CM launches ‘Lado Sakhi Yojana’ and Digital Learning Ecosystem
Rs. 1,000 incentive for every ‘Lado Sakhi’; one ration depot in each block to be allotted to women self-help groups
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
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.