Bhopal, April 10 – The Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, will observe a "Nari Shakti Vandan" fortnight across the state from April 10 to April 25 to raise awareness about the Women's Reservation Act, also known as the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam."
The event will also celebrate the leadership and contributions of women in various fields. The state government has directed that the event be celebrated as a grand public festival.
The campaign will begin with conferences at all divisional headquarters. During these events, women public representatives and successful women entrepreneurs will be honored, and they will share their experiences.
The Department of Women and Child Development will organize "Nari Shakti Padayatras" (women's empowerment marches) in every Lok Sabha and Assembly constituency, with participation from women from different sections of society.
To involve the youth, a "Nari Shakti Vandan Wall" will be created where young people can express their thoughts through paintings and messages.
On April 14, the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, special Gram Sabhas will be held in all Gram Panchayats. These assemblies will include discussions on the Women's Reservation Act and tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Seminars and workshops will also be conducted in Panchayats, urban local bodies, and educational institutions.
Women from Self-Help Groups and beneficiaries of schemes such as Lakhpati Didi and Ladli Behna will play an active role.
Lectures and competitions will be organized in schools, colleges, and universities to help the younger generation understand the importance of women's empowerment.
Public representatives have been asked to actively participate in all events, a government official said.
Madhya Pradesh has made significant progress in women's economic participation. According to recent data, out of the state's 24.34 lakh Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, around 411,000 units, or 17 per cent, are operated by women.
Under the Start-up Policy unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during last year's Global Investors Summit, 3,476 out of 7,264 registered start-ups, amounting to 48 per cent, are led by women entrepreneurs, the official said.
The Madhya Pradesh MSME Development Policy 2025 offers special incentives to encourage women in business. Women investing in plant and machinery can avail a capital subsidy of up to 48 per cent on investments up to Rs 10 crore.
For women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the subsidy goes up to 50 per cent, while it stands at 40 per cent for those in the general category.
The Start-up Policy and Implementation Plan 2025 provides 18 per cent financial assistance to women-led startups, with aid up to Rs 18 lakh per tranche and a total limit of Rs 72 lakh.
These initiatives reflect the Madhya Pradesh government's focused efforts towards women's empowerment and its contribution to the vision of a self-reliant India.
The "Nari Shakti Vandan" fortnight is expected to further strengthen public awareness and inspire greater participation of women in leadership roles across the state.