Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that a shift from "women-centric" to "women-led" development could increase India's GDP by 2-3%. He cited government schemes like Ujjwala and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana as evidence of this focus.
The minister's remarks underscore the government's focus on gender equality as a key driver of economic policy and national development, suggesting a direct link between women's empowerment and macroeconomic growth targets.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated on Wednesday that a strategic shift from "women-centric" to "women-led" development could significantly enhance India's economic growth, potentially boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2-3 percent. Puri framed this perspective following a Cabinet resolution acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure.
Puri elaborated that increased women's economic participation is envisioned as the next major engine for India's growth. He linked the projected GDP increase to the implementation of the women's reservation law and the government's policy evolution. He pointed to several flagship government initiatives as evidence of this shift.
Among these, the Swachh Bharat Mission has facilitated the construction of over 10 crore household and community toilets, aiming to improve women's dignity and safety. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana has delivered 4 crore houses with ownership titles registered in the name of the housewife, with plans for an additional 3 crore. Puri emphasized that house ownership by women acts as a form of insurance, particularly in cases of marital disputes.
The Ujjwala scheme, which has provided 10.5 crore subsidized LPG connections since 2016, was also highlighted. Puri noted that women are the primary beneficiaries of this scheme, as they are typically responsible for kitchen duties. He also credited Prime Minister Modi for mitigating the impact of global energy shocks on Indian households, citing India's comparatively low increases in petrol, diesel, and gas prices.