Chandigarh:: Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini honoured citizens who have performed outstanding work in different fields at the sixth Disha Indian Awards held in Mohali, Punjab. Addressing the event organized by Disha Women Welfare Trust, the Chief Minister said that today’s occasion is a celebration of countless struggles, dreams, and commitments that have contributed to giving a new direction to society. He said that the Disha Indian Awards present a picture of an India that is progressing on the strength of women and is rooted in the values of dedication and service.
The Chief Minister said that organizing the sixth edition of the awards by Disha Women Welfare Trust is highly commendable. He described the institution not just as an organization, but as a movement that has, for the past five years, been continuously working to empower both women and men, promote self-reliance, and ensure recognition of their contributions to society. He emphasized the need to ensure equal opportunities, safety, and empowerment for women in every field.
He said that 26 individuals have been honoured on this platform who have done commendable work for women’s upliftment. These individuals are the real heroes of society who have worked selflessly with a spirit of service and dedication. Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, India is rapidly transforming. This new India is driven by the strength of women. He added that the goal of building a developed India set by the Prime Minister cannot be achieved without their contribution, as women constitute half of the country’s population.
The Chief Minister said that women empowerment is not just a women’s issue but a matter concerning the entire society. It is a shared responsibility of families, society, government, and every citizen. He stressed the need to ensure that girls receive an environment from childhood where they can freely pursue their dreams and are made to believe that they are second to none. When a girl is educated, she shapes not only her own future but also that of her family and society.
He congratulated and extended his best wishes to the organizer, Smt. Hardeep Kaur.
He said that 11 years ago, the Prime Minister launched the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” programme from the historic land of Panipat, leading to positive changes across the country. In Haryana, the sex ratio, which was 871 in 2014, has now improved to 923. He also expressed pride that the Prime Minister launched the “Bima Sakhi Yojana” from Panipat, under which 9,656 women in Haryana are advancing their careers as insurance facilitators.
The Chief Minister said that the Prime Minister understood the hardships faced by women, freed them from smoke caused by traditional cooking methods, liberated them from the indignity of open defecation, and relieved them from the suffering of triple talaq. By enacting a law ensuring 33 percent representation in Parliament, women have been given a rightful role in governance.
He said that politics is not merely about promises but a reflection of trust and accountability. Under the Lado Lakshmi Scheme, women are being provided ₹2,100 per month. So far, ₹835 crore has been transferred directly to their accounts in five installments. Just as Disha Women Welfare Trust is dedicated to women’s upliftment, the Haryana Government has also taken concrete steps towards women’s economic empowerment.
He further stated that in the Budget 2026–27, a provision has been made to reserve 20 percent of Vita booth allotments for women belonging to Self-Help Groups. Additionally, there is a provision to establish a modern rural market in every block to facilitate the marketing of SHG products. Earlier, 33 percent of ration depots were allotted to women.
Haryana is the first state in the country to implement a comprehensive crèche policy for the children of working women. At present, 845 crèches are operational in the state, along with 4,000 play-way schools. The budget also provides for launching 10 modern “Matri Shakti Industrial Crèche Networks” in industrial areas. The honorarium of crèche workers has been increased from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per month, the highest in the country.
In the financial year 2026–27, an additional 3 lakh women will be made financially self-reliant earners (“Lakhpati Didis”). He noted that it was once unimaginable that women managing households would also fly drones. Under the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme, 5,000 women from 500 Self-Help Groups are being given free training. Women have also been given 50 percent representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
He said that on February 28, the Prime Minister launched a nationwide campaign to provide free HPV vaccination to adolescent girls for the prevention of cervical cancer, and the same campaign was launched in Haryana on the same day. In the financial year 2026–27, 3 lakh girls will be vaccinated. Free education for girls is being provided up to the postgraduate level.
He said that when daughters are safe, educated, and empowered, only then will the nation truly progress. The Chief Minister was honored with a shawl and a memento during the event.
On this occasion, former Minister Aseem Goel, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Praveen Attrey, former Member of Parliament Avinash Rai Khanna, Founder of Kangaroo Group of Companies Rishipal Singh, Chairperson of Disha Trust Smt. Hardeep Kaur, Chairman of Chardikala Time TV Sardar Jagjit Singh Dardi, along with the team of Disha Women Welfare Trust, were present.