CM inaugurates Sports Complex and Girls' Hostel at Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha, built at a cost of Rs. 15 crore

Chief Minister gives Rs.31 lakh for the Institution

This Medical college is playing a vital role in providing health services to everyone, CM

Agroha's great heritage will be preserved on the lines of Rakhigarhi, says CM

We are committed to making Prime Minister’s Fit India Movement a success, Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, November 28- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday inaugurated the sports complex and girls' hostel at Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha, Hisar. The Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs. 31 lakh from his discretionary fund for the Institution.

The Chief Minister while paying homage to Maharaja Agrasen said that this college would continue the mission of humanitarian service initiated by Maharaja Agrasen Ji. The sapling planted by Sh. OP Jindal has become a large banyan tree today, which is a matter of pride for us. This medical college is significantly contributing to our goal of providing health services to every individual, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

The Chief Minister said that these two new facilities at the medical college would be highly beneficial for the students. The sports complex built on an area of 4 acres, includes three multipurpose halls, a swimming pool, a gym, a yoga room, and a restaurant, built at a cost of Rs. 10 crore. The girls' hostel, constructed at a cost of Rs. 5.70 crore on an area of 3 acres, has 54 rooms, providing improved residential facilities for students.

* Efforts will be made for preserving Agroha’s rich heritage like Rakhigarhi, CM

The Chief Minister said that the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has approved the excavation of the archaeological site at Agroha, creating hope for the unveiling of its ancient heritage. We will preserve this great heritage along the lines of Rakhigarhi, he said. The State Government has honored Maharaja Agrasen's teachings by naming Hisar Airport after him, which is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated. This will benefit Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, and the airport's development will turn the region into an industrial zone corridor, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

* Dedicated efforts made for strengthening medical infrastructure

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has envisioned transforming India into a medical hub, and Haryana is continuously strengthening its medical infrastructure to realise this vision. A medical college is being set up in every district of Haryana. Presently, the state has 15 medical colleges, of which 9 were established during the present state government's tenure, with 9 more under construction. Additionally, land has been finalized for medical colleges in Fatehabad, Charkhi Dadri, and Palwal and the construction of these medical colleges will begin soon. This will increase the number of medical colleges in the state to 27 and the number of MBBS seats to 3,485, shared Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

Furthermore, a National Cancer Institute has been opened in Badsha, Jhajjar district, and an AIIMS is being set up in Mazra, Rewari district. Besides this, to address the shortage of paramedical staff, nursing and physiotherapy colleges have been opened in Karnal, with another nursing college inaugurated in Safidon. Government nursing colleges are also being established in Faridabad, Panchkula, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, and Rewari, informed Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

*Government is Committed to Prime Minister's Fit India Movement

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Haryana Government is determined to make Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Fit India Movement’ a success. The state has started free dialysis facilities for kidney patients in all government hospitals and medical colleges from October 18. Besides this, under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, free treatment up to Rs. 10 lakh annually has been started for senior citizens above 70 years of age. The Chirayu Ayushman Scheme has already provided claims worth Rs. 1,477 crore for the treatment of 11.65 lakh patients in the state.

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said that the Haryana Government is excelling in healthcare by following the footsteps of Maharaja Agrasen. He said the free treatment facilities provided under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Earlier, MLA, Smt. Savitri Jindal praised the government’s efforts, saying Haryana is progressing steadily under Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s guidance and Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini’s leadership. She commended the Ayushman Bharat scheme and the exceptional contributions of Agroha Medical College in the healthcare sector.

MLA, Sh. Randhir Panihar, former Rajya Sabha MP General DP Vats, former Minister, Sh. Anoop Dhanak, Deputy Commissioner, Hisar, Sh. Anish Yadav, and other dignitaries also remained present during the event.

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Haryana Tourism Unveils Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore, as a Premier Heritage Wedding Destination

Chandigarh November 28- Haryana Tourism Corporation Ltd. (HTC) has launched Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore, as an exclusive heritage wedding destination, offering couples a unique opportunity to celebrate their special day in a setting of historic grandeur and natural beauty. This bold initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism and highlight the region's rich cultural heritage.

An official spokesperson of Haryana Tourism Corporation Ltd. shared that Yadavindra Gardens, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Shivalik range, is an architectural masterpiece that offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for couples seeking a majestic and culturally significant venue. The gardens are renowned for their expansive lawns, historic structures, ornamental fountains, and sweeping panoramic views, making them an ideal location for weddings. Through a four-month pilot program, HTC is opening this iconic site for weddings and celebrations.

He further informed that the gardens offer a range of rental options designed to accommodate different event preferences and budgets. The complete garden rental is available at Rs.10.00 lakh plus applicable taxes per function, while options for the Jal Mahal, stage, and gathering space are priced at Rs. 6.00 lakh plus taxes. The Rang Mahal to Jal Mahal and stage area package is offered at Rs. 8.00 lakh plus applicable taxes per function. In addition, guests can enjoy elegant accommodations at the gardens, with 20 well-appointed rooms and suites, including the renowned Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Room rates range from Rs. 2,339 to Rs. 6,000 per night, and early booking is recommended to ensure a seamless experience.

HTC has established comprehensive guidelines to maintain the heritage and cultural integrity of the gardens during events. Temporary decorations must be pre-approved and align with the site's aesthetics. Organizers are also required to follow environmental practices, including waste management, limited use of firecrackers, and sound and light restrictions. Security measures are mandatory to manage crowds and protect the property. Additionally, the gardens offer ample parking, coordinated with local authorities, with optional valet services available. Event planners will also have access to a designated kitchen area, with event setups restricted to pre-approved zones, added the spokesperson.

The pilot project will run for four months, during which HTC will evaluate the feasibility and revenue potential of Yadavindra Gardens as a wedding venue. The initiative reflects Haryana Tourism’s dedication to balancing financial sustainability with the preservation of cultural and historical sites.

This new offering underscores Haryana Tourism’s commitment to showcasing heritage sites through innovative solutions that benefit tourism and support local economies. Event organizers are encouraged to feature the HTC logo and branding in their promotional materials to highlight the venue’s historical significance and reinforce its appeal as a premier choice for elegant, heritage-inspired weddings.

With the launch of Yadavindra Gardens as a wedding destination, Haryana Tourism is setting a new benchmark in the region by merging the opulence of the past with modern event hosting, creating memorable celebrations that honor history and enrich the community, the spokesperson added.

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*Krishan Kumar Bedi flags off Gita Run organised on International Gita Mahotsav*

*Gita’s teachings offers path to peace worldwide: Krishan Kumar Bedi*

Chandigarh, November 28- Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment, SCs and BCs Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that by embracing the precepts of Bhagavad Gita, it is possible to find solutions to all problems. With this aim the Haryana government is organising International Gita Mahotsav at Kurukshetra on a large scale for Gita’s teaching to reach worldwide.

Sh. Bedi was addressing a gathering at the Gita Run organised as part of the International Gita Mahotsav-2024, held under the joint aegis of the Kurukshetra Development Board and the District Sports Department at Purushottampura Bagh, Brahma Sarovar, Kurukshetra. Earlier, the Cabinet Minister flagged off the 10-kilometer run for men and the 5-kilometer run for women.

Sh. Bedi honoured the top ten finishers in both the men's and women's categories, awarding the first-place winner in each category with Rs.31,000, the second-place winner with Rs.21,000, the third-place winner with Rs.11,000, and the next seven finishers with Rs.2,100 each.

He further said that the teachings of Bhagavad Gita imparted by Lord Krishna in Kurukshetra remain highly relevant for all of humanity today. Under the efforts of the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the International Gita Mahotsav has been further enhanced. This festival has also been organised in five countries, and it will be celebrated on an even larger scale in the future.

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*Health facilities should be ensured for workers: Anil Vij*

*Labour Minister held a meeting with senior officials of the department and gave instructions*

Chandigarh, November 28 – Haryana Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij held a meeting with senior officials of the Labour Department here today, and instructed that regular inspections of all factories in the state must be ensured. He said that violations of labour laws would not be tolerated in any manner and instructed that strict legal action be taken against factories not adhering to labour regulations.

Sh. Vij also directed the officials to ensure the protection of workers' rights and ensure effective compliance with all labour laws and regulations. Additionally, he directed that a detailed record of all inspections and activities be maintained.

The Labour Minister also addressed the issue of health insurance and healthcare facilities for workers. He instructed officials that all registered workers should receive health services based on their needs, and emphasized the importance of taking concrete steps to include unregistered workers under the coverage of health services.

Sh. Vij reiterated that the safety and health of workers are the government's top priorities. He said that pending payments would be cleared soon in coordination with the Finance Department to ensure workers do not face any difficulties in accessing treatment.

The Minister further directed officials to ensure that industrial institutions display information related to labour laws and worker facilities on notice boards, enabling workers to stay informed about their rights and available benefits.

Additional Chief Secretary Labour Department Sh. Anand Mohan Sharan, Labour Commissioner Sh Mani Ram Sharma and other officials also present in the meeting.

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*Prime Minister to lay foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University on Dec 9 - Agriculture Minister*

Chandigarh, Nov 28 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Sh Shyam Singh Rana said that on December 9, 2024, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Karnal.

The Agriculture Minister attended a program on Thursday to mark the Foundation Day of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Karnal. Indri MLA and Chief Whip, Sh Ramkumar Kashyap, also participated in the event.

Addressing the gathering on this occasion, Agriculture Minister said that India has the most fertile land in the world. He said that farmers in both India and Haryana are achieving good yields, and that the agriculture sector is both strong and vital. He highlighted that agriculture is considered the backbone of the economy, and that while all other sectors were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture remained operational. He stressed that unless agriculture is prioritized, unemployment cannot be effectively addressed. He urged efforts to place agriculture at the forefront, as there are numerous opportunities in the agricultural sector in Haryana.

Sh Shyam Singh Rana stated that there is a need to promote coarse grains, which he believes are more beneficial than wheat. He pointed out that farmers are not earning substantial profits from the traditional cultivation of wheat and paddy, and that the over-exploitation of natural resources has led to serious water scarcity issues in both the country and the state. Additionally, he highlighted the growing health concerns linked to the widespread cultivation of wheat and paddy. In this context, the Prime Minister is encouraging farmers to cultivate coarse grains, which could help address these issues while promoting healthier food options for the public.

On the naming of the Horticulture University as Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap, the Agriculture Minister shared that he himself had proposed the name. He explained that Maharana Pratap was the first freedom fighter and is widely respected not only in India but across the world. Sh Rana expressed hope that the Maharana Pratap Horticulture University (MHU) will soon emerge as a model institution, not only in India but globally. He assured that the Haryana government would provide all possible support to MHU in this regard.

On this occasion, MHU Vice Chancellor Dr Suresh Malhotra provided a detailed overview of the achievements of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University.

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*Haryana Right to Service Commission orders Rs. 5,000 compensation for four HSIIDC allottees due to delays and harassment*

Chandigarh, Nov 28 – The Haryana Right to Service Commission has directed the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) to award compensation of Rs. 5,000 each to four allottees who faced undue delays and harassment in their pursuit of plot allotments or refund of payments.

While making this order, Sh. T.C. Gupta, Chief Commissioner of the Haryana Right to Service Commission, informed that these allottees had applied for plot allotments in the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Saha by submitting 10% earnest money in the auction. However, due to an error, they were mistakenly listed under Sector-1 instead of the intended Sector-7 in the IGC Saha (Ambala) on the HSIIDC’s internal portal. This error resulted in the withholding of the Regular Allotment Letters for these four allottees, which were not issued within the prescribed timeline.

Following the failure of the HSIIDC to deliver the notified service within the stipulated period, the aggrieved allottees approached the Haryana Right to Service Commission. After hearing the concerned authorities, the RTS Commission has instructed that each of the four allottees be awarded compensation of Rs. 5,000.

In addition, the Commission has also ordered that the HSIIDC may recover the compensation amount from the responsible defaulting officials, who will be identified by the MD of HSIIDC. The HSIIDC is required to report compliance with these orders, including the payment of compensation, to the Commission by December 10, 2024.

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*Haryana to launch fortnightly campaign to create awareness on drug abuse*

*State registered 3,005 cases under NDPS Act, leading to arrest of 4,523 persons from January to November-2024*

Chandigarh, November 28 - Haryana Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi chaired the 9th meeting of the State-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee here today to review the state's progress in tackling drug-related crimes and outlined strategies to strengthen anti-drug initiatives. Dr. Joshi highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach that combines enforcement, awareness, and rehabilitation to address the growing challenge of drug abuse and trafficking in Haryana.

Dr. Joshi called for the launch of a fortnight-long campaign in alignment with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s vision of a "Nasha-Mukt Haryana" (Drug-Free Haryana). He suggested organizing exhibitions and awareness programs not only for school and college students but also for youth outside the education system to inform them about the dangers of substance abuse. He further directed that these initiatives be actively promoted on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) to maximize outreach and engagement.

During the meeting, which included Deputy Commissioners and SSPs via videoconferencing, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for regular inspections of drug de-addiction centers by local SDMs. He instructed officials to submit detailed reports within 10 days to ensure compliance with standards and improve accountability in the operation of these centers.

Dr. Joshi also stressed the need of rehabilitating individuals who have successfully completed de-addiction programs. He directed officials to create a dedicated cell to provide skill development and employment opportunities, enabling these individuals to reintegrate into mainstream society and lead productive lives.

*Strengthening Enforcement*

Director General, Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau, Sh. OP Singh highlighted significant progress in Haryana's fight against drug trafficking under the NDPS Act. Between January and November 2024, the state registered 3,005 cases, leading to the arrest of 4,523 individuals, including 819 accused of handling commercial quantities of drugs. This intensified crackdown has also resulted in a higher conviction rate, with 428 individuals convicted this year—a substantial step toward ensuring legal accountability. Additionally, the state made notable drug seizures, including 27 kg of heroin, 265 kg of charas, 8,520 kg of ganja, and over 10 lakh pharmaceutical drugs. Financial networks of drug traffickers have also been disrupted, with properties worth ₹52.72 crore seized or forfeited.

*Community Awareness and Innovative Campaigns*

The state’s ‘Haryana Uday’ initiative has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the dangers of drug addiction. Over 2,495 awareness programs have reached more than 16.43 lakh people across the state. Campaigns such as the light-and-sound show “Ram Gurukul Gaman,” held in colleges and universities, have garnered significant attention, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of drug abuse among the youth, he added. District police have actively promoted community-driven initiatives like drug-free wards, villages and panchayats, further strengthening grassroots participation in the fight against drugs.

*Focused De-Addiction Measures*

The state’s Prahari initiative identified 7,523 individuals as drug addicts, with 572 guided toward professional rehabilitation services offered by the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB). Regular inspections of de-addiction centers have ensured compliance with established norms. Out of 104 centers inspected, 99 were found to meet standards, while one non-compliant center was penalized. To further enhance the quality of services, the state has introduced a rating system for de-addiction centers in collaboration with the SEWA Department. This system will evaluate centers on parameters such as infrastructure, manpower, and overall service quality. It was informed that 5 beds for children are being reserved in all government de-addiction centers and the same is now being done in private centers as well.

On this occasion, a newsletter of Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau was also launched by the Chief Secretary.

Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Jails, Criminal Investigation and Administration of Justice, Sh. Anurag Rastogi; Additional Chief Secretary, Social Justice, Empowerment, Welfare of Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes and Antyodaya (SEWA) Department, G Anupama; Principal Secretary, Higher Education Department, Sh. D. Suresh, Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration, Ashok Kumar Meena, and other senior officers of Education, Health and Police Departments were present in the meeting.

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*Providing better facilities to athletes is government's priority: Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam*

Haryana players are making a mark by winning medals in Olympics, World Championship, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games

Haryana Kesari and Haryana Kumar Dangal to be held in Kurukshetra on December 12

Chandigarh, November 28- Minister of State for Sports, Sh.Gaurav Gautam stated that Haryana's athletes have been making their mark in the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games by winning medals. The State government is committed to ensuring that Haryana’s athletes win even more medals for India in the upcoming Olympics. To achieve this, the government is focusing on every aspect from improving sports facilities to ensuring proper nutrition for athletes.

The Haryana government has one of the best sports policies in the country, which has led to a consistent winning of medals at international sports competitions. The aim of the government is to provide a conducive environment for the athletes and a framework regarding this is also being prepared by the Sports Department.

Sh. Gaurav Gautam said this while addressing a meeting of officers at the Civil Secretariat today, the Sports Minister directed officers to ensure that sports equipment, accessories, and other materials are delivered on time to all district and block-level sports stadiums. This will help athletes practice effectively and secure medals for the nation. He also emphasised the need for timely cleaning and repair of stadiums to provide a smooth training experience for athletes.

The Sports Minister directed officers to ensure timely distribution of cash awards and diet allowances to athletes.

\Reviewing the preparations for the ‘Haryana Kesari’ and ‘Haryana Kumar Kushti dangal’ scheduled for December 12 in Kurukshetra Minister, Sh. Gaurav Gautam directed the officers to make thorough arrangements for the event, including proper accommodation and food arrangements for the wrestlers. He said that he will personally monitor the event.

During the meeting, officers informed the Minister that the state currently has 1500 sports nurseries, which are actively supporting athletes with facilities and diet allowances.

Principal Secretary, Sports, Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk and Director Sports, Sh. Yashendra Singh also remained present during the meeting.