On International Women's Day, the Maharashtra government unveiled a comprehensive Women's Policy aimed at addressing key areas of development for women across the state.
The policy, the fourth of its kind following previous versions introduced in 1994, 2001, and 2014, focuses on eight crucial domains: health, nutrition, education, ending sexual and gender-based violence, livelihood enhancement, infrastructure, governance and political participation, and natural resource management including climate change adaptation and disaster management. Additionally, it includes an exclusive sports policy.
State Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare introduced a system of three-level committees to oversee the implementation and other facets of the policy.
Among the initiatives outlined in the policy are plans for free health check-up camps in underserved areas, improved diagnostic services, and the establishment of demand-based day care centers.
Efforts will also be made to achieve 100% enrollment and retention of adolescent girls in schools, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
To address gender-based violence, the policy calls for the formation of internal committees and 'Bharosa Cell' units at all police headquarters.
Industries are encouraged to develop women-friendly agricultural machinery to support gender-inclusive agriculture.
The policy supports Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing dedicated space for stalls in municipal council and corporation areas.
Additionally, provisions are made for working women's hostels at district and city levels, ensuring safety and security.
Comprehensive training modules will be provided for elected women representatives, covering leadership, planning, budgeting, program management, implementation, and monitoring.
Women's capacities will also be enhanced to promote their participation and leadership in climate change mitigation, disaster response, and risk reduction.
Women living in coastal areas will receive orientation on Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and allied environmental regulations.
Furthermore, an exclusive sports policy will cover infrastructure, training, financial assistance, and support for women athletes.
The implementation plan includes benchmarks for measuring progress, defined responsibilities for various departments, and the establishment of three-level committees for policy review and oversight.
These committees will be chaired by the chief minister, the women and child development minister, and respective guardian ministers at the district level.
The Maharashtra government emphasized its commitment to women's empowerment and the concrete steps outlined in the policy towards achieving holistic development for women across the state.
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