The Press Information Bureau reported on 15 October 2026 that India's female Labour Force Participation Rate rose from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2025. The government is supporting this growth through credit schemes like PMMY, the Swavalambini pilot for young women, and the Yashasvini Campaign to achieve gender parity in business registrations by 2029. Additionally, 29 labour laws were consolidated into four codes in November 2025 to improve maternity benefits and workplace safety. These initiatives aim to transition women from simple participation to high-quality, secure employment and entrepreneurship.
Key points
- Female Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 40% in 2025.
- Approximately 3.69 crore registered MSMEs were women-owned as of October 2026.
- Eligible women receive up to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave under new Labour Codes.
- The Yashasvini Campaign targets gender parity on Udyam portals by 2029.
- Women-led MSEs receive 90% enhanced guarantee coverage under the Credit Guarantee Scheme.
When it applies
- launch of Swavalambini Scheme pilot
- achieving gender parity on Udyam Registration Portal and Udyam Assist Platform
Who it affects
- women workers