Speaking at the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ event in Navsari, Gujarat, PM Modi reflected on the last decade, saying that India is progressing on the path of women-led development.
NEW DELHI: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievements of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government over the last ten years. He stated that his government has always prioritized women’s safety and made strict changes in the law, including introducing capital punishment for serious crimes like rape.
Speaking at the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ event in Navsari, Gujarat, PM Modi reflected on the last decade, saying that India is progressing on the path of women-led development.
He pointed out how societal norms often treat men and women differently when it comes to safety.
“When a girl returns (home) late, her parents ask questions, but they don’t do the same when a boy comes late…they should do it. In the past decade, we have given women’s safety and security the highest priority and to stop crimes against women, we have changed rules and laws,”
Modi said.
Further, he highlighted the government’s firm stance on crimes against women.
“My government changed the law to introduce capital punishment for heinous crime like rape,”
PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that his government focuses on both dignity and essential facilities for women.
“Our government gives highest importance to ‘samman’ (honour) and ‘suvidha’ (facilities) for women,” he stated.
PM Modi also stressed the role of rural women in nation-building.
“(Mahatma) Gandhiji used to say that the country’s soul lies in its villages. I would like to add that women are the soul of our rural areas and the soul of rural India resides in the empowerment of rural women,”
he remarked.
Referring to the Triple Talaq Bill, which was passed in 2019, Modi reiterated that his government has taken several steps for women’s welfare.
“Our government works for women, we built thousands of toilets and gave dignity to women. Our government brought in stringent laws against triple talaq and saved the lives of lakhs of Muslim women from being destroyed,” he said.
ALSO READ: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2024
At the event, PM Modi announced a major financial boost for women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He is set to disburse Rs 450 crore to over 2.5 lakh women from more than 25,000 SHGs. This initiative aligns with the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, which was launched by the central government in 2023. This scheme identifies women from SHGs who earn at least Rs 1 lakh per year through agriculture, animal husbandry, or small businesses as ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
To ensure the security of attendees, an all-women police force was deployed at the event, marking the first time in India that such a security arrangement has been made for a large gathering.
