In a first, all-women security cover for PM Modi's event in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (file photo)

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a security cover comprising only women police personnel will be deployed at a mega event to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat's Navsari district on International Women's Day on March 8, Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi said on Thursday.

“The Gujarat police is taking a unique initiative on International Women's Day. For the first time in the history of India, only women police will handle the entire security arrangement of the PM's event - right from his arrival at the helipad at Vansi Borsi village in Navsari till the event venue," Harsh Sanghavi announced.

“This initiative will give a strong message to the world on Women's Day and it will also convey how women are playing an important role in making Gujarat a safe and secure state,” he added.

PM Modi will be on a two-day tour to Gujarat and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli on March 8 and 9. He will address the 'Lakhpati Didi Sammelan' in Vansi Borsi village on March 8, a campaign for empowering women through financial independence and self-dependence programs.

Harsh Sanghavi informed that the women police personnel deployed for the event's security will include 2,145 constables, 187 police sub-inspectors (PSIs), 61 police inspectors (PIs), 16 DySPs, 5 SPs, 1 IGP ranked officer, and 1 ADGP ranked officer. The security arrangements will be overseen by senior IPS officer and Home Secretary Nipuna Torawane, ensuring seamless execution of this landmark initiative.

Earlier on February 24, PM Modi announced that he will hand over his social media accounts to “some inspiring women” for one day on the account of International Women's Day on March 8, allowing them to share their experiences through his platforms.

In the 119th edition of his Mann Ki Baat radio show, he said, “This time on Women’s Day, I am going to embark upon an initiative for a day, which will be dedicated to our Nari-Shakti. On this special occasion, I will hand over my social media accounts like X and Instagram to some inspiring ladies of the country. Women who have achieved success in myriad fields; who have innovated and created a unique identity for themselves. On the 8th of March, they will share their work and experiences with the countrymen. The platform might be mine, but it will be about their experiences, their challenges, and their achievements.”