After batting for the Marathi cause, Republican Party of India (A) Chief Ramdas Athawale has now demanded reservation for women Self Help Groups (SHGS) in shopping malls for putting up their produce to help them sustain their livelihood.
The state government has already allocated Rs 200 crore for the establishment of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Markets in each district for marketing the produce of the Women Self Help Groups in this year's budget.
"It is difficult for Women Self Help Groups to make a decent living in the absence of a strong market for their produce. Thus, if these groups are given reservation to sell their produce in the existing and upcoming malls, it will give a boost to their earnings," Athawale told reporters here.
"I will be meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis with a delegation comprising representatives from Women Self Help Groups to formally make our request to the government," Athawale said.
While the BJP welcomed Athawale's demands, BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena took the opportunity to attack the Dalit leader, saying if he was so concerned about the issue, he should take up the ministerial berth offered to him by the Chief Minister.
BJP spokesperson Shaina N C said, "I think the concept and the thought is good because malls have ample space to give one 4X4 space to a Self Help Group member so that women are able to create opportunities for themselves and make money. We will support Athawale on this demand.
Sena leader Diwakar Raote said that Athawale has the opportunity to realise his ambitions for women if he agrees to take up a ministerial berth in the state cabinet.
"His thoughts are very noble. But if he is so concerned about giving opportunities to women, why can he not take up the offer given to him by the CM? He can easily become the social justice minister and do all that he wants to for providing employment and money making opportunities to women," Raote said.
