As the BJP government in Haryana completes over a year in office, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini says the New Year will be about consolidating governance, empowering women, creating jobs and reorienting agriculture away from paddy-centric farming.
In an interview with Geetanjali Gayatri, Haryana Chief of Bureau, Saini also explains the state’s stand on Panjab University, law and order, unemployment, farmers’ concerns and efforts to attract global investment.
Q: What are the government’s key priorities for 2026?
A: First of all, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes for the New Year 2026 to the people of Haryana. Our goal is clear – to accelerate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Our focus will be on three core objectives rooted in Antyodaya. Women empowerment tops our agenda. Under the Pt Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, Rs 260 crore has already been disbursed in two instalments to nearly seven lakh sisters and daughters.
Employment generation for youth will be pursued through a technology-driven roadmap. The Haryana AI Mission will be set up in Gurugram and Panchkula. In agriculture, we will promote diversification and encourage a shift away from paddy. Alongside, we will fast-track infrastructure projects such as the Haryana Orbital Rail Corridor to improve connectivity, ease Delhi’s traffic burden and boost industrial growth.
Q: Traders complained about extortion calls last year. How is the government responding?
A: Law and order remains one of our highest priorities. We follow a zero-tolerance policy towards crime, with strong emphasis on technology, professional policing and speedy justice.
As a result, there has been a steady decline in major crimes such as murder, dacoity and robbery. Complaints regarding extortion calls were taken very seriously. The fact that traders met me directly shows their trust in the government, and we are committed to ensuring their security, swift justice and a climate of confidence.
Q: Women form half the electorate but issues like honour killings and health concerns persist. How is the government addressing this?
A: Women have always played an equal role in Haryana’s development – earlier in agriculture and allied activities, and today in sports, science, aviation, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
Our daughters are flying drones, over two lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis, more than half of Haryana’s startups are women-led, and nearly 10,000 women have emerged as Bima Sakhis. This reflects a change in mindset, which began with PM Modi’s Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao initiative in 2015. The sex ratio has improved from 874 to 922.
As for honour killings, Haryana’s progressive society has risen above that mindset. Except for a few isolated cases, such incidents are no longer reported. Focused schemes are also ensuring better healthcare for women and children.
Q: What steps is Haryana taking to secure its share in Panjab University?
A: Haryana’s share in Panjab University was provided under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, but was discontinued in 1973. We raised the issue at the 31st Northern Zonal Council meeting, seeking affiliation for colleges in Panchkula, Ambala and Yamunanagar.
This is not a political confrontation but a matter of justice and Haryana’s constitutional right, which we will pursue firmly and lawfully.
Q: Is the demand for a separate capital of Haryana under consideration?
A: At present, the government’s entire focus is on improving governance, accelerating development and ensuring effective implementation of welfare schemes. There is no proposal or process underway for a separate capital.
Q: The Opposition alleges rising unemployment. How do you respond?
A: These claims are exaggerated and lack credible data. According to the RBI Handbook of Statistics, Haryana’s rural unemployment rate is 3.1 per cent – the best in North India. Between 2022-23 and 2023-24, rural unemployment declined by 2.7 per cent, the highest improvement among northern states.
Urban unemployment stands at 4 per cent, again better than most neighbouring states. In the past 11 years, 1.8 lakh government jobs have been provided without “kharchi-parchi,” and 1.22 lakh youth employed through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam.
Q: Farmers remain unhappy despite MSP for 24 crops. Where does the problem lie?
A: It is incorrect to say farmers are dissatisfied. Haryana is the only state procuring all 24 crops at MSP. Through e-procurement, Rs 1.63 lakh crore has been transferred directly to 12 lakh farmers within 48 hours.
Crop damage assessment is now technology-driven. Rs 15,728 crore has been paid as compensation under PM Fasal Bima Yojana and other schemes, and disaster compensation has been enhanced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per acre.
Q: What has been the response to your overseas investment outreach?
A: Haryana’s location, infrastructure and skilled workforce make it an attractive destination. During my Japan visit in October, discussions with 23 companies and three institutions resulted in proposed investments of nearly Rs 4,500 crore, creating around 15,000 jobs.
To build on this, we will hold a Global Investors Summit in April 2026 and have introduced a transparent single-window clearance system to ensure speedy implementation.