Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini delivered significant announcements regarding welfare initiatives for Scheduled Castes and the construction of a major religious site during the state-level function commemorating the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji in Kurukshetra on Saturday.
Major Announcements for Scheduled Caste Welfare
Addressing the gathering at Umri in Kurukshetra, CM Saini revealed that the Haryana government will construct Guru Ravidas Dham on five acres of land at Umri with an estimated cost of Rs 124 crore. The Chief Minister confirmed that tenders worth Rs 90 crore for the first phase of this ambitious project have already been issued, marking substantial progress toward realizing this spiritual and cultural center.
New Policies for SC Community
The Chief Minister outlined several groundbreaking policies aimed at empowering Scheduled Caste communities across Haryana. A new policy will grant ownership rights to SC families who have been residing at one location for the past two decades, providing long-term security and stability to marginalized households.
Furthermore, CM Saini announced that provisions will be introduced during the upcoming Budget Session to ensure exclusive utilization of funds under the SC Component Plan specifically for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community. This move aims to prevent diversion of allocated resources and guarantee targeted benefits.
Industrial and Employment Initiatives
The government will also implement a policy providing concessions through HSIIDC for industrial and commercial use, creating economic opportunities for SC entrepreneurs and businesses. Regarding employment, CM Saini invited suggestions concerning promotions in Group A and B posts for Scheduled Castes and criteria related to the creamy layer, with a deadline for finalization set for March 31, 2026.
Connecting Spiritual Legacy with Governance
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 traditional gifts including a turban, memento, and shawl. The Chief Minister also honored saints from the community present at the event.
Reflecting on the spiritual leader's legacy, CM Saini described Sant Guru Ravidas Ji as a timeless guide for humanity whose teachings remain eternally relevant. He highlighted how the saint, born approximately 648 years ago on Magh Purnima in Kashi, used simple devotional compositions to convey profound ideas and played a historic role in social reform through the Bhakti movement by challenging caste discrimination and social evils.
Vision of Social Justice
The Chief Minister 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 for uplifting every section of society.
Existing Welfare Schemes Highlighted
CM Saini detailed numerous welfare initiatives already benefiting Haryana's citizens. The Haryana State Scheduled Castes Commission has been constituted to protect SC rights and welfare, with 20% reservation provided in Class I and II government posts.
Housing and Healthcare Benefits
Under housing schemes, 1.56 lakh houses have been provided through Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while over 27,000 poor families have received plots under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme. Ownership rights have been granted to occupants of houses built on panchayat land up to 500 square yards.
Healthcare initiatives include the Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu scheme providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, benefiting approximately 27 lakh people. Free dialysis services have been initiated in all government hospitals and medical colleges for kidney patients, and scholarships are being provided to children of sanitation and hazardous workers.
Financial Assistance Programs
The Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana has provided financial assistance up to Rs 71,000 for marriages of 2.60 lakh daughters from poor SC families. Under the Deendayal Lado Laxmi Yojana, eligible women receive Rs 2,100 monthly, with over Rs 441 crore disbursed to more than 8.63 lakh beneficiaries.
Additionally, the Ambedkar Awas Renovation Scheme offers Rs 80,000 for house repairs to eligible families, with Rs 416 crore distributed to 76,985 beneficiaries. The Chief Minister Social Harmony Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme provides grants of Rs 2.5 lakh to newlywed couples, benefiting over 6,100 couples in the past five years.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event witnessed participation from several ministers, legislators, senior officials, and prominent personalities. Notable attendees included cabinet ministers Krishan Bedi and Shyam Singh Rana, chief whip Ram Kumar Kashyap, various MLAs, district administration officers, and representatives of social organizations, demonstrating broad support for these welfare initiatives.
CM Saini concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to Antyodaya—the upliftment of the poorest and most deprived sections—inspired by Sant Guru Ravidas Ji's ideals of equality, social harmony, and social justice, with both Central and Haryana governments working in tandem toward these goals.
