MoSPI reports Indian Women own 42.2% of Bank Accounts in Rural Areas

By: WE Staff | Monday, 7 April 2025

• Women own 39.2% of all Bank accounts, contributing 39.7% of Deposits
• Report says 42.2% of Women in Rural areas hold Bank Accounts
• Female participation in the Stock Market & Entrepreneurship also increased

According to India's Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) report, women own 39.2 per cent of all bank accounts, contributing a total of 39.7 per cent deposits. It also noted a higher proportion of 42.2 per cent in rural areas. This indicates significant financial inclusion for women, particularly in rural areas.

Female participation in stock markets and entrepreneurship has also increased, with the number of demat accounts held by women growing fourfold between 2021 and 2024. It shows that demat accounts have grown fourfold from 33.26 million to 143.02 million in the span of four years.

The number of male account holders in India increased from 26.59 million in 2021 to 115.31 million in 2024, while female participation increased from 6.67 million to 27.71 million, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation's report titled "Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data". It also notes a steady growth in female-headed proprietary establishments in manufacturing, trade, and services sectors between 2021-22 and 2023-24.

Indian women have shown a positive trend in other major sectors as well. DPIIT has seen a significant increase in startups with female directors, from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024.

Voter registration has increased significantly, with female voter turnout surpassing male turnout in 2024, despite a slight decline from 67.2 per cent in 2019 to 65.8 per cent in 2024.

The gender parity index at primary and secondary levels remains high, with strong female enrollment. The labor force participation rate increased from 49.8 per cent in 2017-18 to 60.1 per cent in 2023-24.