Thane: In a move aimed at economically empowering women and offering quality Diwali snacks to citizens, seven Diwali snack sale centres have been inaugurated in Thane by Mahila Vikas Parivar, an initiative spearheaded every year by MLA Sanjay Kelkar.

This year, the sale centres will operate at seven strategic locations: Vishnunagar, Vrindavan Bus Depot, Saket, Khopat (near TJSB Bank), Kasarvadavali, Brahmand, Viviana (Lake Shore), and Majiwada. The management of the centres is entrusted to Pandharinath Pawar on behalf of Mahila Vikas Parivar. Over 200 hardworking women from underprivileged backgrounds, affiliated with self-help groups, have prepared the Diwali snacks, with more than 2,000 kilograms of snacks already made.

Women entrepreneurs will run these centres, and all profits from the sales will go directly to them. MLA Sanjay Kelkar highlighted that the Mahila Vikas Parivar currently has around 4,000 women members in Thane, and approximately 350 women benefit from this annual Diwali snack initiative. Each participant earns between Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000 during the festival, enabling them to celebrate Diwali with both joy and financial independence.

Kelkar further said that this initiative not only supports women but also encourages local entrepreneurship and community spirit during the festive season.