Transform State Mandis into Models of Excellence with Farmer Service as Top Priority – CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, December 2025 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the state’s mandis must be transformed into models of excellence by placing farmer service at the highest priority, so that they can be emulated across the country. He emphasized the need for complete honesty and transparency in the collection of market fees and for strengthening trust among farmers. The objective, he said, is to develop Haryana’s mandis into the most modern, transparent and farmer-friendly market system in India.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting with the newly appointed office-bearers of the Marketing Board here today. The meeting was attended by the chairmen and vice-chairmen of market committees, State President Sh Mohan Lal Badoli, General Secretary (Organisation) Sh Phanindra Nath Sharma, State General Secretary Sh Surender Punia, Dr. Archana Gupta, Chief Minister’s OSD Sh B.B. Bharti and several senior officials.

The Chief Minister said that the foundation of the Marketing Board’s functioning lies in ensuring the prosperity of farmers and strengthening the state’s economy. He said that the mandi system is the most effective mechanism for ensuring fair prices and safeguarding farmers’ hard-earned income. When farmers are empowered, he added, Haryana becomes stronger.

He further remarked that market committees are not merely government offices, but vital power centers of the rural economy. Therefore, their efficient management is of utmost importance. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen trust and reliability between farmers and traders. He said that the aim is to create a system in the mandis where farmers receive accurate measurements, fair prices, and timely payments as soon as they bring their produce, and traders get quality products and a better environment for doing business.

Sh Nayab Singh Saini appreciated the commendable progress made by market committees in adopting digital reforms over the past few years. He noted the successful implementation of e-procurement and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which ensures that payments for farmers’ crops are credited directly to their bank accounts on time. By eliminating the role of middlemen, farmers are now receiving the full value of their hard work.

The Chief Minister emphasized that every process—from issuing gate passes to the collection of market fees—must be made fully digital to enhance transparency and eliminate corruption. Greater use of technology, he said, is essential for strengthening the system.

He informed that all 24 crops are being procured from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). So far, Rs 1.64 lakh crore has been deposited into the accounts of nearly 12 lakh farmers for crop procurement. From the Kharif season of 2024, farmers have been receiving payment within 48 hours of the issuance of the gate pass through DBT. He also said that work is being accelerated to improve basic facilities such as sheds, drinking water, toilets, and rest houses in mandis across the state.

The Chief Minister stated that providing cold storage facilities near farm gates for fruit and vegetable growers is a top priority of the government. He directed market committee officials to prioritize proposals for establishing cold storage units under the PPP model in their respective areas. He also stressed the need to improve road connectivity and carry out timely repairs of roads leading to mandis so that farmers can bring their produce without difficulty.

He said that the working style and conduct of market committee employees reflect the true image of the mandi system. Therefore, employees must remain sensitive to farmers’ needs. Proper training should be provided on the latest government policies, use of e-portals, and courteous communication with farmers.

The Chief Minister proposed launching a new initiative titled “Harit Mandi, Khushaal Farmer.” Under this initiative, separate and strengthened sections for fruits and vegetables should be developed alongside traditional crop markets. He also called for the establishment of farmer assistance centers in every mandi, where grievances are registered immediately and resolved promptly, ensuring that farmers do not have to make repeated visits to offices.

He further directed market committees to adopt solar energy to meet their electricity requirements, which would reduce power costs and contribute to environmental conservation. He also emphasized promoting green energy and making rainwater harvesting structures mandatory in mandis to prevent water wastage.

The Chief Minister said that farmers practicing natural farming should be given special space and priority in mandis to sell their produce, as this form of farming represents the future and should be actively encouraged. He also stressed the need to ensure safe and dedicated spaces for women farmers and women traders, and to promote greater participation of women in the economic system.

He said that maintaining cleanliness in the mandis is a collective responsibility. Regular cleanliness drives should be conducted, and strict action must be taken against those who litter. A clean market is beneficial for both business and public health, he added.

No.IPRDH/ 2025

*Haryana Streamlines Fire Safety Certification with Tech-Driven Policy, Strengthens Public Safety*

Chandigarh, December 15 – Haryana has taken a major step towards strengthening public safety and improving ease of governance with the notification of comprehensive new guidelines for the issuance and renewal of Fire Safety Certificates (FSC). The policy, framed under the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022, introduces a technology-driven, transparent, and time-bound mechanism, setting a new benchmark in fire safety administration and was formally notified on December 9, 2025.

Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management, Dr. Sumita Misra said the new system aims to ensure faster service delivery without compromising on safety standards. The policy introduces an Empanelled Agency system along with an automated online approval process, significantly reducing procedural delays.

*Automatic Online Approval with Built-In Oversight*

Under the revised procedure, Fire Safety Certificates—both for new applications and renewals—will be issued automatically through an online portal once the application is supported by a certification report from an Empanelled Agency. This reform is expected to substantially cut down inspection-related bottlenecks and enhance predictability for applicants.

To ensure transparency and impartiality, the Empanelled Agency assigned for inspection will be selected randomly by the online system for the concerned division. At the same time, the policy retains strong government oversight. A mandatory physical verification of 25 per cent cases by a Fire Officer and 10 per cent cases by the Joint Director (Technical) will be carried out on a random basis within 30 days of certificate issuance.

*Higher Standards for Fire Safety Audits*

The policy places strong emphasis on professional competence. Empanelled Agencies must meet stringent eligibility criteria, including the requirement that the lead member possesses a Bachelor of Engineering (Fire) or equivalent qualification, along with a minimum of four years’ experience in fire protection systems or service in a government fire department.

These agencies will conduct comprehensive fire safety audits, including assessment of fire hazards, electrical safety, verification of active systems such as sprinklers and hydrants, evaluation of passive fire protection measures, and review of staff training and emergency preparedness.

By delegating detailed technical audits to qualified professionals, the government aims to ensure strict compliance with the Haryana Fire and Emergency Services Act, 2022 and the National Building Code of India, 2016, thereby enhancing safety standards across public and private buildings.

The new policy is scheduled to be fully implemented by March 31, 2026, marking a significant reform in Haryana’s fire safety regulatory framework.