Jalgaon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the public at the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra's Jalgaon, stated that crimes against women are an "unforgivable sin."

"Today, I want to once again tell every political party in the country and the state government that crimes against women are an unforgivable sin. The guilty must not be spared, and those who assist them in any way should also face consequences," said PM Modi.

He emphasised that people should be held "accountable" for any negligence in ensuring women's safety.

PM Narendra Modi interacts with Lakhpati Didis during the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan

"Whether it's in a hospital, school, office, or the police system, wherever negligence occurs, everyone must be held accountable," PM Modi asserted.

PM Modi assured women that the government would strictly punish offenders. He also mentioned that the government has removed obstacles that delayed justice through the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

"Our government is continuously making laws stricter to impose the harshest punishment on those who commit atrocities against women. Today, with so many sisters and daughters of the country present here, I want to specifically inform you that earlier there were complaints about FIRs not being registered on time, cases not being heard, and delays in justice. We have removed many such obstacles in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita."

He further informed women about the e-FIR facility, which allows them to register a case from home.

PM Modi hands over certificate during the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Jalgaon

"If the victim does not want to go to the police station, she can register an e-FIR from home. We have also ensured that no one can tamper with the e-FIR at the police station level," PM Modi said.

In recent days, the nation has witnessed massive outrage over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, leading to a strong demand for ensuring women's safety.

PM Modi also facilitated 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis.

Lakhpati Didi is an initiative by the Ministry of Rural Development aimed at helping women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) earn a household income of at least one lakh rupees.

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The Prime Minister also released a revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore, which will benefit about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh SHGs. Additionally, he will disburse bank loans of Rs 5,000 crore, benefiting 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs. Since the inception of the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, one crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis. The government has set a target to make 3 crore Lakhpati Didis.