NAVSARI, March 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring women’s safety, marking the significance of introducing capital punishment for heinous crimes like rape. Speaking to a large crowd in Vansi Borsi village in Navsari district on International Women’s Day, Modi emphasized the importance of prioritizing women’s dignity and security as a key part of governance.
“In the past ten years, we have prioritised women’s safety above all. To curb crimes against women, we amended laws and introduced the death penalty for heinous crimes such as rape,” Modi said. He underscored that his government has consistently placed the highest importance on women’s ‘samman’ (honour) and ‘suvidha’ (facilities), making these principles essential to India’s governance framework.
In his speech, the Prime Minister also called for a societal shift, urging families to critically examine the behaviour of their sons just as they do with their daughters. He highlighted the need to address deep-rooted societal biases that perpetuate inequality, stressing that such changes are crucial for a more equitable society.
Modi further acknowledged the vital role of rural women in India’s progress, emphasizing that empowering women in rural areas was central to the nation’s overall development. He cited various initiatives that have contributed to women’s empowerment, including the construction of thousands of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, which has enhanced women’s dignity and access to basic facilities.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the enactment of stringent laws against triple talaq, which he said had saved the lives of many Muslim women, and he praised women-led enterprises like Amul and Lijjat Papad, which serve as symbols of female entrepreneurship and success.
Concluding his address, Modi expressed his personal gratitude to women across India, saying he considered himself the “world’s richest person” because of the blessings of millions of mothers and sisters nationwide. As India continues to move forward, he reaffirmed his government’s unwavering dedication to the safety and empowerment of women, which remains central to building a prosperous and inclusive society.
