New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has celebrated what he described as 12 years of strengthening “Nari Shakti” under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), highlighting women-led development as one of the defining features of his government’s governance model. Reflecting on the achievements of the past decade, the Prime Minister said that empowering women has been central to India’s social and economic transformation and will remain crucial in the country’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Addressing the nation through various platforms, Modi underscored the role of women in driving progress across sectors, including entrepreneurship, governance, education, healthcare, and innovation. He stated that the government’s policies over the years have focused not only on providing welfare benefits to women but also on creating opportunities that enable them to become leaders and decision-makers in society.

The Prime Minister highlighted several flagship initiatives launched since 2014 that have sought to improve the lives of women. Programmes aimed at financial inclusion, access to credit, skill development, sanitation, and healthcare have helped millions of women gain greater independence and economic security. Government-backed schemes encouraging entrepreneurship have also enabled women to establish businesses and contribute actively to local and national economies.

According to the government, women have emerged as a significant force in India’s development story, with increased participation in self-help groups, micro-enterprises, and grassroots governance. Modi noted that women are no longer viewed merely as beneficiaries of government schemes but as active partners in nation-building. He described this shift as the essence of “women-led development,” a concept that has guided many policy decisions during the NDA’s tenure.

The Prime Minister also pointed to legislative measures designed to enhance women’s representation in politics. He cited the Nari Shakti Vandan initiative, which seeks to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies for women. The proposal has been projected as a landmark reform that could significantly increase women’s participation in legislative decision-making and strengthen democratic representation.

Government leaders have argued that the NDA’s focus on women’s empowerment has produced tangible results across the country. Increased access to banking services, entrepreneurship opportunities, and welfare programmes has helped many women improve their socio-economic standing. Officials maintain that these efforts have contributed to greater financial inclusion and a stronger role for women in public life.

Modi also stressed that political stability over the past 12 years has enabled the government to implement long-term reforms and welfare programmes effectively. He said sustained policy support has created an environment where women can pursue education, employment, and leadership roles with greater confidence.

As the NDA reflects on its governance record, the Prime Minister reiterated that women’s empowerment will continue to remain at the heart of India’s development agenda. He expressed confidence that the country’s women will play a decisive role in shaping the future of a “Viksit Bharat” and driving inclusive growth in the decades ahead.

The celebration of “12 years of Nari Shakti” serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring that women remain key stakeholders in India’s progress and prosperity.

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