Chandigarh/Ludhiana (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday praised the role of social organizations in advancing the ideals of nation-building and Antyodaya, stating that a society’s greatness is measured not by its economic prosperity but by how it treats its weakest and most vulnerable members.
Addressing the 346th Monthly Widow Ration and Assistance Distribution Ceremony at Gyan Sthal Mandir in Ludhiana as the chief guest, the Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹11 lakh for the Gyan Sthal Mandir Seva Society in recognition of its continued efforts towards social welfare and humanitarian service.
Speaking on the occasion, Saini said that a truly progressive and compassionate society is one that remains committed to the welfare of the underprivileged, widows, the elderly and other vulnerable sections. He noted that the service campaign, initiated in 1997 by late Jagdish Bajaj, has evolved into a significant public welfare movement over the years.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the organization has been consistently providing assistance to widowed women for 346 consecutive months, describing the achievement as a remarkable example of selfless service. He also appreciated the dispatch of the 64th relief truck carrying aid for terrorism-affected families in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Chief Minister, the organization has distributed ration to more than 1.65 lakh needy widow families since its inception. During the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers continued to serve society by delivering essential supplies directly to households despite challenging circumstances.
He further stated that the society has distributed tricycles to 385 specially-abled individuals, provided sewing machines to over 1.15 lakh women and imparted computer education to more than 25,000 children, helping them build a better future.
Saini emphasized that the institution’s contribution extends beyond charity and welfare distribution. Through skill development programmes and self-employment initiatives, the organization is empowering women and youth and creating opportunities for long-term self-reliance.
Highlighting the Haryana Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said several welfare schemes are being implemented to strengthen the social, economic and educational status of women across the state.
He said widow women in Haryana receive a monthly pension of ₹3,200, while eligible beneficiaries under the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana are provided financial assistance of ₹2,100 per month. Under the Har Ghar-Har Grihini Yojana, households are being provided LPG cylinders at a subsidized rate of ₹500.
The Chief Minister also highlighted initiatives such as the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Campaign and various self-help group programmes aimed at promoting women’s financial independence and social empowerment.
On the education front, Saini said the state government has established 81 new colleges, including 31 dedicated to female students. He added that girls in Haryana are being provided free education up to the postgraduate level to encourage higher education and self-reliance.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister said the true purpose of politics is not merely to attain power but to uplift the last person in society and place national interest above all else. He described the widow assistance programme in Ludhiana as a living example of the Antyodaya philosophy and said that social organizations working with dedication and compassion continue to strengthen the spirit of humanity, public welfare and national service.
