Women’s Empowerment Gets Boost with 10-Point Plan

The state government has introduced an innovative 10-point policy framework aimed at ensuring the holistic development and health protection of women. Announcing the initiative, Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav said the policy is designed to bring socially and economically disadvantaged women into the mainstream of the state’s growth.

The measures, part of a broader population stabilization strategy, are expected to significantly improve women’s quality of life while strengthening the state’s economy, the minister said in an official statement on Saturday.

In a major shift, the government seeks to promote shared responsibility in childcare. Replacing the existing 180-day maternity leave , a new 12-month “parenthood leave” policy will allow both parents to share leave benefits. Additionally, crèches will be made mandatory in workplaces employing more than 50 people, and one working women’s hostel will be established for every one lakh population.

Providing relief to nearly 1.2 million infertile couples , the government will offer free fertility services under a first-of-its-kind “Matrutva” scheme , which includes setting up a Centre of Excellence in Reproductive Health . Around 50,000 beneficiaries annually are expected to receive treatment, supported by specialized training for medical professionals.

The government has also set ambitious healthcare targets. It aims to reduce the rate of unnecessary caesarean sections in private hospitals from 68% to 40% within five years . Early pregnancies are to be brought down from 9% to 3% , alongside the introduction of a robust counselling system to curb maternal and infant mortality.

Focusing on economic empowerment, the minister highlighted plans to boost women’s participation in the workforce from 31% to 61% , potentially increasing the state’s Gross Domestic Product by 15% . Flexible work hours and work-from-home opportunities will be encouraged.

Under the care economy initiative , about 5,000 women every year will be trained in childcare and elderly care services, generating employment opportunities. Self-help groups will play a key role in implementing these programs, the minister added.