PM Modi Launches Developmental Schemes in Gujarat on International Women’s Day, Focuses on Women’s Empowerment

Navsari, Gujarat: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two significant schemes in Navsari, Gujarat today. The event marked an important step towards empowering women in the state and across India, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of women-led development.

The schemes, G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income), aim to provide sustainable livelihoods and empower rural women economically. Addressing a large gathering of women farmers and community members, PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the support, blessings, and affection from the mothers, sisters, and daughters present at the event. He noted that he felt blessed by Matru Shakti today, paralleling his earlier blessings from Maa Ganga during the Maha Kumbh.

PM Modi emphasized that women’s participation in nation-building is a cornerstone of India’s growth and progress. He said, “I consider myself the wealthiest person, not in terms of money, but because of the blessings from crores of mothers, sisters, and daughters. These blessings are my greatest strength and protective shield,” he said.

During his address, PM Modi stressed the importance of respecting women, noting that women-led development was the path to the country’s rapid progress. He showcased several initiatives aimed at improving women’s lives and making them an integral part of India’s growth story. These included the construction of toilets under the “Izzat Ghar” initiative, the opening of bank accounts for women, and the Ujjwala Yojana to reduce the hardships caused by smoke from traditional cooking methods.

He further mentioned that the government has extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, emphasizing that the welfare of women in all sectors is a priority. He also highlighted the government’s strong stance on women’s rights, including the enactment of laws to prevent triple talaq and the removal of Article 370 to restore the rights of women in Jammu and Kashmir.

PM Modi recognized the growing presence of women in all sectors of society, from politics to sports and judiciary. He pointed out that women’s participation in the Parliament has grown significantly, with 78 female MPs elected in 2019, and 74 in the 18th Lok Sabha. In the judiciary, over 35% of district court positions are held by women, and over 50% of new recruits in civil judge positions are women. He also commended the startup ecosystem, highlighting that half of India’s startups are led by women.

PM Modi shared examples of how women in Gujarat have contributed to economic empowerment, with Amul and Lijjat Papad standing as testaments to the success of women-led cooperatives. He mentioned that Gujarati women’s efforts have not only empowered themselves economically but also strengthened the rural economy.

The Prime Minister spoke of how his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat laid the foundation for empowering women, citing initiatives like Beti Bachao Abhiyan, Kanya Kelavani Rath Yatra, and Chiranjeevi Yojana. These programs aimed at women and girls’ welfare have been successfully extended across the nation.

He also highlighted the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative, which has successfully minimized scams and helped millions of women, particularly those in rural areas, gain access to financial support. Furthermore, he mentioned the PM-Awas Yojana, which has provided nearly 3 crore women with their own homes since 2014.

PM Modi acknowledged the significant role of women in water conservation efforts. The Jal Jeevan Mission, which has brought piped water to millions of households, has been greatly successful due to the leadership of women’s water committees. He praised the women of Navsari for completing over 5,000 water conservation projects, including ponds and check dams, and for their continued efforts to build percolation pits to store rainwater.

The Prime Minister also addressed the legal reforms for women’s safety, emphasizing the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which has strengthened provisions to protect women and children. He spoke about the swift justice mechanisms, including fast-track courts, and the introduction of Zero FIRs and audio-video recordings of victim statements, which make it easier for women to report crimes and for authorities to take immediate action.

PM Modi reiterated his vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, emphasizing that rural women’s empowerment is key to achieving this goal. He highlighted self-help groups (SHGs) as a model of empowerment, with over 10 crore women running 90 lakh SHGs across the country, with more than 3 lakh in Gujarat alone.

He concluded his address with a firm belief that women’s strength will play the most significant role in the nation’s development, as the country works towards realizing a prosperous and inclusive future.