Women Powering Viksit Bharat from Tier 2 & 3 India

Patna, July 20, 2025: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled a powerful vision for India’s future—one led by empowered women from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. At the “Viksit Bihar” conference, he emphasized that over 76,000 women-led startups are redefining India’s growth journey.

Women-Led Development: The Heart of Viksit Bharat

Dr. Singh affirmed that Women-Led Development is not a slogan, but a transformative approach shaping India’s path to becoming a developed nation by 2047. He stressed that women, especially from small towns and rural areas, are emerging as strategic leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

Conference Highlights in Patna

The conference, titled “Viksit Bihar: Envisioning a Developed Bihar through Women’s Participation”, was organized by the Department of Rural Development, Bihar, in collaboration with IIPA, New Delhi. It witnessed the launch of:

• Jeevika E-Learning Management System App – to enhance women’s access to digital education.
• “Shashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar” – a publication honoring women’s role in Bihar’s development.

Four Pillars of Women Empowerment

Dr. Singh outlined the Modi Government’s structured approach, built on four empowerment pillars:

1. Access and Inclusion in Institutions

Historic reforms like admitting girls into Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy (NDA) have shattered age-old gender barriers. Combat roles are now open to women, and India could soon witness its first woman Army Chief.

2. Scientific and Technological Empowerment

Schemes like WISE, GATI, CURIE, and the Women Scientist Programme have helped women re-enter STEM careers. Patna Women’s College will be adopted under the CURIE scheme, boosting women’s research participation in Bihar.

3. Economic and Social Empowerment

Financial inclusion is revolutionizing rural India:

• 48+ crore Jan Dhan accounts opened for women.
• 60% Mudra Yojana beneficiaries are women.
• 3 crore Lakhpati Didis empowered through Self-Help Groups.
• PM Awas Yojana homes in women’s names are reshaping dignity and ownership.

4. Legal Sensitivity and Workplace Reforms

Progressive reforms include:

• Six-month paid childcare leave in government jobs.
• Pensions for dependent daughters (unmarried/divorced).
• Maternity leave even after stillbirths—highlighting compassionate governance.

Women in Leadership: From Labs to Legislation

Dr. Singh cited iconic names like Kalpana (Chandrayaan-3) and Nigar Shaji (Aditya-L1) as symbols of India’s rise in space science under women leadership. For the first time, a woman Director General leads CSIR, with 33% of its labs headed by women scientists.

Startups Sparked by Women in Smaller Towns

India now hosts 1.7 lakh startups, of which 76,000 are led by women, creating over 17 lakh jobs. These are not just urban initiatives—towns in Bihar and other Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions are leading the charge in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Bihar’s Bold Reforms in Women Empowerment

Dr. Singh praised Bihar’s trailblazing efforts:

• 50% reservation for women in Panchayats and urban local bodies.
• 35% reservation in the state police and civil services.
• Over 30 lakh women beneficiaries received financial support worth ₹5,000+ crore.

He urged the Indian Institute of Public Administration to document Bihar’s governance model for replication across India.

Vision for the Future: Women Leading India

Dr. Singh concluded by calling for a mindset shift. “It’s no longer just about participation,” he said, “It’s about women leading from the front—in labs, governance, and grassroots.”

He reaffirmed the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047 with women driving policy, innovation, and progress every step of the way.