President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said economic empowerment of women will lead to the country's progress and development.

She also asked women to avail of the welfare schemes of the Centre and the state government.

Addressing a gathering here, where the beneficiaries of the Eknath Shinde-led government's 'Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana' and 'Shashan Aplya Dari' programmes were given certificates, she said the economic empowerment will result in the personal growth of women, who account for half of the country's population.

President Murmu expressed happiness that the Maharashtra government has set the target of making 25 lakh women Lakhpati Didis (women earning more than Rs one lakh per year).

She said she was happy to note that 13 lakh women have already become Lakhpati Didis.

"The Centre has revised the target of Lakhpati Didis from one crore to three crore," the president said.

Murmu asked women to take care of their health while caring for their families. "If you prosper and remain healthy, the country will develop and progress," she said.

"Men should understand the potential of women and help them achieve their dreams and aspirations," she added.

Murmu noted that participation of women in the country's workforce was growing.

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