*Haryana Health Minister urges NITI Aayog to craft Special Plan for enhancing healthcare facilities in the state*
*Haryana is continuously strengthening its medical infrastructure: Kumari Arti Singh Rao*
Chandigarh, February 7- Haryana Health Minister, Kumari Arti Singh Rao urged NITI Aayog to develop a comprehensive and special plan aimed at further boosting healthcare facilities in Haryana.
The Health Minister was sharing her views during a review meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi today. Union Planning Minister Rao Inderjit Singh and NITI Aayog member Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Senior Advisor (Health) Sh. Rajib Kumar Sen, Programme Director (Senior Advisor Incharge - Haryana) Sh. Sanjeet Singh, OSD (Health) Dr. Sumita Ghosh, Director (Health) Sh. Hemant Kumar Meena, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department Haryana, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, Director, Medical Education & Research Department, Sh. Yashendra Singh, Director General, Health Services Department Dr. Manish Bansal were also present.
Kumari Aarti Singh Rao said that the state is continuously working to strengthen its medical infrastructure. The government is making every effort to ensure that people have easy access to healthcare services near their homes.
She said that Haryana government is committed to realising the vision of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi to make India a medical hub by strengthening the state's medical infrastructure. She also said that the government is establishing a medical college in every district.
She said that the Haryana government is committed to supporting the ‘Fit India Movement’ launched by Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi to promote a healthier nation. Since October 18, 2024, the government has been providing free dialysis services for kidney patients in all government hospitals and medical colleges. Besides this, under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, people above 70 years of age are eligible for free medical treatment up to Rs. 10 lakh per year.
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*Seal the medical shops selling drugs used for substance abuse: Health Minister*
*License to be cancelled of medical stores selling banned drugs*
Chandigarh, February 7 - Haryana Health Minister Kumari Arti Singh Rao has directed the Food and Drug Administration Department to regularly inspect medical stores and monitor the sale of Schedule H and X drugs and take strict action against those selling banned drugs. She emphasised immediate sealing and cancellation of license of medical shops found selling banned drugs.
While reviewing the "Nasha Mukti" programme in Haryana, the Minister directed the officers to make free addiction treatment simplified and easily accessible at government de-addiction centers. Keep the identities of patients confidential during treatment. To protect young students from drug addiction, she urged schools and colleges to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction. Besides this, she encouraged parents to monitor their children's habits closely.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal stated that the Haryana government is committed to making the state drug-free for which collective efforts and participation of society and police is essential. Last year, licenses of 33 de-addiction centers were revoked due to violations of regulations. 17 new de-addiction centers are being established under a scheme sponsored by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
He further said that the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau has registered 4,505 FIRs against drug addicts and 7,523 individuals were identified as involved in drug addiction. The list of these individuals has been shared with respective district authorities to facilitate their treatment and rehabilitation, he added. .
Director of Health Services, Dr. Brahmadeep shared that during the 2024-25 financial year, 34,684 patients with minor addictions were treated in OPDs, while 2,651 patients with severe addictions were admitted for treatment. The highest number of addiction cases were found in Sirsa district. He directed all districts to ensure the availability of qualified and necessary staff at de-addiction centers.
During the review meeting with all the district nodal officers, standard treatment guidelines were discussed regarding the standard operating procedure for de-addiction centers providing de-addiction treatment services to persons suffering from substance abuse. To quickly detect drug abuse, all district civil hospitals should use urine drug test kits, which are already available in all district civil hospitals. These kits can rapidly identify various substances, including opioids, cocaine, cannabis, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, and barbiturates, in urine samples.
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*Haryana Government Imposes Ban on transfers of officers and employees involved in Municipal Elections*
Chandigarh, February 7 – The Haryana government has issued instructions to impose a ban on the transfer or appointment of state government officers and employees involved in the municipal elections, which are scheduled to be held on March 2 and 9. This ban will remain in effect until the declaration of election results. However, if it is deemed necessary to transfer any officer or employee associated with the elections, prior written approval from the State Election Commission will be mandatory.
Chief Secretary Dr. Vivek Joshi has issued orders to this effect today.
It is noteworthy that general elections are scheduled to be held for the Mayors and councilors of all wards in 8 Municipal Corporations, as well as for the Presidents and councilors of all wards in 4 Municipal Councils and 21 Municipalities. Elections will also be held for the post of Mayor in the Municipal Corporations of Ambala and Sonipat, President of Municipal Council Sohna (Gurugram), Municipal Committee Assandh (Karnal), and Ismailabad (Kurukshetra).
Apart from this, elections are to be held for councillors of ward number 11 of Nagar Palika, Ladwa (Kurukshetra), ward number 14 of Nagar Palika, Safidon (Jind) and ward number 5 of Nagar Palika, Taraori (Karnal). Except Municipal Corporation Panipat, elections in all the municipal bodies will be held on March 2 while election for Municipal Corporation Panipat will be held on March 9. Except Municipal Corporation, Panipat, nomination papers will be filled from February 11 to February 17. Meanwhile, there will be holidays on February 12 and February 16. Nomination papers for Municipal Corporation, Panipat will be filled from February 21 to February 27. During this, there will be holidays on February 23 and 26.
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*Digital cell will be constituted for agricultural statistics - Shyam Singh Rana*
Chandigarh, February 7 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Sh Shyam Singh Rana said that agricultural statistics play a crucial role in assessing employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. To facilitate this, a digital cell will be established. He said that by giving full attention to agriculture, much of the unemployment in the state could be addressed through farming, and this can only be achieved with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
Sh Shyam Singh Rana made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the National Workshop on Agricultural Statistics-2025, held in Panchkula today.
He mentioned that Haryana is an agriculture-based state, with about 60 percent of its population dependent on farming. Agriculture not only ensures food security but also serves as the foundation for the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the country. He highlighted that different types of crops are grown in various regions of the state, each with its own significance. He acknowledged that although yields were initially lower, natural farming practices have since proven to be much more beneficial for health. He urged officials to prioritize organic farming over simply increasing crop yields, encouraging a shift toward more sustainable and health-conscious agricultural practices.
The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister stated that the primary objective of the workshop is to enhance agricultural statistics and introduce new technologies that align with the needs of farmers. He said that the gathering was not only to discuss the current state of agriculture but also to identify solutions that would ensure its ongoing development and stability.
He further highlighted that agricultural statistics play a vital role in measuring and assessing the progress of the agricultural sector. These statistics provide insights into various aspects, such as crop production, the Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme, agricultural income, and employment opportunities within the agricultural sector. He explained that agricultural statistics are instrumental in evaluating the impact of agricultural policies and in forecasting production trends, which in turn helps both farmers and the government make informed decisions.
He mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, numerous schemes are being implemented for the benefit of farmers. These include initiatives such as Meri Fasal Mera Byora, direct sowing of paddy, natural farming, crop residue management, bhawantar bharpai, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and soil health programs. He emphasized that farmers are deriving significant benefits from these schemes.
The Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Raja Shekhar Vundru, stated that farming is being carried out on about 90 lakh acres of land in the state. He acknowledged that Haryana has made substantial contributions to the Green Revolution and continues to play a pivotal role in the agricultural sector.
During the workshop, Director Agriculture Department, Raj Narayan Kaushik, Special Secretary Munish Nagpal, Joint Director RK Solanki, Rajiv Kumar Mishra, Pallavi from the Union Ministry of Agriculture, and other officials also shared their insights .
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*Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav and Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh inaugurated the second day's session of the Aravali Green Wall Partnership Summit*
*Parallel to modern development projects, we will have to pay special attention to green development as well - Bhupendra Yadav*
*Aravali Green Wall Project will promote greenery, groundwater level will also increase - Rao Narbir Singh*
Chandigarh, February 7 – Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Sh Bhupendra Yadav, and Haryana Minister for Environment, Forest, and Wildlife, Rao Narbir Singh, inaugurated the second-day session of the three-day Aravalli Green Wall Partnership Summit in Gurugram. The summit focuses on rehabilitating degraded land in the Aravalli mountain range, enhancing groundwater levels, improving biodiversity conservation, and fostering community participation for sustainable land use. This program is being held in Gurugram under the joint aegis of the State Biodiversity Board and The Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS).
Union Minister Sh Bhupendra Yadav, addressing the conference, emphasized that Gurugram is rapidly emerging as a modern global city. Alongside various development projects, special attention must be given to green development. He highlighted that there is clear evidence showing that when nature is allowed to develop at its own pace, humanity reaps its positive benefits. Sh Yadav further stated that the Aravalli mountain range not only provides life-sustaining resources to the surrounding areas, including the national capital, Delhi, but also acts as a barrier to the spread of the desert. In light of this, he urged everyone to contribute to the collective effort of conserving the Aravallis. Under the Aravalli Green Wall project, future collaboration will take place between social, religious, educational, and other institutions from Gurugram and nearby districts for the development of the Aravallis, which will also promote eco-tourism in the region.
The Union Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, the Central Government is fully committed to the Green Aravali campaign, with eco-restoration efforts already successfully carried out at various identified points across the Aravallis. He highlighted that, under the Prime Minister’s guidance, the Central Government is spearheading significant campaigns like Mission Life and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam for nature and water conservation. The growing participation of the people in these initiatives has transformed them into powerful movements.
Expressing concern over the erosion in the Aravalli region, the Union Minister said that the increasing urbanization in the area poses a significant challenge. He said that the Aravalli mountain range plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in Haryana. Stressing the importance of promoting natural measures for Aravalli conservation, he added that efforts must also focus on improving soil health in the region. During his address, the Union Minister also outlined the division of the Aravalli region into different zones and urged various local institutions to actively participate in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
*Aravali Green Wall Project will promote greenery, ground water level will also increase: Minister Rao Narbir Singh*
Addressing the conference, Haryana Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Minister Rao Narbir Singh expressed that the people of Haryana are fortunate to have both the world’s oldest mountain range, the Aravallis, and the newest, the Shivaliks, spread across the state. He said that our civilization, culture, and progress are all deeply connected to the environment. However, he acknowledged that in the relentless pursuit of modernity, we have become indifferent to our responsibilities towards nature, and the negative consequences of this neglect will be felt by future generations.
Minister Rao Narbir Singh highlighted the crucial role trees play in human life, from birth to death. He stressed the importance of planting trees during significant life events and taking responsibility for their care afterward. He pointed out that trees and plants are vital for water conservation, emphasizing that water cannot be preserved without them. With the growing urbanization, he said that water conservation has become increasingly essential and called on everyone to take proactive steps in this direction. He urged people to plant and protect trees wherever possible, as this is key to addressing the ongoing water crisis.
Rao Narbir Singh also urged citizens to actively participate in forest conservation efforts. He said that while trees and plants can be planted, creating a forest is a natural process that cannot be replicated by human hands. He mentioned that the Forest Department is already undertaking serious initiatives in this regard and called on the general public to contribute to water conservation at their own level to ensure the success of this campaign.
During the event, Union Minister Sh Bhupendra Yadav and Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh released a coffee table book highlighting the water bodies of Gurugram city. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Haryana State Forest Department and the Sankala Foundation, marking a collaboration for the conservation of the Aravallis.
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*Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, CM Nayab Singh Saini inaugurate Surajkund Mela in Faridabad*
*Surajkund Mela is a wonderful confluence of art and culture: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat*
Chandigarh, February 7 - Union Culture and Tourism Minister Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini participated in the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela being held in Faridabad. Haryana Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma was also present on the occasion. The chief guest and other special guests formally inaugurated the Mela by cutting the ribbon today. After this, they visited the stalls set up at the Mela.
The guests first visited the pavilion of theme state Odisha. During this, they saw the replica of Lord Jagannath Rath of Puri displayed there. They prayed for the happiness and prosperity of the country. After this, they bowed before the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balram and Subhadra and praised the decoration of the pavilion and the idols displayed there.
Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma also visited the Haryana Pavilion. Here they got the Haryanvi turban tied and also praised the arrangements made at the pavilion. After this, they visited the Haryana Apna Ghar Pavilion and the pavilion of Madhya Pradesh. They observed the exhibits there and praised the tableau of cheetahs brought from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
The Union Minister said Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and the Haryana Government have made wonderful arrangements at the fair. This Mela is a wonderful confluence of art and culture. Such events give the coming young generation an opportunity to get acquainted with their culture.
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*38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad begins with a grand inaugural ceremony*
*Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Inaugurates the Mela in the Presence of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Other Dignitaries*
*Surajkund International Crafts Mela realising the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 'Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat' - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat*
*Surajkund Mela has become a symbol of Haryana’s identity and the Nation, Reflecting the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, CM*
Chandigarh, February 7 – The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was inaugurated today with great grandeur in Surajkund, district Faridabad. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat graced the occasion as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the event. Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Sh. Vipul Goel, Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes & Backward Classes Welfare and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Sh. Rajesh Nagar and Minister of State for Sports attended the opening ceremony.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela will be organized from February 7 to February 23, showcasing extraordinary art, craftsmanship, and talent from artisans and artists across India and the world.
Meanwhile, speaking on this occasion, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that India is presently hosting two major events that are drawing global attention that is the Maha Kumbh Mela and the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, which showcases India's unity, culture and artistic heritage. He emphasised that Surajkund Mela is not just a marketplace for crafts but a significant platform for craftsmen and artisans to showcase their ancient skills. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the vision of Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat that we envision is being realized through this fair.
Sh. Shekhawat said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, India has transformed in the past decade, transforming its old image of poverty and underdevelopment. With the successful implementation of various welfare schemes at the grassroot level, Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has brought 25 crore people out of below poverty line. Today, India is the world’s fastest-growing economy, he added.
He further said that the cultural and creative economy are now formally recognised worldwide as the "Orange Economy." He believes that the Surajkund Mela will help Indian craftsmen find new opportunities in both domestic and international markets. The minister said that India’s tourism industry is reaching new heights, with a boost in both domestic and international travel.
*Immense Potential of MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, Exhibitions) tourism in Haryana*
The Union Minister said that Haryana has advantage due to its proximity to Delhi and has its potential to become a hub for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. He said that the state should explore this opportunity to the fullest.
He also suggested further expanding Surajkund Mela’s reach via digital marketing. Inviting YouTubers, photographers, and social media influencers to cover the Mela could significantly enhance its global appeal and provide artisans with new business opportunities.
The minister said that India will emerge as a developed nation in the next 25 years and urged the younger generation to take pride in contributing to the country’s progress.
*Surajkund Mela is a reflection of India’s Cultural Identity and Global Brotherhood*
Speaking on the occasion, Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Surajkund and the ongoing International Crafts Mela have become a unique symbol of not just Haryana but the entire nation. The mela exemplifies the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and provides a platform to showcase Indian crafts and culture to the world.
He extended best wishes to the Haryana Tourism Department, the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministries of Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs, and the Surajkund Mela Authority for successfully organizing this grand event.
The Chief Minister said that earlier, the Mela featured one theme state and one partner country. However, for the first time, two states, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have been designated as theme states to give the fair a ‘Crafts Maha Kumbh’ identity. Additionally, the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries have been included as partner nations. These countries include India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, all of which share cultural similarities.
The Chief Minister drew a parallel between the Surajkund Mela and the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, highlighting that while the Maha Kumbh is a spiritual confluence where sages dedicate themselves to the well-being of society, the Surajkund Mela is a confluence of artisans who have dedicated years of effort to mastering their craft. Art, culture, and craftsmanship have played a crucial role in the development of civilizations, and this fair reflects that significance.
*The present state government is providing major platforms to promote handicrafts- CM*
The Chief Minister said that for 37 years, the Surajkund International Crafts Mela has been an excellent platform for artisans and handloom weavers to showcase their skills. The Mela is a confluence of tradition, heritage, and culture that attracts tourists from across the globe.
He said that the present state government has been promoting handicrafts by organizing similar platforms at the district level. Saras Melas are held across districts, allowing artisans and weavers to display their crafts. Additionally, at the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, a grand Saras Mela is organized every year, attracting craftsmen from all over India. A similar Saras Mela is also hosted at the International Saraswati Mahotsav, said the Chief Minister.
He said that to further boost traditional crafts, the Haryana Government has established the ‘Mati Kala Board’ to support clay artisans. The Shri Vishwakarma Skill Development University provides training in traditional crafts, and self-help groups, women artisans, and craftsmen receive assistance through initiatives like ‘Swapan Aajeevika Mart’ at the state, district, and sub-division levels. These platforms directly connect artisans with buyers, enabling them to showcase and sell their products without intermediaries, while also boosting tourism, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
*CM encourage artisans to use Modern Technology*
The Chief Minister urged artisans to incorporate modern technology to enhance their craftsmanship. He said that technology has enabled artisans from remote areas to sell their products worldwide through online platforms. He encouraged craftsmen to adopt modern design techniques in handicrafts as well.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that civilizations thrive on cultural exchange and cooperation, and increasing global participation in such events is crucial. He expressed confidence that international artists and tourists would carry back fond memories of Haryana’s hospitality, and it would inspire them to visit Haryana again.
*Surajkund Mela: A Celebration of Unity in Diversity – Dr. Arvind Sharma*
Welcoming the dignitaries, Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma stated that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has always emphasized national unity and the promotion of arts and culture. The Surajkund Mela is a brilliant example of unity in diversity and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a culturally rich and united India, said the Minister.
He commended the efforts of the tourism department’s officers and staff for successfully organizing the Mela. He said that since its inception in 1987, the Surajkund Mela has grown exponentially in popularity, especially after 2014. Today, it is the world’s largest crafts fair, attracting artisans from both India and abroad, said Dr. Arvind Sharma
The Minister said that for the first time, rural sports have been included in the fair. The two theme states are Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, while BIMSTEC countries are partner nations. Additionally, 51 other countries are participating this year. The Surajkund Mela is playing a crucial role in realizing the vision of a Developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat, said Dr. Arvind Sharma.
MLA, Sh. Mool Chand Sharma, Sh. Dhanesh Adlakha, Principal Secretary, Tourism Department, Smt. Kala Ramachandran, and several other dignitaries attended the event.
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*NIC Haryana to celebrate 'Safe Internet Day' on February 11*
*Awareness workshops to be organized at district level*
Chandigarh, February 7 - 'Safe Internet Day' will be celebrated on February 11 by the National Informatics Center (NIC) of Haryana. On this occasion, awareness workshops will be organized at district level to educate the citizens and officials of the state about safe internet practices.
Giving information, a government spokesperson said that these workshops will focus on promoting cyber hygiene, raising awareness about major cyber threats and equipping the participants with effective techniques.
He informed that every year 'Safe Internet Day' is celebrated on the second Tuesday of February across the world to increase awareness among the people and promote safe and responsible use of the Internet, especially among children, women and youth.
He informed that this year, Safe Internet Day will be celebrated on February 11, 2025 under the theme "Together for a Better Internet". He said that a nationwide awareness campaign is being launched on this day by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), Government of India. The initiative aims to educate various internet users about safe online practices, cyber hygiene, major cyber threats and effective mitigation strategies.
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*Haryana Health Department to strengthen collaboration with Command Hospital Chandimandir for enhanced healthcare services*
Chandigarh, February 7 – To further enhance healthcare services in Haryana, the Health and Family Welfare Department will strengthen its coordination with Command Hospital, Chandimandir, Panchkula. This collaboration aims to incorporate the best practices from the Command Hospital into the state’s health facilities, particularly the District Civil Hospital in Panchkula, to ensure improved patient care.
This was stated by Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Sh Sudhir Rajpal, during a recent meeting with the authorities of Command Hospital. The meeting, held at the hospital, was followed by a visit from the ACS and other health department officials to assess the hospital's clinical and academic operations.
While appreciating the token system in the OPD at Command Hospital, which streamlines queue management, Sh Sudhir Rajpal instructed officials to implement this system at District Civil Hospital, Panchkula. He also said that all health facilities, including the District Civil Hospital, should follow Command Hospital's model of well-lit, clearly demarcated spaces to ensure patient safety and convenience.
Lauding the drug management system, he said that unused medicines from the OPD at District Civil Hospital, Panchkula, should be collected in designated boxes, similar to Command Hospital’s practice. This measure will help reduce wastage and ensure that medications are reused effectively.
Furthermore, the ACS expressed desire to explore the possibility of collaboration with Command Hospital for the referral and treatment of critical polytrauma victims, ensuring the utilization of the hospital's tertiary-level facilities.
He also urged that regular coordination meetings be held between the Health Department and Command Hospital to facilitate the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices, ultimately improving healthcare services across the state.
Brigadier Vishal from Command Hospital, Dr. Mukta Kumar, Civil Surgeon Panchkula, Dr. Sangeet Singhal, CMO/HOD Gynaecology, Dr. Rajeev Kapoor, Consultant Radiologist, and other officials were also present on this occasion.