Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Jayanti In Haryana Dedicated To Antyodaya and Women Empowerment

Chandigarh, September 25: The Haryana Government marked the birth anniversary of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay – the pioneer of Antyodaya – by dedicating the day to development, upliftment of the last mile, and women empowerment. On this occasion, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana to strengthen the social and economic status of women, along with a dedicated mobile application for seamless implementation, during a state-level function held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula.To facilitate easy registration, the CM also introduced a toll-free helpline (18001802231) and a dedicated support line (01724880500). At the event, live registration of five eligible women was carried out under the scheme. Within hours

of the app’s launch, around 50,000 women downloaded it, and nearly 8,000 applications were submitted.Alongside this, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth ₹326.25 crore, including 31 completed works worth ₹78.04 crore and 97 new projects worth ₹78.12 crore in the health sector. Renovation of 10 health institutions costing ₹80.72 crore was also undertaken. Additionally, projects of the Public Works Department and Urban Local Bodies worth ₹89.37 crore were launched.Addressing the gathering, CM Saini said the government’s priority is to ensure that development schemes reach the last person in line. Inspired by Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay’s philosophy of Antyodaya, Haryana is committed to uplifting every section of society, especially women and the underprivileged.Extending greetings on the occasion of Shardiya Navratri and the Jayanti of Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay, the CM said, “A nation can be truly great only when its women are safe, educated, and respected. Haryana is determined to ensure that women and daughters are empowered, self-reliant, and active participants in the mainstream of society. The Lado Lakshmi Yojana is a step in this direction.”

About the Scheme

In the first phase, nearly 20 lakh women in Haryana will benefit. Eligible women between 23–60 years of age from families with an annual income of up to ₹1 lakh will receive ₹2100 per month directly in their bank accounts. Importantly, every eligible woman in a household will be entitled to the benefit, with no restriction on the number of beneficiaries per family.The scheme has been allocated an annual budget of ₹5000 crore for 2025–26. Applications, verification, and grievance redressal will be fully digital and transparent through the mobile app. Eligible women can apply directly from their homes without visiting CSCs or government offices.The CM urged daughters currently below 23 years of age to celebrate their 23rd birthday by applying for the scheme. He further stated that this launch fulfills the 42nd commitment of the government’s manifesto, and by year-end, 90 commitments will be completed.

Women Empowerment under PM Modi’s Leadership

Highlighting the broader vision of women empowerment, CM Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given historic initiatives for women, including the Nari Vandana Bill (33% reservation for women in Parliament and Assemblies), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi, and Beema Sakhi. Recently, the PM launched the Swasth Nari Sashakt Pariwar Abhiyan and the 8th Poshan Maah from Madhya Pradesh.In Haryana, over 2.13 lakh women have already become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ and 100 women have received free drones and training under Drone Didi. 18 lakh families are being provided gas cylinders at ₹500, while 50% reservation has been ensured for women in panchayats. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are being strengthened, with stamp duty exemptions on loans up to ₹5 lakh.The CM also recalled women-centric initiatives such as free education for girls up to post-graduation, a comprehensive crèche policy (the first in the country), and the establishment of 33 all-women police stations and a 1091 women’s helpline.