True Empowerment Is Made Possible By Hand-Holding Individuals: Vice-President of India, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar

The Vice-President of India, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar, emphasised that true empowerment goes beyond providing freebies and doles. He stressed that real empowerment comes from guiding individuals to self-reliance, which leads to personal pride and satisfaction. In his address to members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Meghalaya, Mr. Jagdeep Dhankhar hailed the North East as a jewel of India. He praised the Government of India’s "Look East" policy from the 1990s, which was later enhanced by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi's "Act East" initiative. He highlighted Meghalaya's immense potential in tourism, mining, Information Technology, and services, describing it as a “heaven for tourists” and a region with abundant natural gifts.
He lauded the state's impressive economic growth, which has seen a 13% increase in its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), reaching a projected Rs. 66,000 crore (US$ 7.75 billion). He praised the leadership of both the central and state governments, noting that the country's development under Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s leadership has set global benchmarks in infrastructure, economy, and women’s empowerment. Mr. Jagdeep Dhankar also acknowledged Meghalaya's ambitious goal of becoming a Rs. 85,210 crore (US$ 10 billion) economy by 2028. He emphasised nurturing human resources, especially women, as key to balanced societal and economic growth. The state's women have shown significant progress, with a tenfold increase in revolving fund contributions, which he regarded as a vital step towards inclusive growth.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.