Maharashtra Bill: Women Farmers Get Official Recognition, Access to Welfare Schemes

The Maharashtra Legislative Council unanimously passed the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Bill, paving the way for women engaged in farming and allied activities to be officially recognized as farmers. The legislation aims to address a long-standing gap where women working in agriculture are often not recognized as farmers due to land registration being in male family members' names. The bill provides for a Women Farmer Empowerment Council, a database of women farmers, and a Maharashtra State Fund for Women Farmers, among other provisions. It will receive grants from the Centre and state government, besides donations and other contributions.