Daijiworld Media Network – Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Sep 6: The Kolhapur Zilla Parishad will soon roll out the Palakmantri Makan-Dukan Scheme to support women beneficiaries of government housing projects by helping them set up grocery shops alongside their new homes.

Kolhapur ZP chief executive officer Kartikeyan S said the scheme will be implemented through the Women and Child Welfare Department using 10% of the ZP’s self-fund corpus. It complements the district’s target of constructing 50,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and other housing schemes in 2025-26, with 50,000 homes expected to be ready by December 2025. Of these, 25,000 houses will also get free solar power under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

Rural women completing construction of their houses after April 1, will be eligible. Priority will be given to below poverty line families and those finishing the house within 100 days, provided the house is registered in the woman’s name. The shops must be set up within or adjacent to the home, with gram panchayat approval.

Each beneficiary will receive Rs 30,000 as financial aid for capital and essential goods. They must continue the business for at least three years, with a legal undertaking and certification from the block development officer.

“The scheme is aimed at ensuring women not only get a house but also a sustainable livelihood, fostering self-reliance, entrepreneurial skills, and economic security,” said Kartikeyan.

Officials said this integrated model of housing, electricity, and livelihood support marks a milestone in rural women’s empowerment in Maharashtra.