Best Government Schemes for Women in India 2026

Women constitute approximately 49% of India''s population, yet they continue to face disparities in access to education, healthcare, financial services, and economic opportunities. Recognizing this, the Government of India has established a comprehensive ecosystem of schemes specifically targeting the welfare and empowerment of women across different age groups and social categories. In 2026, several of these schemes have been enhanced with higher benefits, wider geographical reach, and simplified digital application processes.

1. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

PMMVY is a maternity benefit programme that provides ₹5,000 in direct cash transfer to pregnant women and lactating mothers for their first live birth. This financial support compensates for the wage loss during pregnancy and encourages proper nutrition and healthcare for mother and child. In 2026, the benefit has been extended to include a second child if it is a girl, providing ₹6,000 for the second female child to promote gender equality and discourage sex-selective practices.

2. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana

Launched in 2015 and strengthened significantly in 2026, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) addresses the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and works to ensure the survival, protection, and education of the girl child. The scheme operates in over 640 districts across India, funding awareness campaigns, community mobilization, and direct incentives for girl child education. States with the lowest CSR receive priority funding and special district-level task forces to monitor progress.

3. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a small savings scheme specifically designed for the future of the girl child. Parents or guardians can open an SSY account at any post office or authorized bank branch in the name of a girl child below 10 years of age. The scheme offers an attractive interest rate of 8.2% per annum (as of 2026), compounded annually — one of the highest guaranteed returns available on any small savings instrument. Deposits qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C. The account matures when the girl turns 21, but 50% of the corpus can be withdrawn for higher education after she turns 18.

4. PM Ujjwala Yojana

PM Ujjwala Yojana has been one of the most transformative schemes for rural women, providing free LPG connections to households living below the poverty line. Since its launch, over 10 crore connections have been provided. Under Ujjwala 2.0, the scheme has been further expanded to include migrant families and those without formal address documents. Each beneficiary receives a free cylinder, pressure regulator, hose, and installation, along with the first free LPG refill. The scheme directly protects women and children from the health hazards of indoor air pollution from biomass cooking.

5. Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme

Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK) are one-stop convergence support centres for rural women, providing services ranging from skill development and digital literacy training to legal aid and health awareness. Operating at block and village levels, MSKs connect women to government schemes and services through trained community volunteers called "Mahila Sakhi." In 2026, digital financial literacy has been added as a core curriculum component, enabling rural women to independently access banking services, insurance products, and digital payment systems.

6. Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP)

STEP provides skills that give employability to women and competencies that enable them to become self-employed/entrepreneurs. The scheme covers 11 sectors including agriculture, horticulture, food processing, handloom, textiles, garments, embroidery, computer and IT services, leather, and hospitality. Women beneficiaries receive free training, a stipend during training, certification recognized by the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and support for income generation and market linkages upon completion.

7. Mudra Yojana for Women Entrepreneurs

Under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, women entrepreneurs receive priority access and additional incentives. Loans under the Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishore (₹50,001–₹5 lakh), and Tarun (₹5–₹10 lakh) categories are available at lower interest rates for women-owned micro enterprises. Many banks offer a 0.25% interest rate concession to women borrowers under Mudra. Women SHG (Self Help Group) members applying through NRLM-linked institutions get additional facilitation and handholding support.

8. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana — Women Priority

Under PM Awas Yojana (both rural and urban components), houses must be constructed in the name of the female member of the household, or jointly with the male member. This ensures that women have formal property rights and economic security. In rural areas under PMAY-G, the woman of the household is the primary beneficiary by default. In urban areas, women-headed households are given additional priority in the allotment queue. The scheme also includes a special component for single women — widows, divorcees, and abandoned women.

9. National Crèche Scheme

To enable working mothers to take up employment without concern about the safety and care of their young children, the National Crèche Scheme provides subsidized daycare facilities for children aged 6 months to 6 years. Each crèche provides services including daycare, supplementary nutrition, health checkups, immunization, and pre-school education. The scheme is targeted at working mothers from economically weaker sections with a monthly household income below ₹12,000 in urban areas and ₹6,400 in rural areas.

10. One Stop Centre (Sakhi) Scheme

One Stop Centres, popularly called "Sakhi Centres," provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence — including domestic violence, sexual assault, acid attacks, and trafficking. Each Sakhi Centre offers police facilitation, medical aid, psycho-social counselling, legal aid, shelter, and video-conferencing facilities for court appearances. The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is entirely free of charge. Women can contact the Women Helpline (181) to access Sakhi services.

How to Access These Schemes

Most of these schemes can be accessed through the state Women and Child Development departments, Anganwadi centres, Common Service Centres, or bank branches. Many states also have dedicated Mahila e-Haat portals and women''s helplines. Use JanSevaPlus to quickly identify schemes you are eligible for based on your state, age, occupation, and income — without having to navigate multiple government websites.