*MoU signed between Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal and Kochi University, Japan in presence of CM Nayab Singh Saini*

*MoU signed for research on technology called Internet of Plants (IOP)*

*Haryana is granary of country, there is a need for horticultural crops along with agriculture: Nayab Singh Saini*

Chandigarh, February 21 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state and Central Governments are working for the welfare of farmers, which is directly benefiting them. Farmers are moving towards economic progress with the help of initiatives being run by the government for their upliftment. In this connection, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed today between Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal and Kochi University, Japan for the benefit of farmers. With this, universities of both the countries will work on modern technologies beneficial for farmers in the field of horticulture.

An MoU was signed between Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal and Kochi University, Japan in the presence of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana in Chandigarh for research on a technology called Internet of Plants (IOP).

*Farmers should leave traditional farming and move towards profitable horticulture farming: CM*

The Chief Minister said that now the time has come for farmers to do profitable farming. For this, they should leave traditional farming like wheat and paddy etc. and move towards profitable horticulture farming. For this, the Haryana Government and the Central Government are providing all possible help to the farmers. He said that Haryana is called the food granary of the country and horticulture crops are needed along with agriculture. The area and production of horticulture crops is continuously increasing in the state. Seeing higher income, farmers are also moving towards horticulture crops.

*Immense possibilities to increase the area under poly house*

He said that special attention is needed to reduce the effects of increase in average temperature and change in rainfall pattern due to climate change. For this, it has become very important to promote protected farming. He said that in Haryana, horticultural crops are being produced in poly house in about 4,000 acres, while horticultural crops are being cultivated in low-tunnel in about 6,400 acres. There is immense possibility of increasing the area under poly house.

*This agreement will prove to be a milestone in increasing the income of farmers*

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that supply chain and cold chain management is required to reduce the post-harvest loss in fruits and vegetables. In this context, the Haryana government has decided to work under Japan's JICA project. He said that he is very happy that MHU Karnal and Kochi University, Japan will work together so that such modern scientific technology will be made for Haryana and made available to the farmers. This will increase the production, quality and possibilities of more income from horticultural crops. This agreement will prove to be a milestone for increasing the income of farmers, which will benefit not only the farmers of Haryana but the entire country.

On this occasion, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana expressed happiness over the agreement and said that in the last few years, due to various welfare schemes of the government in the field of horticulture, the interest of farmers has increased, due to which the area of horticulture has increased to 10 lakh acres. The government is running many schemes to increase the income of farmers, in which farming in poly house is an important step.

Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Prof. Suresh Malhotra said that a historic agreement has been signed today. Under this, sensor technology will be used on fruit, vegetable, flower and spice crops inside the greenhouse, through which Internet of Plots (IOP) modules will be prepared for various crops on the scientific principles of temperature, humidity, photosynthesis etc. in the greenhouse. In this field, both universities will work together so that such modern scientific technology is be developed for Haryana and made available to the farmers. This will increase the production, quality and possibilities of more income of horticultural crops.

President of Kochi University, Japan, Prof. Ukeda Hiroyuki praised the efforts being made by the Haryana Chief Minister and Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister to increase horticulture farming in the state. He said that a historic agreement has been signed today.

On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department, Dr. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar, HoD-Special of Horticulture Directorate, Sh. Arjun Singh Saini, Research Director Prof. Ramesh Goyal, Registrar of MHU Karnal, Sh. Suresh Saini and members of Japanese delegation along with other officials were present.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini raises Haryana's water issue before Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal

Chief Minister urges Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal to make prompt decision on 1987 Report for Haryana’s Water Share

Chandigarh, February 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, while presenting Haryana's interests before the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal, said that the final decision on the report submitted by the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal on 30th January 1987 should be made at the earliest so that Haryana can receive its rightful share of water without further delay.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during a meeting with the Ravi-Beas Water Tribunal, which visited Chandigarh.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini extended a warm welcome to Justice Sh. Vineet Saran, Chairman of the Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal, Member Justice Sh P. Naveen Rao, and Sh. Suman Shyam on behalf of the 2.80 crore people of Haryana. He said that the Ravi and Beas Water Tribunal had submitted its report on January 30, 1987. Since that day, people of all ages in Haryana – from children to the elderly – have been eagerly awaiting a final decision on this matter.

The Chief Minister expressed his hope that the Tribunal would deliver a prudent and fair judgment, one that would be widely respected across the country.

He said that water conservation for future generations is not only a priority for India but has also become a global concern. To address this, comprehensive water conservation plans must be developed. He said that former Prime Minister Late Sh Atal Bihari Vajpayee had initiated plans to link rivers, a vision that is now being advanced by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi. The Haryana government has also taken significant steps toward establishing a framework for river linkage.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the SYL issue remains critical for Haryana, with the Hon'ble Supreme Court ruling in Haryana's favour. However, the state has yet to receive its rightful share of water from Punjab. He pointed out that Haryana has repeatedly raised the demand for its water share across multiple forums, but the Punjab government has made no progress on this matter. He expressed hope that the SYL issue would be resolved soon.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Haryana, Sh Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Sh Anurag Agarwal and the Advocate Generals of Haryana and Punjab were also present on this occasion.

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Workshop organized on PM Internship Scheme at Haryana Civil Secretariat

PM Internship Scheme has been announced to provide internship to youth in big companies of country

Interested youth can register till March 12

Chandigarh, February 21 – A workshop was organized at Haryana Civil Secretariat today to review the PM Internship Scheme announced for the youth in the Union Budget, 2024-2025.

In this workshop, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Smt. Anuradha Thakur shared detailed information about the scheme. Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department, Haryana, Sh. Vijayendra Kumar was also present on this occasion.

It was informed in the workshop that in the Budget speech for the financial year 2024-2025, PM Internship Scheme has been announced, under which internships will be provided to one crore youth in 500 big establishments of the country. During this period, a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000 will be given by the company and a lump sum allowance of Rs. 6,000 will be given by the Government of India.

Smt. Anuradha Thakur informed that the Ministry has launched the portal www.pminternship.mca.gov.in for online registration for PM Internship Scheme, on which companies and interested candidates can register for internship. In this scheme, youth between 21 and 24 years of age, who have graduation qualifications like 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic Diploma, Engineering, BA, BSc etc., can apply and avail the benefits of the scheme. Interested youth can register till 12 March in the second phase of this scheme. Under this scheme, 5646 vacancies are available for internship in big companies in the second phase, for which youth can apply immediately.

She said that after successfully completing internship in big companies, either the same company can consider giving permanent job to the best candidates or the youth's chances of getting job quickly in other companies increase.

Director General of Technical Education Department Sh. Prabhjot Singh, Director of Skill Development and Industrial Training Department Captain Manoj Kumar, Director of Higher Education Department Sh. Rahul Hooda, along with other officers participated in the workshop.

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CM approves renovation of roads in 4 districts at cost of Rs 54 crore

Improvement in road network and connectivity to benefit commuters

Chandigarh, February 21 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has given administrative approval to renovation of 873 km-long roads in 4 districts, namely Bhiwani, Fatehabad, Karnal and Yamunanagar, at a cost of about Rs 54.22 crore. This improvement in road network and connectivity will greatly benefit the public and will provide convenience in transportation.

Giving detailed information, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Saket Kumar said special repair of 11 roads will be done in Bhiwani district, whose total length is 47.7 km. Also, 4 roads of 18.6 km length will be widened and strengthened. These will cost Rs 8.17 crore and Rs 3.95 crore, respectively. Apart from this, 94 roads of 265 km length will be repaired under the annual repair category in Bhiwani, which will cost Rs 2.19 crore.

Similarly, 109 roads of 252 km length will be repaired under the annual repair category in Fatehabad district, which will cost about Rs 2 crore. Also, 7 roads of 24.3 km length will be widened and strengthened at a cost of about Rs 12.65 crore.

He further informed that special repair of 14 roads will be done in Karnal district, whose total length is 31.36 km. Also, 9 roads of 21.32 km length will be widened and strengthened. These will cost Rs 6.51 crore and Rs 6.44 crore, respectively.

Apart from this, under the annual repair category, 112 roads of 185.49 km length will be repaired in Yamunanagar district, which will cost Rs 1.72 crore. Also, special repair of 6 roads will be done at a cost of Rs 4.28 crore, whose total length is 12.83 km. At the same time, 7 roads of 14.39 km length will be widened and strengthened at a cost of about Rs 6.26 crore.

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Top officials meet with association representatives to discuss VLDA demands

Demands to be considered sympathetically - Dr Saket Kumar

State Government committed to employee welfare under Chief Minister's Guidance

Chandigarh, February 21 –Additional Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister Dr. Saket Kumar and Commissioner and Secretary Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department Mr. Vijay Singh Dahiya, held a meeting today with representatives from three associations to discuss the demands of Veterinary Livestock Development Assistants (VLDA) at the Haryana Civil Secretariat. During the meeting, the representatives of the association also submitted a demand letter.

While listening to the representatives' demands, Dr. Saket Kumar said that, under the guidance of Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, the government is fully committed to the welfare of its employees. As such, all demands will be considered with due attention and sympathy.

During the meeting, it was shared that the state government is dedicated to ensuring the health care of livestock across Haryana. Mobile vans are also being deployed to provide health services to animals. Veterinary Livestock Development Assistants (VLDAs) are consistently fulfilling their duties with dedication.

The representatives of the association presented several demands, including a change in the designation of VLDA, a revision of the VLDA diploma name, amendments to the service rules, the introduction of an online transfer system, and the establishment of a Diploma Veterinary Council. In response, Dr. Saket Kumar assured that these demands would be addressed and resolved at the earliest.

Dr. Saket Kumar further stated that committees will be formed to make policy decisions on some of the demands. These committees will include professors from Lala Lajpat Rai Veterinary and Animal Science University (LUVAS) in Hisar, as well as representatives from the association.

Director General Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Dr. LC Ranga, along with representatives from the Diploma Veterinary Association, Veterinary and Livestock Extension Association, and Diploma Veterinary Association Haryana were also present in the meeting.

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Nominations for post of Mayor, Ward Members of Panipat Municipal Corporation poll can be filled till February 27: State Election Commissioner

Chandigarh, February 21 - Haryana State Election Commissioner Sh. Dhanpat Singh has said that nomination papers for elections to Municipal Corporation Panipat will be filled from February 21 to February 27 on all working days (except Sunday, February 23 and gazetted holiday declared on account of Mahashivratri on February 26).

He said the nomination papers will be scrutinized on February 28. After that, candidates who want to withdraw their nomination can do so on March 1 from 11 am to 3 pm. Election symbols will be allotted to the candidates after 3 pm on the same day. On March 1 itself, the list of candidates contesting the election and polling stations will be pasted in public places. After this, voting will be held on March 9 from 8 am to 6 pm. On completion of the entire election process, counting of votes will be done from 8 am on March 12 and the election results will be declared on the same day. For the convenience of the candidates contesting the elections, a single window has been set up at the district level to give all types of NOCs.

The State Election Commissioner said along with the post of Mayor in Panipat Municipal Corporation, elections will be held for ward members in 26 wards. A total of 365 polling booths have been set up in all 26 wards. According to the ward-wise final published voter list of Panipat Municipal Corporation, there are a total of 4,8,534 voters, out of which 2,17,559 are male voters, 1,90,962 are female voters and 13 are other category voters.

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Goa tourism is no longer limited to sun, sand, and sea

Tourists can now also enjoy ancient temples and jungle safaris

Goa Tourism Corporation Chairman Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar visits Goa pavilion

Goa and Haryana Tourism Corporations will work together- Dr. Sunil Kumar

Chandigarh, February 21 – Goa MLA, and Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar said that Goa is internationally famous for tourism, but it is no longer just about sun, sand, and sea. To attract more tourists, Goa is now promoting its cultural heritage and jungle safaris.

During his visit to the Goa Pavilion, Dr. Gaonkar said that this year, the pavilion has been set up at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela to promote Goa’s tourism. He said that with the efforts of Goa Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant and Tourism Minister, Sh. Rohan Khaunte, Goa’s tourism is no longer limited to sun, sand or beaches. Now, visitors can explore historical forts, ancient temples of Lord Shiva and goddesses, biodiversity parks, medicinal plant gardens, waterfalls, and UNESCO heritage sites in Goa’s interior regions.

Dr. Gaonkar further said that Goa is restoring 25 ancient temples, similar to the famous temples of Kashi and Ujjain spending crores of rupees. On Mahashivratri a grand Mahotsav is being organised at the Mahadev Temple on February 25, 2025. He said that tourists can witness the natural food and organic handicraft.

Sharing culture through the Mela – Dr. Sunil Kumar

Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation, Dr. Sunil Kumar, said that Goa and Haryana are sharing their cultural heritage through the Surajkund Mela. He said that both states will continue working together to promote tourism in the future. Artists from Goa captivated the audience with their performances, showcasing traditional Konkani dance at Badi Chaupal.

Director, Goa Tourism Corporation, Sh. Kedar A. Naik also remained present on the occasion.

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Bhil Art captivates tourists at Surajkund International Crafts Mela

The live display of inspirational folk art by Padma Shri awardee Bhuri Bai is leaving a lasting impression on every visitor

Chandigarh, February 21 - The Bhil art display at stall number 1175 in the Madhya Pradesh Theme State pavilion at the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad is captivating the visitors. The stall, managed by Bhopal-based artist Anil Baria, has become a major attraction, drawing visitors to experience the live exhibition of the renowned folk art by Padma Shri Bhuri Bai.

The traditional painting of the Bhil community, known as Bhil art, comes to life through its unique use of colors, dots, and shapes. This vibrant art form is being showcased in all its glory at Anil Baria's stall. Padma Shri awardee Bhuri Bai brought Bhil art into the national spotlight through her exceptional talent and dedication. She has also been honored with the Shikhar Samman, Devi Ahilya Award, and Rani Durgavati Award. Continuing her legacy, her son, Anil Baria, plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this rich tradition. The stall at the Surajkund Mela offers a remarkable experience not only for art enthusiasts but also for researchers and historians. Visitors can explore and purchase Bhil paintings while gaining a deeper understanding of this unique art form.

Artist Anil Baria expresses his gratitude to Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, saying that under his able leadership, the Surajkund Mela provides an excellent platform for artists, weavers, and craftsmen. He also extended thanks to Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma for his support. Surajkund Mela offers a global stage for Indian folk art, and the participation of artists like Bhuri Bai and Anil Baria further strengthens this important initiative. This stall serves not only as a livelihood for folk artists but also as a powerful medium to preserve and promote traditional art.

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Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs to visit Art Gallery in Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Haryana shines in art and folk culture – Principal Secretary Kala Ramachandran

Sculptors honored at the art gallery of the Art and Culture Department

Chandigarh, February 21- Union Minister for Power, Housingand Urban Affairs, Sh. Manohar Lal will visit Art Gallery as chief guest in Surajkund International Crafts Mela during the closing ceremony of the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.

This was informed by Principal Secretary, Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department and Vice Chairperson, Surajkund International Crafts Mela Authority, Smt. Kala Ramachandran who visited the Art Gallery in Surajkund Mela today.

The Art Gallery has been set up by the Haryana Department of Art and Culture near the main entrance of the Surajkund Mela. She encouraged talented sculptors and honored them with mementos and certificates.

Smt. Ramachandran appreciated the craftsmanship displayed in the gallery, which was established by the Art and Cultural Affairs Department to promote metal painting. She said that Haryana is known not only for its farmers and soldiers but also for its artists who preserve traditional folk culture. The state has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its vibrant folk traditions worldwide. She recalled that Lord Krishna delivered the sacred message of the Bhagavad Gita in Haryana only. Today, Haryana’s folk arts are gaining international recognition, and its painters, sculptors, and artisans continue to captivate tourists with their artistic skills.

During the event, Principal Secretary Smt. Kala Ramachandran honored the sculptors by presenting them certificates and mementos on this occasion.

Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation, Dr. Sunil Kumar, former IAS officer Sh. V.S. Kundu and others also remained present.

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Haryana clinches championship title at National Para Athletic Championship

Para Sports Association of Haryana President Aarti Singh Rao offers Congratulations

23rd National Para Athletic Championship concludes in Chennai

Chandigarh, 21 February – Para athletes from Haryana, who have emerged as leaders in the field of sports nationwide, clinched the "Championship Trophy" at the 23rd National Para Athletic Championship held in Chennai, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination.

Congratulating the athletes on their victory, Haryana Health Minister Kumari Aarti Singh Rao, who is also President of the Para Sports Association of Haryana, praised their spirit and remarked that no physical challenge can hinder courage, as demonstrated by the determination and passion of these players.

Kumari Aarti Singh Rao further said that the state's athletes are not only dedicated but also receive full support from the state government to help them perform at their best. Thanks to the state's sports policy, Haryana's athletes are making a significant impact across various sports.

General Secretary of the Para Sports Association of Haryana Jyoti Chhabra shared that a total of 172 athletes from Haryana participated in the competition, with 113 of them winning medals, contributing to the state’s victory in the championship. Among the medalists, male athletes secured 66 medals, while female athletes earned 37 medals. The Haryana team brought home a total of 53 gold medals, 31 silver medals, and 29 bronze medals.

She informed that the 23rd National Para Athletic Championship held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in which 1,350 para athletes (Divyang players) from 25 states participated.

Among the medal-winning athletes from Haryana, Para Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Navdeep secured the gold medal in javelin throw. Other international para athletes from Haryana, including Ekta Bhyan, Dharambir, Rinku, Ankur Dhama, Tekchand, Karamjyoti, Sumit, Suman, Monu Ghanghas, Preeti, Usha, and Kanchan Lakhani, also earned medals in their respective events.

In celebration of Haryana’s victory, besides the President of the Para Sports Association of Haryana and Health Minister Kumari Aarti Singh Rao, the Association’s founder and Dhyanchand Award winner, Giriraj Singh, also extended his congratulations to all the winning athletes.

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10 students from Haryana Super-100 Programme achieve over 99 percentile in JEE Mains

Chandigarh, Feb 21 – In an exceptional achievement, 10 students enrolled in Haryana’s 'Super 100' programme have scored more than 99 percentile in the JEE (Mains) 2025, the results of which were recently declared.

Sharing information in this regard here today, an official spokesperson said that two of the top 10 achievers are girls.

Aditya, a resident of Bhiwani district is top scorer with 99.91 percentile marks, followed closely by Ravinder from Jind district at 99.87 percentile. Other remarkable achievers include Muskan from Bhiwani (99.84 percentile), Tanish from Faridabad (99.81 percentile), Vishesh Yadav from Mahendergarh (99.56 percentile), Rohit from Gurugram (99.44 percentile), Sufta Parveen from Faridabad (99.35 percentile), Yogesh from Fatehabad (99.31 percentile), Vivek from Faridabad (99.19 percentile), and Dipender from Jind (99.17 percentile).

Similarly, 26 students from the programme scored above 97 percentile, 25 students surpassed the 95 percentile mark, 97 students achieved above 90 percentile, and 143 students scored above 85 percentile in the JEE (Mains) exam.

The ‘Super 100’ Scheme Haryana 2025, an initiative of the Directorate of School Education, aims to provide free coaching to students aspiring for competitive exams like NEET and IIT-JEE. Launched to empower students who have secured more than 80 percent marks in their high school exams, this scheme is motivating students and equip them for competitive examinations. Through this initiative, students will receive free coaching, which will greatly benefit them in successfully cracking these exams. This will foster the growth of a competitive environment among the state's students.