Women play a crucial role in shaping society, yet many continue to face social, financial, and educational barriers. To address these challenges, the Government of Maharashtra has implemented numerous women empowerment schemes aimed at promoting equality, financial independence, education, and safety for women across the state.
Women play a crucial role in shaping society, yet many continue to face social, financial, and educational barriers. To address these challenges, the Government of Maharashtra has implemented numerous women empowerment schemes aimed at promoting equality, financial independence, education, and safety for women across the state.
From rural entrepreneurs to working mothers, these programs ensure that women have access to the support they need to lead empowered and dignified lives.This article provides a comprehensive guide to the top women empowerment schemes in Maharashtra for 2025, including their objectives, eligibility criteria, and benefits.
Why Women Empowerment Matters
Empowering women means providing them equal opportunities in education, employment, decision-making, and social participation. When women are empowered, families and communities thrive.In Maharashtra — a state known for its progressive governance — various schemes have been launched under the Department of Women and Child Development (WCD) and other departments to ensure social justice and gender equality.The core goals include:
- Enhancing women’s participation in the workforce
- Promoting education and skill development
- Reducing gender-based discrimination
- Ensuring women’s safety and dignity
1. Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (माझी लाडकी बहिण योजना)
Overview
The Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is one of the flagship women empowerment schemes launched by the Government of Maharashtra in 2024. It aims to provide financial assistance to eligible women aged 21 to 60 years to promote their independence and welfare.
Key Benefits
- Monthly financial support of ₹1,500 directly credited to women’s bank accounts.
- Economic stability for low-income and middle-class women.
- Encourages women’s participation in the family’s financial decisions.
Eligibility
- Permanent residents of Maharashtra.
- Women aged between 21 to 60 years.
- Belonging to eligible income groups as per government criteria.
How to Apply
Applications can be made online at https://ladkibahin-yojana.org or through the official Maha e-Seva Kendra. Beneficiaries must complete eKYC verification to receive the benefit.
2. Tejaswini Maharashtra Scheme
Overview
The Tejaswini Maharashtra Project focuses on improving the livelihood of rural women through entrepreneurship, self-help groups (SHGs), and micro-business development.
Objectives
- Promote income-generating activities among rural women.
- Provide skill development and marketing support.
- Strengthen the capacity of SHGs and cooperatives.
Implemented By
The scheme is supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Maharashtra State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM).
Key Features
- Access to low-interest micro-loans for small businesses.
- Training in entrepreneurship, digital skills, and financial literacy.
- Special focus on women from backward and tribal communities.
3. Udyogini Scheme
Overview
The Udyogini Scheme empowers women entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance and subsidies to start or expand small businesses.
Benefits
- Subsidized loans up to ₹3 lakh for various business sectors.
- Reduced interest rates for women entrepreneurs from SC/ST or BPL categories.
- Encourages women to become self-reliant and contribute to economic growth.
Eligibility
- Female entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 45 years.
- Family income below ₹1.5 lakh per year.
- Preference for women from economically weaker sections.
How to Apply
Eligible women can apply through nationalized banks, cooperative banks, or the District Industries Centre (DIC) of their region.
4. Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM)
Overview
The Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM) is a government body established in 1975 to promote women’s economic development in Maharashtra.
Key Activities
- Formation and training of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Providing financial linkages through banks and cooperatives.
- Organizing leadership and capacity-building programs.
Impact
MAVIM has empowered over 15 lakh women across 35 districts, helping them start small businesses, gain financial independence, and improve their standard of living.
5. Savitribai Phule Girls Education Scheme
Overview
Named after Savitribai Phule, India’s first woman teacher, this scheme focuses on promoting education among girls, especially from backward and marginalized communities.
Objectives
- Reduce dropout rates among girl students.
- Provide financial aid for higher education.
- Encourage girls to pursue professional and technical education.
Benefits
- Free uniforms and study materials for school-going girls.
- Scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
- Special incentives for SC/ST and minority students.
6. Manodhairya Yojana
Overview
The Manodhairya Yojana offers financial and psychological support to women and children who are victims of violence, sexual assault, or acid attacks.
Implemented By
The Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Maharashtra.
Benefits
- Immediate financial assistance ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh depending on the severity of the case.
- Free counseling and rehabilitation support.
- Legal aid and help with reintegration into society.
This scheme reinforces the government’s commitment to women’s safety and dignity.
7. One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres)
Overview
To support women facing domestic violence or harassment, Maharashtra operates One Stop Centres, also known as Sakhi Centres.
Services Provided
- 24x7 helpline and counseling.
- Legal aid, medical assistance, and shelter.
- Police coordination and rehabilitation.
Goal
Ensure that women in distress receive all essential support under one roof without delay.
8. Self-Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Programme
Overview
The SHG Bank Linkage Programme, under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and MAVIM, connects women’s self-help groups with formal banking systems.
Key Features
- Easy access to credit facilities.
- Support for small-scale businesses, farming, and dairy activities.
- Financial training and record-keeping education for women.
This initiative has been a cornerstone of women’s empowerment in rural Maharashtra.
Impact of Women Empowerment Schemes in Maharashtra
Over the years, these initiatives have significantly improved the status of women in the state:
- Increased participation of women in local governance and entrepreneurship.
- Reduced gender gap in literacy and employment.
- Empowered women to make independent financial decisions.
- Boosted self-confidence and social respect for women in rural areas.
According to government data, over 2 crore women have benefited directly from various empowerment programs since 2015.
How to Apply for Women Empowerment Schemes
Most schemes can be applied for through:
- Official Government Portals:
- Maha e-Seva Kendras (authorized service centers in every district).
- Local Gram Panchayat or Municipal Office for rural applicants.
Applicants should keep essential documents ready such as Aadhaar Card, residence proof, bank account details, income certificate, and passport-size photographs.
Conclusion
Women empowerment is not just a policy in Maharashtra — it’s a movement towards equality and progress. Through schemes like Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, Tejaswini Project, Udyogini Scheme, and MAVIM, the state has set a benchmark for inclusive development.These initiatives ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, gets the opportunity to learn, earn, and lead.As Maharashtra continues to expand its welfare programs in 2025, women across the state can look forward to greater independence, safety, and social respect — building a future where empowerment is a way of life.
