Chandigarh, September 3:- Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini today paid obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Qatalgarh Sahib in Chamkaur Sahib, Punjab, and bowed his head at the feet of the Guru, praying for the happiness and prosperity of the people of the state and for strengthening mutual brotherhood between Haryana and Punjab. He also announced a grant of Rs. 21 lakh for the construction of a historic gateway in the name of Amar Shaheed Bibi Sharan Kaur.
Addressing the Sangat, the Chief Minister said that the opportunity to bow his head at the feet of the Guru at the sacred land of Gurdwara Sri Qatalgarh Sahib was an extremely emotional and proud moment for him. The land of Chamkaur Sahib is a living school of sacrifice, martyrdom, honour, service, courage and unparalleled spiritual strength. This sacred place is associated with the great sacrifice of Baba Ajit Singh Ji and Baba Jujhar Singh Ji, the elder Sahibzadas of the Tenth Patshah, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj. In the cold December night of 1704, after the martyrdom of the Sahibzadas, the courage and spirit of service with which Bibi Sharan Kaur performed their last rites is an example of the unparalleled dedication of that great woman warrior, which history can never forget.
The Chief Minister said that the example of Bibi Sharan Kaur teaches us that women have never lagged behind anyone in service and courage. We learn from our great Gurus and ancestors that we should inspire our children not only to become successful but also to become cultured and value-based individuals. The lives of the Gurus inspire us to think about what kind of legacy we wish to leave for future generations.
The Chief Minister said that the Central and Haryana Governments are today following the same path shown to us by our great Gurus. On the occasion of the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Haryana Government, through various programmes organised for a month, took his teachings to every household and paid tribute to his martyrdom. A grand event was organised in Kurukshetra in this regard, which Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also attended, paying obeisance and launching a commemorative coin and a coffee-table book in memory of Guru Ji. The government is constructing a Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs. 100 crore so that the message and teachings of the Gurus can be conveyed to the people at large.
Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that today there is a need for all of us to resolve to take the country forward, fulfil the dream of a developed India and strengthen the hands of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said that the Prime Minister is working day and night with great dedication to take the country to new heights, and we should extend our support to him in this endeavour.
Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini elaborated on how the lives of common people have improved after the BJP government was formed in Haryana. He said that out of the 217 resolutions made before the elections, 70 announcements have already been fulfilled within one and a half years. To fulfil the announcement of providing Rs. 2,100 per month to women in Haryana, a budget of Rs. 5,000 crore was allocated in the very first budget after the government was formed, out of which Rs. 2,000 crore has so far been transferred to the accounts of women.
He said that Haryana is the only state in the country to purchase all crops of farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP). The money reaches farmers’ accounts within 72 hours of crop procurement. If there is any delay due to any reason, farmers also receive interest on the amount. Similarly, the Haryana Government has launched the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana for farmers producing vegetables and fruits. Under this scheme, if the market price of a crop is lower, the government compensates for the difference. So far, Rs. 200 crore has been transferred to farmers’ accounts under this scheme. In Haryana, farmers have so far been provided financial assistance of Rs. 16,500 crore for crop damage.
The Chief Minister said that out of Haryana’s population of 3 crore, 1.5 crore people are benefiting from free treatment of up to Rs. 5 lakh per year under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. So far, the government has paid Rs. 4,500 crore for the treatment of 42 lakh people. Poor families no longer need to worry about the cost of treatment even in cases of serious illness. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has also extended the benefits of the scheme to all senior citizens above 70 years of age. The Haryana Government has also adopted this initiative and has so far paid Rs. 8 crore under the scheme. Similarly, families with an annual income of Rs. 1.80 lakh in Haryana are being provided gas cylinders for only Rs. 500.
Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that a generation that knows the history of its great personalities and martyrs cannot be diverted from its values and path by any force. Therefore, it is the duty of society to take the story of the valour and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas to the new generation and draw inspiration from the courage and spirit of service of Bibi Sharan Kaur. He called upon everyone to pay homage to the great sacrifice of the Sahibzadas and resolve to incorporate their courage, service and devotion to righteousness into their own lives. This would be the true tribute to the great Sahibzadas and Bibi Sharan Kaur.
On this occasion, Sant Baba Avtar Singh, Gurdwara founder Baba Karam Singh Raipur, Sardar Iqbal Singh Lalpura, District President S. Ajayveer Singh, Councillor Sarvjit Singh, Amarjit Saini, S. Tarsem Saini, Rajinder Singh Saini and Harjit Singh Longia of the Saini Mahasabha, along with a large number of dignitaries and women, were also present.