On Women's Day, PM says Centre efforts for their development 'unwavering'

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government's efforts towards the development of women "are unwavering". "Saluting the accomplishments of all women on International Women's Day and gratitude for their indispensable role in our society. From 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' to better health and education facilities, our government's efforts towards women-led development are unwavering," Modi said in a series of tweets.

"Our financial inclusion efforts, skill development initiatives and MUDRA Bank will empower our 'Nari Shakti' to contribute to India's growth," the Prime Minister added.

Earlier on Sunday, Modi called on India's female politicians to lead development efforts by empowering themselves with technology and knowledge, but remained silent on long-standing demands by women for a stronger voice in Parliament.

Addressing a conference of female legislators, Modi did not directly mention his 2014 election pledge to pass the bill, but suggested that changing the make-up of Parliament would not be enough to bring gender parity in politics.

"We must think beyond women's development and move towards women-led development," Modi told delegates on Sunday. "You will have to make yourself effective. You will have to present issues with facts and figures. Mere changes in the system will not suffice."

Modi told the women parliamentarians they should groom female leadership at a grassroots level and seek to overcome "jealousy" and "competition" from other women in the same field.

"Politics is a game of competition but when the feeling of jealousy dominates in competition, then you cannot grow," said Modi.

"Rather if you allow others to come up, you will go high. A kind of pyramid-like structure comes up then," he added.

March 8 is celebrated as International Women's Day, a global event aimed at inspiring women and celebrating their achievements.