Direct Interaction with Panchayat and Urban Local Body Representatives in Pre-Budget Consultation Programme
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini said that the state’s upcoming budget will not be limited to government figures alone, but will be based on the hopes, needs, and suggestions of Haryana’s 2.80 crore citizens. The Chief Minister was addressing the pre-budget consultation programme with Panchayat and Urban Local Body representatives held at the auditorium of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, on Thursday.
The Chief Minister said that the government gives the highest priority to public participation, and with this objective, Panchayat representatives, members of urban local bodies, and citizens can submit their suggestions over the next ten days through various means, especially via a chatbot. These suggestions will be incorporated into the upcoming budget. He said that public representatives have an important responsibility in realizing the Prime Minister’s resolve to make the country a developed nation by 2047. In this direction, the Haryana Government has launched a Vision Document and is continuously working to implement it on the ground.
Villages Are the Foundation of Democracy, Sarpanch Is the First Voice: Chief Minister
Saini said that villages are the strongest foundation of democracy and the Sarpanch is the first voice of the village. The role of Sarpanches is extremely important in ensuring balanced development of rural areas. Overall development of the state is possible only when both villages and cities progress at an equal pace. The government is fully committed to achieving this goal of balanced development.
He informed that in the Budget 2025–26, a provision of ₹7,616.52 crore was made for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, out of which ₹2,808.72 crore has already been spent. Under this budget, several welfare schemes have been implemented in rural areas, including construction of village pathways (phirnis), establishment of Mahila Chaupals, e-libraries, indoor gyms, Amrit Sarovars, solid waste management systems, and other public welfare initiatives.
Cities Are the Engines of Development, Urban Body Representatives Are a Key Link
The Chief Minister said that cities are the engines of development of any state. Rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, and rising expectations of citizens have made the role of urban local bodies even more important.
Historic Steps for Urban Development
Saini informed that a provision of ₹5,666.28 crore has been made for local bodies in the Budget 2025–26. He said that to strengthen urban areas, provisions such as property tax, development tax, and garbage charges have been implemented at minimal and practical rates. To address drainage problems, a special fund of ₹100 crore has been established. Modern machinery has been provided for sewerage, road cleaning, and other municipal services.
Suggestions to Be Included in Budget 2026–27
The Chief Minister carefully listened to the practical and ground-level suggestions given by Sarpanches, councillors, and other public representatives during the meeting and assured that these suggestions would be included in the upcoming Budget 2026–27. He urged all representatives to submit further suggestions through the chatbot within the next 8–10 days.
VB G Ram G Act: A Strong Guarantee of Public Welfare
The Chief Minister said that the VB G Ram G Act is an important step towards the welfare of workers. Earlier, 100 days of employment were provided under this Act, but it has now been made more effective by legally guaranteeing 125 days of wages, providing beneficiaries with greater employment opportunities and stability.