Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reaffirmed the commitment of both the central and state governments to the principle of 'Antyodaya', inspired by the ideals of equality, harmony, and social justice as preached by Guru Ravidas. This commitment was highlighted during the state-level function marking the 649th birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas at Umri in Kurukshetra. The event was organized under the state government's Sant Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prachar Prasar Yojana.
During his address, CM Saini announced several welfare initiatives aimed at empowering the Scheduled Castes. A key announcement was the construction of a grand Guru Ravidas Dham on five acres of land in Umri, with an estimated cost of Rs 124 crore. Tenders worth Rs 90 crore have already been issued for the first phase of the project.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the teachings of Guru Ravidas are timeless and continue to guide public policy. He urged the public to prioritize education and work together to eliminate caste discrimination, social inequality, and communal divisions, stating that this would be the most fitting tribute to Guru Ravidas.
In addition to the Guru Ravidas Dham, CM Saini announced that the state government will formulate a policy to grant ownership rights to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families residing at a single location for over 20 years. Furthermore, statutory provisions will be introduced during the Budget Session to ensure that funds allocated under the Scheduled Caste Component Plan are exclusively used for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community.
Several existing schemes contribute to the Antyodaya mission in Haryana. Under the Dr Ambedkar Medhavi Chhatra Yojana, Scheduled Caste students receive annual scholarships ranging from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000 after matriculation. Students from families with an annual income up to Rs 2.5 lakh are also provided free coaching up to two times through private institutions for competitive and entrance examinations. The Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme offers educational assistance ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 13,500 per year, covering mandatory non-refundable fees. Haryana also provides financial assistance of ₹21,000 for the marriage of each dependent daughter of war-disabled ex-servicemen whose disability has been assessed above 50%, for up to two daughters who are at least 18 years old.
Housing initiatives are also a key component, with 1.56 lakh houses provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Over 27,000 poor families in rural and urban areas have been allotted plots under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, addressing the program virtually, described Guru Ravidas as a social reformer and philosopher who rejected caste-based divisions and emphasized moral strength and human values.
The Haryana government is also taking steps to safeguard the rights and welfare of Scheduled Castes through the Haryana State Scheduled Castes Commission, and has provided 20 percent reservation in Group A and B posts.
These initiatives are part of the broader Sant Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prachar Prasar Yojana, through which the government is disseminating the messages of saints to the masses by organizing their birth anniversaries at the state level. CM Saini has emphasized that the government is committed to following Guru Ravidas Ji's principles of equality, harmony and social justice.
