New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday vowed to take stringent action against crimes involving women, in response to the widespread outrage following the rape and murder of a junior doctor at a Kolkata hospital.
“Women’s safety is of utmost importance. I reiterate to every state government that crimes against women are inexcusable. No matter who the offender is, they must not be let off,” PM Modi said during the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ event in Jalgaon, Maharashtra.
The Modi government defines a “Lakhpati Didi” as a member of a self-help group who achieves an annual household income of Rs1 lakh or more. This income is assessed over at least four agricultural seasons and/or business cycles, ensuring a sustainable average monthly income exceeding Rs 10,000. “We are strengthening laws to ensure stringent punishment for those perpetrating crimes against women,” PM Modi said.
The rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital ignited nationwide protests and fueled a heated political clash between West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress and BJP leaders, which highlights concerns over women’s safety in the state.
PM Modi highlights achievements for women empowerment
Speaking at the Jalgaon event, PM Modi said that his government has achieved more for women in the last decade than all previous administrations since Independence. “Before 2014, loans to women self-help groups amounted to less than Rs 25,000 crore, but over the past 10 years, Rs 9 lakh crore has been provided,” PM Modi said.
Endorsing Maharashtra’s BJP-led Mahayuti government, he urged the public to continue supporting it for the sake of stability and prosperity. “Maharashtra is the shining star of a developed India. The state’s future hinges on increased investment and job creation,” he added.
