During the Maurya period, women used to handle the responsibilities of SPG! Smriti Irani made a big claim in Obnews Conclave

Smriti Irani in Obnews Conclave 2026: Former Union Minister Smriti Irani spoke in detail on the role of women, security, economic empowerment and their participation in politics at the ‘Developed India Leadership Conclave 2026’ organized by Obnews. He said that women in India have been given important responsibilities not only today but for centuries.

Smriti Irani said that it is wrong to say that the economic empowerment of women in India is a gift of the modern era. He said that women have always got respect and responsibility in our culture and history.

Women’s old relationship with the economy

He said that working women are also mentioned in the ancient text Arthashastra. It also states that if a working woman is exploited by a government official, what punishment will be given to him. Irani said that this clearly means that even at that time women were working and it was considered the responsibility of the state to protect their safety and rights. He said that it has been the social nature of India for women to join the economy. Therefore, it would not be correct to say that women have been economically empowered only in modern India.

Women used to work as SPG in Maurya Empire

Smriti Irani, giving the example of the Maurya Empire, said that at that time women were deployed as soldiers for the protection of the king. Comparing it with today’s SPG (Special Protection Group), he said that women were not limited to just family or society, but they were also entrusted with important responsibilities like security.

He said that in India, women were not only worshiped as a force of power, but they were also given an important role in the security and administration of the state. Therefore, the notion that women were limited only to creation or family responsibilities is wrong.

Even today women are fulfilling big responsibilities

Smriti Irani said that today the country’s Supreme Commander (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces) is a woman coming from a tribal family. This is a great example of India’s democracy and increasing empowerment of women. He also said that during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women have got important facilities like permanent commission in the armed forces, which has further strengthened their role.

Also read- Leaving ‘silos’, the country moved towards ‘Synergy’, Modi government’s new vision for 146 crore citizens.

The former Union Minister said in his address that women have always got respect, rights and opportunities in Indian culture. Therefore, it is important to understand and present the history and contribution of women in the right context. According to him, India’s identity is formed not only by economic development but also by the respect given to women and their participation.