Early Life and Education
Manohar Lal Khattar, born on May 5, 1954, in Nindana village, Rohtak district, Haryana, is a prominent Indian politician affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He has held significant positions, including serving as the 10th Chief Minister of Haryana and currently as the Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs.
Khattar’s family migrated from the Jhang district of West Punjab during the Partition of India in 1947, initially settling in Banyani village, Rohtak district. He completed his matriculation from Pandit Neki Ram Sharma Government College in Rohtak. Subsequently, he moved to Delhi, where he managed a cloth shop near Sadar Bazar while pursuing his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi.
Political Career
Khattar’s political journey began with his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1977, where he served as a full-time pracharak for 14 years. In 1994, he transitioned to the BJP, taking on the role of Organizational General Secretary in Haryana from 2000 to 2014. His political prominence rose when he was elected as the Chief Minister of Haryana on October 26, 2014, a position he held until his resignation on March 12, 2024. In the 2024 general elections, Khattar was elected to the Lok Sabha, representing the Karnal constituency. On June 10, 2024, he was appointed as the Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet.
Major Achievements and Key Political Initiatives
During his tenure as Chief Minister, Khattar implemented several key initiatives:
- Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojna: Aimed at providing financial assistance of ₹6,000 annually to families with an income below ₹1.80 lakh, enhancing social security for economically weaker sections. theindianwire.com
- Antyodaya Anna Yojana: Focused on providing subsidized food to the underprivileged, ensuring food security across the state.
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Emphasized improving the child sex ratio and promoting education for girls, leading to significant social reforms.
As the Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Khattar has been instrumental in advancing urban infrastructure projects and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
Contributions
Khattar’s contributions extend beyond policy implementation. He has been a strong advocate for transparency and efficiency in governance, leveraging technology to streamline administrative processes. His efforts have been pivotal in promoting social welfare schemes and infrastructural development in Haryana.
Social Media
Personal Life
Known for his simple lifestyle, Khattar has dedicated his life to public service. His background as an RSS pracharak reflects his commitment to societal development and nation-building.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated India’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant at Okhla Vihar station and a 1 MW rooftop solar plant at Khyber Pass depot. He emphasized the need for metros to shift to 100% renewable energy. DMRC now aims to reach 60 MW solar capacity by Phase-4 completion. (Business Standard)
Promises and Future Commitments
In his current role, Khattar has pledged to:
- Enhance Urban Infrastructure: Implementing smart city initiatives and improving urban amenities to elevate the quality of life in urban areas.
- Promote Renewable Energy: Focusing on increasing the share of renewable energy in India’s power grid to ensure sustainable and eco-friendly growth.
- Affordable Housing: Striving to provide affordable housing solutions for all, aiming to address urban housing shortages.
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