Chandigarh, August 13 – Haryana Chief Minister, Sh Nayab Singh Saini called upon the people belonging to Prajapati community to strengthen their traditional art by integrating it with modern technology. He urged them to move forward by adopting new techniques, making use of government schemes and enhancing the quality and appeal of their products in line with market demand.
The Chief Minister was addressing a State-level function organized in Kurukshetra today for the distribution of entitlement certificates to families belonging to the Prajapati community. On this occasion, he personally handed over certificates to beneficiaries. The programme was held simultaneously in all 22 districts of the state, benefiting around 1,00,000 families with land entitlement certificates. Under the scheme, entitlement certificates have been issued in about 1,700 villages, granting the Prajapati community collective rights for soil excavation.
These certificates, issued under the Gram Shamlat Bhumi Niyamwali, 1964, not only grant the right to use the land but also provide legal authority to carry out their work without hindrance. This initiative will enable the Prajapati community to give a new direction to their art, help realise their dreams and allow them to manufacture products without having to travel far.
It is noteworthy that during the Daksh Prajapati Jayanti celebrations held in Bhiwani on July 13, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini had pledged to provide land entitlement certificates to the Prajapati community. This commitment has been fulfilled within just one month which clearly reflects the functioning of the present state government, where words are matched by actions.
Describing the Prajapati community as hardworking, honest and skilled, the Chief Minister said that the art of making earthen pots has been an integral part of our cultural heritage. However, over time, this skill has not received the respect and opportunities the community rightfully deserves, and the necessary resources to connect the new generation with this art were not provided in time.
Work places of Prajapati community were occupied during Congress rule – CM
He said that earlier, in every village, adequate land was available for the Prajapati community to source soil, but previous governments failed to address this need. During the Congress regime, even the workplaces of the Prajapati community were encroached upon. Not only that, those in power at the time conspired against the community and attempted to take away their livelihood. A superficial promise of allotting 100-square-yard plots in villages was made, but those plots were carved out from the very land where the Prajapati community earned their living. Such policies brought the employment of this community almost to a standstill.
He further said that in line with Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”, the Haryana Government is consistently working to provide respect and growth opportunities to every community in the state. The Chief Minister added that the aim of the present government is not only to provide land to the Prajapati community, but also to create an ecosystem where their skills can flourish even further. As the scope of their work expands, employment opportunities will naturally increase, he added.
While highlighting various schemes being implemented by the State Government for the upliftment and welfare of backward classes, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that a Mati Kala Board has been constituted in the state to promote artisans engaged in making clay utensils and artistic items, and incentives are being provided to them. He informed that the annual income limit of the creamy layer for backward classes has been raised from Rs 6 lakh to Rs8 lakh. In addition, 8 percent representation has been granted to Backward Class ‘A’ in Panchayati Raj Institutions. On this occasion, he also detailed several schemes being implemented for the welfare of backward classes in the fields of education, social welfare, scholarships, and other areas.
41 out of 217 Sankalps completed, 90 more to be achieved by year-end
The Chief Minister said that the present government has fulfilled 41 out of the 217 Sankalps made to the people of the state, and work is underway to complete 90 more by the end of this year. He informed that LPG cylinders are being provided to women in the state at a subsidized rate of just Rs500, benefiting nearly 18 lakh eligible families.
People urged to join ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Swachhata Abhiyan
The Chief Minister urged the gathering to actively participate in the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign by planting and nurturing a tree on every important occasion, thereby contributing to environmental conservation. He also appealed for active support in Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s Swachhata Abhiyan. Informing about the government’s housing initiatives, he said that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 1 lakh families in the state have already been provided houses, and the scheme will be implemented at an even faster pace in the days to come.
Art of Prajapati community to reach global markets; Sanjha Bazars to provide new platform
On this occasion, Development and Panchayats Minister, Sh Krishan Lal Panwar said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini have a farsighted vision to take the art of the Prajapati community beyond villages and showcase it in international markets. Continuous efforts are being made in this direction. He said that auspicious occasions traditionally begin with lamps made by the Prajapati community, reflecting the cultural and artistic significance of their craft. Sh Panwar further said that under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the state government is commemorating the birth anniversaries of saints and spiritual leaders at the government level. In addition, Sanjha Bazaars are being established for self-help groups to provide a permanent platform for their handmade products, ensuring better market access and easier sales.
CM’s Bhiwani announcement proves fruitful – Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister
During the programme, Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Sh Shyam Singh Rana said that the utensils made by the Prajapati community contain the Panchtatva, which are beneficial for health. He said that every household should keep cows, as this not only supports our health and livelihood but also helps preserve our cultural heritage. The state government, he informed, provides a subsidy of Rs 30,000 for the purchase of a Desi cow. He said that the bond with Gau Mata has existed since the time of our ancestors. He added that the announcement made by Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini in Bhiwani has now been fulfilled.
On this occasion, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Saket Kumar, Chairman Dharm Singh Mirzapur, BJP District President Tajender Singh Goldy, Jai Bhagwan Sharma and many dignitaries of Prajapati community were also present.
