Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that 7 ITIs in Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Ambala would be modernised under the PM-SETU scheme at a cost of Rs. 320 crore. These centres will provide training in emerging fields such as IT, international mobility, beauty and wellness, and audio, video and graphics. Under the Navin Avsar programme, the government has set a target of providing skill training and connecting more than 10,000 youth with employment opportunities within one year. The objective is to provide young people with dignified and safe employment opportunities in countries such as Germany, Japan, Italy, Finland and Oman.
The Chief Minister was addressing a programme organised at the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule International Skill Centre in village Bahlolpur, in the Ladwa Assembly constituency, on Sunday. He inaugurated the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule International Skill Centre at Bahlolpur and inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of 6 development projects worth Rs. 43.31 crore in the Ladwa Assembly constituency. Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with the youth undergoing training at the skill centre, learnt about the AgriTech drone technology developed by them and visited the job fair. Kurukshetra Lok Sabha MP, Sh. Naveen Jindal, and former Minister of State, Subhash Sudha, were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that this centre was not merely a building but a new gateway to the dreams, opportunities and self-reliance of rural youth. Through this centre, young people would be provided with employment and self-employment opportunities by imparting training in modern technology in accordance with industry requirements. He said that, fulfilling the promise made during the elections, the Kurukshetra International Skill Centre had been established at a cost of approximately Rs. 45 crore, where youth were being trained in various skills. Similarly, the RKSD-Navin Avsar International Skill Centre in Kaithal, established at a cost of approximately Rs. 3 crore, was giving wings to the aspirations of young people. In addition, under the Campus in Campus initiative, youth had been provided skill training at around 20 educational institutions across the Kurukshetra parliamentary constituency.
The Chief Minister said that Ladwa was not merely an Assembly constituency for him but his family. The affection and trust shown by the people of the area were being reciprocated through all-round development. He said that the centre, established in the name of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, would carry forward his ideals of education, equality and social transformation. Mahatma Phule, along with Savitribai Phule, had made historic contributions towards the education of girls. Taking this ideology forward, efforts were now being made to empower both girls and boys by equipping them with skills and making them self-reliant.
The Chief Minister said that the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule ITI at Bahlolpur had been equipped with modern training facilities and developed into an international-level skill centre. MP Naveen Jindal and the Naveen Jindal Foundation had made significant contributions to this initiative. He informed that the Foundation had established mobility partnerships with several countries, including Germany, Japan, Finland and Mauritius, through which more than 50 youth from Haryana had gained access to international opportunities. The centre had also partnered with reputed organisations such as Bajaj Auto, NIELIT, the Skill Council for Green Jobs and NASSCOM. These partnerships would enable young people to receive training in accordance with the actual requirements of industries.
*Over 1,000 youth to receive skill training every year*
The Chief Minister said that the world of employment was changing rapidly. The demand for skilled youth in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, electric vehicles, semiconductor technology, cyber security, solar energy, drones and green hydrogen was continuously increasing. Keeping this in view, the centre had planned to provide short-term training to more than 1,000 students every year. Training would be imparted in various subjects, including Artificial Intelligence, electric vehicle technology, solar energy, natural farming and stitching techniques.
He said that the government’s objective was not merely to make young people eligible for jobs but also to enable them to become job creators and entrepreneurs. In this direction, the State Government had implemented a new Startup Policy. Under the policy, youth were being encouraged to establish their own enterprises by providing financial and technical assistance. More than 12,000 startups had been established in the state so far.
*Haryana Vision-2047 targets creation of 50 lakh new jobs*
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had envisioned Viksit Bharat-2047. Taking this vision forward, the Haryana Government had prepared Haryana Vision-2047. Under this vision, the state had set a target of expanding its economy to USD 1 trillion and creating 50 lakh new jobs. Educated, skilled and confident youth would play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
He said that 27 Industrial Training Institutes in the state had entered into agreements with 40 industries across 71 trades. Centres of Excellence had been established in Gurugram and Faridabad, while three district skill centres had been opened in Karnal, Panipat and Panchkula. Under the PM-SETU scheme, an action plan worth ₹320.00 crore for the Kurukshetra ITI cluster had been approved. Under this initiative, Kurukshetra would function as the ITI hub, with six ITIs in Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Pehowa, Pabnawa and Ambala City being connected to it. Jindal Navin Avsar Limited would work with the Haryana Government as the anchor industry partner for the project.
The Chief Minister said that the dream of Viksit Bharat could not be realised without the participation of women. Haryana Vision-2047 had set a target of increasing women’s labour force participation to 45 per cent. The skill centre would carry forward the work initiated by Mahatma Phule, who placed books in the hands of girls, by equipping them with skills and enabling them to become self-reliant.
*Ladwa constituency receives 6 development projects worth ₹43.31 crore*
On this occasion, the Chief Minister announced 6 development projects worth a total of ₹43,31,08,000 for the Ladwa Assembly constituency. These included the inauguration of the newly constructed Sub-Health Centre in village Kheri Dabdallan, built at a cost of ₹55,50,000. In addition, foundation stones were laid for 5 projects worth ₹42,75,58,000.
These projects include the construction of a Sub-Health Centre in village Kolapur at a cost of ₹55,50,000; construction of a Public Works Department Rest House in Ladwa at a cost of ₹12,88,56,000; widening of the road from GT Road to village Kolapur and from Bargat Chowk to Sunaria Chowk into a four-lane road at a cost of ₹15,03,54,000; construction of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan in Ladwa at a cost of ₹4,44,25,000; and construction of a community centre on Indri Road at a cost of ₹9,83,73,000.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government was accelerating development works in every sector, including roads, healthcare, education and civic amenities. He called upon students, trainers, partner organisations and residents of the area to work together to make the skill centre successful so that the youth trained here could make significant contributions to the development of the state and the country.
*MoUs signed with four organisations during the programme*
During the programme, MoUs were signed with four organisations to provide skill training to youth. These included an MoU with Quest Alliance for 21st-century employability skills training; with NIIT for IT/ITeS and advanced AI training; with Eduvantage for a digitised learner lifecycle management system; and with the FEAST Institute for virtual reality.
*Kaithal and Kurukshetra to be developed as hubs of education and skill training: Naveen Jindal*
MP Naveen Jindal said that under the guidance of the Chief Minister and with the blessings of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, efforts would be made to develop Kaithal and Kurukshetra as hubs of education and skill training. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, had entrusted them with the responsibility of modernising and operating this ITI. The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule International Skill Centre, developed at a cost of approximately Rs. 9 crore, was providing training to youth. The centre had set a target of training more than 1,000 youth every year and connecting them with employment opportunities. It would strengthen the resolve of Skill India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat under Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat-2047.
**Haryana declares 2,157 Gram Panchayats TB-free; AI-powered campaign screens 25.6 lakh people**
**Nearly 1.67 lakh TB cases detected under intensified campaign; state surpasses nine-month notification target with 102 per cent achievement**
Haryana has achieved significant progress towards tuberculosis (TB) elimination, with 2,157 Gram Panchayats, accounting for nearly 35 per cent of the state’s total, certified as TB-free in 2025. The state has also screened approximately 25.6 lakh people under its intensified TB elimination campaign, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled digital X-rays and rapid molecular diagnostic technologies for early detection.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Sumita Misra, said that Haryana is strengthening its TB elimination strategy through proactive community-based screening, advanced diagnostic facilities, improved treatment monitoring and greater public participation. The focus is on identifying TB cases at an early stage, including among asymptomatic individuals and vulnerable populations in rural and underserved areas.
Under the intensified campaign launched on December 7, 2024, more than nine lakh chest X-rays and approximately 5.5 lakh molecular diagnostic tests have been conducted. Nearly 1.67 lakh TB cases have been identified cumulatively during the campaign, including cases detected through October 2026. The figure represents cumulative diagnoses and not the number of patients currently undergoing treatment.
As per National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) records, 1,64,594 new TB patients were diagnosed between December 7, 2024, and October 22, 2026, with the latest approximate campaign figure reflecting additional detections thereafter.
Haryana has also surpassed its TB notification target for the first nine months of 2026. Against a target of 67,500 cases, the state notified 68,842 TB cases between January and September, achieving 102 per cent of the target.
Of these, 40,520 cases were notified through government healthcare facilities and 28,322 through private healthcare providers. The private sector achieved 108 per cent of its assigned notification target. During the same period, the state reported 3,839 paediatric TB cases and 1,938 drug-resistant TB cases.
Dr. Misra said that the state is moving beyond conventional symptom-based diagnosis towards proactive screening to identify people who may have TB even in the absence of typical symptoms such as persistent cough, fever or weight loss. Portable AI-enabled digital X-ray machines are facilitating screening in rural and hard-to-reach areas, helping healthcare teams identify abnormalities requiring further diagnostic investigation.
The Health Department has reported 90 portable AI-enabled X-ray machines for this campaign. Haryana has also established an extensive molecular 8diagnostic network comprising 46 CBNAAT and 247 Truenat machines, enabling rapid detection of TB and rifampicin resistance.
The diagnostic infrastructure is supported by 23 district TB centres, 168 TB units, 452 designated microscopy centres and two specialised laboratories for culture and drug susceptibility testing at PGIMS Rohtak and the Intermediate Reference Laboratory, Karnal.
The expansion of diagnostic facilities is aimed at improving access to testing, reducing delays and ensuring that patients can begin appropriate treatment without having to travel long distances.
Reflecting the increased focus on early detection, 7,87,506 presumptive TB examinations were conducted between January and September 2026, against a target of 7,31,250.
The programme also gives priority to screening for associated medical conditions. During the same period, 66,068 notified TB patients underwent HIV testing, while 65,118 were tested for diabetes. Of these, 675 were identified with TB-HIV co-infection and 3,633 with both TB and diabetes, enabling appropriate medical management and follow-up.
**Focus on preventive treatment and nutritional support**
Alongside early diagnosis, Haryana is strengthening preventive treatment, nutritional assistance and continuous patient monitoring. Approximately 1.15 lakh household contacts of TB patients received preventive treatment between December 7, 2024, and October 22, 2026.
Further, between January 1 and October 22, 2026, a total of 51,322 TB patients were assessed for differentiated care, while 26,026 received nutritional support kits under the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative.
The Ni-kshay digital platform is being used for patient registration, treatment monitoring and follow-up, enabling healthcare teams to track treatment progress and provide continued support throughout the treatment journey.
**Community participation strengthens TB-free Panchayat initiative**
Highlighting the importance of grassroots participation, Dr. Misra said that community involvement and local leadership are essential to achieving sustainable progress in TB elimination.
Under the TB Mukt Panchayat initiative, 2,157 Gram Panchayats were certified as TB-free following verification in 2025, out of the state’s total 6,237 Gram Panchayats. The certification reflects achievement against prescribed programme criteria and does not imply permanent elimination of TB from these areas.
The state is further strengthening the TB Mukt Panchayat and TB Mukt Urban Ward initiatives to involve local bodies, elected representatives and community organisations in awareness generation, early detection, preventive care and patient support.
Youth participation is also being encouraged through JOSH Teams at the block level. Each team comprises five National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and five MY Bharat volunteers, under the supervision of a designated Class-I officer. These teams will assist in community outreach, encourage timely screening, address stigma associated with tuberculosis and facilitate access to healthcare services.
**Haryana’s efforts aligned with national TB elimination mission**
Haryana’s intensified efforts are aligned with the broader national TB elimination mission and the progress highlighted in the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2026, released on November 12.
According to the Union Health Ministry, India’s estimated TB mortality rate declined by 38 per cent between 2015 and 2025, compared with a global reduction of 35 per cent. The national treatment success rate among patients with drug-susceptible TB has reached 94 per cent.
At the national level, more than 25 crore people were screened under the intensified campaign between December 7, 2024, and November 8, 2026. This included over 11 crore chest X-rays and three crore molecular diagnostic tests, leading to the detection of approximately 48.64 lakh TB cases, including 14.97 lakh among asymptomatic individuals.
Haryana had the distinction of hosting the national launch of the first intensified 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign on December 7, 2024. A subsequent campaign was launched on March 24, 2026, with a focus on high-risk villages, urban wards, congregate settings and vulnerable populations.
Dr. Misra said that the Health Department will continue to expand diagnostic facilities, strengthen treatment monitoring and enhance coordination with private healthcare providers, local institutions and community organisations to accelerate progress towards TB elimination.
The overarching objective, she said, is to ensure that every person affected by tuberculosis is identified at the earliest, receives quality treatment and is provided comprehensive support throughout the treatment process.
*Rejuvenation of canals, minors and the entire irrigation network is a government priority: Shruti Choudhry*
*Cheques worth over Rs. 1.30 crore distributed to 13 gaushalas in Tosham constituency*
Haryana Women and Child Development Minister and Irrigation and Water Resources Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry, said that the life of former Minister Late Chaudhary Surender Singh was a symbol of development, public service and visionary thinking.
Smt. Shruti Choudhry was addressing the old associates, colleagues and party workers of Late Chaudhary Surender Singh at a programme organised on his birth anniversary in his ancestral village, Golagarh, in Bhiwani district. Expressing her gratitude to everyone present, she said that the dedication and affection of Chaudhary Surender Singh’s associates and workers would always be remembered. She also specially thanked the people of the erstwhile Bhiwani district, saying that the people of the region had always showered their affection, trust and support on Chaudhary Bansi Lal and his family.
Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that Chaudhary Surender Singh was not merely the son of Chaudhary Bansi Lal but had also played an important role in shaping the political and developmental direction of the state. Before implementing development projects in Haryana, Chaudhary Bansi Lal used to consult Surender Singh. Both shared a strong understanding and a visionary approach towards development initiatives.
She said that the people of the erstwhile Bhiwani district had always stood by Chaudhary Bansi Lal and his family. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the people of the region for their continued support.
The Cabinet Minister said that the Irrigation Department is undertaking the renovation of the entire irrigation network, including decades-old canals, minors and lift irrigation systems. Efforts are being made to repair and modernise the ageing infrastructure so that farmers can access better irrigation facilities.
While thanking the old associates and party workers who attended the birth anniversary celebrations, Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that the contribution of party workers and the public is the most important aspect of any political journey. Chaudhary Surender Singh had built strong relationships with people throughout his political career and always accorded priority to development. She said that carrying forward the development-oriented vision of Chaudhary Bansi Lal and Chaudhary Surender Singh would be the true tribute to them.
The Irrigation Minister said that efforts to accelerate development works would continue with the trust and cooperation of the people of the region. Whether it is the modernisation of irrigation infrastructure or other public welfare initiatives, the objective is to provide better facilities to the general public and farmers.
She said that she had drawn inspiration from Chaudhary Surender Singh to strengthen the irrigation system. He always wanted adequate water to reach farmers’ fields and the irrigation infrastructure to become stronger with time. Inspired by his vision, efforts are now being made to give these systems a modern shape.
She also distributed cheques worth over Rs. 1.30 crore to 13 gaushalas in the Tosham area. The gaushalas that received the cheques included Shri Shiv Muni Gaushala, Jitwanwas; Shri Baba Dhunivala Gau Seva Trust, Dinod; Shri Khatu Shyam Gaushala Seva Samiti, Sandwa; Shri Radha Krishna Gaushala Trust, Dhani Mahu; Jai Shri Shyam Gaushala, Pinjokhra; Baba Mungipa Gau Seva Trust, Tosham; Shri Shiv Gaushala Dharmarth Samiti, Dulheri; Mahant Nominath Kheti Gau Seva Paryavaran Shuddhata Samiti, Bushan; Maa Durga Bhawani Gaushala Trust, Loharu; Baba Gaushala Sanstha, Bapora; Jai Baba Ramdas Gaushala, Sangwan; Yaduvanshi Gaushala Seva Samiti, Loharu; and Panch Peer Shri Shri Baba Thade Shri Gau Seva Dham, Bajina.
Meanwhile, a health check-up camp was also organised by Cabinet Minister Smt. Shruti Choudhry in Golagarh on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Late Chaudhary Surender Singh. More than 600 people visited the camp and underwent health check-ups. The initiative aimed to provide healthcare screening facilities to the general public and promote awareness about health and well-being.
On this occasion, SDM Sandeep Kumar, Advocate Hari Singh Sangwan, former Chairman Shish Ram, Advocate Amar Singh Haluwas, Rampratap Sharma, Pradeep Golagarh, Market Committee Jui Chairman Major Mir Singh, Market Committee Tosham Chairman Charan Dev, Tony Barala, Suresh Dhull, Vice-Chairman Sunil Bhariwas, Dilbag Nimri, Jai Singh Valmiki, Rohtash Katwar, Amit Bapora, Ramveer Bushan, Mahender Sharma, officers from various departments and other prominent persons of the region were also present.
*Role of chemists is not limited to business; it is also a form of social service: Arti Singh Rao*
*Appeals to chemists not to sell restricted medicines without a doctor’s prescription*
Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said that the role of chemists is not limited to business but also involves an important responsibility towards social service and public health. When a chemist provides the right medicine to someone in need, they not only help save a person’s life but also contribute towards safeguarding the happiness of an entire family. Therefore, chemists must discharge their social responsibilities with utmost sincerity, alongside their professional duties.
The Health Minister was addressing a state-level awareness programme on drug safety and de-addiction organised in Gurugram on Sunday. The programme, held on the theme ‘Safe Medicines, Drug-Free Society’, was jointly organised by the Gurugram Chemists and Druggists Association and the Haryana Drug Dealers Association.
The Health Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, and Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, the Central and Haryana Governments are committed to making the country and the state drug-free. Youth are the greatest strength of the nation, but drug addiction not only damages their future but also destroys entire families. The fight against drugs is not merely the responsibility of the police and the government; every section of society must actively contribute to this effort.
The Health Minister appealed to chemists not to sell restricted medicines without a valid medical prescription and to strictly follow the prescribed rules governing the purchase and sale of medicines. She said that effective action is being taken in Haryana to curb the trade in spurious medicines, fake injections and the illegal sale of restricted drugs. Strict action will be taken against those who play with people’s health.
She said that building a healthy and drug-free society requires extensive awareness against substance abuse, along with preventing the misuse of pharmaceutical medicines and their illegal sale. Effective action must be taken against the trade in spurious medicines and corrupt practices in the pharmaceutical sector. She urged chemists to comply with prescribed regulations while dispensing medicines and ensure their quality.
She called upon chemists to take three important pledges. First, no chemist would sell medicines in violation of the prescribed rules. Second, they would use awareness materials and posters displayed at their establishments to educate people about the harmful effects of drug abuse and the safe use of medicines. Third, they would help turn this campaign into a mass movement by spreading the message of de-addiction to as many people as possible.
She said that the campaign against drugs should not remain limited to events and formalities but must be implemented on the ground with complete sincerity. The objective is to build a Haryana where young people have opportunities for employment and a better future instead of falling prey to addiction, and every citizen can lead a healthy life.
During the programme, the Health Minister also administered an anti-drug pledge to the participants. She urged everyone to stay away from drugs, educate others about their harmful effects and actively participate in building a drug-free society.
*CAQM Technical Member Visits Biomass Pellet Plant in Haryana, Reviews Challenges in Paddy Straw Procurement and Stubble Management*
*High-level delegation from CAQM, Haryana State Pollution Control Board and Agriculture Department explores timely deployment of balers, efficient straw collection and strengthening the farm-to-fuel supply chain*
In a significant initiative towards strengthening agricultural residue management and combating stubble burning in Haryana and the National Capital Region (NCR), Dr. S. D. Attri, Member (Technical), Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), visited the torrefied biomass pellet manufacturing facility of Beyond Drilling & Exploration Private Limited (BDEPL) at Barwala, Hisar.
The visit focused on understanding the practical challenges associated with paddy straw procurement, collection, baling, transportation and its timely delivery to biomass pellet manufacturing units for conversion into environmentally sustainable alternative fuel.
Dr. Attri was accompanied by Shri Shakti Singh, Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), Hisar; Shri Kapil Singh, SDO, HSPCB, Hisar; Dr. Arun Yadav, APPO, Agriculture Department; Shri Babu Lal, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Hisar, and other officials.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Vikas Kikan, Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Drilling & Exploration Private Limited, widely known as the Pellet Man of India for his contributions to developing India’s agricultural residue-based biomass energy ecosystem.
During the visit, the delegation held detailed discussions with the company’s management to understand the operational bottlenecks affecting the collection of paddy straw directly from farmers and its subsequent transportation to biomass processing facilities.
Particular attention was given to the limited time available after paddy harvesting, the availability of agricultural machinery, collection logistics, transportation arrangements and the need for better coordination between farmers, baler operators, aggregators and biomass manufacturers.
The discussions highlighted that timely collection of paddy straw is critical to preventing open-field burning, especially during the short harvesting window when farmers must prepare their fields for the next crop.
One of the key areas explored during the visit was the requirement for adequate and timely deployment of round and square balers across paddy-growing districts of Haryana.
The delegation discussed the possibility of establishing a more coordinated mechanism through which baling machinery could be made available to farmers immediately after harvesting, enabling faster collection and removal of crop residue from agricultural fields.
Such an approach could significantly strengthen ex-situ crop residue management, where paddy straw is collected and utilised outside agricultural fields for industrial and energy applications rather than being burnt.
The discussions also covered the importance of linking baler deployment with assured procurement arrangements and efficient transportation to biomass pellet manufacturing units.
During the plant visit, the delegation observed the facility’s biomass pellet operations and storage arrangements, gaining insights into how paddy straw can be converted into high-energy torrefied biomass pellets.
These pellets can be used as a partial substitute for coal in thermal power plants, supporting India’s biomass co-firing initiatives while creating productive demand for agricultural residue.
Dr. Vikas Kikan explained that a reliable farm-to-fuel ecosystem requires coordinated action across the entire value chain, beginning with the farmer and extending through machinery deployment, straw aggregation, transportation, processing and final utilisation in power generation.
He emphasised that biomass manufacturing capacity alone cannot resolve the challenge unless sufficient quantities of paddy straw are collected and delivered within the limited harvesting season.
During the interaction, Dr. Kikan highlighted the importance of strengthening the agricultural mechanisation ecosystem through timely availability of balers, assured straw offtake and closer coordination among government departments, farmers and biomass manufacturers.
He also discussed the potential role of indigenous agricultural machinery solutions, including TRIO round and square balers, in supporting large-scale paddy straw collection and improving the availability of raw material for biomass processing facilities.
The discussions underscored the opportunity to develop a more structured procurement model under which farmers receive timely crop residue collection services while biomass manufacturers obtain a predictable supply of raw material.
Such a mechanism could help reduce stubble-burning incidents, support additional economic opportunities in rural areas and strengthen the availability of renewable fuel for thermal power generation.
The visit assumes particular significance during the paddy harvesting season, when crop residue burning remains a major environmental concern across parts of North India.
Effective ex-situ management of paddy straw is increasingly important for reducing agricultural burning, improving regional air quality and supporting cleaner energy production.
The interaction between CAQM, HSPCB, the Agriculture Department and industry representatives highlighted the importance of practical, field-level solutions that address the challenges faced by farmers as well as biomass manufacturers.
