Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday directed the launch of a state-wide special campaign to ensure single women receive the benefits of various government welfare schemes and become financially self-reliant.

Chairing a high-level meeting at Sahyadri State Guest House, Pawar said the initiative will be modelled on Pune Zilla Parishad’s campaign for the empowerment of single women, according to a release. He stressed the need to help single women gain social respect, property rights, healthcare access, and economic independence.