Kurukshetra: Haryana chief minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said that inspired by the ideals of equality, social harmony and social justice propounded by Sant Guru Ravidas Ji, both the Central and the Haryana governments are firmly committed to Antyodaya—the upliftment of the poorest and most deprived sections of society.Addressing the state-level function organised on the occasion of the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji at Umri in Kurukshetra, the CM announced that Guru Ravidas Dham will be constructed on five acres of land at Umri at a cost of Rs 124 crore. He said that tenders worth Rs 90 crore for the first phase of the project have already been issued.The CM also announced that a policy will be framed to grant ownership rights to Scheduled Caste (SC) families who have been residing at one place for the last 20 years. He further said that provisions will be brought in the Budget Session to ensure that funds under the SC Component Plan are utilised exclusively for the welfare of the SC community. A policy providing concessions through HSIIDC for industrial and commercial use will also be introduced.CM Saini said that suggestions are invited regarding promotions in Group A and B posts for Scheduled Castes and criteria related to the creamy layer, which are to be finalised by March 31, 2026. He assured that the government would make sincere efforts to address these demands based on the suggestions received.Earlier, CM Saini paid floral tributes to Sant Guru Ravidas Ji’s portrait. Haryana development and panchayat minister Krishan Lal Panwar honoured him by presenting a turban, memento and shawl. The CM also honoured saints from the community present at the programme.Recalling the life and teachings of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji, CM Saini said that the saint was born around 648 years ago on the auspicious day of Magh Purnima in the holy city of Kashi. He described Guru Ravidas Ji as a timeless guide for humanity, whose teachings, values and messages remain eternal. Through simple and practical language in his devotional compositions, Sant Ravidas Ji conveyed profound ideas to the common people and played a historic role in social reform through the Bhakti movement by challenging caste discrimination and social evils, said CM Saini.The CM said that Sant Guru Ravidas Ji envisioned a society where everyone had access to food, dignity and equal opportunities. He said this vision has been reflected in 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 the upliftment of every section of society.Highlighting welfare initiatives, CM Saini said that the Haryana State Scheduled Castes Commission has been constituted to protect the rights and welfare of Scheduled Castes, and 20% reservation has been provided in Class I and II posts. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 1.56 lakh houses have been provided, while over 27,000 poor families have been allotted plots under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme. Ownership rights have also been granted to occupants of houses built on panchayat land up to 500 square yards.Under the Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu scheme, free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh has been provided, benefiting around 27 lakh people so far. Free dialysis services have been started in all government hospitals and medical colleges for kidney patients. Scholarships are also being provided to children of sanitation and hazardous workers.The Chief Minister said that under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, financial assistance of up to Rs 71,000 has been provided for the marriage of 2.60 lakh daughters from poor Scheduled Caste families. Under the Deendayal Lado Laxmi Yojana, eligible women are being given Rs 2,100 per month, with over Rs 441 crore disbursed to more than 8.63 lakh beneficiaries so far.Under the Ambedkar Awas Renovation Scheme, Rs 80,000 is being provided for house repairs to eligible families, with Rs 416 crore given to 76,985 beneficiaries to date. He also said that under the Chief Minister Social Harmony Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme, a grant of Rs 2.5 lakh is being provided to newlywed couples, benefiting over 6,100 couples in the last five years.Several ministers, legislators, senior officials and prominent personalities, including cabinet ministers Krishan Bedi and Shyam Singh Rana, chief whip Ram Kumar Kashyap, MLAs, district administration officers and representatives of social organisations, were present on the occasion.EndsBox•Guru Ravidas Dham will be constructed on five acres of land at Umri in Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs 124 crore; tenders worth Rs 90 crore for the works have been issued•Ownership rights will be granted through a policy to Scheduled Caste families who have been residing at one place for the past 20 years•Provisions will be brought in the Budget Session to ensure that funds under the SC Component Plan are utilised exclusively for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community Go to Source
