Early Life and Education
Aditi Sunil Tatkare was born into a politically active family, with her father, Sunil Tatkare, being a senior leader in the NCP. Her upbringing in such an environment naturally inclined her toward a career in politics. She completed her education in Mumbai. Her early exposure to politics, combined with her academic background, laid the foundation for her eventual entry into public service.
Political Career
Aditi Tatkare began her political journey with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) (Ajit Pawar), following in her father’s footsteps. Her political career gained momentum when she was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Shrivardhan constituency in Raigad district during the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Ministerial Roles: Aditi has held several ministerial positions in the Maharashtra government. She served as the Minister of State from December 30, 2019, to June 29, 2022, handling portfolios such as Law and Judiciary, Industries, Mining, Tourism, Horticulture, Sports and Youth Welfare, Protocol, Information and Public Relations, Ports Development, Khar Land Development, Special Assistance, Cultural Affairs, and School Education.
First Woman Minister: In July 2023, she became the first woman minister in the Shinde-Fadnavis government, taking on the role of Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development.
Key Political Initiatives
- Sports Infrastructure Development: Under her leadership, the state has seen significant improvements in sports infrastructure, including the construction of new stadiums and the upgrading of existing facilities. Her efforts have been aimed at nurturing local talent and promoting sports at the grassroots level.
- The Maharashtra government’s ‘Ladki Bahin Yojana,’ launched recently, aims to provide eligible women with a monthly financial aid of ₹1,500. Cabinet Minister Aditi Tatkare, who oversees the Women and Child Development Department, announced that the aid distribution began just before Raksha Bandhan, with funds being transferred directly to the bank accounts of 80 lakh women.
- Women and Child Development: As the Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development, Aditi has focused on initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and development of women and children in Maharashtra.
Controversy
Maharashtra’s Minister of Women and Child Development, Aditi Sunil Tatkare, recently faced social media backlash following her local train journey from Kasara to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The journey, intended to gain firsthand insight into commuter issues, was criticized by netizens after the Divisional Railway Manager shared photos of her trip online. Critics pointed out that her travel during non-peak hours did not reflect the true challenges faced by daily commuters. Comments on social media suggested that traveling during busy times at high-traffic stations like Dadar and Thane would have provided a more accurate understanding of commuter difficulties.
Social Media
Personal Life
Aditi Tatkare is known for maintaining a balance between her political responsibilities and personal life. Despite her busy schedule, she is deeply connected to her roots in Shrivardhan and often spends time with her family and constituents. Her grounded nature and approachable demeanor have made her a beloved figure in her constituency.
Promises and Future Commitments
State Minister for Women and Child Development, Aditi Tatkare, announced that the Maharashtra government will soon appoint around 3,000 helpers as Anganwadi Sevikas. In a meeting at Mantralaya, she also revealed plans to provide ₹11,800 per Anganwadi worker for mobile phones and to cover them under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. Additionally, Tatkare mentioned that a proposal to convert mini-Anganwadi centers into regular facilities will be presented to the chief minister and deputy chief ministers. She also emphasized ensuring that Anganwadi workers receive their salaries by the fifth of each month and instructed the department to publish a draft of the new comprehensive child policy for public feedback.
The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the Lek Ladki Yojana (Dear Daughter Scheme), which provides financial support to girls from low-income families holding orange or yellow ration cards. Under this scheme, over ₹1 lakh will be distributed to eligible girls and their families over 18 years, with payments tied to the girl’s continued education. The initiative aims to encourage education and support the financial well-being of girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Women and Child Development Department has instructed banks not to deduct funds received under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana for any reason, including overdue loans. Banks have also been directed to restore any beneficiary accounts that have been frozen, ensuring that the financial aid provided through the scheme remains fully accessible to the intended recipients.
The Mahayuti government has approved a fund of ₹1.26 crore for various village development projects in Shrivardhan taluka, within the Shrivardhan assembly constituency. This funding, allocated under the 25-15 scheme, aims to accelerate development in the region.