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In India, the central and state governments have introduced multiple schemes to support women in education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and financial stability.
Central government schemes for women
The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) is a special deposit scheme for women that offers a 7.5% annual interest rate.
Women can invest up to ₹2 lakh for a tenure of two years.
Another significant scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), aims to improve the child sex ratio and promote education for girls. Families investing in girls’ education receive financial incentives, encouraging higher literacy rates among women.
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a small savings scheme designed for the financial security of girl children. It offers an interest rate of 8.2% (as of 2025), and the returns are tax-free under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
To support maternal health, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides ₹5,000 to pregnant women for their first child, ensuring better nutrition and healthcare.
Women entrepreneurs receive substantial support through the Stand-Up India Scheme,
which offers loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore for women-led businesses in the manufacturing, services, or trading sectors.
Additionally, the Mudra Yojana for Women provides collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh, promoting small business growth and self-employment among women.
State government schemes for women
Several state governments have also introduced initiatives to enhance women’s financial independence and well-being.
The Delhi government has recently launched the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana, providing ₹2,500 per month to financially weaker women in the city. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari announced that registrations will begin on March 8, 2025, and eligible beneficiaries will start receiving funds directly in their bank accounts within a month, according to news agency IANS report.
Similarly, Madhya Pradesh launched the Ladli Behna Yojana in 2023, offering ₹1,250 per month to eligible women, improving their economic condition.
In Telangana, the KCR Arogya Mahila Scheme ensures free healthcare services for women in government hospitals, including medical checkups, tests, and consultations.
Uttar Pradesh’s Mahila Samman Yojana provides financial assistance of ₹15,000 annually to women from economically weaker sections.
Commenting on overall scenario, Safeena Husain, Founder of Educate Girls, highlights the urgent need to prioritize girls’ education in India.
“Education is the most powerful and transformative force. When girls are educated, they gain agency, marry later, earn more, and reinvest in their families, creating a ripple effect that transforms them and uplifts entire communities and countries. With close to 100 million girls in India falling into the NEET category – neither in education, employment, nor training – we must raise the stakes,” she said.
