Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday announced financial assistance of ₹31 lakh for the construction of a Valmiki hostel in Hisar, reaffirming the state government's commitment to the welfare and educational advancement of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.
Addressing the state-level Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti program organised at Sant Kabir Kutir under the Sant Mahapurush Vichar-Prasar Yojana, the Chief Minister said the state government was providing scholarships, coaching for competitive examinations and hostel facilities to SC students to help them pursue education and career opportunities.
He highlighted that 604 candidates from the Valmiki community had been selected in the recent police recruitment drive, describing it as a sign of the community's progress. Saini also promised to visit Hisar soon to perform the bhoomi pujan ceremony for the proposed hostel.
Chief Minister said the government had decided to organise this year's program at Sant Kabir Kutir and would make efforts to hold the event on a larger scale next year. He added that the teachings and ideals of Maharishi Valmiki were reflected in the government's policies, programmes and decisions.
Emphasising the values of compassion, self-respect and humanity taught by Maharishi Valmiki, Saini said these principles served as a foundation for the government's work.
Sharing details of initiatives for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and the protection of their rights, Saini said the Haryana State Commission for Scheduled Castes and the Haryana State Safai Karamchari Commission had been established.
He added that government schemes were being designed with a focus on the dignity, self-respect and capabilities of the community. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, efforts were being made to provide houses to needy families. The government had also taken steps to provide plots to families who lacked land on which to construct homes.
Panchayat and Development Minister Krishan Lal Panwar praised the Chief Minister's approach, saying he was working to take all 36 communities along and honouring saints and prominent spiritual figures by organising their birth anniversaries at the state level.
Several dignitaries also addressed the gathering, including MLA Kapoor Singh Valmiki, Mayor Shyam Lal Bansal, former minister Vishambar Valmiki, Safai Karamchari Commission Chairman Ishwar Singh Palaka and former Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta.
The programme focused on Maharishi Valmiki's teachings and the importance of education, social dignity and equal opportunities for the Scheduled Caste community.
