HIRD Director, Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan calls the Haryana Budget a historic step towards rural development and Gram Swaraj

Nilokheri, March 2, 2026: Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), praised the 2026-27 budget presented by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in the Assembly, calling it a budget that gives a new direction to rural development. He said that this budget is not only development-oriented but also an important step towards realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of Gram Swaraj.

Dr. Chauhan said that the state government is implementing several important schemes to promote rural development and environmental protection. To encourage natural and organic farming, a certain portion of Gram Panchayat land will be reserved for this purpose, which will strengthen sustainable agricultural systems in rural areas.

He informed that the construction of 2,200 Amrit Sarovars was announced in the last budget. Under this initiative, construction of 724 ponds has been completed so far, while construction of 986 ponds is in progress. Construction of the remaining ponds will be completed next year, providing a strong foundation for water conservation and the rural environment.

HIRD Director, Dr. Chauhan said that the government's goal is to transform all villages in the state into ODF Plus model villages by October 2, 2026. This will give new impetus to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and ensure better health and a clean environment in rural areas. He said that under the Deendayal Upadhyaya Rural Skills Scheme, it is proposed to provide skills training to over 20,000 rural youth and connect them with employment opportunities, which will help them become self-reliant and strengthen the rural economy.

Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan said that on the occasion of Atal Good Governance Day, 1,000 new Atal libraries will be inaugurated in the state, which will promote a reading culture in villages and provide better educational opportunities for youth. To empower self-help groups, a provision has been made to lease up to 500 square yards of Shamlat land for the establishment of dairy units.

Dr. Chauhan said that the Chief Minister himself has proved that the present government believes in public participation by incorporating the suggestions of Sarpanchs and public representatives in the budget.

He reiterated that the HIRD is committed to provide special training to public representatives and secretaries across the state to implement these budget announcements.