"Shri Narendra Modi addresses 29th Annual Session of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) in New Delhi"
"Empowerment of women is key to enhancing entrepreneurship. Till we do not empower women, there is no change for entrepreneurship among them: Shri Modi"
"In every sphere, wherever women have got the opportunity they are two steps ahead of men and this has to be accepted: Shri Modi"
"In Indian culture, position of women is supreme. Wherever there is purity, we see Mother. The Ganga is an incarnation of the Mother, so is India. Even the cow is revered as a Mother. Position of women has always been supreme, there are no two views on this: Shri Modi"
"No question of differentiation between girl and boy child: Shri Modi"
"Shri Modi talks extensively of steps taken by Gujarat Government for empowerment of women"
"In the west, people think of Indian women as housewives. I am not convinced with this thought. In tribal dominated areas, see what women are doing for economic development. In dairy sphere, I feel the contribution of men is minimum. It is not that the women are not there in the development journey, only thing is that they are not partners in decision making process: Shri Modi"
"Shri Modi answers questions on his weaknesses, steps to strengthen handicrafts and women reservation bill"
"He (Narendra Modi) is a person whose Mantra is Teamwork: FICCI President Smt. Naina Lal Kidwai"
Addressing the 29th Annual Session of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) in New Delhi on Monday 8th April 2013, Shri Narendra Modi said that empowerment of women is the key to enhancing entrepreneurship among women. “Till we do not empower women, there is no change for entrepreneurship among them,” pointed the Chief Minister. He also called for a greater role for women in the decision making process. He affirmed that in every sphere, wherever women have got the opportunity they are two steps ahead of men and this has to be accepted. The FLO Annual Session was attended by a record number of women from all across the India. Not only did Shri Modi speak but also he answered some questions. Shri Modi was given a standing ovation by the audience at the conclusion to the programme.
Shri Modi stated that in Indian culture, the position of women is supreme. “Wherever there is purity, we see Mother. The Ganga is an incarnation of the Mother, so is India. Even the cow is revered as a Mother. Position of women has always been supreme, there are no two views on this,” he pointed out. However, Shri Modi stated that about 1200 years of slavery brought in adverse changes and shared that in the 18th century the girl child was drowned in milk. He expressed concern that the situation has gone from bad to worse today, “Sometimes I feel we have become worse than the 18th century, where atleast the girl child was allowed to be born. In 21st century the girl child is killed before she is born and both men as well as women are responsible for this.”
Categorically affirming that there is no question of differentiating between girl and boy child, the Chief Minister stated that he knows of families where four sons are doing very well but have not been able to take care of their parents but there are families where the only daughter has sacrificed her marriage to take care of the mother.
Giving instances of the Gujarat Government to empower women, Shri Modi recalled that when he became the Chief Minister after the earthquake in 2001, the Government made a norm that all houses given during relief work were named after women. Likewise he shared, “Today do a survey of homes, there is little property in the name of women. We took a small decision- if the property is named after the women, the stamp registration fee will be waived off. The result was a loss of Rs. 600 crore but in many families, property was bought in the name of the women.” Similarly, he talked about the State Government’s decision, which called for writing the name of the student’s Mother in school forms.
Speaking on the need of integrating women in the decision making process, Shri Modi recalled a visit by Panchayat Members of a village near Dakor. He affirmed that what he heard there, he has not heard anywhere else. “The women said we have got five years, we want to do something that there are no poor in the state. They said they wanted to do some economic activity and what can be a bigger agenda than this?” he asked. Shri Modi opined that the Gujarat Government gives special allowances to those villages that elect all-women bodies for administration.
Shri Modi also stated, “We talk of training, financial help but examples show that entrepreneurship is inbuilt in us. In the west, people think of Indian women as housewives. I am not convinced with this thought. In tribal dominated areas, see what women are doing for economic development. In dairy sphere, I feel the contribution of men is minimum. It is not that the women are not there in the development journey, only thing is that they are not partners in decision making process.” He gave examples of Ahmedabad’s Jasuben’s Pizza, Lijjat Papad, Induben Khakhrawala to illustrate what women entrepreneurs can achieve. Shri Modi also talked about steps taken by the Gujarat Government in coastal areas to integrate women in initiatives such as seaweed cultivation. He also went back in time and gave the example of Ganga Ba, a widow who joined Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram and introduced the Charkha there.
The Chief Minister said that before his speech he got a lot of suggestions, ideas and feedback on social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter. He welcomed this trend wholeheartedly.
After his speech, Shri Modi answered some questions related to his personal habits as well as the working of the Government. On being asked about his weakness, he admitted that no human is perfect and everyone has weaknesses. “But I have got values that teach me to walk ahead with my strengths. Also, if you feel I have any shortcomings, please feel free to share them with me, especially on social media.” This answer was very well received by the audience.
The Chief Minister also spoke about invigorating the handicrafts section in response to a question on the topic. On a question pertaining to his views on Women Reservation, Shri Modi shared that the state Assembly has already passed a bill for 50% reservation in local bodies but it is a woman Governor who is stalling it. He shared that whatever we are today is not due to ourselves but the contribution and efforts of lots of people.
Speaking before Shri Modi, FICCI President Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai said that Shri Modi presides over state that is a gateway to the globe for India. “Narendra Modi ji is a person whose Mantra is teamwork,” pointed Ms. Kidwai.
During the occasion, Shri Modi released the FLO Annual Report. Women entrepreneurs from all over India came, heard Shri Modi and enjoyed his speech.
Text of PM’s address at third edition of Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi
October 04, 2024
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Today, India is the fastest growing major economy:PM
Government is following the mantra of Reform, Perform and Transform:PM
Government is committed to carrying out structural reforms to make India developed:PM
Inclusion taking place along with growth in India:PM
India has made ‘process reforms’ a part of the government's continuous activities:PM
Today, India's focus is on critical technologies like AI and semiconductors:PM
Special package for skilling and internship of youth:PM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ji, President of the Institute of Economic Growth N K Singh ji, other distinguished guests from India and abroad at the Conclave, ladies and gentlemen! This is the third edition of the Kautilya Conclave. I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet you all. There will be numerous sessions here, discussing various economic issues over the next three days. I am confident that these discussions will help accelerate Bharat’s growth.
Friends,
This Conclave is being held at a time when two major regions of the world are in a state of war. These regions are crucial for the global economy, especially in terms of energy security. Amidst such significant global uncertainty, we are gathered here to discuss ‘The Indian Era.’ This shows that trust in Bharat today is unique... It demonstrates that Bharat’s self-confidence is exceptional.
Friends,
Today, Bharat is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. Bharat is currently the fifth largest economy in terms of GDP. We are number one in terms of global fintech adoption rates. Today, we are number one in smartphone data consumption. We are the second largest internet user base globally. Nearly half of the world’s real-time digital transactions are taking place in Bharat today. Bharat now has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. In terms of renewable energy capacity, Bharat is ranked fourth. When it comes to manufacturing, Bharat is the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. Bharat is also the largest producer of two-wheelers and tractors. And not just that, Bharat is the world's youngest country. Bharat has the third-largest pool of scientists and technicians globally. Whether it’s science, technology, or innovation, Bharat is clearly in a sweet spot.
Friends,
By following the mantra of ‘Reform, Perform, and Transform,’ we are continuously making decisions to drive the nation forward at a rapid pace. This is the impact that has led the people of Bharat to elect the same government for the third consecutive time after 60 years. When people’s lives change, they gain confidence that the country is moving on the right track. This sentiment is reflected in the mandate of the Indian public. The trust of 140 crore citizens is a great asset for this government.
Our commitment is to continue making structural reforms to make Bharat a developed nation. You can see this commitment in the work we have done in the first three months of our third term. Bold policy changes, a strong commitment to jobs and skills, a focus on sustainable growth and innovation, modern infrastructure, quality of life, and the continuity of rapid growth are reflected in the policies of our first three months. During this period, decisions amounting to over 15 trillion rupees i.e. 15 lakh crore rupees have been made. In these three months alone, work on numerous mega infrastructure projects has begun in Bharat. We have also decided to create 12 industrial nodes across the country. Additionally, we have approved the construction of 3 crore new houses.
Friends,
Another notable factor in Bharat’s growth story is its inclusive spirit. It was once believed that with growth comes inequality. But the opposite is happening in Bharat. Along with growth, inclusion is also taking place in Bharat. As a result, 250 million i.e. 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 10 years. Along with Bharat’s rapid progress, we are ensuring that inequality is reduced and that the benefits of development reach everyone.
Friends,
The confidence in Bharat’s growth predictions also shows the direction we are heading in. You can see this in the data from recent weeks and months. Last year, our economy performed better than any prediction. Whether it’s the World Bank, the IMF, or Moody’s, all have upgraded their forecasts for Bharat. All these institutions are saying that despite global uncertainty, Bharat will continue to grow at a 7+ rate. We Indians are confident that we will perform even better than that.
Friends,
There are solid reasons behind this confidence in Bharat. Be it manufacturing or the service sector, the world today sees Bharat as a preferred destination for investment. This is not a coincidence but a result of major reforms over the past 10 years. These reforms have transformed Bharat’s macroeconomic fundamentals. One example is Bharat’s banking reforms which have not only strengthened the financial conditions of banks but also increased their lending capacity. Similarly, the GST has integrated various central and state indirect taxes. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has developed a new credit culture of responsibility, recovery, and resolution. Bharat has opened sectors such as mining, defence, and space for private players and our young entrepreneurs. We have liberalized the FDI policy to create more and more opportunities for investors around the world. We are focusing on modern infrastructure to reduce logistics costs and time. Over the past decade, we have significantly scaled up investments in infrastructure.
Friends,
India has integrated process reforms into the government’s ongoing initiatives. We have eliminated over 40,000 compliances and decriminalised the Companies Act. Numerous provisions that previously made business operations difficult have been amended. The National Single Window System has been introduced to simplify the processes of starting, closing, and obtaining clearances for companies. Now, we are encouraging state governments to accelerate process reforms at the state level.
Friends,
To boost manufacturing in Bharat, we have introduced Production Linked Incentives (PLI), the impact of which is now visible across many sectors. Over the past three years, PLI has attracted investments of approximately ₹1.25 trillion (₹1.25 lakh crore). This has resulted in the production and sales amounting to about ₹11 trillion (₹11 lakh crore). Bharat's progress in the space and defence sectors is also remarkable. These sectors have only recently been opened up, yet more than 200 start-ups have already emerged in the space sector. Today, our private defence companies account for 20 percent of the country’s total defence manufacturing.
Friends,
The growth of the electronics sector is even more remarkable. Just 10 years ago, Bharat was a major importer of most mobile phones. Today, over 330 million or more than 33 crore mobile phones are manufactured in Bharat. In fact, no matter which sector you look at, there are exceptional opportunities for investors in Bharat to invest and earn high returns.
Friends,
Bharat is now also focusing on critical technologies such as AI and semiconductors, and we are investing significantly in these areas. Our AI mission will enhance both research and skills development in the AI field. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, investments totalling ₹1.5 trillion (₹1.5 lakh crore) are being made. Soon, five semiconductor plants in Bharat will begin delivering 'Made in India' chips to every corner of the world.
Friends,
You are all aware that Bharat is the leading source of affordable intellectual power. A testament to this is the presence of more than 1,700 global capability centres of companies from around the world operating in India today. These centres employ over two million i.e. 20 lakh Indian youth, who are providing highly skilled services to the world. Today, Bharat is placing an unprecedented focus on maximising this demographic dividend. To achieve this, special attention is being devoted to education, innovation, skills, and research. We have introduced a significant reform in this area with the implementation of the New National Education Policy. In the past 10 years, a new university has been established every week, and two new colleges have been opened each day. During this period, the number of medical colleges in our country has doubled.
And friends,
We are focusing not only on expanding access to education but also on improving its quality. As a result, the number of Indian institutions in the QS World University Rankings has more than tripled over the past decade. In this year's budget, we announced a special package for skilling and interning millions of young people. Under the PM Internship Scheme, 111 companies registered on the portal on the very first day. Through this scheme, we are supporting 1 crore youth with internships at major companies.
Friends,
Bharat's research output and patent filings have also seen rapid growth in the past 10 years. In less than a decade, Bharat has risen from 81st to 39th in the Global Innovation Index rankings, and we aim to advance further. To bolster its research ecosystem, India has also created a research fund worth ₹1 trillion.
Friends,
Today, the world has high expectations from Bharat regarding a green future and green jobs, and there are equally significant opportunities for you in this sector. You all followed the G20 Summit held under Bharat's presidency. One of the many successes of this summit was the renewed enthusiasm for the green transition. During the G20 Summit, the Global Biofuel Alliance was launched at Bharat's initiative, and G20 member countries strongly supported Bharat's development of green hydrogen energy. In Bharat, we have set a target to produce 5 million tonnes of Green Hydrogen by the end of this decade. We are also advancing solar power production at the micro level.
The Government of India has launched the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, a large-scale Rooftop Solar Scheme. We are providing funding to every household for setting up rooftop solar systems and assisting with solar infrastructure installation. So far, more than 13 million i.e. 1 crore 30 lakh families have registered for this scheme, meaning these households have become solar power producers. This initiative will save an average of ₹25,000 per family. For every three kilowatts of solar power generated, 50-60 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be prevented. This scheme will create approximately 1.7 million (17 lakh) jobs, producing a vast workforce of skilled youth. Therefore, numerous new investment opportunities are emerging for you in this sector as well.
Friends,
The Indian economy is currently undergoing a significant transformation. With strong economic fundamentals, India is on a path of sustained high growth. Today, Bharat is not only striving to reach the top but is also making concerted efforts to stay there. The world today offers immense opportunities across every sector. I am confident that your discussions will provide many valuable insights in the days to come.
I am confident that in the coming days, many valuable insights will emerge from your discussions. I extend my best wishes for this endeavour, and I assure you that this is not merely a debating forum for us. The discussions that take place here, the points raised, the do's and don'ts—those that prove beneficial—are diligently integrated into our governmental system. We incorporate them into our policies and governance. The wisdom you contribute during this churning process is what we utilise to shape a brighter future for our country. Your participation is, therefore, of immense importance to us. Every word you offer holds value for us. Your thoughts, your experience—they are our assets. Once again, I thank you all for your contribution. I also congratulate N. K. Singh and his entire team for their commendable efforts.
