The central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alongside the Mahayuti government in Maharashtra, has placed a strong emphasis on empowering women as a driving force for national development. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in fostering growth, several initiatives have been launched focusing on economic and educational empowerment.
One of the standout programs is the “Ladki Bahin” scheme, initially introduced in Madhya Pradesh by Shivraj Singh Chouhan and later extended to Maharashtra by Deputy Chief Minister Ajitdada Pawar. This initiative provides monthly financial assistance of Rs. 1500 (Rs. 18000 annually) directly into the bank accounts of eligible women. To date, over 1.5 crore women have received their first installments under this scheme, with continued support promised by the government.
In addition to economic aid, educational initiatives have been rolled out to benefit girls from economically weaker sections. Free higher education is now available for girls whose family income does not exceed Rs. 7.5 lakh annually. This opens doors to costly vocational training for girls from modest backgrounds, helping them secure quality education and better job opportunities.
To tackle the economic burden of rising domestic gas prices, the Maharashtra government introduced the Chief Minister’s Annapurna Yojana, which provides three free LPG cylinders annually to economically disadvantaged women. Additionally, the central government’s Ujwala Yojana has significantly improved women’s health by delivering gas connections and reducing dependence on traditional cooking methods.
Other initiatives, such as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for high-interest savings and transportation benefits like free bus travel in Karnataka and a 50% fare discount in Maharashtra, have been well-received. Remarkably, Maharashtra’s transport discount has led to the State Transport Corporation becoming profitable for the first time in nine years.
Political empowerment is also a priority, with the central government’s announcement of reservations for women in the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha, aiming to increase their representation in governance. Legislative measures like the abolition of triple talaq and policies ensuring the inclusion of mothers’ names in official documents reinforce the government’s commitment to women’s rights.
Through comprehensive measures in economic support, education, health, and political representation, the central and Maharashtra governments are laying a foundation for a more inclusive and progressive society. These initiatives are driving the transformation towards gender equality, ensuring that women play an essential role in India’s development journey.
