CM Announces ‘Self-Help Group Malls’ in 10 Districts to Boost Women’s Empowerment

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Pledges Five-Year Continuation of Ladki Bahin Scheme; Free Education for Girls from KG to PG

Mumbai, Aug 9: Women’s empowerment is the cornerstone of national progress, and Maharashtra will strengthen it further by establishing ‘Self-Help Group Malls’ in 10 districts to boost income generation through women’s self-help groups, announced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a Raksha Bandhan celebration held at Mahakavi Kalidas Natyagruha in Mulund.

The event was attended by Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar, MLA Mihir Kotecha, local representatives, and dignitaries.

From Protection to Empowerment

Highlighting Raksha Bandhan’s symbolism as a bond of love and protection, Fadnavis urged brothers to take a “new pledge” — to make their sisters capable of protecting themselves and their families.
He underlined that both Central and State Governments are implementing targeted schemes to ensure women’s social and economic independence.

Key Women-Centric Initiatives

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – Nationwide awareness and education drive.
Mudra Yojana – 60% of beneficiaries are women; lakhs now self-reliant.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme – Maharashtra met last year’s target of empowering 25 lakh women; another 25 lakh to be empowered this year, aiming for 1 crore women in total.
100% loan repayment rate by women under these schemes, noted CM.

Ladki Bahin Scheme Extended

Fadnavis confirmed the Ladki Bahin scheme—which grants ₹1,500 monthly to eligible women—will continue uninterrupted for the next five years to strengthen financial independence.

Education as the Equalizer

Girls in Maharashtra can now avail free education from kindergarten to post-graduation, a policy credited with a surge in female academic achievements. Increasingly, women are winning gold medals at universities, proof of rapid educational advancement.

Fadnavis concluded with a Raksha Bandhan greeting, assuring women that the government will stand “firmly behind them” for social protection and economic progress.