The Haryana government on Monday approved the purchase of five lakh data SIM cards for students of Classes 10 to 12 as part of its push to expand access to technology-enabled education in the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of the High-Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC) chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The government plans to provide five lakh tablets to students studying in Classes 10 to 12, with the newly approved SIM cards providing data connectivity for the devices. Saini said the government was focusing on quality and technical education to equip students with skills suited to present-day requirements.
Higher Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Cooperation and Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Kumar Gupta and other senior officials attended the meeting.
59 advanced ambulances approved
In a separate decision aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare, the committee approved 59 Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances under the National Health Mission. Of these, 33 will be deployed in the state’s southern zone and 26 in the northern zone.
The committee also cleared the procurement of tubular-type lead-acid batteries for the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited. The purchase will cover five categories of batteries, including those with capacities of 100 Ah, 120 Ah and 200 Ah.
Approval was also given for operating the HAFED-managed Assandh Sugar Mill for another year at a cost of Rs 11.90 crore. The expenditure will cover annual overhauling, repairs, maintenance and materials required for the mill’s operations.
Overall, the HPPC cleared service-related works worth more than Rs 90 crore at the meeting. Additional Chief Secretary Sumita Misra, Principal Secretary Vijay Singh Dahiya, Commissioner and Secretary Ashima Brar and other senior officers were also present.