Indian PM Modi hails new direction for women at NCW Foundation Day

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 30th National Commission for Women Foundation Day programme via video conference. The theme of the programme 'She The Change Maker' is to celebrate the achievements of women in different fields.

The State Commissions for Women, Department of Women and Child Development in State Governments, University and College teaching faculty and students, voluntary organisations, women entrepreneurs and business associations were present.

The Indian Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Zubin Irani, Ministers of State Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai and Darshana Jardosh, Chairperson, National Commission for Women Ms Rekha Sharma, were among those present on occasion.

The Prime Minister remarked that today, in changing India, the role of women is continuously expanding. Therefore, he said, the expansion of the role of the National Commission for Women is also the need of the hour. All the women's commissions of the country will also have to increase their scope and give a new direction to the women of their states.

"All the women's commissions of the country will have to increase their scope and give a new direction to the women of their states", he said.

PM Modi noted that India's strength has been the small local industries or the MSMEs for centuries. In these industries, women have the same role as men. The Prime Minister said that the old thinking had restricted women and their skills to domestic work. It is necessary to change this old thinking to advance the country's economy.

"AatmaNirbhar Bharat campaign is linking the abilities of women with the development of the country", he said.

"Since 2015, 185 women have been honoured with Padma Awards. This year 34 women figured among the awardees in different categories. This is a record", he said.

PM Modi further added that "Today India is among the countries with provision of maximum maternity leave.

"Whenever any government does not prioritise women safety, women have ensured their departure from power."

PM Modi stressed that the government is working with a policy of zero tolerance for crime against women. There are strict laws in this regard, including capital punishment for heinous cases of rape. There are fast track courts and steps like more women help desks in police stations, 24-hour helplines, and a portal to deal with cyber crimes.