Women Empowerment Programs in India: Government Schemes & Benefits
Women empowerment is one of the most important pillars of India’s social and economic development. To improve women’s education, financial independence, health, safety, entrepreneurship, and property rights, the Government of India and state governments have launched multiple women empowerment schemes.
This article provides a complete and updated list of women empowerment schemes in India, including central and major state-level programs, explained in simple and easy language.
What Are Women Empowerment Schemes?
Women empowerment schemes are government initiatives designed to strengthen the position of women in society by providing:
- Education and skill development
- Financial support and employment opportunities
- Health and nutrition benefits
- Legal protection and safety
- Housing, land, and property ownership support
These schemes aim to ensure equal opportunities, dignity, and self-reliance for women.
Central Government Women Empowerment Schemes in India
Below is the complete list of major women empowerment schemes launched by the Central Government.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana
- Supports the survival, safety, and education of girl children
- Supports improvement in child gender balance
- Encourages school enrollment for girls
Target Group: Girl children and parents
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
- Long-term savings scheme for girl children
- Higher interest rate compared to regular savings
- Supports education and marriage expenses
Target Group: Girls below 10 years
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
- Financial assistance for pregnant and lactating women
- Supports nutrition and healthcare
- Reduces maternal health risks
Target Group: Pregnant women
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY – Women Priority)
- Houses registered in women’s name or joint ownership
- Promotes women’s property and housing rights
- Improves long-term financial security
Target Group: Economically weaker women
Stand-Up India Scheme (Women Entrepreneurs)
- Bank loans for women entrepreneurs
- Supports manufacturing, trading, and service businesses
- Encourages self-employment
Target Group: Women business owners
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY – Women Beneficiaries)
- Micro-loans without collateral
- Supports small and micro businesses run by women
- Easy access to finance
Mahila E-Haat
- Online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs
- Enables women to sell products digitally
- Promotes women-owned businesses
Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme
- Skill development and awareness programs
- Focus on rural women empowerment
- Strengthens women at the grassroots level
National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM – SHGs)
- Promotes Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for women
- Encourages income generation and savings
- Improves rural livelihoods
One Stop Centre (Sakhi)
- Support for women affected by violence
- Provides legal, medical, police, and counselling services
- Available in districts across India
Working Women Hostel Scheme
- Safe and affordable accommodation for working women
- Supports women employment in urban areas
Ujjawala Scheme
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provides free LPG gas connections and subsidised gas cylinders to economically weaker families. The scheme directly benefits women by offering clean cooking fuel, improving their health and safety.
Swadhar Greh Scheme
- Shelter and support for women in difficult situations
- Provides food, healthcare, and legal aid
Skill Training Employment Programme for Women
- Enhances employability skills
- Provides vocational training
- Supports women in traditional and modern sectors
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC)
- Special savings scheme for women
- Fixed returns with secure investment
- Promotes financial independence
Empowering Women Through Property and Land Schemes
Some government schemes directly support women’s land and housing ownership, which is crucial for empowerment.
- PMAY (female ownership priority)
- Stamp duty concessions for women (state-wise)
- Joint property registration benefits
- Housing schemes with women beneficiaries
Owning land or a house gives women financial stability and social security.
Women Empowerment Schemes for Rural Women
- National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
- Self-Help Group (SHG) programs
- Agricultural training for women
- Women farmer empowerment initiatives
These schemes help rural women become self-reliant and economically stable.
Education & Skill Development Schemes for Women
- Scholarships for girls
- Skill India training for women
- Digital literacy programs
- Vocational education initiatives
Education-based empowerment creates long-term growth and independence.
Major State-Level Women Empowerment Schemes
🔹 Uttar Pradesh
- Mission Shakti
- Kanya Sumangala Yojana
🔹 Madhya Pradesh
- Ladli Laxmi Yojana
- Ladli Behna Yojana
🔹 Maharashtra
- Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree
- Tejaswini Scheme
🔹 Rajasthan
- Rajshree Yojana
- Bhamashah Yojana
🔹 Bihar
- Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana
- Balika Cycle Yojana
🔹 West Bengal
- Kanyashree Prakalpa
- Rupashree Prakalpa
🔹 Tamil Nadu
- Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Scheme
- Free education and marriage assistance schemes
🔹 Karnataka
- Bhagyalakshmi Scheme
- Stree Shakti Programme
🔹 Delhi
- Ladli Scheme
- Women entrepreneurship support schemes
Benefits of Women Empowerment Schemes in India
Women empowerment schemes help in:
- Financial independence
- Education and employment
- Health and nutrition improvement
- Property ownership and security
- Social equality and confidence
Empowered women contribute directly to economic growth and family welfare.
Why Women Empowerment Schemes Are Important
- Reduce poverty
- Promote gender equality
- Encourage women entrepreneurship
- Improve education and health outcomes
- Build inclusive and sustainable development
A nation cannot progress without empowering its women.
Note for Applicants
Scheme eligibility, benefits, and application processes may change. Always confirm information through official government portals before proceeding with applications.
Final Words
The list of women empowerment schemes in India reflects the government’s commitment to building a strong, independent, and inclusive society. From education and health to housing and entrepreneurship, these schemes support women at every stage of life. Women should stay informed, apply for eligible schemes, and make full use of these opportunities to secure a better and empowered future.
For more detailed guides, property insights, and updates, visit Bhulekh India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Women empowerment schemes are government programs that support women through education, finance, health, housing, and entrepreneurship.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana are among the most popular women empowerment schemes.
No, schemes are available for women from different income groups depending on eligibility criteria.
Yes, schemes like PMAY give priority to women ownership or joint ownership of houses.
Women can apply through official government portals, CSC centers, or state scheme websites.
Yes, apart from central schemes, each state runs its own women empowerment programs.
Explore Categories:
