Chandigarh: Haryana minister Krishan Lal Panwar on Thursday said CM Nayab Singh Saini had made no announcement on any demand related to the Meghwal community, clarifying that the issue falls under the Centre’s jurisdiction.Addressing a press conference, Panwar said the CM had attended a programme organised by Meghwal Utthan Samiti, where the committee submitted a memorandum. One demand was that members of the Chamar community be allowed to use “Meghwal” instead of the Scheduled Caste designation, he said.Panwar said Saini had clearly stated that the matter was beyond the state govt’s jurisdiction and any decision would be taken by the Centre. “No announcement was made by the Chief Minister, nor was there any such intention,” he said, accusing some people of spreading misleading claims.He said Saini respected all communities and was committed to their welfare.Panwar also said preparations had begun for the 650th Prakash Parv of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji in 2027. A delegation from Haryana had participated in programmes in Varanasi on July 29 and received a sacred urn containing soil from Guru Ravidas Ji’s birthplace.The urn reached Gurgaon’s Sirhaul Border on July 30 and was later installed at Sheetla Mata Temple. On Aug 4, the soil was handed over to district presidents of all 27 organisational districts and social representatives and will now be taken to villages through a yatra.A high-level committee will be formed for the celebrations, while the Samrasta Sankalp Abhiyan will promote harmony, equality, social justice and human welfare, Panwar said.Reacting to the Congress protest in the assembly, Panwar urged the opposition to offer constructive suggestions instead of wearing black and staging protests. He said the dignity of the assembly and decisions of the speaker should be respected.
