The Narendra Modi government has implemented various measures aimed at empowering women across different sectors and addressing gender disparities in India. Here are some key initiatives and policies:
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign
Launched in 2015, this flagship scheme aims to address gender imbalance and promote the education and welfare of girls. It focuses on improving the sex ratio, preventing gender-based sex-selective practices, and encouraging girls’ education and empowerment.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
This maternity benefit program provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women for their first child. It aims to ensure proper nutrition and healthcare for mothers and newborns and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
Ujjwala Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aims to provide free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line households, thereby promoting clean cooking fuel, reducing indoor air pollution, and empowering women by enhancing their health and safety.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
This savings scheme is designed to promote the welfare and education of the girl child. Parents or guardians can open an account in the name of a girl child below ten years of age, contributing towards her future education and marriage expenses.
Mission Shakti
Launched in 2020, Mission Shakti aims to ensure the safety and dignity of women through various initiatives, including the setting up of women’s help desks in police stations, strengthening laws related to crimes against women, and raising awareness about women’s rights and safety.
Stand-Up India scheme
This scheme promotes entrepreneurship among women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) by providing loans for starting greenfield enterprises. It aims to create self-employment opportunities and promote economic empowerment among marginalized groups.
Mahila e-Haat
This online platform enables women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services. It provides a platform for women to access markets, promote their businesses, and connect with buyers across India.
Swachh Bharat mission (Gramin)
While not exclusively focused on women, the Swachh Bharat Mission aims to promote sanitation and hygiene practices, which disproportionately benefit women and girls by reducing their burden of collecting water, preventing diseases, and improving overall health and well-being.
Skill development initiatives
Various skill development programs and initiatives aim to enhance the employability of women by providing training and support in various sectors, including healthcare, IT, agriculture, and manufacturing.
These initiatives demonstrate the Modi government’s commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and creating an enabling environment for their socio-economic advancement. While progress has been made, challenges remain, and continued efforts are needed to address gender disparities and ensure the full participation and inclusion of women in India’s development journey.
