The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today met and interacted with the recipients of the Stree Shakti Puraskar and Nari Shakti Puraskar for the year 2016.

During the interaction, the Prime Minister congratulated the award winners for their pioneering achievements, both in their individual capacities, and as torchbearers in their respective fields as well.

The Prime Minister said that if India can grow at 8 per cent per annum over the next three decades, it would be one of the world’s most advanced countries. He said women should be suitably enabled so that they can contribute to the maximum towards this goal.

The Prime Minister said that the Maternity Leave Bill, which was being moved in the Lok Sabha today, would enhance paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks.

Smt. Maneka Gandhi, Minister for Women and Child Development, was present on the occasion.