Prime Highlights
- More than 10 crore women are participating in Self-Help Groups, while over 3 crore women have achieved financial independence through the Lakhpati Didi programme.
- Government initiatives are combining women’s empowerment, youth skill development, and entrepreneurship support to drive inclusive growth.
Key Facts
- The Startup India initiative has helped increase the number of recognised startups from around 500 in 2016 to more than 2 lakh, creating the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
- The Stand-Up India scheme has sanctioned loans exceeding ₹62,000 crore to more than 2 lakh entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women.
Background
It is now considered that the empowerment of women is one of the most significant contributors towards the progress of India, which can be achieved through different initiatives undertaken by the Government in terms of empowering them economically and skillfully.
As part of government efforts, over 10 crore women have become members of self-help groups or SHGs and started small businesses. More than 3 crore women have benefitted from the government programme known as Lakhpati Didi, through which they have gained economic freedom. The government also plans to extend this programme to cover 6 crore women. Through the programme called Namo Drone Didi, rural women are receiving training for operating agricultural drones, thereby creating jobs for them. Apart from programmes for women, the government is also focusing on youth entrepreneurship through skill development.
The Startup India initiative has also expanded the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The number of recognised startups has increased from around 500 in 2016 to more than 2 lakh, making India home to the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Industrial lobbyists have stated that government schemes and policies have helped in creating an atmosphere where young entrepreneurs have started establishing themselves in the country.
Moreover, the government’s schemes are also targeted towards tribal and underprivileged sections of society. The scheme “Stand Up India” has provided loans amounting to ₹62,000 crores to around 2 lakhs of entrepreneurs from the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Women.
The government is providing free accommodation and education through “Eklavya Model Residential Schools”. More than 499 Eklavya Model Residential Schools are providing accommodation and education to around 1.5 lakhs tribal students. Moreover, development projects are being launched in remote areas, including roads, electricity, and water facilities.
