Women Empowerment Schemes in India

What is the Need for Women Empowerment Schemes in India?

Here are the reasons for women empowerment schemes in India as follows: 

1. Increased GDP: Half of the population is female. In several areas, they can significantly boost the Indian economy 

1. Education: A woman with education possesses the skills and resources to improve society 

1. Fight Poverty: A poor household benefits from having more wage earners. Poverty, particularly multidimensional poverty, can be eradicated by empowering the family's female member 

1. Social Justice: Our constitution's guarantees of rights place a strong focus on social justice. The strongly embedded patriarchy in our society can be eliminated by empowering women 

1. Better health: Women with more power can contribute to wellness programs, which lowers the risk of illness and medical costs. 

Types of Women Empowerment Schemes in India

Here are the different types of women empowerment schemes in India as follows: 

1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

Parents of a newborn girl child can open an SSY account, which was introduced as part of the widely supported "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" campaign. By guaranteeing girls' education, the objective seeks to reduce the sex ratio. The following are some of the SSY scheme's main points: 

1. The plan is in place for 15 years 

1. Up to five years may be added at a time 

1. The maximum investment amount per year is Rs. 1.50 lakhs 

1. Investment deduction available under Section 80C (Old Tax Regime) 8.2% p.a. is tax-free interest, which is significantly greater than FD 

1. The money might be utilized for the girl child's marriage, further schooling, etc. 

2. Lakhpati Didi Scheme

It is one of the key women empowerment schemes in India. Under the scheme, the government eyes to empower 2 crore women working in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to build a capital of more than Rs. 1 lakh. 

3. Drone Didi Scheme

The Drone Didi women empowerment scheme in India aims to train 15,000 workers of the Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to become drone pilots. These trained women can perform various economic activities like delivering medicines and groceries using drones and earn their livelihood. They are also useful in mapping the agricultural land to digitalize the land records across rural India. 

4. Mission Indradhanush

It is an ambitious government scheme for women's empowerment in India. Under the scheme, the government ensures full immunization of pregnant women and children. 

5. Mudra Yojana

It provides collateral-free loans to small business owners up to Rs. 20 lakhs (limit increased in budget 24-25). With an increased budget allocated for MUDRA loans, the focus is on providing more loans to women-led enterprises. 

6. TREAD Scheme

One of the lesser-known women empowerment schemes in India is the Trade Related Entrepreneurship Development Assistance Scheme (TREAD). The objective of this scheme is to develop women entrepreneurs. For this reason, the government provides 30% of the total loan eligibility of women entrepreneurs up to Rs. 30 lakhs. The rest of the loan is provided by banks, through NGOs that work for women's empowerment and can handle large funds.

7. Ujjwala Yojana

It provides free gas connections and subsidized gas cylinders to BPL families. The scheme directly benefits women by providing them with clean fuel to cook food. 

8. Standup India Mission

This scheme seeks to provide loans between Rs.10 lakhs and Rs.1 crore to SC, ST and women entrepreneurs. This loan covers up to 75% of the total project cost. It is a great women's empowerment scheme in India, and it ensures that women entrepreneurs get the necessary investment. 

9. PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana)

Many would overlook the PMAY Scheme while talking about women empowerment schemes in India. But it is notable that the allotment of PMAY houses with the ownership of women is a major step in empowering them. 

10. Women’s Helpline

A 24x7 helpline with a toll-free number 181 is operated across all states and UTs in India to provide emergency support to women affected by violence or any other distress. 

11. STEP Initiative

STEP is a government scheme for women’s empowerment in India that provides grants to institutions to run training programmes for women. The objective of the program is to ensure employment for women through skill development. 

12. Mahila E-Haat Scheme

As the name suggests, it is an e-marketplace for women to showcase their products. They can also add proper product descriptions and photos to attract customers. It promotes Make in India while ensuring women's empowerment. 

13. Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) Scheme

MSSC scheme are 2-year FDs for women in the Post Offices. They can deposit up to Rs. 2 lakhs and earn an interest of 7.5% p.a. on these deposits. 

14. Mahila Shakti Kendras

MSKs provide support to women for skill development, digital literacy and getting employment. They act as a Centre of women's empowerment that can lay the foundation of modern India.