Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai: Pioneer of Good Governance & Women Self-reliance

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).

Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is coming to Bhopal to attend this festival of women empowerment and self-reliance.

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.

• Introduced property rights for women.

• 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:

• January 24, 2025 at Maheshwar Fort: A landmark decision was taken to implement prohibition at 19 sacred sites to protect their sanctity and empower women.

• 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

• Increasing girl child sex ratio and school enrollment

• 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.

• Women Entrepreneur Parks and the MSME Policy 2025 (offering up to 50% capital grant) promote business ownership and skill development.

• 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.

From birth to old age, our women are being given the tools to live with dignity, independence, and opportunity. They are scripting a new narrative of progress through innovation and resilience.

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.

Let us continue to walk the path she illuminated — with pride, purpose, and people-first policies.