Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced financial assistance of Rs 21 lakh for Namdev Bhawan in Chandigarh on Sunday while addressing a gathering marking the 756th Prakash Utsav of Sant Namdev Ji Maharaj. The event, held at Namdev Bhawan in Sector 21, also saw the chief minister speak about the welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and raise concerns over Punjab’s drug problem.
Saini said Sant Namdev Ji’s teachings promote brotherhood, equality, humanity and respect for labour. He emphasised that the teachings of saints and spiritual leaders extend beyond any particular caste or community and can help build a more inclusive society.
Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa was also present at the event. Saini assured the Haryana Namdev Sabha that the demands submitted by its state president and former Backward Classes Commission chairman Satbir Verma would be considered positively.
What Did Nayab Singh Saini Say About Sant Namdev Ji?
The chief minister highlighted Sant Namdev Ji’s emphasis on devotion, service to humanity and dignity of labour. He also noted that the saint’s compositions are included in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Saini said the Haryana government had been organising official celebrations of the birth anniversaries of several saints and historical figures, including Guru Ravidas Ji, Bhagwan Valmiki Ji, Bhagwan Vishwakarma Ji, Bhagwan Parshuram Ji and Bhagat Dhanna Jat. The initiative, he said, aims to familiarise younger generations with their teachings and cultural contributions.
Referring to the state government’s performance, Saini said 70 promises had been fulfilled during its two-year tenure, while work on another 143 remained underway. These figures were cited by the chief minister during his address.
What OBC Welfare Measures Did Saini Highlight?
Saini outlined measures aimed at improving opportunities for backward communities in education, employment and political representation. He referred to the constitutional status granted to the National Commission for Backward Classes and OBC reservation provisions in central educational institutions and medical education.
For Haryana, he said the income limit for the creamy layer among backward classes had been increased from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. He also highlighted provisions for 27 per cent reservation for OBCs in government jobs and representation for the BC-A category in local bodies.
The chief minister additionally referred to initiatives for Agniveers seeking government employment, women’s economic empowerment and the provision of LPG cylinders at Rs 500 to eligible families.
He urged young people to pursue education, skill development and entrepreneurship, saying that expanding access to these opportunities was important for the state’s progress.
Why Did Saini Target Punjab Over Drugs?
Saini described drug abuse as a serious concern in Punjab and said the issue required concrete action rather than political point-scoring. He argued that protecting young people from addiction was a shared responsibility of governments and society.
Referring to awareness initiatives in Haryana, including programmes and running events, he stressed the need for action against people involved in drug trafficking. He also raised concerns about unemployment and law and order in Punjab, framing these issues as challenges affecting the future of young people.
Gangwa echoed the concern in his address, saying social organisations and groups associated with the teachings of saints should actively contribute to efforts against drug abuse. He said the problem could have wider consequences for society if the next generation was not protected.
The remarks reflected the Haryana leaders’ criticism of the situation in Punjab. The statements made at the event represented their assessment of the issue.
What Did Saini Say About Investment And Jobs?
The chief minister also referred to his recent visit to Sweden, stating that an understanding had been reached regarding investment of around Rs 4,000 crore in Haryana. He said the proposed investment could support industrial activity and create employment opportunities for young people.
Saini reiterated that education, skills and jobs remained important areas of focus for the state government.
What Demands Did The Namdev Sabha Raise?
During the programme, Satbir Verma presented a memorandum outlining demands concerning the Namdev community, particularly in Punjab. These included recommending the formation of a board to promote traditional occupations such as tailoring, embroidery and weaving, along the lines of a similar initiative in Madhya Pradesh.
The memorandum also called for the restoration of Sant Namdev Peeth at a university in Amritsar and for government institutions in Punjab to be named after Sant Namdev Ji Maharaj.
Verma thanked Saini for attending the celebration for the third consecutive year and said the community hoped its demands would receive consideration.
The programme was attended by BJP leader Sanjay Tandon, Tank Kshatriya Sabha president Om Prakash Garcha and other representatives of the Namdev community and social organisations.
