New Delhi | India is moving ahead with the mantra of women-led development, President Droupadi Murmu said in her address to a joint sitting of Parliament on Wednesday.
She said the government believes that the country can be developed only by providing equal rights to all citizens.
"That is why today the country is moving ahead with the mantra of women-led development," she added.
The President said the Union government had formulated several schemes dedicated to women, and women were given due focus in several other schemes.
"From Pradhan Mantri Awaz Yojana to Jal Jeevan, women beneficiaries have been given priority," she said.
Murmu said over 10 crore women have become members of Self-Help Groups, and the number of 'Lakhpati Didis' has crossed 2 crore.
"In the last one year, over 60 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis... We will soon achieve the goal of three crore Lakhpati didis," she said.
She said the Namo Drone Didi scheme has become synonymous with women empowerment, and trained 'Drone Didis' are transforming the agricultural sector.
Over 7 crore women were screened under the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan, she said, adding that the first batch of women cadre from the National Defence Academy has passed out.
"It reaffirms that women are leading the country's development," the President said.
India-EU FTA to create new employment opportunities for youth: Prez Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday hailed the signing of a free trade agreement with the European Union, saying it will give impetus to the manufacturing and service sectors and create new employment opportunities for the youth of the country.
Murmu also said that over the past 11 years, the economic foundation of the country has grown significantly stronger and despite various global crises, India has remained the fastest growing major economy in the world.
"I congratulate all citizens on the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union. It will give impetus to the manufacturing and service sectors in India and also create new employment opportunities for the youth of India," she said while addressing the joint sitting of Parliament, marking the beginning of the Budget session.
The President said India has further improved its record in keeping inflation under control and it is directly benefiting the poor and middle class.
"As a result of the policies of my government, the income of citizens has increased, their savings have grown, and their purchasing power has also improved," she said.
India and the European Union on Tuesday sealed a landmark free trade agreement (FTA)-- billed as the "mother of all deals" -- to create a market of two billion people with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top EU leadership unveiling a transformative five-year agenda to largely leverage trade and defence in protecting the rules-based world order.
The two sides also inked two crucial pacts -- one on security and defence collaboration and another on mobility of Indian talents to Europe -- after Prime Minister Modi hosted EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa for summit talks amid frosty ties with the US.