Government Initiatives Boost Women’s Employment in India
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released new data highlighting the state of employment and unemployment in India. According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2023-24, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) stands at an impressive 60.1%, while the Unemployment Rate (UR) is recorded at 3.2%. These figures reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing employment opportunities across the nation.
The government has prioritized employment generation and improving employability, particularly for women. Various schemes have been launched to boost female participation in the workforce. A detailed overview of these employment generation schemes can be found on the government’s dedicated portal.
Empowering Women Through Legislative Changes
In a significant move towards gender equality in the workplace, the government has implemented four Labour Codes, effective November 21, 2025. These codes focus on rationalizing 29 previous labour laws and include several provisions aimed specifically at increasing women’s participation in the labour force.
Key highlights of these codes include:
- Ensuring proportional representation of women in Grievance Redressal Committees
- Providing up to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave, with additional leave for adoptive and commissioning mothers
- Permitting women to work in above-ground mines at night and in underground mines during the day under certain conditions
- Addressing gender-based discrimination in wages and employment conditions
- Promoting crèche facilities for children under six years to assist working mothers
Broadening Work Opportunities
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, expands employment opportunities for women across all establishments and allows work outside regular hours with the necessary safety measures in place. Additionally, establishments must ensure appropriate safeguards when engaging women in potentially hazardous roles.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has also introduced the National Career Service (NCS) Portal, a comprehensive digital platform for job seekers. The portal offers access to job listings, career counseling, vocational guidance, and information on skill development initiatives.
Financial Incentives and Safety Measures
Further supporting employment generation is the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, known as the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which aims to enhance employability and social security, with a focus on the manufacturing sector.
To ensure workplace safety, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has implemented the SHe-Box portal. This platform addresses concerns outlined in the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, providing a framework for reporting and resolving workplace harassment.
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