Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the government`s efforts towards women`s 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 governance.
Using the hashtag #12YearsOfNariShakti on social media, the Prime Minister said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has focused on promoting women-led development and creating opportunities that enable women to play a greater role in nation-building.
PM Modi highlights women-led development
In a series of posts, PM Modi said the government`s approach has centred on expanding opportunities for women while ensuring dignity, empowerment and equal participation in economic and social development.
“Over the last 12 years, the NDA Government has worked to further women-led development. This is visible across sectors, from financial inclusion and entrepreneurship to education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science and governance,” he said.
According to the Prime Minister, policy interventions during the past decade have helped create an environment in which women can contribute more effectively to the country`s growth and development.
He added that women today are playing increasingly important roles in diverse sectors and are contributing significantly to India`s progress.
Growing participation in science and technology
The Prime Minister also highlighted the increasing participation of women in emerging fields such as science, innovation, space technology and drone operations.
He said women are making significant contributions in areas that were traditionally underrepresented by female professionals and are helping drive technological and economic transformation.
Modi 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 areas.
He 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 country.
Government cites impact of flagship schemes
The Centre highlighted several flagship programmes aimed at expanding access to finance, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship for women.
Among the major initiatives cited was the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which provides collateral-free 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 beneficiaries.
Officials said the programme has played a key role in encouraging women-led enterprises and supporting small business growth.
Financial inclusion and savings programmes
The government also pointed to initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana as important contributors to women`s financial inclusion.
According to official figures, more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened across the country, of which approximately 33 crore belong to women.
The 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 areas.
Focus on livelihoods and social welfare
Other 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 self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The government also referred to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme, which seeks to improve the welfare and education of girls while addressing gender imbalance.
According to official data cited by the Centre, the national sex ratio at birth has improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 929 in 2024-25.
Women seen as key drivers of nation-building
Describing women as a cornerstone of India`s development journey, PM Modi said mothers, sisters and daughters are contributing to the country`s progress through their skills, talent and achievements across sectors.
He maintained that women`s participation in economic activity, governance, innovation and community development is helping build a more inclusive and self-reliant economy.
The Prime Minister`s 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 long-term economic strategy.
(With inputs from IANS)
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