Nirmala Sitharaman Discusses Bridging Inequality and Empowering Women at Columbia University
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke at Columbia University in New York, highlighting efforts to reduce inequality in India. She emphasized that over the past decade, the government has implemented various schemes to address poverty and inequality through a comprehensive approach. These initiatives include financial inclusion, collateral-free lending, affordable housing, and health insurance for the poor.
Sitharaman also highlighted the government’s focus on empowering women, mentioning the ‘Drone Didis’ scheme, which trains women in rural areas to operate drones, leading to significant changes in their communities. She noted that this initiative has transformed these women into ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ indicating their financial success.
During the session, Sitharaman stressed the importance of strengthening India’s economic and strategic relationships with global partners, ensuring that the aspirations of India’s 1.4 billion citizens are met. She also visited the New York Stock Exchange, where she interacted with a floor operator and learned about the trading of 11 Indian companies on the bourse.
Doubts Revealed
Nirmala Sitharaman -: Nirmala Sitharaman is India’s Finance Minister. She is responsible for managing the country’s finances, including the budget and economic policies.
Columbia University -: Columbia University is a famous university in New York, USA. It is known for its high-quality education and research.
Inequality -: Inequality means that some people have more money, opportunities, or resources than others. Reducing inequality means making sure everyone has a fair chance.
Financial inclusion -: Financial inclusion means making sure everyone has access to financial services like banks and loans, especially poor people who might not have had these services before.
Health insurance -: Health insurance is a service that helps people pay for medical care. It is important for poor people so they can get treatment without worrying about the cost.
Drone Didis -: Drone Didis is a program in India that trains women in rural areas to use drones. Drones are flying machines that can be used for many tasks, like taking pictures or delivering goods.
New York Stock Exchange -: The New York Stock Exchange is a big market in the USA where people buy and sell shares of companies. It is important for businesses to raise money and grow.