Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday attended the state-level Chhath Mahotsav organised in Yamunanagar as the Chief Guest. On the occasion, he extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of the state, particularly those belonging to Purvanchal, on the auspicious occasion of Chhath Mahaparv. He prayed that the blessings of Chhathi Maiya remain upon everyone and that their lives be filled with happiness, prosperity and well-being. The Chief Minister also performed puja at the ghat and sought the blessings of Chhathi Maiya.
The Chief Minister said that people had gathered on the sacred land of Maa Yamuna to seek the blessings of Chhathi Maiya. This wonderful confluence of nature and culture connects us more strongly with our roots. He said he had come to honour a great tradition that people from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh have made an integral part of Haryana’s cultural heritage through their faith and hard work.
He said that Chhath Puja also has a connection with the land of Haryana. According to a popular belief, the festival originated during the Mahabharata era, when Karna, the son of Surya, began worshipping the Sun God in Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra. Thus, the festival is also deeply connected with our historical, religious and cultural traditions.
Facilities for Chhath Puja being developed across the state
The Chief Minister said that respecting the faith and traditions of people from Purvanchal and safeguarding their interests is the responsibility of the state government. In keeping with this commitment, the government is developing necessary facilities for the organisation of Chhath Puja.
He informed that a bathing ghat has been constructed in Karnal at a cost of Rs. 4.48 crore. A ghat has also been constructed on the opposite bank of the canal under the Smart City Project. Besides, a dedicated ghat for Chhath Puja has been developed in Panchkula. Ghats have also been constructed in Panipat and Sonipat.
Government committed to the welfare of workers
The Chief Minister said that hardworking and dedicated people from Purvanchal are making significant contributions to strengthening the country’s economy through their hard work, commitment and dedication across different states. Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has also described Chhath as a national festival, reflecting its wider cultural and social significance.
He said that the Haryana Government is continuously working for the welfare, dignity and social security of workers. During the last 12 years, an amount of Rs. 3,931 crore has been spent on the welfare of construction workers. In addition, the Haryana Labour Welfare Board has spent more than Rs. 1,000 crore on various worker welfare initiatives.
The Chief Minister said that under the Kanyadaan Yojana, financial assistance of Rs. 1.01 lakh is being provided for the marriages of daughters of workers’ families. The government has also increased the wage eligibility limit to bring more workers from the industrial and organised sectors within the ambit of various welfare schemes, enabling them to avail of their benefits.
He further informed that a Direct Financial Assistance Scheme has also been implemented to help workers realise their dream of owning a house. Eligible construction workers under the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme are provided financial assistance of up to Rs. 2.50 lakh directly for house construction.
The Chief Minister assured that the state government would continue to make every possible effort to ensure the safety, protection, dignity and empowerment of workers and their families. He said that the government’s objective is to bring every section of society into the mainstream of development and improve their quality of life.
Agriculture Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, MLA Sh. Ghanshyam Dass, former Minister Sh. Kanwar Pal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
