Mission Shakti comprises two sub-schemes: Sambal, focusing on women’s safety, and Samarthya, promoting empowerment. Sambal provides immediate assistance through One Stop Centres (OSCs) at the district level, Women Helpline (WHL-181), and legal, medical, and counseling support. Samarthya offers programs like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Shakti Sadan, Krishna Kutir for widows, Sakhi Niwas for working women, and Palna daycare services.
SANKALP and Other Support Platforms
The SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women serves as an information bridge to help women access various schemes and facilities. Similarly, Sakhi Niwas ensures safe, conveniently located accommodation for working women in urban and semi-urban areas.
Under Mission Poshan 2.0, Anganwadi services and schemes for adolescent girls focus on nutrition, early childhood care, and improved Anganwadi infrastructure, thereby strengthening the health and well-being of women and children nationwide.
Health and Social Security Programs
Ayushman Bharat provides over 1,200 medical packages, including 141 designed specifically for women, covering screenings for breast and cervical cancer, TB, diabetes, hypertension, oral cancer, and cataract treatment. Over 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres bring healthcare closer to communities, while AB-PMJAY offers health coverage to disadvantaged women.
Additional financial support is extended through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), MUDRA Yojna, Stand-Up India, PM SVANidhi, and PMEGP, providing employment and self-employment opportunities to women. Social protection schemes include NSAP, Atal Pension Yojana, PMSBY, and PMJJBY.
Empowering Single Mothers and Women Entrepreneurs
Government reforms now allow mothers to have their names as the sole parent on PAN cards and passports, supporting single mothers. Through Public Procurement Policy, ministries and PSUs are mandated to procure at least 3% from women-owned micro and small enterprises.
The Ministry of MSME also runs programs like “Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana,” PM Vishwakarma Scheme, and “Yashasvini” campaign to support women artisans and entrepreneurs. Credit schemes provide up to 90% guarantee coverage, facilitating growth and sustainability of women-led enterprises.
Comprehensive Approach to Women’s Welfare
Overall, these initiatives represent a multi-pronged approach to women’s empowerment, combining safety, health, education, skill development, and financial independence. By addressing diverse challenges, the Government of India aims to create a safer, more inclusive, and equitable environment for women across the country.
