Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday announced a major relief for rural families residing on village shamlat land, extending the deadline to apply for ownership rights until January 16, 2027. Addressing the state-level Sashakt Panchayat Samaroh in Panchkula, Saini stated that families living in houses built on shamlat land for the last 20 years would be eligible to secure ownership by paying one-and-a-half times the land value calculated at the 2004 Collector Rate. The extension was granted because many beneficiaries could not complete the documentation requirements within the earlier timeframe.
Strengthening Rural Sanitation and Infrastructure
The Chief Minister also unveiled measures to strengthen rural sanitation, announcing the provision of tractor-trolleys, drivers, and waste-collection workers in every village. He said the government was simultaneously pursuing Waste-to-Energy projects to improve waste management infrastructure. During the event, Saini inaugurated LED street lighting in 179 villages across 17 districts at a cost of Rs 23.21 crore and dedicated 350 e-Atal Libraries built in 17 districts for Rs 44 crore.
Financial Transfers and Welfare Schemes
In a major boost to rural development, the CM directly transferred Rs 1,056.75 crore to Panchayati Raj Institutions for development works. He also released monthly direct benefit transfer (DBT) instalments under various welfare schemes, including Rs 207.75 crore under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, Rs 19.75 crore under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana, Rs 1,151.51 crore in social security pensions, Rs 23.17 crore in scholarships for OBC and DNT students, and Rs 169.50 crore under the Dayalu Scheme. Six gram panchayats received Jagrit Gram awards for excellence in development, sanitation, and governance, totalling Rs 1.66 crore in prize money.
Achievements and Future Goals
Highlighting the government's rural development agenda, Saini said more than 98% of Haryana villages had achieved ODF (Open Defecation Free) Plus status, and all villages would be developed as ODF Plus Model Villages by October 2026. More than 2,100 Amrit Sarovars have also been created across the state. The CM reiterated the government's commitment to transparent governance and merit-based recruitment, stating that more than 3,000 youths recently secured government jobs through a transparent process. He also announced plans to recruit 5,600 personnel into the Haryana Police. Calling for a united fight against drug abuse, Saini urged panchayats to make villages drug-free and encourage youth participation in sports as Haryana prepares to strengthen its sporting ecosystem with an eye on the 2036 Olympics.
