The Sonipat Human Development Report (HDR) 2026, previously unveiled by the Chief Minister of Haryana in January 2026, was formally showcased in New Delhi. The event, hosted by the Jindal Institute of Haryana Studies (JIHS), gathered policymakers, academics, and development experts to discuss the report’s discoveries and policy implications.
Mr. Vijai Vardhan, Former Chief Secretary of the Government of Haryana, and Mr. Vikas Gupta, Commissioner of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, unveiled the report. Distinguished figures like Dr. Dalal Moosa from the World Bank, Ms. Kanta Singh from UN Women, and Mr. Jagan Shah, a Senior Urban Expert, were also present at the event.
The opening remarks by Professor (Dr.) Mrinalini Jha highlighted the key findings of the Sonipat HDR 2026 and outlined the future initiatives of JIHS in regional research. The Vice Chancellor, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, stressed the significance of research institutions like JIHS in producing relevant regional analyses for policy-making.
The presentations by chapter authors covered key sectors such as health, education, environment, governance, and basic service delivery. A panel discussion focused on leveraging district Human Development Reports for inclusive development, with experts emphasizing the importance of social protection and nuanced indicators for women’s economic participation.
