WOMEN'S SAFETY TOP PRIORITY: MODI

PM highlights the surge in women's participation and leadership in politics, governance and key industries

- DILIP SINGH KSHATRIYA @ Ahmedabad

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi on Saturday said that women's safety tops his government's priority list, leading to the implementation of stricter laws and regulations to prevent crimes against them. Modi was addressing a gathering on International Women's Day in Navsari, Gujarat. Emphasising that women's empowerment is at the core of India's progress, Modi proudly declared himself the wealthiest person — not in monetary terms, but through the blessings of crores of women. "These blessings are my greatest strength, my capital, and my protective shield," he stated.

The PM underscored that true development begins with respect for women. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring dignity and convenience in their lives, highlighting key initiatives such as the construction of 'Izzat Ghars' (toilets) for crores of women, the opening of bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana, and the provision of Ujjwala gas cylinders to free women from the hardship of cooking with firewood. Maternity leave for working women has also been extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

He noted the government's firm stand on protecting Muslim women, citing the abolition of triple talaq, which has safeguarded lakhs of lives. He also addressed the impact of Article 370, which previously deprived Kashmiri women of property rights if they married outside the state. With its removal, these women now enjoy equal rights.