Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said that the Amrit Sarovar Plus Scheme is paving the way towards building a developed, prosperous and self-reliant Haryana. He said villages will play a key role in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047, and sustainable rural development is possible through the conservation of ponds, sports infrastructure and the environment.
While the government can develop these ponds, their long-term upkeep requires active public participation. The Minister was addressing a programme organised by the Development and Panchayats Department under the Amrit Sarovar Plus Scheme at Kurukshetra on Wednesday.
On the occasion, he, along with former Haryana Minister, Sh. Subhash Sudha and other dignitaries inaugurated 15 village ponds developed at a cost of Rs. 6.18 crore. Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini joined the programme virtually and addressed Sarpanches and government officers.
Sh. Rana said that the restoration of ponds under the Amrit Sarovar Plus Scheme is not merely a development initiative but also an important step towards conserving water resources and protecting the environment. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is giving continuous priority to rural development.
He added that the path to a developed India passes through its villages, and conserving every drop of water is essential for securing the future of the coming generations. The Minister said that the state government had approved the development of more than 1,000 ponds under the Amrit Sarovar initiative, with work progressing steadily.
He said that 329 ponds were earlier dedicated under the Amrit Sarovar Plus Scheme at a cost of Rs. 156.90 crore, while another 325 ponds have now been inaugurated after being developed at a cost of Rs. 222.97 crore. This reflects the government's commitment to implementing its announcements on the ground, he added.
Highlighting other initiatives, Sh. Rana said that the government has enhanced the honorarium of Panchayati Raj representatives and increased the pension of former representatives. The state has ensured 50 per cent participation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions, strengthening women’s empowerment.
He said that plots measuring 100 square yards in villages and 50 square yards in urban areas are being allotted to landless families. The salary of rural sanitation workers has been increased from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 18,100 per month.
Village chowkidars are also being provided an honorarium of Rs. 11,000, an annual uniform allowance of Rs. 4,000, along with a cycle, and battery/lathi allowances. Appealing to the public, the Minister urged citizens to actively participate in maintaining Amrit Sarovars and to make the initiative a people's movement.
Speaking on the occasion, former Haryana Minister, Sh. Subhash Sudha said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is carrying out development works across Haryana, benefiting every section of society. He said that several important schemes have been launched to make the state developed, with the Amrit Sarovar Plus Scheme being one of the key initiatives.
He also said that the government is providing employment to youth on the basis of merit and will continue working for the overall development of the state.