Women-led startups in India are making significant strides on the global stage, with the potential to contribute significantly to India’s goal of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), according to Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology. Speaking on Sunday to a delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO), Singh emphasized that the rise of women entrepreneurs has become a key component in the country’s economic development and global influence.
Singh highlighted that women’s contributions have transcended traditionally male-dominated sectors, with a particular focus on fields like space exploration. He pointed to India’s solar mission “Aditya L1,” which is led by Nigar Shaji, known as ISRO’s “Sunny Lady,” as an example of women’s leadership in high-tech and innovative industries. This mission, which focuses on studying the sun and its effects on the Earth, showcases the important roles women are playing in areas that were once considered inaccessible to them.
The Minister went on to stress that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance agenda prioritizes women-led development as a critical focus area, with the vision that women-led startups will play an instrumental role in positioning India on the global map in the coming years. Singh expressed confidence that Indian women entrepreneurs possess the capacity and drive to realize this ambitious vision, contributing to the growth of India’s economy and global standing.
Singh also drew attention to the practical steps taken since 2014 to empower women, specifically through welfare schemes that have helped women become more financially independent and entrepreneurial. Among the most significant initiatives are the PM Mudra Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, both of which have provided direct support to women entrepreneurs. The PM Mudra Yojana, which focuses on providing financial assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises, has seen nearly 70 percent of its beneficiaries as women. Many of these women have successfully started their own businesses, contributing not only to their personal income but also to job creation and economic activity in their communities.
The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which focuses on the promotion of traditional craftsmanship and artisanship, is another initiative that has benefitted women entrepreneurs. Singh noted that these artisans are a unique and invaluable asset to India, having preserved centuries-old skills and cultural traditions. However, they had often been neglected in the economic landscape. With the launch of PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Singh said, these artisans have been brought into the mainstream, ensuring their skills are recognized and supported within modern economic frameworks.
In his remarks, Singh called traditional artisans and craftsmen a “cultural asset” of India, emphasizing that their work has long been part of India’s rich heritage but had often been overlooked in terms of economic contribution. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to provide them with better tools, access to markets, and recognition, contributing to their socio-economic advancement and the preservation of India’s cultural heritage.
The rise of women entrepreneurs and leaders in sectors such as technology, space, and traditional crafts signifies a major shift in India’s economic landscape. It also highlights the country’s growing commitment to ensuring gender equality in all areas of national development. Women’s increasing role in the economy is not only a matter of empowerment but also a driver for India’s progress as it moves toward becoming a more developed and globally influential nation. The government’s commitment to supporting women through targeted welfare programs, financial assistance, and skill-building initiatives continues to lay the foundation for an India that is not only economically strong but also equitable and inclusive.
As women-led startups gain momentum and recognition both within India and globally, they are poised to be key players in realizing the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” With a solid foundation of government support and an ever-growing pool of women entrepreneurs, India is set to continue its upward trajectory in global markets. Singh’s comments reflect the optimism and potential that India’s women entrepreneurs hold as they pave the way for future generations of leaders.
