Women’s empowerment is a key focus of India’s development agenda, with numerous government initiatives aimed at enhancing financial independence, skill development, and entrepreneurship among women. In 2025, the Indian government continues to roll out and expand several schemes designed to uplift women across various sectors. Here’s a look at some of the prominent women empowerment schemes currently in place:
1. Lakhpati Didi Scheme
The Lakhpati Didi Scheme is designed to help rural women achieve financial stability by promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship. The scheme provides financial assistance, skill training, and market linkages to enable women to earn at least ₹1 lakh per annum. By fostering financial literacy and supporting women in setting up small businesses, this initiative is helping them break free from economic dependency.
2. Drone Didi Scheme
The Drone Didi Scheme aims to integrate women into India’s evolving technological landscape. Under this scheme, women, particularly from rural backgrounds, are trained in operating drones for various applications, including agriculture, surveillance, and logistics. By offering technical training and employment opportunities in an emerging sector, the scheme empowers women to become entrepreneurs and skilled professionals in drone technology.
3. Mission Indradhanush
Originally launched as a universal immunisation programme, Mission Indradhanush also plays a critical role in empowering women by improving maternal and child healthcare. The scheme ensures that pregnant women and young children receive life-saving vaccines, reducing health risks and mortality rates. By promoting healthcare awareness and access, the initiative strengthens the overall well-being of women and their families.
4. TREAD (Trade-Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development) Scheme
The TREAD Scheme supports women entrepreneurs by providing financial assistance, training, and counselling to help them establish and expand their businesses. The scheme works in collaboration with NGOs that help women access funding and training in business management. It is particularly beneficial for women looking to venture into micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
5. Stand-Up India Mission
The Stand-Up India Mission facilitates bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore to women and individuals from marginalised communities to start their own businesses. The scheme promotes entrepreneurship among women by providing financial backing, mentorship, and guidance, ensuring that they can build sustainable enterprises in diverse sectors.
6. Mahila E-Haat Scheme
The Mahila E-Haat Scheme is an online platform that allows women entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers. Managed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this initiative bridges the gap between women producers and potential buyers, enabling them to expand their market reach without intermediaries. The scheme is particularly beneficial for self-help groups and small-scale women entrepreneurs looking for digital exposure.
The Indian government continues to implement and refine various schemes aimed at fostering women’s empowerment across economic, technological, and social domains. As these schemes evolve, they play a crucial role in bridging gender disparities and enabling women to achieve greater self-sufficiency in 2025 and beyond.