Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday interacted with athletes, young influencers, skill-based entrepreneurs and start-up-linked youth during a pre-budget consultation meeting organised on the Kurukshetra University campus here.
The chief minister said the meeting was part of a collective effort to shape Haryana’s future, adding that the role of youth in this process is crucial.
He said that keeping future economic needs in mind, the state government set up a Department of Future in August 2025. Under the Haryana AI Mission, AI hubs will be set up in Gurugram and Panchkula, for which the World Bank has assured financial support of Rs 474 crore.
The chief minister said youth and athletes have played a major role in giving Haryana a strong identity at both national and international levels.
He said Haryana’s athletes have established the state as a sports powerhouse through their consistent and outstanding performances in the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian and Commonwealth Games.
Referring to sportspersons such as Shafali Verma, Neeraj Chopra, Neeraj Goyat, Rani Rampal, the Phogat sisters and others, he said their success reflects the determination, discipline and hard work of the youth.
The chief minister said today’s youth in Haryana are not limited to sports alone but are also establishing a new identity in start-ups, innovation, digital content creation, skill development, education and modern technology.
Speaking about digital content creators, he said content has become a powerful tool to influence society. He added that content should not only aim to go viral but should also be positive, value-based and capable of guiding society and the nation.
He said artificial intelligence and new digital technologies are escalating opportunities, but character and vision matter more than technology.
Saini said a provision of Rs 1,961.79 crore was made in the 2025-26 budget for the Sports, Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Department, out of which Rs 1,096 crore has already been spent.
He said that of the 73 suggestions received during last year’s pre-budget meeting in Kurukshetra, 32 were incorporated into the Haryana budget 2025-26, which clearly shows active youth participation.
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