Announcements
Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai: Pioneer of Good Governance & Women Self-reliance
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
On the occasion, the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Grand Convention is being organised today in Bhopal. The responsibility of this event is being handled by women power (Matri Shakti).
On behalf of the 85 million people of Madhya Pradesh, I extend a heartfelt welcome to the Prime Minister. It is a matter of great fortune for us that the celebration of the virtuous Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary, to be held over the coming year, is being inaugurated today from the soil of Madhya Pradesh.
The Golden Era of Governance and Cultural Revival
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar exemplified a model of ideal governance and a harmonious, self-reliant society. She restored over 130 temples across India, constructed ghats and dharmshalas, initiated free meal services, and made lasting arrangements for religious worship.
Her reign wasn't just prosperous — it marked a cultural renaissance that united the nation in spirit and tradition.
A Pioneer in Women Empowerment
Lokmata Ahilyabai led transformative reforms for women’s rights:
Formed a women’s military unit to ensure security.
Supported widow remarriage and banned dowry.
Established the Maheshwari sari industry to aid war widows and promote self-reliance.
Under her leadership, Maheshwar became a flourishing center of craft, literature, trade, and education — an enduring symbol of self-rule and development.
A Heritage That Inspires Our Present
To mark her 300th birth anniversary, the Madhya Pradesh Government is organising a year-long series of events — from seminars and plays to workshops — highlighting her thoughts on character, environment, social values, and nation-building.
Our Destination Cabinet initiative, launched in alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision of tourism-led development, held two symbolic cabinet meetings:
May 20, 2025 at Rajwada, Indore: Launched the Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Training Programme for women’s leadership and skill development.
The Ahilyabai Mission: Women at the Core of Development
In the spirit of the Prime Minister’s GYAN mantra (Garib, Yuva, Kisan, Nari), the Devi Ahilyabai Women Empowerment Mission has been launched for the holistic progress of women.
Core objectives include:
Promoting education, health, and nutrition
Reducing maternal mortality and child marriage
Enhancing safety and workforce participation
Empowering Women Through Policy and Action
Madhya Pradesh has taken significant strides in women empowerment:
Schemes like Ladli Bahna Yojana, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ladli Laxmi Yojana, and the Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Mission have transformed lives.
One Stop Centers and dedicated helplines ensure women’s safety across all districts.
Under the Safe Tourism Destination for Women scheme, over 10,000 women have been trained in tourism services.
Reservation for women in government services has been increased from 33% to 35% — a first in India.
From Tradition to Transformation
Campaigns like Lado Abhiyan, Shaurya Dal, and the Chief Minister Women Empowerment Scheme have fortified leadership at the grassroots. Over 1.9 million girls have received sanitation aid, and 1.8 million women — including widows and single mothers — are supported through social security pensions.
The Path Ahead
I have unwavering faith that the prosperity and self-reliance of women will become the cornerstone of a stronger family, society, state, and nation. The enduring efforts of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar are taking shape with remarkable momentum across Madhya Pradesh.
