Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
₹31 Lakh Grant Announced for International Jat Dharamshala, Kurukshetra; CM Saini Attends Basant Panchami Event
Kurukshetra: Haryana CM Saini said that the struggles of Deenbandhu Chaudhary Chhotu Ram transformed the destiny of farmers as well as workers. He stated that protecting agricultural land, upholding the dignity of farmers, and respecting the hardworking labour force were the core principles of Chhotu Ram’s life. Following these ideals, the double engine government is working with commitment to honour and empower farmers.
CM Saini was addressing a gathering on Friday at the International Jat Dharamshala, Kurukshetra, during a function organized on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami. On this occasion, CM Saini, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, Haryana’s Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi, and MP Subhash Barala paid floral tributes to the statue of Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram. Tributes were also offered to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
During the event, CM Saini announced a grant of ₹31 lakh for the International Jat Dharamshala, while MP Subhash Barala announced a grant of ₹21 lakh. Extending greetings to the people of Haryana on the occasion of Basant Panchami and the birth anniversary of Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram, CM Saini said that his life was a remarkable blend of courage and compassion, struggle and service.
Emphasizing the importance of farmers, CM Saini said that India cannot become strong unless farmers are empowered. Guided by this vision, the government has taken continuous steps for farmers’ welfare. He informed that all 24 crops are being procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP) and payments for crop procurement have already been transferred to the accounts of over 12 lakh farmers. Over the past 11 years, the government has provided ₹15,448 crore as compensation for crop damage.
He further stated that the Haryana Agricultural Land Lease Bill, 2024 has been passed to build trust between tenant farmers and landowners. To make procurement more convenient, the “Meri Fasal Mera Byora” portal was launched. The government abolished the decades-old irrigation tax (abiana) and waived ₹133 crore in pending dues. An ultra-modern apple, fruit, and vegetable market—the largest in Asia—has also been established in Pinjore.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, financial assistance of ₹7,233 crore has been provided to 20.18 lakh eligible farmer families at the rate of ₹6,000 per year. Additionally, the government has disbursed ₹1,285 crore to farmers as market price differential support and ₹167 crore under crop diversification and water conservation schemes.
On the occasion, Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that the valour of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the compassion of Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram together define India’s character, while Basant Panchami highlights the importance of knowledge and culture. MP Subhash Barala urged the youth to draw inspiration from Chhotu Ram’s life and dedicate themselves to national service. Jat Dharamshala President Dr. Krishan Shyokand welcomed the dignitaries and shared details of the institution’s ongoing initiatives.