# Neelam Gorhe

Neelam Gorhe is an Indian politician and deputy leader of Shiv Sena from Maharashtra. She is the current Deputy Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council and a member of Maharashtra Legislative Council. She had been elected to Legislative Council for four consecutive terms in 2002, 2008, 2014 and 2020. She was acting Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council on 07 July 2022 to 16 December 2024.

## Early life and career

Born on 12 September 1954, Dr. Neelam Diwakar Gorhe holds Ayurvedic Medical Degree from Mumbai University (1977). After practicing as a medical professional for 10 years (1977-1987) in rural and urban Maharashtra, Neelam Gorhe decided to work in Social and Political sectors. She also undertook writing on social and women's issues.

### Social Sector Association

Neelam Gorhe is Founder Trustee and present Chairperson of 'Stree Aadhar Kendra' (SAK -Women's Development Center) which was established in 1984. SAK strives for building Gender Just Society. SAK is not only a 'Service provider' but also a strong 'Policy Advocacy' organization. More information of SAK's vision, mission, activities, and achievements is available here.
Some of the highlights of Neelam Gorhe's Social Sector work is:
* Provided support to women affected by Earthquake (Gujrat, Maharashtra), Flood, Drought, Bomb blasts - natural and human-made calamities.
* Actively worked for rights of Landless laborers in Maharashtra (1985-1994)
* Involvement in development movement of Dalit and Nomadic Tribes in the state.
* Work for anti-trafficking of women and girls through support and legal aid.
* Support to women in the cases of atrocities, domestic and communal violence.
* Conducted State and National level workshops and campaigns on laws related to women.
* Worked for creating safe environment for tribal girls in Government Residential Schools.

## Membership of various Government Committees

* Film Censor Board, Maharashtra (Member 1989-91)
* Theater Censor Board of Maharashtra (Member 1993-94)
* Active member of State Women's Policy Drafting Committee, Maharashtra (1994, 1998, and 2001)
* People's Action for Development, India (PADI) (Member 1992-1993)
* Maharashtra State Women's Commission (Member 1993-1995)
* Women's Role and participation in Joint Forest Program, Environment Ministry, Government of India (Member 1994-1995)
* Dowry Eradication Committee, Maharashtra (Legal Support) (Member 1994-1995)
* Women's Forum, Yashwantrao Chavan Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra (Convener -1992-1998)
* Women's Welfare and Rights Committee, Government of Maharashtra (Member)
* Women's Economic Development Corporation, Maharashtra (President, 1998-2000)
Neelam Gorhe actively participates in Print and Electronic Media and shares her views on various issues in the state and the country.

## Positions held

* 2002: Elected to Maharashtra Legislative Council (1st term)
* 2008: Re-Elected to Maharashtra Legislative Council (2nd term)
* 2010: Spokesperson of Shiv Sena
* 2011 Onwards: Deputy Leader, Shiv Sena
* 2014: Re-Elected to Maharashtra Legislative Council (3rd term)
* 2015: Special Rights Committee (विशेष हक्क समिती) Pramukh Maharashtra Vidhan Mandal.
* 2019: Elected as Deputy Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council
* 2020: Re-Elected to Maharashtra Legislative Council (4th term)
* 2020: Re-Elected as Deputy Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council
* 2022-2024: Acting chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council from 07 July 2022 till 19 December 2024(Additional Charge)

## Awards

* Neelam Gorhe received Newsmakers Achievers Awards in 2021.