Chandigarh, July 28 – The sacred Teej festival in Haryana this year became a symbol of new opportunities for women. Upholding the tradition of brothers presenting gifts to sisters on Teej, Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini presented a symbolic ‘Kothli’ full of welfare measures for women.

At the state-level celebration held in Ambala district on Monday, the Chief Minister launched the ‘Lado Sakhi Yojana’ to further strengthen the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign. Under this initiative, a ‘Lado Sakhi’, an Anganwadi worker, ASHA worker, or ANM nurse will take care of pregnant women during childbirth. For every girl child born, the designated ‘Lado Sakhi’ will receive an incentive of Rs. 1,000.

The Chief Minister also launched the ‘Badhte Kadam: Digital Bal Programme’ in Anganwadis, which will help Anganwadi workers provide better care and early education to young children.

Highlighting that new initiatives have already successfully helped women-led startups to account for 50 percent in Haryana, the Chief Minister announced more such steps to encourage women entrepreneurs. Under the state startup policy, half of all beneficiaries will be women-led ventures. To encourage entrepreneurial skills from a young age, 10,000 ‘Do-It-Yourself’ kits will be distributed to girl students.

A separate scheme will be formulated to support women-led startups engaged in handmade and traditional items, such as ethnic fabrics, eco-friendly rural crafts, Ayurveda-based health and wellness products, and indigenous food products, with financial aid between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 1 lakh.

He further informed that in partnership with NITI Aayog, Haryana will establish a ‘State Chapter’ of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, giving women entrepreneurs access to over 700 mentors, sector-specific training, funding opportunities, market access, and incubation support.

The Chief Minister announced that under new industrial and sectoral policies, businesses employing Haryana’s women will receive additional subsidies, and public procurement norms will be relaxed to boost women entrepreneurs’ participation.

Additionally, one ration depot in every development block will be allotted to women from self-help groups, providing them with livelihood opportunities while also increasing their participation in local governance.

Chief Minister virtually inaugurates 131 Mahila Sanskriti Kendras across Haryana

At the event, the Chief Minister virtually inaugurated 131 Mahila Sanskriti Kendras across Haryana. These centres will serve as platforms for women to engage in cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and devotional performances.

He also handed over cheques worth Rs. 14.26 crore to self-help groups (SHGs) as part of revolving and community investment funds, and keys to newly established ‘Rural Harts’ in six districts were given to SHGs. Women artisans excelling in handicrafts were awarded Rs. 3 lakh each for the State Handicraft Award and the Outstanding Woman Artisan Award, along with 12 consolation prizes of Rs. 51,000 each.

Awards were also presented to high-performing SHGs at the district level, with cash prizes of Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 50,000, and Rs. 25,000 for the first, second, and third positions, respectively.

Teej celebrates our rich heritage and strong social bonds

Extending wishes on the occasion of Teej, he said the festival reflects India’s cultural roots, traditions, and family values. It symbolises respect for women, love within families, and harmony with nature. He emphasised the importance of nurturing relationships, preserving culture, and protecting the environment for a happy life.

He added that the state government is committed to celebrating traditional festivals with greater enthusiasm so that the younger generation remains connected to its heritage.

Empowering women through education, health, and self-reliance

Highlighting women’s empowerment as a key focus, he said Haryana has worked to improve the status of women through schemes like Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, which has helped raise the state’s gender ratio from 871 to 906 since 2014. The Aapki Beti-Hamari Beti Yojana has benefitted over 5.36 lakh girls by providing Rs. 21,000 to eligible families on the birth of daughters, said the Chief Minister. 

He said that over 66,000 SHGs are active in the state, with stamp duty waivers on loans up to Rs. 5 lakh. About 33 percent of ration depots are now run by women, and under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana, 18 lakh families receive LPG cylinders at Rs. 500 per month. The government aims to make five lakh women ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ with over two lakh already achieving this milestone.

The Chief Minister said women also have 50 percent reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions. Several schemes for maternal and child health, as well as 33 all-women police stations and a dedicated helpline (1091), have been established to ensure their safety. In the past decade, 80 new government colleges have opened, 30 of which are exclusively for girls.

Calling Teej a festival of greenery, he urged citizens to plant trees under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Abhiyan and contribute to environmental conservation.

Anil Vij assures On-Time Execution of Transport and Energy Schemes

Earlier speaking on the occasion, Transport and Energy Minister, Sh. Anil Vij appreciated the state government’s focus on development and lauded the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Saini. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for inaugurating and laying the foundation stones of several projects in Ambala.

Paying tribute to former Chief Minister late Chaudhary Bansi Lal, Sh. Anil Vij recalled working with him between 1996 and 2000. He shared that with Chaudhary Bansi Lal’s support, a canal water-based drinking water scheme was implemented in Ambala Cantonment, which brought much-needed relief to residents suffering from water shortages for years. He also remembered that the establishment of the Saha Industrial Growth Centre became possible due to Chaudhary Bansi Lal’s backing.

Sh. Anil Vij highlighted that during his tenure as Health Minister, he had taken several significant initiatives for Ambala.

Talking about the importance of the monsoon month of Sawan, he said it represents the vibrancy of nature. When the surroundings turn green, people’s hearts are filled with joy, and festivals like Teej are celebrated in this cheerful spirit, reflecting social and cultural unity, said Sh. Anil Vij.

He urged the Chief Minister to ensure that all development projects are completed within set timelines and assured that he would personally see to it that the schemes of the Transport and Energy Departments are executed on time.

Hariyali Teej: A Day to Pledge Respect and Safety for Women – Shruti Choudhry

During the celebration, the Women and Child Development Minister, Smt. Shruti Choudhry said that the festival of Teej reminds us to reaffirm our commitment to women’s empowerment. She emphasized that every daughter deserves respect, every mother should feel safe, and every child must have equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

She shared with pride that the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi had launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign from Haryana. Back in 2015, the state’s gender ratio was alarming, but consistent efforts and welfare initiatives have led to remarkable improvement over the years.

The Minister said that various schemes such as the  ‘Mukhyamantri Doodh Uphaar Yojana’, Protein Bar Scheme, transforming Anganwadi centres into smart classrooms, and nutrition programmes are strengthening the health and education of women and children.

Appealing to the public, she urged everyone to work together to ensure that education becomes every child’s identity and dignity becomes the pride of every mother and daughter, making Haryana a true example of women’s empowerment through technology and innovation.

During the ceremony, former Minister, Sh. Aseem Goel welcomed Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini and said that the Chief Minister works considering every citizen of Haryana as his family. He said that the Teej festival is a symbol of greenery, prosperity, and cultural unity.

During the programme, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Language and Culture Department, Sh. K. M. Pandurang presented a memento to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini. Besides this, the Chief Minister gifted the ‘Kothli’ to the women.

Minister of State, Sh. Rajesh Nagar, BJP State President Sh Mohan Lal Kaushik, a large number of women and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh July 28: Teej festival was celebrated with traditional gaiety today across various districts of Haryana. The festival stands as a symbol of the state’s rich folk culture, women’s dignity, and traditional values. To mark the occasion, district-level programs were organized in the state, with Ministers participating as chief guests and joining the celebrations.

  Teej festival celebrates cultural expression and social empowerment of women: Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Midha

Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Krishan Lal Midha while addressing women  during the Teej festival celebrations held at the auditorium of Chaudhary Ranbir Singh University in Jind said that the festival is not only a symbol of our connection with nature but also a celebration of women’s cultural expression and social empowerment. “Today is a special day for us as we witness the inauguration of Mahila Sanskritik Kendras. This initiative will provide women with a platform to showcase their skills, art, and culture, and marks an important step towards making them self-reliant,” he added. Earlier, Dr. Krishan Lal Midha encouraged women from self-help groups by distributing Kothlis on the occasion. He said that the Hariyali Teej festival symbolizes the faith, beauty, and unity of women. Swings, folk songs, mehndi, and traditional costumes bring vibrancy to the festival, reminding us of our rich cultural roots.

Mahila Sanskritik Kendras to be established in every village: Cabinet Minister Sh Krishan Lal Panwar

Haryana Development and Panchayats Minister Sh Krishna Lal Panwar, who was the chief guest at the district-level Teej celebrations organized by the Haryana State Rural Livelihood Mission (HSRLM) at the auditorium of Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa, said that the government will open Mahila Sanskritik Kendra in every village. He said that in Sanskritik Kendras to be established in rural areas, women will have opportunities to engage in activities such as dance and bhajan music, promoting art and culture. Today, eight Mahila Sanskritik Kendra were inaugurated in Sirsa, along with the opening of 86 e-libraries. Congratulating everyone on the Teej festival, the Minister highlighted that both the state and central governments are continuously working to uphold the respect and empowerment of women through new schemes. He further said that in the recently held elections for 25 municipal corporations, municipal councils, and municipal committees, 65 percent of the elected representatives were women. “Today, women’s power is leading everywhere from flying airplanes to serving in the armed forces,” he said.

Teej festival symbolizes women’s good fortune, prosperity, and cultural identity: Mahipal Dhanda

Haryana Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda attended the district-level Teej Mahotsav program in Fatehabad as the chief guest. He stated that Teej is a festival that symbolizes women’s good fortune, prosperity, and cultural identity. The festival not only revives our traditions but also strengthens women’s empowerment. Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda emphasized that women today are showcasing their talents across all fields, balancing progress with tradition. He added that the Haryana government is actively promoting cultural activities in schools to help the younger generation stay connected to their roots. Folk dance, songs, rangoli, and handicrafts nurture creativity and build confidence in children. He described today’s program as an inspirational initiative in this direction.

Teej is not just a festival, but a symbol of respect for our cultural heritage and women’s power: Dr. Arvind Sharma

Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma attended the district-level Teej Mahotsav program in Sonipat.  On this occasion, he inaugurated Sanskritik Kendra in 10 villages. While addressing the program, he said that Teej is not merely a festival but a symbol of respect for our cultural heritage and women’s empowerment. This festival is deeply connected with love and tradition. When women swing in traditional attire, singing folk songs amidst the greenery and drizzle of Sawan, it beautifully reflects the soul of our land. He encouraged women to join the Sanskritik Kendra established by the Haryana government in villages to create new songs and bhajans and promote cultural activities. Highlighting the festival’s significance, Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma said Teej is not just a tradition but also an opportunity to strengthen social harmony, family bonds, and cultural identity. He urged the youth to stay connected with their folk culture alongside modernity and to recognize their roots through festivals like Teej.

Government committed to the upliftment of women: Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi

Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sh Krishan Kumar Bedi while addressing  the district-level Teej Mahotsav in Bhiwani said that  Teej is a sacred and joyous festival for women, marking a month filled with excitement and enthusiasm. He emphasized that festivals like Teej keep our culture alive and bring people together through auspicious songs and rituals. He highlighted the tradition where brothers visit their sisters with a Kothli during Teej, symbolizing the sacred bond and love between siblings. He said sisters eagerly await their brothers’ arrival on this special day. Affirming the government’s commitment, he said that the government always stands with women to protect their rights and promote their welfare.

Chandigarh, July 27 – The Haryana Government is committed to making Gurugram a clean city. Commissioner and Secretary, Urban Local Bodies Department, Sh. Vikas Gupta held a high-level meeting on Sunday to discuss cleanliness measures for Gurugram. MLA, Sh.  Mukesh Sharma, Divisional Commissioner, Sh. R.C. Bidhan, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Ajay Kumar, Municipal Commissioner, Sh. Pradeep Dahiya, Mayor, Smt. Raj Rani Malhotra and nodal HCS officers for sanitation were present.

Sh. Vikas Gupta directed that the number of door-to-door garbage collection vehicles must be increased within the next three days. Each officer was directed to arrange 10 additional vehicles at their level, with the cooperation of municipal councillors. He directed the Municipal Commissioner to install GPS devices in these vehicles. He also directed that all main roads and sector-dividing roads must be kept clean and that garbage trolleys should be removed from these areas.

Sh. Vikas Gupta emphasized that garbage tends to pile up where waste is already lying and he directed that garbage be regularly lifted from all secondary collection points. He also sought cooperation from MLA, Sh. Mukesh Sharma to raise public awareness about waste management.

Sharing his experience,  Sh. Vikas Gupta said that there should be proper mapping to track which house’s waste is collected by whom and where it is disposed of. He directed that a C&D waste management plan should be prepared within the next three days. He assured that there is no shortage of resources to make Gurugram clean and that the Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini has directed that any required resources should be made available immediately.

He further said that people commenting on social media about cleanliness will also be involved in these efforts.

MLA, Sh.  Mukesh Sharma shared that garbage from Delhi is being dumped daily at several locations like Bajghera near Dwarka Expressway, Wazirabad, and Sector-21. He also pointed out the presence of thousands of illegal slums in these areas, where illegal activities like garbage sorting are taking place. Taking note of his concerns,  Sh. Vikas Gupta directed municipal officers to take necessary action at these locations and assured that all of MLA Sharma’s suggestions would be carefully considered and implemented.

Gurugram Divisional Commissioner, Sh. R.C. Bidhan also directed that from Monday onwards, all municipal officers should be on the field to improve the city’s arrangements within a week, with the active participation of municipal councillors.

Municipal Commissioner, Sh. Pradeep Dahiya informed that an intensive sanitation drive has already been launched, with ward-wise Junior Engineers (JEs) deployed to ensure cleanliness in the field. He also assured that the directions regarding C&D waste management will be strictly implemented.