Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Conference’ held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, focusing on women’s empowerment and their increasing role in democracy. The event was आयोजित ahead of discussions in Parliament on the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.
Speaking at the conference, the Prime Minister stated that the Indian Parliament is approaching the creation of a “new history” that will fulfill past aspirations and shape the future. He said that India is moving toward an equitable society where social justice becomes an integral part of governance and decision-making.
The Prime Minister said he had not come to offer guidance but to seek blessings from the women of the country. He stated, “I have not come here to preach or awaken anyone; I have come to seek the blessings of the mothers and sisters of the country.” He added that the presence of women from different parts of the country at the conference reflects their participation in the democratic process.
Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, the Prime Minister said that the legislation was introduced in Parliament in 2023 and was passed unanimously. He stated that the government is now moving toward its implementation. He said that the special session scheduled between April 16 and April 18 will be an important step in strengthening women’s participation in Parliament and state legislatures.
The Prime Minister said that women’s leadership in India is already b across sectors. He noted that women hold positions ranging from the President of India to ministerial roles. He added that more than 1.4 million women are leading at the पंचायत level, and in several states, women’s participation in पंचायत institutions has reached up to 50 percent. He described this as an example for the world.
On economic empowerment, the Prime Minister said that government schemes have increased women’s participation in the economy. He stated that more than 320 million women have opened bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana. He added that more than 60 percent of beneficiaries under the Mudra Yojana are women and that over 42 percent of startups in India have women directors.
He also stated that maternity leave has been extended to 26 weeks to support women in balancing career and family responsibilities, noting that this duration is higher than in several developed countries.
