Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana government has sanctioned the procurement of 500,000 data SIM cards for senior school students to enhance technical education and equip youth with digital skills aligned with modern market demands. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the decision on Monday while presiding over a High Powered Purchase Committee meeting in Chandigarh. The session, attended by Higher Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, and senior state officials, cleared public service procurements and infrastructure contracts valued at over 90 crore rupees.
Under the initiative, the state will supply 500,000 free tablet computers equipped with high-speed internet data SIMs to students enrolled in Grades 10 through 12 across government institutions. Officials highlighted that the measure ensures seamless digital connectivity and uninterrupted learning resources for senior secondary pupils statewide. Alongside student welfare, the procurement committee approved the acquisition of 220-volt tubular lead-acid batteries in multiple capacity configurations for the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam to reinforce state electricity transmission infrastructure.
The committee also authorized several major health and agricultural maintenance contracts. Under the National Health Mission, the administration approved 59 advanced life support ambulances to strengthen emergency healthcare networks, allocating 33 units to the southern zone and 26 to northern districts. Additionally, an expenditure of 11.90 crore rupees was cleared for the comprehensive annual overhaul, maintenance, and operational management of the HAFED-run Asandh Sugar Mill for one year to ensure smooth milling operations and support local sugarcane cultivators.
