Nari Shakti Se Rashtra Shakti: How the Modi Government is Fueling Women-Led Development in India
For far too long, the narrative around women in development has focused on “women’s
development” – viewing women as beneficiaries of welfare schemes. However, under the
leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a profound and deliberate
shift towards “women-led development”. This paradigm change recognizes women not just
as recipients of progress, but as powerful architects and drivers of national growth. From
Indore, and across the length and breadth of India, the impact of this philosophy is becoming
increasingly visible.
The Modi government’s approach to empowering women has been comprehensive, lifecycle-
based, and deeply rooted in the belief that true national prosperity is impossible without the
full and active participation of its women. This isn’t just about social justice; it’s about
economic imperative and unlocking India’s immense human potential.
Shifting the Narrative: From Welfare to Leadership
The transformation began with a fundamental re-imagining of women’s role. The emphasis
moved from merely providing for women to enabling them to lead. This has been supported
by a multitude of schemes and policy interventions across various domains:
- Dignity and Basic Necessities: A foundational step towards empowerment is
ensuring dignity and basic living conditions.
o The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) has provided over 10.33
crore LPG connections, liberating millions of women from the drudgery and
health hazards of traditional chulhas (clay stoves). This has not only improved
health but also freed up time for women to pursue other activities.
o The Swachh Bharat Mission has built over 12 crore toilets, significantly
enhancing safety, hygiene, and dignity for women, especially in rural areas.
o The Jal Jeevan Mission has brought tap water connections to over 15.6 crore
rural households, alleviating the burden on women and girls who often spent
hours fetching water.
o The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has seen 73% of its houses
either solely or jointly owned by women, granting them property rights,
security, and a stronger voice in household decisions.
- Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship: Economic empowerment is crucial for
women to lead.
o The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has brought millions of
women into the formal banking system, providing them access to credit and
financial services.
o The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has been a game-changer for
women entrepreneurs, with approximately 68% of loans sanctioned under the
scheme going to women, enabling them to start or expand their small
businesses without collateral.
o The Stand-Up India Scheme specifically targets women and SC/ST
entrepreneurs, providing loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to establish
ventures.
o The Lakhpati Didi Scheme aims to empower 2 crore women in Self-Help
Groups (SHGs) to earn over ₹1 lakh annually, fostering financial
independence at the grassroots.
o The Drone Didi Scheme is training 15,000 women from SHGs as drone
pilots, opening up new avenues for livelihood in areas like agriculture.
- Education and Skill Development: Investing in women’s human capital is central to
their leadership potential.
o The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign has been a massive national
movement to address the declining Child Sex Ratio and promote girls’
education. It has shown positive results in improving the sex ratio at birth and
increasing girls’ enrollment in schools, especially in STEM fields.
o The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) provides financial security for girl
children by encouraging long-term savings for their education and marriage.
o The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Support to
Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP) offer vocational
training to women across various sectors, enhancing their employability and
self-reliance.
- Health and Safety: Ensuring the well-being and security of women is paramount.
o Mission POSHAN 2.0 focuses on integrated nutrition support for children,
adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers, combating
malnutrition.
o The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides
financial assistance to pregnant and lactating women for their first live birth,
promoting better health-seeking behaviours.
o The increase in paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks is a progressive
step for working mothers.
o The One-Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres) provide integrated support services
(police, medical, legal, psycho-social counselling, temporary shelter) to
women affected by violence.
o The Women’s Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), passed
in 2023, is a historic legislative step to reserve 33% of seats for women in the
Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, ensuring greater political
representation and voice.
Impact and the Way Forward:
The cumulative effect of these initiatives has been a palpable transformation in the status of
women in India. They are increasingly visible in leadership roles across diverse sectors –
from grassroots governance to defence forces, science, and entrepreneurship. The narrative
has truly shifted from “empowering women” to acknowledging and fostering “women-led
development.”
While significant progress has been made, the journey continues. Sustained efforts are needed
to address persistent challenges like skill gaps, gender wage gaps, and ensuring the safety and
security of women in all spheres.
However, the Modi government’s unwavering focus on “Nari Shakti” (women’s power) as a
national mission has set a powerful precedent. By creating an enabling environment,
providing access to essential resources, and fostering a mindset that recognizes women as equal partners and leaders, India is moving confidently towards a future where women are
not just beneficiaries of progress, but the very force driving the nation’s development.
