Government Committed to Promoting Women’s Empowerment Through Welfare Schemes: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Thane, March 2026 : Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the state government is consistently working to promote women’s empowerment through various welfare schemes and initiatives. He emphasized that when women are given greater opportunities, strong and capable leadership emerges.

Fadnavis made these remarks while inaugurating the “Viksit Bharat Nari Shakti Sangam” Rural Women Leadership Conference, organized on the occasion of International Women’s Day and the centenary year of social reformer Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy becoming a member of the legislature.

The two-day conference, being held on March 8 and 9 at Uttan near Mira-Bhayandar, has been jointly organized by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini and the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM).

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that increasing women’s participation in all sectors of society is the need of the hour. According to him, women have the ability to provide effective leadership and contribute significantly to the development of society when they are given the right opportunities.

Fadnavis also highlighted the government’s “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, under which the state aims to make 37 lakh women financially independent this year. He noted that women from Maharashtra are also making remarkable progress in entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem, achieving recognition at the national level.

The conference has brought together nearly 500 rural women from across the country who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in fields such as business, industry, politics and social work. During the sessions, participants will share their experiences and discuss their journeys of leadership, innovation and social change.

Several prominent dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, including Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Jaykumar Gore, Vice-Chairman of Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Padma Shri awardee Popatrao Pawar, Executive Director of the institution Abhiram Ghadyaalpatil, Konkan Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi and Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Commissioner Radhabinod Sharma, along with several senior administrative officials.

During his address, Minister Jaykumar Gore suggested that special training camps for elected and future women sarpanches from across Maharashtra should be organized at Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini. He said such training programs would help strengthen grassroots leadership and promote better governance in rural areas.

The conference will include multiple sessions focusing on leadership development, entrepreneurship and the role of rural women in social transformation. Participants will also present inspiring stories and experiences that highlight the impact women are making in their communities.

Among those present on the occasion were Legislative Council member Rekha Mahajan and Mira-Bhayandar Mayor Dimple Mehta, who attended as special guests.

The event aims to encourage rural women to step forward as leaders, innovators and changemakers, reinforcing the idea that empowering women is essential for building a stronger and more inclusive society.