Haryana Chief Minister Honors Jyotiba Phule, Announces Major Development Initiatives
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday reaffirmed the state government's unwavering commitment to constructing an educated, healthy, secure, and self-reliant Haryana, drawing inspiration from the profound ideals of social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.
Commemorating a Social Reformer's Legacy
Addressing a state-level function organized to mark Phule's birth anniversary in Babain, Kurukshetra, the Chief Minister emphasized that Phule's life and teachings continue to serve as a guiding light for efforts aimed at establishing a just and egalitarian society. The event was coordinated by the Saini Sabha Kurukshetra and also featured the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Savitribai Jyotiba Phule Group of Institutions.
Haryana Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana was present on the occasion, underscoring the government's collective dedication to honoring Phule's legacy.
Substantial Announcements for Local Development
During the function, CM Saini made several significant announcements aimed at bolstering education and infrastructure in the region:
- College of Nursing in Babain: The Chief Minister announced the establishment of a College of Nursing in Babain, fulfilling a long-pending demand of the local institution and enhancing healthcare education opportunities.
- Financial Grant: A generous grant of Rs 51 lakh was sanctioned from the CM's discretionary fund to the Saini Sabha, supporting their community initiatives.
- Road Widening Project: Approval was granted for widening the Mathana-Babain road from 5.5 metres to 7 metres at an estimated cost of Rs 13.38 crore, a move set to significantly strengthen local transportation infrastructure and improve connectivity.
Tribute to Phule's Revolutionary Contributions
In his address, Saini paid heartfelt tribute to Jyotiba Phule, describing his contributions as a "revolutionary force" in India's social history. He highlighted Phule's relentless fight against entrenched social evils such as caste discrimination, untouchability, child marriage, and illiteracy, with a particular focus on empowering women.
The Chief Minister noted that Phule, alongside his wife Savitribai Phule, established the country's first girls' school in Pune, marking a historic milestone in social reform through education.
Promoting Ideals Through Government Schemes
Saini explained that the state celebrates the birth anniversaries of saints and reformers under the 'Sant-Mahapurush Vichar Prasar evam Samman Yojana' to propagate their teachings among younger generations. Drawing parallels with contemporary governance, he stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is advancing the vision of inclusive development through the mantra 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas', which resonates with Phule's ideals.
The Chief Minister asserted that government schemes are meticulously designed to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person in society, leaving no one behind.
Governance Achievements and Welfare Measures
Highlighting the government's performance, Saini reported that out of 217 commitments made during the assembly elections, 62 have already been fulfilled, while work is progressing rapidly on the remaining 157. Key decisions and welfare measures implemented include:
- Increasing the creamy layer income limit for backward classes from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh annually.
- Providing LPG cylinders to poor women at Rs 500, with subsidies worth Rs 250 crore already disbursed.
- Introducing reservation for Backward Class-B in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
- Offering financial assistance of Rs 51,000 for the marriage of daughters from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
- Implementing 27% reservation in education and jobs for backward classes.
- Providing concessional education loans — up to Rs 15 lakh for studies in India and Rs 20 lakh for studies abroad at a reduced interest rate of 4%.
Education as a Tool for Social Transformation
Reaffirming the government's vision, Chief Minister Saini concluded that education remains the most powerful instrument for social transformation. The state is steadfastly committed to ensuring inclusive growth by empowering every section of society, thereby building a prosperous and equitable Haryana inspired by the enduring legacy of Jyotiba Phule.
