Synopsis: Woman empowerment schemes in India for 2026 reflects on a broader outlook towards women financial stability and independence and education. This article covers the new schemes for women empowerment initiated by the government to support women across different stages of their lives.
A huge buzz about women empowerment has been created around the world. In today’s world, women have been participating in many avenues associated with men, typically breaking the stereotype. The government has taken this step to build a nation into a women-led development.
Importance of women empowerment in our country
- Increased GDP: half of the population in this country consists of women. Based upon training and educating them, women can be a significant contribution to the Indian economy.
- Education: educated women can uplift the society if she have the benefits of literacy.
- Fight against poverty: having women work in a family is considered taboo in some places. Empowering women to work can bring extra income to the households and help in eradicating poverty.
- Better health: Empowered women can add value to preventive healthcare leading to lower diseases and healthcare expenses.
List of women empowerment schemes in India
1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
This scheme helps in improving the sex ratio of boys and girls by ensuring education for girls. The account can be opened and accessed by the parents of the newborn child.
Eligibility for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
- The account must be opened before the girl turns 10 years of age.
- A maximum deposit of Rs 1.5 lakhs per year.
- The scheme has been functional for 21 years from the day of account opening.
- Maximum two accounts can be opened under one family.
How does it benefit society?
- Any girl who is an Indian resident can benefit from this scheme till 21 years of age.
- The account can be operated by the beneficiary themselves after they turn 18 years of age.
- The balance amount can be used in the girls’ higher education of marriage.
Current interest rate: 8.2% per annum (for the 3rd quarter of FY 2025-2026), tax-free.
2. Lakhpati Didi Scheme
Under this scheme, the government aims to aid more than 2 crore women working in Self-help groups to raise an income of Rs 1 lakh or more.
Eligibility for Lakhpati Didi Scheme
- Active SHG member for 2+ years under DAY-NRLM
- Female resident of rural India between the ages of 18-50 years.
- Should have engaged in 2+ livelihood activities.
- Identification documents required.
How does it benefit society?
- Provides financial knowledge and business training.
- Encouraging entrepreneurship among women.
- Boosts rural employment and household income.
3. Namo Drone Didi Scheme
This scheme indicated by the government aims to train more than 15,000 workers from the self-help groups to train to become drone pilots.
Eligibility for Namo Drone Didi scheme
- Progressive women SHGs under the DAY-NRLM
- Women SHGs involved in agricultural activities
- Qualified women from the SHGs
How does it benefit society?
- 80% of drone cost and gears up to Rs 8 lakhs I provided to women.
- Spare drone parts comes complimentary along with all the packages.
- Specialised training provided to women on drone technology.
- This scheme opens professions to agriculture and mentorship.
4. Mission Indradhanush
In this scheme, the government aims to ensure full immunisation of pregnant women and children.
How does it benefit society?
- 12 types of vaccines available to women and ensures health safety of women.
- Ensures pregnant women and children under the age of 2 years are immunised.
- Improve immunization coverage and reduce child mortality
5. Mudra Yojana
The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana scheme helps small-scale businesses by providing loans up to Rs 20 lakhs, focused on lending loans to more women-based enterprises.
Eligibility for Mudra Yojana
- Sole proprietary
- Partnership firms
- Public and private firms
- Other legal firms
- Other legal documents required.
How does it benefit society?
- Assists low-income groups in expanding their business.
- Provides financial aid and education for business.
- Assists in creating easy access to finance
Also Read: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Benefits, Eligibility, How to Apply and How Much Tax You Can Save
6. TREAD Scheme
Under this scheme, the government aims to develop more women entrepreneurs from this scheme. The government provides 30% of the total loan eligibility of women entrepreneurs up to Rs. 30 lakhs.
Eligibility for TREAD scheme
- Applicants must be women-led enterprises.
- Business should qualify as micro enterprises.
- The women entrepreneurs are from a poor background.
- Legal documents required.
How does it benefit society?
- Offers skill development and enhances entrepreneurship.
- Ensures participation in women income generating activities.
- Improves socio-economic status of women.
7. Ujjwala Yojana
The government provides free gas connection and gas cylinders to the families that fall below the poverty line. This scheme is benefitted to women, giving them a smooth supply of gas to cook.
Eligibility for Ujjwala Yojana
- Applicants must be a woman above the age of 18 years.
- Applicant’s families must fall below the poverty line.
- Applicants must have a bank account to receive the scheme amount.
- The household must not have an existing LPG connection.
How does it benefit society?
boost women empowerment and encourage hygiene in cooking.
8. Standup India Mission
This scheme seeks to provide loans between Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 1crore to women belonging to the lower cast. Ensures that the entrepreneurs receive their necessary investment.
Eligibility for Standup India Mission
- Must belong to SC/ST caste.
- Type of business.
- Bank account details.
- Technical and financial skills required.
How does it benefit society?
- Enables first-time entrepreneurs from SC/ST communities and women to access bank loans for setting up greenfield enterprises without traditional barriers.
- Supports loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore, suitable for manufacturing, services, and trading businesses.
- Encourages entrepreneurship among women.
10. Women’s Helpline
This is a scheme that operates with a 24/7 toll-free number across almost all states that support women during times of distress.
How does it benefit society?
- 24/7 telecom service designed for women when there is any kind of threat or distress.
- The 181 Women Helpline would be integrated with 112 – Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) for all emergency assistance.
- Protection of the women.
Written by Atin Kevin
