Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of 77th Independence Day today, greeted his 140 crore ‘Pariwarjan’ (Family Members). In his I-Day address, PM Modi touched several aspects, including the initiatives and growth that the country has made. One of it was his focus on women and their development in the country. He shared his vision to have 2 crore lakhpati didis in village for strengthening SHGs.
Further, he also acknowledged the contribution of women in the country’s development. PM Modi talked about women in science, He also shared that the goal is to continue women-led development.
Women in Science
Sharing an anecdote, PM Modi said that the daughters in India are overtaking boys in taking STEM i.e. science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Women in India are powering science and engineering projects, such as the ISRO’s Mars Mission which was led by the women of India. From studies to results, girls in India are going ahead of boys.
Women SHGs
PM Modi shared that today 10 crore women are involved in women self help groups. Further, in villages and rural areas, women are actively taking initiatives that is benefitting all. These initiatives include didi with bank, didi with anganwadi, and more.
PM Modi said that now the aim is to make 2 crore Lakhpati Didi in the villages. He added that he sees the potential of the women of our village and therefore thinking of a new plan that technology should come in our agriculture sector. He said that agritech should be strengthened, and training shall be imparted to the women in Self Help Group.
‘Lakhpati Didis’ from the Self Help Groups (SHGs), is an initiative between the Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Ayush for skilling of rural youth and empowering women.
Under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ (Women with annual earnings of Rs. 1 lakh and more) scheme for women belonging to Self Help Groups (SHGs), are encouraged to take up micro-enterprises with skill development. It aims to double the income of women associated with these organizations.
Further, efforts are made under the scheme for the products to get market at national and international level also. E-commerce websites like Amazon, Flipkart, Mantra, PayTM Mall and Government e-Market Place (GeM) are also being tied up to get fair market for women’s products belonging to Self Help Groups.