Haryana to provide interest-free loan for small artisans

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal on Sunday announced that interest-free loan of Rs 25,000 would be provided to small artisans under Saint Guru Ravidas Sahayata Yojana, and hostels would be opened in the name of Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedakar in 11 districts of the state.

He made this announcement while addressing a statelevel Samrasta Diwas Samaroh organised on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti in Bhiwani, on Sunday.

Antyodaya Karyalayas would be set up at tehsil level to give information about the welfare schemes for the Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes. The benefit of these schemes could be taken by applying online.

The Chief Minister said information about and benefit of the 300-odd schemes of the Central and state government did not reach eligible beneficiaries.

Therefore, in order to provide complete information about these schemes under one roof, and adhere to the principle of Antyodaya given by Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Ji to uplift every section of society, Antyodaya Karyalayas would be set up.

Referring to the old and deprived artisan he had met during his visit to Shahabad, the Chief Minister said he had decided to initiate the scheme to benefit such people. Saint Ravidas Sahayata Yojana would be implemented throughout the state.

In order to clear the back- log of 200 posts reserved for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, the government has invited applications. Now, steps have been initated to clear the backlog of vacancies of previous years.

Regarding reservation in promotions, Manohar Lal said the committee constituted for this purpose had submitted its report to the Chief Secretary. After thoroughly examining its contents, it would be submitted to the court for decision.

He said according to a survey recently conducted by the state government, over 3.5 lakh families did not have own house. We have a vision to provide housing facility to all by 2022. People would be given the benefit of free tour to Kashi, the birthplace of Shri Ravidas Ji, he added.