The women and child development department in Maharashtra has proposed the introduction of the fourth women policy, targeting significant advancements in gender equality and socio-economic development. The proposed policy, likely to be presented for cabinet approval soon, outlines ambitious goals, including achieving 100% institutional childbirth and eradicating the dropout rate among girl students.
Encompassing eight key verticals such as education, health, skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship, the policy not only introduces provisions but also emphasizes rigorous implementation checks. Officials have expressed their commitment to ensuring that the outlined measures translate into tangible results.
As part of its initiatives, the department has recommended the mandatory incorporation of women-friendly infrastructure projects, with a specific focus on constructing women’s toilets along expressways. This step aims to enhance women’s convenience and accessibility in public spaces.
To realize the goal of 100% institutional childbirth, collaboration with the public health and medical education departments is planned. The objective is to facilitate childbirth exclusively within maternity hospitals, leaving no room for deliveries outside designated healthcare facilities.
Various departments have been assigned specific responsibilities within the framework of the fourth policy, with a mandate to develop time-bound programs for its effective implementation. The policy also emphasizes the active participation of women across all facets of society.
“We are concentrating on facilitating women’s participation in all aspects of society. Empowering them financially through skill development and ensuring universal access to education for girls are pivotal aspects of the fourth policy. Our commitment extends to eliminating dropout rates among girls in schools,” affirmed an official.