Nagpur Model of Women’s Self-Reliance – Secretary Dr. Anupkumar Yadav

Mumbai : The Department of Women and Child Development is committed to improving the economic, social, and educational status of women, enabling them to lead dignified lives. In Nagpur, 3,000 women have come together to raise a fund of ₹30 lakh. The Maharashtra Women’s Economic Development Corporation (MAVIM) will assist these women in starting their own businesses, with full support from the government, announced the department’s secretary, Dr. Anupkumar Yadav.

Dr. Yadav highlighted that under the “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana,” the women of Nagpur have established the Nagpur Mahila Samman Credit Co-operative Society. With the ₹30 lakh fund, these women will initiate small-scale businesses and provide capital to other women for entrepreneurship. In case of emergencies, the society will also offer financial assistance. The cooperative will sustain itself through the interest earned on the capital. The Women and Child Development Department will also establish a support system for women stepping forward. MAVIM will provide comprehensive assistance to these women, Dr. Yadav assured.

Boost to the Rural Economy

Women typically manage household expenses through careful budgeting—whether for groceries, children’s education, or medical needs. Most beneficiaries of this scheme belong to rural areas. By encouraging purchases from local shops and small businesses, the scheme indirectly benefits rural traders. Currently, around 7.5 lakh women’s self-help groups (SHGs) are active in rural areas—approximately 1.5 lakh through MAVIM and 6 lakh under the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM). This scheme facilitates collective fundraising through these SHGs, empowering women to undertake various entrepreneurial initiatives. Dr. Yadav emphasized that this approach will increase cash flow within rural areas, strengthening the circular economy and reducing migration to urban centers.

Support for the Needy

The “Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana” primarily benefits underprivileged women from rural, tribal, and urban slum areas. By improving their financial stability, the scheme aims to empower women economically.

Additionally, a provision has been made for beneficiaries who are ineligible under the scheme’s criteria to voluntarily return the benefits if they wish. Dr. Yadav affirmed that such measures ensure transparency and targeted assistance for those in need.