Women are the torchbearers of society as they nurture life and mould it in different ways for society. However, women were left behind in the race of equality due to the patriarchal setup of the society in India.

Keeping women’s empowerment at the core of their policies, the Government of India introduces multiple schemes for women empowerment. These schemes for women are started by both the central govt as well as state government. These government schemes aim to bridge the equality and opportunity gaps between men and women to create balance and equity in society. Let us know about these women empowerment schemes in detail.

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What Are Central Government Schemes For Women?

Women empowerment schemes that are introduced by the government at the central level or the Union government are known as central government schemes for women. These govt schemes apply to all states across India. Women from all over the country can avail the benefits of these government schemes for women empowerment.

Some central govt women empowerment schemes are:

• Stand Up India: Provides loans and support to women entrepreneurs.

• Skill India Mission: Focuses on equipping women with industry-relevant skills.

• Mahila Police Volunteers (MPVs): Volunteers work with police to ensure women’s safety.

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourages parents to save for their daughters’ futures with attractive interest rates and tax benefits.

• Ujjawala Scheme: Aims to prevent trafficking and rehabilitate victims.

• Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): Empowers rural women through community participation.

• Mahila E-Haat: An online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs.

• STEP (Support to Training and Employment Program for Women): Provides skills and employment opportunities for women.

• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women.

• National Creche Scheme: Provides daycare facilities for children of working mothers.

What Are The Different Types Of Women Empowerment Schemes?

Women empowerment is a broad concept which involves facilitating education, equal rights, and job opportunities for women amongst many other things. Some of the steps taken under these various government women empowerment schemes are:

• Job reservations

• Skilling and Vocational Training Programmes

• Assistance for women engaged in MSMEs and cooperative societies

• Facilitation of loans to set up business

• Safety schemes

• Education and scholarship programmes

These women empowerment schemes help women in becoming independent and self-dependent. They do not have to look at others to fulfil their ambitions and dreams. These schemes are introduced by state governments for women of their state while the central govt announces these schemes for the benefit of women of the entire country.

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What Are Some Different Central Govt Women Empowerment Schemes 2024?

There are many different government schemes 2024 that are helping women follow their ambitions and empower themselves with the help of the government. Women are leading different sectors and industries as a result of these Sarkari Yojanas. Let us learn in detail about the women empowerment schemes 2024.

Scheme	Feature
One Stop Centre Scheme	integrated support services including medical, legal, and counselling
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao	Financial incentives for families to educate girls
Women Helpline Scheme (181)	24/7 toll-free helpline for immediate assistance
Working Women’s Hostel Scheme	Affordable and safe accommodation for working women
Swadhar Greh Scheme	Comprehensive support including shelter, food, and vocational training

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims to address the declining child sex ratio (CSR) and promote the education and empowerment of girls in India. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Education.

An application for this govt scheme can be made by a family with a girl child (Indian) below 10 years of age and having a Sukanya Samridhi Yojana account in a nationalised bank. An application form can be procured and submitted through the post office.

Read More: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme (बेटी बचाओ बेटी पढ़ाओ): Saving And Educating The Daughters Of India

Working Women’s Hostel Scheme

The Working Women Hostel Scheme provides safe and affordable accommodation for working women, including those undergoing job training. Eligible women include those who are single, widowed, divorced, separated, or married but living away from their families.

The scheme also allows women to stay with their children (girls up to 18 years and boys up to 5 years). Applications can be submitted online through the official portal or offline at Common Service Centers (CSCs). This initiative ensures that working women have secure housing, enabling them to focus on their professional growth.

Read More: A New Scheme To Provide Assistance For Working Women to Get Safe Housing?

One Stop Centre Scheme

The One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme, also known as Sakhi, is an initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India to support women affected by violence. Launched on April 1, 2015, the government scheme aims to provide integrated services such as medical aid, police assistance, legal aid, psycho-social counselling, and temporary shelter under one roof. The OSCs are designed to assist women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, regardless of age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race, or culture.

Women can access these centres by themselves or through referrals from various agencies. The centres operate 24/7 and are linked with existing mechanisms like the National Health Mission and police services to ensure comprehensive support. Applications can be made offline by visiting the nearest OSC.

Read More: Providing Support To Women Facing Violence With The One Stop Centre Scheme!

Swadhar Greh Scheme

The Swadhar Greh Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to support women in difficult circumstances by providing them with shelter, food, clothing, and health care, along with economic and social security. This yojana is designed for women above 18 years who are deserted, survivors of natural disasters, released prisoners, victims of domestic violence, trafficked women, and those affected by HIV/AIDS.

The scheme allows women to stay in Swadhar Greh for up to three years, with provisions for older women to stay up to five years. Children accompanying these women are also accommodated, with girls up to 18 years and boys up to 8 years allowed to stay. Applications for the Swadhar Greh Scheme can be made through the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s official website or the National Portal of India.

Read More: Swadhar Greh Scheme 2024 | Empowering Women In Difficult Circumstances

Women Helpline Scheme

The Women Helpline Scheme (181) is a crucial initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, designed to provide 24/7 emergency and non-emergency response to women affected by violence, both in public and private spaces. By calling the toll-free number 181, women can access immediate support, including referrals to police, hospitals, One Stop Centres, and legal services.

The helpline also offers counselling services and information about various government schemes and programs for women’s welfare. This multi-channel service ensures confidentiality and is accessible via phone, email, and online chat.

Read More: Learn About The Women Helpline Scheme And How It Is Empowering Women Of India!

What Are Some State Government Schemes For Women Empowerment?

State governments also play a crucial role in empowering the women of their states. Different women empowerment schemes are launched to help the women in their state grow and help them settle down. Let us learn about some different women empowerment schemes 2024 in different states!

Ladli Laxmi Yojana In Madhya Pradesh

The Ladli Laxmi Yojana, launched by the Madhya Pradesh government in 2007, aims to improve the status of girls in society by enhancing their educational and health standards and promoting positive attitudes towards their birth. Under this govt scheme, the government issues a financial bond of ₹1,43,000 in the name of the girl child, which is disbursed in stages from her enrollment in school to her higher education.

Eligible beneficiaries include girls born on or after January 1, 2006, whose parents are residents of Madhya Pradesh, non-income taxpayers, and who have adopted family planning measures after the birth of two girls. Applications can be made online through the official Ladli Laxmi Yojana website, where parents need to fill out the application form and submit the required documents

Read More: Ladli Laxmi Yojana: Educating Our Daughters

Mahtri Vandana Yojana In Chhattisgarh

The Mahtari Vandana Yojana is a welfare scheme launched by the Chhattisgarh government to provide financial assistance to women in the state. Under this scheme, eligible women receive a monthly aid of ₹1,000 to support their economic independence and improve their living standards.

The scheme is open to married women who are residents of Chhattisgarh, including widows, divorcees, and women abandoned by their husbands, provided they are above 21 years of age. However, women whose family members are income taxpayers or hold certain government positions are not eligible. To apply, women can visit the official Mahtari Vandana Yojana website or approach the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) to fill out the application form and submit the required documents.

Read More: Mahtari Vandana Scheme: A Game-Changer For Women

Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana In Delhi

The Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana is a welfare scheme launched by the Delhi government to provide financial assistance to women. Under this scheme, eligible women receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 starting from the fiscal year 2024-25. To qualify, women must be over 18 years old and possess a Delhi voter ID card.

However, those already receiving pensions or aid from the Delhi government, government employees, and tax-paying women are excluded. Applicants need to provide their Aadhaar, PAN, bank account details, and voter ID card. The application process will be available online through the official website of the Women and Child Department of Delhi.

Read More: Get Rs 1000 Monthly With Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana

Udyogini Scheme In Karnataka

The Udyogini Scheme in Karnataka is a government initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance to start or expand their businesses. This scheme offers loans up to ₹3 lakhs at nominal interest rates, and in some cases, interest-free loans. To be eligible, applicants must be women aged between 18 and 55 years, with an annual family income of less than ₹1.5 lakhs. There are no income limits for disabled, widowed, or destitute women.

Eligible businesses include small-scale industries, retail, manufacturing, and self-employed professions. Applicants need to submit documents such as a detailed project report, income certificate, and relevant identification proofs. The application can be made online through the official websites of participating banks or offline at the nearest bank branch.

Read More: Understanding The Udyogini Scheme (उद्योगिनी योजना): Empowering Women Entrepreneurs In Karnataka

Nari Niketan Scheme In Jammu And Kashmir

The Nari Niketan Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, established in 1976 by the Social Welfare Department, aims to provide shelter and rehabilitation for deserted, destitute women, and widows who lack means of livelihood. There are seven Nari Niketans across the region, with a total capacity of 280 inmates. These institutions offer care, protection, food, shelter, and education for school-going girls.

Eligibility criteria include being a female permanent resident of Jammu and Kashmir and having no means of livelihood. To apply, eligible women must visit the District Social Welfare Office, fill out the application form, and submit it along with the documents required. The application is then reviewed by the District Level Sanctioning Committee.

Read More: Nari Niketan Scheme: Providing Support To The Women Of Jammu And Kashmir

Conclusion

India’s women empowerment schemes are making a big difference in promoting gender equality and improving women’s lives. Programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao focus on the education and well-being of girls, while the One Stop Centre Scheme offers support to women facing violence. It’s important to spread the word about these govt schemes so more women can benefit.

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