Budget 2024: Finance Minister Sitharaman sets target to create more women millionaires
File photo of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with her cabinet colleagues
India Budget 2024: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman described women as one of the four major 'castes', whose needs, aspirations and welfare remain Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration's 'highest priority' during her sixth consecutive budget speech in Indian parliament on Feb 1, 2024.
"Their empowerment and well-being will drive the country forward," Sitharaman said, while referring to the welfare of the poor, women, youth, and farmers.
Finance Minister Sitharaman said that the "empowerment of women through entrepreneurship, ease of living and dignity has gained momentum" in the last 10 years when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first elected to power.
Also watch |Budget 2024: Empowerment of Women has gained momentum in last 10 years, says Nirmala Sitharaman
"Thirty crore (300mn) Mudra Yojana loans have been given to women entrepreneurs. Female enrollment in higher education has gone up by 28 per cent in 10 years. In STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths] courses, girls and women constitute 43 per cent enrollment, one of the highest in the world," Sitharaman said.
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All these measures are reflected in the increasing participation of women in the workforce, the finance minister added.
"Making Triple Talaq illegal, reservation of one-third seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative assemblies, and giving over 70 per cent houses under Prime Minister Awas Yojana in rural areas to women as sole or joint owners have enhanced their dignity," Sitharaman said while referring to the legislative end to the archaic practice of pronouncement of divorce by Muslim men divorcing the women by simply speakingthe word thrice.
Focus on 'Lakhpati Didi' (millionaire sister) scheme
The finance minister said that 83 lakh (8.3 million) Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with nine crore (90 million) women are "transforming rural socio-economic landscape with empowerment and self-reliance".
"They are an inspiration to others. Their achievements will be recognised through honouring them. Buoyed by the success, it has been decided to enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore [20 million] to 3 crore [30 million]," Sitharaman said.
Sitharaman brings attention to cervical cancer vaccination
Finance Minister Sitharaman said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration will "encourage vaccination for girls in age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer".
Sitharaman added that various schemes for maternal and child care will be brought under one comprehensive programme for "synergy in implementation".
"Upgradation of anganwadi centres under "Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development."
(With inputs from agencies)