Haryana CM Saini in Phagwara for Shri Vishwakarma Pooja, highlights free dialysis for poor patients
Babushahi Bureau
Phagwara (Punjab), November 9, 2026: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday called upon the people of Punjab to join hands to make the state drug-free and work towards rebuilding it as a prosperous and progressive state.
Addressing the Shri Vishwakarma Pooja Mahotsav in Phagwara as the chief guest, Saini said Punjab and Haryana shared close ties and that collective efforts were needed to protect the future of the younger generation.
“Punjab is like an elder brother to Haryana. If something can be achieved in Haryana, why can't it be achieved in Punjab? It is certainly possible. What is needed is the right intention, the right policy and dedication towards the people,” he said.
Referring to the forthcoming elections in Punjab, Saini said the state could be made drug-free by 2029, citing Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement during his visit to Punjab. He stressed that tackling drug abuse was the responsibility of both the government and society and called for strict action against drug traffickers.
The Haryana Chief Minister also criticised the Punjab government, alleging that it was misleading people through jokes instead of fulfilling its election promises. He expressed concern over unemployment, law and order and the condition of young people in Punjab.
Earlier, Saini paid obeisance at the 116-year-old historic Shri Vishwakarma temple and extended greetings on Govardhan Puja and Shri Vishwakarma Puja. He said the two festivals reflected the values of protection and creation in Indian culture and appreciated the welfare activities undertaken by the temple committee.
Highlights Haryana's welfare schemes
Speaking about Haryana's initiatives, Saini said the state government was providing free dialysis to poor patients in government hospitals. He also described Haryana as the first state in the country to formulate a rehabilitation policy for workers suffering from silicosis.
On the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, he said beneficiaries receive skill training, a daily stipend of ₹500, toolkits worth up to ₹15,000 and collateral-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh at an interest rate of 5 per cent.
He added that Haryana had provided an additional ₹5,000 to beneficiaries under its Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Samman Yojana. The four-year target of the scheme had been achieved within two years, with around 30 lakh artisans joining it so far, he said.
Saini also outlined education loan provisions for students from Backward Classes, including loans of up to ₹15 lakh for studies in India and ₹20 lakh for studies abroad. The interest rates are 4 per cent for boys and 3.5 per cent for girls, he said.
He further said that financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh was provided to the families of workers who died in workplace accidents. The Haryana government had also provided 8 per cent reservation to Backward Class-A and 5 per cent to Backward Class-B in Panchayats and urban local bodies. The income limit for the creamy layer had been raised from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh, he added.
Saini said protecting young people from drugs required sustained awareness campaigns as well as strict action against those involved in drug trafficking.
MP Ashok Mittal, former Union Ministers Vijay Sampla and Som Parkash, President of the Shiromani Shri Vishwakarma Mandir Committee Pradeep Dhiman, Vice-President Surinder Dhiman, Gurmakh Singh Namdhari and other dignitaries were present at the event.