Haryana CM Unveils Major Initiatives for Scheduled Caste Welfare During Guru Ravidas Jayanti Celebrations
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday announced a comprehensive package of development initiatives and welfare policies for Scheduled Castes, emphasizing the government's commitment to Antyodaya—the upliftment of the poorest and most deprived sections of society. The announcements came during the state-level function organized to commemorate the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji at Umri in Kurukshetra.
Major Infrastructure Project: Guru Ravidas Dham
The Chief Minister revealed that Guru Ravidas Dham will be constructed on 5 acres of land at Umri in Kurukshetra at a substantial cost of Rs 124 crore. This spiritual and cultural complex represents a significant investment in honoring the legacy of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji. Saini confirmed that tenders worth Rs 90 crore for the first phase of this ambitious project have already been issued, indicating immediate progress toward realization.
Land Rights and Policy Reforms for Scheduled Castes
In a move aimed at providing security and dignity to marginalized communities, the CM announced that a new policy will be framed to grant ownership rights to Scheduled Caste families who have been residing in one place for the last 20 years. This initiative addresses long-standing concerns about housing security among SC communities.
Furthermore, Saini declared that provisions will be introduced during the upcoming Budget Session to ensure that funds under the SC Component Plan are utilized exclusively for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community, preventing diversion to other purposes.
Economic and Employment Initiatives
The government will also introduce a policy providing concessions through HSIIDC (Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation) for industrial and commercial use, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic participation among Scheduled Castes.
Regarding employment, the CM invited suggestions concerning promotions in Group A and B posts for Scheduled Castes and criteria related to the creamy layer. These recommendations are scheduled for finalization by March 31, 2026, with the government pledging sincere efforts to address these demands based on received feedback.
Tribute to Sant Guru Ravidas Ji's Legacy
Earlier in the program, CM Saini paid floral tributes to Sant Guru Ravidas Ji's portrait and was honored by Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar with a turban, memento, and shawl. The CM also honored saints from the community present at the event.
Recalling the life and teachings of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji, Saini noted that the saint was born approximately 648 years ago on the auspicious day of Magh Purnima in the holy city of Kashi. He described Guru Ravidas Ji as a timeless guide for humanity whose teachings remain eternally relevant.
Through simple and practical language in his devotional compositions, Sant Ravidas Ji conveyed profound ideas to common people and played a historic role in social reform through the Bhakti movement by challenging caste discrimination and social evils, the Chief Minister stated.
Connecting Spiritual Vision with Government Policy
Saini emphasized that Sant Guru Ravidas Ji envisioned a society where everyone had access to food, dignity, and equal opportunities. He connected this vision with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas, which the Haryana government is implementing through inclusive policies aimed at uplifting every section of society.
Overview of Existing Welfare Initiatives
The Chief Minister highlighted several ongoing welfare programs demonstrating the government's commitment to social justice:
- Haryana State Scheduled Castes Commission was constituted to protect SC rights and welfare, with 20% reservation provided in Class I and II posts.
- Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 1.56 lakh houses were provided, while over 27,000 poor families received plots under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme.
- Ownership rights were granted to occupants of houses built on panchayat land up to 500 square yards.
- Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu scheme provided free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting approximately 27 lakh people, with free dialysis services in all government hospitals.
- Scholarships are being provided to children of sanitation and hazardous workers.
- Under Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, financial assistance up to Rs 71,000 was provided for marriages of 2.60 lakh daughters from poor SC families.
- Deendayal Lado Laxmi Yojana provides eligible women Rs 2,100 monthly, with over Rs 441 crore disbursed to more than 8.63 lakh beneficiaries.
- Ambedkar Awas Renovation Scheme offers Rs 80,000 for house repairs to eligible families, with Rs 416 crore given to 76,985 beneficiaries.
- Chief Minister Social Harmony Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme provides Rs 2.5 lakh grants to newlywed couples, benefiting over 6,100 couples in five years.
Distinguished Gathering
The event was attended by several ministers, legislators, senior officials, and prominent personalities, including cabinet ministers Krishan Bedi and Shyam Singh Rana, Chief Whip Ram Kumar Kashyap, MLAs, district administration officers, and representatives of social organizations, reflecting broad-based support for these initiatives.
