Addressing a gathering at the ‘Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat’ event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the pivotal role of women-centric schemes implemented by his government in empowering women and propelling societal progress.
Expressing confidence in his third term, Modi envisioned a transformative journey for women, affirming that their empowerment is indispensable for national advancement.
Taking a dig at past administrations, Modi underscored the neglect of women's welfare in their governance, contrasting it with the proactive approach of his BJP-led government in devising initiatives tailored to support women across all life stages.
Highlighting his pioneering advocacy for women's issues, Modi recalled his landmark speeches from the Red Fort, where he addressed pressing concerns such as sanitation, menstrual hygiene, clean cooking fuels, and financial inclusion.
Despite facing ridicule from opposition parties like the Congress, Modi remained steadfast in his commitment to championing women's causes, drawing inspiration from his personal observations and encounters during his extensive travels across the country.
Providing concrete evidence of the government's dedication, Modi revealed that over Rs 8 lakh crore had been disbursed through various schemes benefiting women, resulting in over 1 crore women becoming financially independent as 'Lakhpati Didis'.
Emphasizing the transformative impact of even modest assistance to women, Modi criticized politicians solely focused on their families, asserting their inability to comprehend the significance of women's empowerment.
During the event, Modi distributed approximately Rs 8,000 crore in bank loans to self-help groups (SHGs) and interacted with women beneficiaries, commending their resilience and diligence.
He also honored 'Lakhpati Didis' who have excelled with support from the 'Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission', furthering the cause of SHG members' upliftment.
In line with his vision for economic empowerment, Modi launched the 'Namo Drone Didi' initiative, providing drones to 1,000 women for agricultural purposes, and disbursed a Rs 2,000 crore Capitalisation Support Fund to SHGs.
These initiatives, integral to the Prime Minister's agenda of fostering women's economic independence, especially in rural areas, signify a concerted effort towards gender inclusivity and empowerment, as emphasized by the Prime Minister's Office in a prior statement.
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