Over 7 lakh sisters and daughters received benefits worth ₹260 crore under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme in two installments: CM
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Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the festival of Lohri is a symbol of our rich culture and traditions. Such festivals not only provide an opportunity to share happiness but also help us stay connected with our roots. These celebrations successfully convey the message of love, harmony, and brotherhood in society, as Lohri and other festivals inspire humanity with the same values. He said that the younger generation should learn from Lohri that our traditions are not merely a legacy of the past, but also guide our present and future. Staying connected to our roots along with embracing modernity is our greatest strength.
The Chief Minister was celebrating the Lohri festival with his wife and Vice Chairperson of the Haryana State Child Development Council, Smt. Suman Saini, along with the general public, on Sunday at Shivala Ram Kundi in Ladwa, Kurukshetra. Sh. Nayab Singh Saini performed rituals and lit the Lohri bonfire in accordance with tradition. Former Minister of State Sh. Subhash Sudha was also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister said that India is a land where unity in diversity can be clearly seen. Lohri is a prominent festival that reflects our cultural diversity. Lighting the sacred fire and offering sesame seeds, revdi, jaggery, and peanuts is not only a religious ritual but also a message to remain connected to our cultural roots. It is an opportunity to teach future generations the importance of traditions. He said that celebrating the sacred festival of Lohri has become even more relevant today. On this day, Dulla Bhatti had rescued many abducted girls from slave markets during the reign of Akbar. That is why Dulla Bhatti is remembered with reverence during Lohri.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Lohri also plays an important role in our social life. This festival brings people closer and strengthens the spirit of brotherhood. On this day, people come together to cook, sing, dance, and exchange gifts. In this way, the festival inspires the values of unity, fraternity, and dedication. He said that to make the nation strong, it is essential to promote equality and cooperation in society. We must understand that only by walking together can we build a strong India.
The Chief Minister expressed concern that even today crimes against women and the social evil of female foeticide continue to shame society. Therefore, everyone should take a pledge to protect daughters, just as Dulla Bhatti did. He said that in this direction, some social organizations and aware citizens have taken commendable initiatives. Lohri, traditionally celebrated on the birth of a son, is now also being celebrated in the name of daughters. This is changing society’s mindset towards daughters. While celebrating Lohri, we must remember Dulla Bhatti’s spirit of protection towards daughters—only then will the celebration of Lohri be truly meaningful.
Sex Ratio in Haryana Has Improved to 923
The Chief Minister said that the foremost requirement to protect daughters is to stop female foeticide. For this purpose, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi launched the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign from Panipat on January 22, 2015. As a result, Haryana’s sex ratio has improved from 871 at that time to 923 today. He said that daughters are achieving remarkable success in every field. Due to their achievements and the welfare schemes of the government, daughters are no longer considered a burden but have become the true strength of society and the nation.
₹260 Crore Given to Over 7 Lakh Sisters and Daughters Under Lado Lakshmi Scheme
The Chief Minister said that the government has launched the ‘Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana’ to provide economic and social security to sisters and daughters. Under this scheme, financial assistance of ₹2,100 is provided. So far, more than 7 lakh sisters and daughters have been given ₹260 crore in two installments. He said that poor women are being provided gas cylinders for their kitchens at just ₹500 per month, benefiting approximately 14.70 lakh families in the state. To ensure women’s participation in rural development, 50 percent representation has been provided to women in Panchayati Raj institutions.
31 Out of 81 Newly Opened Colleges Are for Girls
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that out of the 81 colleges opened in the state to promote higher education, 31 are exclusively for girls. Free education is being provided to girls up to the postgraduate level. Similarly, a target has been set to make 5 lakh women ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ out of which 2.34 lakh women have already achieved this status. Under the ‘Drone Didi Scheme,’ 100 women have been provided free drones along with training. He said that women cultural centers are being opened across the state, with 203 centers already established, where mothers and sisters can participate in bhajans, songs, dances, and other cultural activities.
On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena and other distinguished citizens were also present.