Maharashtra to push holistic development of single women through special policy: Minister Aditi Tatkare

MUMBAI: In a major initiative aimed at ensuring the social, economic, educational and health empowerment of single women in Maharashtra, the state government has approved the formation of a Draft Committee for the 'Single Women Policy'.

The Minister of Women and Child Development, Aditi Tatkare, on Thursday said the proposed policy seeks to facilitate access to various government welfare schemes for single women and recommends comprehensive measures for their empowerment and overall development.

“Recognising the need for a dedicated and structured framework for addressing the concerns of single women, Maharashtra is set to become the first state in the country to formulate an exclusive policy for them,” she noted.

During the tenure of the late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, discussions had already begun regarding the implementation of a statewide policy focused on the welfare and empowerment of single women. Following his demise, Minister Tatkare said she continued these efforts, and the formation of this committee marks a significant step toward fulfilling that vision.

“The Draft Committee will function under the chairmanship of the Commissioner, Women and Child Development Commissionerate, Pune. The committee will include senior officials and representatives from various departments such as School Education, Social Justice, Agriculture, Labour, Tribal Development, Animal Husbandry, Higher and Technical Education, Rural Development, Urban Development, Revenue, Skill Development, Industries, National Health Mission, Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority, MAVIM, UMED, Khadi and Village Industries, State Women’s Commission and other key institutions,” stated Minister Tatkare. She further said the Deputy Commissioner of the Women and Child Development Commissionerate, Pune, will serve as the Member Secretary of the committee.

Expressing confidence in the initiative, she stated that the committee would play a transformative role in shaping a comprehensive 'Single Women Policy Draft' that could bring meaningful and long-term change in the lives of single women across Maharashtra.