Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini forcefully raised the long-pending Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue during the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council on Monday, November 18, 2025. The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saw the Haryana CM assert that his state is being denied its complete share of water from Punjab due to the non-completion of the critical canal.
The Core Water Dispute
Saini emphasized that water is a shared resource and ensuring its equitable distribution is a collective responsibility. He stated that proper arrangements must be guaranteed so that each state receives its rightful allocation. Haryana has consistently supplied Delhi with more water than its own mandated share, yet it faces a shortfall from Punjab.
The Chief Minister made a poignant appeal, reminding Punjab that it is the sacred land of the Gurus. He specifically referenced the legacy of Bhai Kanahaiya, known for providing water to everyone, even enemy soldiers. Saini stressed that once Haryana receives its full water entitlement through the SYL canal, the downstream state of Rajasthan would also get its due share.
Broader Discussions and State Proposals
Beyond the water dispute, Chief Minister Saini brought another significant issue to the table concerning higher education. He proposed that some colleges in Haryana should be granted affiliation to Panjab University (PU). He argued that such a move would be mutually beneficial, enhancing the university's reach and providing Haryana's students with greater academic opportunities.
This proposal revisits a previously contentious topic. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had, over two years prior, firmly opposed a similar idea, stating that the Chandigarh-based university is intrinsically linked to Punjab's legacy and heritage.
State Development and Welfare Initiatives
During the council meeting, Saini also highlighted several key achievements and ongoing initiatives of the Haryana government. On child safety, he noted that with the implementation of the three new criminal laws in the state, cases under the POCSO Act are being disposed of more swiftly.
In the healthcare sector, the state has strengthened the Ayushman Bharat scheme by integrating its own Chirayu Yojana with it. This integration, according to the CM, is a prime example of accelerated development under the double-engine government—a reference to the same party being in power at both the state and central levels.
He further announced that banking facilities are now accessible even in the smallest villages of Haryana, promoting financial inclusion.
A Call for Cooperative Federalism
Concluding his address, the Haryana Chief Minister expressed hope that the deliberations of the Northern Zonal Council would foster cooperative federalism. He stated that Haryana had submitted detailed comments on every agenda item and believed the meeting would help build consensus on inter-state and Centre-state issues, ultimately serving as an exemplar of the Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat vision.
