PM Modi Calls Women Power Central to India’s Growth at Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan

New Delhi, April 13, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ held at Vigyan Bhawan, stating that India’s women power has made immense contributions across all sectors and is now playing a central role in shaping the nation’s development journey.

He said the country is on the verge of taking one of the most significant decisions of the 21st century dedicated to women empowerment, marking a historic step in strengthening democratic participation.

The Prime Minister emphasized that women’s leadership in India is not new, citing their active role in the freedom struggle, the Constituent Assembly, and nation building in independent India.He noted that Panchayati Raj institutions have become a strong example of grassroots women leadership, with millions of women actively contributing to local governance and development.

Highlighting government efforts since 2014, he said various schemes have been designed to support women at every stage of life, from birth to old age, ensuring comprehensive welfare and inclusion.

He mentioned initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan accounts, Swachh Bharat toilets, and Ayushman Bharat as key drivers of women centric development.The Prime Minister stated that these programmes have improved dignity, health, education, and financial independence for millions of women across the country.

He further said that women are now excelling in sectors once considered male dominated, including defence aviation, entrepreneurship, science, and technology.He highlighted that India has one of the highest percentages of women pilots globally, reflecting growing opportunities and changing social mindsets.

PM Modi noted that economic empowerment has been strengthened through housing ownership, with millions of homes under PM Awas Yojana registered in women’s names.He also pointed to financial inclusion efforts, stating that Jan Dhan Yojana has enabled crores of women to enter the formal banking system.

The Prime Minister said that Mudra Yojana and self help group initiatives have helped women become entrepreneurs and economic contributors at the grassroots level.

He highlighted the rise of women led startups and increasing participation of women in higher education and research as signs of rapid transformation.Referring to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, he said it will significantly increase women’s participation in Parliament and state assemblies, strengthening democracy.

He added that the journey from Panchayat to Parliament is becoming more accessible for women due to these reforms.