Women of ‘Umed’ Abhiyan Savings Group to Send One Crore Rakhis to CM Eknath Shinde

Mumbai : The State Government has launched the ‘Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ along with several other welfare schemes aimed at empowering women. Recently, the first two months’ benefits of this scheme were disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to eligible women across the state. Under this scheme, women receive Rs. 1500 per month, benefitting over 2.5 crore women. Additionally, through the Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana, it has been decided to provide three free gas cylinders annually to women. These initiatives have brought significant relief to women and integrated them into the broader development agenda. As a mark of gratitude, the women of the Umed Abhiyan Savings Group movement will send one crore rakhis to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The production of these rakhis has commenced through self-help groups in the state. Women from 40,000 villages will send rakhis to the Chief Minister, creating an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm. On Rakhi Purnima, August 19, women are rallying with the slogan ‘Chalo Mumbai’ to tie rakhis to their ‘elder brother’—the Chief Minister. The officials of the ‘Umed’ organization have informed that rakhis will be tied to the Chief Minister at his ‘Varsha’ bungalow in Mumbai.

The government has also decided to offer free higher education to girls, distribute pink rickshaws to women, and implement other initiatives like the Lek Ladki Abhiyan and free ST travel for women up to 50 percent. These decisions have provided significant relief to women in the state, fostering a sense of hope and empowerment. The women of the state now view Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as their elder brother, supporting their all-round development.

During a recent interaction with the Chief Minister, women across the state expressed their heartfelt gratitude. Remarks such as, “I will now call you brother, not just Chief Minister,” and “Thanks to you, I don’t have to rely on my husband for daily expenses,” were shared. These sentiments deeply touched the Chief Minister, who acknowledged the strength of the blessings from millions of sisters across the state.

Since August 14, the combined amount of two installments (Rs. 3,000) under the ‘Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme has begun being deposited in the accounts of the beneficiaries. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently interacted online with some of these beneficiaries, who shared their experiences. For instance, Sakshi Surushe from Pune district expressed her joy at receiving the funds, which will help her fulfill her dream of learning German. Maina Kamble felt a wave of relief before Rakshabandhan thanks to the scheme, and Pallavi Harale was thrilled that the Chief Minister encouraged her to expand her sewing business.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed satisfaction at seeing the happiness on the faces of women across the state and emphasized that this scheme will continue. He stated that the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme is a gift from a brother to his sisters. The financial assistance is not only a support to the women but also a valuable contribution to their families. The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering women, noting that the government has launched 108 schemes for women, strengthening their role in society.