Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a fresh critique against the Congress on Monday, asserting that whenever he emphasized women’s empowerment, the grand old party insulted him. Modi attributed his schemes to on-the-ground experiences, underscoring that the initiatives aimed at the empowerment of women have resulted from practical insights rooted in everyday life.
Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister highlighted his role as the first leader to address issues of women’s empowerment, such as toilets for women, sanitary pads, cleaner cooking environments, piped water access to alleviate daily inconveniences, Jan Dhan accounts for every woman, opposition to derogatory language, and the need to educate sons about proper behavior towards women.
“Modi’s sensitivities and Modi’s schemes have emerged from experiences rooted in everyday life. Whenever I have spoken about the empowerment of women, parties like Congress made fun of me and insulted me,” stated PM Modi. He emphasized that these schemes aimed to enhance the lives of mothers and daughters across the country, enabling positive change.
The Prime Minister elaborated on several initiatives addressing women’s issues at various stages of their lives. Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, financial support for expecting mothers, Sukanya Samriddhi for educational resources, Mudra Yojana for entrepreneurial support, maternity leave expansion, free medical treatment, affordable medicines, and property ownership through PM Awas houses registered in women’s names contribute to changing old mindsets.
PM Modi also recognized the transformative impact of drone technology in agriculture, highlighting the significant role played by women in this field. He shared an anecdote about his interaction with a “Drone Didi” and emphasized the empowerment experienced by women through income, skills, and recognition in the drone technology sector. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Nari Shakti (women’s power) would lead the technology revolution in the country, citing women’s achievements across various fields.
#WATCH | PM Modi at Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat programme in Delhi
“Whenever I have spoken about the empowerment of women, parties like Congress made fun of me and insulted me. Modi’s schemes are the result of on-ground experiences.” pic.twitter.com/jmvsbgiQ54
— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2024
Expanding on the role of self-help groups, PM Modi acknowledged the remarkable growth in women’s participation, with over 10 crore women engaged in such groups. The government has facilitated the opening of bank accounts for 98% of these groups, increased assistance to 20 lakh rupees, and deposited more than 8 lakh crore rupees into their accounts.
Due to the focus on modern infrastructure, the income of these Self Help Groups has tripled, stated the Prime Minister. He encouraged these groups to participate in the implementation of the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, assuring priority for those taking initiatives.
The Namo Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of promoting economic empowerment and financial autonomy for women, particularly in rural areas. The felicitation of Lakhpati Didis, successful beneficiaries of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, further underscores the government’s commitment to supporting and motivating Self-Help Group members for their upliftment.
