Haryana Budget Session Begins: Fierce Debate on Housing Board Issue, Hooda-Saini Face-Off

February 20, 2026

Rohtak: The first day of the Haryana Assembly’s Budget Session began with the national anthem “Vande Mataram.” Governor Prof. Asim Ghosh addressed the House. He stated that the vision of a developed Haryana is being pursued under the theme of “Developed India 2047.” Ideologies may differ, but everyone’s goal is a bright future for Haryana.

Seven Bills Approved, Anil Vij Absent

The House adjourned its proceedings from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Following this, the House passed seven amendment bills introduced in December 2025. The Speaker informed that Minister Anil Vij will not attend the Budget Session from February 20 to March 2. He has sent a letter informing him of this.

Uproar over Housing Board merger

Congress MLA from Rohtak, B.B. Batra, questioned the decision to dissolve the Haryana Housing Board and merge it with the HSVP. Congress members Raghuveer Kadian and Geeta Bhukkal demanded the board’s reinstatement. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that the discontinuation of the lottery system for allotment of plots in sectors has made it difficult for ordinary people to purchase plots, and it is now limited to property dealers.

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, responding, clarified that the board has not been closed, but merged, and the interests of employees have also been taken into account.

HPSC candidates detained by police

Earlier, Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) candidates were detained at the Chandigarh Sector 17 bus stand while they were preparing to surround the Assembly. A heated argument ensued between the police and the candidates, after which they were taken away by bus.

Governor lists government achievements

In his address, the Governor stated that Haryana is the state with the highest old-age pension in the country. Eligible senior citizens are receiving pensions at their doorsteps through a Public Provident Fund (PP) upon reaching the age of 60.

For women’s empowerment, daughters from poor families are being provided assistance of ₹71,000 under the Deendayal Lado Laxmi Yojana and the Chief Minister’s Marriage Shagun Yojana.

Farmers are being provided various types of assistance through the “Meri Fasal-Mera Byora” scheme. Farmers are also receiving benefits under the Samman Nidhi and Crop Insurance Schemes.