Growing Interest in Women Entrepreneurship
New Delhi, 26th July 2023 – In a recent Lok Sabha session, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union Minister of State for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Electronics, and IT, highlighted the encouraging trend of increasing interest in entrepreneurship among women in India. Responding to queries from esteemed Lok Sabha members, he shared valuable insights into the remarkable surge in the number of women entrepreneurs, including the state of Kerala.
Tripling the Number of Women-Owned Enterprises on Udyam Portal
According to data released by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, there has been an impressive three-fold increase in the number of women-owned enterprises registering on the Udyam portal over the past three years. In 2020-21, the portal recorded 4,89,085 women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This figure surged to 9,10,407 in 2021-22 and further escalated to an astounding 14,88,003 in 2022-23. As of 18th July 2023-24, a total of 5,18,029 women-owned enterprises have already registered on the Udyam portal across the nation.
Kerala’s Impressive Growth in Women-Led Enterprises
In particular, Kerala has emerged as a shining example of progress in women entrepreneurship. In 2020-21, the state recorded 14,732 women-owned enterprises on the Udyam portal. This number soared to an impressive 50,275 in 2022-23, showcasing the significant growth of women-led enterprises in the region. Notably, as of 18th July 2023-24, an additional 12,912 women-led enterprises from Kerala have newly registered on the Udyam portal.
Promoting Entrepreneurship through PMEGP
Addressing concerns on fostering entrepreneurship among women, the minister shared that the Prime Minister Employment Generation Program (PMEGP) has been instrumental in funding 24 women-led units in Kerala alone. The program aims to support traditional artisans and unemployed youth in the non-agricultural sector by establishing micro and employment enterprises. Kerala’s performance in this program ranks second, with only Andhra Pradesh having more women-led units funded (28) than Kerala. Tamil Nadu and West Bengal followed with 7 and 6 funded units, respectively.
Boosting Local Entrepreneurial Activities
Furthermore, the government’s vision is to stimulate local entrepreneurial activities, especially among young women from underprivileged backgrounds, including the unemployed and dropouts. The program targets various holy cities across India, aiming to empower local communities with economic opportunities. Already, 7,881 women have been trained under this initiative, benefiting from the scheme’s implementation in Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Kollur (Karnataka), Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Puri (Odisha), Pandharpur (Maharashtra), and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh).
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for a Brighter Future
The surge in the number of women entrepreneurs, both at the national level and specifically in Kerala, reflects a promising shift towards gender equality and economic empowerment. The government’s initiatives, such as the PMEGP and the Udyam portal, have played a pivotal role in fostering this growth and creating a conducive environment for women to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape. By continuing to invest in women’s skills, training, and business opportunities, India is undoubtedly on its way to unlocking the full potential of its women entrepreneurs, leading to a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
