Phagwara (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday urged the people of Punjab to work together to make the state drug-free and rebuild it as a prosperous and culturally vibrant region. Addressing the Shri Vishwakarma Puja Mahotsav in Phagwara as the chief guest, he also took a dig at the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, questioning why the state could not implement initiatives similar to those in Haryana.
“Punjab is our elder brother. What can happen in Haryana, why can’t it happen in Punjab? It is absolutely possible. What is needed is the right intention, policies and commitment towards the people,” Saini said.
He alleged that the Punjab Chief Minister was trying to mislead people through jokes instead of fulfilling election promises. Saini also called on residents to take a collective pledge to bring about change in the state.
Saini highlights Haryana’s welfare schemes
During his address, the Haryana Chief Minister cited initiatives undertaken by his government in healthcare, education, skill development and workers’ welfare.
Speaking about healthcare, he said poor patients were being provided free dialysis at government hospitals across Haryana. He also described Haryana as the first state in the country to formulate a rehabilitation policy for workers suffering from silicosis.
Highlighting support for artisans, Saini referred to the Centre’s PM Vishwakarma scheme. He said beneficiaries receive training with a daily allowance 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 5%.
He added that the Haryana government had supplemented the central initiative through its Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Samman Yojana by providing an additional Rs 5,000. According to Saini, a four-year target under the initiative was achieved in two years, and 30 lakh artisans had joined the scheme so far.
Education loans and assistance for workers
Saini also spoke about educational support for children from backward classes. He said Haryana provides education loans of up to Rs 15 lakh for studies in India and Rs 20 lakh for studies abroad.
According to him, the loans carry an interest rate of 4% for boys and 3.5% for girls.
On workers’ welfare, he said families of labourers who die in workplace accidents are eligible for financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh. He also cited reservation provisions for Backward Classes in panchayats and urban local bodies, stating that Backward Class-A has 8% reservation and Backward Class-B has 5%.
Saini further said the creamy layer income limit had been increased from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.
Calls for a drug-free Punjab by 2029
Taking aim at the Punjab government’s record, Saini cited Haryana’s Ladli Yojana, Chirayu Yojana and sports policy as examples of initiatives that could be considered in Punjab.
He said the state could become drug-free by 2029 if its people collectively resolved to bring about change. He also referred to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Punjab in connection with the target.
Emphasising the need to protect young people from substance abuse, Saini said both the government and society had a responsibility to prevent drug addiction. He referred to awareness programmes and runs organised in Haryana and stressed strict action against those involved in drug trafficking.
He also raised concerns over unemployment, law and order and the situation of young people in Punjab, saying collective efforts were needed to safeguard the future of the next generation.
Saini offers prayers at 116-year-old Vishwakarma temple
Earlier, Saini paid obeisance to Lord Vishwakarma at the 116-year-old historic temple in Phagwara and extended greetings on the occasions of Govardhan Puja and Vishwakarma Puja.
Drawing a parallel between Lord Krishna and Lord Vishwakarma, he said Krishna protected society by lifting Govardhan mountain, while Vishwakarma created a home for society by building Dwarka. He described protection and creation as two defining elements of Indian culture.
He also appreciated the welfare activities being carried out by the temple committee.
Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, former Union ministers Vijay Sampla and Som Parkash, and office-bearers of the Shri Vishwakarma Temple Committee, including president Pradeep Dhiman, were among those present at the event.
