Government Programmes and Schemes for Women Empowerment in India
🔹 1. Social Empowerment
Scheme/Programme | Objective |
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) | To prevent female foeticide, improve child sex ratio, and promote girl education. (Launched in 2015) |
Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) | Empower rural women through community engagement and convergence of schemes. |
One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi Centres) | Integrated support to women affected by violence (medical, legal, shelter, counseling). |
Women Helpline (181) | 24×7 support for women in distress. |
UJJAWALA Scheme | Rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of trafficked women and children. |
Swadhar Greh Scheme | Shelter, food, and rehabilitation for women in difficult circumstances. |
🔹 2. Economic Empowerment
Scheme/Programme | Objective |
Stand-Up India | Bank loans (₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore) to women, SC/ST entrepreneurs. |
MUDRA Yojana (under PMMY) | Microfinance loans to promote entrepreneurship among women. |
Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) | Skill training in agriculture, handicrafts, tailoring, handlooms, etc. |
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)/DAY-NRLM | Formation and strengthening of Self Help Groups (SHGs) – over 70% members are women. |
Mahila E-Haat | Online platform for women entrepreneurs to market their products. |
🔹 3. Education and Health
Scheme/Programme | Objective |
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | Small savings scheme for the girl child with high-interest rate and tax benefits. |
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) | Residential schools for girls from disadvantaged groups (classes 6-12). |
National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) | Financial support to SC/ST girl students for continuing education. |
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) | ₹5,000 assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers for wage loss compensation. |
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) | Institutional delivery support to pregnant women (especially BPL). |
🔹 4. Digital and Technological Empowerment
Scheme/Programme | Objective |
Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) | Digital literacy training for women in rural areas. |
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) | Increase digital awareness and usage among rural households. |
Cyber Crime Portal | For reporting online harassment and crimes against women. |
🔹 5. Women in Agriculture
Scheme/Programme | Objective |
Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) | Empowering women farmers through skill-building, technology access, and income generation. (Under NRLM) |
Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC) | Women can establish agri-based ventures through support and credit linkage. |
🔹 6. Recent Initiatives (Umbrella Programs)
Scheme | Details |
Mission Shakti (Launched in 2022) | Umbrella scheme combining Sambal (safety) and Samarthya (empowerment) – includes One Stop Centre, Ujjawala, Swadhar Greh, etc. |
Sambal | Focus on protection and safety – includes women helpline, legal aid. |
Samarthya | Economic empowerment – includes BBBP, PMMVY, creche, and working women’s hostel. |