Women-centric policies play a vital role in advancing gender equality, improving health outcomes, and ensuring socio-economic empowerment. The Government of India has launched several schemes across ministries to address issues like maternal care, education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and protection from violence. These schemes form a key part of India’s constitutional commitment to social justice. Knowing these initiatives is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as they often feature in Prelims, Mains GS 2, and Essay papers.
List of Government Schemes Related to Women 2025
The Indian government runs multiple welfare programs targeting women’s education, employment, health, financial independence, and safety. These include flagship schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, and One Stop Centre Scheme. Many schemes are implemented through the Ministry of Women and Child Development, while others involve the Ministries of Health, Rural Development, or Finance. These programs are vital to reduce gender disparities and promote inclusive development.
Education & Awareness Schemes for Women
Education and awareness are fundamental tools for women’s empowerment. The government has launched schemes to encourage girl child education, prevent dropouts, and raise awareness on gender issues. These schemes focus on both rural and urban girls, aiming to bridge the literacy gap and promote holistic development.
Education & Awareness Schemes for Women | ||
Scheme | Objective | Nodal Ministry |
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | Promote survival, protection, and education of the girl child | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) | Reduce dropout among SC/ST girls in class IX | Ministry of Education |
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | Small deposit savings scheme for girl child | Ministry of Finance |
UDAAN Scheme | Encourage girls for STEM education (Class 11–12) | CBSE/Ministry of Education |
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya | Residential schools for girls from disadvantaged communities | Ministry of Education |
Health & Nutrition Schemes for Women
Women’s health remains a key area of concern in India, particularly in rural regions. Maternal mortality, anemia, and undernutrition are addressed through targeted schemes. These initiatives provide financial incentives, free healthcare services, and nutritional support to ensure safer pregnancies and better well-being.
Health & Nutrition Schemes for Women | ||
Scheme | Objective | Nodal Ministry |
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana | ₹5,000 assistance for pregnant women and lactating mothers | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
Janani Suraksha Yojana | Promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
POSHAN Abhiyaan | Reduce stunting, anemia, and malnutrition among women and children | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan | Free antenatal checkups and diagnostics for pregnant women | Ministry of Health & Family Welfare |
Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) | Improve nutritional status of girls aged 11–18 | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
Employment & Skill Development Schemes for Women
To ensure economic empowerment, the government has created multiple schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, skill training, and job readiness for women. These initiatives support financial independence and contribute to household income and national productivity.
Employment & Skill Development Schemes for Women | ||
Scheme | Objective | Nodal Ministry/Agency |
Mahila E-Haat | Online platform for women entrepreneurs | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
Skill India (PMKVY) | Skill development with special focus on female candidates | Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship |
Support to Training and Employment Programme (STEP) | Provide skills for employability in traditional sectors | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
MUDRA Yojana for Women | Collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs | Ministry of Finance/PMMY |
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM | Promote women’s SHGs and micro-enterprises | Ministry of Rural Development |
Safety & Empowerment Schemes for Women
Ensuring safety and dignity is critical for a just society. The government has set up institutional support systems and legal mechanisms to address gender-based violence, harassment, and trafficking. These schemes focus on preventive, rehabilitative, and punitive measures.
Also Read: All Governemnt Schemes
Safety & Empowerment Schemes for Women | ||
Scheme | Objective | Nodal Ministry |
One Stop Centre Scheme | Integrated support (police, legal, counseling) for violence survivors | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
Women Helpline Scheme (181) | 24×7 emergency response for women in distress | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
UJJAWALA Scheme | Prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked women | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
Nirbhaya Fund | Financial support for women safety projects across sectors | Ministry of Finance |
SHE-Box Portal | Online complaint platform for workplace sexual harassment | Ministry of Women & Child Development |
Financial Inclusion & Welfare Schemes for Women
Financial schemes help bridge the gender gap in savings, insurance, and pensions. These schemes provide low-cost banking, insurance cover, and direct benefit transfers that specifically benefit women-headed households and low-income women.
Financial Inclusion & Welfare Schemes for Women | ||
Scheme | Objective | Nodal Ministry |
Mahila Samman Savings Certificate | Small savings scheme exclusively for women with 7.5% interest | Ministry of Finance |
Atal Pension Yojana | Pension for unorganized workers; women encouraged to enroll | Ministry of Finance |
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana | Zero-balance accounts with higher focus on women | Ministry of Finance |
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana | Life insurance scheme; accessible to women beneficiaries | Ministry of Finance |
Lakhpati Didi Scheme | Enabling SHG women to earn ₹1 lakh+ annually | Ministry of Rural Development |
Also Read: PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme
FAQs on List of Government Schemes Related to Women
Which is the most popular women-focused scheme in India?
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is among the most well-known schemes for girl child protection and education.
What support is given under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana?
It provides ₹5,000 financial aid to pregnant and lactating mothers for better nutrition and health.
Are there any women-exclusive skill development schemes?
Yes, schemes like STEP and components of PMKVY focus specifically on skill training for women.
What is the purpose of the One Stop Centre Scheme?
It provides a single-window support system for women affected by violence , including legal aid, police assistance, and shelter.
Which scheme helps women entrepreneurs with funding?
MUDRA Yojana and Mahila E-Haat support women in starting or scaling small businesses.