Mumbai: In a move aimed at strengthening rural governance mechanisms for women and child welfare, the Maharashtra Cabinet has launched the ‘Adishakti Abhiyan’, a state-wide campaign backed by a Rs 10.5 crore budget. The announcement was made during a cabinet meeting at Choundi, coinciding with the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar.
The campaign is designed to streamline the implementation of existing government schemes related to women and children. It will primarily focus on tackling malnutrition, reducing maternal and infant mortality, addressing domestic violence, preventing child marriage, and curbing sexual harassment.
Committees will be formed at multiple levels- village, taluka, district, divisional, and state to oversee execution. These bodies will help monitor issues on the ground and ensure timely redressal through coordination with existing networks such as Anganwadi workers and Taluka Protection Officers.
The state has mandated the involvement of all Panchayat Samitis to ensure grassroots accountability. Village-level committees will play a key role in identifying vulnerable populations, providing counselling services, and facilitating access to welfare schemes for women and children.
To encourage effective participation, the government will introduce ‘Adishakti Awards’. Gram Panchayats will be evaluated annually from January to December, with award selections occurring at taluka, district, and state levels. The awards aim to recognise units that demonstrate proactive efforts in addressing the campaign’s key issues.
A state-level committee chaired by the Minister for Women and Child Development will supervise the overall execution. Any required modifications during implementation will be approved by this committee.
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