To combat female foeticide and enforce strict adherence to the provisions of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, a total of 1217 FIRs under PCPNDT Act, including 397 FIRs through interstate raids have been registered in Haryana since 2014.

These actions have led to more than 4,000 arrests, targeting illegal practices carried out by doctors, quacks, and touts involved in sex determination and female foeticide, said the Government official spokesperson.

The Spokesperson further said that the State has successfully surpassed its target for improving the sex ratio at birth, achieving an increase of two points per year. From a sex ratio of 871 in 2014, the state has made a remarkable improvement of 39 points, bringing the sex ratio at birth to 910 in 2024. This achievement is a dedication to the effectiveness of Haryana’s sustained efforts under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative.

He said that Government’s commitment to improving maternal healthcare has also played a significant role in the state’s success of improving the gender ratio. Institutional deliveries have increased from 35.7 per cent in 2005-06 to an impressive 94.9 per cent, and early ANC registration has risen from 51.4 per cent to 85.2 per cent. Apart from this, the enrollment in secondary education has seen a notable increase, reaching 4,00,736 in 2023-24, compared to 3,85,624 in 2015-16.

The spokesperson said that ten years ago, when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the BBBP campaign in Panipat, Haryana was struggling from decades over this issue. However, with continuous and dedicated efforts, the state has made extraordinary progress, with further improvements still on the horizon.

In 2015, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, State Government embraced the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ programme as a challenge and has achieved a significant milestone in improving the sex ratio at birth. The state has also implemented several initiatives to improve the sex ratio, including a one-time payment of Rs 21,000 for the birth of a girl child, benefiting over 5,23,056 families. The Poshan Abhiyan launched in 2018 has focused on improving nutrition and reducing anemia among adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, reaching 2,24,136 participants through community events at Anganwadi centers. Furthermore, the Adolescent Girls Scheme, aimed at girls aged 14 to 18 years in Mewat, has reached 13,439 beneficiaries in 2024-25, supporting self-development, health, skill-building, and access to essential services.

The Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme has enabled parents to open high-interest savings accounts for their daughters under 10 years of age, with over 8,23,522 lakh accounts opened to date. Financial relief has also been provided to survivors of the POCSO Act, with Rs 1.31 crore disbursed to 778 cases by October 2024.

 In addition, the state launched the “Mahri Lado” radio program in August 2024, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, which has been instrumental in reshaping societal attitudes towards girls’ rights. Broadcasted on All India Radio across Haryana, this program has engaged over 1,60,000 participants and covers vital topics such as health, nutrition, financial independence, and leadership, the spokesperson added.

Chandigarh, January 6

Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of 358th Prakash Utsav (birth anniversary) of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He expressed immense pride in the supreme sacrifice made by Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Sahibzadas (sons), who gave their lives in service to society and religion.

The Chief Minister today visited Nada Sahib Gurudwara to pay tribute on the occasion of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s 358th Prakash Utsav. He bowed in reverence before Guru Granth Sahib Ji and participated in the Akhand Path. Subsequently, he also paid his respects to the Nishan Sahib and prayed for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Haryana.

DCs and SPs to visit village monthly, Addressing public concerns

While replying to media queries, the Chief Minister emphasized Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s monumental contributions in establishing the Khalsa Panth and his personal sacrifices for the welfare of society and the nation. He said that the people of Haryana had again elected the BJP to power at both the state and central levels, and the government was committed to accelerating development in the state. He also said that all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) would visit villages every month to directly listen to people’s concerns and resolve them on-site.

When asked about the Laharu incident, the Chief Minister said that before initiating a CBI investigation, the agencies of Haryana are actively working on the matter. He said that the government is functioning in a transparent manner and is committed to ensuring that the citizens of the state live a happy and fear-free life. He assured that no crime would be tolerated and strict action would be taken against the culprits. The Chief Minister also highlighted that free education is being provided to girls in both government and private colleges across the state.

On this occasion, the Jathedar of Nada Sahib Gurudwara, Sh. Baljeet Singh, welcomed the Chief Minister and presented him with a Saropa. He also praised the government’s decision to conduct elections for the Haryana Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee, a move that will see voting in 40 wards across the state on January 19 for the first time.

Former Minister Sh. Kanwar Pal Gurjar, along with other dignitaries, was also present at the event.

Chandigarh, January 6 – Union Minister of Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Sh Manohar Lal and Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini jointly chaired the meeting of the Lohgarh Project Development Committee today. The committee was formed to oversee the development of the world-class Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial, which will be built at Lohgarh in Yamunanagar district. It is noteworthy that the Haryana Government has constituted the Lohgarh Project Development Committee to monitor the progress of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial at Lohgarh. Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal serves as the Chief Patron of the Committee, while Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini act as its Chairman.

During the meeting, Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal directed the officials to accelerate the progress of establishing the world-class heritage memorial, ensuring that the project is completed and dedicated to the public at the earliest.

He said that Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial should primarily focus on the biography of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, which should reflect the heroic saga of his bravery and sacrifice. He also suggested that the memorial should also feature a museum dedicated to the battles fought by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and other Sikh Gurus against the Mughals across the country. The design of the memorial should aim to educate the public, especially the younger generation, about the history and valiant contributions of Veer Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Apart from this, he also suggested that the establishment of the memorial should also focus more on promoting the traditional Sikh martial arts that were practiced in the past.

It was apprised in the meeting that the project would be completed in two phases. The first phase, which will cost approximately Rs 74 Crore, will focus on restoring and enhancing the fort, constructing the Quilanuma Wall, building an entrance gate, Nanakshahi coin, landscaping the site, and building the memorial. In addition, a state-of-the-art museum will be constructed, combining Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s life story with modern technology to create an immersive experience for visitors.

The memorial at Lohgarh, the first capital of the ‘Sikh Raj’ established by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, would reignite the story of his extraordinary bravery valor and sacrifice.

A grand Museum dedicated to preserving and enriching Sikh Culture to be built on three acres of land in Kurukshetra’s Pipli

Later, while chairing a review meeting on the establishment of the Sikh Museum in Kurukshetra district, Sh Manohar Lal said, “If there is any place in Haryana where the feet of the Gurus have touched the ground the most, it is the sacred land of Kurukshetra.” He further said that the state government has decided to set up a grand museum dedicated to the preservation and enrichment of Sikh culture on three acres of land in Kurukshetra’s Pipli. He said that inspired by the values and ideals of the Sikh Gurus, the museum would act as a “repository of inspiration” for future generations.

Tourism Minister Sh Arvind Sharma, former Minister Sh. Kanwar Pal, Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Rajesh Khullar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Arun Gupta, Principal Secretary, Heritage and Tourism Smt Kala Ramachandran, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sh. Yashpal Yadav, OSD to Chief Minister Sh. B.B. Bharti, former Member of Parliament Sardar Tarlochan Singh, Sikh historian and Dr Jaspal Singh Chairman Haryana State Bio-diversity Board Sardar Randeep  Singh Jauhar, Chairman Sigma Group Sardar Jagdeep Singh Chadha, OSD Dr Prabhleen Singh and other officers were also present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, January 6 – Haryana Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Krishan Kumar Bedi, has unveiled various development projects worth Rs. 2.45 crore for the village of Dablain in the Narwana Assembly constituency. On Monday, the Minister laid the foundation for the renovation and expansion of the village’s water works, with an investment of Rs. 1.61 crore allocated by the Public Health Engineering Department. Additionally, the Minister announced a grant of Rs. 83 lakh for the construction of chaupals (community centers) and other development projects in the village.

While addressing a rural gathering at the village’s government school, Minister Mr. Bedi said that the villagers had long been requesting sufficient and clean drinking water. The renovation and expansion work of the water works is now underway to address this demand. Furthermore, he shared that the Chief Minister had approved a proposal to upgrade the local secondary school to a higher secondary school, extending its classes up to the 12th grade. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister on behalf of the villagers.

The Minister also made several key announcements for rural development. He announced a fund of Rs. 38 lakh for a general chaupal, of which Rs. 28 lakh had already been approved, and an additional Rs. 10 lakh will be allocated. He announced a fund of Rs. 10 lakh each for the construction of the Bajigar Chaupal and Chamaar Chaupal, Rs. 15 lakh for the Brahmin Chaupal, Rs. 21 lakh for a digital library, and Rs. 10 lakh for the Valmiki Chaupal. It is important to note that Rs. 21 lakh had already been approved for the Valmiki Chaupal.

In response to the villagers’ requests, the Minister directed the concerned departments to prepare estimates for a herbal park, a solar system for the school, a multi-purpose hall, a basketball court, the construction of additional classrooms based on student strength, the building of a sub-health center, the construction of a stadium with gym facilities, and the erection of a boundary wall. He also instructed the gram panchayat to provide land for these projects.

During his address, Minister Mr. Bedi urged the villagers to rise above party politics and work together with unity for the development of their village. He said that the present government’s focus is solely on development, and he will continue to make personal efforts in this direction. He assured that the state government considers all of Haryana and its people as one, with their progress being the top priority. The Minister also expressed his gratitude to the voters of the region for their support in the recent elections, promising to repay the faith of the voters through ongoing development projects in the area.

Chandigarh, January 6

  Haryana Governor Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya today paid his homage to the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, on the auspicious occasion of his Parkash Parv, and highlighted the timeless relevance of the teachings of Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji and their importance in fostering harmony, courage, and universal brotherhood.

Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya emphasized Sri Guru Govind Singh Ji’s unparalleled contributions to humanity, particularly his ideals of selflessness, equality, and service. The Governor urged the citizens of the country to imbibe these teachings in their daily lives for the welfare of society. “Sri Guru Govind Singh Ji’s life stands as a beacon of inspiration for generations. His vision of universal well-being, social justice, and unity remains profoundly relevant in today’s world. Let us all commit to living by his principles and contribute to building a compassionate and harmonious society,” said Shri Dattatraya.

The Governor also expressed his admiration for the Sikh community’s steadfast commitment to the values of sacrifice, bravery, and selfless service, which were epitomized by the Guru’s life and legacy. He called upon the people to come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion with devotion and a resolve to uphold the values taught by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Governor Sh. Bandaru Dattatraya also extended his best wishes to the people, praying for peace, prosperity, and unity for Haryana and the nation.