‘Savings Group Malls’ in 10 Districts to Empower Women through Self-Help Groups – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

CM attends Raksha Bandhan celebrations at Mahakavi Kalidas Natyagruha

Mumbai, Aug 2025 : “Women’s empowerment is the backbone of any nation’s development. When women in society join the mainstream, the nation’s progress accelerates. Making women an integral part of the economy strengthens the country’s economic foundation. Without 50% participation from women, holistic national development is impossible,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, announcing that ‘Savings Group Malls’ will be set up in 10 districts to empower women through self-help groups.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the Raksha Bandhan celebrations held at Mahakavi Kalidas Natyagruha in Mulund. The event was attended by Minister of Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar, MLA Mihir Kotecha, local representatives, and various dignitaries.

Explaining the importance of Raksha Bandhan in Hindu tradition, the CM said it is not just a thread of rakhi, but a thread of love that expresses a sister’s affection for her brother, and the brother’s pledge to protect her. “However, the time has come for brothers to resolve that they will make their sisters so capable that they can protect not only themselves but also their families,” he said, adding that both the Centre and State Governments are working through various schemes to ensure women’s socio-economic empowerment.

Focus on Women’s Empowerment

The CM noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched several schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Under the MUDRA Yojana, 60% of beneficiaries are women, helping lakhs of them stand on their own feet. He shared that under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, Maharashtra achieved the target of making 25 lakh women “Lakhpati Didis” last year, with the same target for this year, and a long-term goal to empower 1 crore women in the state. He also highlighted that the loan repayment rate among women beneficiaries is 100%.

Ladki Bahin Scheme to Continue for Next Five Years

Through the Ladki Bahin scheme, women in Maharashtra receive ₹1,500 per month. The CM assured that the scheme will continue uninterrupted for the next five years to support women’s financial independence.

Education as a Tool for Women’s Development

The state government has made higher education completely free for girls; from kindergarten to post-graduation (KG to PG), girls can now study without fees. This has led to significant academic progress among girls, evident from the increasing number of female gold medalists at universities. “No one can stop the progress of women now,” the CM asserted.

Concluding, CM Fadnavis extended his Raksha Bandhan greetings to all women and assured that the government will always stand firmly behind them for their social and economic protection.