Gurgaon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the steps taken by Haryana towards improving the adverse sex ratio and called upon the people of the state to take a pledge in its golden jubilee year to protect the girl child.
Speaking at an official function to celebrate the golden jubilee of the state's formation here, he said Haryana has taken fast strides in development and its people have made a mark in all spheres of life, and thus the state has the potential to steer the country forward and act as its growth engine.
"Haryana has the potential to steer the country forward as it is in such a position where it can provide this strength. If we move by bringing a change from the village and from each one's land, it will have an effect across the country.
"If we move forward keeping public interest and participation in mind, then we can achieve something. I am confident that Haryana has much strength to take the country forward and can act as its growth engine," he told a big gathering at the Tau Devi Lal stadium here.
He also commended Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for some of the districts been declared open defecation free.
"We should make entire Haryana open defecation free during this golden jubilee year and I have full hope that the state can do it," he said.
Modi asked if every Haryanvi takes one step forward this golden jubilee and the state takes 2.5 crore steps forward, can any state go ahead of Haryana.
Haryana, which was carved out of the then joint Punjab on November 1, 1966, turned 50 on Tuesday.
"Should we not make Haryana number one? There are many strengths which we are yet to recognise. Haryana that surrounds Delhi can steer the national capital forward," he said.
"This golden jubilee year, every Haryanvi should take a pledge to save the girl child and there should be no let up in this regard and the girl child will not be allowed to be killed in the mother's womb. There cannot be a bigger occasion for golden jubilee than this," he said.
He also thanked the elders and mothers of Haryana who took upon themselves to protect the girl child and helped in improving the sex ratio.
Modi said he has also pondered why in a state with such values, which is always ready to accept new things and has been ahead in many areas, unborn girls are killed in mother's womb.
He said in such a distinguished state, female foeticide cannot exist and noted that Haryana has undertaken an effort to ensure it does not happen.
"I want to commend people of Haryana that they respected the sentiment when I had begged for saving lives of girls when I launched Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign (from Panipat in January 2015).
"Today, I can say with satisfaction, that people of Haryana respected this sentiment. Gender ratio has improved in the country and if any state is making fast improvement in this, it is Haryana," he said, noting that the daughters of Haryana, who have not just just Haryana proud with their feats, but the entire country.
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