Commitment to Women’s Safety and Economic Empowerment – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Nagpur, August 31, 2024: The state government is resolute in its efforts to empower women through various initiatives, including the Chief Minister-Maazhi Ladki Bahin Yojana. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring women’s safety and economic self-reliance during the benefit distribution program of the second phase of the ‘Chief Minister-Maazhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme in Nagpur today.

At the event held at Reshimbag Maidan, Chief Minister Shinde highlighted that in the first phase of the scheme, ₹3,225 crores were deposited into the accounts of 1 crore 7 lakh women. In the second phase, ₹1,562 crores have been deposited into the accounts of 52 lakh women, benefitting a total of 1 crore 60 lakh women across the state. The Chief Minister emphasized that the benefits of the state treasury should reach the common people, and due to the successful implementation of this scheme, there is widespread satisfaction among women. He assured that the scheme would continue and that the benefit amount would increase over time. The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that this financial aid would help women achieve economic independence and boost the overall economy.

Chief Minister Shinde also mentioned the ongoing implementation of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision, which aims to make over 50 lakh women in the state financially independent. He noted the government’s proactive approach in addressing issues, including providing a full waiver of education fees for a girl who was forced to consider suicide due to financial constraints. The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government is committed to development and public welfare, with a particular focus on empowering women and ensuring their safety, with strict action to be taken against any perpetrators.

Significant Progress in Women Empowerment – Nitin Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari commended Maharashtra for its exemplary work in women’s empowerment through self-help groups. He praised Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for their efforts in launching the Chief Minister-Maazhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which has energized women across the state and contributed to their financial independence. Gadkari emphasized that this scheme will play a crucial role in establishing economic equality alongside social equality, providing marginalized women with newfound confidence and opportunities.

Transforming Women’s Lives Through Schemes – Devendra Fadnavis

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted that the successful implementation of the Chief Minister-Maazhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has instilled new hope and confidence among women in the state. Given the overwhelming response to the scheme, the government is exploring additional ways to enhance it. Fadnavis reiterated that the government is committed to implementing the scheme under any circumstances. He also emphasized that the empowerment of women is essential for India’s overall development, a belief strongly supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fadnavis assured that the government would continue to support women’s education and other initiatives to transform their lives and uphold their dignity. He also mentioned the decision to allot ownership plots to slum dwellers in Nagpur as part of these efforts.

₹75,000 Crores Allocated for Women Welfare Schemes – Ajit Pawar

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that the criticism surrounding this scheme has now been addressed, and the negative perceptions about its implementation have been proven baseless. He emphasized that this scheme will provide economic self-reliance to women and will be permanently implemented in the future. In addition to this scheme, the government is working to empower women through various initiatives such as the distribution of LPG cylinders and free education. The state government is allocating ₹75,000 crores towards these efforts. The present government is committed to making women strong, competent, respected, and safe, and he assured that their safety remains a top priority.

1,403 Pink E-Rickshaws for Women in Nagpur – Aditi Tatkare

Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, in her introductory remarks, highlighted that the Chief Minister-Maazhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has successfully distributed maximum benefits to women across the state. She assured that if an application is rejected due to errors, women can reapply and no one will be deprived of the benefits. As part of the initiative, 10,000 pink e-rickshaws will be distributed to women across the state, with 1,403 allocated to Nagpur. This initiative will provide employment opportunities for women. She also expressed her intention to offer special benefits to Anganwadi workers during the upcoming Navratri festival.

Direct Distribution of Benefits to Women’s Accounts

During the program, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister directly transferred the benefits of the second phase of the ‘Chief Minister-Maazhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme into the bank accounts of 52 lakh women across the state by using a special digital machine. The scheme aims to provide financial benefits to 2.5 crore women in the state, and so far, 1 crore 60 lakh women have received these benefits. The Chief Minister noted that applications from 50,000 women were rejected due to errors, but these women can reapply, ensuring that no one is deprived of the scheme’s benefits.

Distribution of Benefit Checks to Women

At the conclusion of the program, checks were distributed to ten beneficiaries of the Chief Minister-Maazhi Ladki Bahin Yojana by the Chief Minister, in the presence of the Deputy Chief Minister. Additionally, representative benefits from the Chief Minister’s Vyoshree Yojana, Chief Minister’s Tirth Kshetra Darshan Yojana, and Chief Minister’s Annapurna Yojana were also distributed.

The Divisional Commissioner, Police Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, Collector, and Smart City Chief Executive Officer were felicitated by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for successfully organizing today’s event at Reshimbagh, coordinated by the Chief Minister’s Public Welfare Club. Aditi Tatkare introduced the program. Earlier, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were welcomed at the venue with drums and cheers. Upon entering the special platform, women expressed their gratitude by raising their hands and tying rakhis. The Chief Minister congratulated the women by showering them with flowers.

Notable attendees included Madhya Pradesh MP Maya Narolia, MLAs Chandrasekhar Bawankule, Tekchand Savarkar, Krishna Khopde, Mohan Mate, Vikas Kumbhare, Praveen Datke, Adv. Ashish Jaiswal, Sameer Meghe, former Minister Adv. Sulekha Kumbhare, Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department Anup Kumar Yadav, Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidri, Women and Child Development Commissioner Dr. Prashant Naranvare, Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravindra Singal, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Abhijit Chaudhary, Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, and Smart City CEO Saumya Sharma, along with other administrative officers.