Empowered Women, Empowered Nation; Women’s Development Leads to National Development – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Ratnagiri : “Empowered women lead to an empowered nation; women’s development leads to national development. We aim to make India an economic superpower. The ‘Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Baheen’ scheme will continue permanently. I want to see our sisters become millionaires,” said Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The ‘Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Baheen’ program, held at Champak Maidan under the Chief Minister’s Women’s Empowerment Campaign, received an overwhelming response from women. Present at the event were Minister of Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare, Guardian Minister Uday Samant, MLA Shekhar Nikam, Special Inspector General of Police, Konkan Region Sanjay Darade, District Collector M. Devender Singh, Chief Executive Officer Kirti Kiran Pujar, Superintendent of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni, and others.

Chief Minister Shinde expressed, “The joy I feel today, seeing the satisfaction and happiness on your faces, surpasses the happiness I felt when I took the oath of Chief Minister. Although Raksha Bandhan is a one-day festival, the bond between brothers and sisters is eternal. Your brother will always stand firmly by your side. Those who haven’t received benefits yet will soon have the funds deposited into their accounts. Running a household requires effort, and that’s why the ‘Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Baheen’ scheme was introduced. No matter what, this scheme will not be discontinued.”

Reassuringly, Chief Minister Shinde stated, “Your brother will continue to increase the support you receive from your maternal home. Through various schemes, I want to see my sisters become millionaires. This is not a bank that takes; this is a bank that gives. This government is a giving government, not a taking one. We only speak what we can deliver. Every mechanism is working for this scheme, and it is receiving a tremendous response.”

Referring to the unfortunate incident in Badlapur, Chief Minister Shinde remarked, “The incident is extremely unfortunate. The culprits must face the death penalty. In Maharashtra, criminals who harm girls’ sentiments will not be spared. This case will be fast-tracked, and we have instructed action against the institution’s operators as well. Do not toy with the lives of young girls. This government will not rest until the culprits are hanged. Do not politicize the tragedy of this innocent child. This is the Maharashtra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, known for its history of severe punishments. Maharashtra inherits the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray and Anand Dighe,” he emphasized.

The ‘Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Baheen’ scheme includes sisters from all castes and religions. This is not a one-time offering but a permanent gift from their maternal home, with plans for continuous improvement, as mentioned by the Chief Minister.

Minister of Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare said, “All sisters have received a gift on the eve of Raksha Bandhan. The ‘Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Baheen’ scheme, initiated under the guidance of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has received tremendous response. The economic empowerment of women has begun. ‘Majhi Ladki Baheen’ has reached everywhere and has been well-received. Anganwadi workers and helpers have diligently gone door to door to fill out forms for this scheme, and they have also benefited from it. In addition, they have received a benefit of Rs 50 after filling out the forms. Under the Sindhuratna scheme, tourist buses have been provided to women, who are also responsible for operating them. Ratnagiri is the first district in the state to implement such an innovative initiative. The honor fund of Rs 1,500 is meant for your empowerment,” she added.

Guardian Minister Shri. Samant stated, “When this scheme was announced, many criticized it. Some even took others to court to prevent the implementation of the government order, but the court rebuked them. We are all happy that we could deposit the money into the accounts of the women. This decision was made to ensure women’s economic upliftment and empowerment. No one can stop this scheme. This fund should be used for your health. We will take strict action against banks that harass women.”

During the event, Chief Minister Shinde unveiled all district-level schemes remotely. On behalf of the women of the district, Guardian Minister Shri. Samant and Minister of Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare presented a letter of thanks to the Chief Minister. Chief Minister Shinde interacted with the women, and many women expressed their gratitude by tying rakhis on the Chief Minister.