New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Jitendra Singh said on Monday that several women-led startups from India are making a global impact.

He said that even in challenging sectors like space, women-led projects have been recognised worldwide. He cited the example of India’s solar mission, Aditya L1, led by Nigar Shaji, who became known as ISRO’s "Sunny Lady."

Jitendra Singh said women-led development is a key priority in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance agenda, with the vision that women-led startups will place India on the global map in the years to come. He said women entrepreneurs have the potential to realise this goal.

Speaking to a delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry - Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO), led by its YFLO Delhi President Payal Kanodia, Jitendra Singh said the Prime Minister has laid out a vision for Indian startups to lead global innovation, with women-led businesses at the forefront across sectors. He said that since 2014, women empowerment has taken on a practical meaning through welfare schemes, including entrepreneurship-promoting initiatives such as PM Mudra and PM Vishwakarma, which have significantly benefited the female workforce. He said women entrepreneurship is being promoted in a major way under Narendra Modi’s leadership.

The Union Minister said a paradigm shift in women empowerment has enabled women to take on leadership roles across professions, moving beyond their long-held participatory role.

He also told the delegation that nearly 70 per cent of the youth who have received financial assistance under PM Mudra Yojana are women, helping them set up businesses, earn livelihoods, and become job providers. He urged the delegation to contribute towards realising Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. He said the government is committed to scaling up capacity building among young people, including young women.

He further said India’s traditional artisans and craftsmen have been brought into the mainstream with the launch of PM Vishwakarma. These artisans and craftsmen, who have preserved India’s centuries-old traditions and crafts, were never given adequate support since independence. He said it was only under the Modi government that this integral section of society has been recognised and skilled. The scheme not only provides free training to beneficiaries but also offers them a stipend during the training period, without any financial burden on their families.

Jitendra Singh said the Modi government has taken several steps to create employment opportunities for young people by launching various schemes and transforming the work culture. He said the government is combining the best aspects of Indian tradition with modernity while considering the country’s diversity.

BI Bureau