NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, launched multiple initiatives, including G-SAFAL and G-MAITRI, in Navsari, Gujarat. Addressing a public gathering on the occasion of International Women’s Day, PM Modi underscored the importance of respecting women, emphasising that it is the first step towards a nation’s progress. He highlighted that India has now embraced a model of women-led development, reinforcing the commitment to empowering women across various spheres.
Expressing gratitude towards women, Modi said, “I am the wealthiest person because my account is filled with the blessings of mothers and sisters, and this blessing continues to grow.” A remarkable aspect of the event was the security arrangement, which was managed entirely by women police officers and staff under a special initiative by the Gujarat Police. This initiative marked a historic milestone in the policing sector, as it was the first time that an event of such scale was entirely managed by female officers, from the rank of ADGP to head constables.
During his speech, Modi highlighted India’s cultural reverence for women, referring to them as ‘Narayani.’ He reiterated that respecting women is the foundation of a nation’s development, which is why India is now accelerating towards women-led growth. He emphasized that the government prioritises both the dignity and convenience of women. Initiatives such as the construction of millions of toilets have enhanced women’s dignity, and financial inclusion efforts have linked millions of women to the banking system through newly opened bank accounts.
PM Modi also pointed out how his government had alleviated the difficulties faced by women due to smoke by providing them with Ujjwala gas cylinders. Additionally, he spoke about extending maternity leave for working women from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, ensuring they receive adequate support during motherhood. He also highlighted the historic abolition of triple talaq, stating that his government’s legislation protected the lives of countless Muslim women.
Discussing Article 370, PM Modi noted that before its abrogation, women in Jammu and Kashmir faced discrimination, especially in matters of property rights if they married someone outside the state. The removal of Article 370 ensured that the daughters of Jammu and Kashmir now enjoy the same rights as other Indian women. Modi government at the Centre has consistently prioritised women’s rights and has created new opportunities for them over the years, he said. Since 2014, women’s participation in key positions across the country has increased at a rapid pace, he added.
Noting significant milestones in India’s legislative history, stating that the first bill passed in the newly built Parliament was dedicated to ‘Nari Shakti,’ he remarked.
“When the country received its new Parliament, the first bill I passed was related to Nari Shakti. What makes this even more significant is that it was signed by our President, a woman from a tribal background, which adds to its empowerment value,” said the 3-time PM.
Highlighting the judiciary, he pointed out that women now constitute more than 35 per cent of district court judges, and in some states, more than 50 per cent of newly appointed civil judges are women. The Prime Minister also celebrated the remarkable growth of India’s start-up ecosystem, which ranks third globally, and acknowledged the significant role of women investors in driving its success. About India’s advancements in space science, he noted that many major space missions are being spearheaded by women scientists. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister engaged with ‘Lakhpati Didis’ in Navsari, in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil. During the event, he felicitated five Lakhpati Didis with certificates recognising their achievements. The Prime Minister remarked that while the world celebrates Women’s Day today, in our traditions and culture, it starts with the reverence for the mother, ‘Matru Devo Bhava.’ “For us, every day of the year is ‘Matru Devo Bhava’,” he added.
One of the Lakhpati Didis shared her experience of working with the Shivani Mahila Mandal, where they engage in beadwork, a cultural craft of Saurashtra. She mentioned that they have trained over 400 sisters in beadwork, with other sisters handling marketing and accounting tasks. The Prime Minister inquired if the marketing team travels outside the state, to which she confirmed that they have covered almost all major cities in India. The participant highlighted the success of another Lakhpati Didi, Parul Behen, who earns over Rs 40,000, and acknowledged the achievement of the Lakhpati Didis.
PM Modi expressed his dream of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis and believed that they could reach five crores.
Prime Minister Modi also took to social media, announcing that his social media platforms would be taken over by accomplished women from diverse fields, allowing them to showcase their achievements. In a post on X, he stated, “We bow to our Nari Shakti on Women’s Day! Our government has consistently worked towards women’s empowerment, which is evident through our policies and schemes. As promised, today, my social media platforms will be taken over by remarkable women making strides in various fields!”
(With agency inputs)
