In a significant move for students in Haryana, Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini announced that all SC and OBC students of the state who pursue medical and engineering courses in any government college across the country will be eligible for scholarships. This announcement was made during a program organized by the All India Saini Seva Samaj in Gurugram on the occasion of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule's birth anniversary.
Scholarship and Financial Assistance Details
The Chief Minister also shared plans to create a dedicated portal for the scholarship scheme. This initiative is aimed at providing financial support to students from marginalized communities who wish to pursue higher education in these prestigious fields.
In addition to scholarships, CM Saini highlighted that the income limit for the creamy layer among backward classes has been increased from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per annum. Furthermore, the government has introduced reservations for Backward Class-B in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
Loans for Higher Education
For students from backward class families with an annual income of up to Rs 3 lakh, the government will also provide loans for higher education:
- Rs 15 lakh for studies within the country
- Rs 20 lakh for studying abroad These loans will be available at an interest rate of 4% per annum.
CM Saini's Remarks on Mahatma Phule
CM Saini also paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, emphasizing his efforts in the fight against child marriage, support for widow remarriage, promoting women's education, and eliminating untouchability. He praised Phule's ideals and highlighted how these principles are in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas.
Additional Welfare Measures
Further, CM Saini spoke about the Haryana government’s support for farmers, stating that Haryana is the first state in the country to commit to purchasing 100% of farmers' crops at the minimum support price (MSP). He also mentioned the government’s efforts under the Har Ghar Grihini Yojana, which provides gas cylinders for Rs 500 every month to 17 lakh poor families.
