PHOTOS: Ajit Pawar Distributes Pink E-Rickshaws In Pune, Highlights Women Empowerment Goal

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Monday attended the pink e-rickshaw distribution programme at the Agriculture College Ground in Pune's Shivajinagar. Speaking at the programme, Pawar said the initiative has been launched to make women financially independent and empowered.

"A grand pink e-rickshaw distribution ceremony was held in Pune. On this occasion, while distributing vehicles to the women beneficiaries, I congratulated them wholeheartedly and wished them a successful journey ahead," the DCM wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

"The main objective of this scheme is to make women financially capable and empowered, self-sufficient by providing employment opportunities, to increase their confidence and to strengthen them by giving them an important place in society. If women are financially empowered, every decision they make in life will be confident and self-reliant," Pawar said.

"Even if one girl in the family is educated, she works to teach the entire family. The girl is the Lakshmi of the house. These pink e-rickshaws will be very safe for women's travel. Women should also give priority to these pink e-rickshaws for travel. Apart from this, I appeal to the women to take a photo of the men while they ply in rickshaws for security reasons and send it to their family members," he added.

Pawar said the government has sanctioned Rs 80 crore for the pink e-rickshaw scheme in the initial phase. "These rickshaws have been procured from a reputed company, and accordingly, today we are handing over keys to women drivers," he said.

Pawar said that it was the state government's duty to provide women with the right opportunities to achieve progress. "We should work to bring them into the mainstream of society. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is implementing many schemes for women and children. We are also implementing many schemes under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the state," he added.

Responding to the criticism over the Ladki Bahin Yojana, Pawar said that there are rumours the scheme could be closed in the future. "But we want to clarify that it is a matter of respect for women, the scheme will continue under all circumstances," he said.

"We are building a big memorial of Ahilyabai Holkar at her native village, Chondi. We are celebrating her 300th birth anniversary this year. Also, memorials of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Mahatma Phule will be built," he concluded.

Sharad Pawar, Ajit Pawar Share Stage at Meet to Discuss Use of AI in Agriculture

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and DCM Ajit Pawar shared the stage for the third time in a fortnight on Monday, this time to discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and the sugar industry.

The meeting, held at Sakhar Sankul in Pune, lasted over an hour and a half and was attended by officials from the Vasantdada Sugar Institute.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ajit Pawar said topics such as leveraging AI to boost farm productivity, improve soil fertility and reduce the use of chemical fertilisers were discussed at the meeting.

"We discussed how AI can help increase agricultural output, improve soil health and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers. Firms like Microsoft are supporting initiatives in this space. The agriculture department also shared some of its ongoing efforts, and best practices to improve sugar production were discussed," he said.

When asked about his third meeting with senior Pawar in recent weeks, beginning with the engagement of his son Jay, the DCM downplayed the political significance of these meetings, saying families come together on occasions like engagements, and there was no need to interpret them from any other perspective.

Ajit Pawar also commented on their recent joint appearance at Rayat Shikshan Sanstha in Satara, where his uncle is the president and he is a trustee. "When I attend Rayat Shikshan Sanstha meetings, I do so as a trustee, not as Deputy CM. That meeting focused on the use of AI in education to benefit students. Today's meeting was about AI in agriculture. When working in government, we must always focus on increasing farmers' income and reducing their input costs," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said certain subjects transcend politics. "Even the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers call all-party meetings on key issues. Now that elections are over and the government is formed, it is important to come together and share best practices while working for the people," he added.