Women’s participation in India’s workforce has seen a remarkable rise in recent years, according to the latest Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) reports. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) and Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women aged 15 years and above have steadily increased from 22.0% and 23.3% respectively in 2017-18 to 40.3% and 41.7% in 2023-24.
The data reflects the government’s emphasis on employment generation and improving employability, with numerous initiatives fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women workers.
Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, highlighted these achievements in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting female participation in the workforce through legislative and policy measures. Provisions such as paid maternity leave, equal wages, flexible working hours, and safe work environments have been key drivers in ensuring equal opportunities for women.
A host of government schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Stand-Up India, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), have been instrumental in boosting female participation in both urban and rural employment. Additionally, specialized initiatives like WISE-KIRAN and SERB-POWER have supported women in science, engineering, and exploratory research.
To further enhance employability, women are being trained through dedicated Women Industrial Training Institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes, and Regional Vocational Training Institutes.
In the Union Budget 2024-25, a Prime Minister’s package comprising five schemes was announced to create employment and skill-building opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over the next five years, with a central outlay of ₹2 lakh crore. This package includes measures specifically targeting women, such as the establishment of working women hostels, creches, and other infrastructure to support working mothers and enable greater workforce participation.