The Maharashtra government has broadened the scope of its Mission Vatsalya scheme to extend vital support to all widows, single, and deserted women across the state, announced Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare on Friday. Originally launched in 2021 to aid children orphaned by the COVID-19 pandemic and their widowed mothers, the program now aims to provide comprehensive social and economic security to a wider group of vulnerable women.

The revamped Mission Vatsalya will ensure that widows, single, and deserted women gain access to a range of government welfare benefits, including widow pensions, ration cards, housing support, and essential certificates like income, caste, and death certificates. To streamline access, the state will organize district-level camps and outreach programs under its 'government at your doorstep' initiative, making it easier for women to navigate bureaucratic processes and secure aid.

“When we launched Mission Vatsalya, our goal was to support those hit hardest by the pandemic,” Tatkare said. “Now, we’re taking it further to empower every single woman in Maharashtra, ensuring they have the resources to live with dignity.” The initiative, initially managed by taluka-level committees led by tehsildars, has already helped thousands of women and children access critical services during the pandemic’s aftermath.

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The expansion comes as a response to growing calls for inclusive welfare policies, addressing the unique challenges faced by women who are widowed, abandoned, or unmarried. By bringing services directly to communities through camps, the government aims to reduce barriers like paperwork delays and lack of awareness about available schemes. This move is expected to benefit lakhs of women, particularly in rural and underserved areas, by providing financial stability and social protections.

Maharashtra’s proactive step has been hailed as a model for women’s empowerment, with advocates praising the government’s commitment to addressing systemic inequities. As the state rolls out this ambitious expansion, Mission Vatsalya could set a precedent for other regions, offering a lifeline to women striving for independence and security in challenging circumstances.

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