In a significant move to curb child marriage and promote women's empowerment, Maharashtra's Women and Child Development Minister, Aditi Tatkare, has announced the launch of special Gram Sabhas in every Gram Panchayat across the state on the occasion of Women's Day.
"It is essential to create a mass movement to prevent child marriage by effectively implementing women’s empowerment schemes," Minister Tatkare stated. "The primary objective of this initiative is to establish a strong people's movement for women's rights, implement effective policies at the village level to improve their living standards, and introduce concrete measures for women's safety."
She emphasized that local administrations, NGOs, women's self-help groups, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, and citizens must actively participate in these special Gram Sabhas to work towards the upliftment of women.
Maharashtra has a rich history of advocating for women's safety, empowerment, and fundamental rights, drawing inspiration from the legacy of Rajmata Jijau Maasaheb, Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar, and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule. Even today, the state government remains committed to ensuring justice, security, and the effective implementation of welfare schemes for women and children in every village and hamlet.
Through these special Gram Sabhas, the government aims to raise widespread awareness to eliminate child marriage, abolish oppressive widowhood practices, eradicate unjust superstitions, and promote a higher birth rate of girls.