Chandigarh | November 28
In a strong push for better public works across the state, Haryana’s Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has made it clear that maintaining high standards in construction materials is non-negotiable. He highlighted that anyone involved, whether contractors or government staff, will face tough consequences if they cut corners on quality. This came up during a recent discussion he led with the state’s Quality Assurance Authority, where he focused on giving the group more power to step in and fix issues whenever problems like poor workmanship or oversights come to light. He also checked on the various testing facilities run by the Public Works Department scattered around Haryana, which handle checks on ongoing jobs.
Bringing in Experts for Better Planning
One key outcome from the session was a plan to involve specialized consultants approved by the Quality Assurance Authority for drafting detailed reports on new road developments, bridges, flyovers, railway overbridges, buildings, and even upgrades to existing roads. This step aims to set a solid foundation right from the planning stage. On top of that, independent monitoring teams will keep an eye on these initiatives to make sure everything stays on track and meets expectations.
Using Technology for Openness and Checks
To make things more open and allow everyday people to keep tabs on progress, every construction site will soon feature QR codes. Scanning these will give access to summaries of the project plans, lists of materials needed, technical details, who the contractor is, the supervising engineer, and any consultants involved. Plus, they’ll show real-time updates on how the work is advancing both in terms of actual building and budget spending. This simple tool could help spot issues early through community input.
For less complex or smaller-scale efforts, all government departments will work together with the Quality Assurance Authority and other relevant groups, including the chief architect, to create standard rules. These will need final okay from higher-ups to ensure consistency.
Keeping Watch on Outside Helpers
The Chief Minister also called for close scrutiny of the third-party groups hired for inspections, to hold them responsible for their role. He pointed out that planning for water runoff should always be part of the initial project outlines, complete with accurate measurements and ways to handle excess water. Departments have been told to come up with ready-to-use designs for managing drainage in cities and villages alike.
Linking Payments to Standards
Before any money gets released for completed work, there will be a system in place to confirm that everything is up to scratch, especially for taller structures and bridges where safety is critical. Additionally, a flexible online record of all such key assets in the state will be built, helping to schedule regular safety checks over time in organized batches.
Building a Stronger Oversight Team
To improve technical reviews overall, personnel from the quality control units in various state departments, boards, and companies will join forces with the Quality Assurance Authority. This pooling of resources should lead to more thorough examinations and quicker fixes.
Training and Ongoing Improvements
The head of the Quality Assurance Authority, Rajeev Arora, who is a retired civil servant, shared that they’ve already equipped over 300 officials with necessary skills through training sessions. These include ongoing online seminars every two weeks to keep everyone sharp. He explained how the authority is reshaping the way big projects are handled in Haryana by conducting in-depth reviews and introducing changes that look ahead. For any work costing more than 100 crore rupees, the goal is to match global benchmarks.
So far, in a couple of rounds, they’ve looked into 25 large engineering ventures and put together detailed findings. These have been shared with the relevant offices and even the Chief Minister’s team. Follow-up actions on these reports are due by early 2026, which should help refine processes further.
Attending the gathering were top aides like the Chief Principal Secretary Rajesh Khullar, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary Arun Kumar Gupta, along with other key figures from the administration.
This move by the government reflects a commitment to reliable and safe public facilities that serve people for years. By focusing on upfront planning, constant monitoring, and easy access to information, Haryana aims to avoid common pitfalls that plague infrastructure elsewhere. Residents can look forward to roads, bridges, and buildings that not only get built on time but also stand the test of time without needing frequent repairs.
It’s worth noting how these steps could set an example for other states dealing with similar challenges in managing growth. With urban areas expanding and more traffic on roads, ensuring drainage works well can prevent flooding issues that disrupt daily life. Similarly, regular audits of older structures will help catch wear and tear before it becomes a hazard.
Overall, this initiative under Chief Minister Saini’s guidance shows a practical approach to governance, where quality isn’t just a buzzword but a built-in part of every project. As Haryana continues to develop, these measures could play a big role in building trust between the government and the public, making sure taxpayer money leads to tangible, lasting benefits.
In conversations around the state, people are already talking about how such transparency tools like QR codes might encourage more accountability from all sides. Imagine walking by a construction site, scanning a code on your phone, and seeing exactly where things stand – that’s the kind of direct involvement that can make a difference.
Looking ahead, as these policies roll out, it will be interesting to see their impact on project timelines and costs. If done right, they could reduce waste and ensure resources are used efficiently. For now, the focus remains on getting the basics solid, from materials to final inspections.