The participation of women in India’s formal workforce has witnessed a notable increase, with the estimated Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for females aged 15 years and above rising from 23.3% in 2019-20 to 41.7% in 2023-24, marking a growth of 18.4 percentage points, Parliament was informed on Monday.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, said the latest EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) payroll data highlights a growing trend of formal employment among women. During 2024–25 alone, 26.9 lakh net female subscribers were added to EPFO.
To further enhance women’s participation in the workforce, the government is implementing several initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Stand-Up India Scheme, Startup India, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), and programmes like Women in Science and Engineering (WISE-KIRAN) and SERB-POWER, which promote women in research and development.
Other schemes such as Mission Shakti, Namo Drone Didi, and Lakhpati Didi also aim to empower women through skills, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme-approved by the Union Cabinet-seeks to support job creation, enhance employability, and expand social security coverage, with a focus on the manufacturing sector.
The minister noted that several protective provisions have been incorporated into the labour laws to ensure equal opportunity and a conducive work environment for women. The Code on Social Security, 2020 includes an extension of paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, mandates crèche facilities in establishments with 50 or more employees, and allows night shift work for women with adequate safety measures.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is also implementing the ‘Palna’ component under Mission Shakti, aimed at providing daycare services and child protection. Through Palna, free childcare services are being offered via Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCC) across States and Union Territories.
-IANS