Savitri Bai Phule self-help groups will be constituted for empowerment of women of the weaker sections across the State. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan stated this while unveiling a statue of Jyotiba Phule at Gwalior on Saturday.

He said that Madhya Pradesh Government is committed to welfare of dalits and backwards following path shown by Mahatma Phule who dedicated his life for upliftment of these sections.

Woman and Child Development Minister Maya Singh, Mayor Vivek Narayan Shejwalkar, MlAs Narayan Singh, Jay Bhan Singh Pawaiyya, Bharat Singh Kushwaha and other public representatives were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister said that Mahatma Jyotiba Phule made significant contribution in serving dalits, especially women's education. launching women's literacy drive from his house, he first of all educated his wife Savitri Bai Phule. He established first girls’ school in 1854.

Chauhan said that the State government is working in consonance with Antyodaya philosophy of Pt. Deendayal Upadhayay and striving to ensure weaker section's welfare. A target has been set to provide houses and housing pattas to all houseless poor by year 2022. Schemes like ladli laxmi, girls’ education and Kanya Vivah have been implemented to empower girls and women socio-economically. Women have been given 50 percent reservation in local bodies and 33 percent in government service, especially police.

Union Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said that long-standing demand of installing statue of Mahatma Phule has now been fulfilled.