Empowerment – Modi Highlights Women’s Expanding Role in India’s Growth Story
Empowerment – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday underlined the growing contribution of women in shaping India’s development journey and reiterated the government’s continued focus on strengthening women-led progress. Referring to the past 12 years under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), he said women have emerged as key contributors across a wide range of sectors, reflecting the impact of policies aimed at expanding opportunities and empowerment.
Women Taking Center Stage Across Sectors
Sharing his views through social media, the Prime Minister stated that women are increasingly making their presence felt in fields such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, governance, sports, sanitation, housing, and financial inclusion. According to him, various government initiatives over the years have helped create pathways that allow women to participate more actively in economic and social development.
He noted that efforts undertaken by the government have been guided by the principles of dignity, equal opportunity, and empowerment. These measures, he said, have enabled women to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence while contributing significantly to the country’s progress.
Growing Participation in Emerging Industries
The Prime Minister also expressed satisfaction over the rising involvement of women in future-oriented sectors, including science, innovation, and space-related activities. He highlighted that women are increasingly entering emerging domains such as drone technology, opening up new opportunities and helping transform development at the grassroots level.
According to him, support provided to Self Help Groups has played a major role in strengthening financial independence among women. These groups have expanded livelihood opportunities and encouraged greater participation in local economic activities across both rural and urban areas.
Women Described as Key Drivers of Nation Building
Calling women an essential force behind national development, Modi said that mothers, sisters, and daughters continue to contribute to the country’s progress through their skills, dedication, and achievements. He emphasized that their accomplishments across different professions have strengthened India’s position and inspired future generations.
The Prime Minister’s remarks coincided with the government’s presentation of achievements linked to women-focused welfare and empowerment programmes introduced over the past decade.
Welfare Schemes Expanding Financial Access
Several flagship programmes have been launched during this period with the objective of improving access to healthcare, education, banking services, and employment opportunities for women. Among these, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has emerged as a significant platform for encouraging women entrepreneurs by providing collateral-free loans to eligible beneficiaries since its launch in 2015.
Other major initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and Womaniya programme, have further strengthened financial participation and savings among women. Government data shows that out of more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened nationwide, approximately 33 crore are held by women, indicating a substantial rise in financial inclusion.
Focus on Long-Term Social and Economic Progress
The government also highlighted schemes such as Lakhpati Didi, which aims to help women achieve sustainable annual earnings of at least ₹1 lakh through livelihood enhancement activities. Another key programme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, has been credited with contributing to improvements in the national sex ratio at birth, which increased from 918 in 2014-15 to 929 in 2024-25.
Officials maintain that continuous policy support and targeted development programmes have enabled women to play a larger role in building a more self-reliant and inclusive economy. As participation expands across traditional and emerging sectors, women are increasingly becoming central to India’s long-term growth and development strategy.