Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government always stands firmly with a free press. In a democracy, the media is the fourth pillar. If anyone thinks they can intimidate a media institution through pressure, it is a grave mistake, because the voice of truth can never be suppressed.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the “Ramleela Samiti Samman Samaroh” organized in Jalandhar today. On this occasion, he also honoured office-bearers, artists, and other social workers from various Ramleela committees of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh.
Paying obeisance at the feet of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Ramleela is not merely a stage performance; it is the essence of our culture. Ramleela teaches future generations that no matter how powerful the evil forces may appear, ultimately righteousness and truth always prevail. He said that even in this era of modernity, the artists and organizers of Ramleela have continued to nurture and preserve the roots of our culture. He appreciated the “Shri Ram Navami Utsav Samiti” for organizing such events.
The Chief Minister praised the impartial journalism carried out during the period of terrorism in Punjab and said that the Punjab Kesari group has, for decades, devoted itself entirely to upholding truth, fearlessness, and ethical values in society. He said that we must remember the time when Punjab was passing through the dark phase of militancy, when fear was so pervasive that people hesitated to even step out of their homes. Yet history bears witness that even then, this group did not stop its pen. Great martyrs Lala Jagat Narayan Ji and Sh. Romesh Chandra Chopra Ji sacrificed their lives for the unity of the nation, but never bowed before violence.
He also appreciated the social service initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Kesari newspaper group and said that for the past 26 years, the group has been sending relief material to border areas, and so far, 910 trucks carrying relief supplies have been dispatched. Even today, on the occasion of this programme, trucks loaded with relief material were flagged off.
The Chief Minister urged all the Ramleela committees honoured at the ceremony to continue spreading the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in society. Just as Ravana’s arrogance was ultimately shattered, so too will the forces that trouble truth will be defeated. Encouraging the morale of Punjab Kesari Group’s Editor-in-Chief Vijay Kumar Chopra, he said that in this fight against those who seek to suppress the voice of the media, you are not alone. Keep writing, remain steadfast, because your pen is the strongest shield of democracy.
Upcoming budget will be strong and meet public expectations: Energy Minister Anil Vij
Improving power system is government’s priority; Uninterrupted supply to be ensured
Discussion held with Union Power Minister to strengthen energy sector
Haryana Energy Minister, Anil Vij said that the upcoming budget will meet the expectations of the people as a very strong budget is being prepared. He said the budget is currently under formulation and inputs are being taken from all stakeholders. The Chief Minister himself is holding meetings with all departments to ensure that a robust and people-oriented budget is presented.
Anil Vij said this while interacting with the media at Delhi today.
Improving power system is our priority
The Energy Minister said that a discussion was held today with Union Power Minister, Manohar Lal regarding development in the energy sector so that the benefits of power-related schemes reach the people of the state. He said that improving the power system is the government’s top priority to ensure uninterrupted and quality electricity supply to consumers.
Large-scale upgradation of transformers and conductors underway
Vij said that electricity supply was ensured even during the summer season, and therefore there is currently no problem during winter. There is no issue regarding demand and supply at present. Transformers and conductors across the state are being upgraded as per requirement, and such upgradation work is being carried out on a large scale in Gurugram and Faridabad.
Centre allocates coal linkage for Hisar’s Khedar unit
The Energy Minister said that whenever a new thermal plant or unit is established, a coal block is essential. He said that 800 MW units are to be set up at Panipat and Khedar in Hisar. Recently, the Central Government has allocated coal linkage for the new unit at Khedar in Hisar, which will accelerate the progress of the project. Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has also laid the foundation stone of a new 800 MW unit at Yamunanagar, and work on the project is currently in progress, he added.
VB-G RAM G guarantees every worker’s right to employment, dignity, timely wages, and secure livelihood: Chief Minister
Chief Minister addresses VB-G RAM G state level conference in Panchkula, interacts with labourers
Employment guarantee increased from 100 to 125 days; every worker in Harana to get at least Rs 10,000 more – Sh Nayab Singh Saini
Congress turned MNREGA into a source of income for themselves, not labourers
AAP Government misleading people on G Ram G Scheme for electoral gains in Punjab – Chief Minister
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, describing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) as a strong foundation for improving the living standards of hardworking labourers, said that this scheme is Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s guarantee to every worker in the country. It ensures the right to work with dignity, timely wages, social respect, and a secure livelihood.
The Chief Minister was addressing the labourers at the state-level conference of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) held at the Indradhanush Auditorium in Panchkula today. On the occasion, Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishna Bedi were also present.
The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047 cannot be achieved without the development of villages and labourers. He emphasized that the path to a developed India passes through its villages. The VB G Ram G scheme is not merely an employment programme, but an initiative aimed at uplifting the lives of hardworking people, ensuring dignity of labour, and protecting their self-respect.
Nayab Singh Saini further said that, keeping in view the shortcomings of MNREGA, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has presented the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 to the nation, which is being referred to as the Viksit Bharat – G Ram G Act. He clarified that this is not just a renaming of MNREGA, but a comprehensive modernization of the rural employment system.
He said that under the new law, the statutory guarantee of employment has been increased from 100 days to 125 days. In addition, the law empowers states to suspend work for up to 60 days during the sowing and harvesting seasons. This provision ensures that workers will receive employment for these 60 days separately, in addition to the 125 days guaranteed under the Viksit Bharat – G Ram G scheme. As a result, the annual income of an average rural unskilled worker across the country is expected to increase by more than Rs 7,000. In Haryana, each worker will receive an additional benefit of at least Rs 10,000. With Haryana offering the highest minimum wage in the country at Rs 400 per day, the annual income of every worker can increase to a minimum of Rs 50,000.
The Chief Minister said that under the VB-G RAM G scheme, wages will now be paid on a weekly basis instead of the earlier 15-day cycle, ensuring timely payments to workers. These provisions will eliminate fake workers, fake work, and fake payments. He further stated that the nature and scope of work under the new law have been expanded, with many additional categories of work being included. This will create more employment opportunities for labourers and accelerate development activities in villages. Earlier, MNREGA offered limited avenues of employment, whereas the new scheme adopts a more comprehensive and development-oriented approach.
Nayab Singh Saini said that the circumstances were very different when MNREGA was first launched, but over time several shortcomings crept into the scheme, directly impacting workers. He said that workers are well aware that in some places machines replaced manual labour, in others payments were made in fake names, and on many occasions, wages were delayed for months. He further stated that in several parts of the country, corruption, fake job cards, the dominance of contractors, and the violation of workers’ rights took place under the guise of MNREGA. From CAG reports to social audits, it has repeatedly been revealed that while genuine workers continued to toil, others misappropriated the benefits meant for them.
Comparing the payments made under MNREGA during the tenure of the current BJP government in Haryana with those made during the ten-year tenure of the Congress government, the Chief Minister said that he is proud that more than Rs 5,000 crore has been paid to workers between October 2014 and October 2025. In contrast, less than Rs 2,000 crore was dispersed during the decade-long Congress regime. He said this clearly demonstrates that the present government has provided employment to a larger number of workers, ensured greater transparency in fund disbursement, and placed the dignity of labour at the forefront of its governance agenda. The Chief Minister added that under the VB-G RAM G scheme, the rights of workers have become stronger than ever before.
Launching a scathing attack on the opposition Congress party and its allies, the Chief Minister said that the Congress has become devoid of real issues and is resorting to misleading tactics to create confusion about the G RAM G scheme. He alleged that Congress leaders had turned the MNREGA scheme into a means of livelihood for themselves rather than for labourers. He said that during their tenure, the name of the scheme was changed repeatedly, but corruption continued unabated.
The Chief Minister said that it was due to the flawed policies of the Congress that the people of the country and the state have rejected the party. He urged citizens not to be misled by Congress propaganda, stating that the party has consistently played with the interests of the poor and backward classes.
In contrast, he said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously working to improve the living standards of labourers, the poor, and the weaker sections of society through transparent and worker-centric policies
Nayab Singh Saini also criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, alleging that it is opposing the G RAM G scheme solely for political considerations. He said that despite proven instances of corruption in wage payments to labourers under MNREGA in Punjab, the state government has failed to take action against those responsible. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has implemented the VB-G RAM G scheme to uphold the dignity of labourers and ensure that no one can misappropriate their hard-earned wages.
Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with beneficiaries of the scheme from various districts and heard firsthand about their experiences with the VB-G RAM G scheme. The labourers expressed their gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for implementing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). They said that the scheme will now provide 125 days of employment instead of the earlier 100 days, leading to increased income and improved living standards. The beneficiaries also expressed happiness over the provision of wage payments within seven days. They added that the introduction of biometric authentication and geo-tagging will ensure greater ease, transparency, and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has emphasized that India can become a developed nation by 2047 only when the youth, farmers, women, and the poor are empowered. He stated that the vision of a developed India cannot be realized without strengthening rural areas.
He said that labourers are hardworking partners in nation-building, who plough the fields, construct roads and buildings, and power industries. Development, he asserted, is impossible without their contribution. Every drop of sweat shed by labourers narrates the story of India’s development, a contribution that had been overlooked for a long time.
Panwar further alleged that the opposition is attempting to mislead workers regarding the G RAM G scheme. He assured them that the interests of workers are fully protected under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini.
The Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and Commissioner and Secretary of the Development and Panchayats Department, Dr. Saket Kumar, welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, stating that the G RAM G scheme will not only generate employment for workers but also ensure transparency at every level of its implementation.
Rajya Sabha MPs Kartikeya Sharma and Smt Rekha Sharma, former Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Gian Chand Gupta, Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner cum Chief Executive Officer of DRDA Panchkula Nisha Yadav, BJP State Vice President Smt Banto Kataria, District President Ajay Mittal, President of Haryana MNREGA Mate Workers Union Naveen Kumar, and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.
Youth are the biggest strength for the progress of the nation and state: Shyam Singh Rana
Government continuously working to make youth self-Reliant, educated and empowered
Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shyam Singh Rana said that India is a country of youth and young people are the biggest strength for the progress of both the nation and the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and the guidance of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is continuously working to make youth self-reliant, educated, and empowered.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister was addressing the Yuva Mahasammelan organised today at Sadhaura,Yamunanagar. Former MLA, Sh. Balwant Singh was also present on the occasion.
Rana said that youth should have complete information about the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Yojana. Its objective is to strengthen the rural economy. The Haryana Government is committed to realising the vision of a developed Haryana by actively involving the suggestions, ideas, and energy of the youth, he added.
The Agriculture Minister said that Haryana is the first state in the country to purchase 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). He further said that several farmer-friendly schemes such as Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme are being implemented in the interests of farmers.
