Haryana Moving Ahead in Development, Employment and Public Welfare; Punjab Also Needs Transparent and Development-Oriented Government: CM Nayab Singh Saini

PM Narendra Modi Has Given New Direction to the Country; Light ‘Ashirwad ka Diya’ on September 17 and Pray for His Long Life: Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, September 16: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing a public meeting organised at Goluka village in Ferozepur district of Punjab on Wednesday, said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has given a new direction to the country and accelerated the pace of development. From decisive action against terrorism to development and public welfare, the Central Government has taken several important steps in the national interest.

He said that the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan would begin across the country from September 17. To take forward the spirit of service and dedication of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi among the people, everyone should light an ‘Ashirwad ka Diya’ at their homes between 6 pm and 7 pm on September 17 and pray for the long life of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi.

On the occasion, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini paid tributes to Shaheed Udham Singh and said that the land of Punjab has given numerous brave sons who fought for the country's independence. The sacrifice of great revolutionaries like Shaheed Udham Singh will always be remembered by the nation. He said that even today, society and the nation need patriots who are dedicated to working for the national interest, society and humanity. He also paid his respects to the parents of Shaheed Udham Singh.

The Chief Minister said that he had the privilege of paying obeisance at Dera Baba Ram Thaman Ji Maharaj and receiving his blessings. The great tradition of Baba Ram Thaman Ji Maharaj has always carried forward the message of service, harmony and humanity.

*Highlights Haryana’s Transparent Governance and Development*

The Chief Minister said that the people of Punjab are hardworking, talented and self-respecting. Referring to the development of Punjab, he said that the people of the state need a government that focuses on providing development and employment opportunities with transparency.

Referring to Haryana, he said that more than 2 lakh government jobs have been provided in the state over the last nearly 12 years. A policy of providing employment to youth without ‘parchi-kharchi’ and with complete transparency is being followed. Taking a dig at the Punjab Government, he said that big promises had been made regarding employment for youth in Punjab. The government should now tell how many youths have been provided employment. He alleged that complaints have emerged regarding relatives and close associates of the Chief Minister and legislators benefiting from government jobs in Punjab, whereas the recruitment process in Haryana is being conducted on the basis of merit and transparency.

*MSP Procurement and Timely Payments to Farmers*

The Chief Minister said that procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is being ensured in Haryana in the interest of farmers. Arrangements have been made to ensure that farmers receive payment for their produce within 48 to 72 hours. He said that farmers are provided compensation in case of crop damage due to natural calamities, while financial security is also being provided through the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana.

*Emphasis on Strict Action Against Drugs and Guiding Youth in the Right Direction*

The Chief Minister said that the problem of drugs remains serious in Punjab. He said complaints have emerged of action being taken against those who raise their voice against drugs, whereas the government should take strict action against those involved in selling drugs. He said that Haryana has constituted a task force against drugs and strict action is being taken against drug peddlers. Properties worth crores of rupees belonging to drug traffickers have been seized. Marathons and awareness programmes are also being organised to keep youth away from drugs.

*Benefits of Government Schemes Reaching Public*

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government has taken steps towards fulfilling the promises made in its Sankalp Patra. Under the Lado Lakshmi Yojana, assistance of ₹2,100 is being provided to women. The promise of providing LPG cylinders at ₹500 has also been fulfilled.

He said that under the Ayushman Chirayu Yojana, cards have been issued to around 1.5 crore people in the state, providing treatment facilities up to ₹5 lakh. So far, around 40 lakh people have benefited from the scheme.

He said that along with providing employment opportunities to youth, action has also been taken against fraud in the name of sending people abroad and the ‘dunki route’. The Department of Foreign Cooperation has been established to facilitate safe and legal migration for youth aspiring to go abroad.

The Chief Minister said that Haryana’s youth are bringing laurels to the country in sports and winning medals consistently. Punjab has also produced a large number of talented sportspersons. He said that providing Punjab’s youth with the right direction, employment opportunities and a drug-free environment is the need of the hour.