Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is planning to introduce a dedicated policy for the welfare of women living alone, a move described as a significant step in social inclusion and welfare-focused governance.
The state, governed by a BJP–NCP–Shiv Sena alliance under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has approved the formation of a committee to prepare a draft report for a “Single Women Policy”. The aim is to ensure improvements in social, economic, educational and health indicators for this group.
The initiative is being taken forward under the guidance of Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare. Officials said the policy is intended to address the social and economic challenges faced by widows, divorced women, women abandoned by their husbands, and unmarried women, particularly those without a formal support system.
The report noted that discussions with officials on the proposal had taken place as early as last November. The initiative is also linked to the vision of NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who, according to the report, died in an air accident in January; after his death, the minister continued to push the plan and speed up administrative action.
