Govt committed to women’s empowerment, says CM Saini

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening services for women and children, stressing that women’s empowerment remains central to its welfare agenda.

Addressing a state-level programme to mark the 8th anniversary of ‘Poshan Maah’, the CM said, “Over the past eight years, the campaign has become a key movement to protect women’s health and eliminate child malnutrition. Its focus is on improving nutrition among children below six years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers.”

Highlighting this year’s ‘Poshan Maah’ theme, he said it was both broad and action-oriented, covering issues like controlling obesity, improving childcare, promoting local foods, planting trees under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, and encouraging men’s involvement in maternal and childcare. “The aim is not just to spread information but to bring about lasting lifestyle changes,” he added.

The Chief Minister underlined the government’s initiatives, noting that Haryana was the first state to implement a Comprehensive Crèche Policy for working women. “A woman’s health is a family’s greatest asset. A healthy woman is the foundation of a strong family and a strong family is the foundation of a strong India. Empowering women strengthens society, so prioritising women’s health is essential,” he said.

On the occasion, the CM unveiled a special ‘Poshan Calendar’ and honoured anganwadi workers for their contribution. He also inaugurated 500 renovated anganwadi buildings built at a cost of Rs 15 crore and 64 new anganwadi centres constructed for Rs 9 crore. An exhibition on schemes related to women’s health, nutrition and family well-being was also showcased.

Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhry said this year’s ‘Poshan Maah’ campaign emphasises lifestyle changes — such as reducing oil and sugar intake, promoting millets and local grains, digitising services, and enhancing male participation in maternal and child care. She noted that around 10.47 lakh children and 2.67 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers in Haryana are currently benefiting from nutrition programmes.

Meanwhile, the CM also reviewed the elevated railway track project in Kurukshetra, describing it as historic. “We are grateful to the Prime Minister for the project. The country’s first elevated railway track was commissioned in Haryana, and now work on the second track has been completed. Construction of Thanesar railway station is in its final stages. The project will ease traffic congestion at five railway crossings in Kurukshetra,” Saini said.