Chandigarh, May 20 -Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal said that the state government is committed to empower every girl child across the state. Recognizing that daughters play significant role in shaping the country and society, he highlighted the importance of their empowerment in building a new India for the 21st century. In line with this commitment, the Haryana government has been making significant contributions through the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, providing financial assistance to poor and needy families for the marriage of their daughters.
Today, the Chief Minister directly interacted with beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana from New Delhi through audio conferencing. Expressing their gratitude to the Chief Minister during the interaction, families who availed benefited from this scheme described that the amount of Shagun is no less than a boon for them. They emphasized that the financial assistance provided has alleviated the concerns and worries associated with their daughters' marriages, thereby benefiting numerous such families.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister said that the State Government launched the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana in October 2015, with the aim of relieving families living below the poverty line from the burden of marriage expenses. Over the past 8 and a half years, an amount of Rs. 821 crore has been disbursed as Shagun for the marriages of 258,000 girls across the state.
Mr. Manohar Lal further elaborated that the state government provides varying amounts ranging from Rs. 31,000 to Rs. 71,000, depending on different categories, to beneficiaries under the Vivah Shagun Yojana. This Shagun amount is provided to all families below the poverty line with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,80,000, supporting them during their daughters' marriages. Moreover, the scheme has been expanded for all daughters in the family, whereas previously it was limited to two daughters.
Additionally, the Shagun benefit extends to the marriage of all daughters who are not covered under the aforementioned scheme. Such daughters will be given Rs. 1100 along with a box of sweets as Shagun upon registering their marriage within 30 days from the date of the ceremony. This provision ensures that every daughter, regardless of their eligibility for other schemes, receives a token of celebration and support from the Haryana government.
The Chief Minister highlighted the convenience and efficiency of the scheme, stating that there is no longer a need to repeatedly visit government offices to receive the marriage Shagun. Instead, the amount is directly credited to the beneficiaries' bank accounts after they complete the online application process on the shaadi.edisha.gov.in portal and register their marriage. This proactive approach has simplified the process and ensured seamless access to the financial assistance.
Mr. Manohar Lal emphasized that the state government's pro-active initiatives aim to overcome the historical perception of daughters being seen as a burden, particularly in the context of concerns about their marriages. Through these measures, the government seeks to challenge and change this outdated mindset, promoting a more progressive and inclusive society where every daughter is valued and supported. By providing financial assistance and ensuring equal opportunities, the state government is actively working towards empowering daughters and enabling them to fulfill their aspirations, thereby eradicating the notion of burden associated with them.
Mr. Manohar Lal, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi for launching the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao nationwide campaign from Panipat, Haryana, on January 22, 2015. At that time, the state faced significant challenges concerning the sex ratio and the issue of female feticide. However, through collaborative efforts involving the government, Panchayats, Khap Panchayats, and social organizations of Haryana have successfully shed the stigma of female feticide, setting an example for other states. The state's sex ratio at birth has significantly improved from 871 in 2014 to 923. Today, in Haryana, the birth of daughters is celebrated with as much joy as that of sons.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Aapki Beti-Hamari Beti scheme, wherein the government has provisioned an amount of Rs. 21,000 to be given to a girl child upon her birth. Scheduled caste and economically weaker families receive Rs. 21,000 on the birth of their first girl child, while all other families receive the same amount on the birth of their second and third girl child. This amount is deposited as a lump sum in the name of the daughter with the Life Insurance Corporation of India. When the daughter turns 18, she receives an approximate amount of Rs. 1 lakh.
Acknowledging the financial responsibilities associated with a daughter's education or marriage as she enters adulthood, he said that the government has taken a significant step by introducing the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. This scheme allows individuals to make deposits ranging from Rs. 250 to Rs. 1.50 lakh annually, ensuring a secure financial future for their daughters. Notably, the deposited amount earns an attractive 8 percent compound interest, further bolstering the savings and ensuring that the funds grow over time. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana serves as a powerful tool to assist families in meeting the financial needs of their daughters' education or marriage, promoting a brighter and more secure future for every girl in Haryana.
Efforts to promote the education of girls have also been a key focus for the state government. To ensure access to higher education closer to home, colleges have been established within a 20-kilometer radius. Notably, separate colleges have been opened exclusively for girl students. Over the past eight and a half years, the state has established a total of 72 new government colleges, with 31 dedicated to girls. Additionally, girls studying in college receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 500.
Haryana Chatra Parivahan Suraksha Yojana 2023 has been launched for the security of girl child. Under this scheme, the state government is operating 211 special women buses to ensure safe travel for girl students. Moreover, to alleviate the financial burden on families with an annual income of up to Rs. 1,80,000, the government has waived fees for girl students up to the post-graduation level. Free travel facilities in roadways buses up to 150 km are provided for girl students commuting to educational institutions, he added.
Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. K. Makarand Pandurang, Deputy Commissioner, Gurugram, Mr. Nishant Kumar Yadav and Joint Director (Admn.), Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture Department, Mr. Gaurav Gupta also remained present on this occasion.