Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday highlighted the growing participation of women in India’s economic and entrepreneurial landscape, stating that more than 60 per cent of loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana have been availed by women.

Speaking at the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan’ held at Vigyan Bhawan, the Prime Minister said Indian women are increasingly stepping into entrepreneurship and building independent identities through new business ventures.

He noted that women are not only strengthening household incomes but also making a significant contribution to national economic growth. According to him, their rising participation reflects a major shift in India’s business ecosystem.

PM Modi further said that women are playing a leading role in the country’s startup ecosystem, describing them as key drivers of India’s ongoing startup expansion and innovation push.

He emphasised that the Mudra scheme has played a crucial role in expanding financial inclusion by making credit more accessible, particularly at the grassroots level. The high share of women beneficiaries, he said, signals a “silent transformation” in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The Prime Minister also linked women’s empowerment to India’s democratic progress, stating that increased representation in decision-making is essential for the country’s future development. He added that the growing public focus on women’s participation reflects evolving social attitudes.

Referring to the broader Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan initiative, he said it would further strengthen women’s aspirations and support their rise from local governance roles to higher levels of leadership.

He also pointed out that more than 14 lakh women are currently serving in local self-government institutions across the country, playing a key role in grassroots policymaking and development.