Gandhinagar, Mar 10 (KNN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Lakhpati Didi programme in Vansi Borsi village, Navsari district, Gujarat on International Women’s Day, where he launched two significant schemes aimed at rural development and women’s empowerment.
The Prime Minister unveiled G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income).
G-SAFAL will provide financial assistance and entrepreneurial training to Self-Help Group women from Antyodaya families in two Aspirational districts and thirteen Aspirational Blocks of Gujarat, while G-MAITRI will offer financial assistance and support to startups working to create a conducive environment for rural livelihoods.
During the event, PM Modi felicitated five Lakhpati Didis with certificates and interacted with women from Self-Help Groups.
He emphasised that India is now following the path of women-led development, stating that women’s empowerment is essential for rapid national progress.
“The soul of the nation resides in rural India, and the soul of rural India lies in the empowerment of rural women,” the Prime Minister said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi.
The Prime Minister highlighted various government initiatives implemented over the past decade to enhance women’s dignity and economic independence, including the construction of toilets, opening of bank accounts for crores of women, provision of Ujjwala cylinders, extension of maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, and enactment of a law against triple talaq.
Speaking about increasing opportunities for women across sectors, Modi pointed out that since 2014, women’s participation in important positions has risen significantly.
He mentioned that the central government has seen the highest number of female ministers, and Parliament has witnessed increased female representation with 78 female MPs elected in 2019 and 74 in the current Lok Sabha.
Women now constitute over 35 percent of district court judges, and in many states, more than 50 percent of new civil judges are women.
The Prime Minister praised Gujarat as a prime example of women-led development, citing the global recognition of Amul, developed through the hard work of women from Gujarat’s villages who transformed milk production into a revolution.
He also highlighted the success of Lijjat Papad, initiated by Gujarati women, which has grown into a brand worth hundreds of crores.
Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to creating more “Lakhpati Didis,” noting that around 1.5 crore women have already achieved this status, with a target of reaching 3 crore women in the next five years.
He mentioned that over 10 crore women are running more than 90 lakh Self-Help Groups across the country, with over 3 lakh groups operating in Gujarat alone.
The event was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, and other dignitaries.
Modi concluded by expressing his belief that the hard work, dedication, and blessings of the people will help achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
(KNN Bureau)
