Navsari (Gujarat) [India], March 8 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the country has entered a new era of women-led empowerment and development, adding that Women as 'Lakhpati Didis have become key economic pillars for their families.

Addressing the event, the Gujarat CM noted that the Prime Minister has consistently prioritized women's progress in his vision of 'Sauno Saath, Sauno Vikas.'

Commending the initiative to empower daughters as 'Lakhpati Didis,' the CM highlighted 'how they have become key economic pillars for their families through self-reliance.'

He also acknowledged the Prime Minister's vision of enhancing women's skills and entrepreneurship through Sakhi Mandals.

The CM stated that the Namo Drone Didi Yojana is empowering rural women by training them as drone pilots, enabling them to earn lakhs through drone-assisted farming. The Chief Minister highlighted Narendra Modi's pivotal role in advancing women's empowerment during his tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister.

Gujarat CM noted that PM Modi laid a strong foundation for women's development by establishing a dedicated commissionerate for women and child welfare.

The CM mentioned that initiatives like Kanya Kelavani and Shala Praveshotsav have achieved remarkable milestones in improving female literacy.

The Chief Minister, extending Women's Day greetings, called the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Navsari a tribute to women's dedication and a reflection of a new India transforming under the Prime Minister's leadership.

He noted that by recognizing women's efforts, the Prime Minister has truly honoured Motherhood.

The CM highlighted Gujarat's proactive approach to women's empowerment, stating that under the PM's guidance, the state has implemented several successful initiatives.

He noted that this year's textile policy includes incentives for women's employment and self-help groups.

The CM urged all women and Lakhpati Didis to adopt the Prime Minister's campaigns like 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' and 'Catch The Rain' as a way of life.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti and Navsari MP C.R. Patil stated that the Prime Minister has upheld his commitment to women's empowerment, recognizing their potential to achieve global success.

The Union Minister noted that from his tenure as Gujarat's Chief Minister to leading the nation, PM Narendra Modi has tirelessly worked to uplift women, ensuring they benefit from various schemes.

'The approval of the 33 per cent reservation bill in the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies reflects his vision of strengthening women's representation in politics,' he said.

The Union Minister highlighted that over one lakh women at the event were protected by women police officers, showcasing the Prime Minister's trust in their capabilities.

Commending their achievements, he wished all the women a Very Happy Women's Day. A short film on the progress of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana in Gujarat was also screened at the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' at Vansi Borsi in Jalalpore taluka of Navsari on International Women's Day on March 8, stated that just as he received the blessings of Maa Ganga in the holy Mahakumbh of Prayagraj, he now feels blessed by the lakhs of 'Lakhpati Didis' in the Mahakumbh of Matrushakti in Navsari.

The PM noted that women earning an annual income of Rs 1 lakh or more have emerged as entrepreneurs and key contributors to the nation's development. With India's Nari Shakti leading the country's progress, the vision of 'Viksit Bharat @2047' is on the path to fulfilment.

The PM also visited the stall exhibition of special Sakhi Mandals from 33 districts and the Rainwater Harvesting Project of the Navsari district. The Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (Rural Development Department) organized the 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan,' bringing together one lakh women from Valsad, Navsari, and Dang districts.

Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, Minister of State for Tribal Development Kunvarji Halpati, Deputy Chief Whip of the Legislative Assembly Vijay Patel, MPs Dhaval Patel and Prabhubhai Vasava, MLAs RC Patel and Naresh Patel, along with Principal Secretary of Panchayat, Rural Housing & Rural Development Department Manisha Chandra, GLPC Managing Director Manish Kumar, District Collector Kshipra Agre, District Development Officer Pushp Lata, Director of Rural Development Agency DM Pandya, officials from relevant departments, and a large gathering of Lakhpati Didis and women attended the event. (ANI)