Quick Action On Crime Against Women Key To Building Trust In Society: PM Amid Kolkata Protests

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep concern over the increasing crimes against women and called for swift investigations stringent punishments for offenders. Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, he said that such actions are necessary to instil confidence in society.

"I would like to express my pain once again, from the Red Fort today. As a society, we will have to think seriously about the atrocities against women that are happening - there is outrage against this in the country. I can feel this outrage. The country, society, and state governments will have to take this seriously," PM Modi said in his address to the nation on Independence Day.

Nationwide Outrage Over Recent Incident

The Prime Minister's remarks come amid nationwide protests following the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9. The incident has sparked widespread anger and led to protests within and beyond the medical community.

Doctors across India continue to demand justice for the victim, showing strong solidarity with their colleague. The family of the deceased has alleged that she was raped and murdered, further intensifying public outcry.

PM Modi stressed that discussions about punishments for such heinous crimes should be more prominent in public discourse. "It is the need of the hour, that extensive discussion on those receiving punishment be held so that those committing this sin understand that this leads to hanging. I think it is very important to instil this fear," he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted how financial independence among women can bring societal change. He mentioned that women's self-help groups now include around 10 crore women working in various sectors.

Support for Working Mothers

In his address, PM Modi noted that maternity leave has been extended from 12 weeks to 26 weeks to support working mothers better. "For working women, maternity leave has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. We not only just respect women, we not only take decisions for her sensitively, we make decisions to ensure that the government does not become a hindrance in the requirements of the mother to make her child a quality citizen..." he said.

Acknowledging Freedom Fighters

Remembering those who fought for India's independence, PM Modi expressed gratitude towards them. "This is the day to salute those who have fought and sacrificed their lives for the nation's independence. We bow down to every brave heart and pay our respects with reverence," he remarked.

Vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047

The Prime Minister urged citizens to work towards making India a developed nation by 2047. He recalled how 40 crore Indians united against colonial rule before independence and encouraged today's population of 140 crore to strive towards a prosperous future.

"Now is the time to live for Viksit Bharat 2047 and we Indians are determined. We have to become Atmanirbhar in every field. It is the determination of the Indians that is driving my resolve. India can become a developed nation by 2047," PM Modi asserted.

This year's Independence Day marks PM Modi's 11th address from the Red Fort, making him one of three Prime Ministers after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to reach this milestone. The theme 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' underscores efforts toward transforming India into a developed nation by its centenary year of independence.