Empowering women has become a cornerstone of India’s development agenda. Over the years, the Government of India has launched several women-centric schemes—known as Yojanas—to support women in areas like education, health, entrepreneurship, and safety. These schemes are not only improving lives but also fostering independence and equality.
Here’s a look at the top 10 government Yojanas for women in India:
1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Launched: 2015
Ministries: Women & Child Development, Health, and Education
This flagship scheme aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote education for girl children. It focuses on awareness, enforcement of laws against female foeticide, and incentives for education.
🔹 Slogan: “Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter”
🔹 Impact: Improved enrolment of girls in schools in target districts.
2. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
Launched: 2017
Ministry: Women & Child Development
A maternity benefit program that provides financial assistance of ₹5,000 to pregnant and lactating women for their first child, helping them take adequate rest and nutrition.
🔹 Goal: Reduce maternal mortality and undernutrition
🔹 Eligibility: Women aged 19 years and above
3. Mahila E-Haat
Launched: 2016
Ministry: Women & Child Development
An online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs and self-help groups to showcase their products and services. It empowers women digitally and economically.
🔹 Platform: www.mahilaehaat-rmk.gov.in
🔹 Focus: Digital India + Women Empowerment
4. Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Launched: 2016
Ministry: Petroleum and Natural Gas
This scheme provides free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households, promoting health by reducing the use of traditional cooking fuels like wood and coal.
🔹 Benefits: Safe, clean cooking; reduced indoor pollution
🔹 Target: Rural and low-income women
5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Launched: 2015
Ministry: Finance
A small deposit scheme designed to encourage savings for the girl child’s future education and marriage. Offers one of the highest interest rates among small saving schemes.
🔹 Eligibility: Girls below 10 years
🔹 Tax Benefits: Section 80C + Tax-free interest
6. Working Women Hostel Scheme
Launched: 1972 (updated over time)
Ministry: Women & Child Development
This scheme provides safe and affordable accommodation to working women, including daycare facilities for children. It supports women who migrate for jobs.
🔹 Location: Urban, semi-urban areas
🔹 Impact: Reduces safety concerns and living costs
7. One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi)
Launched: 2015
Ministry: Women & Child Development
Also known as Sakhi Centres, these centers provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, including legal, medical, psychological, and police help—all under one roof.
🔹 Available: 700+ centres nationwide
🔹 Helpline: Linked to 24×7 Women Helpline (181)
8. STEP – Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women
Launched: 1986 (revamped in 2014)
Ministry: Women & Child Development
The STEP scheme aims to enhance skills and provide employment in traditional and non-traditional sectors like agriculture, handlooms, hospitality, etc.
🔹 Target: Skill-building for economic independence
🔹 Beneficiaries: Marginalized women, rural women
9. National Scheme for Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)
Launched: 2008
Ministry: Education
Provides financial incentives to girls (especially SC/ST) to encourage school retention after Class 8. A deposit of ₹3,000 is made in the name of the girl child, which she receives with interest upon completing 10th grade.
🔹 Aim: Reduce dropout rates among adolescent girls
🔹 Benefit: Promotes secondary education
10. Nari Shakti Puraskar
Launched: Annual Awards since 1999
Presented by: President of India
Although not a Yojana in the traditional sense, this national award honors exceptional contributions by women and institutions toward women empowerment.
🔹 Prize Money: ₹2 lakh per awardee
🔹 Categories: Individual and institutional
Final Thoughts
India’s development story is incomplete without women at the center. These schemes show how policy can be a powerful tool for creating inclusive growth, building confidence, and providing opportunities. If you’re a woman or know someone who could benefit from these Yojanas, share the information and empower someone today!
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