List of Central Government Schemes for Women Empowerment In India

List of Schemes for Women Empowerment in India: In India, the government has been actively working towards women’s empowerment through various policies, schemes, and legislative measures. The country is transitioning from focusing on women’s development to women-led development, ensuring their equal participation in national progress. Women play a crucial role in shaping India’s socio-economic landscape, breaking barriers in education, health, digital inclusion, and leadership roles.

On March 3, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged women across India to share their inspiring life journeys on the NaMo App Open Forum. He announced that selected women would take over his social media accounts to amplify their voices and experiences, celebrating their contributions and inspiring others. These efforts are part of the broader movement to uplift and empower women across the country, ensuring they have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from India’s growth and prosperity.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

The Indian Constitution guarantees gender equality through provisions such as:

• Article 14: Ensures equality before the law.
• Article 15: Prohibits discrimination based on sex.
• Article 51(a)(e): Encourages citizens to renounce practices derogatory to women’s dignity.
• Directive Principles (Articles 39 and 42): Emphasize equal livelihood opportunities, equal pay, and maternity relief.

India is a signatory to international treaties such as:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW, 1979)
• Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)
• Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development

Government Schemes for Women’s Upliftment

The Indian government has launched several schemes to promote women's upliftment by ensuring education, health, financial independence, safety, and digital empowerment. These initiatives aim to bridge gender gaps, enhance opportunities, and provide a secure and inclusive environment for women across all sectors.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Launched in January 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education and well-being of the girl child. The scheme focuses on ensuring gender equality, improving the survival and protection of girls, and encouraging their active participation in education and society.

Women in STEM

Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) initiatives have significantly contributed to increasing female participation in technical fields. Currently, 42.57% of STEM enrolments in India are female, demonstrating a shift towards greater gender inclusivity in scientific and technological education. The government supports women in STEM through scholarships, mentorship programs, and policy initiatives to encourage their careers in these fields.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Launched in 2017, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit program offering financial incentives to pregnant and lactating mothers for their first living child. The scheme aims to improve maternal and child health by providing monetary support to compensate for wage loss during pregnancy and ensure adequate nutrition for both mother and child.

Poshan Abhiyaan

The Poshan Abhiyaan, or National Nutrition Mission, focuses on eradicating malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The initiative strengthens maternal and child nutrition programs by promoting better dietary practices, encouraging the use of locally available nutritious food, and leveraging technology for monitoring health outcomes.

PM Jan Dhan Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a financial inclusion initiative that has enabled the opening of over 30.46 crore bank accounts, with 55% of them owned by women. This scheme empowers women by providing them access to banking services, credit facilities, and financial security, promoting greater economic independence.

Stand-Up India Scheme

The Stand-Up India Scheme, launched in 2016, aims to promote entrepreneurship among women and marginalized communities by providing loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to establish new enterprises. Around 84% of the loans under this scheme have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses and contribute to economic growth.

MUDRA Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) facilitates collateral-free microloans of up to ₹10 lakh to small and micro-enterprises. Women-led businesses have received approximately 69% of these loans, enabling them to establish and expand their ventures, thereby boosting women's financial empowerment.

Women in Armed Forces

The Indian government has taken progressive steps to promote gender inclusion in the defense sector. Women have been granted entry into the National Defence Academy (NDA) and are now eligible for combat roles in the Indian Armed Forces. This initiative marks a significant move towards gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Women in Civil Aviation

India leads the world in women’s participation in civil aviation, with over 15% of the country’s pilots being female—significantly higher than the global average. Government policies promoting gender diversity and women’s inclusion in the aviation sector have contributed to this achievement.

PMGDISHA

The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has trained over 60 million rural citizens in digital literacy, empowering women with essential technological skills. The program enhances financial inclusion, online access to government services, and employment opportunities for women in rural India.

Common Service Centres (CSCs)

Over 67,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across India are managed by women entrepreneurs. These centers provide essential digital services, including banking, telemedicine, and e-governance solutions, helping bridge the digital divide and boost women's participation in the digital economy.

Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) enhances healthcare accessibility by integrating digital solutions into the health sector. The program enables women to access telemedicine, digital health records, and remote consultations, ensuring better medical support, especially in rural areas.

Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018

The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 introduced stricter penalties for crimes against women, including harsher punishments for sexual offenses. This legal reform strengthens the protection of women and reinforces the country's commitment to gender justice.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

Enacted in 2005, this law provides comprehensive legal protection to women facing domestic violence. It enables victims to seek legal aid, protection orders, and support services to escape abusive situations and rebuild their lives.

POCSO Act, 2012

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, was designed to safeguard children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It ensures stricter legal action against offenders and provides child-friendly legal procedures to support victims.

Ban on Triple Talaq (2019)

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, criminalized Triple Talaq, ensuring legal protection for Muslim women against instant and arbitrary divorce. This law upholds women's rights and promotes gender justice within the community.

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, criminalizes the practice of giving or receiving dowry, aiming to eliminate dowry-related harassment and violence against women. It remains a crucial legal measure for protecting women's rights in marriage.

Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, seeks to prevent child marriages and protect young girls from forced and early marriages. It sets the legal age for marriage at 18 for women and enforces strict penalties against violators.

Nirbhaya Fund Projects

Under the Nirbhaya Fund, multiple safety initiatives have been implemented to enhance women's security. These projects include One Stop Centres (OSCs) for victims of violence, the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS - 112) for distress calls, Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) for speedy trials, and the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) for online safety.

One Stop Centres (OSCs)

The One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme provides integrated support to women facing violence, offering legal, medical, psychological, and shelter assistance. With 802 centers nationwide, OSCs have assisted over 1 million women in distress.

Emergency Response Support System (ERSS - 112)

The ERSS-112 is a pan-India emergency response system that has handled over 38.34 crore distress calls. It provides immediate assistance to women in danger through police intervention, medical support, and rescue services.

Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs)

The government has established 750 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) to expedite cases related to sexual offenses. Among these, 408 courts specifically handle POCSO cases, ensuring timely justice for survivors.

Cyber Crime Helpline (1930)

The Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) offers immediate support to women facing cyber harassment, fraud, and online abuse. The initiative strengthens women's digital safety and raises awareness about cyber threats.

Safe City Projects

The Safe City Projects have been implemented in eight cities to improve urban safety for women. These projects include enhanced surveillance, better lighting in public spaces, mobile-based safety applications, and increased police patrolling to prevent crimes against women.

India has made remarkable progress in women's empowerment through comprehensive policies, targeted schemes, and legal frameworks. From economic participation to safety, digital inclusion to education, government initiatives have significantly improved women’s lives. On this International Women’s Day, it is crucial to reaffirm the commitment to building an inclusive, gender-equal society where women play a central role in shaping the nation's future. Sustained efforts in policy-making, community engagement, and digital inclusion will ensure that women continue to drive India's growth story in the years to come.

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