'Women play huge role in India's economic growth, but...': PM Modi

Jalgaon (Maharashtra) [India], August 25 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday emphasised the crucial role women play in India's journey towards becoming the world's third-largest economy.
He acknowledged that, a few years ago, support for women was limited. However, the Modi government has since worked to enhance property ownership rights and access to bank loans for women.
While addressing the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Jalgaon, Prime Minister Modi stated, "You must have heard that India is on its way to becoming the third-largest economy in the world. Women will play a significant role in this achievement."
He added, "However, this wasn't the case a few years ago. Women are the cornerstone of prosperity for every home and family. Yet, there was no one to guarantee support for them. Women lacked property ownership, and if they needed a loan from a bank, they couldn't obtain it. As a result, they were unable to establish their own small businesses. We have made decisions year after year in the interest of women."
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted that women in India have always played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's future and will continue to do so as the country strives for development.
"The women of India have always contributed immensely to building the future of society and the nation. Today, as our country works tirelessly towards development, our women are once again stepping forward," he said.
During the Sammelan, PM Modi distributed certificates and felicitated 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis, who have recently achieved this status during the third term of the current government. The Prime Minister also interacted with Lakhpati Didis from across the country.
Additionally, PM Modi announced a revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore, benefiting about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh self-help groups (SHGs).
He also disbursed bank loans amounting to Rs 5,000 crore, which will benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs. Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, one crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis, and the government has set a target of reaching three crore Lakhpati Didis. (ANI)