Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan Celebrates Women’s Empowerment in Tripura

During a visit to Agartala on March 8, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan engaged with members of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) at the International Trade & Fair Centre, coinciding with International Women’s Day. He commended the vital role these groups play in fostering grassroots development and enhancing women’s empowerment across India.

Transforming Women’s Roles in Development

In his address, Radhakrishnan highlighted the substantial changes India has undergone over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized a shift from the traditional view of “women development” to a more progressive model of “women-led development.” This approach recognizes women not only as beneficiaries of various schemes but also as active participants driving economic and social progress.

Radhakrishnan pointed out the transformative impact of Self-Help Groups, describing them as powerful instruments for fostering women’s financial independence, leadership, and entrepreneurship. He cited the government’s Lakhpati Didi initiative, which has connected nearly 10 crore women to SHGs. Remarkably, over two crore women have achieved the status of “Lakhpati Didis,” earning more than ₹1 lakh annually through various livelihood ventures.

Supporting Initiatives and Local Entrepreneurs

The Vice President praised the Government of Tripura for its ambitious target of establishing 1.35 lakh Lakhpati Didis within the state, viewing this goal as a significant step towards advancing women’s empowerment. He underscored the importance of initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi and highlighted how women are prioritized under welfare schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. These programs, he noted, have notably enhanced the quality of life for women across the nation.

Following his address, Radhakrishnan toured various stalls set up by SHGs at the event, where he interacted with women entrepreneurs showcasing locally made products from different districts of Tripura. The event gathered significant attention, attended by local leaders including Indra Sena Reddy Nallu and Manik Saha, as well as senior government officials and numerous members from various Self-Help Groups.

This celebration not only marked International Women’s Day but also reinforced the ongoing commitment to women’s rights and empowerment in India.