Nirmala Sitharaman Highlights India's Progress in Bridging Inequality and Empowering Women

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, at Columbia University, highlighted India's strides in reducing inequality and empowering women through initiatives like Drone Didis. Emphasizing economic responsibility, she underscored the government's commitment to financial inclusion and strengthening relations with global partners, while celebrating various government-led poverty alleviation measures.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking at an interaction session at Columbia University, expressed confidence in India's progress in bridging inequality, crediting a decade of comprehensive government measures. She affirmed that initiatives implemented over the past decade have effectively transitioned from paper to ground reality.

Sitharaman detailed efforts like financial inclusion programs, collateral-free lending, interest subvention, affordable housing, and health insurance for the poor through Ayushman Bharat cards, noting these have facilitated poverty reduction and minimized inequality. Highlighting the government's commitment to women empowerment, she cited the Drone Didis scheme as transformative for rural women, igniting a technological shift in village communities.

Addressing economic strategy queries, Sitharaman emphasized strengthening ties with international partners to bolster economic and strategic relations. She underscored India's responsibility to meet the aspirations of its 1.4 billion citizens, prioritizing national interests. Her visit to the New York Stock Exchange included discussions on trading dynamics and India's presence with 11 companies listed on the bourse.