Women empowerment has always been a priority for PM Modi, says Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching yet another initiative for the welfare of women, noting that every programme introduced by him ensures that the benefits reach the women in particular.

Ms. Sitharaman, along with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, took part in the official launch of ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan’ in the city on Wednesday, which was virtually launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madhya Pradesh, on the occasion of his 75^th birthday.

Ms. Sitharaman recalled Mr. Modi’s commitment to women’s empowerment.

“I have been observing him since his days as Gujarat Chief Minister. On the first day of every academic year, all Ministers would take part in Shala Pravesh Utsav in villages, as part of which young girls were taken in a procession to their schools. Mr. Modi emphasised not only the importance of girls’ education but also the role of government schools,” she said.

She recalled that even before assuming office as Prime Minister, Mr. Modi auctioned all the gifts he had received and donated the proceeds for education of girls.

“Mr. Modi has initiated ‘Jan Dhan Yojana’, ensured direct benefit transfers, and facilitated access to loans. More than 50% of Jan Dhan accounts are held by women,” she said.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said that Mr. Modi has always focussed on the upliftment of the poor and health of women.

“Until October 2, a 15-day campaign of medical check-ups will be conducted. As many as 13,944 health camps are being organised across the State. We are also issuing mother-child protection cards,” Mr. Naidu said.

The State government will spend ₹19,264 crore on healthcare this year and is planning to launch the Universal Health Insurance Scheme, providing free coverage of up to ₹2.5 lakh for every household. Additionally, the NTR Vaidya Seva Trust will cover expenses up to ₹25 lakh for the poor, he said.

He listed out the welfare schemes for women such as ‘Thalliki Vandhanam’, ‘Deepam’, ‘Sthree Shakti’ schemes.

Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar, TDP State president Palla Srinivasa Rao, MLAs P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, Velagapudi Ramakrishna Babu and others were present.