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Key Points

India's female workforce participation surged to 41.7% in 2023-24, marking an 18.4% jump since 2019-20. Over 26 lakh women joined EPFO's formal sector in just one year through various skill development programs. The government highlights labor reforms like extended maternity leave and mandatory creches as key enablers. Schemes like Mudra Yojana and Mission Shakti are driving this transformation in women's economic participation.

Key Points: Women's Workforce Participation Jumps 18.4% Under Modi Schemes

  • EPFO data reveals 41.7% female workforce participation in 2023-24
  • Mudra Yojana & Stand-Up India boosted women entrepreneurship
  • Maternity leave extended to 26 weeks under labor reforms
  • Mission Shakti provides creche facilities for working mothers
2 min read

Women's participation in formal workforce up 18.4 pc in 4 years: Minister

EPFO data shows 26.9 lakh women joined formal workforce in 2024-25 as govt credits PM Mudra, Stand-Up India & Mission Shakti initiatives

"26.9 lakh net female subscribers added to EPFO in 2024-25 - Shobha Karandlaje"

New Delhi, July 28

The participation of women in the country’s formal workforce is constantly increasing and as per the latest data, the estimated Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) on usual status for female of age 15 years and above has increased from 23.3 per cent in 2019-20 to 41.7 per cent in 2023-24 — a robust growth of 18.4 per cent -- the Parliament was informed on Monday.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Payroll Data indicates the level of employment in the formal sector. During 2024–25 alone, 26.9 lakh net female subscribers were added to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), underlining a shift towards formal employment, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

The government is implementing various schemes to boost the female LFPR, like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Stand-UP India Scheme, Startup India, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Women in Science and Engineering- KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN), SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research), Mission Shakti, Namo Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi, among others.

In addition, the Union Cabinet has approved the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme to support employment generation, enhance employability and social security across all sectors, with special focus on the manufacturing sector.

According to the minister, a number of protective provisions have been incorporated in the labour laws for equal opportunity and congenial work environment for women workers. The Code on Social Security, 2020 has the provisions for enhancement in paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, provision for mandatory crèche facility in the establishments having 50 or more employees, permitting women workers in the night shifts with adequate safety measures, etc.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing ‘Palna’ component under Mission Shakti for all States/UTs, under which providing day care facilities and protection of children is the main focus area. Under Palna, Ministry has extended free services of childcare through Anganwadi cum Creches (AWCC).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the numbers look impressive, I wonder how much of this is urban vs rural participation. Many women in villages still face cultural barriers to formal employment. The schemes need better ground implementation.
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Ananya R
The 26-week maternity leave is a blessing! My company implemented it last year and it made such a difference in my work-life balance. More companies should follow suit. #WomenEmpowerment
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Vikram M
Great progress but safety concerns remain. My sister works night shifts in Gurgaon and we still worry about her commute. Need better transport and security measures for women working late hours.
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Shreya B
The Namo Drone Didi initiative is revolutionary! My cousin in Punjab got trained as a drone pilot and now helps farmers with crop monitoring. More such innovative programs needed in rural areas 💪
K
Karan T
The numbers are good but what about equal pay? Many of my female colleagues still earn less for the same work. Government should enforce stricter pay parity laws.

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