New Delhi, May 1: On the occasion of International Labor Day, the government announced that social security coverage in India has increased from about 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025. Meanwhile, the female labor participation rate has risen from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2025, with women now stepping into leadership roles as well.
An official statement highlighted that women are increasingly engaging in income-generating activities and local businesses. They are gaining access to skills, social security, and formal systems, making them more visible in the economic framework.
According to periodic labor force surveys, the female labor participation rate has seen a significant increase, reflecting a shift in rural India where women are contributing regularly to the economy rather than occasionally.
The statement further noted that the rising participation of women indicates an expansion of employment opportunities and a move towards formalizing the labor market. The government’s efforts are also evident in the health services provided to employees, with a new ESIC hospital recently opened in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, serving over 50,000 workers and their families.
Increased access to provident funds, insurance, and health services has particularly benefited women, who predominantly work in the unorganized sector. The government stated that women in rural India are moving beyond traditional roles and increasingly embracing entrepreneurship.
Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission, over 10 million women have been linked to self-help groups. Initially launched for financial inclusion, this scheme has transformed into a network of small businesses where women are involved in production, management, and sales, often becoming the primary earners for their families.
To promote female entrepreneurship, initiatives like the Lakshmi Didis scheme are being implemented, aiming to empower millions of women to earn over ₹1 lakh annually by providing them with loans, skills, and market access.
India’s startup ecosystem is also rapidly growing, with over 220,000 recognized startups providing more than 2.33 million jobs, of which over 100,000 have at least one female director.
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