Women’s participation in labor force more than doubles from 14.2% in 2017-18 to 32.10% in 2022-23
Yogi govt grants substantial loans to empower women entrepreneurs
Sainik school welcomes girls under Yogi govt’s progressive initiative
By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: The initiatives undertaken by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the last seven years towards safety, dignity and self-reliance of women are reaping rich dividends, whether in terms of reduction of crime against women, increasing number of women entrepreneurs, or the general increase in their participation in Uttar Pradesh’s workforce.
The latest Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) report reveals a significant surge in the participation rate of women in the state’s labor force – escalating from 14.2 percent in 2017-18 to an impressive 32.10 percent in 2022-23. The relentless efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to advance women’s status are responsible for this encouraging change.
It is noteworthy that the Chief Minister’s personal supervision has fostered an environment in the state where women not only feel secure and respected, but are also encouraged and assisted in achieving self-reliance.
According to the report, India recorded a women’s labor force participation rate of 39.80 percent in the financial year 2022-23, while Uttar Pradesh recorded a rate of 32.10 percent. In contrast, in the financial year 2017-18, India’s women’s labor force participation rate was 25.3 percent, with UP lagging significantly behind at 14.2 percent.
Reviewing the policies of the Yogi government of the past seven years, ‘women empowerment’ appears as a clear top priority of governance. Women are encouraged for equal participation in the schemes started for employment.
Presently, The Mudra Yojana is encouraging new women entrepreneurs even from poor families in every village. Approximately 70 percent of the total loans under this scheme have been given to women across the country. Through the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, women are being connected with self-help groups and rural organizations nationwide.
The Yogi government, by assigning the responsibility of preparing supplementary nutritious food to the women of self-help groups, not only got rid of organized corruption but also connected a large section of women to economic self-reliance. Under the National Livelihood Mission, the assistance provided in the past 7 years has increased nearly 13 times compared to the last 5 years before 2014.
Moreover, every self-help group, which initially received unsecured loans up to Rs 10 lakh, now has the limit doubled to Rs 20 lakh. The significant role of women self-help groups is evident in the 80,000 ration shops in the state.
In addition to this, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana has led to empowerment of significant number of female farmers in villages through capacity building and creating diverse livelihood opportunities. Moving forward from the phases of community mobilization and building of women’s institutions, the attention is now centered on involving SHG women in higher order economic activities through producer groups, FPOs and producer companies.
The policies of the Yogi government for women’s safety are being appreciated across the country. Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the best state in the country for delivering punishment in crimes related to women and children. The state government has worked to make rules easier for women to work even during night shifts. Additionally, the government has lifted restrictions on women working in mines.
Furthermore, opening the doors of Sainik Schools across the country for girls is a historic step of the Yogi government. It has also established 218 fast-track courts in the state for the speedy trial of heinous crimes like rape.
Notably, the amount of assistance received under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which is operational to provide educational opportunities to girls, has recently been increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. So far, 18.66 lakh girls have benefited from the scheme.
The Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Yojana is implemented for the marriage of daughters from poor families. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Minorities, Other Backward Classes, and economically disadvantaged families from the general category can submit applications under this. Widows and divorced women can also avail its benefits. A provision of Rs 51,000 financial assistance is made for the marriage of a couple. The scheme has successfully conducted the marriage of 3.50 lakh couples so far.
In addition to this, a monthly pension of Rs 1000 is provided to destitute women. Currently, 31.50 lakh destitute women are receiving this pension. This fund has been established to provide economic assistance to women/girls victimized by heinous crimes. Under this, compensation amount has been provided to 7,105 women/girls so far.
To make women organized, empowered, self-reliant, and self-sufficient, more than 8.37 lakh self-help groups have been formed, benefiting over 1 crore women in rural areas. Women self-help groups have been allotted 1,840 fair price shops under the public distribution system. Self-help organizations are now making the wholesome food served at Anganwadi centers.
The Yogi government’s Banking Correspondent Sakhi Scheme has emerged as a model for financial inclusion. The process of appointing BC Sakhi is underway in all 57,000 gram panchayats of the state to benefit villagers from welfare schemes. Through this scheme, women in the state are becoming self-reliant.
Progress of major ‘women welfare schemes’ in Uttar Pradesh run by the Indian Government:
● Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Free gas connections have been provided to 1.75 crore families in the state. Free LPG cylinders were distributed during Holi and Diwali.
● Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: With the commitment of ‘Housing for All,’ this scheme has proven to be a boon, especially for eligible individuals, including women. So far, 55.83 lakh houses have been constructed in the state under this scheme, with a majority allotted in the name of women.
● PM SVANidhi Yojana: Loans have been distributed to 17 lakh street vendors in the state so far. In this, over 2 lakh loans have been given to women, improving their business prospects and bringing prosperity to their lives.
● Swachh Bharat Mission: Construction of 2.61 crore toilets (Izzatghar) has been completed in the state. Additionally, 4,500 pink toilets have been constructed in urban local bodies.
● Pradhan Mantri Swamitva Yojana (Gharauni): The scheme provides land ownership rights to rural individuals whose land is not documented in any government records. Ownership rights are registered in the name of the female member of the family. So far, 66.59 lakh beneficiaries/women have been provided with ownership certificates.
● Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: Financial assistance has been provided to 54.44 lakh pregnant and lactating mothers.
● Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Scheme: Under this scheme, awareness has been raised for 1.90 crore women and girls.
● Mission Vatsalya Yojana: A total of 75,811 children have been reunited with their parents/guardians, and 1,436 potential child marriages have been prevented in the state.
