India's Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, has reported a significant increase in women's participation in the workforce over the past six years. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women rose from 22 per cent in 2017-18 to 40.3 per cent in 2023-24, while the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women aged 15 and above rose from 23.3 per cent to 41.7 per cent, as stated by the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Reports.
The Minister highlights the various schemes led by the Indian government to boost female LFPR and overall LFPR, including Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Stand-Up India Scheme, Startup India, WISE-KIRAN, SERB-POWER, MGNREGS, DDU-GKY, RSETIs, DAY-NULM and PMEGP. These initiatives, along with provisions like paid maternity leave, flexible working hours, and equal wages, aim to create a congenial work environment for women. Training programs through Women's Industrial Training Institutes, National Vocational Training Institutes, and Regional Vocational Training Institutes also contribute to this increase.
The Minister further announced five schemes in the Budget 2024-25 to facilitate employment and skilling opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over a 5-year period. The budget also includes initiatives to promote women's participation in the workforce, such as working women hostels and creches, and includes provisions for equal opportunities and work environments.
