Maharashtra to register women cooperative, give government contracts: CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra Government is set to register women’s cooperative societies and award contracts to them to strengthen their participation in industry, commerce and trade, according to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Addressing an event in Mumbai on Saturday (August 23, 2025), CM Fadnavis clarified that none of the welfare schemes announced before the 2024 State Assembly elections would be discontinued for the next five years.

“Women’s cooperative societies will be formed and registered, and the government will soon decide to award them contracts. We will also take a decision on establishing rights and shares of women’s cooperative societies among the work orders issued by the State Government,” he said.

“In the next 20 years, India will become either the first or second largest economy in the world. The role of women is important in that journey,” he said.

While women were often referred to as “home ministers” in households, the Union Government has now empowered them to play leading roles in governance, he said.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister criticised the Opposition leaders for their “vote theft” allegation, citing the mandate the ruling alliance received in the 2024 State elections.

CM Fadnavis also claimed that leaders have attempted to malign Maharashtra’s image after having earlier “defamed” India abroad.

“What happened to them (Opposition) in the 2024 Assembly elections in Maharashtra will be repeated in Bihar as well, because a leader like Modi is backed by the power of women in the country,” he said.