Joy Reflected in the Eyes of Sisters: Chief Minister’s ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ a ‘Superhit’ – CM Eknath Shinde

Dharashiv : “The word ‘brother’ feels more intimate to me than the title of Chief Minister,” said CM Eknath Shinde as he expressed his joy in seeing the happiness in the eyes of the women participating in today’s Chief Minister’s Women Empowerment Mission program. “Their joy is a testament to the success of the scheme,” Shinde added, declaring the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana a ‘superhit.’ He was speaking at the event held in Paranda, as part of the Women Empowerment Mission.

Guardian Minister Prof. Dr. Tanaji Sawant, MLA Gyanraj Chaugule, former MLA Sujitsinh Thakur, Collector Dr. Sachin Ombase, Zilla Parishad CEO Dr. Mainak Ghosh, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

Addressing the initial skepticism surrounding the scheme, CM Shinde remarked that the state government has successfully implemented the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, driven by the belief that empowering women strengthens the nation. The scheme has deposited funds into the accounts of women beneficiaries, and the smiles on their faces and the love they express are deeply rewarding. “To sustain this happiness, the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and other state government schemes will continue,” he assured. CM Shinde added that funds have been allocated for these initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to supporting women, whom he referred to as “beloved sisters.” He also promised that the benefits of the scheme would gradually be increased.

Coming from an agricultural background, CM Shinde noted that he understands the value of Rs 1,500 to women in impoverished families. He shared the story of a woman named Sistham Bard, who told him that with Rs 1,500 from the scheme, she started a business making ghungru kadi and earned Rs 10,000 during the Gauri Ganapati festival. Similarly, many other women have invested their funds in small businesses, boosting both their businesses and the economy. He highlighted that the once loss-making ST Corporation became profitable after introducing a 50% travel discount for women. Shinde believes that the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana will similarly strengthen the state’s economy.

The Chief Minister also announced that under the Annapurna Yojana, women will receive three free gas cylinders annually. Additionally, the state will provide free higher education for girls and has introduced the Lek Ladki Yojana, which deposits Rs 1 lakh in the bank accounts of girls from birth until they turn 18. The Chief Minister’s Youth Work Training Scheme will offer training opportunities for young men and women, providing trainees with a monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000. Maharashtra is the first state to implement such a comprehensive scheme, Shinde added.

Government’s Commitment to Farmers

CM Shinde reiterated the state government’s dedication to making decisions in the best interest of farmers. Under the Chief Minister Baliraja Power Discount Scheme, agricultural pumps up to 7.5 HP will receive free electricity. Furthermore, the Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana will deposit Rs 6,000 annually into the accounts of farmers, similar to the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

Shinde also expressed gratitude to the central government for its decision to remove the minimum export price on onions and increase the import duty on edible oils, which will help farmers get better prices for their crops.

Progress is being made on bringing water from the Ujani dam to the Seena-Kolegaon project. Shinde promised to hold a meeting within the next 15 days to expedite the completion of this long-pending project, which is 98% finished. Guardian Minister Dr. Sawant requested special attention to this project, pending for the past 30 years. Additionally, CM Shinde committed to allocating sufficient funds for statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Paranda.

Introduction by Guardian Minister Prof. Dr. Sawant on Health Initiatives

In his introduction, Guardian Minister Prof. Dr. Tanaji Sawant provided an overview of the health facilities extended to citizens over the past two years by the Public Health Department. He highlighted that the Guinness Book of World Records recognized the health services provided to workers in Pandharpur during the Ashadhi Ekadashi festival last year. Additionally, thanks to health initiatives like the Mother Safe, Family Safe, and Aware Parents Safe Child campaigns, maternal and child mortality rates in the state have significantly decreased. Moreover, more than 12.65 crore citizens in the state have received health insurance coverage of Rs. 5 lakh through the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. Prof. Dr. Sawant also mentioned that nearly eleven and a half thousand youths have secured employment through a transparent recruitment process in the Public Health Department.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde symbolically distributed checks and appointment letters during the event. On this occasion, Sindhu Pawar and Pooja Pawar, two sisters from the Banjara community dressed in traditional attire, tied rakhis to the Chief Minister.

Upon arriving at the venue, Chief Minister Shinde was warmly welcomed by many women who tied rakhis to him. Some women requested to take selfies with him on their mobile phones, and the Chief Minister personally took selfies for them, honoring the bond with his “beloved sisters.” Both Chief Minister Shinde and Guardian Minister Dr. Sawant greeted the women by showering them with flowers. The Chief Minister was also felicitated during the event.

Additionally, Chief Minister Shinde honored Collector Dr. Sachin Ombase, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Mainak Ghosh, and District Superintendent of Police Sanjay Jadhav for their roles in the successful organization of the event. The program was hosted by Aishwarya Hibare and Resident Deputy Collector Shobha Jadhav, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Collector Dr. Sachin Ombase. The event saw a large turnout of women from across the district.