News Desk
NEW DELHI — Women-led startups in India are making a mark on the global stage and have the potential to drive the country toward its vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), Minister Jitendra Singh said on Sunday.
Speaking to a delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry – Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO), Singh underscored the growing influence of women entrepreneurs across sectors, including space exploration. He pointed to India’s solar mission, Aditya L1, led by Nigar Shaji, known within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as the “Sunny Lady.”
“Women-led development is a key priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance agenda,” Singh said. “Our women entrepreneurs have the potential to place India on the global map in the years to come.”
Since 2014, he noted, women’s empowerment has been reinforced through various government initiatives, including the PM Mudra Yojana and PM Vishwakarma Yojana, both of which have enabled more women to enter the entrepreneurial landscape. According to Singh, nearly 70 percent of young entrepreneurs who received financial aid under the PM Mudra Yojana were women, many of whom have built businesses that generate employment.
Singh also highlighted the government’s focus on traditional artisans and craftsmen, calling them an “exclusive asset of India.” He said the PM Vishwakarma Yojana was designed to integrate these skilled workers into the formal economy.
“The traditional artisans and craftsmen have preserved centuries-old crafts and traditions but were often overlooked since independence,” Singh said.
The remarks come as India continues to promote women’s participation in economic and technological advancements, a move that government officials believe is critical to sustaining long-term growth.
