International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025: Check Key Schemes by Central and State Government

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, 2025, is a global recognition of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In India, this day holds significant importance as we acknowledge the contributions of women and recognise the need for further empowerment.

Over the years, the government at both central and state levels has launched numerous schemes and initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare of women. These programs focus on education, healthcare, safety, employment, and financial independence, striving to create an inclusive society where women can thrive. In this article, we will explore some of the key government schemes designed to uplift and empower women across India.

Central Government Schemes for Women

Ujjwala Scheme

The Ujjwala Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at preventing trafficking and facilitating the rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and repatriation of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Launched on January 22, 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme focuses on addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promoting the empowerment of girls and women throughout their life cycle. The objectives include preventing gender-biased sex-selective elimination, ensuring the survival and protection of the girl child, and promoting their education and participation.

Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK)

Approved in November 2017, the Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme is designed to empower rural women through community participation. The scheme promotes inter-sectoral convergence of programs aimed at women’s welfare and is implemented through State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, with a cost-sharing ratio of 60:40 between the Centre and States (90:10 for North Eastern and Special Category States). Union Territories receive 100% central funding.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

This centrally sponsored conditional cash transfer scheme, launched on January 1, 2017, provides maternity benefits to pregnant women and lactating mothers (PW&LM) for their first living child. Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹5,000 in three instalments during pregnancy and lactation, subject to meeting specific health and nutrition conditions. Additionally, the remaining cash incentive under the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is provided after institutional delivery, ensuring a total benefit of approximately ₹6,000.

State Government Schemes for Women

Uttar Pradesh – Mission Shakti

Launched in phases, this scheme includes the establishment of Mission Shakti classrooms in 59,000 Gram Panchayat Bhawans, the formation of one lakh women self-help groups, and linking 1.73 lakh new beneficiaries to the destitute women pension scheme.

Uttar Pradesh – Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangla Yojana

This cash transfer scheme aims to provide social security for the girl child in the state.

Uttar Pradesh – Nirbhaya-Ek Pahal Program

This initiative connects 75,000 women with state banks, enabling them to access loans at lower interest rates and avail themselves of state subsidies.

Maharashtra – Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Launched by the Women and Child Development Department of Maharashtra, this scheme empowers women between the ages of 21 and 65 by improving their health, nutrition, and role within the family. Eligible women receive a financial benefit of ₹1,500 via direct benefit transfer (DBT).

Maharashtra – Mahila Samridhi Yojana

Administered by the Department of Social Justice & Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, and funded by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), this scheme aims to uplift economically disadvantaged women from the Charmakar Community. The scheme provides low-interest loans ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 at an interest rate of 4% per annum to eligible female beneficiaries.

Bihar – Kanya Utthan Yojana

This scheme encourages women in Bihar to pursue higher education, offering financial assistance of approximately ₹50,000 to female students upon completion of their graduation.

Conclusion

The various government schemes at both the central and state levels play a crucial role in empowering women and ensuring their overall well-being. These initiatives address a wide range of issues, from preventing trafficking and ensuring safety to promoting education, economic independence, and health.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.