DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala said that Savitri Bai Phule was not only the country's first female teacher but also a notable female freedom fighter. Mata Savitri Bai faced challenges in accessing education during a time when women were prohibited from attending school and leaving their homes to study. However, she did not allow these obstacles to hinder her pursuit of education and continued her struggle. She ultimately became the nation's first female teacher in 1948.

The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking after unveiling the 21 feet tall Savitri Bai Phule statue in Kharkhoda. He wished the people of Kharkhoda on Mahashivratri and International Women's Day.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that we should move forward in life by taking inspiration from the struggle-filled life of Mata Savitri. He noted that today, our daughters are excelling and making a name for themselves in various fields.

In addition to providing free education for daughters from impoverished families, the government offers transportation facilities for school and college attendance. The coalition government has also implemented a 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj, facilitating their significant contributions to development. Furthermore, women in Haryana now hold a 33 percent share in ration depots.

The Deputy Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs 11 lakh to finalize ongoing park development projects and urged citizens to plant trees in their names and ensure their care.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the government has regularised the century-old colonies of Kharkhoda and granted ownership rights to their residents. He further mentioned that comprehensive guidelines have been issued to officials for the girdawari of crops damaged by recent hailstorms.

All farmers are required to register their crop damage on the e-kshatipurti portal by March 15. Compensation will be provided to farmers at a rate of Rs 15,000.
(editor@dailyworld.in)