G-20 Parliament Conference – India talks about women-led development

New Delhi| India’s emphasis is on women-led development. India said this at the 10th Conference of ‘G-20’ Parliaments. This conference is being held in Brazil. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, representing India, highlighted the progress made on the Sustainable Development Goals during India’s G-20 presidency. He reiterated that India has replaced the context of women’s development with women-led development.

He also mentioned the Namo Drone Didi programme. Under this, rural women use state-of-the-art technology and drones are provided to self-help groups. The Indian parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh is currently in Brazil to participate in this G-20 conference. Here the Indian delegation held a bilateral meeting with the Speaker of the Senate of the Brazilian Parliament.

During this meeting, both the leaders recalled the long history of friendship and cooperation based on shared values of democracy, pluralism and multiculturalism. Mention was also made of the commitment of the two countries to, inter alia, promote sustainable development, trade and investment and to intensify cultural exchanges. Speaking at a conference on “Promoting climate justice and sustainable development from the perspective of gender and race” here, the Deputy Chairman mentioned the five elixirs (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action.

He also talked about India’s vision of balancing its growth and environmental sustainability by promoting inclusive growth. He also mentioned the action taken and schemes launched by India in this context.

Rajya Sabha member Manoj Kumar Jha addressed the conference on “Fighting gender and race inequality and promoting economic autonomy of women”. He stressed India’s commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, for which a strong legal framework existed.

He recalled that during India’s G20 presidency, a working group on women’s empowerment had been created to assist G-20 women ministers. He mentioned schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand Up India, Start Up India, National Skill Development Mission, which have been helpful in promoting women’s participation in the workforce and their financial independence. He also mentioned the Nari Shakti Vandan Act passed by the Indian Parliament.