CM attends Basant Panchami programme, pays tribute to Chaudhary Chhotu Ram and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Chandigarh, January 23 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday announced a grant of ₹31 lakh for the International Jat Dharamshala in Kurukshetra, asserting that the ideals and struggles of Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram transformed the destiny of farmers and labourers in the country. He said the protection of agricultural land, dignity of farmers, and respect for workers formed the core principles of Chaudhary Chhotu Ram’s life, which continue to guide the policies of the present government.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering at the International Jat Dharamshala on the occasion of Basant Panchami. Earlier, Nayab Singh Saini, along with Geeta Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, and Member of Parliament Subhash Barala, offered floral tributes at the statue of Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram. They also paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced a ₹31 lakh grant for the Dharamshala, while MP Subhash Barala announced an additional grant of ₹21 lakh.
Extending greetings to the people of the state on Basant Panchami and the birth anniversary of Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram, the Chief Minister described his life as a remarkable blend of courage, compassion, struggle, and service. He said Chhotu Ram was not just an individual but an idea, a movement, and a lifelong commitment dedicated to safeguarding the rights of farmers, labourers, and marginalised sections of society. He stood firmly against injustice at a time when power and resources were concentrated in a few hands.
The Chief Minister emphasised that India cannot become strong unless its farmers are empowered, a belief that guided Chaudhary Chhotu Ram throughout his life. Due to his relentless struggle, landmark policies and laws were framed to protect indebted farmers from exploitation by moneylenders. His fight, the Chief Minister said, was against injustice and not against any particular community, which is why his name is remembered with respect and gratitude even today.
Highlighting the initiatives taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nayab Singh Saini said the Union and state governments have implemented several schemes inspired by Chhotu Ram’s ideals to ensure farmers’ welfare and empowerment. He said all 24 crops are now being procured at Minimum Support Price. Crop purchase payments amounting to ₹1.64 crore have already been credited to the bank accounts of nearly 12 lakh farmers.
He further informed that over the past 11 years, farmers in Haryana have received ₹15,448 crore as compensation for crop damage. The Haryana Agricultural Land Lease Bill, 2024, has been passed to strengthen trust between tenant farmers and landowners. Initiatives such as the ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora’ portal have been launched to make procurement processes more convenient.
The Chief Minister added that the government abolished the colonial-era irrigation tax and waived outstanding dues of ₹133 crore. Asia’s largest modern apple, fruit, and vegetable market has been established at Pinjore. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, ₹7,233 crore has been transferred to more than 20.18 lakh eligible farmer families at an annual rate of ₹6,000. Farmers have also received ₹1,285 crore under the market price difference scheme, while ₹167 crore has been provided under crop diversification and water conservation initiatives.
