Chandigarh: The Department of Women and Child Development, Haryana Government, has launched the ‘Mahila Samarth Sansthan Awards’ initiative to promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace culture for women across the state.
A government spokesperson said that the primary objective of the initiative is to make workplaces gender-sensitive, ensure strict compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, 2013, increase women’s participation in employment and leadership, and strengthen childcare facilities, flexible work arrangements and grievance redressal mechanisms.
He said a total budget of ₹23.75 lakh has been earmarked for this state-level recognition and incentive scheme, under which 25 awards will be presented across five different categories. These categories include government departments/boards/corporations/commissions and public sector undertakings; autonomous bodies/private companies; industrial units; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); educational institutions/hospitals/service-sector establishments; and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). A budget of ₹4.75 lakh has been allocated for each category, with five awards to be presented in each category.
The government has invited online applications from interested and eligible institutions. The last date for submitting applications has been fixed as September 20, 2026. The spokesperson clarified that online applications will be accepted only through the designated portal available on the official website of the department, wcdhry.gov.in. Applications submitted through post, courier or any offline mode will not be considered valid.
