CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that under the interest waving scheme of co-operative banks, the interest amounting to Rs. 450 crore has been waved off the marginal farmers, petty shopkeepers and artisans in the state and this scheme could be extended if need arises so.

This was revealed by the Chief Minister while addressing the huge gathering on the occasion of celebration of 127th Jayanti of Sir Chhotu Ram which was organised by the Deen Bandhu Chhotu Ram Memorial Trust at Narwana Moday. Earlier Chief Minister paid a floral tribute on the statue of Deen Bandhu Sir Chhotu Ram.

While referring to the "Massiha" of farmers, poor and oppressed people of the society, the Chief Minister said that Ch. Chhotu Ram had revolutionary thinking about the poor and down troden as they were being exploited by the rich and  affulent people of the society.

Without naming, while taking a dig on the opposition parties, the Cheif Minister said that the thinking of the politicians had become narrow. He reminded that some politicians were in a habit to create a feeling of regionalism which was not in the interest of the development of the state.

He cautioned the people that they should beware of those politicians who were not interested in the welfare of the people. He reminded that even after the differences of opinion with others Ch. Chhotu Ram never had personal grudge with anyone.

Haryana Governor, Dr A.R.Kidwai exhorted the farmers to adopt cooperative  methods to  become self-sufficient and making agriculture a profitable occupation by arranging all kind of facilities in the villages.

He vehemently appealed to the people that "It was your government and if Finance Minister Birender Singh and myself could not do welfare for you then no body would be able to do your welfare".

The Chief Minister honoured Deputy Commissioner Mohali Harjeet Singh Grewal, Prof. Raghvender Singh Tanwar of Kurukshetra University, President of Haryana Rice Millers Association Azad Singh Rathi and Rameshwar Chopra by presenting  Mementoes and Shawls on behalf of Ch.Chhohtu Ram Memorial Trust.

Finance Minister Birender Singh said that Chhotu Ram waged a crusade against the exploitation of the poor people of the society and sincere efforts were made by him to raise the socio-economic condition of the oppressed and down troden people of the society. He urged the youth to take solemn pledge and imbibe the principles and ideals propagated by Ch. Chhotu Ram so that they could lead a dignified life.