Haryana CM Khattar dubs opposition claims on unemployment ‘political propaganda’

PTI

Chandigarh, January 24

With the opposition parties often targeting his government on unemployment issue, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday hit back and dubbed their claims to be “political propaganda”.

Dismissing the opposition leaders' remarks regarding unemployment, Khattar said that they quote figures ranging from 9 per cent to 35 per cent, adding they themselves do not know the real figure of unemployment rate.

He clarified that the actual unemployment rate is about 8.5 percent, discrediting the opposition's assertions of up to 34 per cent as mere political propaganda.

Highlighting Haryana’s progress in terms of ease of doing business, Khattar underscored that the state has become a preferred destination for investment.

Over the past nine-and-a-half years, the government has successfully provided employment opportunities to 30 lakh people, he said.

Khattar was speaking after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for a total of 153 projects valued at Rs 2,024 crore at a state-level function conducted through video conferencing at the Lala Lajpat Rai Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Hisar district.

According to an official statement, the development initiatives comprise the inauguration of 76 projects, collectively costing Rs 686 crore and the foundation stone laying for 77 projects with a combined value of Rs 1,338 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Khattar reflected on the commitment made in 2014 to ensure comprehensive development, encapsulated in the vision of ‘Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek’.

The chief minister said the government has diligently worked on projects based on demand and mapping, exemplified by the establishment of one college within a 20-kilometer radius, resulting in the opening of 70 new colleges without any demand.

Khattar also highlighted the government's systemic changes to combat corruption, particularly in recruitment and transfer processes, leading to increased transparency.

The government has streamlined processes to ensure that citizens now enjoy the benefits of various schemes and facilities at their doorstep, marking a significant shift in governance, he said.

The chief minister said the economic vitality of any state or country hinges on robust infrastructure.

“Currently, every district in the state is seamlessly connected to the National Highway network. Apart from this, Haryana's own airport is being built in Hisar. Now there is a huge demand for setting up industries around it. The construction of the airport will lead to all-round development of this area,” he added.

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