New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday celebrated “12 Years of Nari Shakti”, highlighting the transformative role played by women in India’s development journey and underscoring the Centre’s continued focus on women-led growth over the last decade.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has consistently worked towards empowering women through a range of welfare, financial inclusion, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship initiatives. He noted that women today are playing a leading role across multiple sectors, contributing significantly to nation-building and economic progress.
The Prime Minister emphasised that the government’s approach towards women empowerment is rooted in dignity, opportunity and equal participation, enabling women to achieve their aspirations and become active stakeholders in India’s growth story.
According to PM Modi, the impact of women-centric policies is visible across key sectors such as education, healthcare, sanitation, housing, sports, science, innovation and governance. He stated that sustained efforts over the past 12 years have helped create an ecosystem where women can thrive, lead and contribute more effectively to the country’s development.
Focus on Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
The Prime Minister highlighted the government’s initiatives aimed at strengthening financial independence among women. Programmes promoting bank account ownership, entrepreneurship, skill development and livelihood opportunities have enabled millions of women to become economically self-reliant.
He also lauded the contribution of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), stating that they have played a crucial role in enhancing rural livelihoods, generating employment and empowering women at the grassroots level.
Women Making Their Mark in Science and Technology
PM Modi expressed particular satisfaction over the increasing participation of women in emerging sectors such as science, space research, innovation and drone technology. He noted that women are breaking traditional barriers and establishing themselves in fields that were once considered male-dominated.
The Prime Minister said the growing involvement of women in drone operations and technology-driven sectors is opening new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and rural development. He added that government initiatives are helping women access modern technologies and contribute to India’s technological advancement.
Women-Led Development at the Core of Governance
The Centre has repeatedly stressed the concept of “Women-Led Development”, moving beyond traditional welfare approaches to place women at the centre of policymaking and economic transformation. From housing schemes and sanitation programmes to healthcare coverage and educational opportunities, women have emerged as key beneficiaries of several flagship government initiatives.
The government’s efforts have also focused on increasing women’s participation in decision-making processes, local governance and leadership roles across sectors.
Milestone Coincides With Modi’s Record-Breaking Tenure
The Prime Minister’s remarks come shortly after he achieved another significant political milestone by completing 4,399 consecutive days in office, becoming India’s longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in continuous tenure, surpassing the record previously held by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) recently gathered in New Delhi to congratulate PM Modi on completing 12 years at the Centre, highlighting various development initiatives, governance reforms and welfare programmes implemented during his tenure.
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Centre continues to place women’s empowerment at the forefront of its development agenda, with a strong emphasis on education, economic participation, technological inclusion and leadership opportunities for women across the country.
