The Government of India has adopted a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to promote the educational, social, and economic empowerment of girls across the country, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur informed the Lok Sabha.
A key initiative, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), focuses on improving the child sex ratio and addressing gender-based discrimination. The scheme, now part of the Sambal sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, has been expanded to cover all districts and aims to drive behavioural change through awareness and community engagement. Independent evaluations conducted by NITI Aayog have found the scheme to be relevant, effective, and sustainable.
In the education sector, Samagra Shiksha supports holistic schooling from pre-primary to Class XII, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme provides residential education facilities for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, while the Vigyan Jyoti Programme encourages girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
To enhance economic independence, the government is promoting skill development through Skill India Mission and training programs under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Additionally, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities are being supported through initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, Startup India, PMEGP, and DDU-GKY.
Women-led self-employment is also being strengthened under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).
The government is further supporting women’s participation in emerging sectors through targeted initiatives such as Namo Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi, and programmes like WISE-KIRAN and SERB-POWER, aimed at improving employability and encouraging women in science and research.
These combined efforts reflect the government’s focus on creating an inclusive ecosystem that ensures safety, opportunity, and long-term empowerment for girls and women across India.