Women play a vital role in the economic and social development of any country. However, financial dependency, limited access to education, lack of employment opportunities, and security concerns often hinder their progress. To address these challenges, the Indian government has launched several welfare schemes for women aimed at empowering them in various fields, including financial assistance, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, and security.
These schemes are designed to create equal opportunities, provide financial stability, and promote women’s independence in various fields. Whether you are a working woman, an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, or a homemaker, these initiatives can help improve your quality of life and provide security for the future.
In this blog, we will learn about 10 major government schemes for women in India, their features, benefits, and how to apply for them.
Why Are Government Schemes for Women Important?
Despite growing awareness and opportunities for women, various economic and social factors still create gender-based inequalities. Government schemes for women serve as an important tool to promote gender equality, financial independence, and social security.
Here are some of the main reasons why these schemes are important:
- Encouraging Girl Child Education: Many families, especially in rural areas, still do not prioritize girls’ education. Government initiatives provide financial incentives to promote girl child education and reduce school dropout rates.
- Promoting Women Entrepreneurship: Women-led businesses contribute significantly to the economy, but access to funding remains a challenge. Several government schemes provide financial support and mentoring to women entrepreneurs.
- Ensuring Financial Security: Many women, especially from economically weaker sections, lack financial stability. Savings schemes and financial assistance programs provide long-term security.
- Providing Better Healthcare & Maternity Benefits: Maternal healthcare is essential to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates. Government schemes ensure access to proper medical care and financial support for pregnant women.
- Enhancing Women’s Safety & Protection: Several schemes focus on providing shelter, legal aid, and financial support to women facing domestic violence and abuse.
If you or someone you know can benefit from these schemes, read on to understand their details and application process.
10 Government Schemes for Women in India
1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is one of the most well-known schemes for women in India. Launched in 2015, aimed at eliminating gender discrimination and promoting girls’ education. The scheme was launched in response to the declining child sex ratio in India, especially in states where female foeticide and infanticide were prevalent.
Key Features:
- Encourages birth, survival, and education of girl children.
- Provides financial incentives to families supporting girl child education.
- Works towards changing societal mindset regarding gender bias.
- Includes awareness programs, educational resources, and scholarships for girls.
How to Apply:
- Parents can visit their nearest Anganwadi center, Gram Panchayat office, or the District Collector’s office for registration.
- Required documents include the birth certificate of the girl child, Aadhaar card, and proof of residence.
- The scheme operates in selected districts with low female literacy and sex ratios.
Who Can Benefit?
- Families with girl children, particularly from rural and economically weaker sections.
- Parents looking to ensure financial stability for their daughter’s education.
2. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
This scheme provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers to ensure better healthcare and nutrition, thereby reducing maternal and infant mortality. Many women, especially in low-income families, face financial difficulties during pregnancy, leading to poor maternal health and malnutrition. This scheme ensures that pregnant mothers get proper care and comfort.
Key Features:
- Provides ₹5,000 in three installments for the first child.
- Encourages institutional deliveries and prenatal & postnatal care.
- Aims to reduce malnutrition and maternal mortality.
- Supports breastfeeding and proper infant nutrition.
How to Apply:
- Visit the nearest government hospital, Anganwadi center, or Common Service Center (CSC).
- Submit Aadhaar card, pregnancy-related medical documents, and bank account details.
- The financial aid is directly transferred to the mother’s bank account.
Who Can Benefit?
- Pregnant and lactating women from low-income families having their first child.
3. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
This is a high interest savings scheme launched under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, aimed at providing financial security for the education and marriage of girls. This scheme encourages parents to start saving early for their daughters.
Key Features:
- A tax-free, high-interest savings account for girls under 10 years.
- Maturity period of 21 years or until the girl turns 18 for marriage or higher education.
- Encourages long-term financial security.
How to Apply:
- Open an account at a post office or designated bank by submitting the girl’s birth certificate, Aadhaar card, and KYC documents.
- Minimum annual deposit: ₹250
- Maximum annual deposit: ₹1.5 lakh
Who Can Benefit?
- Parents who want to save for their daughter’s education and marriage.
4. Mahila E-Haat
Mahila E-Haat is an online platform for women entrepreneurs where they can sell their products directly to customers without any middlemen. This scheme promotes financial independence and business growth for women artisans, self-help groups and small business owners.
Key Features:
- Free online marketplace for women entrepreneurs.
- Helps women market their handmade goods, textiles, jewelry, and more.
- Encourages digital transactions and financial independence.
How to Apply:
- Women can register on www.mahilaehaat-rmk.gov.in and upload details about their products.
- No middlemen or commission fees involved.
Who Can Benefit?
- Women looking to sell handmade or locally manufactured products.
5. Ujjwala Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched to provide free LPG connections to women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to reduce health hazards caused by household air pollution generated by traditional cooking fuels.
Key Features:
- Free LPG connection with a stove and one refill.
- Reduces indoor air pollution and improves health of women and children.
- Promotes the use of clean energy.
How to Apply:
- Visit a nearby LPG distributor with Aadhaar card, BPL certificate, and proof of residence.
- Submit documents and get a free LPG connection.
Who Can Benefit?
- Women from economically weaker sections who still use firewood for cooking.
6. Working Women Hostel Scheme
Many working women migrate from their hometowns to urban areas for better career opportunities. However, finding safe, affordable and well-furnished housing is a major challenge. To address this issue, the government launched the Working Women Hostel Scheme, which provides subsidized housing with essential amenities.
Key Features:
- Provides affordable and safe hostel accommodation for working women.
- Available for single women, widows, divorced women, and women undergoing job training.
- Includes daycare facilities for children of working mothers.
- Ensures security, basic amenities, and hygienic living conditions.
How to Apply:
- Women can apply through the nearest Social Welfare Department office or visit the official website of the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
- Required documents include employment proof, income certificate, Aadhaar card, and address proof.
Who Can Benefit?
- Working women who need safe and affordable accommodation.
- Single mothers who require housing along with childcare facilities.
7. One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi)
Women facing domestic violence, sexual assault or abuse often struggle to get immediate legal and medical help. The One Stop Centre scheme (Sakhi Kendra) provides comprehensive support to women in distress by providing shelter, legal aid and counselling services under one roof.
Key Features:
- 24/7 support centers for women facing domestic violence, abuse, or harassment.
- Provides medical assistance, legal aid, counseling, and temporary shelter.
- Available in all districts across India.
- Helpline services to connect women with emergency police and legal support.
How to Apply:
- Women in distress can visit the nearest Sakhi One Stop Centre located in district hospitals or police stations.
- Alternatively, they can contact the 181 Women’s Helpline for immediate assistance.
Who Can Benefit?
- Women facing domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry abuse, or acid attacks.
- Survivors who need legal guidance and psychological counseling.
8. Nari Shakti Puraskar
Nari Shakti Puraskar is the highest civilian award for women in India, recognising their contribution to society, education, business and social work. It aims to motivate women to excel in various fields and inspire the younger generation.
Key Features:
- Recognizes extraordinary women achievers from different fields.
- Awarded annually on International Women’s Day (March 8).
- Cash prize of ₹2 lakh per awardee.
- Categories include entrepreneurship, social work, education, sports, and more.
How to Apply:
- Nominations are invited online through the Ministry of Women & Child Development website.
- Applicants must submit proof of achievements, identity documents, and recommendation letters.
Who Can Benefit?
- Women making significant contributions in fields like education, sports, social work, and business.
- Organizations working for women’s empowerment and social upliftment.
9. MUDRA Yojana for Women
Women entrepreneurs often face financial constraints while starting or expanding their business. Mudra Yojana for women offers business loans without any collateral to help them achieve financial independence.
Key Features:
- Provides loans up to ₹10 lakh for women entrepreneurs.
- No collateral required; loans are backed by government financial institutions.
- Three loan categories:
- Shishu (Up to ₹50,000 for small startups)
- Kishor (₹50,000 – ₹5 lakh for growing businesses)
- Tarun (₹5 lakh – ₹10 lakh for established businesses)
- Supports women-led businesses in manufacturing, retail, services, and handicrafts.
How to Apply:
- Women entrepreneurs can apply at banks, microfinance institutions, or online at www.mudra.org.in.
- Documents required: Business plan, identity proof, bank statements, and financial records.
Who Can Benefit?
- Women starting small businesses or expanding their existing enterprises.
- Self-help groups and rural women entrepreneurs looking for financial support.
10. Mahila Samridhi Yojana
Mahila Samriddhi Yojana (MSY) provides micro-financing opportunities to women in rural and semi-urban areas, and encourages them to start small businesses or invest in income-generating activities.
Key Features:
- Offers low-interest microfinance loans for women-led businesses.
- Aims to improve financial literacy and self-employment opportunities.
- Encourages women to save and invest in economic activities.
How to Apply:
- Women can apply through rural banks, self-help groups (SHGs), and cooperative societies.
- Required documents include income proof, identity proof, and business proposal (if applicable).
Who Can Benefit?
- Rural women seeking financial assistance for starting a small business.
- Self-help groups engaged in cottage industries, agriculture, and trade.
How to Choose the Right Scheme for You?
With so many government schemes for women available, it is important to choose the right plan based on your needs, eligibility and future goals. Here are some tips that will help you decide:
- Identify Your Requirement:
- Are you looking for financial assistance, education support, housing, healthcare, or business funding?
- Check Eligibility Criteria:
- Ensure you meet the income, age, and other eligibility conditions before applying.
- Gather Necessary Documents:
- Have your Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, and bank details ready.
- Visit the Official Website or Local Office:
- Always refer to government websites or visit a local government office to get authentic information.
Conclusion
The Indian government has launched several schemes for women to empower, promote economic independence, and improve their overall well-being. Whether it is providing financial support, ensuring security, or encouraging entrepreneurship, these initiatives play a vital role in reducing gender inequality and promoting women’s development.
If you or someone you know is eligible for any of these schemes for women, it is important to avail of them and spread awareness. By participating in these initiatives, women can build a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their families.
Are you interested in applying for any of these government schemes for women in India? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!