Minister Shruti Choudhry hoists national flag in Panchkula on 79th Independence Day

Haryana’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Shruti Choudhry, unfurled the national flag at the district-level Independence Day celebrations held at Parade Ground, Sector 5, Panchkula, on Thursday. Extending greetings to citizens, she saluted the soldiers guarding India’s borders and paid homage to martyrs at the War Memorial in Sector 12.

Inspecting the contingents of Haryana Police and NCC, she took the salute at the march-past. Addressing the gathering, she said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the past 11 years, India had scaled new heights. “From the 11th position in 2014, our economy is now advancing towards becoming the third largest in the world,” she remarked, expressing confidence that both PM Modi and CM Nayab Singh Saini would lead the nation and state to greater development.

Choudhry stressed that the state government was committed to the welfare of soldiers and their families, providing compassionate jobs to dependents of martyrs and establishing training centres in Charkhi Dadri, Hisar and Yamunanagar for youth aspiring to join the armed forces. She added that Haryana had created 1.8 lakh jobs without discrimination in the last decade, while services of over one lakh contractual employees had been secured.

Highlighting welfare measures, she said that 24-hour power supply, clean drinking water and multiple schemes for farmers, workers and women had transformed the state. Compensation worth Rs 15,645 crore had been provided to farmers for crop loss, alongside extensive water conservation projects such as 2,088 Amrit Sarovars and new water bodies under the Atal Bhujal Yojana.

On women’s empowerment, she referred to initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Milk Gift Scheme, Working Women’s Hostels, Creche Policy, Women’s Helpline 181, Haryana Kanya Kosh and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Anganwadi workers are now entitled to retirement benefits of Rs 2 lakh, and assistants Rs 1 lakh.

Turning to industry, she announced that 10 new Industrial Model Townships are planned, with the largest Maruti Suzuki plant coming up at IMT Kharkhoda. Over two crore saplings will be planted under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, while 450 e-buses for seven cities have been sanctioned to support green mobility. She also noted that the Maharaja Agrasen Airport at Hisar will boost industrial and economic opportunities.

The celebrations featured a march-past by Haryana Police, Home Guards, NCC and Scouts & Guides, and spirited cultural performances by schoolchildren. Women aged 25 to 75 presented a patriotic finale under the leadership of Madhu Sharma.

Choudhry honoured descendants of freedom fighters, families of fallen soldiers and winners of parade competitions, besides felicitating outstanding students, sportspersons, social workers and employees. The event was attended by senior administrative officers and dignitaries from across the district.