"We are progressing towards women-led development": Union Minister Annapurna Devi

New Delhi [India], December 3 (ANI): Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, stated on Tuesday that the country is transitioning from "women's development" to "women-led development" as the government continues its efforts to empower women.
Speaking to the media about the government's initiatives for women's empowerment since May 2014, Annapurna Devi said, "We are progressing from women's development towards women-led development. When women are given leadership roles, they contribute significantly in fields like education and healthcare. Our government has consistently worked to empower women, ensuring their prosperity and safety."
She further highlighted global recognition of these efforts, saying, "Even at the G20 summit, the world applauded our focus on women-led development. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a prime example of this. In 2013-14, the gender budget stood at Rs 97,000 crore, but in 2023-24, it has surpassed Rs 3 lakh crore."
Minister of State Savitri Thakur underscored the progress of women across various sectors.
"Seventy-four women MPs have been elected to the Lok Sabha, and 17 to the Rajya Sabha. Women are making strides in every field, feeling more empowered and secure. Their contributions across sectors have grown significantly," she noted.
The Union Minister also highlighted the achievements of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, a Centrally Sponsored Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. "Over 3.5 crore women have benefited from this scheme, which provides a cash incentive of Rs 5,000 in three instalments directly to the bank accounts of pregnant and lactating mothers," she said.
She added that the government is introducing measures to enhance women's safety and support working women. "Three new criminal laws have been introduced to ensure safety and justice for women. Plans are also underway to establish 1,000 working women hostels across the country in collaboration with state governments," she said.
The Minister mentioned the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite justice for women, citing West Bengal as an example.
"While 113 fast-track courts have been sanctioned for West Bengal, only six or seven are currently operational," she concluded. (ANI)