Over the past decade, there has been significant progress in women’s empowerment, as highlighted by Nirmala Sitharaman during the Union Budget 2024 announcement. She noted a 28% increase in female enrolment in higher education over the last 10 years. In STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) courses, girls and women now account for 43% of enrolment, marking one of the highest figures globally.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the momentum gained in empowering women through entrepreneurship and improving their quality of life over the past decade. During the presentation of the interim Budget 2024-25, she noted a significant 28% increase in female enrolment in higher education during this period. Additionally, Sitharaman mentioned the provision of 30 crore Mudra Yojana loans specifically extended to women entrepreneurs.
The minister highlighted a notable 28% increase in female enrolment in higher education over the past decade, with girls and women constituting 43% of enrolment in STEM courses—one of the highest figures globally.
Furthermore, the minister emphasized the growing momentum in empowering women through entrepreneurship, enhancing their quality of life, and ensuring dignity for them. These measures are reflected in the increasing participation of women in the workforce. She also pointed out initiatives such as making triple talaq illegal, reserving one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, and allocating over 70% of houses under the PM Awas Yojana in rural areas to women as sole or joint owners, contributing to the enhanced dignity of women.
