PM Modi Addresses 'Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan', Highlights Major Steps for Women's Empowerment
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered a comprehensive address at the Nari Shakti Vandan programme held at Vigyan Bhawan, articulating the government's strong commitment to women's empowerment and social justice in India. The event coincided with Baisakhi celebrations and included a tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, underscoring the historical significance of the day. Shri Modi declared the country's Parliament is on the verge of making a historic decision dedicated to 'Nari Shakti' (women's power), namely, the operationalization of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act. He recalled that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act was passed unanimously in the new Parliament building in 2023, with all political parties agreeing to implement it by 2029. This Act aims to boost womenâs participation in democracy and governance. A special session of Parliamentâs Budget Session, scheduled to begin on April 16, will focus on driving dialogue and cooperation to ensure timely implementation. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of women's active participation in politics, noting their growing enthusiasm and engagement from grassroots assemblies to the national parliament. He appealed to women across India to engage with their Members of Parliament and share their expectations to reinforce this participatory process. Referencing historical contributions, Shri Modi traced womenâs impactful roles from the independence movement through the Constituent Assembly and continuing into modern India. He underscored womenâs presence in key leadership roles, including the President and Finance Minister, stressing that women have established enduring legacies at the highest levels of governance. Highlighting grassroots governance, the Prime Minister noted that over 1.4 million women serve successfully in panchayati raj institutions, with up to 50 percent participation in approximately 21 Indian states. This extensive involvement has attracted international attention and contributed to effective administration of critical issues such as water, education, health, and nutrition. The Jal Jeevan Mission was cited as a concrete example where womenâs leadership at the panchayat level has delivered measurable success. Shri Modi outlined multiple government schemes launched since 2014 that cover the entire lifecycle of women. These include Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao to prevent female foeticide; Matru Vandan Yojana providing Rs 5,000 financial assistance during pregnancy; Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for girlsâ education savings; Mission Indradhanush for vaccination; Swachh Bharat Abhiyan for toilets; subsidized sanitary products; Khel India for sports funding; expanded access to Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy; Ujjwala Yojana delivering LPG connections; Har Ghar Nal Se Jal for household water supply; the free ration scheme; Ayushman Bharat providing health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh; and Jan Aushadhi Kendras offering medicines with up to 80 percent discounts. Focusing on economic empowerment, Shri Modi revealed that property registration under PM Awas Yojana is being prioritized in women's names, benefiting over 3 crore women. The Jan Dhan Yojana opened bank accounts for more than 32 crore women who had no previous banking access. He noted that women have taken over 60 percent of loans under the Mudra Yojana and that over 45 percent of startups registered have at least one female director. Womenâs participation in the workforce has also expanded with improved maternity leave policies (26 weeks) and technical skill development initiatives under Skill India Mission. Modi highlighted the progress of self-help groups, where nearly 10 crore women have been included, and the target to convert 6 crore rural women into 'Lakhpati Didis' (women with incomes exceeding one lakh rupees), with over 3 crore already achieving this status. Modi emphasized that such initiatives have challenged traditional gender roles, with women excelling in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as aviation, noting India has the highest percentage of women pilots worldwide. Educational attainment has also risen sharply, with PhD enrollment among women doubling since 2014 and women constituting nearly half of higher education and research participants. On the issue of womenâs safety, the Prime Minister noted recent legal reforms, including the establishment of fast-track special courts and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which streamline FIR reporting and victim statement recording through audio-video methods. He reassured women that the government recognizes their aspirations and is proactively working to realize their dreams. Shri Modi made a special appeal for women to carry forward the discussions from the Nari Shakti Vandan programme at the grassroots level through personal meetings and social media, ensuring all women across the nation understand the significance of this historic decision and are empowered to actively participate in the political process from local assemblies to the national Parliament.
