INLD pays tribute to Chaudhary Devi Lal on death anniversary

Party officials and workers of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) gathered on Sunday at Chaudhary Devi Lal Town Park to pay homage to the former Deputy Prime Minister, Chaudhary Devi Lal, on his death anniversary. Floral tributes were placed at his statue, as attendees remembered his invaluable contributions to the nation and society.

Addressing the gathering, INLD district president Jasbir Singh Jassa spoke at length about Chaudhary Devi Lal’s extraordinary life and legacy. He recalled how Chaudhary Devi Lal, even in his youth, actively participated in India’s freedom movement and was imprisoned for the cause. Later, he emerged as a champion of farmers’ and labourers’ rights, working tirelessly to ensure fair treatment and justice for the working class. His efforts continue to be remembered as a significant part of India’s post-independence political history.

Jassa also shed light on the various welfare initiatives introduced by Chaudhary Devi Lal during his tenure as Chief Minister of Haryana and later as Deputy Prime Minister of India. He credited him with raising the socio-economic status of various communities, especially through landmark decisions such as introducing pensions for senior citizens and waiving farmers’ loans—both regarded as significant steps in public welfare.

Among his notable contributions, Jassa mentioned the establishment of “Harijan Chaupals”—community centres aimed at promoting respect and dignity for Scheduled Castes in the state. He also highlighted schemes like the “Devirupak Yojana” for pregnant women and financial aid for nomadic children, who were given one rupee per day to support their education. These forward-looking policies, he said, were later adopted by several other states across India.

Jassa emphasised that the very foundation of the INLD was laid by Chaudhary Devi Lal and the party continues to follow his ideology of serving every segment of society. He urged workers to carry forward his mission, particularly focusing on the upliftment of the marginalised. The event saw participation from several prominent INLD leaders.

Haryana Tribune