By Hansi: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday placed women’s empowerment, employment and transparent governance at the centre of his Independence Day message, outlining a series of measures aimed at expanding opportunities for women and young people in the state.
Addressing the state-level Independence Day function in Hansi, Saini said women are among the biggest strengths of society and stressed that their social, economic and educational empowerment would remain a key priority for his government. He also highlighted the state’s recruitment system, claiming that transparency and e-governance have helped reduce corruption and the influence of middlemen.
Nearly 10 lakh women covered under Lado Lakshmi scheme
Saini said around 10 lakh women have received a total of Rs 2,042 crore under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana. The scheme provides eligible women with financial assistance of Rs 2,100 per month.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the growing participation of women in Haryana’s startup ecosystem. According to him, women-led ventures currently account for around 50% of startups in the state. A new policy is aimed at raising this share to 60%, he said.
The government is also focusing on reducing household expenses for women. Saini said nearly 15 lakh families are receiving LPG cylinders at Rs 500 under the Har Ghar Har Grihini Yojana.
50% representation in Panchayati Raj bodies
Saini pointed to political participation as another area where the state has sought to expand opportunities for women. He said women have been provided 50% representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Education has also been identified as an important part of the government’s women-focused initiatives. The Chief Minister said girls in Haryana are being provided free education up to the postgraduate level.
‘Parchi kharchi’ removed from recruitment
Turning to employment, Saini said the government’s use of e-governance has helped check corruption and reduce the role of intermediaries in recruitment. He described recruitment without “parchi kharchi”—political recommendations or payments—as a defining feature of the state’s system.
According to Saini, more than two lakh young people have secured government jobs through transparent recruitment over nearly 12 years, including around 43,000 appointments during the past one-and-a-half years.
Rs 5 lakh crore investment target
The Chief Minister also outlined the government’s broader employment and investment ambitions. Haryana has set a target of attracting Rs 5 lakh crore in investment over the next five years, with an aim to generate around 10 lakh jobs during the period.
Saini said the focus on investment, employment and women’s economic participation is part of the government’s larger effort to strengthen Haryana’s economy while ensuring that development creates more opportunities for people across the state.
