Women-Led Growth Can Boost India's GDP by 3%, Says Hardeep Singh Puri

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Thursday, 11 June 2026

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that greater participation of women in governance, policymaking, and economic activities could increase India’s GDP growth by 2–3 per cent. Speaking after a Cabinet briefing marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 4,399 days in office, the minister stressed that India’s development model has evolved from being women-centric to women-led.

According to the Minister, empowering women as decision-makers rather than merely beneficiaries of welfare programmes can unlock significant economic opportunities and strengthen the country’s long-term growth prospects. Linking the projected GDP jump to the Women's Reservation Law, which mandates 33% representation of women in the central legislature, he says: "When your MLA, in your central legislature, 33 per cent of our sisters will come, then GDP also increases by 2-3 per cent."

Key Highlights

• Hardeep Singh Puri says women-led development can raise GDP by 2–3%
• Minister links economic gains to 33% reservation for women in legislatures
• Government schemes on housing, sanitation, and LPG access cited as key drivers

Highlighting the government’s efforts over the past decade, the minister pointed to several flagship initiatives aimed at improving women's social and economic standing.

He said that more than 10 crore toilets have been built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, improving sanitation facilities, safety, and dignity for women and girls across the country. Improved access to sanitation has also played a role in enhancing public health and quality of life.

The minister also referred to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, under which a large number of houses have been registered in the names of women beneficiaries. He said home ownership provides women with greater financial security and strengthens their position within households.

Hardeep Singh Puri further highlighted the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, under which more than 10 crore LPG connections have been distributed to low-income households. Women have been designated as the primary beneficiaries of the scheme, helping families transition from traditional cooking fuels to cleaner energy sources.

According to the minister, the initiative has reduced the health risks associated with smoke from conventional fuels while easing the burden of household cooking responsibilities.

Looking ahead, the Minister said the government’s next phase of development would focus on achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat, with women’s empowerment and energy security remaining key priorities.

He also highlighted measures taken to shield consumers from fluctuations in global energy markets, including reductions in excise duties on petrol and diesel during periods of rising crude oil prices.

The minister said the progress made over the past 12 years has laid a strong foundation for future growth. He emphasised that greater participation of women in political, social, and economic spheres will be essential in shaping India’s development trajectory and driving inclusive prosperity in the years ahead.