8th March 2025 (10 Topics)
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From Women’s Development to Women-led Development
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Context
On International Women’s Day, India is shifting from women’s development to women-led development, emphasizing women’s leadership in policymaking, business, and grassroots governance. The government has introduced multiple initiatives to ensure women actively drive change, rather than just being beneficiaries of policies.
Women’s Leadership in Governance and STEM
- Women in Politics: The Women’s Reservation Bill guarantees 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, ensuring greater female participation in governance.
- Women in STEM: India has 43% female STEM graduates, significantly higher than the global average of 30%, leading to women’s key roles in Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan
- Grassroots Representation: Over 4 million women serve in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), constituting 46% of all elected representatives, with women sarpanches leading initiatives in water, solar power, and rural development.
Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs): The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) has created 5 million ‘Lakhpati Didis’, women with an annual income above Rs 1 lakh.
- Financial Independence: Nearly 80% of Indian women now have a bank account they operate independently, and 69% of PM Mudra Yojana loans have been disbursed to women.
- Women in Agriculture: The Drone Didi scheme aims to equip 15,000 SHGs with drones for agriculture, irrigation, and soil analysis between 2024-26, enhancing productivity and technological adoption.
Social Welfare and Infrastructure for Women
- Basic Amenities: 122 million households now have tap water (Jal Jeevan Mission), and 100 million toilets were built under Swachh Bharat Mission, significantly improving women's health and dignity.
- Maternity and Workplace Benefits: The Maternity Benefit Act guarantees 26 weeks of paid leave, while the SHe-Box and Women’s Helpline provide support for women in distress.
- Housing and Safety: 74% of houses under the rural housing scheme are registered solely or jointly in women’s names, and 1,000 working-women’s hostels are planned under SASCI for economic empowerment.
Practice Question:
Q. Women-led development is not just about inclusion but about leadership and agency." Discuss the impact of women-led development on India's governance, economy, and social structure, citing recent government initiatives.
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