PM Modi pays tribute to women in Gujarat: 'I am the richest person because...'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Gujarat's Navsari

Addressing a gathering in Navsari, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured women across the country, stating that the blessings of crores of mothers, sisters, and daughters make him the richest man in the world.

"Today, on this day, I can proudly say that I am the richest person in the world as I have blessings of millions of sisters and mothers in my life's account, and this keeps increasing every day," the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting women’s growing influence, the Prime Minister noted their leadership across diverse sectors and pivotal initiatives.

"Whether it is politics or sports field, judiciary or police, women are flying the flag in every field and dimension of the country. Since 2014, the participation of women in important positions in the country has increased rapidly," he stated.

The highest number of women have assumed ministerial roles in the central government since 2014, accompanied by a notable surge in female representation in Parliament, the Prime Minister noted.

"In 2019, for the first time, 78 elected women MPs came to our Parliament," he highlighted.

As the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, India is witnessing a strong female presence, with women holding leadership roles in nearly half of its startups. "India is reaching new heights in space science, and in most major space missions, women scientists are leading the teams. It makes us all proud to know that India has the highest number of women pilots in the world," the Prime Minister stated.

He also emphasised the BJP-led government's efforts in improving women's lives across the country and the measures implemented to support them.

"Our government gives top priority to both respect and convenience in the lives of women. By providing toilets for crores of women, we have honoured them. We have empowered them by opening their bank accounts. With the Ujjwala Yojana, we have given them health benefits," PM Modi said.

"Earlier, working women used to get only 12 weeks of maternity leave, but we have increased this to 26 weeks. Regarding triple talaq, Muslim women were demanding laws to protect them. With the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, we have saved their lives from being destroyed. When Article 370 was in effect in Kashmir, many rights were denied to them. If they married outside the state, their property rights were taken away. After the abolition of Article 370, they now have equal rights, just like every other woman in the nation," he highlighted.