According to World Bank Data (2023), India’s female labor force participation rate increased from 23.3% in 2014 to 30.5% in 2023, signaling improved opportunities for women in employment and entrepreneurship.
The Modi government has undertaken numerous initiatives to create a safer, more inclusive, and empowering environment for women employees and entrepreneurs in India. Recognizing the barriers women face in workplaces and business ecosystems, the government has implemented legislative frameworks, financial assistance programs, and digital platforms to enhance women’s participation in the economy. This article explores these initiatives in detail, backed by facts, figures, and references from government reports and studies.
Legislative Measures for Women’s Safety and Empowerment
The Companies Act
The Companies Act administered by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has several provisions aimed at ensuring gender inclusivity and workplace safety:
Mandatory Women Directors: Section 149(2) mandates every listed company and public company with a paid-up share capital of Rs. 100 crore or turnover of Rs. 300 crore to appoint at least one woman director. (Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 2014)
Sexual Harassment Compliance: Companies are required to include a statement in their annual Board Report confirming compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. (Government of India, 2013)
Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
This Act mandates the establishment of Internal Committees (ICs) in organizations with ten or more employees and Local Committees (LCs) at the district level for smaller workplaces or cases involving employers themselves. In a significant step towards digitization, the SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment electronic–Box) was launched on August 29, 2024, providing a centralized platform for filing and tracking complaints. (Government of India, 2024)
The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017
The Act extended paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks and mandated creche facilities for establishments with 50 or more employees. This has significantly improved work-life balance for working mothers. (Ministry of Labour & Employment, 2017)
Financial and Entrepreneurial Support for Women
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs receive additional benefits under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), facilitating easier access to credit. As per the MSME Annual Report 2023, over 38% of MSMEs in India are owned by women, indicating the success of such schemes. (Ministry of MSME, 2023)
Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)
This credit-linked subsidy program benefits a substantial number of women entrepreneurs by offering higher subsidies than those provided to men. Since 2014, nearly 45% of PMEGP beneficiaries have been women. (PMEGP Annual Report, 2023)
Stand-Up India (SUI) Scheme
Launched in 2016, this scheme ensures that each Scheduled Commercial Bank branch provides loans between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore to at least one woman borrower to set up a greenfield enterprise. By 2023, over 1.5 lakh women-led enterprises have benefited from the program. (NABARD, 2023)
Yashasvini Initiative (2024)
Launched on June 27, 2024, this initiative focuses on capacity-building for women entrepreneurs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, providing financial literacy, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs. (Government of India, 2024)
Social Security and Workplace Benefits
The Code on Social Security, 2020 & The Code on Wages, 2019
The Code on Social Security, 2020 ensures maternity benefits, extending protections to informal sector workers.
The Code on Wages, 2019 enforces equal pay for equal work and prohibits gender-based wage discrimination. (Ministry of Labour & Employment, 2020)
Palna Scheme (2022)
Introduced on April 1, 2022, the Palna Scheme provides subsidized daycare facilities for children of working mothers, helping women balance work and childcare responsibilities. (Women & Child Development Ministry, 2022)
Impact of Government Initiatives
According to World Bank Data (2023), India’s female labor force participation rate increased from 23.3% in 2014 to 30.5% in 2023, signaling improved opportunities for women in employment and entrepreneurship.
India climbed 23 ranks in the Global Gender Gap Index 2023 due to progressive policy changes. (World Economic Forum, 2023)
Women-led startups received 15% more funding in 2023 compared to 2019, attributed to government-backed financial schemes. (Startup India Report, 2023)
The Modi government has made landmark contributions in ensuring a safe, secure, and non-discriminatory environment for women employees and entrepreneurs. By implementing strong legal frameworks, launching financial inclusion programs, and introducing technological innovations like SHe-Box, India has taken significant strides toward women empowerment in workplaces. While challenges remain, continued focus on women-led economic growth will be pivotal in achieving India’s vision of a $5 trillion economy.
References:
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India (2013, 2014, 2024)
- Ministry of Labour & Employment (2017, 2019, 2020)
- Ministry of MSME (2023)
- PMEGP Annual Report (2023)
- NABARD Report (2023)
- Women & Child Development Ministry (2022)
- Startup India Report (2023)
- World Economic Forum (2023)
- World Bank Data (2023)
