Addressing delegates at the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) conference in New Delhi, Vice President of India Dr. Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of gender participation in governance. He noted that India stands as a unique example globally, with constitutionally structured provisions ensuring women's involvement in governance. The Vice President highlighted that one-third of seats in village and municipal bodies are reserved for women, showcasing the country’s commitment to gender equality.
Dr. Dhankhar stressed that the government has taken significant steps to empower women at all levels, from Panchayats to higher governance structures. He pointed out that lakhs of women are actively participating in local governance, including Panchayats and cooperative institutions, demonstrating India's efforts toward women’s empowerment. Women leaders at the village, Panchayat, and district levels are effectively tackling governance challenges, he added. He further stated that elections in India are deeply rooted in constitutional provisions, ensuring democratic institutions function with strong female representation.
India’s Transformative Growth Over the Last Decade
Reflecting on India's progress over the past decade, the Vice President highlighted significant transformations across various sectors, including education, the economy, and infrastructure. He noted that initiatives such as expanding internet access, providing electricity, cooking gas, and sanitation facilities have significantly improved the quality of life for millions.
Dr. Dhankhar emphasized two key areas—education and empowerment—as drivers of India’s growth. He pointed out that India now surpasses the United States and China in per capita internet usage, underscoring the nation’s digital revolution.
He further stated that India has made remarkable strides in economic formalization and digital transactions, accounting for over 50% of global digital payments. He recalled that a decade ago, India's economy ranked in double digits globally but has now risen to the fifth-largest economy and is on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy within the next two years. He reaffirmed the government’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.
India’s Economic Resilience and Global Standing
Dr. Dhankhar reflected on India's economic resilience, recalling a time when the nation had to pledge its gold reserves to Swiss banks to maintain fiscal stability, with foreign exchange reserves standing at just USD 11 billion. Today, he said, India's reserves have surged to USD 700 billion, showcasing the nation's economic strength and stability.
The Vice President stressed that India serves as a model for the global community, demonstrating the impact of strategic initiatives in rural development and citizen empowerment. He described the AARDO conference as a crucial milestone in shaping global stability, emphasizing that rural development, agriculture, and the cooperative sector play a vital role in ensuring sustainable growth.
Challenges of Climate Change and Global Stability
Acknowledging the challenges threatening global stability, Dr. Dhankhar highlighted climate change as a pressing issue caused by reckless exploitation of natural resources. He emphasized that the planet is not solely for human use but must be preserved for all living beings. Additionally, he pointed out that while technology has advanced significantly, issues such as hunger and poverty persist.
India, he noted, is leveraging technology to address these challenges by promoting transparency, reducing corruption, and improving governance. He reaffirmed the country's commitment to using innovation for the benefit of its people and ensuring sustainable development.
Concluding his address, Dr. Dhankhar underscored the significance of the AARDO conference in strengthening rural development efforts across Africa and Asia, contributing to a more stable and prosperous global future.
