Saini Urges Citizens to Rise Above Casteism, Follow Kabir’s Teachings
Chandigarh, June 11 — On the occasion of Saint Kabir Jayanti, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a ₹2,100 monthly salary increase for sanitation workers, along with the creation of new drug de-addiction centres. Addressing a state-level function in Sirsa, Saini declared a 100-bed de-addiction facility at the under-construction Sant Sarsai Nath Medical College in Sirsa, a new 30-bed centre in Ellenabad, and an upgrade of the existing Dabwali centre from 10 to 30 beds.
The Chief Minister also committed ₹31 lakh to the welfare of sanitation workers and reiterated the government’s pledge to increase their monthly salaries to ₹26,000 in a phased manner over five years, as promised in the party manifesto.
Emphasizing the timeless relevance of Kabir’s philosophy, Saini said that his teachings were a guiding light for societal reform, especially at a time when superstition and caste discrimination were rampant. He appealed to all citizens to adopt Kabir’s message in their lives and contribute to nation-building by transcending caste-based divisions.
He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in embodying Kabir’s ideals, crediting him with transformative decisions like the abrogation of Article 370, triple talaq abolition, and pro-poor welfare programs. He noted that Haryana’s own governance under the PM’s vision has followed the principles of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.”
Saini reiterated that the core philosophy of his government is “Antyodaya”—uplifting the last person in line—aligning perfectly with Kabir’s values. He cited the recent Supreme Court ruling on reserved category rights, saying the state acted promptly to implement provisions benefitting the Denotified Scheduled Caste (DSC) community.
To protect sanitation workers, Saini mentioned the formation of the Haryana State Sanitation Workers Commission, which ensures safety and dignity at work. Provisions include ₹5 lakh compensation in case of death during duty, and ₹10 lakh for deaths in sewer-related incidents. Over 5,000 contract-based sanitation workers have been brought onto municipal rolls for greater job security.
He also highlighted achievements under various schemes. Over 2.6 lakh Scheduled Caste women have received ₹71,000 each under the CM Vivah Shagun Yojana. Under the Ambedkar Housing Renovation Scheme, ₹80,000 has been disbursed to nearly 77,000 poor SC families for home repairs, amounting to ₹416 crore.
Minister for Social Justice Krishan Kumar Bedi praised the CM’s commitment to the DSC community, noting that the government implemented a Supreme Court order within a month—something previous governments had failed to do despite protests and memoranda. He called the celebration not just a birth anniversary, but a symbol of social transformation.
State BJP President Mohan Lal Kaushik emphasized that the current government is truly working in the spirit of Saint Kabir by empowering OBCs, the poor, and marginalized communities. He noted that the first decision of the current cabinet in its third term was focused on DSC welfare and promised future reforms in education, employment, and dignity.
Former MP Sunita Duggal, the event convener, stated that CM Saini has given identity and strength to long-marginalized communities. She credited him with working relentlessly for inclusive development, aligned with Kabir’s vision of humanity above caste.
The event was also attended by cabinet ministers Dr. Arvind Sharma and Ranbir Gangwa, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, MLAs Kapoor Valmiki and Randhir Panihar, Swami Swadesh Kabir, former ministers Anoop Dhanak and Devender Babli, and former MLA Dudaram.
