Page 51 - English 01-15 March, 2026
P. 51
International Women’s Day | NATION
These government Efforts for Women’s Empowerment & Justice
efforts have increased n Nyaya Sanhita: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, consolidated
women’s rights crimes against women and children under Chapter-V. Punishments for
crimes against women and children have been tightened.
n Increased participation in politics: n Conducive Workplace Environment: To create a conducive work
The Nari Shakti Vandan Act, environment for women workers, several supportive provisions have
2023 (106th Amendment to the been introduced in the Code on Wages, the Industrial Labor Code, the
Constitution) has been notified. Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, and the
Under this Act, 33% of seats in Social Security Code.
the Lok Sabha and Legislative
Assemblies of all states, including n More Attention to Health: Paid maternity leave was increased to 26
the National Capital Territory of weeks in 2017, up from 12 weeks previously.
Delhi, will be reserved for women. n Resolving accommodation issues for working women: 560 Sakhi
Niwas (working women’s hostels) are operational across the country.
n Employment will not be neglected:
The Viksit Bharat—Guarantee n Rehabilitation in Distress: 413 Shakti Sadans (integrated relief
for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission and rehabilitation centers) are operational across the country. These
(Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) Act, are integrated relief and rehabilitation centers for women in distress,
2025 mandates that at least one- benefiting 13,000 women.
third of the jobs created under the n Child Care: 14,599 Anganwadi-cum-Crèche Centers have been
scheme be given to women. approved, and 2,820 are operational nationwide.
n Becoming homeowners: The n Rural Livelihoods: 10.29 Crore women are associated with women’s
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana- self-help groups under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (National
Gramin focuses on women-owned Rural Livelihoods Mission), transforming the rural socio-economic
houses. It has been decided that, landscape of the country.
with some exceptions, the house n Reduce the burden of labor and care: Construction of over 12 Crore
will be allotted in the name of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, providing gas connections to
the woman or jointly with both over 10.49 crore women under the Ujjwala Yojana, and connecting over
husband and wife. 15.79 crore rural households with tap water connections under the Jal
Jeevan Mission have helped transform women’s lives.
n Path to higher positions: The
Companies (Appointment and n So that daughters grow and educate: The Beti Bachao Beti
Qualifications of Directors) Rules, Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on January 22, 2015. Its
2014, provide that every listed objective is to prevent sex-selective births, ensure the survival
company with a capital of more and protection of girl children, and ensure their education and
than ₹100 crore or a turnover of participation. The sex ratio has increased from 918 in 2014-15 to
₹300 crore or more must appoint 929 in 2024-25. The gross enrolment of girls in schools increased
at least one woman director. from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 80.2% in 2024-25.
n Securing the Future: Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts were launched on
n Increased participation in local January 22, 2015, with accounts maturing at age 21. By January 2026,
government: At least one-third 4.53 crore accounts had been opened, with deposits exceeding ₹3.33
(33%) of the seats filled through lakh crore.
direct elections and the posts of
chairpersons in every Panchayat n Poshan bhi Padhai bhi: Launched on May 10, 2023, this program
are mandatory for women. Going trained over 1 million Anganwadi workers to ensure proper education
further, 21 states and two union and nutrition during childhood. 2.9 Lakh Anganwadi centers were
territories have reserved 50% of established in government schools across the country.
seats for women. Currently, of the n Free India from Child Marriage: On November 27, 2024, the
2,441,741 elected representatives in Government of India launched the Child Marriage Free India Campaign.
Panchayats, 1,214,885 (49.75%) are The awareness program reached over 60 million citizens, and over 28
women. lakh pledges were taken on the Child Marriage Free India portal. n
March 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 49
