Women empowerment has been a major focus of the Indian government over the past few decades, with various initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women. From healthcare to education, financial independence to safety, several government schemes have been designed to uplift and empower women across the country. In this blog, we will explore the Top 10 Government Schemes for Women Empowerment that are making a significant impact.
1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Launched in 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education of girl children. The scheme focuses on raising awareness against gender biases and encouraging families to educate their daughters.
- Key Features:
- Prevention of gender-biased sex-selective elimination.
- Ensuring the survival and protection of the girl child.
- Promoting education and participation of girls.
This scheme has been highly successful in improving the enrolment of girls in schools and changing societal attitudes toward girl children.
2. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
PMMVY is a maternity benefit program that provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers for the first live birth. It aims to compensate women for wage loss during pregnancy and encourage them to seek health care and nutrition.
- Key Features:
- A cash benefit of ₹5,000 is provided in three installments.
- Focus on promoting institutional deliveries and child immunization.
- Coverage of over 50 lakh women annually.
This scheme helps improve the health and well-being of mothers and newborns, ensuring a better future for both.
3. Mahila E-Haat
Launched in 2016, Mahila E-Haat is an online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs, artisans, and self-help groups. It aims to provide them with an online space to showcase and sell their products without the need for intermediaries.
- Key Features:
- A direct market linkage for women entrepreneurs.
- Accessible from anywhere with minimal resources.
- Over 25,000 registered sellers across the country.
This initiative encourages women entrepreneurs and helps them become financially independent by offering a platform to sell their products to a larger audience.
4. One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi)
The One Stop Centre Scheme, commonly referred to as Sakhi, provides integrated services such as medical aid, police assistance, legal aid, and psychological counseling to women affected by violence.
- Key Features:
- Immediate access to various services under one roof.
- Available 24/7 in various districts across India.
- Support in cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse.
Sakhi centers offer a safe environment where women can receive immediate help and support when faced with violence or abuse.
5. National Scheme for Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)
The NSIGSE scheme aims to promote the education of girl students by offering financial incentives for continuing their secondary education. It particularly targets SC/ST girls who pass the 8th-grade examination.
- Key Features:
- A sum of ₹3,000 is deposited into a fixed account for girls who enroll in 9th grade.
- The amount can be withdrawn after turning 18 and completing their secondary education.
This scheme encourages girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education and complete at least secondary schooling.
6. Ujjwala Yojana
Launched in 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide clean cooking fuel (LPG) to women, especially those from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, to reduce the health hazards associated with cooking using solid fuels.
- Key Features:
- Free LPG connections to BPL households.
- Health benefits by reducing indoor air pollution.
- Over 8 crore LPG connections have been distributed to date.
By providing access to clean energy, this scheme helps improve women’s health and reduce their time spent on gathering firewood.
7. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a savings scheme aimed at securing the future of the girl child. It allows parents to open a savings account for their daughters, with attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
- Key Features:
- The account can be opened for girls below 10 years of age.
- High-interest rate and tax exemptions.
- Withdrawal allowed after the girl turns 18, for education or marriage.
SSY is an excellent way for families to plan for their daughters’ education and future financial needs.
8. Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP)
The STEP scheme provides skills and training to women to help them secure employment or become self-employed. The program targets women aged 16 and above and offers training in sectors like agriculture, handicrafts, tailoring, and IT.
- Key Features:
- Promotes skill development for women to become economically independent.
- Focuses on both rural and urban women across various sectors.
- Provides placement assistance after training.
STEP empowers women by improving their employability and supporting entrepreneurial ventures.
9. Swadhar Greh Scheme
The Swadhar Greh Scheme provides temporary shelter, food, clothing, and rehabilitation services to women in distress, including those who are homeless or victims of domestic violence.
- Key Features:
- Temporary accommodation and support services for up to 100 women per shelter.
- Counseling, legal aid, and vocational training are provided to help women rebuild their lives.
This scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of vulnerable women.
10. Nari Shakti Puraskar
The Nari Shakti Puraskar is a national award scheme to recognize the exceptional contributions made by women and organizations working towards women’s empowerment. It is awarded annually by the President of India on International Women’s Day.
- Key Features:
- Awards in various categories such as education, health, social work, and entrepreneurship.
- Recognizes both individual achievements and contributions by organizations.
This award celebrates women’s achievements and motivates others to strive for excellence and empowerment.
Conclusion
India’s journey towards women’s empowerment is steadily progressing, thanks to these targeted government schemes. From health and education to financial independence and safety, these initiatives are helping to create a more inclusive society for women.
As these programs evolve and expand, they continue to break down societal barriers, offering women the opportunity to lead better, healthier, and more empowered lives.
Empowerment begins with awareness, so if you or someone you know could benefit from these schemes, it’s time to take action!
