International Women's Day 2025: Modi Government’s 5 Flagship Schemes That Have Greatly Empowered Women

On International Women's Day 2025, India reflects on the significant strides made in women's empowerment through various government initiatives. The Modi administration has launched several flagship schemes aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of women across the nation.

 Here are five pivotal programs that have substantially contributed to this cause:

1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Launched in January 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) initiative addresses the declining child sex ratio and promotes the education and well-being of the girl child. The scheme aims to improve the child sex ratio, promote gender equality, ensure the survival and protection of the girl child, and encourage their education and active participation. 

2. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)

Initiated in May 2016, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provides free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. This scheme aims to reduce health hazards associated with traditional cooking fuels and promote women's health by providing clean cooking fuel. 

3. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

Launched on April 8, 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana facilitates easy, collateral-free micro-credit of up to Rs 20 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities. This scheme has been instrumental in empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with necessary financial support. 

4. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Introduced in 2017, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a maternity benefit program that offers cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women for their first living child. The scheme aims to improve the health and nutrition of both mother and child, while also providing compensation for wage loss, if any. 

5. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

As part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao mission, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana allows parents to open savings accounts for their newborn girl child. This scheme focuses on improving the child sex ratio by promoting education and financial security for girls, helping parents save for their daughter's education and future. 

These initiatives have collectively contributed to the empowerment of women in India, fostering an environment where they can thrive and actively participate in the nation's development.