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PM Modi Wishes Annpurna Devi, Sitharaman Unveils Women's Education Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to Union Minister Annpurna Devi, praising her efforts in women and child welfare. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in the Union Budget, announced plans to build a girls' hostel in every district to support students in STEM fields. She also introduced 'She MARTS', community-owned retail outlets to empower women entrepreneurs with better market access. These measures aim to strengthen higher education and promote women-led development.

Key Points: PM Modi's Birthday Wish, Budget Plans for Women's Education

  • PM Modi lauds Annpurna Devi's welfare work
  • Budget proposes girls' hostel in every district
  • She MARTS to support women entrepreneurs
  • Focus on STEM education challenges for women
  • Initiatives to boost higher education ecosystem
2 min read

PM Modi extends birthday wishes to Union Minister Annpurna Devi

PM Modi extends birthday greetings to Minister Annpurna Devi. FM Sitharaman announces district-level girls' hostels and She MARTS for women entrepreneurs.

"A girls' hostel will be built in every district of the country. - Nirmala Sitharaman"

New Delhi, February 2

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended greetings to Union Minister Annpurna Devi on her birthday, lauding her contributions towards women and child welfare.

Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Best wishes to Union Cabinet Minister Annpurna Devi Ji on her birthday. Her efforts to boost women and child welfare are noteworthy. Praying for her long life and good health."

Annpurna Devi, who holds the portfolio of the Ministry for Women and Child Development in the Union Cabinet, has been actively involved in initiatives to improve the well-being of women and children across the country.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, to strengthen the higher education ecosystem and promote women-led entrepreneurship, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a series of proposals, including the construction of a girls' hostel in every district of the country and the setting up of community-owned 'She MARTS'.

While presenting the Union Budget 2026, Sitharaman said the government proposes several measures to establish new institutes, university townships, girls' hostels, and telescope infrastructure as part of increased investment in the higher education sector.

"I propose multiple steps towards setting up new institutes, university townships, girls' hostel and telescope infrastructure facilities in the investment in the higher education sector. A girls' hostel will be built in every district of the country," the Finance Minister said.

Highlighting the challenges faced by women students in science and technology disciplines, Sitharaman said that girls face difficulties due to prolonged hours of study and laboratory work.

"In higher education, STEM institutions, prolonged hours of study and laboratory work pose some challenges for girl students. Through our scheme, one girls' hostel will be established in every district to promote astrophysics and astronomy via immersive experiences," she said.

FM Sitharaman also announced the setting up of 'She MARTS'- self-help entrepreneur marts that will function as community-owned retail outlets.

The She MARTS initiative aims to provide women entrepreneurs with better market access, branding opportunities, and sustainable income avenues, while strengthening grassroots institutions such as self-help groups.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Wishing the minister a very happy birthday. The 'She MARTS' initiative sounds promising. If implemented well, it can really empower women at the grassroots level. My mother is part of an SHG, and market access is their biggest challenge. Hope this delivers on the ground.
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Aman W
Good wishes on her birthday. While the announcements are positive, I hope the focus is on quality implementation. We've seen many schemes announced before. Building hostels is one thing, ensuring they are safe, well-maintained, and accessible is another. The intent is good, but execution is key.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the focus on astrophysics and astronomy for girls through these hostels. Promoting STEM among women is crucial for the country's future. Happy birthday to the Minister. May she have a healthy year ahead to continue this important work.
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Karthik V
Janamdin ki hardik shubhkamnaye! The budget proposals for higher education, especially for women, are a step in the right direction. Investing in education is investing in the nation's future. Hope the minister has a fruitful year steering these initiatives.
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Nisha Z
Birthday greetings to Annpurna Devi ji. The connection between the birthday wishes and the budget news is nice to see—a continuous focus on women's development. The hostel scheme will be a game-changer for girls from small towns wanting to pursue higher studies. 🙏

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