Independence Day speech: PM Modi praises women SHGs, aims to create 2 crore 'lakhpati didis'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded women self-help groups (SHGs) and their contribution and said the G-20 grouping has acknowledged India's approach of women-led development.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, PM Modi said that women self-help groups have 10 crore members.

"When you go to a village, you will find 'bank-wali didi, Anganwadi didi and dawai-wali (medicine) didi. It is my dream to make 2 crore lakhpati didis in villages," he said.

The prime minister further said the government is planning a new policy for the agritech sector to strengthen women's self-help groups.

"We will train them in operating and repairing drones. Many self-help groups will be provided with drones. These agricultural drones can be utilized effectively. The initiative will begin with the flight of drones by 15,000 women's self-help groups," he said.

Prime Minister Modi also said it is now being seen that more than men, women are studying STEM. He further said that the G-20 has also acknowledged India's approach of women-led development.

Modi also said, "It is everyone's responsibility to ensure there is no atrocity against our daughters."