Photo credit: PTI On the eve of International Women’s Day, India’s growing push towards women’s financial empowerment is drawing attention to the changing role of women in the country’s economy. From gaining access to skill training, and hands on support to run small enterprises to operating agricultural drones, women are increasingly stepping into new financial roles and becoming active participants in India’s development story. Backed by a series of government initiatives over the past decade, more women across rural and urban India are gaining access to savings, credit, skills and markets, helping them build independent livelihoods and support their families. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Third US carrier on way as Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on IranTemporary Waiver For Russian Oil: US allows India to buy stranded crude; move aims to ease supply pressures’Landed in US hoping to kill Trump’: Pakistani man convicted in murder-for-hire plot, says Iran forced himFrom savings schemes for the girl child to credit support, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurship programmes and technology-driven livelihoods, policy efforts have focused on bringing more women into the economic mainstream and ensuring inclusive growth where no woman is left behind.One of the key initiatives supporting financial security for girls is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. The savings scheme allows families to invest for a girl child’s education and future, offering an interest rate of 8.2% per annum along with tax benefits. According to government data, deposits under the scheme have crossed Rs 3.33 lakh crore as of December 2025. In rural areas, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has brought together more than 10 crore women into self-help groups (SHGs), providing access to credit, skill training and livelihood opportunities. The network has become one of the world’s largest women-led community platforms, with repayment rates above 98%. Technology is also being introduced to expand income opportunities. Under the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, women from SHGs are being trained to operate agricultural drones used for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, enabling them to earn through drone rental services while promoting precision farming. Entrepreneurship initiatives are also gaining ground. Programmes such as the Lakhpati Didi campaign aim to help women SHG members achieve annual household incomes exceeding Rs 1 lakh through sustainable enterprises. Meanwhile, the Government e-Marketplace’s Womaniya initiative is enabling women-led businesses to supply goods and services directly to government buyers. Complementing these efforts are financial inclusion schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and Stand-Up India, which provide banking access and collateral-free loans for women entrepreneurs.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos”Future Is In Countries Like India…” Piyush Goyal Hails India As Engine Of Growth’PM Modi Betrayed India’: Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack Over US Trade Deal, Russian OilLPG Cylinder Price Rise Heats Up Inflation Debate As Opposition Targets Modi GovernmentDecoding The Vijay Factor In Tamil Nadu Elections: Can The Actor Turn Popularity Into Votes?’The Future Is India, Global South Will Decide New World Order’: Finland Gives Reality Check To WestHomecoming Or Strategic Masterstroke? How Tamil Nadu Ex-CM’s DMK Return Could Reshape State Politics’India’s Strength Will Decide Its Destiny, Not By Mistakes Of Others’: Jaishankar Strong Message’Indian Discount’: Why Semaglutide is Finally Becoming Affordable| Ozempic Patent Expire | EXPLAINEDJaishankar Explains Why India Allowed Iranian Ship To Dock Amid Ongoing Conflict Between US, Iran‘India Were Good Actors’: Bessent’s Oil Waiver Remark Triggers Cong’s ‘Humiliation’ Attack On Modi123PhotostoriesHow to make Bihari-style Champaran Mutton for dinner at home6 things you should never ignore in car maintenance10 desi Indian ways to enjoy Oats for dinner and dessert7 bedroom plants for better sleep and cleaner indoor airFrom iron deficiency to lung disease: Doctors say your nails may reveal hidden health problemsAllu Arjun’s brother Allu Sirish marries Nayanika Reddy: Bride dazzles in diamonds and Kanjivaram saree, groom steals show in ivory sherwani6 most luxurious homes owned by Indian cricketers with estimated prices5 famous war museums around the world travellers can visitWalt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage…”: 5 lessons it teaches studentsFrom a massive living area to lavish bedrooms: A peek into Bigg Boss 19 fame Mridul Tiwari’s luxurious house123Hot PicksMiddle East Oil RisksIran Mobile Missile LauncersMiddle East CrisisNitish KumarIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingFortnite Wild Weeks Power Hour EventDaksh ChaudharyUPSC ResultsMiddle East ConflictNoida AirportCody RhodesWWE Smackdown HighlightsUCEED ResultBombay High CourtWhere to watch ind vs nz t20
On the eve of International Women’s Day, India’s growing push towards women’s financial empowerment is drawing attention to the changing role of women in the country’s economy. From gaining access to skill training, and hands on support to run small enterprises to operating agricultural drones, women are increasingly stepping into new financial roles and becoming active participants in India’s development story. Backed by a series of government initiatives over the past decade, more women across rural and urban India are gaining access to savings, credit, skills and markets, helping them build independent livelihoods and support their families. From savings schemes for the girl child to credit support, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurship programmes and technology-driven livelihoods, policy efforts have focused on bringing more women into the economic mainstream and ensuring inclusive growth where no woman is left behind.One of the key initiatives supporting financial security for girls is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign. The savings scheme allows families to invest for a girl child’s education and future, offering an interest rate of 8.2% per annum along with tax benefits. According to government data, deposits under the scheme have crossed Rs 3.33 lakh crore as of December 2025. In rural areas, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has brought together more than 10 crore women into self-help groups (SHGs), providing access to credit, skill training and livelihood opportunities. The network has become one of the world’s largest women-led community platforms, with repayment rates above 98%. Technology is also being introduced to expand income opportunities. Under the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, women from SHGs are being trained to operate agricultural drones used for spraying fertilisers and pesticides, enabling them to earn through drone rental services while promoting precision farming. Entrepreneurship initiatives are also gaining ground. Programmes such as the Lakhpati Didi campaign aim to help women SHG members achieve annual household incomes exceeding Rs 1 lakh through sustainable enterprises. Meanwhile, the Government e-Marketplace’s Womaniya initiative is enabling women-led businesses to supply goods and services directly to government buyers. Complementing these efforts are financial inclusion schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and Stand-Up India, which provide banking access and collateral-free loans for women entrepreneurs.
