Ambala: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said the state govt is committed to ensuring that no talented student is deprived of opportunities due to a lack of resources, asserting that merit, transparency and equal opportunity have become the hallmarks of “New Haryana.“Addressing the Utkrisht Shiksha Puraskar-2026 ceremony at Police DAV School in Ambala City, the CM honoured more than 250 students from over 70 schools for their outstanding performance in Class X, Class XII and various competitive examinations. The event was organised by a private organisation, Pooja Foundation.Congratulating the students, parents and teachers, CM Saini said the awards recognised not only academic excellence but also the dedication of teachers and the sacrifices of families. He urged students to focus on character along with academic success, saying that while marks create opportunities, values earn lasting respect. Saini said young people will play the most significant role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s vision of a Developed India by 2047, adding that the country’s future will be shaped by students’ aspirations, innovation, sporting excellence and responsible citizenship.Highlighting govt’s reforms, CM Saini said Haryana’s recruitment process is now fully transparent, with selections based solely on merit rather than nepotism or influence. He also cited education initiatives such as Mission Buniyad, Super-100, Sanskriti Model Schools and PM SHRI Schools, noting that these programmes have enabled govt school students to secure admission to premier institutions, including IITs, IIMs, NITs and leading medical colleges.The CM also credited Haryana’s sports policy for the state’s strong performances at the Commonwealth Games and said govt is providing comprehensive support to athletes. Earlier, former Haryana minister Aseem Goel praised the state govt’s work in education and sports, while Vinod Kumar, founder of Pooja Foundation, thanked Chief Minister for sanctioning an Industrial Model Township (IMT) for Ambala, saying it would boost employment and economic growth.Several senior administrative officials, public representatives and community leaders were present at the event.
