PM Modi highlights ‘12 Years of Nari Shakti’, says NDA govt worked to further women-led development

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the governments efforts towards womens empowerment over the past 12 years stating that women have emerged as key contributors across sectors ranging from entrepreneurship and education to science technology and governanceUsing the hashtag 12YearsOfNariShakti on social media the Prime Minister said the National Democratic Alliance NDA government has focused on promoting womenled development and creating opportunities that enable women to play a greater role in nationbuildingPM Modi highlights womenled developmentIn a series of posts PM Modi said the governments approach has centred on expanding opportunities for women while ensuring dignity empowerment and equal participation in economic and social developmentOver the last 12 years the NDA Government has worked to further womenled development This is visible across sectors from financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education healthcare sanitation housing sports science and governance he saidAccording to the Prime Minister policy interventions during the past decade have helped create an environment in which women can contribute more effectively to the countrys growth and developmentHe added that women today are playing increasingly important roles in diverse sectors and are contributing significantly to Indias progressGrowing participation in science and technologyThe Prime Minister also highlighted the increasing participation of women in emerging fields such as science innovation space technology and drone operationsHe said women are making significant contributions in areas that were traditionally underrepresented by female professionals and are helping drive technological and economic transformationModi noted that the growing involvement of women in sectors such as drone technology is creating new livelihood opportunities and contributing to development in both urban and rural areasHe also emphasised the role of Self Help Groups SHGs stating that government support for these groups has helped improve financial independence among women across the countryGovernment cites impact of flagship schemesThe Centre highlighted several flagship programmes aimed at expanding access to finance education healthcare and entrepreneurship for womenAmong the major initiatives cited was the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana which provides collateralfree loans to small entrepreneurs According to government data loans worth more than Rs 40 lakh crore have been sanctioned under the scheme since its launch in 2015 with nearly Rs 17 lakh crore reportedly going to women beneficiariesOfficials said the programme has played a key role in encouraging womenled enterprises and supporting small business growthFinancial inclusion and savings programmesThe government also pointed to initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana as important contributors to womens financial inclusionAccording to official figures more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened across the country of which approximately 33 crore belong to womenThe Centre said these schemes have helped expand access to banking services savings instruments and formal financial systems for millions of women particularly in rural and underserved areasFocus on livelihoods and social welfareOther programmes highlighted by the government include the Lakhpati Didi initiative which aims to support women in achieving annual incomes of at least Rs 1 lakh through selfemployment and entrepreneurship opportunitiesThe government also referred to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme which seeks to improve the welfare and education of girls while addressing gender imbalanceAccording to official data cited by the Centre the national sex ratio at birth has improved from 918 in 201415 to 929 in 202425Women seen as key drivers of nationbuildingDescribing women as a cornerstone of Indias development journey PM Modi said mothers sisters and daughters are contributing to the countrys progress through their skills talent and achievements across sectorsHe maintained that womens participation in economic activity governance innovation and community development is helping build a more inclusive and selfreliant economyThe Prime Ministers remarks come as the NDA government completes 12 years in office and continues to highlight the impact of its flagship welfare financial inclusion and entrepreneurship programmes The government has maintained that expanding opportunities for women remains a central component of its development agenda and longterm economic strategyWith inputs from IANS