Safety of Women a Top Priority Alongside Economic Empowerment: Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Jalgaon : As India moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047, the central government is dedicated to ensuring the economic empowerment and safety of every woman in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that the goal of a developed India will be achieved through the all-around progress of women. Efforts are being accelerated to provide financial support to self-help groups and to build homes for the poor. So far, 4 crore houses have been distributed, and 3 crore more will be constructed in the future, with women’s names listed first as the primary owners.

Prime Minister Modi made these remarks at a national-level “Lakhpati Didi” meeting held at Prime Industrial Park in the Airport area of Jalgaon. The event was attended by Governor Dr. C.P. Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, Union Ministers Prataprao Jadhav, Dr. Chandrasekhar Pennasani, Kamlesh Paswan, Raksha Khadse, as well as State Rural Development Minister Girish Mahajan, and other dignitaries. Also present were Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Rural Development Department Secretary Eknath Dawle, Nashik Divisional Commissioner Dr. Praveen Gedam, Special Inspector General of Police Dattatraya Karale, Collector Ayush Prasad, and others.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted Maharashtra’s rich heritage, noting that it is the birthplace of historical figures like Rajmata Jijau and Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule. He mentioned that this state has a glorious tradition of matriarchy, which is recognized even internationally, as evidenced during his recent visit to Poland. He also acknowledged Jalgaon district’s cultural significance, being the home of Saint Muktabai, and noted that the poems of poetess Bahinabai Chaudhary remain popular.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the participation of women is crucial as India progresses towards becoming a developed nation. He specifically praised the “Lakhpati Didi Yojana,” noting that in the past month alone, 11 lakh women have become millionaires under the scheme, with one lakh of them from Maharashtra. He commended the state government’s proactive efforts in this regard.

As part of the central government’s commitment to addressing women’s issues, Prime Minister Modi announced that the construction of 3 crore houses will be prioritized in the names of women. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives like the Jan Dhan account and the Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free loans, 70% of which have been granted to women. He affirmed the country’s belief in women’s achievements and mentioned the launch of self-funding schemes and the inclusion of women under the Vishwakarma Parivar initiative. Over the past decade, 9 lakh crore rupees have been provided to self-help groups.

The Prime Minister further stated that women in savings groups will be trained as drone pilots and will be encouraged to participate in modern agriculture. Efforts will focus on making agriculture more accessible to women, thereby increasing employment opportunities. The government has allocated 3 lakh crore rupees in the budget specifically for women. He also noted the increasing participation of women in the startup sector and their inclusion in the armed forces.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated that strict action will be taken in cases of violence against women. The Indian Judicial Code will be enforced to ensure that perpetrators of injustice and torture are dealt with severely. The central government will work closely with state governments to prevent violence against women, providing necessary support to each state. He emphasized that along with empowering women, their safety is of utmost importance. He also assured that Maharashtra, being a progressive state, will receive all possible support from the central government to boost employment and attract investors.

Salute to Devotees

During his speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for the pilgrims who recently died in an accident in Nepal. The central and state governments took immediate action in response, with Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse being dispatched to Nepal promptly. The injured are receiving proper medical treatment, and the families of the deceased will receive assistance from both the central and state governments.

Fulfilling the Dream of Women Empowerment – Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

For the empowerment of women in the state, the government has deposited two installments into the accounts of 1 crore women under the Chief Minister Majhi Ladki Bahini Yojana. Additionally, the Annapurna Yojana, which provides three gas cylinders, has been initiated. The state government is also working towards making women self-reliant through free higher education for girls and travel concessions for women. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde affirmed his commitment to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision through the Chief Minister’s Women’s Empowerment Campaign.

Maharashtra will play a major role in the national initiative to empower 3 crore women, with 50 lakh women from the state. Many women are taking the lead and supporting their families through small enterprises. The state has provided 30 crore rupees in loans to 25,000 self-help groups, and efforts are underway to create markets for their products, according to Chief Minister Shinde.

Women’s participation is crucial for India to become a superpower, and the central government is providing strong support. The central government has allocated 76,000 crore rupees for port development and has also supported the Metro project. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these efforts will benefit irrigation projects and help secure better prices for onions, cotton, milk, and soybeans in the state.

Chief Minister Shinde also announced that the state government will provide five lakh rupees to the families of those who lost their lives in the Nepal accident.

Women’s Economic Empowerment Scheme – Shivraj Singh Chauhan

The Lakhpati Didi scheme is designed to economically empower women and accelerate development. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that this initiative aims to make women self-reliant by providing financial assistance for their businesses. He thanked the large number of women who attended the event despite the rainy season.

Significant Contribution of Women to National Development – Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that effective and developmental changes can occur in the country if women are actively involved in the development process. He emphasized that the state government is providing substantial support to economically strengthen women, who play a crucial role in the nation’s progress.

Women are making significant strides in various fields, and Maharashtra will continue to contribute to the nation’s development. This region is blessed by the presence of Saint Muktai and poetess Bahinabai, making it a fitting location for the Lakhpati Didi meeting. The state has already connected 75 lakh families through savings groups and aims to reach 2 crore families. He also mentioned that the Nar-Par Irrigation Scheme, vital for revitalizing Jalgaon District, is progressing, with the tender process set to begin following cabinet approval.

State Government Stands Firmly Behind Women – Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

The nationwide development momentum, symbolized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jalgaon, has now reached this district, renowned for banana and onion production. Prime Minister Modi is committed to creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, with 50 lakh from Maharashtra. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar asserted that the state government is actively working to achieve this goal.

Meanwhile, during the event, Prime Minister Modi honored several women who have become Lakhpati Didis, including Sheetal Naret (Himachal Pradesh), Mehbooba Akhtar (Jammu and Kashmir), Ganga Ahirwar (Madhya Pradesh), S. Krishnavenni (Telangana), Neeraj Devi (Uttar Pradesh), and Sering Dolkar (Ladakh).

On this occasion, Prime Minister Modi also distributed a revolving fund of Rs 2500 crore to 48 lakh women from savings groups.

Prime Minister Modi Greets His Sisters from an Open Jeep

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the event venue in an open jeep. He greeted the thousands of women present and acknowledged their support. He took a round of the pavilion, where he was enthusiastically welcomed by the crowd. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar accompanied him during the event.