There is a huge buzz about women’s empowerment around the world. In the 21st Century, women have started participating in many avenues traditionally associated with men. The growth in technology has made the task easier. Going a step further, the Government of India has shared its vision of women-led development to make India a developed nation by 2047. In this blog, we discuss all the current women’s empowerment schemes in India.
Importance of Women’s Empowerment in India
When we look at ancient Indian texts and scriptures, we see empowered women. Moreover, they were the axis around which the civilisations used to thrive. But, a series of attacks and invasions posed a threat to the civilisation. Women were exposed to all sorts of torture and abuse during this dark phase.
Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that we are still fighting for empowering women around the world. With every passing day, the issue is coming right to the fore. In the wake of this, the government of India has started many women’s empowerment schemes in India. These schemes are going to propel women into the driver’s seat, fostering the way for women-led development.
Now you would ask, what is the need for women empowerment schemes in India? Here are some undeniable reasons:
- Increased GDP: Women are 50% of the population. They can add immense value to the Indian economy in various fields.
- Education: An educated woman has the know-how and the means to uplift society. Remember the popular African proverb? “If you teach a man, you teach an individual, but if you teach a woman, you teach a nation.”
- Fight against Poverty: Having more earning members is a boon for a poor family. Empowering women of the family can help eradicate poverty, especially multidimensional poverty.
- Social Justice: The rights promised by our constitution emphasise social justice. Empowering women can bring an end to patriarchy, which is deeply ingrained in our society.
- Improved health: Remember the magical home remedies of our grannies? There you go! Empowered women can add value to preventive healthcare, leading to lower diseases and healthcare expenses.
List of Women Empowerment Schemes in India 2026
Now that you understand why women’s empowerment is important, let’s discuss the government schemes for women’s empowerment in India in 2026.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Launched as a part of the most popular “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” mission, the SSY accounts can be opened by the parents of a newborn girl child. The mission aims to improve the Sex Ratio by ensuring education for girls. Here are some key points of the SSY scheme:
- The scheme is for 15 years.
- It can be extended up to 5 years at a time.
- Maximum annual investment – Rs. 1.50 lakhs
- Deduction for investment available u/s 80C (in the Old Tax Regime)
- Tax-Free Interest – 8.2% p.a. (much higher than FD)
- The amount can be used for the girl child’s higher education, marriage, etc.
Click here to learn more about the scheme.
Lakhpati Didi Scheme
It is one of the key women’s 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.
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 digitalise the land records across rural India.
Mission Indradhanush
Mission Indradhanush is an ambitious government scheme for women’s empowerment in India. Under the scheme, the government ensures full immunisation of pregnant women and children.
Mudra Yojana
The PMMY (Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana) provides collateral-free loans to small business owners up to Rs. 20 lakhs (limit increased in the budget 24-25). With an increased budget allocated for MUDRA loans, the focus is on providing more loans to women-led enterprises.
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.
Ujjwala Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides free gas connections and subsidised gas cylinders to BPL families. The scheme directly benefits women by providing them with clean fuel to cook food.
Standup India Mission
The Standup India Mission 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.
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.
Women’s Helpline
A 24×7 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.
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.
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.
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) Scheme
MSSCs 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.
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.
Women’s empowerment is the need of the hour. There are several government schemes for women’s empowerment in India that we have discussed in this blog. Hope many aspiring women can get the benefits of these schemes, and the objective of women-led development is fulfilled.
