Kolkata:In response to the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring strict punishment for crimes against women. The incident, which occurred on the night of August 8, has sparked nationwide outrage, with protests demanding better protection for women erupting in West Bengal and other states. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the case, while the Supreme Court has raised serious concerns about the handling of the investigation by local police.
“No Perpetrator Should Be Spared”: PM Modi
Speaking at the “Lakhpati Didi” conference in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi declared that crimes against women are “unforgivable,” and his government would not allow any criminal to escape justice. He emphasized the importance of women’s safety in the country, urging state governments to ensure that those who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, regardless of their identity or status.
“The Fear of Severe Punishment Must Exist”: PM Modi’s Independence Day Speech
Ten days earlier, during his Independence Day address, PM Modi had also expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of crimes against women. Amid the ongoing nationwide protests against the Kolkata rape-murder, he had stressed from the Red Fort that the fear of severe punishment, such as the death penalty, must be instilled in the minds of criminals. He urged that just as crimes receive widespread media coverage, the subsequent punishment of offenders should also be highlighted to create a deterrent effect. The government, he asserted, is fully committed to protecting the nation’s women and girls.
Modi Government Targets 3 Crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’
The Modi government defines “Lakhpati Didis” as members of self-help groups whose annual household income is Rs 1 lakh or more. This income is calculated based on at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles, with an average monthly income exceeding Rs 10,000, ensuring sustainability. During today’s event, PM Modi distributed certificates to 1.1 million new “Lakhpati Didis” in Maharashtra. Since the initiative’s launch, one crore women have achieved the “Lakhpati Didi” status, with the government’s goal set to increase this number to 3 crores.
