I-Day Speech: PM Modi expresses concern over violence against women, calls for strict action

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the rising cases of violence and crimes against women on Thursday, emphasising that strict action should be taken against the perpetrators and that they should be brought to book at the earliest.

Addressing the nation on the occasion of 78th Independence Day, the Prime Minister urged authorities, both central and state governments, to act against crime and violence targeting women.

He said, “Perpetrators should be punished and brought to book at the earliest.”

“The incidents of rape are frequently highlighted, but the punishment meted out to perpetrators is often not covered by the media,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the punishment of criminals should be extensively publicised so that people become scared of committing such heinous crimes.

Praising the government's efforts towards women's empowerment, the Prime Minister highlighted that 10 crore women have joined women's self-help groups over the last decade.

“In the last 10 years, 10 crore women joined women's self-help groups. 10 crore women are becoming financially independent. When women become financially independent, they become part of the decision-making system in a household, leading to social change,” he said.

“Till now, 9 lakh crores have been given to self-help groups in the country,” he added.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that maternity leaves for women have increased to 26 weeks.

“We have consistently worked towards women-led development,” the PM said, noting the growing participation of women in the workforce in various sectors across the country.