Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday held an in-depth interaction with a group of youth from Punjab at his official residence, Sant Kabir Kutir, using the platform to underline his government’s governance philosophy, youth-centric policies and long-term development vision. The dialogue focused on transparent recruitment, skill development, employment opportunities, social security and the broader role of young people in shaping India’s future.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that good governance and a merit-based system form the backbone of sustainable development. He emphasised that transparency in public administration and recruitment is essential to restore and strengthen young people’s trust in government institutions. Referring to Haryana’s recruitment reforms, he said the state has institutionalised a system where government jobs are filled strictly on merit, without the influence of recommendations or unofficial payments, creating what he described as a culture of fairness and accountability.
CM Saini told the youth that winning public trust is one of the most difficult challenges in a democracy, and retaining that trust requires consistent delivery on promises. He said the continuation of what he termed the “double-engine government” at both the Centre and in Haryana reflected public confidence, particularly among the youth, in the government’s policies and leadership. According to him, young voters have played a decisive role in endorsing governance models that prioritise transparency, efficiency and performance.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the deep cultural and historical ties between Haryana and Punjab, describing the two states as more than just neighbours. He said both share a common cultural heritage, traditions and social fabric, and stressed that cooperation and shared learning between the two states can further strengthen opportunities for young people on both sides.
On employment, CM Saini reiterated that Haryana’s “no bribe, no recommendation” policy in government recruitment has transformed the way young people perceive public sector jobs. He said large-scale recruitment drives in recent years have boosted confidence among aspirants and reduced corruption-related grievances. The Chief Minister added that the government remains committed to expanding employment avenues through a combination of public sector hiring, private sector investment and entrepreneurship promotion.
Skill development was a major focus of the interaction. CM Saini said that in a rapidly changing economy, traditional degrees alone are no longer sufficient. He stressed the importance of industry-aligned training, innovation, digital skills and entrepreneurship to make youth future-ready. He said the state is strengthening training infrastructure, encouraging startups and linking skill programmes with real market demand so that young people can access sustainable livelihoods rather than short-term employment.
Placing the discussion in a national context, the Chief Minister referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He said youth will be the central driving force behind this transformation, as India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest populations. He noted that under the current national leadership, India has emerged as one of the world’s leading economies and is moving rapidly towards becoming the third-largest economic power. According to him, this economic momentum creates new opportunities for young Indians across sectors such as manufacturing, technology, services, startups and green energy.
CM Saini also addressed the issue of drug abuse, calling it a serious threat to youth and social stability. He said the Haryana government has adopted a multi-pronged approach that includes strict law enforcement, rehabilitation, counselling and large-scale awareness campaigns. He referred to initiatives such as cyclothons and marathons that have seen participation from tens of thousands of young people, aimed at spreading awareness and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. He added that police officials in areas with higher drug activity have been given clear instructions to act firmly, and that properties of those involved in the illegal drug trade are being attached as part of the crackdown.
The Chief Minister spoke at length about safe overseas employment, noting that many young people aspire to work abroad but often fall victim to fraud and illegal routes. He said the state has created institutional mechanisms to facilitate transparent and legal overseas placement, while taking strict action against agents involved in human trafficking and illegal migration practices such as the so-called “donkey route.” He said protecting young people from exploitation is a key responsibility of the government, and that enforcement agencies are acting firmly against offenders.
Highlighting social security measures, CM Saini compared welfare provisions in Haryana with neighbouring states, noting that Haryana offers higher old-age pension and broader income eligibility criteria. He said such policies reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and dignity for senior citizens, while also easing the financial burden on families.
On healthcare, the Chief Minister said flagship health insurance schemes have provided significant relief to lakhs of families. He said millions of health cards have been issued and thousands of crores of rupees in treatment costs have been covered under government-backed health schemes, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure and improving access to quality healthcare for economically weaker sections.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Haryana’s strong sporting culture, stating that the state has built an extensive ecosystem of sports nurseries, academies and training centres. He said sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete support has helped Haryana emerge as a major contributor to India’s success in national and international sporting events, while also creating alternative career pathways for youth.
Concluding the interaction, CM Saini urged young people to draw inspiration from India’s freedom fighters and national icons, and to channel their energy into nation-building. He assured the Punjab youth present that his doors remain open for dialogue and that Haryana’s governance model is focused on empowering youth through opportunity, integrity and long-term vision.