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PM interacts with Lakhpati Didis & launches development works in Gujarat
International Women’s Day
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched various developmental works and interacted with Lakhpati Didis in Navsari, Gujarat on 08 March 2025. Addressing the gathering he expressed his gratitude for the love, affection, and blessings from the mothers, sisters, and daughters present in large numbers, extending his best wishes to all the women of the country on this special day. Shri Modi said, “He was blessed by Maa Ganga in the Maha Kumbh while he was blessed in the Maha Kumbh of Matru Shakti today”.
Addressing on the occassion of Women’s Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the launch of two schemes, G-SAFAL (Gujarat scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) and G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income) in Gujarat. He also mentioned that funds from various schemes have been directly transferred to the bank accounts of women and congratulated everyone for this achievement.
Shri Modi mentioned that today was dedicated to women and expressed his gratitude to all and proudly stated that he considers himself the wealthiest person in the world, not in terms of money, but because of the blessings from crores of mothers, sisters, and daughters. “These blessings are my greatest strength, capital, and protective shield”, he emphasised.
Women-led development
Stressing the importance of respecting women, as it is the first step towards the development of society and the nation, the Prime Minister highlighted, “India is now walking the path of women-led development for the rapid progress of the country”. He remarked that the government prioritizes both respect and convenience in women’s lives. He mentioned the construction of toilets, also referred to as ‘Izzat Ghar” or “house of dignity”, for crores of women, which has increased their dignity, and the opening of bank accounts for crores of women, integrating them into the banking system.
Maternity leave for working women from 12 weeks to 26 weeks
He also highlighted the provision of Ujjwala cylinders to save women from the hardships of smoke. Shri Modi noted that the government has extended maternity leave for working women from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. He acknowledged the demand from Muslim sisters for a law against triple talaq and stated that the government has enacted a strict law to protect the lives of lakhs of Muslim sisters. He also mentioned that when Article 370 was in effect in Jammu and Kashmir, women were deprived of many rights. If they married someone outside the state, they lost their right to ancestral property and with the removal of Article 370, women in Jammu and Kashmir have now gained their rights.
Increasing opportunities for women
Underlining the increasing opportunities for women at various levels of society, government, and large institutions, the Prime Minister remarked, “women are excelling in every sector, be it politics, sports, judiciary, or police”. He noted that since 2014, women’s participation in important positions has increased significantly, mentioning that the central government has seen the highest number of female ministers, and the presence of women in Parliament has also risen. In 2019, 78 female MPs were elected, and in the 18th Lok Sabha, 74 female MPs are part of the House, he added.
Growing participation of women in the judiciary
Underscoring the growing participation of women in the judiciary, with their presence in district courts exceeding 35%. In several states, over 50% of new recruits as civil judges are women, Shri Modi highlighted, “India is the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with nearly half of the startups having women in leadership roles”. He also mentioned the significant contributions of women scientists leading major space missions. He expressed pride in the fact that India has the highest number of female pilots in the world. He also acknowledged the role of women in organizing and securing the event in Navsari, with female police officers and officials managing the security arrangements.
Strength of India’s women
The Prime Minister shared his earlier interaction with women from self-help groups, noting their enthusiasm and confidence as a testament to the strength of India’s women. He reiterated his belief that the resolve for a Viksit Bharat will be fulfilled, with women playing the most significant role in achieving this goal.
Gujarat as a prime example of women-led development
Mentioning Gujarat as a prime example of women-led development which has provided the country with a successful cooperative model, developed through the hard work and strength of women, the Prime Minister underscored the global recognition of Amul and how lakhs of women from Gujarat’s villages have turned milk production into a revolution. He added that Gujarati women have not only empowered themselves economically but also strengthened the rural economy. He also highlighted the success of Lijjat Papad, initiated by Gujarati women, which has now become a brand worth hundreds of crores.