The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasized the significant progress in women’s empowerment during her presentation of the Interim Budget 2024-25 in Parliament. The Minister noted that the last decade has seen considerable momentum in empowering women through entrepreneurship, enhancing their ease of living, and upholding their dignity.
Key Achievements in Women Empowerment:
Mudra Yojana for Women Entrepreneurs: Thirty crore Mudra Yojana loans have been provided to women entrepreneurs, fostering women’s participation in the economic sphere.
Higher Education Enrollment: Female enrollment in higher education has increased by 28% in the past ten years. In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses, girls and women now constitute 43% of enrollment, which is one of the highest rates in the world.
Workforce Participation: These educational and entrepreneurial initiatives are reflected in the increasing participation of women in the workforce.
Legal and Legislative Measures: The Finance Minister highlighted significant legal and legislative advancements, including the criminalization of ‘Triple Talaq’, the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, and the allocation of over 70% of houses under the PM Awas Yojana in rural areas to women as sole or joint owners.
Smt. Sitharaman reiterated the government’s commitment to focusing on four key segments of society: the ‘Garib’ (poor), ‘Mahilayen’ (women), ‘Yuva’ (youth), and ‘Annadata’ (farmers). She stated that the progress and welfare of these groups are of the highest priority and that their empowerment and well-being are crucial drivers of the country’s advancement.
