Women-Centric Welfare Schemes in FY25: Key Allocations and Initiatives

In FY25, women-centric welfare schemes collectively account for 0.5% of India’s GDP, reflecting their growing prominence in state policies and national budgets. Maharashtra leads with the largest allocation of $5.4 billion (1.1% of its GDP), while nine states collectively allocate $18 billion for such initiatives.

These schemes, including cash transfers and developmental programs, have emerged as pivotal political tools to attract women voters, as seen in Maharashtra’s “Ladki Bahin Yojana,” a significant factor in the BJP-led coalition’s electoral success. Haryana proposes the highest monthly cash transfer at ₹2,100 for eligible women, impacting 1.7% of its GDP, the highest among states.

Key State-Level Initiatives

Top Allocators: Haryana, Karnataka, and West Bengal allocate substantial budgets, with schemes ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹2,100 monthly cash transfers.

Economic Impact: Haryana’s scheme is projected to cost 1.7% of its GDP, while Delhi and Tamil Nadu see minimal economic strain at 0.2% and 0.4%, respectively.

Precedents: Assam (2020) and West Bengal (2021) pioneered these initiatives, with West Bengal spending $1.7 billion (0.8% of its GDP).

National Schemes for Women Empowerment

Safety and Support: One Stop Centres (Sakhi Centres) and Women Helplines provide integrated support for violence survivors.

Rehabilitation Initiatives: The Swadhar Greh and Ujjawala Schemes assist women in distress and victims of trafficking.

Accommodation and Childcare: The Working Women Hostel Scheme offers safe housing and day-care facilities for employed women.

Education and Equality: The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao program addresses declining child sex ratios and promotes education for girls.

Community Empowerment: The Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme fosters rural women’s empowerment through inter-sectoral convergence.

Maternity Benefits and Umbrella Initiatives

PMMVY: This conditional cash transfer scheme provides ₹6,000 to eligible mothers for nutritional and health needs during pregnancy and lactation.

Mission Shakti: An integrated program for women’s safety, security, and empowerment through convergence across governance levels and enhanced digital infrastructure.

Past and Present Context

The evolution of women-centric schemes underscores a shift from standalone welfare to integrated empowerment models. States have adopted diverse strategies with varying fiscal impacts, reflecting a balance between voter engagement and developmental goals. At the national level, initiatives aim to mainstream women’s participation in governance and nation-building, marking a transition toward sustainable, inclusive growth.

Summery of the news