Haryana Government committed to Antyodaya inspired by Guru Ravidas’ Ideals of Equality and Social Justice- Nayab Singh Saini
Guru Ravidas Dham to be built at Umri, Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs. 124 crore; Tenders worth Rs. 90 crore floated-CM
5 Dariya News
Kurukshetra 31-Jan-2026
Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday announced that the state government will formulate a dedicated policy to grant ownership rights to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families who have been residing at a single location for over 20 years. He further said that statutory provisions will be introduced during the Budget Session to ensure that funds allocated under the Scheduled Caste Component Plan are used exclusively for the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community.
Addressing the state-level function marking the 649th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji at Umri in Kurukshetra organized under the state government’s Sant Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prachar Prasar Yojana, the Chief Minister said the government is firmly committed to the principles of equality, harmony and social justice preached by Guru Ravidas.
Responding to demands raised by the programme’s organiser, Development and Panchayats Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar, the Chief Minister announced that concessions would also be provided through a policy framework for industrial and commercial use under HSIDC. He said that suggestions should be submitted regarding promotion in Group A and B posts for Scheduled Caste employees and the determination of creamy layer criteria, which is to be finalised by March 31, 2026.
The government, he said, would make earnest efforts to address these demands based on the inputs received. Earlier, upon his arrival at the venue, the Chief Minister, paid floral tributes to the portrait of Sant Guru Ravidas Ji and sought blessings from saints present on the occasion. He was felicitated by Development & Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar with a turban, shawl and a memento.
Guru Ravidas Dham to be built at Umri, Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs. 124 crore; Tenders Worth Rs. 90 crore floated
The Chief Minister announced that a Guru Ravidas Dham will be constructed on five acres of land at Umri in Kurukshetra at a total cost of Rs. 124 crores. Tenders worth Rs. 90 crores have already been floated in the first phase of the project.
Guru Ravidas—A Guide for Humanity across ages
The Chief Minister said that Guru Ravidas Ji was a saint whose personality was as calm and radiant as the full moon. He said Guru Ravidas’ teachings, values and words are timeless and immortal, transcending eras.
He was not merely a saint of his time but a guide for humanity for all ages, the Chief Minister said, adding that through simple and practical language in his poetry, Guru Ravidas Ji conveyed profound ideas to the masses. He said that Guru Ravidas Ji played a courageous and historic role in social reform during the Bhakti movement, awakening a society entangled in caste divisions, superstition and discrimination.
Guru Ravidas Ji did not belong to any one caste or sect, he was a pathfinder for the entire human race, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. Elaborating on Guru Ravidas’ progressive vision, the Chief Minister said the saint envisioned a society where everyone had access to food, dignity and equal opportunities, free from distinctions of big and small.
He said these ideals find their true reflection in Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas.’
State-Level celebrations to preserve legacy of saints
The Chief Minister said that saints, sages and gurus have always guided humanity towards the true path of life, and their teachings are a shared heritage of mankind. Preserving and promoting this legacy, he said, is a collective responsibility. Under the Sant Mahapurush Samman evam Vichar Prachar Prasar Yojana, the Haryana Government is taking the message of saints to the masses by organising their birth anniversaries at the state level. The present function, he said, was part of that ongoing effort.
Government firmly committed to Antyodaya
Reiterating the government’s resolve, the Chief Minister said the state is committed to Antyodaya while following Guru Ravidas Ji’s principles of equality, harmony and social justice. He urged people to educate their children and work collectively to eradicate caste discrimination, social inequality and communal divisions, stating that such efforts would be the truest tribute to Guru Ravidas.
He emphasised that the teachings of Guru Ravidas remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago and continue to guide public policy. In line with this vision, the government has formulated policies aimed at uplifting the poorest sections of society.
The Haryana State Scheduled Castes Commission has been constituted to safeguard the rights and welfare of Scheduled Castes, and 20 percent reservation has been provided in Group A and B posts.
Major Welfare Initiatives for the Poor and Marginalised
Highlighting housing initiatives, the Chief Minister said 1.56 lakh houses have been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Additionally, over 27,000 poor families in rural and urban areas have been allotted plots under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana.
Ownership rights have also been granted to occupants of houses up to 500 square yards built on Panchayati land in villages. He said that illness does not discriminate between rich and poor, and therefore no poor person should be denied treatment due to lack of funds.
Under the Ayushman Bharat–Chirayu Yojana, free treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh is provided, benefiting over 27 lakh people so far. Free dialysis services have also been introduced in all government hospitals and medical colleges for kidney patients.
For education, Scheduled Caste students receive annual scholarships ranging from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000 after matriculation under the Dr Ambedkar Medhavi Chhattar Yojana. Students from families with an annual income up to Rs. 2.5 lakh are also provided free coaching up to two times through private institutions for competitive and entrance examinations.
Under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme, students receive educational assistance ranging from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 13,500 per year, along with payment of all mandatory non-refundable fees. Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, SC day scholars studying in Classes IX and X receive Rs. 3,500 annually, while hostellers receive Rs. 7,000. Children of families engaged in sanitation and hazardous occupations are also provided scholarships from Class I to X.
To ensure economic and social security for women, the government has launched the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women receive Rs. 2,100 per month. So far, over 8.63 lakh beneficiaries have received Rs. 441 crore in three instalments.
Guru Ravidas was not only a saint but also a social reformer and thinker- Manohar Lal
Addressing the programme virtually, Union Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that Guru Ravidas was not just a saint, but also a profound social reformer and philosopher. He was born in the 15th century in Varanasi. Today, a Mela is organised on the occasion of Purnima in Varanasi, which attracts devotees from far and wide, reflecting the deep inspiration his life continues to offer to society.
The Union Minister said that Guru Ravidas Ji imparted many teachings which remain relevant even today. He believed strongly in discipline and integrity, and was known for standing firmly by his word, often saying that life may be sacrificed, but not one’s promise.
Sh. Manohar Lal further stated that citizens who follow the values and teachings of Guru Ravidas should rise above caste distinctions. Guru Ravidas firmly rejected caste-based divisions and emphasised moral strength and human values. His teachings underline that a good human being can belong to any caste, and that individuals are ultimately known by their values, conduct, and positive thinking.
He added that, inspired by the teachings of saints, the state has implemented a transparent system of providing jobs without favoritism or recommendations. The government has also designed welfare schemes for every section of society and will continue to do so in the future.
Through the Parivar Pehchan Patra initiative, benefits of government schemes are being delivered directly to households. He also highlighted the implementation of the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Scheme for the welfare and empowerment of women.
Message of Equality and Humanity Still Relevant: Krishan Lal Panwar
Development and Panchayat Minister, Sh. Krishan Lal Panwar said the message of equality, humanity and social harmony given by Guru Ravidas remains deeply relevant today. He thanked the Chief Minister for issuing tenders worth Rs. 90 crore for the construction of Guru Ravidas Dham and described the event as a reflection of the government’s commitment to Guru Ravidas’ ideology and his followers.
He also presented a memorandum of demands related to the community and expressed confidence that the state government would continue working for the upliftment of all sections of society.
Government Working to Realise Social Harmony- Mohan Lal Kaushik
BJP state president, Sh. Mohan Lal Kaushik said the Haryana Government is working continuously with inclusive and people-centric policies for the welfare of all sections. He lauded the initiative to construct Guru Ravidas Dham as a step towards realising Guru Ravidas’ message of social harmony. He said the government’s focus on development, good governance and social justice has resulted in people reposing faith in it and giving it a third consecutive mandate.
Cabinet Ministers, Sh. Krishan Bedi, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, Rajya Sabha MP, Sh. Subhash Barala, Chief Whip and MLA, Sh. Ram Kumar Kashyap, MLAs, Sh. Bhagwan Dass Kabirpanthi, Sh. Pawan Kharkhoda, Sh. Krishan Kumar and Sh. Ghanshyam Arora and senior BJP leaders, district administration and police officers, former ministers, former MPs and a large number of eminent personalities attended the programme.