President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said that the idea of women-led-development can be implemented only when the women get the freedom to make their choices. With economic independence, this has become a reality to some extent, she said, underscoring that economic self-reliance brings a greater self-confidence in women.

The President was addressing members of self help groups (SHGs) at Baljek Airport, Tura, Meghalaya where she also laid the foundation stone for the new Integrated Administration Complex, Tura.

She also said that the empowerment of women in social, economic, political and spiritual spheres is essential for the country to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. President Murmu mentioned that the Government of India has taken several steps to ensure that women contribute actively and in large numbers in the socio-economic development of the country. However, there is a long way to go in the direction of women empowerment, she added, encouraging people to start recognizing the value and qualities of the women around them and support them.

The President urged the members of SHGs to keep moving ahead and also hold the hands of other women to take them forward. She said that this is not their journey alone but that of a large number of women in our country who are yet to explore the opportunities that lay beyond the four walls of their homes. They must become an inspiration for other women of their region and the nation, she said.

At the event, the President handed over Rs 25 crore to 1422 Village Organisations and Rs 32 crore of Bank Loans for 1083 SHGs of Meghalaya. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also informed in a post on X. He further said that two Lakhpati Didis belonging to SHGs were also awarded by President Murmu for earning an income of more than one lakh annually and one Banking Correspondent was awarded for her efforts in providing banking services to the last mile.