Prioritise Health and Safety of Women Sugarcane Workers: Rupali Chakankar

Pune, March 2026 : Rupali Chakankar, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, has directed authorities to prioritise the health, safety, and welfare of women sugarcane workers. She stressed the need to provide healthcare services, educational support for their children, and legal assistance.

The directions were issued during a review meeting held at the Divisional Commissioner’s office, focusing on issues faced by women sugarcane workers and the effective implementation of laws to prevent female foeticide. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar, Special Inspector General of Police Sunil Phulari, Social Welfare Commissioner Deepa Mudhol-Munde, Commission Secretary Nandini Awade, and Deputy Secretary Dr. Padmashree Bainade.

Chakankar noted that a large number of women sugarcane workers migrate from Marathwada to western Maharashtra. She emphasised the need to provide residential schooling facilities for their children and to raise awareness about health issues among these workers. Highlighting concerns over girls’ safety, she pointed out the higher incidence of child marriages and called for strict enforcement of laws to prevent such practices.

She also directed that benefits of schemes run by the Gopinathrao Munde Sugarcane Workers Corporation be extended to workers. Emphasising coordination among departments, she said that all agencies must work together effectively while implementing laws related to women’s welfare, with the Women’s Commission extending full support.

Chakankar further underlined the importance of registering contractors and sugarcane workers, spreading awareness about women-centric laws and committees in rural areas, and appointing full-time staff at One Stop Centres. She also stressed the need for accessible and hygienic sanitation facilities for women during travel. Strict enforcement of laws against dowry deaths and female foeticide was also highlighted.

She added that the state government and the Women’s Commission are committed to prioritising women’s health and safety while building a strong and empowered Maharashtra. Various initiatives are being implemented by the police and health departments, and suggestions for improving legal enforcement should be communicated to the Commission. She also mentioned that better healthcare facilities were provided to women during the Ashadhi Wari pilgrimage.

Divisional Commissioner Dr. Pulkundwar emphasised handling women’s issues sensitively and conducting regular meetings of district-level committees for women’s safety. He also stressed ensuring adequate facilities such as vaccination, healthcare, drinking water, sanitation, and accommodation at sugar factories where workers reside temporarily.

Police official Sunil Phulari shared information on measures being implemented by the police department for women’s safety and suggested additional solutions. Officials also highlighted the need for worker registration and educational schemes for children of sugarcane labourers.

Senior officials from health, women and child development, labour, and tribal departments, along with representatives of sugarcane worker organisations, attended the meeting, with district authorities joining virtually.