Government Committed to the Safety of Our Beloved Sisters – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Distribution of Benefits from Various Government Schemes at Women Empowerment Mahacamp in Nashik

Massive Response from Women with Thousands Attending the Mega Event

Nashik, August 23: Women are the embodiment of Adishakti (primordial energy). We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work for their well-being. The state government has upheld its promise through the ‘Majhi Ladki Baheen’ scheme, ensuring that funds were directly deposited into the accounts of our beloved sisters. Beyond financial support, the government is also deeply concerned about women’s safety, especially in light of the recent unfortunate incident in Badlapur. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured that the government is committed to ensuring both the safety and well-being of our sisters.

He made these remarks during the Chief Minister’s Women Empowerment Campaign General Camp at Tapovan Maidan. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, Public Works (Public Enterprises) Minister and District Guardian Minister Dadaji Bhuse were also prominently present at the camp.

MLAs Kishore Darade, Devyani Farande, Seema Hire, Rahul Aher, Nitin Pawar, Rahul Dhikle, Saroj Ahire, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Praveen Gedam, Collector Jalaj Sharma, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Dr. Arjun Gunde, and others were also in attendance.

Chief Minister Shinde highlighted that funds from the ‘Chief Minister-Majhi Ladki Baheen’ scheme were deposited into the accounts of the beneficiaries two days before Rakhi Purnima. Out of 11 lakh applications received in Nashik district, 8 lakh sisters have already received the funds, with the remaining 3 lakh women set to receive their funds next week. Across the state, funds have been deposited into the accounts of 1 crore 40 lakh women. Women who apply in September will receive three months’ worth of funds in a single installment. The Ladki Bahin Yojana will not be discontinued; rather, its benefits will be increased over time, Shinde assured. He also mentioned that the government has made welfare decisions through several schemes such as the Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme, Free Vocational Education for Girls, and the Chief Minister Baliraja Free Electricity Scheme. He cautioned against attempts to disrupt law and order by claiming that state development and welfare schemes are being curtailed, emphasizing the state’s commitment to advancing its progressive culture.

Honoring Women through Ladki Bahin Yojana – Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that women’s participation is crucial in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. The Maharashtra government has introduced initiatives like Lek Ladki and ‘Chief Minister-Majhi Ladki Bahine’ to empower women. The 50% concession for women in ST buses has turned the previously loss-making ST into a profitable entity. Additionally, higher education has been made free for girls. The Ladki Bahin Yojana has not only provided financial support but also shifted societal attitudes towards women, increasing respect for them within families.

Fadnavis also mentioned that the issue of PESA (Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas) recruitment for tribals is being addressed and will be resolved soon. He assured that the perpetrators of the Badlapur incident will face severe punishment, with the Supreme Court’s approval, and called for society to remain vigilant for women’s safety.

In his introductory remarks, Guardian Minister Bhuse noted that innovative activities for women have been conducted in Nashik district. Schemes for women’s self-help groups are being implemented using District Planning Committee funds. Within a year, 800 sympathizers were absorbed into service, and higher education for girls was made free across the state. Bhuse highlighted that Nashik district ranks second in the state in fund allocation under the Chief Minister’s Ladki Bahin Yojana.

Minister of Food and Civil Supplies Chhagan Bhujbal added that the government is committed to implementing schemes for various sections of society. Several initiatives, including the ‘Chief Minister-Majhi Ladki Baheen,’ Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Punyashlok Ahilya Devi Holkar Yojana, and free higher education for girls, are being carried out to empower women. He also announced that the government will establish the first school for girls, initiated by Savitribai Phule, in Pune.

Distribution of Benefits in a Representative Manner

During the ceremony, certificates and benefits were distributed to women beneficiaries of various schemes in a representative manner. The beneficiaries included Swati Sandeep Fasale, Manisha Yogesh Niphade, Kamala Ananda Sarnaik, Anita Kisan Jadhav, and Rashmi Avinash Pagare (Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana); Tasnim Fatema Sohail Ahmed and Nikita Akshay Kolhe (Lek Ladki Yojana); Pankaj Dilip Gade and Akshada Anil Dabde (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme); Sangita Kailas Musale of the Ichamani Women’s Self-Help Group; Rajshree Chandrakant Bhagde (bank loan disbursement to women self-help groups for business); Usha Santosh Abhale from the Jagdamba Self-Help Group (bank loan disbursement under Umed Abhiyan); Manisha Sanjay Godse from the Mahalakshmi Self-Help Group (Umed Abhiyan Lakhpati Didi Certificate); Bharti Sukhdev Jadhav from the Swami Samarth Self-Help Group (Revolving Fund under Umed Abhiyan); Manjulabai Kashinath Fodse (State Sponsored Agricultural Mechanization Scheme); Dhanshree Shankar Gaikwad (Agricultural Mechanization under the National Agricultural Development Scheme); and Navsabai Laxman Chaudhary (Birsa Munda Agricultural Revolution Scheme). The women expressed their gratitude for the improvements in their living standards due to the benefits of these government schemes.

Before the program, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were warmly welcomed by the attendees as they entered the main auditorium. Women greeted the dignitaries with mobile torch lights. The Maha Camp was inaugurated with Kanya Pooja performed by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, who were also welcomed with a set of cereals.

Prior to the Mahashibir program, Guardian Minister Shri Bhuse welcomed the beloved sisters coming from Nashik district. Dr. Amol Shinde presented an outline of the Chief Minister’s Women’s Empowerment Campaign, which was moderated by Seema Pethkar. Collector Jalaj Sharma offered the vote of thanks.

The district administration, along with various support systems, worked diligently to ensure the camp’s success.