Finance
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Nari Shakti Vandan programme at Vigyan Bhawan today. Speaking on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi and ahead of New Year celebrations in various parts of the country, the Prime Minister also paid tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. “India is about to take one of the biggest decisions of the 21st century, a decision dedicated to Nari Shakti,” asserted Shri Modi.
Describing the moment as historic, the Prime Minister said the nation’s Parliament is close to creating a new history that will fulfill the visions of the past and the resolutions of the future. Emphasizing the importance of social justice, he stressed that the country envisions an egalitarian India where social justice is not merely a slogan but an integral part of the work culture. “The wait of decades, from state assemblies to the nation’s Parliament, is coming to an end,” remarked the Prime Minister.
Recalling the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act in the new Parliament building in 2023, the Prime Minister noted that it was passed unanimously with all parties agreeing that it should be implemented by 2029 in any case. PM Modi remarked that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act must be implemented on time so that women’s participation strengthens our democracy, for which a special session of Parliament’s Budget Session will begin from April 16. “Our effort and priority is that this work should be accomplished through dialogue, cooperation and participation, which will enhance the dignity of Parliament,” said Shri Modi.
Acknowledging the nationwide enthusiasm among women on this issue, the Prime Minister observed that women across the country are voicing their aspirations about reaching assemblies and the Lok Sabha. Their dreams have received new wings and a positive atmosphere has been created in the country. “I appeal to all women to maintain their active participation in this entire process and meet their MPs to share their perspectives and expectations,” urged the Prime Minister.
Tracing the contribution of women from the freedom struggle to the Constituent Assembly, the Prime Minister highlighted the immense role of Nari Shakti in laying the foundation of independent India. Women who received opportunities for representation have done outstanding work for the nation. He observed that even today, in our country, from the President to the Finance Minister, Women are holding such important positions. “From President to Prime Minister, wherever women have been, they have created their own legacy,” stated Shri Modi.
Citing panchayati raj institutions as an excellent example of women’s leadership, the Prime Minister shared that over 14 lakh women are successfully working in local government bodies today. In approximately 21 states, their participation in panchayats has reached nearly 50 percent. “This active participation of lakhs of women in politics and social life surprises even the world’s leading leaders and political experts, enhancing India’s pride,” remarked the Prime Minister.
Referring to various studies, the Prime Minister pointed out that when women’s participation in decision-making processes increased, it brought sensitivity to systems. This has led to more dedicated work on issues like water, education, health and nutrition. “The success of Jal Jeevan Mission is an example where women’s participation at the panchayat level has played a major role,” said Shri Modi.
Emphasizing that lakhs of women working in local bodies and institutions for years now possess extensive experience, the Prime Minister said they are ready and eager for bigger roles. Implementing the Nari Shakti Vandan Act will become a great opportunity in the lives of all such women. “The journey from panchayat to Parliament is going to become easier,” affirmed the Prime Minister.
Highlighting the critical role of women in the Viksit Bharat journey, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that his government has created schemes for every stage of women’s life cycle since 2014. From the first breath to the last, the government stands ready to serve sisters and daughters with various schemes. “We launched Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign to prevent female foeticide, provided Rs 5,000 financial assistance under Matru Vandan Yojana for proper nutrition during pregnancy, and started the high-interest Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to support daughters’ education,” elaborated Shri Modi.
Detailing the comprehensive support system, the Prime Minister mentioned Mission Indradhanush for timely vaccination, toilets under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, nearly free sanitary napkins, financial support under Khel India scheme, and opening the doors to Sainik Schools and National Defence Academy. For later stages of life, Ujjwala Yojana provided crore gas connections, Har Ghar Nal Se Jal campaign brought water to homes, free ration scheme ensured food security, and Ayushman Yojana offered health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh. “All these initiatives, including Jan Aushadhi Kendras offering up to 80 percent discount on medicines, have primarily benefited our sisters and daughters,” said the Prime Minister.
Stressing the necessity of increasing women’s economic participation for their empowerment, the Prime Minister said every decision and scheme prioritized this aspect. Previously, family property was mainly registered in men’s names, but under PM Awas Yojana, homes were registered in women’s names on a priority basis. “In the past 11 years, over 3 crore women have benefited from this decision and become owners of their homes, making them economically empowered,” remarked Shri Modi.
Addressing financial inclusion, the Prime Minister recalled that in 2014, crores of women had never seen a bank’s door. The Jan Dhan Yojana opened bank accounts for over 32 crore women. “Today our daughters are creating their identity in new businesses, with over 60 percent of Mudra Yojana loans taken by women,” stated the Prime Minister.
Highlighting women’s leadership in the startup revolution, the Prime Minister shared that over 45 percent of registered startups have at least one woman working as a director. To ensure careers are not affected, maternity leave has been extended to 26 weeks. “The results of Skill India Mission launched years ago are now visible through thousands of Drone Didis revolutionizing agriculture by teaching modern farming through technology,” said Shri Modi.
Sharing remarkable achievements, the Prime Minister informed that in the past 11 years, nearly 10 crore women have joined self-help groups. The government has set a target of making 6 crore sisters associated with rural economy into Lakhpati Didis, of which over 3 crore have already achieved this status. “These women are becoming brand ambassadors of Vocal for Local,” remarked PM Modi.
Emphasizing that the women-led development vision has challenged old mindsets, the Prime Minister said women today are touching heights in sectors once considered male bastions. Indian daughters are becoming fighter pilots and touching the skies. “India has the highest percentage of women pilots compared to any country in the world,” stated Shri Modi.
Celebrating educational achievements, the Prime Minister noted that PhD enrollment of daughters has doubled compared to 2014, with nearly half the participation in higher education and research being women. In mathematics and science education, daughters’ numbers have reached approximately 43 percent. “These achievements reflect the changing landscape of opportunities for our daughters,” affirmed the Prime Minister.
Addressing women’s safety, a major societal challenge, the Prime Minister said the government has taken strong steps in this direction. Legal reforms have been made and fast-track special courts established to make the justice system more sensitive and speed up decision-making. “The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita prioritizes women’s safety, simplifies FIR filing procedures allowing e-FIR or Zero-FIR from any location, and provisions for recording victim statements through audio-video,” elaborated Shri Modi.
The Prime Minister assured every mother, sister and daughter of the country that the nation understands their aspirations and is taking every necessary step to realize their dreams. The country’s Nari Shakti has touched new heights through hard work, courage and self-confidence. “We must collectively give new energy to this power and expand opportunities for them,” said the Prime Minister.
Making a special appeal, the Prime Minister urged women to take the discussions from the Nari Shakti Vandan programme to every village in the country through personal meetings and social media. The country needs to make every woman aware of this major decision so they can understand its strength, comprehend their role, and openly dream that in the coming times, they can register their presence from states to the nation’s Parliament. “Let us all together resolve that Nari Shakti will have their rights and they will become full participants in the decision-making process – this is the biggest guarantee of our bright future,” concluded Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Source: PIB
