Haryana Government instituted Awards to Felicitate Women

Haryana government on 18 September 2012 instituted four state-level awards to felicitate women who have done outstanding work in different fields. Three of the awards include Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award, Kalpna Chawla Shaurya Award and Bahin Shano Devi Panchayti Raj Award. The fourth award comprises of two awards, Life time Achievers Award and Women Outstanding Achievers Award. These awards would come into effect from the current financial year 2012-13.

Indira Gandhi Mahila Shakti Award, would be given to the women who has done exemplary work in rehabilitation of destitute women and children, widows, victims of atrocities and conflict disabled women and children, aged women.

It would also be given to those engaged in promoting self help groups or women empowerment initiatives, established their own business or industry and have contributed to development of women besides entrepreneurship and done exemplary work in public service. It would carry a cash prize of Rs one lakh and a citation.

Kalpna Chawla Shaurya Award named after astronaut Kalpna Chawla, would be given to those who perform acts of bravery and meritorious services. The award would carry a cash prize of 51000 rupees and a citation.

Bahin Shanno Devi Panchayati Raj Award named after the first women Speaker in Haryana had been instituted for encouraging the emergence of women in the public sphere in the village of Haryana. This award would be given to woman Panchayat leader who have done exemplary work in promoting female literacy, health and nutrition, universalisation of education, sanitation, water, hygiene and other health determinants, he said. It would carry cash prize of 51000 rupees and a citation.

Life Time Achievement Award would given to woman of 60 years of age or above, who has excelled in administrative skills, career or profession, leadership quality, courage and creative work. It would carry a cash prize of Rs 21,000 and a citation and a shawl.