Chandigarh, Feb. 21 -- Calling the Assembly a forum where "aspirations of the people are realised" and the state's future is shaped, Haryana governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Friday urged the legislators to rise above political differences and work collectively for Haryana's progress. Addressing the inaugural sitting of the budget session of the 90-member House, governor reminded the MLAs that the trust reposed in them by their constituents must be translated into meaningful outcomes. He expressed confidence that the deliberations will be constructive and yield consensus driven decisions. "I look forward to this House taking some historic decisions in the interest of Haryana through dialogue and consensus especially in this budget session," Ghosh said in his maiden address in English to the Haryana assembly that lasted about 30 minutes. Coinciding with the House proceedings that began with the national song "Vande Mataram", the governor said that the national song, which has completed 150 glorious years, represents "the call of India's soul" and reflects collective devotion to the nation. He said when Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed Vande Mataram in 1975, India was shackled by the chains of slavery. But this song quickly became a beacon of hope in the darkness of slavery. "It ignited the flame of patriotism in the hearts of the millions of our people and united them for participating in the freedom struggle. Every word of 'Vande Mataram' evokes a feeling of reverence, respect, and devotion towards the motherland," Ghosh said. Highlighting governance priorities, Ghosh said the government policies are aimed at improving the lives of the poor, increasing farmers' income, generating employment and ensuring safety and dignity for women. "As I present before you the policies, achievements and future direction of my government, I firmly believe that Haryana's greatest strength lies in its people-their hard work, integrity and patriotism," he said, expressing optimism that deliberations in this session will be constructive. On environmental measures, he said incentives worth Rs.461.75 crore provided to 5.54 lakh farmers have led to a 52.9% reduction in stubble burning incidents in 2025. The number of such incidents has declined from 6,987 in 2021 to 662 in 2025, he said. On the economic front, he said the government has made a strong case before the 16th Central Finance Commission for a higher share in tax devolution, citing Haryana's contribution to GDP and GST collections. "This House is the voice of the people, and it is the government's responsibility to translate that voice into results with sincerity and sensitivity," he said, hoping that deliberations in this session will be constructive....