From SHGs to drone technology: Inside India’s growing push for women’s economic empowerment | India News

On the eve of International Women’s Day, India’s growing push towards women’s financial empowerment is drawing attention to the changing role of women in the country’s economy. From gaining access to skills training to helping run small enterprises to operating agricultural drones, women are increasingly stepping into new financial roles and becoming active participants in India’s development story. Supported by multiple government initiatives over the past decade, more women in rural and urban India are gaining access to savings, credit, skills and markets, helping them build independent livelihoods and support their families. From savings schemes for the girl child to loan assistance, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurship programs and technology-driven livelihoods, policy efforts have focused on bringing more women into the economic mainstream and ensuring inclusive growth where no woman is left behind.Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign is one of the key initiatives supporting financial security for girls. The savings scheme allows families to invest in a girl child’s education and future, offering an interest rate of 8.2% per annum with tax benefits. According to official data, deposits under the scheme have crossed Rs 3.33 lakh crore till December 2025. In rural areas, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) has mobilized more than 10 crore women into self-help groups (SHGs), providing access to credit, skill training and livelihood opportunities. The network has become one of the largest women-led community platforms in the world, with a repayment rate of over 98%. Technology is also being introduced to increase income opportunities. Under the Namo Drone Didi initiative, women from self-help groups are being trained to operate agricultural drones used for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, enabling them to earn by promoting precision farming through drone rental services. Entrepreneurial ventures are also gaining ground. Programs like the Lakshapati Didi campaign aim to help women SHG members achieve an annual household income of over Rs 1 lakh through sustainable initiatives. Meanwhile, the government e-marketplace’s Omenia initiative is enabling women-led businesses to supply goods and services directly to government buyers. Complementing these efforts are financial inclusion schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, and Stand-Up India, which provide access to banking and collateral-free loans for women entrepreneurs.