Modi shares dream of 20mn 'lakhpati didis' across villages

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the importance of women-led development for the country's progress and said creating 20 million "lakhpati didis (rich sisters)" in villages across the country was his dream.

In his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, Modi announced that the government is planning a new policy for the agri-tech sector to strengthen women's self-help groups while emphasising the need for women's safety and security.

"The one thing that will take the country forward is womenled development. Today, India can proudly say that if any country in the world has the highest number of women pilots in civil aviation, it's our nation. Whether it's the progress of Chandrayaan or the moon missions, many women scientists are at the forefront," the Prime Minister said.

"I want to heartily congratulate the mothers, sisters and daughters of my country. Our country has reached a level today due to the special prowess and competence of my mothers and sisters," he said.

Modi said the intergovernmental forum G20, whose presidency India assumed in December, has also recognised India's approach to women-led development.