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 grassroot 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 daycare 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, blockchain, 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.
(The Author is Director General, FICCI. Courtesy: PIB)
