Surat (Gujarat) [India]: In a historic move to celebrate International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a gathering of more than 1.5 lakh women during the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program in Navsari, Gujarat. Uniquely, the entire security arrangement for the event will be managed by women police personnel, from ADGP to constable level, making it a first-of-its-kind initiative.
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted the significance of this arrangement, saying:
“On the occasion of International Women’s Day, PM Modi will address a gathering during the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program. In this historic event at Navsari, a big arrangement has been made. More than 1.5 lakh women will participate in the event. Gujarat police have made a unique arrangement. The entire security would be enforced by women officials.”
He further mentioned that detailed preparations have been underway for a long time to ensure the success of the event.
Empowering Women Through ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and New Schemes
PM Modi will interact with the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ at the event, which will be held in Vansi Borsi village in Navsari district. He will also felicitate five ‘Lakhpati Didis’ with Lakhpati Didi Certificates as a recognition of their achievements in empowering women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Additionally, the Prime Minister will launch two new initiatives by the Government of Gujarat aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods and women’s empowerment:
- G-SAFAL (Gujarat Scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods):
- This scheme will provide financial assistance and entrepreneurial training to SHG women of Antyodaya families in two Aspirational districts and thirteen Aspirational Blocks of Gujarat.
- G-MAITRI (Gujarat Mentorship and Acceleration of Individuals for Transforming Rural Income):
- Focused on supporting startups, this scheme will offer financial aid and mentorship to entrepreneurs working to create a conducive environment for rural livelihoods.
PM Modi’s Tribute to ‘Nari Shakti’
Earlier, PM Modi took to his social media on X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to ‘Nari Shakti’ (Women Power) on International Women’s Day. He announced that his social media handles would be taken over by women achievers from diverse fields for the day.
“We bow to our Nari Shakti on #WomensDay! Our Government has always worked for empowering women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes,” the Prime Minister stated.
This move aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to empower women through various schemes and initiatives aimed at enhancing their economic and social status.
A Historic Celebration of Women’s Strength
The ‘Lakhpati Didi’ program and the launch of G-SAFAL and G-MAITRI are seen as significant steps towards boosting rural women’s financial independence and fostering a startup culture in Gujarat. The decision to deploy an all-women security force at the event further emphasizes the government’s commitment to promoting women’s leadership in every field.