In his Independence Day speech on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the troubling issue of atrocities against women in India. Speaking from the Red Fort, he emphasized the need for extensive publicity about the punishment for these crimes to deter potential offenders.
“I want to express my deep pain once again today,” Modi began. “As a society, we must seriously consider the atrocities occurring against women. There is significant outrage across the country, and I feel this outrage deeply. It is crucial that the country, society, and state governments take this issue seriously.”
Modi stressed the importance of fast-tracking investigations into crimes against women. He called for swift and strict punishment for those responsible for such heinous acts. “Speedy investigations and prompt, severe punishments are essential to restore public confidence,” he said.
He also noted that while incidents of violence against women receive widespread media coverage, the punishments for offenders often do not. “When perpetrators are punished, it rarely makes the news,” Modi observed. “We need extensive coverage of these punishments so that potential criminals understand the severe consequences of their actions. It is crucial to instill this fear.”
Additionally, Modi spoke about improvements for working women. He highlighted the increase in maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. “We respect women and make decisions that support them,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that government policies do not hinder mothers in their efforts to raise their children well.”
Modi also praised the growth of women’s self-help groups over the past decade. “In the last 10 years, 10 crore women have joined these groups and are now becoming financially independent,” he noted. “When women achieve financial independence, they play a key role in decision-making within their households, leading to broader social change.”
In conclusion, Modi emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to protect and empower women, ensuring that their safety and rights are upheld across the country.