Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized that his government is dedicated to the empowerment of women, highlighting the significant steps taken to improve their lives. Speaking at the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ at Navsari in Gujarat on the occasion of International Women’s Day today, Mr Modi emphasized that India is advancing towards women-led development, with the government placing utmost importance to dignity and well-being of women at every step. He stated that government has built thousands of toilets across the country, ensuring that women have access to basic sanitation and privacy, which in turn has restored their dignity.
Prime Minister Modi stated that the banner of women’s empowerment is soaring across all sectors of society, with the power of Indian women now acknowledged globally. He praised the role of Self Help Groups in the nation’s development and announced that the government is aiming to create three crore Lakhpati Didis over the next five years as part of its ongoing efforts to empower women. The Prime Minister also highlighted the government’s achievements in enhancing women’s security over the past decade, citing the implementation of new criminal laws designed to protect women’s rights.
Mr. Modi further noted that women’s participation across various sectors has seen a remarkable increase in recent years. He commended Gujarat’s cooperative model, particularly the White Revolution and women-led water committees, which have been pivotal in the state’s economic and social development. During the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’, the Prime Minister also disbursed 450 crore rupees in financial assistance to over 2.5 lakh women from over 25,000 Self-Help Groups. Mr Modi also felicitated five Lakhpati Didis with Lakhpati Didi Certificates. He also launched the two initiatives G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income) programme of the Gujarat Government. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi interacted with ten beneficiaries of ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme at Navsari district who shared their experiences. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Navsari MP C R Paatil were also present during the interaction.
The Lakhpati Didi scheme was launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2023 and recognises women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), who have an annual income of at least 1 lakh rupees from various sectors, such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and small industries as as ‘Lakhpati Didis, who get monetary assistance as well as vocational training from the government. In Gujarat, nearly 1.5 lakh women have now achieved an annual income of one lakh rupees or more, earning the title of ‘Lakhpati Didis .’ Mr Modi reached Gujarat yesterday on a two-day visit to the state.
