Creating a Safer, More Inclusive Workplace for Women in India

The central government has taken major strides to ensure a secure, equitable, and discrimination-free work environment for women. Under the Companies Act, 2013, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has introduced critical measures to promote workplace inclusivity and protection.

Mandatory Representation and Compliance

The Act requires every listed company and public company with a paid-up share capital of ₹100 crore or more, or a turnover of ₹300 crore or more, to appoint at least one woman director. Additionally, businesses must confirm their adherence to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 in their annual Board Reports, filed alongside financial statements.

Furthermore, companies with ten or more employees must establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to handle workplace harassment cases. For smaller workplaces or cases involving an employer, a Local Complaints Committee (LCC) must be constituted to ensure swift redress of grievances.

Financial and Entrepreneurial Empowerment

Women entrepreneurs benefit from additional support under the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises. The Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) provides higher subsidies to women beneficiaries, encouraging greater participation in small businesses. Additionally, the Stand-Up India Scheme ensures that every bank branch extends loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or woman borrower to support new business ventures.

To further boost women-led enterprises, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, the Yashasvini Initiative, launched on June 27 last year, focuses on capacity-building and financial empowerment for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

Maternity Benefits and Childcare Support

Recognizing the challenges faced by working mothers, the government has implemented strong maternity benefits and childcare initiatives. The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, mandates that companies with fifty or more employees must provide creche facilities, enabling mothers to continue working without compromising childcare.

Additionally, the Palna Scheme, introduced in April 2022, offers centrally sponsored daycare services for children of working mothers, ensuring a supportive ecosystem for women to balance their careers and personal responsibilities.

Strengthening Protection Against Workplace Harassment

To combat workplace harassment more effectively, the government launched an upgraded Sexual Harassment electronic-Box (SHe-Box) on August 29 last year. This centralized online grievance portal provides a single-window redressal mechanism for women in both organized and unorganized sectors, ensuring faster resolution of complaints.

By implementing these progressive policies, the government is working towards building a workforce where women can thrive without fear or discrimination. These initiatives mark a significant step in fostering gender equality and empowering women across diverse professional sectors.