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Seven Schemes of the Women and Child Development Department to be Discontinued; Some Phased Out, Others Already Closed
Mumbai: The Women and Child Development Department of the Government of Maharashtra has taken a major decision. Seven schemes operated under the department are set to be discontinued, with some already having been shut down. The government has decided to phase these schemes out, citing various reasons for the move.
The schemes are being discontinued due to factors such as low expenditure, a lack of demand for funds, or an insufficient response from the intended beneficiaries.
Which 7 schemes are being discontinued?
1. Multipurpose Social Centers for Women
2. Grants for Women’s Organizations (Mahila Mandals)
3. Rehabilitation Scheme for Children of Devadasis
4. Solar Power Units for Anganwadis Lacking Electricity
5. 'Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree' Scheme (Revised)
6. Assistance to Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) Operating Shelters
7. Financial Aid for Children Orphaned Due to COVID-19
Which schemes have already been discontinued?
Multipurpose Social Centers for Women – Discontinued as of October 16, 2026; cited reason: low expenditure.
Grants for Women’s Organizations (Mahila Mandals) – Discontinued as of October 16.
Assistance to Zilla Parishads for the Rehabilitation of Children of Devadasis – Discontinued as of October 16 (due to a lack of demand for funds).
Solar Power Units for Anganwadi Centers Lacking Electricity – Discontinued as of October 16.
When will the other schemes be discontinued?
Financial Aid for Children Orphaned Due to COVID-19 and the 'Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree' Scheme – To be discontinued starting from the 2027-28 financial year.
Assistance to Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) Operating Shelters – To be discontinued once 'Shakti Sadans' (shelter homes) are established in all districts—that is, from the next financial year. The government resolution does not provide detailed figures regarding the total number of beneficiaries or the number of people who will be affected by the discontinuation—or impending discontinuation—of these schemes. Consequently, there remains uncertainty concerning the number of beneficiaries and the social impact of the schemes.
Mumbai: The Women and Child Development Department of the Government of Maharashtra has taken a major decision. Seven schemes operated under the department are set to be discontinued, with some already having been shut down. The government has decided to phase these schemes out, citing various reasons for the move.
The schemes are being discontinued due to factors such as low expenditure, a lack of demand for funds, or an insufficient response from the intended beneficiaries.
Which 7 schemes are being discontinued?
1. Multipurpose Social Centers for Women
2. Grants for Women’s Organizations (Mahila Mandals)
3. Rehabilitation Scheme for Children of Devadasis
4. Solar Power Units for Anganwadis Lacking Electricity
5. 'Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree' Scheme (Revised)
6. Assistance to Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) Operating Shelters
7. Financial Aid for Children Orphaned Due to COVID-19
Which schemes have already been discontinued?
Multipurpose Social Centers for Women – Discontinued as of October 16, 2026; cited reason: low expenditure.
Grants for Women’s Organizations (Mahila Mandals) – Discontinued as of October 16.
Assistance to Zilla Parishads for the Rehabilitation of Children of Devadasis – Discontinued as of October 16 (due to a lack of demand for funds).
Solar Power Units for Anganwadi Centers Lacking Electricity – Discontinued as of October 16.
When will the other schemes be discontinued?
Financial Aid for Children Orphaned Due to COVID-19 and the 'Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree' Scheme – To be discontinued starting from the 2027-28 financial year.
Assistance to Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) Operating Shelters – To be discontinued once 'Shakti Sadans' (shelter homes) are established in all districts—that is, from the next financial year. The government resolution does not provide detailed figures regarding the total number of beneficiaries or the number of people who will be affected by the discontinuation—or impending discontinuation—of these schemes. Consequently, there remains uncertainty concerning the number of beneficiaries and the social impact of the schemes.
The schemes are being discontinued due to factors such as low expenditure, a lack of demand for funds, or an insufficient response from the intended beneficiaries.
Which 7 schemes are being discontinued?
1. Multipurpose Social Centers for Women
2. Grants for Women’s Organizations (Mahila Mandals)
3. Rehabilitation Scheme for Children of Devadasis
4. Solar Power Units for Anganwadis Lacking Electricity
5. 'Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree' Scheme (Revised)
6. Assistance to Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) Operating Shelters
7. Financial Aid for Children Orphaned Due to COVID-19
Which schemes have already been discontinued?
Multipurpose Social Centers for Women – Discontinued as of October 16, 2026; cited reason: low expenditure.
Grants for Women’s Organizations (Mahila Mandals) – Discontinued as of October 16.
Assistance to Zilla Parishads for the Rehabilitation of Children of Devadasis – Discontinued as of October 16 (due to a lack of demand for funds).
Solar Power Units for Anganwadi Centers Lacking Electricity – Discontinued as of October 16.
When will the other schemes be discontinued?
Financial Aid for Children Orphaned Due to COVID-19 and the 'Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree' Scheme – To be discontinued starting from the 2027-28 financial year.
Assistance to Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) Operating Shelters – To be discontinued once 'Shakti Sadans' (shelter homes) are established in all districts—that is, from the next financial year. The government resolution does not provide detailed figures regarding the total number of beneficiaries or the number of people who will be affected by the discontinuation—or impending discontinuation—of these schemes. Consequently, there remains uncertainty concerning the number of beneficiaries and the social impact of the schemes.
