Narendra Modi Addresses Massive Mahila Sammelan in Varanasi, Launches Rs. 6,350 Crore Development Projects and Pushes for Women’s Reservation.
Varanasi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed a large gathering of women at a Mahila Sammelan in Varanasi, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth approximately Rs. 6,350 crore. The event underscored both infrastructure expansion and the government’s continued emphasis on women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the convention, the Prime Minister described Varanasi—also known as Kashi—as a sacred land associated with divine feminine power, invoking deities such as Maa Annapurna, Maa Vishalakshi, and Maa Ganga. He said the presence of thousands of women transformed the gathering into a “sacred occasion.”
Focus on Development and Connectivity
Highlighting the scale of development, Modi announced projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare, and connectivity. Two new Amrit Bharat trains connecting Kashi to Pune and Ayodhya to Mumbai were flagged off, aimed at strengthening links between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra while improving access to major pilgrimage destinations like Kashi Vishwanath Dham and Ayodhya Dham.
He also emphasized the construction of a signature bridge over the Ganga, which is expected to enhance connectivity across Purvanchal, along with new storage facilities for farmers and urban infrastructure upgrades.
Women’s Empowerment at the Core
Placing women at the center of his address, Modi described “Nari Shakti” as the strongest pillar of a developed India (Viksit Bharat). He reiterated his commitment to implementing 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies under the Nari Shakti Vandan framework.
“As the Member of Parliament from Kashi and as Prime Minister, I seek your blessings to achieve this major national goal,” he said, assuring that the government would make every effort to ensure its implementation.
Welfare Initiatives Highlighted
The Prime Minister detailed several welfare schemes introduced since 2014 that have directly impacted women, including:
Over 12 crore toilets constructed nationwide
More than 30 crore women provided access to bank accounts
Electricity connections to over 2.5 crore households
Tap water access to more than 12 crore homes
He also cited schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat as instrumental in improving women’s financial and social security.
Economic Participation and Self-Reliance
Modi stressed the importance of women’s economic empowerment, noting that nearly 10 crore women have been linked to Self-Help Groups across India. He highlighted the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative, under which around 3 crore women have achieved annual incomes exceeding Rs. 1 lakh.
In the dairy sector, he mentioned that women associated with Banas Dairy received Rs. 106 crore as bonus payments, calling it a sign of growing financial independence.
He also pointed to emerging roles such as Banking Sakhis, Krishi Sakhis, and “Drone Didis,” which are enabling women to participate in digital finance, agriculture, and technology-driven sectors.
Strengthening Safety and Opportunity
Addressing safety concerns, Modi stated that legal reforms like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and expanded women police networks have improved security for women. He contrasted current conditions with the past, asserting that women today have greater freedom and confidence.
He further noted expanding opportunities for women in the armed forces, Sainik Schools, and defense academies.
Boost to Healthcare and Heritage
As part of the development package, Modi announced a 500-bed multi-super speciality hospital and a 100-bed critical care block in Varanasi, aimed at strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
He also highlighted efforts to preserve cultural heritage, including the development of Sant Kabir Sthali and restoration of Sant Ravidas Park.
Concluding his address, Modi thanked the women of Kashi for their support and reiterated that both Kashi’s legacy and India’s development journey are continuous and enduring.
“Our Kashi is eternal, and so is this mission of development,” he said, expressing confidence that women will continue to play a decisive role in shaping India’s future.
