Adishakti Abhiyan
The Maharashtra Cabinet has recently approved the Adishakti Abhiyan. This initiative aims to enhance grassroots women’s empowerment. The announcement coincided with the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered figure in Maharashtra’s history. The Adishakti Abhiyan focuses on implementing and raising awareness about various government schemes aimed at women and children. It seeks to address critical issues affecting these demographics.
Objectives
The Adishakti Abhiyan has several key objectives. It aims to combat malnutrition, reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and address domestic violence and child marriage. The initiative also promotes women’s participation in the Panchayati Raj system. This will help ensure that women have a voice in local governance.
Structure and Implementation
To facilitate the campaign, committees will be established at multiple levels – village, taluka, district, divisional, and state. These committees will be responsible for spreading awareness and identifying local issues. They will also deliver timely solutions to the communities they serve. Mandatory participation from all Panchayat Samitis is required for effective implementation.
Adishakti Awards
The government will introduce the Adishakti Awards as part of this initiative. These awards will recognise and reward outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment. Gram Panchayats will be evaluated annually, with award ceremonies scheduled for the first week of March. Selection will occur at taluka, district, and state levels.
Collaboration with Local Bodies
Village committees will collaborate with Anganwadi workers and Taluka Protection Officers. They will counsel families, prevent child marriages, and support victims of domestic violence. These committees will ensure that women and girls are protected from harassment and have access to welfare schemes.
Budget and Financial Management
The Maharashtra government has allocated a budget of ₹10.50 crore for the execution of the Adishakti Abhiyan. Any necessary modifications during implementation will require approval from the state-level committee. This committee will be chaired by the Minister for Women and Child Development.
Ahilyabai Holkar
Personal Details:
- Born: May 31, 1725, in Chaundi village (now in Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra)
- Died: August 13, 1795, in Indore
- Title: Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar
- Dynasty: Holkar dynasty of the Maratha Confederacy
- Capital during her reign: Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh)
Early Life:
- Born into a patil (village chief) family; her father was Mankoji Rao Shinde.
- Married at age 8 to Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar.
- Had two children – Malerao (son) and Muktabai (daughter).
Rise to Power:
- Husband Khanderao died in 1754 during a battle.
- She was prevented from committing sati by her father-in-law Malhar Rao, who trained her in administration and military affairs.
- Became regent in 1766 after the death of her son Malerao (who had mental illness).
- Became ruler in 1767 after gaining support from the Peshwa and other Maratha chiefs.
Reign (1767–1795):
- Appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as military commander; he served her loyally for 28 years.
- Reformed and modernized the army with help from a French officer in 1792.
- Known for her good governance, peace, justice, and progress.
- Did not follow purdah; held open court daily and allowed public to meet her directly.
- Built courts for justice and gave equal treatment to all.
Welfare & Development Work:
- Promoted infrastructure: built roads, forts, wells, rest houses.
- Revived and rebuilt many Hindu temples across India, including:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi)
- Grishneshwar Temple (Aurangabad)
- Patronized craftsmen and artists in Maheshwar.
- Credited with starting the Maheshwari sari tradition by supporting local weavers.
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