Fri Jan 31 17:55:46 UTC 2025: ## Rural Women Fuel India’s Surge in Female Workforce Participation: Economic Survey

**New Delhi, January 31, 2025** – India’s female labor force participation rate (FLFPR) has seen a significant increase over the past seven years, rising from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled in Parliament today. This surge is primarily driven by increased participation of rural women, the survey highlights.

The increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including improved data collection methods in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, government initiatives like the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), and the Startup India Initiative. The DAY-NRLM program provided skilling initiatives and improved credit access for women’s collectives, fostering diversified livelihoods. Meanwhile, the Startup India Initiative saw 73,151 start-ups with at least one woman director recognized by October 31, 2024 – almost half of the total start-ups supported by the government.

The survey notes that while 21 states currently boast FLFPRs between 30-40%, seven states and union territories exceed 40%, with Sikkim leading at 56.9%. This contrasts sharply with 2017-18, when 20 states and union territories had FLFPRs below 20%. Rural FLFPR saw the most dramatic increase, jumping from 24.6% to 47.6% during the same period.

Despite this progress, the survey emphasizes the need for continued support, particularly for rural women entrepreneurs. Challenges remain, including limited business skills, market access, technology gaps, and a lack of mentorship and networking. The survey recommends streamlining support through credit linkages, banker sensitization, and efficient delivery mechanisms to empower these women further.

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