Let’s Join Hands to Rebuild Punjab as a Prosperous and Glorious State: CM Nayab Singh Saini

CM Calls upon people to make Punjab drug-free and rebuild it as a progressive state at Shri Vishwakarma Pooja Mahotsav in Phagwara

CM extends greetings on Govardhan Puja and Shri Vishwakarma Puja

Chandigarh,

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini called upon the people of Punjab to join hands in making the state drug-free and rebuild it as a prosperous and glorious state like a skilled craftsman. The Chief Minister was addressing the Shri Vishwakarma Pooja Mahotsav programme as the chief guest in Phagwara, Punjab, on Monday.

MP Sh. Ashok Mittal, former Union Ministers Sh. Vijay Sampla and Sh. Som Parkash, President of the Shiromani Shri Vishwakarma Mandir Committee Sh. Pradeep Dhiman, Vice-President Sh. Surinder Dhiman, Gurmakh Singh Namdhari and other distinguished personalities were present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini paid obeisance at the feet of Bhagwan Shri Vishwakarma at the 116-year-old historic temple and extended greetings on Govardhan Puja and Bhagwan Vishwakarma Puja. He said that Lord Shri Krishna protected society by lifting Govardhan Parvat, while Bhagwan Vishwakarma provided society with a home by establishing Dwarka. One protected society, while the other created it. Protection and creation together represent the essence of Indian culture. He also appreciated the welfare activities being undertaken by the temple committee.

Sh. Saini elaborated on the improvements made by the Haryana Government in the healthcare sector and said that free dialysis facilities are being provided to poor patients in government hospitals across the state. Haryana has also become the first state in the country to formulate a rehabilitation policy for workers suffering from silicosis.

The Chief Minister said that when a poor artisan approaches a bank for a loan, his skill is often the only asset he can offer as a guarantee. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, through the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, has made this very skill the guarantee. Under the scheme, beneficiaries are provided training along with a daily stipend of Rs. 500, toolkits worth up to Rs. 15,000 and collateral-free loans of up to Rs. 3 lakh at an interest rate of just 5 per cent.

He further informed that the Haryana Government has added Rs. 5,000 from its own resources under the Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Samman Yojana. The four-year target of the scheme was achieved within two years, and so far, 30 lakh artisans have joined the scheme.

Describing children's education as the foundation of the country's future, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government has made provisions for education loans of up to Rs. 15 lakh for children from Backward Classes to pursue studies in India and up to Rs. 20 lakh for studies abroad. Loans are being provided at an interest rate of just 4 per cent for boys and 3.5 per cent for girls.

He further said that in the event of a worker's death due to an accident during work, financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh is provided to the dependents. By providing 8 per cent reservation to Backward Class-A and 5 per cent to Backward Class-B in Panchayats and urban local bodies, the state government has ensured their representation in decision-making positions. The income limit for the creamy layer has also been increased from Rs. 6 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh.

Taking a dig at the present government in Punjab, the Haryana Chief Minister said that Punjab is like an elder brother to Haryana. He asked, "If something can be achieved in Haryana, why can't it be achieved in Punjab? It is certainly possible. What is needed is the right intention, the right policy and dedication towards the people." However, he said, the Chief Minister of Punjab was trying to mislead people through jokes rather than fulfilling the promises made during the elections.

Citing the examples of the Haryana Government's Ladli Yojana, Chirayu Yojana and sports policy, he said that if the people of Punjab resolve to bring about a new transformation in the forthcoming elections, the state can be made drug-free by 2029, as stated by Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah during his recent visit to Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that protecting youth from drug abuse is the responsibility of both the government and society. Referring to awareness programmes and events such as runs organised in Haryana to sensitise young people, he stressed that strict action must be taken against those involved in drug trafficking. He also expressed concern over unemployment, law and order and the condition of youth in Punjab, emphasising that collective efforts are essential to secure the future of the coming generations.