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In a nation as young and dynamic as India, true progress lies in unlocking the strength of its two most transformative forces: its women and its youth. Over the last decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, empowerment has not remained a slogan—it has become a lived experience for millions across the country. What was once only a vision is now visible in villages, cities, schools, farms, homes, and enterprises.
The Modi government has brought about a silent revolution—redefining the development narrative by placing Nari Shakti (Women Power) and Yuva Shakti (Youth Power) at its core. From ensuring dignity in homes to creating opportunities in businesses, from policy reforms to digital access, from skilling to self-employment—the change is real, widespread, and lasting.
For decades, women were considered beneficiaries of schemes. But in recent years, the focus has shifted from just welfare to women-led development. The aim is not just to help women survive, but to help them lead.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Changing Mindsets
Launched in 2015, this scheme wasn’t just about saving the girl child. It was a call to the nation to value, educate, and empower her. Since its launch, many districts have witnessed improvement in the child sex ratio and increased girl enrolment in schools. But more than that, it changed how families perceive their daughters—not as burdens, but as pride.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban & Rural): Asset Ownership
In a groundbreaking move, over 70% of homes under PMAY have been registered in the name of women. This step didn’t just give women a roof—it gave them ownership, independence, and identity in their own families.
Ujjwala Yojana: Dignity in Kitchens
Cooking with wood and smoke was once a daily reality for rural women. With over 9 crore LPG connections given under Ujjwala, women have been freed from health hazards, and have gained time and energy for themselves and their families. It brought dignity into kitchens where women were once forgotten.
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: Political Representation
The historic legislation guaranteeing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies is a landmark moment. It is not just symbolic—it paves the way for women to be decision-makers, not just followers.
Financial & Entrepreneurial Support
Through Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, and Self-Help Group (SHG) support, women have emerged as job creators and business leaders. Over 68% of Mudra loans have gone to women. These women are no longer waiting for employment—they are generating livelihoods in tailoring, farming, trading, and services.
Empowering Youth: Skilling, Innovating, Leading
India’s greatest strength lies in its youth. Recognizing this, the Modi government has placed the Indian youth at the center of its economic, educational, and technological agenda.
Skill India and PMKVY: Earning with Skills
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has trained lakhs of young Indians across diverse industries—from construction to healthcare, AI to automotive repair. It has bridged the gap between education and employment, giving young people practical, market-ready skills.
PM-YUVA Yojana: Entrepreneurial India
The PM-YUVA Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan) is designed to promote entrepreneurship among youth. Young participants get real-world business training, mentorship, and funding support to launch and sustain startups. It ensures they don’t just seek jobs—they create them.
Digital India & NEP 2020: Bridging the Future
With high-speed internet reaching rural India and smartphones in every hand, Digital India has empowered youth to learn online, work remotely, and access global information. Combined with the National Education Policy 2020, which encourages critical thinking, creativity, and flexibility, our youth are being equipped for a digital-first world.
While some schemes are gender- or age-specific, many flagship programmes have uplifted both women and youth, especially from rural and economically weaker sections.
PM-KISAN: Support for Farmer Families
Under PM-KISAN, more than 12 crore small and marginal farming families receive direct financial assistance. With many farm households led by women or supported by youth, this scheme has offered financial stability, particularly during tough agricultural cycles.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
This scheme provides pensions for small farmers, giving them a sense of social security. It has especially helped women and elderly farmers live with dignity.
PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY)
One of the largest relief packages in Indian history, PMGKY delivered free rations, cash transfers, and employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women Jan Dhan account holders were credited with emergency funds directly. Youth in rural India were engaged through MNREGA for livelihood support.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana
Targeting the unorganised sector, this scheme ensures pension coverage for street vendors, daily wage labourers, and gig workers—many of whom are youth struggling in insecure jobs.
Today, a girl from a remote district is running a business on her smartphone. A young graduate is launching a tech startup in a small town. A mother owns her first home. These are not isolated stories. This is New India—assertive, ambitious, and awakened.
Critics will say there is more to do—and rightly so. But the foundation has been laid. These schemes are not band-aids; they are structural transformations that are reshaping society.
The True Spirit of Viksit Bharat
Empowerment is not about handouts. It is about trust, opportunity, and respect. The Modi government’s approach to women and youth empowerment has shifted India from a model of dependence to one of self-reliance and pride.
If we envision Viksit Bharat by 2047, the India of tomorrow will not be built by governments alone. It will be built by the confident daughter who leads her panchayat, and the young entrepreneur who builds solutions for the world.
Because when you empower a woman, you empower generations. When you empower a youth, you empower the future.
Writer can be reached at: mnoorkashmir@gmail.com
