*CM accords approval for construction of 83 roads with cumulative length of 188 km worth Rs. 77 crore in 20 constituencies*
*Double engine government is committed to the strengthen road network*
Chandigarh, February 6 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has given administrative approval to an amount of more than Rs 77.45 crore for special repair and improvement of 83 roads with cumulative length of 188 km in 20 different constituencies of the state.
Giving information, the government spokesperson said that the Chief Minister has approved an amount of Rs 1048.76 lakh for special repair and improvement of 16 roads having a cumulative length of 26.92 km. Apart from this, an amount of Rs 1160.39 lakh has also been approved for 15 roads in Samalkha constituency having a cumulative length of more than 26 km.
He informed that administrative approval has been given to an amount of Rs 1438.80 lakh for 14 roads of Sirsa constituency having a cumulative length of 26.61 km. Apart from this, an amount of Rs 905.39 lakh has been approved for 4 different roads of Barwala constituency under SCSP scheme having a cumulative length of 16.85 km.
The spokesperson said that the Chief Minister has approved an amount of Rs 860.44 lakh for 9 roads of Fatehabad, Tohana and Ratia constituencies of Fatehabad district having a cumulative length of 37.90 km. Out of these roads, an amount of Rs 233.83 lakh has been approved for 3 roads of Tohana constituency, Rs 344.67 lakh for 5 roads of Ratia constituency and Rs 281.54 lakh for one road of Fatehabad constituency.
The spokesperson said that an amount of Rs 573.52 lakh has been approved for 6 roads of Guhla and Uchana constituencies having a cumulative length of 16.52 km. An amount of Rs 484.07 lakh has been approved for 4 roads of Guhla constituency and Rs 89.95 lakh has been approved for 2 roads of Uchana constituency.
The spokesperson said that an amount of Rs 860 lakh has been approved for 10 roads of Kalanaur, Meham, Garhi Sampla Kiloi, Badli, Beri, Indri, Mullana constituencies. The total length of these 10 roads is 24.64 km. Apart from this, an amount of Rs 897.18 lakh has been approved for 9 roads of Pataudi, Pehwa, Rania and Sohna constituencies.
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*Sex sorting laboratory to be built in Hisar at a cost of Rs 18.6 crore*
*Laboratory to aid in improving the breed of cattle in the state*
Chandigarh, 6 February - Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has approved the establishment of a "Sex Sorting Laboratory" at the "Sperm Production Center" in Hisar.
Giving information in this regard, an official spokesperson said that the laboratory, being set up through the "National Dairy Development Board", will employ the country's "Developed Bovine Sex Sorted Semen Production Technology". He added that Rs 18.63 crore has been allocated for the setting up of this “Sex Sorted Semen Lab" in Hisar under the Central Government’s National Gokul Mission.
He said that this lab will play a significant role in improving the breed of cattle in the state.
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*Sub Market Yard" to be set up in Abubshahar of Sirsa*
*Kinnow producing farmers to benefit*
*The youth in the area will gain employment opportunities*
Chandigarh, 6 February: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini has approved the setting up of a "Sub Market Yard" in Abubshahar village of Sirsa district for the purchase and sale of grains, kinnow, fruits and vegetables.
While giving this information, an official spokesperson said that with the setting up of this market, farmers will be able to secure better prices for their produce, while the purchasing traders will have access to high- quality fruits particularly kinnow, all in one location . The new market will provide significant economic benefits to fruit-producing farmers
According to the spokesperson, there is currently a Kinnow waxing center and a grain purchasing center in Abubshahar, with about three dozen traders holding licenses. These license holders purchase wheat and paddy. Kinnow-producing farmers from nearby areas visit the waxing center to get their kinnow produce waxed. Last year, approximately 35,000 quintals of kinnow were waxed at the center by the farmers. It is expected that with the construction of the Sub Market Yard in Abubshahar, the number of license holders will increase, and the marketing board will also see a rise in revenue.
He informed that in the year 2023-24, the state government earned more than Rs 1.37 crore as fees from the procurement center in Abubshahar, and in the current financial year, up to December 2024, the revenue has reached approximately Rs 1.64 crore. With the establishment of the Sub Market Yard in Abubshahar, farmers will receive a fair price for their kinnow crops, while traders will find it easier to purchase fresh kinnow and distribute it. The new yard is expected to foster development in the surrounding area and create better employment opportunities for the youth.
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*CM Nayab Singh Saini takes holy dip in Sangam at Maha Kumbh along with his wife*
*Kumbh has a special significance in Indian culture: Nayab Singh Saini*
Chandigarh, February 6 - Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini along with his wife Smt. Suman Saini today took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam at Arail Pakka Ghat in the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. On this occasion, he duly performed Puja and also observed the huge confluence of spirituality and Sanatan traditions.
The Chief Minister said Kumbh is considered to have a special significance in Indian culture. During the ongoing Maha Kumbh fair in Prayagraj, every Sanatani wants to take a holy dip in the Sangam. According to the scriptures, taking a dip in Kumbh leads to salvation, that is why the greatest sages and saints come to participate in the Maha Kumbh to take the holy bath.
Describing the specialty of Triveni Sangam, he said it is the confluence of Maa Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, and this is a spectacular scene on the land of India. The bath of Maha Kumbh is great, divine and wonderful in Teerthraj Prayag Darshan. He said to provide the elderly of the state an opportunity to take a holy bath in Maha Kumbh, the Haryana Government has expanded the Chief Minister's Teerth Darshan Yojana and included Maha Kumbh in it. Special buses are being run from every district to Prayagraj.
BJP State President Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli and other dignitaries were also present with the Chief Minister.
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*Haryana ACS Health orders inspections of All MTP and Ultrasound Centers, Non-Compliant Centers to face Registration Cancellation*
*Civil Surgeons to regularly analyze the data of MTP Centers, Strict Action against any mismatch*
Chandigarh, Feb 6 – Haryana Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal today directed officials of the Health Department to conduct inspections of all Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) and Ultrasound Centers across the state. He further instructed that the registration of centers not complying with the prescribed guidelines be cancelled.
Sh. Sudhir Rajpal, who also holds the charge of the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, chaired an important meeting with officers from both departments here today.
He stressed the need for enhanced cooperation between the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Women and Child Development Department to further improve the state’s sex ratio at birth. He called for collaborative efforts between Anganwadi Workers of the WCD Department and ASHA Workers from the Health Department to ensure timely pregnancy registration and achieve the desired outcomes.
Sh. Sudhir Rajpal instructed State Drug Controller to closely monitor the sale of MTP pills. It must not be sold without a prescription of an authorized doctor. He said that a strict legal action should be taken against anyone found violating this regulation. He also directed to ensure that teams of Civil Surgeons should regularly analyze the data from MTP Centers. If any mismatch or discrepancies are found in the reports, strict action should be taken against those centers. In addition, he instructed that MTP centers be required to submit trimester-wise reports detailing the causes of abortions to the Civil Surgeons.
Emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to combat female foeticide and ensure the protection and welfare of every girl child, Sh. Sudhir Rajpal instructed the Health and WCD Departments to make coordinated efforts through ASHA and Anganwadi workers to identify families with female children and launch targeted awareness campaigns to fight female foeticide.
In the meeting, it was informed that the unique ANR number, available on the RCH portal, is mandatory for accessing any ante-natal services in Haryana. The Health Department is exploring the possibility of self-registration for pregnant women on the RCH portal. This will enable authorities to track their progress throughout pregnancy and take necessary measures to prevent female foeticide.
Director General Health Services Dr. Manish Bansal, Director Women and Child Development Department Monika Malik, Civil Surgeon Panchkula Dr. Mukta, and other officers were also present in the meeting.
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*Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to inaugurate Surajkund mela today, CM Nayab Singh Saini to also take part in event*
*This year's Surajkund International Crafts Mela will create history: Kala Ramachandran*
*Haryana Tourism and Heritage Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma will also take part in Surajkund mela*
Chandigarh, February 6 - The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair, to be held from February 7 to 23 in Surajkund, Haryana, will begin today. Union Tourism and Culture Minister Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will inaugurate the fair on February 7 at 10 am. Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and Tourism and Heritage Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma will be also present on the occasion.
Principal Secretary, Haryana Tourism Corporation and Vice-Chairman, Surajkund Mela Authority, Smt. Kala Ramachandran said the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2025 is set to create history this time with new energy and enthusiasm. She informed that this year's fair will see more participation than ever before at the national and international level.
Addressing mediapersons at Surajkund Mela Ground, Faridabad, Smt. Ramachandran said the Surajkund International Crafts Mela has become the world's largest handicraft fair, which preserves India's rich art traditions and promotes global cultural exchange. Since its inception in 1987, the fair has been playing a vital role in empowering the livelihood of artisans by providing them a direct market and realizing the resolve of the Government of India to be "Vocal for Local" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat". She said, "This fair acts as a launchpad for small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs), especially women entrepreneurs, to help them grow their business and empower the rural economy."
Odisha and Madhya Pradesh have been selected as theme states in this year's fair, which will present their unique art, craft, heritage and food. This participation will bring a colourful inclusion of folk dances, glimpses of traditional arts and cultural experiences in the fair.
The Principal Secretary said this time the international participation of the fair will also be unprecedented. 648 participants from 42 countries will take part in it, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan, Belarus, Myanmar and member countries of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). BIMSTEC will be the partner organization this time, which will promote regional cooperation and traditional crafts.
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) will be the cultural partner of the fair, which will present the rich crafts, textiles and food traditions of the north-eastern states. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be the official partner for ticketing and parking. Visitors can book tickets online through the DMRC website and Surajkund Mela portal. Also, offline tickets will be available at Delhi Metro stations.
*Special attractions at the fair*
This year, special attractions and grand presentations will take the fair to new heights. Artisans will demonstrate their traditional craftsmanship live, allowing the audience to see their hard work and skill closely. Visitors can interact with experts from various fields of art such as cinema, photography, theatre, painting and sculpture and understand their creative process.
*Enthralling musical performances at the fair premises*
The cultural stage during the fair will feature captivating musical performances by Padma Shri Mahaveer Guddu, Dr. Satinder Sartaj, Mame Khan, Papon and Bands and Saurav Atri. Also, a poetry evening by Dr. Irshad Kamal, Classical dance performances by Priya Venkataraman and Devika Devendra S. Manglamukhi, comedy shows by renowned humorist poets Surender Sharma and Gaurav Gupta, traditional cultural programs from Odisha and Madhya Pradesh along with a grand fashion show by NIFT, Mohali will be organised.
*Folk Drama and Street Performances*
Traditional programs like Banchari, Been Sapera, Nagada Party, Magic Show, Bamboo Walker, Bahurupiya, Bioscope and Puppet Show will enliven the atmosphere of the fair.
*Indian and international cuisines on offer*
Visitors will get a unique experience of tasting Indian and international cuisine. Delicious dishes from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and other states will be available.
Smt. Kala Ramachandran said, "The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Mela is not just an exhibition but a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage and global unity. Haryana is fully committed to preserving its cultural traditions, empowering artisans and establishing India as a global heritage tourist destination."
Notably, Surajkund, where this famous fair is held, is located in Faridabad, 8 km from Delhi. The place derives its name from the Surya Kund (pond) built by King Surajpal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century.
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Ranbir Gangwa meets Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi
Holds detailed discussions on several important issues of state
Chandigarh, February 5 - Haryana's Public Health Engineering and Public Works Minister Sh. Ranbir Gangwa met Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah in New Delhi and discussed several important matters related to the state.
After meeting the Union Home Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa said he discussed many issues besides matters related to development of the state's infrastructure. Sh. Amit Shah emphasized on doing more work for the welfare of the people of Haryana.
The Public Works Minister said the Haryana Government is working day and night for the people of the state. Work is being done for the last about 10 and a half years with the policy of equal development of every section and every region of the state. Haryana is moving on the path of progress under the guidance of the Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and the able leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. He said this year, work is being done to strengthen about 5,000 km of roads in the state. Every district of the state is connected to the National Highway.
The Public Works Minister said instructions have been given to officials that there should be no compromise on quality in the construction of roads. Contractors who do not ensure quality and officers who are negligent will be dealt with strictly. He said he himself takes daily reports regarding the works related to the Public Health Engineering Department and the problems of the people are resolved within 24 hours
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*Surajkund mela will be a unique confluence of colours, art, culture, music and cultural heritage: Dr. Arvind Sharma*
Chandigarh, February 6 – The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair, a unique confluence of colours, art, crafts, culture, music and cultural heritage, is starting from tomorrow.
Union Tourism and Culture Minister Sh. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will be the chief guest on the occasion and the programme will be presided over by Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. Haryana Tourism and Heritage Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, while addressing a press conference at Haryana Bhawan in New Delhi, said Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are participating as theme states at the fair, which has created a distinct identity at the international level.
The Tourism Minister said a large number of foreign countries participate in the Surajkund fair. In the last 10 years, the charm and attraction of this fair has increased.
The Tourism Minister said Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi always emphasizes enriching national unity, culture and art. The Surajkund fair is a great example of showing diversity of India and realizing the dream of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.
Dr. Arvind Sharma said the fair provides a platform to international craftsmen and artists from all over the world to showcase art, craft and talent. He said Surajkund mela is unique because it showcases the richness and diversity of India's handicrafts, handlooms and cultural fabric.
*Fair tickets will be available at metro stations*
Dr. Arvind Sharma said for the purpose of providing convenience to the tourists in the fair, an MoU has been signed with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, in which Delhi Metro will look after the work of the fair's tickets and parking. It will sell the fair tickets at selected Delhi Metro stations and will set up special ticket counters at the fair gate. The ticket price for normal days has been kept at Rs. 120, for weekends at Rs. 180. Provision of discount in tickets has been made for children. E-rickshaws have been arranged at the fair for the elderly and the disabled.
*Shuttle bus service started from metro stations*
Dr. Arvind Sharma said to increase the participation of the general public, shuttle bus service is being started from Gurugram, Ballabhgarh, ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Connaught Place and Tughlakabad metro stations. He said there will be traditional food stalls from 15 states in the fair, and food brands from private sector will also provide their services.
*Cultural presentations will be seen on four stages*
Cultural presentations will be seen throughout the day at four places in the fair. Chaupal-1 and Chaupal-2 stages are already set up, while two other cultural stages named Mahastage and Natyashala have also been prepared. More than 1000 artists will display their talent in the fair. The minister said rural games like Dangal, Kabaddi and Kho-Kho will also be organized on the occasion.
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*Agriculture Minister suspends 4 Marketing Board officials for negligence in duty*
Chandigarh, February 6 - Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana has ordered the suspension of four officials of the Haryana State Agricultural Marketing Board for negligence in duty.
The action was taken by the minister during a surprise inspection of the grain markets of Sadhaura and Raipur Rani towns of Yamunanagar district. When the Agriculture Minister visited the Sadhaura grain market, Mandi Secretary Dharmender Singh and Auction Recorder Bijender Singh posted there were found absent from duty. After this, he also inspected Raipur Rani grain market, where Mandi Secretary Navdeep Singh and Auction Recorder Rajkumar were found absent from their duty. The Agriculture Minister issued an order for the suspension of these officials on the spot.
The Agriculture Minister said there were continuous complaints of regular absence of officers in both these mandis. To confirm these complaints, he decided to conduct a surprise inspection. He made it clear that the officers who are negligent in their duty will not be spared under any circumstances and strict action will be taken against them.
During the inspection, the Agriculture Minister also checked the record register and instructed the officials to provide all necessary facilities to the farmers coming to the mandis. He also gave strict instructions to the senior officials that all the employees must be present at their workplace during office hours.
Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said in future also he will conduct surprise inspection of all the mandis and offices of the state. Strict action will be taken against the negligent officers so that the administrative system can run smoothly and the farmers do not face any kind of problem.
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*Three-day Aravalli Green Wall Partnership Summit kicks off in Gurugram*
Chandigarh, February 6 - The State Biodiversity Board of the Haryana Government and The Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS) are organizing the Aravalli Green Wall Partnership Summit from February 6 to 8, 2025 in Gurugram, bringing together representatives from government agencies, conservation, and civil society organizations to discuss the challenges and needs towards developing a comprehensive conservations strategies and plans for interventions across the Aravallis to create and contribute for a water secured Aravalli range.
"The northwestern advancement of the Thar desert poses a risk to both biodiversity and the communities that rely on this area. Organizations need to combine their efforts and collaborate on common goals and initiatives aimed at rehabilitating the fundamental ecosystem of the region while pursuing a shared goal and vision to restore the Aravalli Green Wall landscapes," said Dr Vivek Saxena, IFS, PCCF-cum-Member Secretary, State Biodiversity Board of the Haryana Government.
In 2023, Union Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Sh. Bhupender Yadav had announced the Aravalli Green Wall Landscape (AGWL) Project. This ambitious project covering four states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi envisions an increase in the green cover, biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and water bodies. The project aims to rejuvenate the degraded Aravalli landscape through Ecosystem-based conservation and Nature Based Solutions. This initiative would include ecosystem services mainly improvements in soil health, water availability, green livelihood, and climate resilience in the region, addressing challenges of advancing desertification and land degradation.
"The Aravallis, as the oldest mountain range and a natural heritage site, requires attention to its ecological preservation and biodiversity. This initiative aims to bring together conservative and climate actions that serve to help commit and restore the ecological health of the mountains. Leveraging the strength of partnerships will aid in restoring this ecosystem, paving the way to establish the Aravalli Green Wall," said Dr Anjali Acharya, Managing Director, The Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS).
Nestled in the northwestern part of India, the Aravalli mountain ranges stretch approximately 692 km through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. It is one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, approximately 3.2 billion years old.