Why Government Schemes for Women Matter
The Indian government has launched numerous schemes specifically designed to empower women — from financial independence to health, housing, and education. These schemes collectively benefit crores of women across the country.
Yet many eligible women don't know about these benefits or how to apply. Here are the top 5 most impactful schemes every Indian woman (or family with daughters) should know about.
Check your eligibility for all women's schemes on LaabhMitra — free, no login required.
1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) — For Your Daughter’s Future
₹74 lakh+ on maturity — that's what you can accumulate for your daughter with this scheme.
Key Benefits
- Interest Rate: 8.2% per annum (highest among all government small savings schemes)
- Investment: Minimum ₹250/year, Maximum ₹1.5 lakh/year
- Maturity: 21 years from account opening, or on daughter's marriage after age 18
- Tax Benefits: Triple tax-exempt — investment (80C), interest, and maturity amount are all tax-free
Eligibility
- Girl child must be below 10 years of age
- Maximum 2 accounts (one per daughter, max 2 daughters)
- Account can be opened at any post office or authorized bank
How to Open
- Visit your nearest post office or bank (SBI, PNB, BOB, etc.)
- Fill the account opening form
- Submit birth certificate, parent's Aadhaar and PAN
- Make the initial deposit (minimum ₹250)
Want to see how much your investment will grow? Use our PPF/savings calculator to estimate returns.
2. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana — Free LPG Connection
Ujjwala Yojana provides free LPG gas connections to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, replacing unhealthy cooking fuels like wood, coal, and cow dung.
Key Benefits
- Free LPG connection and security deposit waiver
- ₹1,600 subsidy for the first gas refill
- Option to get stove and first refill on loan (EMI deducted from subsidy)
Eligibility
- Women from BPL families
- Age 18 years or above
- No existing LPG connection in the household
- SECC-2011 beneficiary, PM Awas Yojana beneficiary, or SC/ST household
How to Apply
Visit your nearest LPG distributor with your Aadhaar card, BPL card, passport-size photo, and bank account details.
3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) — Maternity Benefit
This scheme provides ₹11,000 cash benefit to pregnant women and new mothers for their first child.
Key Benefits
- ₹3,000 on registration of pregnancy
- ₹3,000 after at least one antenatal check-up (after 6 months)
- ₹5,000 after child birth registration and first cycle of vaccination
Eligibility
- First-time pregnant women and lactating mothers
- Must register at an Anganwadi Centre or health facility
- Delivery must be in a government or accredited private hospital
How to Apply
- Visit your nearest Anganwadi Centre or health facility
- Fill the registration form (Form A)
- Submit Aadhaar, bank passbook, and MCH card
- Money is transferred directly to your bank account in installments
4. Lakhpati Didi Scheme — Making Women Entrepreneurs
Under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, the government aims to help 3 crore women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) earn ₹1 lakh or more annually through skill training and livelihood support.
Key Benefits
- Skill training in areas like plumbing, LED bulb making, drone operation, and more
- Access to micro-credit through SHGs
- Marketing support and linkage with markets
- Financial literacy and digital payment training
Eligibility
- Women who are members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Connected through DAY-NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission)
How to Join
Join or form a Self-Help Group through your local Block Development Office or NRLM facilitator. The training and support come through the SHG network.
5. PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) — Housing for Women
Under PM Awas Yojana, special priority is given to women-headed households. The house is registered in the woman's name or jointly with a male member.
Key Benefits
- ₹1.20 lakh financial assistance in plain areas
- ₹1.30 lakh in hilly/difficult/IAP areas
- Additional support for toilet construction (₹12,000 from SBM)
- 90 days of unskilled labor wages under MGNREGA
Eligibility
- Houseless families or living in kutcha/dilapidated houses
- Prioritized: Women-headed households, SC/ST, minorities, disabled
- Family should not own a pucca house anywhere in India
Check if you qualify for PM Awas Yojana — use our free eligibility checker.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which government scheme gives the most money to women?
PM Awas Yojana provides the highest direct financial benefit — up to ₹1.30 lakh for housing construction. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana can grow to ₹74+ lakh over 21 years with regular investment.
Can working women apply for these schemes?
Most of these schemes target economically weaker sections. Working women may be eligible for Sukanya Samriddhi (for daughters) and some state-specific schemes. Check your eligibility using our free tool.
How do I find all government schemes I am eligible for?
Use LaabhMitra's free eligibility checker. Enter your basic details (age, income, state, gender) and instantly see all schemes you qualify for — no login or phone number needed.
Are these schemes available in all states?
The 5 schemes listed here are central government schemes available across India. Many states also offer additional women-specific schemes on top of these.
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