India has witnessed a significant rise in women’s participation in the formal workforce, with the Labour Force Participation Rate for females aged 15 years and above increasing from 23.3% in 2019–20 to 41.7% in 2023–24. This 18.4% growth reflects a structural shift towards formal employment and enhanced economic inclusion, as informed in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation Payroll Data further underscores this trend, showing that 2.69 million net female subscribers were added during 2024–25 alone. This surge highlights the growing integration of women into the formal sector and the effectiveness of targeted government interventions.
To boost female workforce participation, the Government has implemented a range of schemes including Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Stand-UP India, Startup India, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, Women in Science and Engineering–KIRAN, SERB-POWER, Mission Shakti, Namo Drone Didi and Lakhpati Didi. These initiatives aim to enhance skill development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for women across sectors.
The Union Cabinet has also approved the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme to promote job creation, improve employability and strengthen social security, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector.
Labour laws have been amended to ensure equal opportunity and a safe working environment for women. The Code on Social Security, 2020 includes provisions for increasing paid maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, mandatory crèche facilities in establishments with 50 or more employees and permission for women to work night shifts with adequate safety measures.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the ‘Palna’ component under Mission Shakti across all States and Union Territories. Palna focuses on providing day care and child protection services, including free childcare through Anganwadi cum Creches, thereby supporting working mothers and enabling greater workforce participation.
