In his last Independence Day speech before the Lok Sabha elections of 2019, PM Modi made sure to address women’s concerns. Among other issues, the Prime Minister dedicated himself to talking about issues pertaining to women and made promises about actions to be taken.
Here is what the Prime Minister had to say to women from the Red Fort.
Permanent Commission of Women in Defence
I want to present a gift to our daughters who want to work for the country. From the ramparts of Red Fort, today I announce that women officers who have been selected through the Short Service Commission in our defence forces, will now have the option to take up permanent commission.
This will be done in a transparent manner, said the PM. He also added that women can expect to get the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
Rape Cases
We need to overpower the forces that hinder the growth of women.
- Fast Tracking Rape Cases
All rape cases have been fast tracked, said the PM. Within five days, the courts are to announce punishment for rapists.
The perpetrators of the crime will be that much more deterred by the pace with which the punishment will be pronounced. Rule of law is supreme and no one can take the law into their hands. They should know that women ought to be respected. And this is something we should teach everyone in our families.
Publicising Cases in Which The Rapist Has Been Given Death Penalty
PM Modi said that wide publicity should be given to the cases in which rapists are awarded the death sentence.
The more the publicity, the more the fear it will instill in people with demonic mindsets.
Law Banning Triple Talaq
The practice of triple talaq has created problems in life of Muslim women ... we brought a law in Parliament, but some people are not allowing it to pass. I assure you that you will not be let down. I will do all it needs (to bring the law).
The bill criminalises the practice of instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat and seeks a prison term of up to three year for men who pronounce it upon their wives.
The government had once again pushed for the passage of the bill in the Monsoon Session, stated PM Modi.
Women in PM Modi’s Cabinet and the SC
The Prime Minister, in his address, said that he is proud of the fact that his cabinet has the most number of women any cabinet has ever had since Independence.
He also said that the country should be proud of the fact that at the moment there are three women judges in the Supreme Court of India.
A Woman as Likely to Go to Space As a Man in 2022
PM Modi also said when India celebrates 75th year of Independence in 2022, "and if possible even before, an Indian son or daughter" will undertake a manned space mission on board 'Gaganyaan' "carrying the national flag".
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