Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that the greatness of any society is not measured by its economic prosperity, but by how it treats its weak, helpless and underprivileged sections.

“A society that cares for its deprived and needy citizens is truly progressive and compassionate,” he stated.

The Chief Minister was addressing the 346th Masik Vidhwa Rashan Evam Sahayata Vitran Samaroh held in Ludhiana, Punjab.

Paying tribute to martyr Lala Jagat Narayan, CM Saini said he dedicated his entire life to patriotism, social harmony, and service to humanity, and made the supreme sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the nation. He said the legacy of service and commitment to national interest continues through organisations inspired by him.

He announced a grant of Rs 11 lakh for the Gyan Sthal Mandir Sewa Society.

CM Saini said the long-running service initiative started in 1997 has evolved into a large-scale welfare movement, providing continuous assistance for 346 months to widowed women and families in need.

He also highlighted relief work including aid for terrorism-affected families in Jammu and Kashmir, distribution of ration to over 1.65 lakh widow families, and support activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organisation has also provided tricycles to persons with disabilities, sewing machines to women, and computer education to thousands of children to promote self-reliance.

CM Saini said the Haryana government is also running several welfare schemes for women empowerment, including pension support, subsidised LPG cylinders, financial assistance schemes, self-help group promotion, and free education for girls up to postgraduate level.

He said these initiatives aim to strengthen women socially and economically and promote long-term empowerment across the state.