Haryana CM Launches Lado Sakhi Yojana to Boost Girl Child Birth Rate

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini has launched a new scheme called "Lado Sakhi Yojana" to encourage the birth of girl children and improve the state's sex ratio. The announcement was made during the state-level Hariyali Teej festival celebrations in Ambala on Monday.

Under this innovative scheme, healthcare workers including Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and ANMs will receive Rs 1,000 as incentive for every girl child born under their care. These "Lado Sakhis" will be responsible for taking care of pregnant women during childbirth and ensuring proper support throughout the process.

The Chief Minister explained that this initiative is designed to give a major boost to the already successful "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the event, CM Saini highlighted the positive impact of existing schemes, noting that Haryana's sex ratio has improved from 871 in 2014 to 906 in 2025.

Along with Lado Sakhi Yojana, the CM also launched the "Badhte Kadam: Digital Bal Programme" for Anganwadis. This digital initiative will help Anganwadi workers provide better care and early education to young children using modern technology and e-learning systems.

During the celebration, CM Saini emphasized the government's commitment to women empowerment through various channels. He announced that under the state startup policy, half of all beneficiaries will be women-led ventures. Additionally, 10,000 Do-It-Yourself kits will be distributed among girl students to encourage entrepreneurial skills from a young age.

The government is also ensuring economic opportunities for women through self-help groups. One ration depot in every development block will be allocated to women from SHGs, providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

During the event, the CM virtually inaugurated 131 Mahila Sanskriti Kendras across Haryana and distributed cheques worth Rs 14.26 crore to self-help groups as part of revolving and community investment funds. He also handed over keys of newly established Rural Harts in six districts to women's groups.

Women artisans who excel in handicrafts were specially recognized with awards. The State Handicraft Award and Outstanding Woman Artisan Award winners received Rs 3 lakh each, while 12 others got consolation prizes of Rs 51,000 each. High-performing SHGs at district level were also honored during the ceremony. 

The CM also inaugurated development projects worth Rs 46.34 crore and laid foundation stones for power department projects worth over Rs 26 crore in Ambala City constituency. Several senior ministers including Energy Minister Anil Vij, Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhry, and BJP state president Mohan Lal Kaushik were present at the event.

Later in the evening, CM Saini honored meritorious students with Utkrisht Shiksha Puraskar and urged them to stay away from drugs while contributing to national development. He also attended the state-level Van Mahotsav at Kalesar in Yamunanagar, where he announced plans to plant 2.10 crore saplings across the state this year.