Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini said that Punjab and Haryana are not merely neighbouring states, but are deeply connected through blood relations, brotherhood, and shared cultural values. He said the people of Haryana have immense affection for Punjab and always stand with it in times of need. Referring to the recent natural calamity in Punjab, the Chief Minister said that when the people of Punjab were in distress, Haryana extended every possible support like an elder brother, reflecting the region’s rich traditions and values.
The Chief Minister was addressing a large gathering during the Maghi Mela at Sri Muktsar Sahib on Wednesday.
Paying obeisance to the holy soil of Sri Muktsar Sahib, the Chief Minister said that visiting this sacred and historic place was a matter of great honour for him. He described Sri Muktsar Sahib as a land immortalised in the golden chapters of history, where the Chali Mukte (40 liberated ones) laid down their lives for their beloved Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He said this sacred land teaches that liberation is not attained only after death, but also by walking on the path of truth and standing firmly against injustice. On the occasion, he extended warm greetings to the people on the festival of Makar Sankranti.
During Punjab’s Natural Disaster, Haryana Stood Firmly with the People-CM
The Chief Minister said that during the recent natural calamity in Punjab, the people of Haryana stood shoulder to shoulder with Punjab and extended support in every possible manner. However, he remarked that during this difficult period, some leaders failed to empathise with the suffering of the public.
Punjab Chief Minister was missing when the People needed leadership the Most-CM
Nayab Singh Saini said that while Haryana came forward to support Punjab during the crisis, the Punjab Chief Minister was nowhere to be seen during the disaster. He said the present Punjab government had made several promises to the public, but when responsibility was required, it appeared to evade accountability.
Haryana has fulfilled 54 Sankalps in One Year; Remaining are being implemented Rapidly-CM
The Chief Minister said that during the Haryana Assembly elections, the government had released a ‘Sankalp Patra’ highlighting 217 promises. Within one year, 54 Sankalp have already been fulfilled, and work on the remaining 163 is progressing swiftly. In contrast, he said, the promises made by the Punjab government have largely remained confined to paper.
Haryana is the first State in the country to procure all crops at MSP-CM
Highlighting Haryana’s farmer-friendly policies, Nayab Singh Saini said the government had promised procurement of 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), which has been fully implemented. Haryana has become the first state in India where all crops are procured at MSP. He added that farmers receive payment within 48 hours, and if any delay occurs, interest is also paid, ensuring transparency and trust.
AAP failed to address stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana took concrete action-CM
The Chief Minister said that when the Aam Aadmi Party was in power in Delhi, farmers of Haryana and Punjab were repeatedly blamed for stubble burning. Despite the AAP government being in power in Punjab for the past four years, no effective measures were taken to prevent stubble burning. In contrast, he said, the Haryana government is providing subsidies on agricultural machinery and an incentive of Rs. 1,200 per acre to farmers for stubble management.
MGNREGA irregularities in Punjab exposed, Yet no action taken-CM
Nayab Singh Saini said that during the visit of Union Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Punjab, workers complained about not receiving their rightful benefits under MGNREGA. It later came to light that embezzlement had occurred in several Gram Panchayats, but no action was taken by the Punjab government.
Punjab Opposing VB G-RAM-G ACT without facts, data or suggestions-CM
The Chief Minister said that when the central government introduced the VB G-RAM-G Act to ensure transparency and secure workers’ rights, the Punjab government convened a special Assembly session and passed a resolution opposing this Act. He said the resolution contained neither facts nor data nor constructive suggestions, and that the Aam Aadmi Party government continues to oppose even pro-worker initiatives.
*Haryana provided over Rs.15,500 crore to farmers in the last 11 years-CM
Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana government is fully committed to farmers’ welfare, whether through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana or compensation for crop damage. Recently, Rs.5 crore was provided as compensation for losses to houses and livestock caused by heavy rainfall, and Rs. 116 crore has already been credited to farmers’ accounts for crop damage. He said that over the past 11 years, farmers in Haryana have received nearly Rs. 15,500 crore in financial assistance.
The Chief Minister said that needy families in Haryana are being provided LPG cylinders at Rs. 500. Under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme, women and daughters are receiving Rs.2,100 per month. In the healthcare sector, he said the Chirayu Scheme under Ayushman Bharat has significantly expanded access to quality healthcare.
Double-Engine Government has Multiplied the Pace of Development-CM
Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana has clearly demonstrated that a double-engine government accelerates development many times over, ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes.
Union Minister of State Railway & Food Processing Industries, Sh. Ravneet Singh Bittu, former Union Minister, Sh. Anurag Thakur, Punjab BJP President, Sh. Sunil Jakhar, BJP General Secretary, Sh. Tarun Chugh, Executive President, Sh. Ashwani Sharma, Chairman, Sh. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, former MP, Sh. Avinash Rai Khanna, former MP, Maharani Preneet Kaur, former minister, Sardar Manpreet Singh Badal, Rana Gurjeet Singh Sodhi, Sardar Dayal Singh Sodhi, Rahul Sidhu, Anil Sareen, and other dignitaries were present during the programme.
Reports on Termination of Kalyanpur–Badlapara Coal Block are Misleading- Energy Minister
Haryana Energy Minister, Anil Vij has categorically clarified that reports published in certain sections of the media claiming termination of the Kalyanpur–Badlapara coal block in Jharkhand, allotted to Haryana, are completely misleading and factually incorrect. He asserted that no termination of the coal block has taken place as per the official sources.
Anil Vij said that the factual position is that the Ministry of Coal (MoC) had issued only a show-cause notice to the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL) seeking clarification on certain procedural aspects related to the coal block. HPGCL has submitted a detailed reply within the stipulated time, along with a request that the allocation of the coal block should not be terminated.
He informed that HPGCL has already engaged a Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) for the development of the coal block. Land survey work has been completed, boundary work has been completed and drilling activities are currently in progress. Other developmental activities have also commenced and are being carried out as per schedule in line with the approved timeline.
Anil Vij said that as per the current project schedule, coal production from this block is expected to begin in time to supply coal to the Yamunanagar Thermal Power Plant by the year 2030. There is a clear distinction between issuance of a show-cause notice and termination of a coal block. A show-cause notice is issued to seek clarification and does not imply cancellation of allocation. At present, the coal block allocation remains intact, and development work is continuing as planned.
The Energy Minister urged the media to verify facts before publishing such reports and advised the public not to be misled by unverified or speculative information.
Major boost for Haryana Power Consumers: Centre Earmarks Coal Linkage for 800 MW Khedar Unit
Haryna strengthens Energy Security as Centre earmarks Coal Linkage for 800 MW Expansion at Khedar, Hisar
In a major boost for electricity consumers in Haryana, the state has achieved a significant milestone in the energy sector. Strengthening its power generation capacity, the Central Government has earmarked coal linkage for the new 800 MW expansion unit being set up at Khedar in Hisar district. This crucial earmarked will ensure uninterrupted, reliable, and high-quality electricity supply across Haryana, reinforcing the state’s commitment to energy security and consumer welfare.
Providing details, Haryana Energy Minister, Anil Vij said that coal linkage has been earmarked to Haryana under the Central Government’s SHAKTI Scheme for the new 800 MW unit being established as part of the expansion of the Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant at Khedar, Hisar. Under this arrangement, a new coal block will soon be allotted to the state, ensuring a regular and long-term supply of coal for the project.
The Energy Minister said that the earmaking of coal linkage will accelerate the implementation of this crucial project and eliminate any future disruptions in power generation due to fuel shortages. This will not only strengthen the state’s energy security but also effectively meet the growing demand for electricity.
He further said that the Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant at Khedar has already become the backbone of Haryana’s power system. The new 800 MW unit being set up as part of its expansion will significantly enhance the state’s overall power generation capacity. Once operational, the unit will provide adequate electricity to industrial areas, the agricultural sector and domestic consumers.
Anil Vij emphasised that the state government’s objective is to make Haryana self-reliant in the power sector so that consumers receive affordable, sustainable and uninterrupted electricity. The Central Government’s earmarking of coal linkage is a major achievement in this direction and will strengthen Haryana’s long-term energy planning.
Expressing confidence, the Energy Minister said that this landmark project will not only further strengthen the state’s power supply system but will also act as a catalyst for employment generation, industrial expansion, and overall economic growth at the local level. He emphasised that the Haryana Government is firmly committed to reinforcing and modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure, and in the coming years, Haryana is set to emerge as a frontrunner among states in the energy sector.
Haryana Revises EWS Income Limit to Rs 8 Lakh in Line with Centre’s Guidelines
The Haryana Government has revised the annual family income limit for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, bringing it in line with the guidelines of the Government of India. A letter in this regard has been issued by the Chief Secretary’s Office.
The revised income criterion will apply to reservations in direct recruitment to civil posts and services, as well as admissions to government and government-aided educational institutions in the state.
According to official instructions issued by the state government, the earlier income limit of Rs 6 lakh per annum was fixed under instructions dated February 25, 2019. The matter was subsequently reviewed, and the government has now decided to enhance the income ceiling to Rs 8 lakh per annum.
VB-G RAM G ACT, 2025 ensures employment security for workers- Ms. Aarti Rao
Haryana Health and AYUSH Minister, Ms. Arti Rao said that Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) ACT, 2025 ensures corruption-free rural employment while maintaining complete transparency. She said this Act guarantees a higher number of workdays, improved wage rates, transparent payments, and the creation of sustainable assets in rural areas.
Addressing a press conference in Rewari on Wednesday, the Health Minister extended Makar Sankranti greetings to the people of the state and wished them good health and prosperity. Speaking to journalists, she said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has taken another historic step towards workers’ welfare and rural development by introducing VB-G RAM G ACT, 2025 scheme, which will prove to be a milestone in building a developed India.
Ms. Arti Rao further said that this Act is aimed at supporting actual beneficiaries. The legislation provides for real-time monitoring of projects and ensures transparency in wage payments, while increasing guaranteed employment and wages for workers. She said that the MGNREGA scheme was launched nearly 20 years ago and, like many such schemes, has evolved over time through implementation and reform. The country, society, and rural economy have undergone fundamental changes. Rural poverty, which stood at over 25 percent in 2011–12, has now declined to below 5 percent. This reflects the impact of the positive policies of the present central government, which have helped more than 25 percent of the population move above the poverty line. Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, there has been unprecedented expansion in digital connectivity, banking services, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Aadhaar, and infrastructure, the Minister said.
The Health Minister further stated that under the new provisions, increasing the employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days has significantly enhanced assured earnings for workers. Through this initiative, the government aims to improve workers’ living standards. She said that across the country, an average increase of more than Rs. 7,000 per year is expected in the annual income of an unskilled rural worker. In Haryana, where wage rates are higher, each worker will receive at least Rs. 10,000 more annually.
The Minister said that the Act ensures not only more days of employment and better wages, but also mandatory weekly wage payments, with a permissible delay of up to 15 days, enabling workers to receive their earnings in a timely manner and strengthening financial independence. To support effective implementation, the central government has allocated Rs. 1,51,282 crore this year, compared to Rs. 88,000 crore last year, which itself was a record allocation at the time. This year’s allocation has surpassed all previous levels, said Ms. Arti Rao.
The Minister said that the scope of permissible works has also been expanded. Earlier, employment under MGNREGA was limited in nature, whereas the new framework includes works related to water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood resources, and the creation of climate-resilient and sustainable assets. Gram Panchayat plans have been integrated with the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan to ensure that village-level development aligns with national priorities, she said.
Ms. Arti Rao further informed that a 60-day pause during peak agricultural seasons has also been introduced so that farmers and labourers can work together, allowing workers to earn higher market wages during agricultural periods.
Highlighting the anti-corruption measures, she said that several safeguards have been incorporated to ensure that only genuine workers receive their entitlements with full transparency. Biometric authentication and attendance will help eliminate fake workers, duplicate job cards, and fraudulent payments. Direct digital transfer of wages and allowances will remove intermediaries, prevent delays, and curb misuse of funds. Additionally, geo-tagging and satellite imagery have been made mandatory. All assets created under the Act will be geo-tagged and uploaded on ISRO’s Bhuvan portal, preventing the registration of fictitious projects. She emphasized that the scheme will make a tangible and lasting contribution to development.
On the occasion, MLAs, Laxman Singh Yadav, Dr. Krishan Kumar, and Anil Yadav were also present.
National Hockey Player Olympian Navneet Kaur Meets Energy Minister Anil Vij in Chandigarh
Anil Vij blesses Olympian Navneet Kaur, Captain of Hero Hockey India League Champions SG Pipers and Championship’s Best Player
National hockey player Olympian Navneet Kaur met with Haryana Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij at his office in Chandigarh today. During the meeting, Sh.Vij expressed pride in Olympian Navneet Kaur, captain of the Hero Hockey India League champions SG Pipers from Ranchi and the Championship’s Best Player, and gave her his blessings.
Vij said that Haryana’s pride, Olympian Navneet Kaur, has created history with her outstanding performance in the Hero Hockey India League 2025-26. He expressed hope that she will continue to bring glory to the country in upcoming tournaments. Sh. Vij emphasised that the state government remains committed to promoting sports talent.
Notably, Navneet Kaur, vice-captain of the Indian women’s hockey team (from Shahbad), led SG Pipers to victory in the final as captain. The team won the gold medal in the championship held in Ranchi, where Navneet Kaur was honored not only as captain but also awarded the title of ‘Championship’s Best Player.’
Navneet Kaur’s performance serves as an inspiration for Haryana’s youth. Having represented the country at the Olympic level, she has proven through her hard work, leadership, and sporting skills that Haryana’s sports sector excels on the global stage.
Unique Display of India’s Art and Culture to Be Seen at the International Saraswati Mahotsav
Over 100 Craftsmen from Haryana and Other States to Participate in Festival
A unique confluence of India’s art and culture will be witnessed at the International Saraswati Mahotsav to be held at Pehowa. The festival will feature a vibrant fair of artists and craftsmen from various states, showcasing and preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.
A spokesperson of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board informed that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the International Saraswati Mahotsav will be organised from January 19 to January 25. The main programmes of the festival will be held from January 19 to January 23. On January 19, the Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the Mahotsav from Adi Badri. From January 20 to January 21, technical sessions will be held in two sessions at Kurukshetra University, followed by a panel discussion.
He said that on January 22, exhibitions and workshops will be organised by the Board at Rakhigarhi from 10 am to 5 pm. On the same day, similar exhibitions and workshops will also be organised at Kunal from 10 am to 5 pm. The spokesperson further said that on January 23, a 31 Kundiya Havan Yajna and chanting of Vedic mantras will be organised at the Pehowa Saraswati Teerth, along with Saraswati Vandana by 2,100 students. In the evening, from 6 pm to 8 pm, Deep Daan, Bhajan Sandhya, Saraswati Aarti, and various cultural programmes will be held.
He further informed that to give the Mahotsav a distinct identity, a Saras Mela will also be organised from January 19 to January 25. Craftsmen from Haryana as well as neighbouring states have been invited to participate in the Saras Mela.
In addition to handicrafts, artists from Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and other states have also been invited to preserve and present the cultural heritage of the country and the state. These artists will showcase their respective regional traditions through folk songs and dances. In this way, a unique blend of art and culture will be witnessed on the sacred banks of the Pehowa Saraswati Teerth.
Millets are not only rich in nutrition but also play a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle- Samwartak Singh
Millet Mela organised by CISF unit posted at Punjab Haryana Civil Secretariat Chandigarh
Additional Secretary to Government, Haryana, Secretariat Establishment, Sh. Samwartak Singh, I.A.S. highlighted the importance of millets (Shri Anna), stating that millets are not only rich in nutrition but also play a vital role in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Samwartak Singh was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the Millet Mela organised today at the CISF Camp premises of the Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh.
He said that creating awareness among the general public about balanced and nutritious food through such events is the need of the hour, and the initiative taken by CISF in this direction is commendable.
During the programme, doctors from Dietician Department of PGI Chandigarh, Dr. Kumari Muskan and Dr. Angel Preet provided detailed information to the present officers, CISF personnel and their family members about the consumption of millets, their appropriate quantity and also emphasized on the health benefits of millets. The doctors explained that regular consumption of millets in balanced quantities helps in managing diabetes, heart disease and digestive disorders and is highly beneficial for overall health.
Various types of millet-based products and dishes were displayed at the Millet Mela, giving attendees an opportunity to understand their usage and importance.
Commandant, CISF Unit Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, Chandigarh, Sh. Lalit Panwar, employees of Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariat, media persons, CISF personnel and their family members were present on the occasion.
RTS Commission Orders Compensation to Consumers for Issuance of Excessive Electricity Bills
Commission Terms One-Time Heavy Electricity Bills as Serious Administrative Negligence
The Haryana Right to Service (RTS) Commission has termed the practice of issuing electricity bills on an average basis for a long period and subsequently serving consumers with one-time excessively high bills in cases related to UHBVN as a serious case of administrative negligence.
According to the Commission’s spokesperson, in a case from Bahadurgarh, the Commission found that the consumer either did not receive bills for a long time or was issued negative bills, which were not payable. Thereafter, an electricity bill of approximately Rs. 2.38 lakh was suddenly issued. Even after the complaint was lodged, the rectification was carried out in a phased and incomplete manner, exposing the irresponsible working of the concerned officials. The Commission also observed that the mandatory prior notice and minimum time limits prescribed under the Electricity Supply Code were not followed.
Exercising its penal powers under Section 17(1)(h) of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014, the Commission ordered the imposition of a Rs. 5,000 fine on two CA officials responsible for preparing incorrect sundry entries and directed each of them to pay Rs. 1,000 as compensation to the consumer. In addition, the Commission expressed dissatisfaction with the SDO officials who approved the incorrect sundry and directed that their names be recorded in the Commission’s records.
The Commission further ordered that the consumer be paid additional compensation at the rate of Rs. 500 for each billing cycle wrongly issued since July 2022. This amount shall initially be paid by the corporation from its own funds and may later be recovered from the erring agency or officials.
In another case from Hisar district, electricity bills were issued on an average basis in two power accounts of a consumer from March 2020 to February 2024. Earlier, bills used to reflect a bi-monthly consumption of around 160 units, but later, one account suddenly showed consumption of approximately 45,000 units, resulting in a bill of more than Rs. 3 lakh, while the second account reflected consumption of about 20,000 units, leading to a bill of Rs. 98,000. The Commission termed this as imposing an excessive financial burden on the consumer and causing severe mental harassment.
The Commission also found that as per the provisions of the Electricity Supply Code, 2014, neither prior notice was given to the consumer nor the mandatory minimum period of 30 days for payment was allowed. The reasons for the excessive billing were also not clearly explained.
The Commission’s spokesperson stated that the Commission considered the Rs. 1,000 compensation per account awarded by the SGRA to be inadequate. Treating each wrongly issued bill as a separate case, the Commission directed that compensation be paid at the rate of Rs. 500 per incorrect bill for both accounts. This compensation shall initially be paid by DHBVN from its own funds and may subsequently be recovered from the erring agency or officials.
The Commission has directed the concerned officers to determine the exact number of wrongly issued bills in both accounts and to release the compensation at the earliest. The Managing Directors of both power distribution corporations have also been urged once again to formulate a clear policy to deal with such situations.
