Pre-budget consultation meeting a symbol of participatory democracy, shared responsibility: Haryana CM

Chandigarh: Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini held meaningful discussions and heard suggestions from professionals during a pre-budget consultation meeting with various stakeholders in two sessions on Wednesday at Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurugram. In the second session, chartered accountants, advocates, architects, environmentalists, doctors, and other professionals participated. The Chief Minister said that these suggestions are a symbol of participatory democracy, collaborative governance, and shared responsibility. It is on this public sentiment that the Haryana Government lays the foundation of its policies and decisions.

Addressing the stakeholders, the Chief Minister said that professionals from different fields have come together on a common platform with open minds, clear thinking, and a creative outlook. Being part of the enlightened section of society, they play a guiding role in policy-making, legal consultation, financial discipline, planning, environmental protection, and sustainable development. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the strong edifice of good governance stands on these very strong pillars.

Speaking on the importance of suggestions received from stakeholders last year, the Chief Minister said that the suggestions given in public interest were extremely practical and reflected foresight and a clear understanding of future needs. Out of a total of 43 suggestions received last year, 15 were incorporated in the Budget 2025–26. These included the One Time Settlement Scheme, suo moto investigations under Section 61 by the ETO, constitution of a Chartered Accountant panel for special audits under Section 66 of the GST Act, 2017, and installation of CCTV cameras in ETO and DETC offices to ensure transparency.

In addition, decisions of far-reaching importance such as GST relief on agricultural equipment, automation of the GST refund process, a new e-waste management policy, environmental initiatives like the Aravalli Jungle Safari, the Pran Vayu Devta Pension Scheme, and establishment of an environmental training centre were also included. All these decisions stand as proof of our firm commitment towards a simplified tax system, transparent administration, environmental protection, and public welfare.

The Chief Minister said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, three criminal laws dating back to the British era have been replaced. Haryana is the leading state in the country to have successfully implemented all three new laws in such a short time. Following this approach, the state has adopted modern technology in implementing these laws by introducing the e-Sakshya and e-Summon apps. From January 2025 to August 31, 2025, forensic examination recording of crime scenes has been carried out through the e-Sakshya app in 96.71 percent of cases. About 46.52 percent of police personnel are appearing in courts through video conferencing.

The Chief Minister further said that along with enacting three new criminal laws, the Prime Minister has also repealed nearly 1,600 obsolete laws. On similar lines, the Haryana Government has abolished more than 1,100 unnecessary rules across 48 departments to simplify doing business.