Top 10 Central Government Schemes For Women

Various schemes are run by Government for welfare, sustainable development of women across India. These schemes are aimed at holistic development of women. Here is list of top 10 government schemes that serves various purpose for women. We will thoroughly discuss benefits and eligibility criteria of following Government schemes in this article.

List of Government Schemes For Women:

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Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana:

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) introduced in May, 2016 by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG). It was launched on 1st May 2016 in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The objective was to make clean cooking fuel such as LPG available to the rural and deprived households.

Benefits Of PMUY

Cash assistance for PMUY connections is provided by the Government of India – Rs. 1600 (for a connection 14.2kg cylinder/ Rs. 1150 for a 5 kg cylinder). The cash assistance covers:

1. Security Deposit of Cylinder – Rs. 1250 for 14.2 kg cylinder/ Rs. 800 for 5 kg cylinder.
2. Pressure Regulator – Rs. 150.
3. LPG Hose – Rs. 100.
4. Domestic Gas Consumer Card – Rs. 25.
5. Inspection/ Installation/ Demonstration charges – Rs. 75.

Additionally, All PMUY beneficiaries will be provided with first LPG refill and Stove (hotplate) both free of cost along with their deposit-free connection by the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

Who Can Apply For Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

1. Adult women belong to any of the following categories.

• SC Households
• ST Households
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin)
• Most Backward Classes
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
• Tea and Ex-Tea Garden tribes
• Forest Dwellers
• People residing on Islands and River Islands
• SECC Households (AHL TIN)
• Poor Household as per 14-point declaration

2. Applicant must have attained 18 years of age.

3. There should not be any other LPG connections in the same household.

Also Read: How To Check Beneficiary Status Of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme to address concerns about gender discrimination and women empowerment in the country. The name Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao translates to ‘Save the girl child, educate the girl child’. It was launched by Government of India in 2015.

Objective Of BBBP

Under this scheme, several initiatives have been undertaken by districts to build consciousness among target groups and other stakeholders.

Digital Guddi-Gudda Board:

• A digital platform for exhibiting gender disparity in birth rates and providing information on schemes and programmes created for safeguarding the girl child

Udaan – Sapne Di Duniya De Rubaru:

• Initiative offering girls an opportunity to shadow professionals in fields of their choice

My Aim My Target Campaign:

• Recognition programme to felicitate top academic performances by girls in higher secondary schools

Lakshya Se Rubaru:

• Internship programme for female students in colleges – for encouraging them to make informed decisions about their careers

Noor Jeevan Ka Betiyan:

• A week-long campaign celebrated with gender empowerment theme-based interactive activities organised in Panchayats, schools, and colleges

Bitiya and Birba:

• Awareness campaign on the BBBP initiative, along with environmental protection. Under this, each mother of a newly born girl child is celebrated and honored with a plant

Aao School Chalein:

• Enrolment campaign involving door-to-door visits and registrations to ensure 100% enrolment of girls in schools

Collector Ki Class:

• Initiative offering free coaching classes and career counselling for underprivileged girls in public schools and colleges

Bal Cabinet:

• Youth leadership programme where girl students simulate government cabinets and ministerial roles to discuss and resolve issues

Eligibility Criteria Of BBBP

1. The family should have a girl child below 10 years of age.
2. There should be a Sukanya Samriddhi Account or SSA which has been opened in any Indian bank, in the name of the girl child in the family.
3. The girl child should be a resident Indian.
4. NRI citizens do not possess eligibility for the BBBP scheme.

Also Read: How To Check Beneficiary Status Of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram:

A scheme by Ministry of MoHFW for pregnant women and child healthcare. This program aims to provide free and cashless services to pregnant women and sick infants up to one year of age in government health facilities.

Benefits

For pregnant women-

1. Free and cashless delivery
2. Free C-Section
3. Free drugs and consumables
4. Free diagnostics
5. Free diet during stay in the health institutions
6. Free provision of blood
7. Exemption from user charges
8. Free transport from home to health institutions
9. Free transport between facilities in case of referral
10. Free drop back from Institutions to home after 48hrs stay

For sick newborns– till 30 days after birth (now been expanded to also cover sick infants) –

1. Free treatment
2. Free drugs and consumables
3. Free diagnostics
4. Free provision of blood
5. Exemption from user charges
6. Free Transport from Home to Health Institutions
7. Free Transport between facilities in case of referral
8. Free drop Back from Institutions to home

Eligibility

1. The applicant must be a pregnant woman.
2. The applicant must be admitted in a government health facility.

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One Stop Centre:

Women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological and economic abuse, irrespective of age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race and culture will be facilitated under One Stop Centre (OSC) with support and redressal. The OSC will support all women including girls below 18 years of age affected by violence, irrespective of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation or marital status.

Benefits

Women under 18-

• In case girls under 18 years of age are referred to the Centre, they will also be served in coordination with authorities/institutions established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and Protection of Children from Sexual Offence Act, 2012.

The Centre will be open 24 hours with referral services.

Types of Services:

1. Emergency Response and Rescue Services: OSC will provide rescue and referral services to the women affected by violence. For this, linkages will be developed with existing mechanisms such as National Health Mission (NHM), 108 services, and police (PCR Van) so that the woman affected by violence can either be rescued from the location and referred to the nearest 4 medical facilities (Public/ Private) or shelter home.
2. Medical assistance: Women affected by violence would be referred to the nearest hospital for medical aid/examination which would be undertaken as per the guidelines and protocols developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Provision of the ambulance (if required) is provided.
3. Police assistance: Facilitate/Assist in filing First Information Report (FIR/NCR)is provided. A Police Officer to facilitate the process.
4. Psycho-social support/ counselling
5. Legal aid/counselling
6. Shelter: The OSC will provide a temporary shelter facility to aggrieved women. For long term shelter requirements, arrangements will be made with Swadhar Greh/Short Stay Homes (managed/affiliated with government/NGO). Women affected by violence along with their children (girls of all ages and boys up to 8 years of age) can avail themselves of a temporary shelter at the OSC for a maximum period of 5 days. The admissibility of any woman to the temporary shelter would be at the discretion of the Centre Administrator
7. Video Conferencing Facility: Video Conferencing facility is provided under the scheme to facilitate online police and court proceedings.

Eligibility

All women facing physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, irrespective of age, class, caste, education status, marital status, race, and culture.

Also Read: How To Check Beneficiary Status Of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme

New Swarnima Scheme For Women:

A term loan scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for women entrepreneurs from backward classes to obtain a loan of up to ₹2,00,000/- @ 5% per annum, thereby providing them social & financial security. The scheme is introduced by National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and implemented by State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) which act as the nodal agency.

Benefits

1. A subsidy amount of ₹2,00,000/- @ 5% per annum, for self-employment. (The remaining amount has to be self-owned by the beneficiary.)
2. The beneficiary woman is not required to invest any amount of her own on the projects upto cost of Rs.2,00,000/-.

Eligibility

1. The applicant must be a FEMALE.
2. The age of the applicant must be between 18 and 55 years.
3. The applicant must be an Entrepreneur.
4. The Total Annual Family Income of the Applicant must be Less than ₹ 3 Lakh per Annum.

Also Read: How To Check Beneficiary Status Of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme

Women Helpline Number:

Purpose:

• Provide 24-hour assistance and emergency response to women affected by violence.
• Offer information about women-related government schemes and programs through a single uniform number.
• Reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition, and school dropouts among women.

Operational Details:

• Start Date: 3rd December 2018
• Location: Mahila Police Station, Sector 5, Panchkula, Haryana
• Scheme: Universalization of Women Helpline
• Helpline Number: 181
• Funding: 100% sponsored by the Central Government, New Delhi (MWCD) under the Nirbhaya Fund

Services Provided

Emergency Response:

• Immediate assistance to women affected by violence.
• Integrated support in both private and public spaces.

Referral Services:

• Linking callers with appropriate authorities such as Police, One Stop Centres, Hospitals, and Legal aid through DLSA (District Legal Services Authority).

Follow-Up and Feedback:

• Staff stays with the caller until the problem reaches a logical conclusion.
• Feedback is taken daily and weekly to ensure the safety of women.

Staff and Specialization

Qualifications:

• All call respondents have qualifications of M.S.W (Master of Social Work) or L.L.M (Master of Laws).
• Staff have vast experience in dealing with women’s issues and are specialized in crimes against women.

Objective

• Provide immediate and integrated support to women affected by violence.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of women through continuous support and feedback mechanisms.

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Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a Centrally Sponsored flagship scheme by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, designed to support pregnant women and lactating mothers. The scheme is to provide maternity benefits to women belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society.

Benefits

The cash incentives is provided in two instalments for the first child as per the schedule provided in table below:

• Scheme Condition for First Child

• Scheme Condition for Second Child (if it is a girl child)

In case of miscarriage/still birth, the beneficiary would be treated as fresh beneficiary in event of any future pregnancy.

Eligibility

1. The applicant should be of at least 19 years old and a pregnant women.
2. The applicant should be employed and experiencing wage-loss due to the pregnancy.
3. The scheme is applicable only for the first live birth.
4. Eligible beneficiary can apply for the benefit under PMMVY scheme within 270 days from the child birth.
5. If a beneficiary delivers twins/ triplets/ quadruplets in her second pregnancy, with one or more children being girl, she will receive incentive for second girl child as per the PMMVY 2.0 norms.

Criteria for determining socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society are the following:

1. Women belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes
2. Women who are partially (40%) or fully disabled (Divyang Jan)
3. Women holder of BPL Ration Card
4. Women Beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat.
5. Women holding e-Shram card
6. Women farmers who are beneficiaries under Kisan Samman Nidhi
7. Women holding MGNREGA Job Card
8. Women whose net family income is less than Rs. 8 Lakh per annum
9. Pregnant and Lactating AWWs/ AWHs/ ASHAs
10. Women holding Ration Card under NFSA Act 2013.
11. Any other category as may be prescribed by the Central Government

Also Read: Rupashree Prakalpa: Form, Benefits, Status, Eligibility

Stand-Up India:

A scheme by Ministry of Finance for financing SC/ST and/or Women Entrepreneurs by facilitating bank loans for setting up a greenfield project enterprise in manufacturing, services, trading sector and activities allied to agriculture. The objective of this scheme is to facilitate bank loans between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 Crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise.

Benefits

1. Facilitation of composite loan (inclusive of term loan and working capital) between ₹10 Lakhs and ₹100 Lakhs. Rupay debit card to be issued for convenience of the borrower.
2. The web portal by SIDBI provides hand-holding support through a network of agencies engaged in training, skill development, mentoring, project report preparation, application filling, work shed / utility support services, subsidy schemes etc.

Eligibility

1. Finance is provided for Greenfield Enterprises.
2. If the applicant is a male, he must be from SC / ST category.
3. The age of the applicant must be at least 18 years.
4. The applicant must not be in default to any bank/financial institution

Also Read: Rupashree Prakalpa: Form, Benefits, Status, Eligibility

Working Women Hostel:

A scheme to promote accommodation for working women, with day care facility for their children, wherever possible, in urban, semi urban, or even rural areas where employment opportunity for women exist. Working women, women under training for job may also be accommodated. Particular preference may be given to women from disadvantaged sections of the society. There are also provision for reservation of seats for physically challenged beneficiaries.

Benefits:

• Safe and secure Hostel Facilities to working women or women under going job Training.
• Girls up to the age of 18 years and boys up to the age of 5 years, accompanying working mothers will be provided accommodation, with their mothers.
• Working mothers may also avail of the services of the Day Care Centre

Working Women Hostel Rent

• For Single BED Rooms – Maximum 15% of total gross salary
• For Double Bed Rooms – Maximum 10% of total gross salary
• For Dormitories – Maximum 7.5 % of total gross salary
• For Availing Day Care Centre facilities for children – Maximum 5% of the mothers’ gross salary or, the actual expenditure whichever is less.

The rent does not include use of the mess and other facilities like washing machines for which user charges should be collected.

Rent For women Under Training

• The rent for women under training for job shall not exceed the rent to be charged from the working women.
• The rent for such trainees may be charged from the institution/ organization sponsoring the training or from the woman herself.

Tenure of Stay In Hostel

• No working woman is allowed to stay in a hostel, assisted under this scheme for more than 3 years.
• In exceptional circumstances, the District Administration may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, allow working women to stay in a hostel, beyond the 3 year period, subject to the condition that the period of extension, shall not exceed 6 months at one time, and that the total stay of the woman, with extensions, shall not exceed 5 years.

Also Read: Rupashree Prakalpa: Form, Benefits, Status, Eligibility

Swadhar Greh Scheme:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing the Swadhar Greh Scheme which targets the women victims of difficult circumstances who are in need of institutional support for rehabilitation so that they could lead their life with dignity. The Scheme envisages providing shelter, food, clothing and health as well as economic and social security for these women.

Benefits

1. Women affected by domestic violence could stay up to one year.
2. For other categories of women, the maximum period of stay could be up to 3 years.
3. The older women above the 55 years of age may be accommodated for a maximum period of 5 years after which they will have to shift to old age homes or similar institutions.
4. Swadhar Greh facilities could also be availed by the children accompanying women in the above categories.
5. Girls up to the age of 18 years and boys up to the age of 8 years would be
6. allowed to stay in the Swadhar Greh with their mothers. (Boys of more than 8 years of age
7. need to be shifted to the Children Homes run under JJ Act/ICPS.)

Types of Services other than Shelter:

1. Legal Service
2. Vocational Training
3. Medical Facilities
4. Counseling

Eligibility

The benefit of the component could be availed by women above 18 years of age in the following categories:

1. Women who are deserted and are without any social and economic support;
2. Women survivors of natural disasters who have been rendered homeless and are without any social and economic support;
3. Women prisoners released from jail and are without family, social and economic support;
4. Women victims of domestic violence, family tension or discord, who are made to leave their homes without any means of subsistence and have no special protection from exploitation and/ or facing litigation on account of marital disputes; and
5. Trafficked women/girls rescued or run away from brothels or other places where they face exploitation and Women affected by HIV/AIDS who do not have any social or economic support. However such women/ girls should first seek assistance under UJJAWALA Scheme in areas where it is in operation.
6. Women affected by domestic violence could stay up to one year. For other categories of women, the maximum period of stay could be up to 3 years. The older women above the 55 years of age may be accommodated for a maximum period of 5 years after which they will have to shift to old age homes or similar institutions.

Swadhar Greh facilities could also be availed by the children accompanying women in the above categories. Girls up to the age of 18 years and boys up to the age of 8 years would be allowed to stay in the Swadhar Greh with their mothers. (Boys of more than 8 years of age need to be shifted to the Children Homes run under JJ Act/ICPS.)

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