Chandigarh, December 26 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said that the Union Government has earmarked ₹500 crore in the Central Budget to develop Rakhigarhi into a globally recognised heritage destination. He said the Haryana Government is also taking concrete steps to place the ancient site firmly on the national and international tourism map, recognising its immense historical and cultural significance.
Addressing the gathering at the second State-level Rakhigarhi Festival, the Chief Minister said Rakhigarhi stands as a living testimony to one of the world’s oldest and most advanced civilisations. On the occasion, he inaugurated the Harappa Knowledge Centre and reviewed various activities organised as part of the festival, including cultural performances, exhibitions, workshops, heritage runs, rural sports and craft displays. Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma, Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa and MLA Vinod Bhayana were also present.
The Chief Minister announced grants of ₹21 lakh each for Rakhigarhi and Rakhi Shahpur villages. He said all 13 demands submitted by the Rakhigarhi gram panchayat and five demands raised by Rakhi Shahpur panchayat would be forwarded to the concerned departments for early resolution.
Highlighting the archaeological importance of the site, Saini said excavations at Rakhigarhi reveal that it was once a major industrial and trade centre of the Harappan civilisation, marked by advanced urban planning, sanitation systems and water management. He said the site reflects the deep scientific and cultural roots of Indian civilisation and is a source of pride for Haryana and the entire nation.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving ahead with renewed confidence while celebrating its cultural heritage. He added that sites such as Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakal Lok, Ayodhya and Rakhigarhi symbolise India’s commitment to preserving its civilisational legacy while building a progressive future.
Saini said the state government is committed to developing Rakhigarhi as an international tourism and research hub. World-class museums, research institutions, tourist facilities and modern infrastructure are being developed to attract scholars and visitors from across the globe, which will also generate employment opportunities for local youth and strengthen the regional economy.
He further said archaeological findings also indicate that women enjoyed respect and equal status in ancient society, a tradition that continues today as Haryana’s daughters excel in sports, education, science, administration and defence. The government, he added, is giving top priority to women empowerment through focused initiatives in education, safety and self-reliance.
The Chief Minister said efforts are underway to include Rakhigarhi in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. He informed that nearly 100 historically significant sites have been identified across Haryana, including Farmana, Mitathal, Balu and Banawali, and special projects are being implemented for their conservation. An advanced museum worth ₹22 crore has already been constructed at Rakhigarhi, while several other heritage structures across the state have been declared protected monuments.
Speaking on the occasion, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said the nearly 7,000-year-old Rakhigarhi civilisation had shown the world the path of modern urban planning. Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa said Haryana is progressing rapidly under the Chief Minister’s leadership and expressed confidence that India would achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation well before 2047.
