India’s development narrative has undergone a
remarkable metamorphosis over the past decade, and one of the most encouraging
aspects of this journey is the remarkable evolution in the role of women in
nation’s growth story. Today, we can very proudly say that ‘Nari Shakti’ forms
the heart of India’s growth agenda. India is not only empowering women at the
grass root levels but is paving the way to harness their leadership as
architects of a Viksit Bharat.
The shift from viewing women as beneficiaries of
development to recognizing them as drivers of change is underpinned by a
comprehensive bouquet of government schemes and initiatives. These policies,
designed under a life continuum approach, are playing a pivotal role in
enhancing the lives of women, ensuring they receive support from early
childhood through education, to dignified living, motherhood, financial
independence, and economic integration.
Educational and nutritional support schemes, such as
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, have contributed
significantly to bridging gender disparities in education. The initiatives have
not only helped improve the sex ratio at birth but also laid the groundwork for
a more gender-balanced society.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Anganwadi system
and Poshan Abhiyaan have played vital roles in securing the health and
well-being of women and children. These programs are ensuring that women and
young girls receive the nutrition and education they need to build a strong
foundation for their future.
Health and sanitation schemes have also made a
profound impact on improving the quality of life for women. The Pradhan Mantri
Ujjwala Yojana, for instance, has provided over 10.3 crore LPG connections across
the country, reducing the health risks associated with traditional cooking
fuels. The Swachh Bharat Mission has constructed 11.8 crore toilets,
significantly improving hygiene and safety for women. These efforts have
long-term implications for women’s productivity.
Among the most transformative initiatives is the
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM). This
scheme has significantly empowered economically weaker households - especially
rural women and communities. As of January 31, 2025, over 10.05 crore
households have been mobilized into approximately 90.87 lakh Self-Help Groups
(SHGs). Further, more than 6 lakh SHG members have been trained as Community
Resource Persons (CRPs) in various roles—ranging from Pashu Sakhi and Krishi
Sakhi to Bank Sakhi, Bima Sakhi, and Poshan Sakhi. These efforts have provided
women not only with financial stability but also the confidence to take on
leadership roles within their communities.
The nation’s rapid growth is being fuelled by innovation
and entrepreneurship. Initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India”
are not only transforming India’s economic landscape but are also creating new
opportunities for women. India, now recognized as the world’s third-largest
startup ecosystem, is witnessing a surge in women-led enterprises. Initiatives
like the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) and Stand-Up India have been
instrumental in fostering this trend.
Labor force participation among women has witnessed
a discernible improvement with targeted initiatives like the Palna Scheme and
the Working Women’s Hostel Scheme. These programs are aimed at addressing two
most significant barriers faced by working women: care work and
accommodation.
Despite these strides, establishing a holistic, quality
care ecosystem in the country is urgently needed. While the government is
making commendable progress in bridging gaps in child and elderly care
facilities, challenges remain. An integrated approach is essential—one that not
only strengthens physical infrastructure but also implements a robust policy
framework and quality assurance mechanisms.
For example, government may consider forming a
statutory body to certify day care centers and regularly monitor their quality to
ensure standardization. Additionally, a special tax exemption upto a defined
limit for working women for expenses incurred on childcare (for children upto
the age of 5 years) will further support women’s participation in the economy.
Moreover, policies encouraging women’s participation
in blue collar jobs such as working during night shifts with adequate provision
of safety measures need to be more widely emulated by States.
The government has also made strides in political
and digital empowerment of women as well. Digital initiatives like PMGDISHA are
enabling rural women to leverage technology for financial independence. The
emergence of AI, block chain, and fintech is creating new in roads for women in
STEM fields, with initiatives like Women in Science and Engineering-KIRAN
(WISE-KIRAN) and Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI). On
the political front, passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill has paved the way
for greater representation in legislative bodies, ensuring that women’s voices
are heard at every level of governance.
The transformative impact of these government
schemes is evident in the rising number of women leaders, entrepreneurs, and
change-makers across the country. Empowered women are not only shaping their
destinies but are also driving socio-economic progress. In fact, women led
development has been one of the key priorities for organisations such as FICCI
and has been identified as an imperative for Viksit Bharat.
The journey towards women-led development is
ongoing, and its success will depend on the collective and continued efforts of
both the government, and the private sector.
