more jobs. More jobs generate further purchasing power, which restarts the cycle. This is how sustainable growth is created, he added.
Vij further said that the Prime Minister has ensured relief for common citizens by reducing GST on essential items such as flour, milk, curd, butter, medicines, and insurance. At the same time, products associated with harmful habits like beedis, tobacco, and alcohol have been placed under a 40 percent GST bracket. This not only discourages unhealthy consumption but also sends a strong social message to move away from bad habits,” he said.
On regulatory reforms, Vij highlighted that the government has introduced and passed a bill to regulate online gaming. Online gaming existed earlier as well, and it was harmful then and remains harmful now. Previous governments lacked the political will to act, but our government is committed to curbing wrong practices and does not bow to pressure, he said.
Vij said that the government’s GST reforms are not just economic—they also focus on building character. Essential daily-use items have been made cheaper, while harmful products have been taxed higher. This shows our government’s resolve to guide society in the right direction.
Haryana Government Directs Officers to Record Reasons for Arms Licence Rejections – Dr. Sumita Misra
The Haryana Government has issued strict directions to ensure transparency in matters related to arms licences. Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Dr. Sumita Misra has dirceted all Commissioners of Police and Deputy Commissioners that reasons for rejection of applications for grant, renewal, or extension of arms licences must be recorded in writing and furnished to the applicants.
Dr. Misra emphasized that under Section 14 of the Arms Act, 1959, licensing authorities are required to record reasons in writing for any refusal and provide the same to the applicant on demand, except where it is not in the public interest to disclose such reasons.
She directed all licensing authorities to strictly comply with the provisions of the Arms Act, 1959 and the Arms Rules, 2016. Further, periodic reports on refusals and rejections are to be sent to the Government for review to ensure accountability in such matters.
