Making several announcements for the benefit of women and daughters of the State, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday said that under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, beneficiary families in the State will now receive gas cylinders for Rs 500. This initiative will benefit approximately 46 lakh families with an annual income of less than Rs 1.80 lakh. Additionally, as part of the Mukhyamantri Dugdh Uphaar Yojana, fortified milk will be provided to schoolgirls aged 14 to 18 for 150 days to combat malnutrition. This program is expected to support around 2.65 lakh adolescent girls, he added.

Addressing the women at a state-level event on Hariyali Teej in Jind, the Chief Minister also announced an increase in the loan amount for self-employment under the Haryana Matrishakti Udyamita Yojana from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. Furthermore, the revolving fund provided to self-help groups (SHGs) for daily needs will be raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000. In addition, the monthly honorarium for Group Sakhi will be increased from Rs 150 to Rs 500.

While highlighting the special significance of the day, Saini said that it is the holy month of Sawan, Jind is the historic city of Mata Jayanti Devi, and today is Teej—a festival celebrating women, daughters, and sisters. He extended warm greetings and best wishes to everyone in the state for Teej, a festival symbolizing greenery and prosperity.

Saini said that it is a centuries-old tradition for brothers to give a Kothli to their sisters during the Teej festival. Sisters eagerly await their brothers' visits to their homes, expressing joy at their arrival and wishing for their continued prosperity. Today, your brother has come to present Kothli and seek your blessings. The Chief Minister also distributed Kothli to approximately 30,000 women.

He also provided interest-free loans totaling Rs 100 crore during the ceremony to empower women in self-help groups. He outlined a goal of providing Rs 490 crore in loans to these groups within the financial year. Additionally, the Chief Minister recognized 66 women’s self-help groups from the state, highlighting their growing role as a source of pride and strength for Haryana. He also awarded Rs 38.5 lakh to the top three self-help groups in each district, aiming to inspire greater dedication and hard work among other groups.

The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the launch of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana during the Independence Day 2023 celebrations. He praised the remarkable enthusiasm shown by women eager to step out of traditional roles and become Lakhpati Didis. The Haryana government aims to make 2 lakh sisters and daughters Lakhpati Didis through various training programs, with an initial target of 62,000 in the first phase.

He also highlighted that on January 22, 2015, the Prime Minister launched the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign from Panipat. With these efforts, the sex ratio in Haryana has improved from 871 to 941. As part of the second phase of this campaign, the Chief Minister flagged off a mobile van today. The Chief Minister urged women to take part in the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, which was launched by Prime Minister Modi on World Environment Day, June 5. He encouraged everyone to make a pledge on Hariyali Teej to plant at least one sapling.

Referring to the various welfare schemes being implemented by both Central and State Governments for the benefit of women and daughters, Saini said that the present government is fully committed to their upliftment. He said that Prime Minister Modi is deeply concerned about women and daughters and that the double engine government is dedicated to their empowerment. He called on the female population, which has significantly contributed to the nation’s development, to support the government’s efforts.

During the event, the Chief Minister awarded the Best Self-Help Group (SHG) and honoured high-achieving girl students from the 10th and 12th grades. He also distributed cheques to the beneficiaries of Haryana Mahila Vikas Nigam. The Chief Minister highlighted that this Teej festival would serve as a symbol of women’s empowerment. Additionally, he released a book titled ‘Safalta Ki Kahani’ and visited an exhibition organized by the self-help groups