The Maharashtra Cabinet has launched the Adishakti Abhiyan, a transformative initiative to promote women’s empowerment at the grassroots level. Announced on the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered historical figure, this program aims to uplift women and children. For students preparing for competitive exams, this topic is crucial for current affairs and social issues. This post simplifies the initiative and its significance for easy understanding.
What is the Adishakti Abhiyan?
Empowering Women and Children
The Adishakti Abhiyan focuses on raising awareness about government schemes for women and children. It addresses critical issues like malnutrition, infant mortality, maternal mortality, domestic violence, and child marriage. The initiative also encourages women’s participation in the Panchayati Raj system to strengthen their role in local governance.
Objectives of the Adishakti Abhiyan
Key Goals for Empowerment
The initiative has several objectives, including:
- Combating malnutrition among women and children.
- Reducing infant and maternal mortality rates.
- Addressing domestic violence and child marriage.
- Promoting women’s involvement in Panchayati Raj for better representation.
These goals aim to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women and girls.
Structure and Implementation
Multi-Level Committees
The Adishakti Abhiyan will establish committees at village, taluka, district, divisional, and state levels. These committees will:
- Spread awareness about welfare schemes.
- Identify and address local issues.
- Deliver timely solutions to communities.
All Panchayat Samitis are required to participate to ensure effective implementation.
Adishakti Awards
Recognizing Contributions
The Adishakti Awards will honor outstanding efforts in women’s empowerment. Gram Panchayats will be evaluated annually, with awards presented in the first week of March. The selection process will occur at taluka, district, and state levels to recognize impactful contributions.
Collaboration with Local Bodies
Community Support
Village committees will work with Anganwadi workers and Taluka Protection Officers to:
- Counsel families on social issues.
- Prevent child marriages.
- Support victims of domestic violence.
- Ensure access to welfare schemes.
This collaboration aims to protect women and girls from harassment and promote their well-being.
Budget and Oversight
Financial Allocation
The Maharashtra government has allocated ₹10.50 crore for the Adishakti Abhiyan. A state-level committee, chaired by the Minister for Women and Child Development, will oversee implementation and approve any necessary modifications.
Who Was Ahilyabai Holkar?
A Legacy of Leadership
Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795), known as Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar, was a visionary ruler of the Holkar dynasty in the Maratha Confederacy. Born in Chaundi village, she rose to power in 1767 after overcoming personal tragedies. Her reign from Maheshwar was marked by:
- Good governance, ensuring justice and equality.
- Infrastructure development, including roads, forts, and wells.
- Restoration of Hindu temples, such as Kashi Vishwanath and Grishneshwar.
- Promotion of the Maheshwari sari tradition by supporting weavers.
Her legacy inspires the Adishakti Abhiyan to empower women.
Why This Matters for Competitive Exams
Questions on women’s empowerment, social welfare schemes, and current affairs are common in exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways. Understanding the Adishakti Abhiyan, its connection to Ahilyabai Holkar, and its focus on Panchayati Raj can help students excel in general awareness and essay sections.
Post Date: May 10, 2025