India, May 24 -- The Maharashtra government is drawing up a policy for single women, to offer financial assistance for entrepreneurial ventures, extend legal aid in maintenance and property claims, provide reservation in housing, and set aside educational quotas for their children.

The policy, called 'Ekal Mahila', will benefit an estimated 7.5 million women in the state, a figure that rises to nearly 20 million, or over 15% of the population, when children in these households are included. The government plans to merge various existing schemes while framing the new policy, which is expected to be rolled out later this year.

The policy will be drawn up by a task force appointed by the state women and child welfare department on Friday. ...