Haryana Day 2025: State Celebrates Growth, Culture, And The Fight For Gender Equality

As Haryana celebrates its 58th Foundation Day, the state reflects on its remarkable journey from farmlands to economic strength- but can it overcome the enduring challenge of gender imbalance despite years of reform?

Chandigarh: Haryana marked its 59th Foundation Day on November 1, celebrating the state’s journey from its agricultural roots to becoming one of India’s fastest-growing regions. The day commemorates the creation of Haryana on November 1, 1966, when it was carved out from Punjab following the enactment of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.

Since its formation, the state has stood as a symbol of hard work, resilience, and reform contributing significantly to India’s food grain production, sports excellence, and industrial development.

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A State Born from Reorganisation

Formed to meet linguistic and administrative demands, Haryana shares its borders with Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Delhi.

The state today comprises six administrative divisions and 22 districts, and its proximity to the national capital has made it an economic powerhouse, with 32 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) most located within the National Capital Region (NCR).

Known as the ‘Green Land of India’, Haryana has played a crucial role in India’s Green Revolution and continues to be one of the top contributors of wheat and rice to the central food pool.

Rich Cultural and Linguistic Heritage

Haryana’s cultural landscape is deeply rooted in the traditions of bravery, simplicity, and folklore. The state’s folk songs, dances like Ghoomar and Phag, and festivals such as Teej and Baisakhi reflect its vibrant rural life. The official language, Hindi, and the local dialect, Haryanvi, embody the state’s linguistic pride.

However, the state has also faced challenges in its journey- particularly concerning gender equality and social development.

Haryana’s Ongoing Battle with Gender Imbalance

Despite its rapid economic progress, Haryana has struggled with a low female sex ratio, a challenge deeply rooted in historical practices of female infanticide. In 1966, the sex ratio stood at 877 females per 1,000 males.

As of 2024, the ratio has improved but still lags behind the national average standing at 910 females per 1,000 males, compared to India’s average of 940. The number dipped slightly from 916 in 2023 and 917 in 2022, highlighting that while progress is evident, more efforts are required.

Government Initiatives: From Awareness to Action

To tackle gender disparity, the Haryana government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy focusing on law enforcement, awareness, and incentives.

• Strict Enforcement: The state has tightened implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, conducting raids on illegal ultrasound centers and taking legal action against violators.
• Public Awareness: Campaigns such as ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, have gained momentum in Haryana. The success stories of athletes like Sakshi Malik and the Phogat sisters have also inspired social change by breaking stereotypes.
• Financial Incentives: Through schemes like ‘Aapki Beti, Hamari Beti’, the government provides a one-time grant of ₹21,000 to families for girl children, promoting education and empowerment. Initiatives like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana further encourage long-term savings for girls’ futures.

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A Path Toward Progress

While Haryana has made commendable strides, the road to gender parity and inclusive growth remains long. The female literacy rate, at 65.94%, reflects the need for greater focus on girls’ education and rural empowerment.

As the state celebrates Haryana Day 2024, it is not only a tribute to its glorious past but also a call to strengthen its social fabric -ensuring that progress in agriculture, industry, and sports is matched by equality, education, and opportunity for every citizen.