Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 80th Independence Day address from the Red Fort emphasized the growing role of women in India's development journey. The speech highlighted significant achievements in women's economic empowerment, particularly noting that the government's target of creating 3 crore Lakhpati Didis (women entrepreneurs with annual earnings of ₹1 lakh or more) has already been surpassed.
A major new announcement was the setting of an ambitious new target to create 6 crore Lakhpati Didis, which the Prime Minister stated would bring about a major transformation in the rural economy powered by women's economic strength. Modi emphasized that women are now excelling in diverse fields that were previously considered inaccessible to them.
The Prime Minister also made a significant political appeal, calling upon all political parties to come together to ensure 33% representation for women in Legislative Assemblies and the Lok Sabha. He stressed that women should have greater participation in decision-making and shaping the nation's future, reiterating his commitment to implementing women's reservation in politics.
The address served to reaffirm the government's focus on women's participation, empowerment, and leadership as central to India's development journey and the goal of building a developed India.