Kurukshetra, October 14 (Chandigarh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said that education is the true strength of any nation and society, emphasizing that when daughters are educated, the entire family, society, and country move forward. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign for transforming this vision into a national movement and praised institutions like Seth Navrang Rai Lohia Jairam Kanya Mahavidyalaya for advancing this mission.
The Chief Minister was addressing the Silver Jubilee celebrations of Seth Navrang Rai Lohia Jairam Kanya Mahavidyalaya, Lohar Majra, Kurukshetra, as the chief guest. He lit the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the event and unveiled a souvenir highlighting 25 years of Jairam Educational Institution’s contributions. The CM was felicitated by Param Pujya Brahmaswaroop Brahmachari Maharaj, Chairman of Jairam Educational Institutions, who presented him with a memento and shawl. CM Saini also announced a grant of ₹21 lakh for the college.
Saini lauded the institution for empowering rural girls through education for the past 25 years, calling it not just a timeline but a journey of “struggle, dedication, and success.” He recalled how the college was founded by late Mohan Lal Lohia in memory of his father, inspired by Brahmaleen Devendra Swaroop Brahmachari, at a time when awareness about girls’ education was limited in villages. Today, he said, this institution stands as a foundation of hope for thousands of girls in the region.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the college’s students have excelled not only in academics but also in sports, cultural programs, social service, and research. Many alumnae, he noted, have achieved national and international recognition. Calling the college a “true heritage of Haryana,” he said institutions like this are shaping the vision of a developed and progressive state.
80 New Government Colleges in 11 Years; 30 Dedicated to Girls
CM Saini stated that the biggest barrier to girls’ education has been the lack of nearby colleges. To address this, the state government ensured that a college is available within every 20-kilometer radius. Over the past 11 years, 80 new government colleges have been established, including 30 exclusively for girls. Additionally, the state provides free transportation for girls within a 150-kilometer range in Haryana Roadways buses.
He said 29 girls’ Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are currently running in the state, offering ₹500 monthly stipends to enrolled students. Haryana, he noted, is the first state in India to implement the National Education Policy (NEP).
33% Reservation for Women in PGT Recruitment
Highlighting the state’s commitment to gender equality, Saini announced that girls from families earning up to ₹1.8 lakh annually receive free education up to the postgraduate level. Furthermore, 33% reservation has been provided to women in Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) recruitment.
He added that Haryana, once known for its low sex ratio, has set an example for the nation. Thanks to the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative, the state’s birth sex ratio has improved from 871 in 2014 to 909 today.
Praising the achievements of women in various fields, Saini said, “Girls consistently top examinations and have made their mark in administration, police, armed forces, research, and space exploration.” He noted their increasing representation in politics, literature, sports, film, fashion, medicine, law, business, and social service, asserting that “daughters are not a burden, but the pride of our nation.”
The event was attended by Param Pujya Brahmaswaroop Brahmachari Maharaj, former minister Subhash Sudha, Chairman Dharamveer Mirzapur, and other dignitaries.
