No Compromise on Women’s Empowerment – Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Inauguration of State Women’s Commission’s ‘Sakshama’ Program

Nagpur, Dec 2025 : Various programs are being implemented in the state for the safety of girls and women, as well as for their empowerment. In recent times, several new schemes and initiatives have been launched. “Whatever is necessary for the empowerment of women in the state will be done, and there will be no compromise in this regard,” said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Deputy CM Shinde was speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Sakshama’ program for women organized by the State Women’s Commission at Vanamati. The event was attended by Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Minister for Women and Child Development Aditi Tatkare, Minister of State Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar, MLAs Manisha Kayande, Chitra Wagh, Vikram Kale, Manjula Gavit, Sana Malik, Secretary of the Commission Nandini Awale, and former Commission member Nita Thakre, among others.

Deputy CM Shinde said that the central government has enacted stringent laws for women’s empowerment, and there is a need for widespread awareness about these laws. Many cases of atrocities against women are still reported. While efforts are being made to empower women, there are still unfortunate incidents taking place. Therefore, it is equally important not only to enact laws but also to generate awareness in society. Programs like the Women’s Commission’s ‘Sakshama’ should be conducted across the state to raise public awareness.

He emphasized that the reputation of society depends on women’s safety. “If women are not safe, society cannot be empowered.” He highlighted that over the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced significant reforms for women’s safety, repealing outdated laws and enacting new protective legislation. Awareness about these provisions should reach women through initiatives like those organized by the Women’s Commission.

Deputy CM Shinde also noted that the state government has taken substantial measures for women’s welfare, such as providing free higher education to girls, 50% concession on bus travel, financial support under the ‘Laadki Bahin’ scheme, and initiatives like ‘Lakhpati Didi.’ The government fully supports the Women’s Commission in its work, and the Commission should function even more effectively.

Assembly Speaker Adv. Rahul Narwekar remarked that women hold the highest place in society, and it is painful to imagine them being unsafe. The central and state governments have made several important decisions for women, and the changes in the Indian Penal Code for women’s safety must reach the people. Programs like ‘Sakshama’ will help ensure that these provisions reach women.

Minister Aditi Tatkare praised the Women’s Commission’s ongoing work for women’s empowerment and emphasized the need for awareness about new laws and provisions. The program will also help provide justice to victims of crimes. Women must know their rights and the laws available to them.

Minister of State Meghna Sakore-Bordikar stated that while women enjoy respect in society, due to the misdeeds of some individuals, women’s safety must still be addressed. The central and state governments have launched many schemes for women’s safety and empowerment, and society should create a positive environment for women. MLA Chitra Wagh also shared her thoughts on the issue.

At the beginning of the program, State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar explained the objectives of the ‘Sakshama’ program. It aims to raise awareness among women about changes in the Indian Penal Code, women-related laws, and cyber safety. Provisions in the legal framework are highly beneficial for women’s protection and should be utilized effectively. The Commission has also been actively working on issues like child marriage and dowry. Over the past year, the Commission has played a strong role in protecting women and combating atrocities.

The program was attended by numerous officials from various government offices, women employees, and women leaders from social organizations. In the second session, expert mentors provided guidance on changes in the Indian Penal Code, women’s laws, and cyber safety.