“Savitribai Fair” is a Movement Making Women Self-Reliant – Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister Inaugurates ‘Mini Saras Savitri Jatra’ District-Level Sales Exhibition

Pune, March 2026 : In the land sanctified by the work of Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule, the ‘Savitri Jatra’ started in her name is not merely the name of an exhibition but a movement that makes women self-reliant. The global demand for products made by women self-help groups in this fair is a matter of pride, said Deputy Chief Minister and Guardian Minister of the district Sunetra Ajit Pawar.

She was speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of the ‘Mini Saras Savitri Jatra’ district-level sales exhibition organized at the Agriculture College Ground, Sinchan Nagar by Zilla Parishad, Pune and UMED–Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission, along with the distribution ceremony of Yashwant Panchayat Raj Campaign divisional awards and Maha Awas Campaign district-level awards.

On the occasion, MP Dr. Medha Kulkarni, MLAs Bapusaheb Pathare and Shankar Mandekar, YASHADA Deputy Director Dr. Mallinath Kalashetti, Deputy Commissioner Nitin Mane, In-charge Chief Executive Officer Chandrakant Waghmare, Project Director of Rural Development Agency Shalini Kadu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Bhushan Joshi, and Goodwill Ambassador of Chief Minister Samruddha Panchayat Raj Campaign Shivali Parab were present.

Extending greetings on International Women’s Day, Deputy Chief Minister Mrs. Pawar said the name Savitri Jatra is dedicated to the thoughts of Savitribai Phule and suits her work of empowerment. Savitribai showed the path of empowering women through education and self-reliance, and today that very thought is being realized through hundreds of women self-help groups in rural areas.

Around 150 women self-help groups have participated in the exhibition here and are displaying products that represent rural art, traditions, and culture, which is commendable. In every item there is the hard work, dreams, and determination of a rural sister. She appealed to the citizens of Pune to visit the exhibition and purchase more products to support the livelihood of these families.

₹40 Crore Loan Distribution to Self-Help Groups in a Single Day

Last year as well, nearly ₹19 crore in loans were distributed to self-help groups in a single day during the Mini Saras Savitri Jatra. This year too, ₹40 crore worth of loans were distributed to self-help groups in one day. Through this, about ₹400 crore of loans have been distributed in the past year, which proves that the ‘Saras Savitri Jatra’ programme is improving in quality every year. She urged everyone to collectively make it even better in the future.

Budget Also Takes Steps Towards Women’s Self-Reliance

In the budget presented yesterday by Chief Minister and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a substantial provision has been made for the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme.

Appropriate policy for the welfare of single women and strong steps are being taken to make women self-reliant and empowered through the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative.

A target has been set to make 25 lakh women ‘Lakhpati Didi’ in the coming financial year. Approval has been given to build ‘UMED Malls’ in 13 districts, which will create a large market for products made by women self-help groups in rural areas. She also noted that this year is being celebrated as the International Women Farmers’ Year.

‘UMED’ Playing an Important Role in Economic Empowerment of Rural Women

The UMED mission has played an important role in making rural women economically strong, connecting them to markets, and ensuring proper value for their products. Through this mission, rural women have gained economic independence and confidence, which has increased their respect in society.

The state government is committed to women’s empowerment. To provide women with sustainable businesses and create a large marketplace for their products, a grand ‘UMED Mart’ has been approved and its work has already started.

In the district, 26 Punyashree Super Markets, 4 Punyashree restaurants, and a Savitri shop in Ambegaon are functioning. There is also a Savitri gallery at Pune International Airport. Last year, more than one lakh women in the district became ‘Lakhpati Didi’, and there is a determination to make another 30,000 women Lakhpati Didi by the end of March, she emphasized.

Under the UMED mission in Pune district, about 27,000 self-help groups are active, involving more than three lakh women. Through this mission, loans worth ₹1,687 crore have been provided to these groups.

Late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had always been dedicated to the development of Pune district. He worked throughout his life to make rural women self-reliant and to help them stand on their own feet. Many schemes were implemented and substantial provisions were made for them in the budget. Through the District Planning Committee (DPDC), significant funds were provided. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said that this legacy of development must be carried forward.

Appeal to Participate in Chief Minister Samruddha Panchayat Raj Campaign

Deputy Chief Minister Mrs. Pawar appealed to sarpanches, deputy sarpanches, and officials to participate in large numbers in the Chief Minister Samruddha Panchayat Raj Campaign, perform well, and bring pride to their village, taluka, and district.

Dr. Medha Kulkarni said that the central government is implementing various schemes for women. Through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 4 crore houses have been provided, many in the name of women. In the Mudra scheme, 60 percent of beneficiaries are women. Stalls of women self-help groups can be seen at railway stations and airports. Their products are also in demand abroad, and their achievements are being recognized globally. Work is also underway to establish UMED malls to ensure fair prices for women’s products.

Chandrakant Waghmare said that through the Zilla Parishad an initiative has been undertaken to connect rural women with urban markets. It is a festival that promotes rural culture and markets while honouring their achievements. More than two lakh women have become Lakhpati Didi in the district. The Savitri Jatra will continue for five days, and he appealed to Pune residents to purchase more products.

On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mrs. Pawar distributed loans to eligible beneficiaries.

She also visited the stalls at the venue, gathered information about the products, and appreciated the efforts of the women self-help group members.