Content:
- The empowerment of India’s women with bold policies
- India, Mauritius and a visit to deepen long-standing ties
The empowerment of India’s women with bold policies
Context & Background
- The article discusses India’s progress in women’s empowerment in light of International Women’s Day (March 8).
- It highlights government policies that have improved access to sanitation, clean water, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship, reshaping women’s roles in governance, the workforce, and community leadership.
Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Schemes)
Practice Question : How has digital expansion through BharatNet and PM-WANI contributed to women’s economic and social empowerment in India? Analyze with relevant examples. (250 Words)
Sanitation & Clean Water
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM): Improved sanitation and safety, benefiting 116 million households.
- Self-Help Group (SHG) Initiatives: Example of the Maa Tarini SHG in Rourkela, aiding leprosy patients and promoting menstrual hygiene.
- Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Increased tap water access from 17% to over 150 million rural households, reducing women’s burden of water collection.
- Economic Impact: Rural female labour force participation rose from 24.6% to 41.5% (2017-2023), particularly in Bihar and Jharkhand.
Women-led Businesses & Financial Inclusion
- Startup India Initiative: 73,000+ startups with at least one female director.
- Stand-Up India Scheme: ₹53,609 crore loans to 236,000 entrepreneurs.
- Mudra Yojana: ₹32.36 lakh crore sanctioned, 68% of loans to women.
- Digital Expansion:
- BharatNet, PM-WANI enabled high-speed internet in 199,000 villages.
- Jan Dhan Yojana: Opened 300 million bank accounts for women.
- GeM Portal: Women entrepreneurs make up 8% of sellers;₹46,615 crore contracts secured.
Women’s Representation in Governance
- 33% reservation in legislative bodies enhancing women’s political decision-making.
- Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): 1.4 million women now serving, constituting 46% of elected representatives.
- STEM Representation: Women constitute 43% of STEM graduates, strengthening the technical workforce.
Government’s Stand & Policies
- Multi-pronged approach integrating sanitation, digital access, financial inclusion, and governance.
- Government’s Reforms:
- Legislative reservations (33%) to enhance political representation.
- Infrastructure development (SBM, JJM, digital connectivity) to reduce daily hardships.
- Economic empowerment via Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana.
- Policy shift in governance to ensure women’s participation in decision-making.
Pros
- Improved Living Standards: SBM and JJM enhanced women’s safety, health, and economic participation.
- Financial Independence: Schemes like Mudra Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana increased women’s access to credit and banking.
- Political Empowerment: Higher representation in governance leads to gender-sensitive policymaking.
- STEM & Entrepreneurship Growth: Digital connectivity and startup-friendly policies support women-led businesses.
Cons & Challenges
- Implementation Gaps: Infrastructure projects face maintenance and service delivery issues.
- Societal Barriers: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms hinder women’s leadership and business expansion.
- Credit Constraints: Despite loan availability, many women entrepreneurs lack collateral and financial literacy.
- Digital Divide: Despite internet expansion, rural women face challenges in technology adoption.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Policy Implementation: Ensure efficient delivery and long-term maintenance of sanitation, water, and digital infrastructure.
- Enhance Financial Literacy: Bridge the gap between financial access and effective utilization.
- Promote Skill Development: Focus on entrepreneurship training, digital literacy, and STEM education for women.
- Tackle Social Barriers: Implement awareness campaigns to break patriarchal mindsets and promote women in leadership.
- Encourage Private Sector Involvement: Foster corporate partnerships to scale women-led businesses
India, Mauritius and a visit to deepen long-standing ties
Context & Background
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) marks a significant moment in India-Mauritius relations, coinciding with Mauritius’ Independence Day celebrations.
- Mauritius has a newly elected government led by Navinchandra Ramgoolam, a known ally of India.
- Historical and cultural ties between the two nations remain strong, with nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population having Indian ancestry.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice Questions :Despite deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, India’s relations with Mauritius face new challenges. Analyze the contemporary challenges and suggest ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership.(250 Words)
Key Highlights
- Historical Ties: Deep-rooted connections through indentured labor migration, cultural similarities, and political solidarity during the independence movement.
- Economic Partnership: Bilateral trade has grown to $554 million (2022-23), and Mauritius remains a major financial hub, benefiting from the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
- Maritime Security: India has invested in Mauritius’ maritime capabilities, including setting up coastal radar stations, modernizing Agaléga island, and integrating Mauritius into the Indian Navy’s surveillance framework.
- Strategic Importance: Given China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s partnership with Mauritius is crucial for regional security.
Government’s Stand & Policies
- Economic Cooperation: India supports Mauritius as a financial gateway to Africa, leveraging its bilingual workforce and trade agreements with African nations.
- Security & Defense: Strengthening Mauritius’ surveillance capabilities aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy and countering China’s influence.
- Cultural & Linguistic Support: Institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and World Hindi Secretariat reinforce India’s soft power diplomacy.
Pros:
- Strong Historical & Cultural Ties: Shared heritage fosters goodwill and trust in diplomatic engagements.
- Strategic Maritime Partnership: Enhances India’s security in the western Indian Ocean.
- Economic Benefits: The DTAA makes Mauritius a critical hub for foreign investment into India.
- Diplomatic Leverage in Africa: Mauritius’ economic ties with African nations align with India’s outreach efforts.
Cons:
- Balancing Diplomatic Equations: While India enjoys deep cultural ties, it must engage other ethnic groups in Mauritius to avoid perceived favoritism.
- China’s Expanding Influence: India’s initiatives face competition from China’s financial and infrastructure investments in the region.
- Financial Transparency Concerns: The DTAA, despite boosting investments, has raised concerns over tax evasion and round-tripping of funds.
Challenges:
- Sustaining Long-term Economic Relations: India must ensure continued economic incentives for Mauritius despite global financial shifts.
- Maintaining Regional Stability: The strategic Indo-Pacific framework requires Mauritius’ long-term commitment despite external pressures.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Security Cooperation: Expand the scope of intelligence sharing and joint maritime exercises.
- Revamping Economic Engagement: Introduce new trade and investment agreements beyond DTAA to ensure transparency and growth.
- Enhancing Cultural Diplomacy: Foster engagement with all communities in Mauritius, reinforcing inclusivity.
- Expanding Developmental Assistance: Increase infrastructure and technological cooperation for mutual benefit.
