Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini highlights development, self-reliance and national pride in Independence Day speech
Paying tributes at the Shaheedi Smarak, Saini honoured families of freedom fighters and praised Haryana's role in India's various wars, including the 1962, 1965, 1971, and Kargil conflicts. He lauded the armed forces' valour and India's technological self-reliance demonstrated through military operations like Sindoor and Mahadev. He noted the repeal of three colonial-era criminal laws as a major step toward modernising India's legal framework.
Saini stated that Haryana would play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of Viksit Bharat–to make India a developed nation by 2047. Haryana, a leading foodgrain contributor, manufactures every second car and 52 per cent of India's tractors, he said.
Reflecting on the past 10 and a half years of governance, Saini highlighted efforts to eradicate corruption, eliminate discrimination, and digitise over 100 government services through the Parivar Pehchan Patra system. 'Haryana is now recognised for merit-based recruitment, online transfers, and educated panchayats. Notably, 1.80 lakh jobs have been provided in this period, with 30,000 based purely on merit. The Common Eligibility Test has been institutionalised, and Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam employees now receive legal safeguards like DA and annual increments. Overseas jobs have also been facilitated for 5,000 youth. Public safety remains a top priority. Emergency response time averages just over seven minutes, and strict directives have been issued to curb crime,' Saini said.
In the agricultural sector, Saini highlighted that 'all crops in Haryana are procured at minimum support prices, with Rs. 1.48 lakh crore transferred directly to 12 lakh farmers. Compensation worth Rs 15,465 crore has been paid for crop losses, and new laws like the Agriculture Land Lease Act have been introduced. Nearly Rs 7,000 crore has also been transferred under the PM-Kisan scheme'.
On social welfare, Saini outlined major steps including raising the Other Backward Classes creamy layer income limit to Rs 8 lakh, providing OBC-B reservation, and allotting land to marginalised communities. The chief minister also mentioned the increased benefit of Rs 71,000 under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana and the social security pensions, 'now covering 10 new disability categories', raised to Rs 3,000.
'Healthcare has seen major expansion under schemes like Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu, benefiting 22 lakh individuals. Free dialysis is now available in all government hospitals. Every district will have a medical college—15 are operational, and nine are under construction. In sports and fitness, 250 indoor gyms have been set up across rural areas in 19 districts, aligning with the Fit India–Hit India mission. Women's empowerment has been bolstered through initiatives like Lado Sakhi, drone training for women, and 50 per cent panchayat representation. One-third of ration depots and many Vita outlets are operated by women. Thirty of the 80 new colleges established are for girls, who now receive free education up to post-graduation,' Saini added.
Talking about industrial growth and urban development, Saini said that over 150 investor services were now available online, with approvals granted within 12 days, adding that 7.66 lakh micro, small and medium enterprises had created 39 lakh jobs in the past 10 and a half years of BJP rule.
According to the chief minister, nearly 5,900 villages in Haryana receive 24×7 electricity and tap water reaches every rural household.
'Urban development allocations have tripled, and 2,147 unauthorised colonies have been regularised. The state now has 21 new national highways, with air services starting at Maharaja Agrasen Airport and metro expansion underway', Saini said further concluding his address by asserting that 'Haryana's future will reflect prosperity, inclusivity, and growth'.
Saini called on citizens to commit themselves to building a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Haryana, grounded in cultural pride and national unity.
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