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Maharashtra Passes First-of-its-Kind Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill: Recognises Women in Agriculture & Allied Activities

Social IssuesAgriculturePolityCORE
Target:MPSCUPSC GS-ISSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
02 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:July 2, 2026Women Farmers CertificateMaharashtra State Women Farmers Fundthree-tier institutional framework
Bodies:Maharashtra AssemblyM. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)
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What This Article Covers

1.Maharashtra Assembly unanimously passed the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill on July 2, 2026, making it the first legislation of its kind in India.

2.The Bill recognises women engaged in agriculture and allied activities (fisheries, livestock, poultry, forest produce) and issues them 'Women Farmers Certificates' through Gram Sabhas or urban local bodies.

3.Key provisions include a three-tier institutional framework (Women Farmers’ Empowerment Council, State Monitoring Committees, Women Farmers’ Empowerment Cell) and the creation of a Maharashtra State Women Farmers Fund.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

In a landmark move, the Maharashtra Assembly unanimously passed a Bill to formally recognise women farmers, enabling them to access welfare schemes, subsidies, and credit irrespective of land ownership. This is India's first such legislation, addressing the historic systemic exclusion of women in agriculture. For UPSC/MPSC aspirants, this is a key case study in gender-responsive governance and social justice.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Date of PassingJuly 2, 2026
Type of CertificateWomen Farmers Certificate
Implementing Body for CertificateGram Sabha / Urban Local Body
Fund CreatedMaharashtra State Women Farmers Fund
Institutional FrameworkThree-tier: Women Farmers’ Empowerment Council, State Monitoring Committees, Women Farmers’ Empowerment Cell

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Date of Passing: July 2, 2026
  • ›Type of Certificate: Women Farmers Certificate
  • ›Target this Data: July 2, 2026 - date of unanimous passage of the Bill in Maharashtra Assembly
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Maharashtra State Women Farmers’ Empowerment Council (ex-officio members: CM, Deputy CMs, Agriculture Minister)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill - first of its kind in India to recognise women farmers without land ownership

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which body is responsible for issuing the 'Women Farmers Certificate' under the Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill:

1. The Bill recognises women involved in agriculture and allied activities such as fisheries, livestock, and poultry.

2. The Bill requires land ownership as a precondition for women to access government schemes.

3. The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) played a key role in drafting the Bill.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

On which date did the Maharashtra Assembly unanimously pass the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill passed by the Maharashtra Assembly?

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