Monument of Revolutionary Jyotiba Savitribai Phule to Inspire Fight Against Inequality – Chief Minister

Satara, Jan 2026 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the monument of revolutionary Savitribai Phule in Naigaon will serve as a reminder of her work and inspire people to fight societal inequalities, while also sowing the seeds of a social revolution. He added that the Women’s Training Center being established there will provide all necessary training to empower women and enhance their capabilities.

The Chief Minister made these remarks during the 195th birth anniversary celebrations of Savitribai Phule in Naigaon (Taluka Khandala). On this occasion, he performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the grand monument of Savitribai Phule, constructed at a cost of ₹143 crore, along with the Women’s Training Center. The event was attended by Ram Shinde (Chairman, Legislative Council), Chhagan Bhujbal (Minister of Food & Civil Supplies), Shambhuraj Desai (Guardian Minister), Jaykumar Gore (Minister of Rural Development), Makrand Patil (Minister of Relief & Rehabilitation), Rupali Chakankar (Chairperson, State Women’s Commission), MLAs Dr. Atul Bhosale, Manoj Ghorpade, Sachin Patil, Principal Secretary of Rural Development Eknath Dawale, and Naigaon Sarpanch Swati Jamdade, among others.

CM Fadnavis expressed his fortune at having the opportunity to lay the foundation of the monument honoring Savitribai Phule, who pioneered women’s education in Maharashtra and India and liberated women from the shackles of social oppression. He noted that Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule waged a revolution against regressive social norms and established an institutional framework to promote equality.

He highlighted that historically, social discrimination and caste-based divisions placed women in the worst conditions, depriving them of education and property rights. Savitribai Phule rebelled against these practices and started the first girls’ school, granting women their right to education.

The CM stated that the government follows the path of Mahatma and Savitribai Phule, which is why the free higher education program for girls bears Savitribai Phule’s name, and the public health initiative for free treatment is named after Mahatma Phule. He added that initiatives like the “Lakhpati Didi” program aim to empower women economically, with over 50 lakh women already benefited and the target set to reach 1 crore this year, including 1.5 lakh in Satara district.

The Chief Minister also announced plans to develop the memorial of Sant Savata Mali in Aran, and expressed willingness to approve the renaming of Naigaon in honor of Savitribai Phule if the village council submits a formal request.

Other dignitaries, including Minister Bhujbal, Minister Gore, and Minister Patil, outlined the development plans, budgets, and additional support required for the Women’s Training Center, tourism development, and other associated projects. They emphasized that the monument will stand as a symbol of educational and social empowerment for rural Maharashtra, honoring the legacy of Savitribai Phule.

The program also featured exhibitions of products made by women’s self-help groups, and a conceptual presentation of the Savitribai Phule monument was displayed. Former MLAs Ram Satpute, Baliram Sirsakar, District Collector Santosh Patil, CEO of Zilla Parishad Yashni Nagarajan, and Police Superintendent Tushar Doshi were present at the event.