Early Times Report CHANDIGARH, Feb 11: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana government, following Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's Antyodaya philosophy, is extending the benefits of development to the poorest of the poor. The government is ensuring that the light of development reaches the last mile and that no citizen is left behind, he added. The Chief Minister was addressing the Samarpan Diwas programme organised at Panchkamal, in Panchkula to mark the death anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. Earlier, he paid tribute to the leader by offering floral homage at his portrait. Nayab Singh Saini said that the entire nation is observing Samarpan Diwas today on the death anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. He remarked that the day serves as a reminder that politics is not a means to power, but a medium of service. Describing Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya as a leader with no attraction towards authority, the Chief Minister said that despite this, he ruled the hearts of the people. He termed him an embodiment of honesty who placed national service above party politics. The Chief Minister further said that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya propounded timeless principles such as Integral Humanism (Ekatm Manavvad) and Antyodaya, rooted in India's philosophy of life, customs and traditions, rich culture, and social fabric. He added that the progress of any society should be judged not by those at the top, but by the condition of those at the lowest rung. Villages, the poor, farmers, the deprived, the oppressed, the exploited, and tribal communities remained central to his thinking. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya firmly believed that the nation cannot become strong until the last person in society is empowered, he said. Nayab Singh Saini said that in keeping with the principle of Antyodaya, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has given the guiding mantra of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas." He has pledged to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach every eligible citizen without discrimination. Whether it is the drive to provide housing, toilets, Ujjwala gas connections, electricity and pure drinking water to the poor, or the scheme to provide free rations to 80 crore people across the country, all these initiatives reflect the practical implementation of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya's ideals. The Chief Minister said that in Haryana, in accordance with the philosophy of Antyodaya, several programmes have been launched to ensure that the benefits of development reach the poorest sections of society, while addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, education and healthcare. In the state, 41 lakh poor families are being provided free rations. Under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini scheme, 14.50 lakh families are receiving gas cylinders for Rs 500. |