Maharashtra Government Big Announcement: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched the state-wide ‘Chief Minister’s Prosperity Panchayat Raj Abhiyan’ from Kingangaon in the Phulambri taluka of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. On this occasion, he made it clear that the ‘Ladki Behen Yojana’ will not be discontinued. Rather, the government’s goal is to create 10 million women who will be called ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and will be able to earn at least 100,000 rupees annually.
Answering Questions Raised on the Scheme
For the past few days, there has been talk that the government is going to discontinue the ‘Chief Minister’s Ladki Behen Yojana’, under which eligible women receive a monthly assistance of 1,500 rupees. Dismissing this rumor, the Chief Minister said, “Our sisters need not be fooled by anyone. This scheme will continue. But our goal is not just to give ₹1,500. We want to make women self-reliant and independent.”
Employment and Loan Facilities for Women
Fadnavis stated that the government is establishing women-led credit societies in villages. These societies will provide women with employment and business opportunities. He said that women will also be given interest-free loans of ₹1 lakh so that they can start self-employment and provide employment to others.
He emphasized, “Our sisters will no longer be dependent on just ₹1,500. They will run their own businesses and generate livelihoods for others.”
Pledge to create 10 million ‘Lakhpati Didis’
The Chief Minister clarified the government’s goal under this campaign. He said that Maharashtra will have 10 million women earning ₹1 lakh or more annually. This step will be historic in strengthening the rural economy and achieving economic independence for women.
Village Development Blueprint
Fadnavis said that Maharashtra cannot prosper unless villages prosper. The “Samriddh Panchayat Raj Abhiyan” has been launched with this vision. The aim of this campaign is to ensure that every village benefits from central and state government schemes.
He stated that employment will be generated in villages through the campaign, combining MNREGA and other schemes. Priority will be given to infrastructure projects such as roads, Anganwadis, water tanks, and drains.
Aim to Build Model Villages
The Chief Minister also said that the government has already created several model villages through the “Gram Samriddh Abhiyan.” The plan now is to transform the state’s 28,000 gram panchayats and 40,000 villages into model villages.
The aim of this campaign is not only to create employment or infrastructure, but also to economically empower villages through public participation and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Emphasis will also be placed on tree plantation and water conservation, ensuring green and clean villages.
Special Focus on Dalits and Tribals
Fadnavis clarified that special schemes will be implemented for Dalits and Tribals under the campaign. The government will also award ₹250 crore to high-performing villages.
Demand for a Package for Marathwada
Minister Sanjay Shirsat, who was present at the event, urged the government to complete pending projects in the Marathwada region. He stated that this region often suffers from low rainfall and its people bear the stigma of backwardness.
Responding to this, the Chief Minister stated that making Marathwada drought-free is the government’s priority. He assured that concrete steps will be taken to ensure that the people of this region can rapidly integrate into the mainstream of development.
Maharashtra Moving Toward the Future
Fadnavis’s announcement clearly demonstrates that the Maharashtra government’s goal is not limited to providing financial assistance, but rather, empowering women and villages to become self-reliant. The continuation of the “Ladki Behen Yojana” and the dream of creating 10 million “lakhpati didis” could transform rural Maharashtra.