Are Nearly 76,000 Startups in India Now Women-Led?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 76,000 women-led startups signify a growing entrepreneurial spirit.
- Empowerment initiatives are focused on tier 2 and 3 cities.
- Four core pillars of governance include Poor, Farmers, Youth, and Women.
- Over 48 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened for women.
- Workplace reforms promote inclusive governance.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) Approximately 76,000 startups in India are spearheaded by women, with a significant proportion originating from tier 2 and 3 cities, according to Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Saturday.
The minister emphasized that India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 will be driven by empowered women and youth, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women-led development.
During a conference, Dr. Singh highlighted that the PM Modi administration has structured its governance around four core pillars: Poor, Farmers, Youth, and Women.
“Women-centric governance has not only empowered individuals but has also transformed society. What started as targeted welfare has now evolved into institutional leadership,” he remarked.
The minister introduced the Jeevika E-Learning Management System App, designed to offer accessible educational opportunities for women, alongside the unveiling of a publication titled “Shashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar,” celebrating women’s roles in Bihar’s advancement.
Dr. Singh elaborated on the PM Modi government’s systematic approach to empowering women, structured around four pivotal phases.
The initial phase, Access and Inclusion in Institutions, marked a transformative shift in India’s educational and military fields. The second phase, Scientific and Technological Empowerment, has equipped women through targeted initiatives such as WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions), CURIE, and the Women Scientist Programme.
The third phase, Economic and Social Empowerment, has seen a significant increase in women’s access to financial resources. Over 48 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened for women, with more than 60 percent of Mudra Yojana beneficiaries being women entrepreneurs.
The establishment of over 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is revitalizing rural economies. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, homes registered in women’s names are not just providing shelter but also enhancing financial and social dignity.
The fourth phase, Workplace Reforms and Legal Sensitivity, has introduced inclusive governance measures, including six-month paid childcare leave for women in government roles, pension rights for unmarried or divorced dependent daughters, and maternity leave provisions even after stillbirths.