International Women’s Day 2026: Women-centric policies play a vital role in advancing gender equality, improving health outcomes, and ensuring socio-economic empowerment.The Government of India runs multiple
welfare programs that focus on women’s education, employment, health, financial independence, and safety.
While some schemes are implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, others are launched by the Ministries of Health, Rural Development, or Finance. On International Women’s Day 2026, let’s learn about some important schemes that aim to empower women and promote inclusive development.
Education & Awareness Schemes for Women: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Objective: Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development the scheme aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote the education, protection, and empowerment of the girl child. It also focuses on creating awareness in communities about the importance of girls’ health, education, and equal opportunities in society.
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Financial & Entrepreneurship Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
Objective: Implemented by the Ministry of Finance the scheme aims to provide collateral-free loans to small and micro-entrepreneurs to support business growth and self-employment.
Key Update (2026): The loan limit has been increased up to Rs 20 lakh under the “Tarun Plus” category to support expanding businesses.
Focus: Encourages entrepreneurship in sectors such as retail businesses, beauty parlours, and small-scale manufacturing, helping individuals, especially women, start or expand their enterprises.
Tech-Forward & Rural Livelihoods: Namo Drone Didi Scheme
Objective: Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023 the scheme aims to empower rural women by training 15,000 women as drone pilots to support agricultural activities such as fertilizer spraying, crop monitoring, and crop mapping. Women SHGs can also earn additional income by offering drone services to farmers on rent.
Subsidy: The government provides 80 per cent subsidy on drone purchases (up to Rs 8 lakh) to help women-led Self-Help Groups adopt drone technology and improve rural livelihoods.
Health & Nutrition Schemes for Women: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this scheme is a key component of the Government of India’s ‘Mission Shakti’ for women’s empowerment.
Objective: To provide cash incentives as partial wage compensation so that women can take adequate rest before and after the delivery of their first child.
To encourage better health-seeking behaviour among pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW&LM).
To promote positive attitudes toward the girl child by offering an additional incentive if the second child is a girl.
Benefits: Rs 5,000 direct cash transfer for the first child, provided in two instalments to support nutrition and health needs.
Rs 6,000 cash incentive if the second child is a girl, provided in a single payout.
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Employment & Skill Development Schemes for Women: Mahila E-Haat
Objective: Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Mahila E-Haat is a digital marketplace platform that enables women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to sell their products directly to buyers online. The platform promotes financial independence by allowing women to showcase and market products such as textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, and organic food items.
Key Feature: It provides a direct online marketing platform with zero commission, helping women entrepreneurs reach customers across India and globally.
Quick Reference: Where to Apply?
- Small Business Loan: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana – jamsamarth.in
- Safety / Distress: Women Helpline – Dial 181
- Drone Training: Namo Drone Didi Scheme – Local NRLM / SHG Office
- Savings for Daughter: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Any Post Office / Bank
- All-in-One Search: myScheme Portal – myscheme.gov.in
