What are the Government Schemes for Women in India?
The Indian government has taken significant steps to empower women, creating opportunities to achieve economic independence and enhance their quality of life.
In this article, we'll take a deep dive into various government schemes for women in India, which are a part of government initiatives for the care and security of women in our society.
List of Government Schemes for Women in India - 2024
Here is a list of operational schemes that aim to make women independent and empower them in India:
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme was launched on January 22, 2015, by the Prime Minister of India in Haryana.
This government scheme for women aims to ensure the survival, protection, and education of girl children by addressing the declining sex ratio, creating social awareness, and enhancing the efficiency of welfare services developed for girls.
To promote safe accommodation and environment for working women and provide daycare facilities for their children, the Government of India has introduced the ‘Working Women Hostel Scheme’.
Through this government scheme for women, the Government provides grant-in-aid for the construction and new hostel buildings and the extension of an existing building in rented premises.
The One Stop Centre Scheme is crucial to the Indian government's women empowerment projects. This centrally sponsored scheme is funded through the Nirbhaya fund. It is designed to provide 100% central assistance to state governments to protect women affected by gender-based violence in public and private spaces.
The scheme provides emergency medical, legal aid, and counselling services, as well as non-emergency services, all under one roof, to combat all forms of violence against women.
When a complaint is registered through SMS or the Internet, a text message is sent to the appropriate district/area officials such as DPO/PO/CDPO/DYSP/CMO/SHO/DM/SP/PO. If the victim registers the complaint in person or someone else registers it on their behalf, the case details are entered into a system, and a unique ID is generated.
The Women Helpline Scheme is a government initiative that provides 24x7 emergency responses to women affected by violence in public or private spaces through a single toll-free number (181).
If a victim's call is disconnected or interrupted due to sickness or disability while stating her issue, emergency services will immediately locate and reach her by tracking her address.
Mahila E-Haat is an online platform launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to allow women entrepreneurs to showcase their products to buyers using mobile and internet connections.
The initiative supports the 'Make in India' program and includes various products such as clothing, fashion accessories, home decor, pottery, toys, and more.
The Mahila Police Volunteers scheme was launched in all States and Union Territories by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and Home Affairs.
It is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to establish a connection between police authorities and local communities to ensure police outreach on crime cases.
One of the most effective government schemes for women in India is the Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP).
Its goal is to train women in skill development and ensure employment opportunities. This government-sponsored scheme offers grants to institutions and organisations to conduct training programs.
The SWADHAR Greh scheme is a government project to empower women in India by providing them with shelter, food, clothing, and social, economic, and health security.
It also offers legal assistance to women and helps them readjust to society.
One of the well-known government schemes for women in India is the Mahila Shakti Kendra. It is designed to offer comprehensive support services to women to help them develop skills, find job opportunities, and improve their digital literacy.
The scheme operates at various levels, such as national, state, and district levels, and the government aims to establish 920 Mahila Shakti Kendras in the 115 most underdeveloped districts.
The National Creche Scheme is a women empowerment project introduced by the government for the children of working mothers.
It provides daycare facilities to improve the health and nutrition status of children, promotes their physical, social, and holistic development, and educates parents on enhancing childcare methods and techniques.
Conclusion
The Indian government has introduced various schemes to empower women and provide them with opportunities for growth and safety. These government schemes for women aim to address issues such as gender inequality, violence against women, and access to education and healthcare. Through schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Working Women Hostel, One-Stop Centre, Women Helpline, Mahila Police Volunteers, and many more, the government is actively working towards creating a more inclusive and secure environment for women in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What government schemes for women are available to empower women in various sectors?
About 10 widely known and implemented schemes are introduced for women's welfare. Some of these schemes are - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme, Working Women Hostel Scheme, One-Stop Centre Scheme and more.
2. How can women entrepreneurs benefit from government schemes for women?
Women entrepreneurs in India can benefit from government schemes designed exclusively for them. These schemes offer financial support, skill development, and business opportunities. Some key initiatives include the Stand Up India scheme, the Mudra Yojana, and the Mahila Coir Yojana. These programs aim to empower women economically by providing access to capital, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering skill enhancement, ultimately paving the way for their business success.
3. Are there any specific government schemes for women in rural areas to promote economic development?
Several government schemes in India specifically target women in rural areas to promote economic development. Programs such as the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) aim to empower women in rural settings by providing financial assistance, skill development, and support for maternal health.
4. What financial assistance is provided to women for starting or expanding their businesses under government programs?
Women seeking to start or expand businesses in India can access financial assistance through government programs like the Stand Up India scheme, Mudra Yojana, and the Mahila Coir Yojana. These initiatives offer loans, grants, and credit support, empowering women entrepreneurs by providing the necessary financial resources to establish or grow their businesses.
5. Are any skill development programs exclusively designed for women to enhance their employability?
Several skill development programs in India are exclusively designed for women to enhance their employability. Initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), STEP (Support to Training and Employment Program for Women), and Udaan focus on equipping women with valuable skills, improving their employment prospects and fostering economic independence.
6. How can women avail themselves of educational scholarships and grants the government provides?
Women can avail themselves of educational scholarships and grants provided by the government through various schemes. Key initiatives include the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education, the Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Meritorious Girls belonging to Minority Communities, and the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Minorities. Women can apply through the designated online portals or offline application processes outlined by the respective scholarship programs to access these opportunities.
Disclaimer
Investment and securities are subject to market risks. Please read all the related documents carefully before investing. The contents of this article are for informational purposes only, and not to be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell securities, mutual funds, or any other financial products.
