Haryana Government intensifies efforts against non-communicable diseases: Health Minister Arti Singh Rao
Government committed to making the state free from non-communicable diseases
Chandigarh, March 19 – Haryana Health Minister, Arti Singh Rao said that the state government is working extensively for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases. She informed that the national programme for prevention and control of these diseases has been implemented in 22 districts of the state.
She said that under this programme, NCD clinics have been established in 22 districts. In addition, these clinics are also being run in 170 sub-divisional civil hospitals and community health centres, as well as in 292 primary health centres, to provide better healthcare facilities to people near their homes.
The Health Minister said that screening for non-communicable diseases is being carried out for individuals aged 30 years and above at all health institutions in the state. The screening includes diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancers of the oral cavity, breast, and cervix, so that early detection and treatment can be ensured.
According to data available on the National NCD Portal as of January 31, 2026, a total of 1,01,24,147 people have been screened in the state. Out of these, treatment has been initiated for 8,62,764 individuals suffering from hypertension, reflecting the active efforts of the government.
The Health Minister informed that essential medicines for the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases are being made available in districts as per the essential drug list. Additionally, under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, super-speciality services such as cath labs and cardiac centres have been established in district civil hospitals of Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, and Panchkula.
She said that the Health Department is focusing especially on prevention to reduce the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. People are being made aware to avoid major risk factors and adopt a healthy lifestyle. National and international NCD awareness days are also observed every year to increase awareness at the community level.
The Health Minister reiterated that the government is committed to making the state free from non-communicable diseases through early screening, better treatment, and widespread awareness.
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Rs. 1122 Crore Agriculture Action Plan Approved for Haryana under PM-RKVY
State Level Sanctioning Committee chaired by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi reviews progress of agricultural schemes; emphasis on mechanisation, crop diversification and sustainable farming
Chandigarh, March 19 - The State Level Sanctioning Committee (SLSC) under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) today approved a comprehensive Annual Action Plan worth about ₹1122 crore for the financial year 2026-27 to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors in Haryana.
The decision was taken in a meeting held at the Haryana Civil Secretariat, chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, where senior officers of the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department and representatives of various implementing agencies reviewed the progress of ongoing schemes and finalised the action plan for the coming year 2026-27.
The Chief Secretary emphasised the need for effective implementation, timely utilisation of funds and strong coordination among departments to ensure that the benefits of the schemes reach farmers at the grassroots level.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the implementation status of PM-RKVY, Krishonnati Yojana and the National Mission on Natural Farming in the state. It was informed that during 2025-26, the Government of India released ₹318.17 crore as the first instalment under various components of PM-RKVY for Haryana, out of which ₹240.46 crore has already been utilised, reflecting a utilisation rate of more than 75 per cent.
Rs. 909 Crore Allocation (100% ) under PM-RKVY for the financial year 2026-27
The meeting was informed that the Government of India has communicated a central share of ₹545.53 crore for Haryana under PM-RKVY for 2026-27, while the state government will contribute ₹363.69 crore, taking the total allocation to ₹909.22 crore.
Officials said the action plan aims to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, improve irrigation efficiency and strengthen agricultural infrastructure across the state.
Major Focus on Agricultural Mechanisation
A significant portion of the budget has been earmarked for agricultural mechanisation and crop residue management, which remain key priorities for the state.
Under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation, an outlay of ₹200 crore has been approved to support farmers in procuring modern agricultural machinery. Additionally, ₹250 crore has been allocated for crop residue management, including the procurement of machines and awareness programmes to promote in-situ management of crop residue and reduce stubble burning.
Boost to Horticulture, Irrigation and Natural Farming
The committee also approved several initiatives aimed at diversifying agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices.
An allocation of ₹110 crore has been approved under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture to expand horticulture activities, develop post-harvest infrastructure and strengthen marketing facilities.To promote efficient water use in agriculture, ₹160 crore has been earmarked under the Per Drop More Crop programme, while ₹15 crore will be utilised for promoting natural farming practices in the state.
Focus on Food Security and Oilseed Production
Under the food security initiatives, allocations have been approved for several national missions, including National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds, Mission for Atmanirbharta in Pulses and the National Food Security and Nutrition Mission. These programmes aim to increase the production of oilseeds, pulses and cereals in Haryana and reduce dependence on imports.
The meeting also approved ₹6 crore under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission to promote beekeeping activities and enhance farmers’ income through allied agricultural activities.
Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure
The committee also approved projects for agriculture infrastructure development, including strengthening research facilities, improving irrigation resources and supporting integrated farming systems. Officials said these projects will help promote modern agricultural practices and enhance productivity in the state.
Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Commissioner & Secretary, Finance, Mohammed Shayin, Director General, Agriculture, Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.
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Haryana Government transfers 23 IAS officers with immediate effect
Chandigarh, March 19 - In a major administrative reshuffle, the Haryana Government has transferred 23 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers with immediate effect. Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi has issued an order in this regard.
Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department and Additional Chief Secretary, Transport Department, has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Printing & Stationery Department while retaining the charge of ACS, Transport Department.
G. Anupama, Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department and Additional Chief Secretary, Citizen Resources Information Department, will now serve as Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department and Additional Chief Secretary, Civil Aviation Department.
Sh. Apoorva Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Town & Country Planning and Urban Estates Department, has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education Department and Additional Chief Secretary, PW (B&R) and Architecture Department.
Sh. Anurag Agarwal, Additional Chief Secretary for PW (B&R) and Architecture, Irrigation & Water Resources, and Advisor to the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Board, has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Town & Country Planning and Urban Estates Department.
Sh. Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Cooperation Department, Officer on Special Duty for the proposed Haryana Income Enhancement Board, Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana (Appointments), Personnel Department and Additional Chief Secretary, Sainik & Ardh Sainik Welfare Department, has been posted as Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department; Officer on Special Duty for the proposed Haryana Income Enhancement Board; Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana (Appointments), Personnel Department; and Additional Chief Secretary, Sainik & Ardh Sainik Welfare Department.
Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department and Principal Secretary, Mines & Geology Department, has been posted as Principal Secretary, Irrigation & Water Resources Department; Advisor, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Board; and Principal Secretary, Mines & Geology Department.
Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, Principal Secretary, Printing & Stationery Department, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department and Principal Secretary, Sports Department, has been posted as Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry Department and Principal Secretary, Sports Department.
Smt. Ashima Brar, Commissioner & Secretary, Excise & Taxation Department and Commissioner & Secretary, Finance Department, has been posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Energy Department, in addition to her present duties.
Sh. Phool Chand Meena, Commissioner & Secretary, Human Resources Department, Commissioner & Secretary, General Administration Department and Chief Executive Officer, Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority, Gurugram, has been posted as Chief Executive Officer, Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Faridabad, in addition to his present duties.
Dr. Saket Kumar, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Haryana, Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department, Managing Director, Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited, Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department and Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board, Kurukshetra, has been posted as Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Haryana; Commissioner & Secretary, Development & Panchayats Department; Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department; and Managing Director, Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited.
A. Mona Sreenivas, Additional Resident Commissioner, Haryana Bhawan, New Delhi and Chief Executive Officer, Sonipat Metropolitan Development Authority, Sonipat, has been posted as Resident Commissioner, Haryana Bhawan, New Delhi and Chief Executive Officer, Sonipat Metropolitan Development Authority, Sonipat.
Sh. J. Ganesan, Chief Executive Officer, Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority, Faridabad, Director General, Housing for All, Haryana and Secretary, Housing for All Department, Chief Administrator, Housing Board, Haryana, Chief Executive Officer, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Haryana AI Development Project (HAIDP) and Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (HCAPSD) and other externally-aided Projects, Managing Director, HARTRON and Managing Director, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited, has been posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department; Commissioner & Secretary, Citizen Resources Information Department; Director General, Housing for All, Haryana and Secretary, Housing for All Department; Chief Executive Officer, Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Haryana AI Development Project (HAIDP) and Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development (HCAPSD) and other externally-aided Projects; and Managing Director, HARTRON.
Sh. Ashok Kumar Meena, Director General, Urban Local Bodies, Haryana and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Mission Director, State Urban Livelihood Mission and State Urban Development Authority, Haryana and Director General, Foreign Cooperation Department, has been posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department and Director General, Foreign Cooperation Department, Haryana.
Sh. Mani Ram Sharma, Managing Director, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited and Secretary, Energy Department, has been posted as Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Haryana.
Sh. Mukul Kumar, Managing Director, HAFED, Managing Director, Haryana International Horticultural Marketing Corporation, Ganaur and Director, Hospitality Haryana and Special Secretary, Hospitality Department has been posted as Director, Urban Local Bodies and Special Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department and Mission Director, State Urban Livelihood Mission and State Urban Development Authority, Haryana; and Director, Hospitality Haryana and Special Secretary, Hospitality Department.
Dr. Aditya Dahiya, Managing Director, Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, Managing Director, Haryana Financial Corporation and Director, Department of Future, Haryana has been posted as Managing Director, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited and Director, Department of Future, Haryana.
Sh. Vijay Kumar Siddappa Bhavikatti, awaiting orders of posting, has been posted as Managing Director, HAFED and Managing Director, Haryana International Horticultural Marketing Corporation, Ganaur.
Sh. Sushil Sarwan, Deputy Commissioner, Sonipat, has been posted as Managing Director, Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation and Managing Director, Haryana Financial Corporation.
Sh. Vikram, Managing Director, Haryana Minerals Ltd., New Delhi and Managing Director, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited, has been posted as Managing Director, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited, in addition to his present duties.
Neha Singh, awaiting orders of posting, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Sonipat.
Smt. Varsha Khangwal, Additional Director (Admn.), Information, Public Relations & Languages, Haryana and Additional Secretary, Vigilance Department, has been posted as State Project Director, Haryana School Shiksha Pariyojna Parishad, in addition to her present duties.
Manita Malik, Additional Transport Commissioner, Haryana, has been posted as Director, Elementary Education, Haryana and Additional Secretary, School Education Department.
Vandana Disodia, Additional Director (Admn.), Skill Development & Industrial Training, Haryana, has been posted as Director, Skill Development & Industrial Training, and Additional Secretary, Skill Development & Industrial Training Department.
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Haryana Metro gains momentum, Rapid Metro posts operating surplus; ridership up 13.55%
Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi chairs 64th HMRTC Board Meeting
Chandigarh, March 19: Haryana’s urban transit system continues to witness strong growth, with metro ridership registering a robust 13.55% increase in 2025–26, reflecting rising commuter confidence and a clear shift towards public transport.
The progress was reviewed in the 64th Board Meeting of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) chaired by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi.
Between April 2025 and February 2026, the metro network recorded over 1.74 crore passengers, compared to 1.53 crore in the corresponding period last year. July recorded the highest monthly growth at 22.93%, while all months showed consistent positive trends—indicating improved service reliability and sustained commuter preference.
Financial performance has also remained strong. Fare revenue increased by 12.64% up to January 2026, in line with ridership growth. Notably, non-fare revenue surged by 108%, driven by effective monetisation of station spaces, advertisements, and commercial activities—resulting in operating surplus for Rapid Metro. Further initiatives, including auction of station naming rights and additional advertisement sites, are expected to strengthen HMRTC’s financial position.
Appreciating the performance, Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi stated that the consistent rise in ridership and revenue reflects the success of Haryana’s integrated transport strategy. He emphasised continued focus on timely project execution, inter-agency coordination, and commuter-centric service delivery.
Managing Director, HMRTC, Sh. Chander Shekhar Khare informed that, alongside operational gains, the state is making steady progress on an ambitious pipeline of metro and regional transit projects.
Metro connectivity from Sector 56, Gurugram to Panchgaon is under active consideration, with HSIIDC studying the DPR and layout plan, and finalising a depot location in Sector 36A near Sihi village. The Ballabhgarh–Palwal metro extension is under techno-feasibility assessment by RITES. A fresh study for Bahadurgarh–Asaudha connectivity is also being undertaken following the decision by HRIDC to develop a new interchange station at Asaudha to enhance ridership.
The Gurugram–Faridabad Namo Bharat corridor has achieved a key milestone, with alignment and station locations finalised and approved by the Government of Haryana, and DPR preparation underway by NCRTC.
The Delhi–Kundli metro extension is proposed to be placed before the Haryana Cabinet in its forthcoming meeting for approval.
The Delhi–Panipat–Karnal RRTS corridor (136.3 km) has also progressed, with the revised DPR submitted for financial concurrence ahead of Haryana Cabinet consideration. In addition, the Delhi–Bawal RRTS corridor has received approval at the PIB level and is under active consideration of the Government of India.
Within Gurugram, DPR preparation has been approved for key intra-city corridors, including the 17.09 km Bhondsi–Subhash Chowk–Rajeev Chowk–Sohna Chowk–Railway Station corridor, enhancing connectivity along Sohna Road.
‘Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao’ programme has now become a mass movement bringing positive change in society – Shruti Choudhry
State government committed to the bright future and empowerment of daughters
Improving sex ratio is a result of positive change in social mindset and effective government policies
Officers and employees of districts showing significant improvement in sex ratio honoured
Chandigarh, March 19 – Haryana Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that in the state, the ‘Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao’ programme is not just a scheme, but has become a widespread mass movement bringing positive change in social thinking. Through this, continuous, meaningful and result-oriented efforts are being made to encourage the birth of girl children, increase respect for them, and establish gender equality in society.
Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry said this during a felicitation ceremony held at her residence in Chandigarh on Thursday, organised to honour districts that have shown excellent improvement in sex ratio at birth. She said that Haryana has made remarkable progress in this direction. While the sex ratio at birth was 871 in 2014, it has increased to 923 in 2025. This change is the result of a positive shift in societal mindset and effective government policies.
The Women and Child Development Minister said that several important steps have contributed to this improvement. These include strict implementation of the PCPNDT Act, action against illegal sex selection, targeted action against misuse of MTP, innovative initiatives like reverse tracking of pregnancies, and better coordination among various departments. She informed that strict action has been taken against illegal activities by conducting 43 raids in Fatehabad, 83 in Panipat, and 24 in Panchkula. She further said that the best performing districts in 2025 include Panchkula (971), Fatehabad (961), and Panipat (951). Officers and employees of these districts are being honoured for their outstanding work.
She said that this honour is not just recognition of achievements, but also a message to further strengthen respect and equality for the girl child in society. The state government is committed to ensuring a bright future and empowerment of daughters. She added that the improvement from 871 to 923 reflects the successful implementation of the ‘Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao’ programme and the collective awareness in Haryana, and the government will continue to make efforts to improve it further in the future.
She informed that the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme was launched on January 22, 2015, to improve the declining child sex ratio in the country and promote the empowerment of women and girls. This scheme is an important part of the ‘Sambal’ sub-scheme under ‘Mission Shakti’, which works to ensure safety, education, and equal opportunities for girls at every stage of life. She said that the main objectives of this scheme are to improve the child sex ratio, promote gender equality, eliminate gender-based discrimination, ensure the safety of girls, and encourage their education and participation.
Commissioner and Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Sh. Shekhar Vidyarthi, Director Dr. Priyanka Soni, along with other officers and employees of the department, were present during the felicitation ceremony.
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Government and administration vigilant regarding domestic LPG in the State: Rajesh Nagar
12 FIRs registered so far across the state, 169 cylinders seized
District-level committees formed under DCs, SPs and DFSCs
Chandigarh, March 19- Haryana Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister, Sh. Rajesh Nagar said that the government and administration are vigilant regarding domestic LPG in the state. He said that citizens are not being allowed to face any difficulty regarding domestic LPG supply at their homes.12 FIRs have been registered across the state so far in cases of black marketing and illegal use of gas, and around 169 cylinders have been seized. These include 18 cylinders in Kurukshetra, 60 in Narnaul, 5 in Karnal, 21 in Ambala, 28 in Kharkhoda, 18 in Faridabad and 19 in Jind.
Sh. Rajesh Nagar was interacting with the media after the meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee held in Kurukshetra on Thursday.
He said that district-level committees have been formed in all districts, in which Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and DFSCs have been mainly included. These teams are taking strict action upon receiving complaints related to cooking gas.
The Minister said that the state government is concerned about the citizens of the state. There is no need for any citizen to panic. He said that the supply from the backend is fully available and will continue to be provided. The situation in the state is completely under control.
He said that it has been observed that people are rushing to agencies to refill all cylinders available at home in advance. He appealed to citizens that the situation in the country and the state is completely normal. In such a situation, they should cooperate with the government and take cylinders only as per their usual requirement.