New Delhi: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering women by advancing the goal of creating three crore “Lakhpati Didis.”
He said more than 10 crore women are now connected with Self-Help Groups across the country.
He made the remarks after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth around Rs 33,500 crore in Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, the PM noted that initiatives aimed at improving access to credit, banking services, and skill training have helped many women move towards financial independence. He added that these efforts are also contributing to the strengthening of the rural economy.
Modi praised the strong presence of women in the gathering, according to an official statement. He said women’s confidence and participation were strengthening India’s progress across sectors such as politics, science, sports, and social service.
He also said India’s Nari Shakti was moving forward with renewed energy in every field and playing a key role in shaping the country’s development journey.
Modi also described Delhi as the global identity and a powerful symbol of Indian democracy. He said modernising the capital’s infrastructure and improving connectivity were essential for reflecting India’s confidence to the world.
The PM highlighted major transport initiatives, including the Delhi Metro expansion to about 375 kilometres and the introduction of the Namo Bharat service. He said a more modern, convenient, and well-connected Delhi would project India’s growing confidence internationally.
Modi also stressed that the government was upgrading public transport facilities in the capital under the double-engine governance model. He said the effort aimed to provide clean, comfortable, and modern travel options for lakhs of citizens who depend on bus services every day.
He noted that more than 4,000 electric buses provided by the Centre were already operating in Delhi. In addition, about 1,800 new buses had been introduced in the past year, including several ‘Devi Buses’ designed to strengthen last-mile connectivity across colonies and neighbourhoods.
Modi said the government was addressing the capital’s challenges in mission mode. He highlighted that the Western Peripheral Expressway had diverted lakhs of vehicles that earlier had to enter the city.
