Chhath Festival Celebrated in Grand Style in Kurukshetra

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini Participates in State-Level Chhath Puja Festival at Brahmasarovar

Chhath Festival Exemplifies Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat - Chief Minister

Chandigarh, November 7 – Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini participated in the state-level Chhath Puja festival organized at the holy Brahmasarovar in Kurukshetra district today. He extended his heartfelt wishes for a joyous Chhath festival, which is both a celebration of Sun worship and a vibrant folk tradition.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed pride in witnessing the faith and grandeur of the Chhath festival at Brahmasarovar, a revered pilgrimage site where devotees from across the country and abroad take a dip during solar eclipses. He highlighted that Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to Surya Narayan, the Sun God, who represents energy and the life force. The festival, he emphasized, is celebrated with the belief that it fulfills wishes and brings prosperity and progress. The practice of sun worship reflects the deep connection between Indian culture, faith, and nature, underscoring the vital role sunlight plays in our lives.

Discussing the connection between Chhath Puja and Haryana, the Chief Minister noted that according to tradition, the festival dates back to the Mahabharata era, with Suryaputra Karna being the first to honor the Sun God. He mentioned that Karnal, the city associated with the legendary Karna, lies just 35 km from Kurukshetra. Even today, the influence of Surya Puja is strongly felt in Karnal. He further shared that the Haryana government has built a bathing ghat at a cost of Rs 4.48 crore on the Western Yamuna Canal, opposite the Suryanarayan Temple in Karnal, and an additional ghat has been constructed under the Smart City project nearby. These ghats serve as important sites for worship during the Chhath festival, with a large number of women participating in the rituals.

Chhath Festival: A Prime Example of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

Mr. Saini remarked that Chhath festival exemplifies the spirit of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat." Originating in Purvanchal, the festival has transcended regional boundaries and is now celebrated nationwide. He credited the hardworking people of Purvanchal for their contributions to the economy across various states, adding that Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has recognized Chhath as a national festival.

He further explained the challenges of obtaining clean water for Chhath Puja, especially in areas without canals. In such places, people often create temporary ponds to perform the rituals. The Haryana government is working to ensure adequate water sources for these occasions. He acknowledged the significant contributions of the Purvanchal community to Haryana's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Initiative for Women Empowerment

The Chief Minister also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiatives aimed at empowering women, such as the provision of reserving 33 percent seats in both the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha for women. On the occasion of Chhath Puja, he expressed pride that the people of Purvanchal have embraced the "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao" movement. He noted the numerous welfare schemes launched in the last decade under the Prime Minister’s leadership, including worker safety measures, accident insurance, and financial assistance for social concerns. Under the Kanyadan Scheme, the families of labourers are given a Kanyadan of Rs 51,000 for every marriage of up to three daughters and Rs 50,000 for arranging the marriage. Similarly, a Shagun amount of Rs 21,000 is also given on the marriage of the son and self.

Mr. Nayab Singh Saini said that under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Nirman Shramik Samman Yojana, all the registered labour sisters are given an annual financial assistance of Rs 5100 for clothes and their personal needs. Apart from this, financial assistance of Rs 4500 is provided to women workers to buy sewing machine and Rs 36,000 after delivery. He said that the Haryana government is committed to the safety, protection and empowerment of all citizens including the people of Purvanchal.

On this occasion, thousands of devotees including former minister Shri Subhash Sudha were present.

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Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini offers Arghya to Sun during State Level Chhath Mahotsav in Kurukshetra

Chief Minister performs Maha Aarti and Puja Archana at Brahmasarovar

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*Haryana’s Skill Development Ecosystem Set for Expansion: Chief Minister Meets Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University*

Chandigarh, November 7 – The Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University, Palwal, Dr. Raj Nehru, met Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini in Chandigarh on Thursday to discuss various aspects of skill development. During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to make the skill ecosystem in the state more comprehensive and effective. The discussions also focused on accelerating skill development initiatives in the state in the coming days. In particular, they explored the implementation of skill education models in higher educational institutions and extending the skill development process to lower levels in line with the National Education Policy.

Dr. Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of Shri Vishwakarma Skill University said that the meeting with Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini covered a wide range of topics related to accelerating skill-based projects and the skill education campaign in the state. He reiterated that Shri Vishwakarma Skill University would take a leading role in these initiatives. Dr. Nehru also presented the report on the achievements of the country's first state skill university to the Chief Minister and outlined future plans.

In addition, Dr. Nehru presented his recently published book Aham Shivam to Chief Minister Mr. Nayab Singh Saini. The book has gained significant popularity among scholars of religion and philosophy. The Chief Minister congratulated Dr. Nehru for authoring this work, which is based on Kashmir Shaivism philosophy. He emphasized the importance of integrating the Indian knowledge system with modern education and skill development and stressed the need for nurturing intellectual and cultural growth. Dr. Nehru expressed his gratitude for the Chief Minister's kind words.

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*Over Rs 12,000 Crore Paid to Farmers for Paddy and Millet Purchases*

*5,069,092 Million Metric Tonnes of Paddy Arrive in Haryana Mandis, 4,972,833 Million Metric Tonnes Procured*

Chandigarh, November 7 – The procurement of paddy and millet crops is proceeding smoothly in mandis across Haryana. As of now, 5,069,092 metric tonnes of paddy have arrived, of which 4,972,833 metric tonnes have been procured. In a bid to benefit farmers, the state government is directly transferring payments for crop purchases to their bank accounts. Over Rs 12,001.04 crore has already been disbursed to paddy and millet farmers, including Rs 10,961.15 crore to paddy farmers and Rs 1,039.89 crore to millet farmers. Farmers have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the government.

A spokesperson of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Haryana provided details, stating that the procurement process for both paddy and millet is running smoothly. The department has also introduced an online gate pass system to make it easier for farmers to sell their crops and avoid unnecessary waiting to enter the mandis. The state government is offering a minimum support price of Rs 2,300 per quintal for normal paddy and Rs 2,320 per quintal for grade-A paddy. Senior officers are closely monitoring the procurement process to ensure its smooth operation.

*Kurukshetra Leads in Paddy Arrival*

The spokesperson further informed that the highest arrival of paddy in the state was recorded in Kurukshetra, with 993,546.66 metric tonnes arriving at the mandis. Other major arrivals include 827,679.03 metric tonnes in Karnal, 810,610.69 metric tonnes in Kaithal, 648,773.76 metric tonnes in Fatehabad, 579,630.16 metric tonnes in Ambala, and 566,561.24 metric tonnes in Yamunanagar. Additionally, 234,787.02 metric tonnes of paddy were received in Sirsa, 196,272.02 metric tonnes in Jind, and 92,189.31 metric tonnes in Panchkula.

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*Hi-tech facilities in the Obstetrics and Gynecology wards of all district Hospitals*

In the meeting, the Chief Minister also accorded his approval to provide 5 percent of the total out of the 20 per cent corpus fund as bonus to the government doctors who are treating the Ayushman Bharat Patients in public hospitals under surgical package. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini also directed that a provision of 10 percent of the budget be allocated to provide hi-tech facilities in the Obstetrics and Gynecology wards of all hospitals for newborn babies and pregnant women. He emphasized that his aim is to ensure that people no longer need to seek treatment at private hospitals.

*Digital Inventory Portal to provide real-time information on the availability of medical equipment*

The Chief Minister directed that a Digital Inventory Portal linked with CM Dashboard be established on priority basis. The portal will provide real-time information on the availability of medical equipment such as ICUs, ultrasound machines, X-ray machines, CT scanners, and more. The Digital Inventory Portal will also help track the daily utilization of these services, ensuring better resource management and service delivery. He also directed to ensure round-the-clock availability of cardiologist and other related staff in Cathlabs established in government hospitals. The Chief Minister stated that a comprehensive plan should be put in place to ensure that every district hospital is equipped with an ICU. Currently, six hospitals are ready for operation.

*Prepare a sustainable mechanism for the maintenance and upkeep of Yog and Vyamshalas*

"While reviewing the functioning of the Ayush Department, the Chief Minister directed that the construction of the AYUSH University in Kurukshetra, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,296.09 crore, be expedited. He also emphasized the need to promote and propagate AYUSH practices across the state. The Chief Minister directed to prepare a sustainable mechanism for the maintenance and upkeep of Yog and Vyamshalas in the State.

*Six new nursing colleges are being constructed*

In the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of Medical Colleges and upcoming projects. He directed to ensure that the construction work of medical colleges be completed in a time bound manner. He was informed that at present there are 15 Medical Colleges in the State. It was informed that six new nursing colleges are being constructed in the State. These included one each in district Panchkula, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Rewari and two in district Faridabad.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Sh Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Sh Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and commissioner and Secretary Development and Panchayats Dr Amit Kumar Agrawal, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration Sh Ashok Kumar Meena, Director General, Medical Education and Research Dr Saket Kumar, DGHS Dr Kuldeep and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

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*Haryana Agriculture Minister Hits Back at Surjewala, Dismisses Allegations of DAP Fertilizer Shortage*

*State Government Confirms Ample Stock and Proactive Measures to Support Farmers During Rabi Season*

Chandigarh, November 7- Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Mr. Shyam Singh Rana, has strongly refuted Congress leader Randeep Surjewala’s recent claims about a shortage of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer in the state. Responding to these allegations, Rana assured that the state government has taken proactive steps to ensure an adequate DAP supply for farmers and accused Surjewala of spreading misinformation to mislead the farming community.

Mr. Rana clarified that, contrary to Surjewala's assertions, the Haryana government has already released 2.38 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of DAP, meeting a significant portion of the total 3.48 lakh MT required for the ongoing Rabi season, which runs from September 24 to March 25. According to the minister, wheat and mustard crops, covering approximately 24 lakh hectares and 10 lakh hectares respectively across the state, have been well-supported with fertilizer stocks to date.

The Agriculture Minister referred to departmental data, emphasizing that the state’s DAP supply is on track with last year’s requirements. During the previous Rabi season, 2,29,086 MT of DAP was consumed. As of November 7, 2024, Haryana has received 1,71,002 MT, including an opening stock of 53,970 MT as of October 1. Currently, 26,497 MT of DAP is available in various districts, with an additional 14,574 MT expected to arrive by November 11.

Mr. Rana also highlighted that farmers use a range of fertilizers, including NPK and Single Super Phosphate (SSP), alongside DAP. Haryana has received 65,200 MT of NPK and currently holds a stock of 26,041 MT. SSP supplies are also abundant, with a current stock of 71,380 MT across districts.

Addressing further allegations from Surjewala, Rana denied reports of police action against farmers in Uchana and disproved claims of unrest among farmers in Narwana, Guhla Cheka, and Kaithal on November 26. According to ground reports, no such incidents occurred, and no police involvement against farmers was reported.

Mr. Rana also dismissed accusations that DAP was being distributed through police stations in Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri, and Narnaul, calling these claims baseless. He emphasized that local officials in these areas have reassured farmers of sufficient DAP stock, with efforts underway to address any concerns. For example, between October 1 and November 7, Sirsa district received 15,794 MT of DAP, with 1,573 MT still in stock. An additional 2,419 MT is expected to arrive shortly to meet local demand.

The Agriculture Minister provided specific examples of government-led distribution efforts, including in Charkhi Dadri, where a recent supply to the BADHRA PACS on November 5 saw a high turnout of farmers. Local officials, including the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), oversaw the distribution to ensure a smooth process. Rana noted that DAP sales in Charkhi Dadri for October and November have already surpassed last year’s figures, with 3,745 MT sold as of November 7, compared to 2,891 MT during the same period last year.

Mr. Rana assured Haryana’s farmers of the government’s commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted DAP supply to support a successful Rabi season. The Agriculture Department reiterated its dedication to timely and consistent distribution, underscoring the state’s proactive approach to strengthening the agricultural sector and helping farmers maximize their crop yields.

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Haryana Sports Minister flags off Walkathon at India Gate

Participants take a pledge to empower youth and to make their contribution in the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp’

Youth making an impression in the Olympics, World Championship, Asian and Commonwealth Games- Sh. Gaurav Gautam

Chandigarh, November 7- Minister of State for Sports, Sh.Gaurav Gautam, today flagged off a walkathon organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides at India Gate, New Delhi. Participants pledged to empower youth in the country and to contribute to the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’.

While addressing the participants, the Sports Minister said that youth are the pride of the country. By staying away from addiction and maintaining physical fitness, they can bring glory to the nation by winning medals at National and International level. With this aim under the able leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Haryana, Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini, many outstanding sports policies have been enacted, resulting in impressive performances by young athletes at the Olympics, World Championship, Asian and Commonwealth Games.The sports minister encouraged young people to pursue sports alongside education, emphasising that this will help them to become strong leaders.

While congratulating 65 lakh members of Bharat Scouts and Guides on their diamond jubilee, he said that today marks a historic milestone as Bharat Scouts and Guides is celebrating its 75th anniversary; a time to celebrate not only past achievements but also future endeavours.

International Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Smt. Rupinder Brar and Chief National Commissioner, Dr. KK Khandelwal also remained present.