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Exploring how government initiatives in Kashmir are fostering women’s empowerment through enhanced awareness and access to welfare schemes.
The study highlights schemes intended to foster the welfare and socio-economic empowerment of women in Kashmir, with particular reference to North Kashmir. Women form the backbone of society, yet for decades many of them have remained unaware of the benefits and opportunities provided by the government for their upliftment. In recent years, several schemes have been introduced at the central and Union Territory level to ensure financial security, education, health care, skill development, and social empowerment of women. Proper awareness and effective implementation of these schemes can play a transformative role in improving the socio-economic condition of women in Kashmir. One of the most important areas of focus has been financial inclusion. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana have enabled women to open zero-balance bank accounts, giving them direct access to banking services. In Kashmir, especially in rural and border areas of North Kashmir, this scheme has helped women receive direct benefit transfers of various welfare schemes without intermediaries. Financial inclusion has not only ensured transparency but has also given women confidence and control over their finances. Linked with this is the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, under which women entrepreneurs can avail loans at affordable rates to start small businesses such as tailoring units, handicrafts, poultry farming, or dairy units. In districts like Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora, many women have successfully taken Mudra loans and become self-reliant. Another significant initiative is the Ujjwala Yojana, which provides free LPG connections to women from economically weaker sections. In Kashmir, where women traditionally spend long hours in kitchens using firewood or coal, this scheme has greatly improved health conditions by reducing indoor air pollution. It has also saved time and effort, allowing women to focus on education, income-generating activities, or childcare. This scheme is a clear example of how a simple intervention can bring dignity and better quality of life to women. Education and skill development are crucial for long-term empowerment. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme aims to promote education among girls and address issues related to gender disparity. In Kashmir, this scheme has encouraged parents to send their daughters to school and continue their education beyond the primary level. Alongside this, schemes like Skill India and various initiatives under the Jammu and Kashmir Skill Development Mission provide vocational training to women in areas such as computer skills, handicrafts, food processing, and hospitality. In North Kashmir, women trained under these programs have found employment in local enterprises or started their own ventures. Health-related schemes have also played a vital role. The Janani Suraksha Yojana and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram aim to provide safe pregnancy and childbirth services. These schemes have reduced maternal and infant mortality by promoting institutional deliveries and providing free medical care. For women in remote areas of Kashmir, access to free healthcare services during pregnancy has been a major relief. Additionally, schemes under Ayushman Bharat provide health insurance coverage to economically weaker families, ensuring that women can access quality healthcare without financial burden. Social security schemes are equally important, especially for widows, divorced women, and elderly women. The National Social Assistance Programme and various UT-level pension schemes provide financial assistance to women who have no stable source of income. In Kashmir, where many women have been affected by conflict-related issues, such pensions serve as a crucial support system. These schemes help women maintain a basic standard of living and reduce their dependence on others.
Women’s safety and dignity have also been addressed through legal and institutional mechanisms. Schemes like One Stop Centres, popularly known as Sakhi Centres, provide support to women affected by violence. These centres offer medical aid, legal assistance, counselling, and temporary shelter. Awareness about such facilities is still limited in Kashmir, but wherever implemented effectively, they have helped women come forward and seek justice without fear. Self-help groups have emerged as a powerful tool for women empowerment. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, women are encouraged to form self-help groups and engage in collective savings and income-generating activities. In North Kashmir, many women self-help groups are involved in handicrafts, weaving, food processing, and agriculture-based activities. These groups not only improve economic conditions but also foster leadership, confidence, and social solidarity among women. A real-life example of women empowerment and entrepreneurship can be seen in Sabzar Foods of Kupwara, which reflects how traditional food businesses run by local women or families are thriving through awareness and support systems. Sabzar Foods, a Kashmiri traditional food business based at Main Chowk, Kupwara, has gained popularity by producing and selling traditional pickles and local delicacies. Through effective use of social media marketing and strong community support, the enterprise has been able to reach a wider audience. Sabzar Foods demonstrates how local entrepreneurs can earn a sustainable income while preserving traditional Kashmiri food practices, and at the same time inspire other women and youth to take up small-scale businesses and become self-reliant. There is a strong need for awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, involving schools, panchayats, local NGOs, and community leaders. Information should be shared in simple language so that women can easily understand their rights and entitlements. The different schemes for women in Kashmir have immense potential to bring positive change if implemented effectively and accessed widely. Financial assistance, education, healthcare, skill development, and social security together form a strong foundation for women empowerment. However, real success lies in ensuring that every eligible woman knows about these schemes and can benefit from them without hurdles. I, as a writer have tried through my writings to make women in Kashmir aware of the different schemes meant for their welfare so that they can come forward, apply for these schemes, and get the full benefit of them for a better, secure, and dignified life.
The writer reaches at: kkhan795060@gmail.com
