Jat stir: Events aimed to derail Haryana from development track, says Governor

Chandigarh: Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki on Monday referred to the "violence" during the recent Jat quota agitation during his address to the state Assembly, saying these events were aimed to "derail" the state from the fast track of development.

"These events also aimed to derail the state from the fast track of development it was pursuing since my (the state) government (BJP) was formed," Solanki, who did not use the word 'Jat agitation', said in his Address on the opening day of the Budget session of Haryana Assembly.

The Governor said he had full faith and confidence that the government enjoys total support of all the right-thinking people of Haryana and that while restoring mutual love and brotherhood it shall continue to keep the state on the road of fast track economic growth and all-round progress following the mantra of "Haryana ek-Haryanvi ek".

In a reference to the "violence" during the stir, which claimed 30 lives, Solanki, during his nearly two-hour-long speech, said "A few weeks back some dark forces created law and order problems in eight districts of the state."

"These attempts were thwarted by swift and resolute action by the government and peace was restored in all parts of the state in a short span of time," he said.

He also appreciated the government for the contribution of the armed forces and the paramilitary forces to restore peace and order during the agitation.

Solanki also referred to the losses suffered by many during the recent "unrest", saying "while no amount of monetary compensation can undo the complete loss caused, prompt disbursement of assistance surely provides immediate succour".

He said by March 12, the government had completely settled claims up to Rs 50,000 in respect of 501 families including small vendors and shopkeepers.

On the other hand, members of the Jat community today submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Deputy Commissioners at various district headquarters in the state, saying that if a decision in regard to their quota demand was not taken by the Haryana and Central governments soon, they will again be "forced" to adopt the path of agitation. 

The Governor said the government proposes to bring many legislations which are both pro-labour and pro-industry and will improve industrial relations.

"These include an amendment to the Payment of Wages Act so as to remove the anachronistic condition that wages must be paid in cash to workers drawing salary of up to Rs 18,000 per month," he said.

Solanki also said that for the first time devolution of assured package of funds would be made to all panchayats in the state every year on the basis of population as 'Swaran Jayanti Vikas Nidhi'.

Besides, 'Swaran Jayanti Mahagram Yojana', aimed at planned and regulated development along with provision of urban-like facilities in the villages, having population of more than 10,000 in the first phase, would be launched.

He also said the state government stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the farmers and had decided to release Rs 967 crore as compensation to those whose crops had been hit in the pest 'Whitefly' attack last year.

The Governor also lauded the state government for effectively harnessing Information Technology as a tool, among other initiatives, to achieve its objective of "zero tolerance towards corruption" and for effective and efficient delivery of services to the people.

Committed to fast-tracking all-round development of the state, the Haryana government would ensure that the fruits of growth reached every citizen, the principle of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas" is followed in its true sense, and social cohesion is not allowed to be torn asunder, he said.

Solanki said the state government intends to introduce the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Bill, 2016 in this session to usher in a "revolutionary change for the industrialisation of the state, especially in removing the deplorable regional imbalances that have come up due to unwise and unthoughtful policies of the past."

He said the government will establish Lord Krishna Ayurveda University at Kurukshetra to provide quality education in Indian system of medicine--Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy and other such disciplines.

During his address, the Governor also touched upon rural development, urban development and housing, urban local bodies, agriculture, education, power, medical education, women and child development and sports.