DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 19 development projects worth Rs 234.38 crore during his visit to Bhiwani, officials said.

This included the inauguration of six projects worth Rs 87.42 crore and the foundation stone of 13 projects worth about Rs 147 crore, an official statement said.

Saini was addressing a state-level event marking Maharaja Daksha Prajapati Jayanti in Bhiwani.

Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the cultural importance of pottery and praised the Prajapati community's contribution to the art of clay utensil making.

"Pottery making is not just an art; it symbolises the artistic vision, skill, and expertise of the Prajapati Community," he remarked.

The chief minister announced that in the next 15 days, land will be allocated to the Prajapati community in 2,000 villages across the state where panchayat land is available, to ensure access to soil for making earthenware. Beneficiaries will receive complete information regarding the land, he added.

He also announced financial assistance to members of the Prajapati community who start micro-enterprises under the Haryana Rural Industrial Scheme.

Under the scheme, a 15 per cent capital subsidy will be provided on investments in machinery and building construction in different category blocks. Additionally, a seven per cent annual interest subsidy on term loans, up to a maximum benefit of Rs 8 lakh per year for seven years, will be provided, he said.

Conceding the demand letter, the Chief Minister announced Rs 1.29 crore for various works in the Prajapati community Dharamshalas across the state. This amount includes Rs 31 lakh contributed by the Chief Minister, Rs 21 lakh from Cabinet Minister Sh Ranbir Gangwa, and Rs 11 lakh each from Sh Krishna Lal Panwar, Sh Mahipal Dhanda, Dr. Arvind Sharma, Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi, Smt Shruti Choudhary, MPs Sh Dharambir Singh, and Sh Ramchandra Jangda.

Apart from this, the Chief Minister announced a separate allocation of Rs 5 crore for various development works in the city and villages of the Bhiwani Assembly constituency. Paying homage to Maharaja Daksha Prajapati, the Chief Minister said that he was a great king, a visionary, an efficient administrator, and an expander of the universe. He provided a disciplined and well-structured foundation to society. The Prajapati community has made a significant contribution to the development of both the country and the state of Haryana.

The Chief Minister said that the art of making utensils and statues from clay is deeply connected to the ancient civilization of the country. In all archaeological excavations conducted to uncover historical evidence, clay utensils and statues have consistently been found alongside other artifacts. Notably, excavations in Banwali and Rakhigarhi villages of the state have unearthed clay artifacts dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Prajapati community has played a significant role in preserving and enriching this heritage. With the invention of the potter's wheel, the community elevated its craft to new heights.

Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that in this age of science and technology, it is essential to transform traditional skills into professional expertise. Only then can we truly progress in today's technological era. He stated that while preserving the traditional methods of crafting utensils and decorative items from clay, new and modern techniques should also be adopted wherever possible.

He urged the Prajapati community to go beyond making everyday utensils and focus on producing decorative clay items, which are in high demand internationally. He further encouraged the adoption of modern tools such as electric and solar-powered potter's wheels and advanced furnaces to increase production efficiency and reduce physical effort.

The Chief Minister said that the present state government has not only introduced various schemes for the upliftment and welfare of poor families but has also ensured that the benefits of these schemes reach the intended beneficiaries. The government's policies are not targeted at any specific class or caste, but are meant for every citizen of Haryana who wishes to earn a living through hard work and honesty. Sh Nayab Singh Saini added that the Prajapati community falls under Backward Class-A, and several welfare schemes have been launched specifically for their upliftment. The formation of the Mati Kala Board has provided significant encouragement to artisans engaged in making utensils and decorative items from clay.

He said that the BC-A category has been given 8 percent representation in Panchayati Raj institutions. Additionally, Shagun amount of Rs 51,000 is provided for the marriage of daughters belonging to BPL families from the backward classes.

He further said that under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, students from OBC families studying in classes 9 and 10 with a family income of up to Rs 2.50 lakh per annum are given an annual educational allowance of Rs 4,000. Besides this, free coaching is also being provided to eligible candidates preparing for various competitive and entrance examinations.

Speaking on this occasion, Haryana Public Works Minister, Sh. Ranbir Gangwa, said that the Prajapati community is known for its hard work and innate craftsmanship.

(editor@dailyworld.in)