Content:

1. The empowerment of India’s women with bold policies
2. India, Mauritius and a visit to deepen long-standing ties

The empowerment of India’s women with bold policies

Context & Background

• The article discusses India’s progress in women’s empowerment in light of International Women’s Day (March 8).
• It highlights government policies that have improved access to sanitation, clean water, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship, reshaping women’s roles in governance, the workforce, and community leadership.

Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Schemes)

Practice Question : How has digital expansion through BharatNet and PM-WANI contributed to women’s economic and social empowerment in India? Analyze with relevant examples. (250 Words)

Sanitation & Clean Water

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM): Improved sanitation and safety, benefiting 116 million households.
• Self-Help Group (SHG) Initiatives: Example of the Maa Tarini SHG in Rourkela, aiding leprosy patients and promoting menstrual hygiene.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Increased tap water access from 17% to over 150 million rural households, reducing women’s burden of water collection.
• Economic Impact: Rural female labour force participation rose from 24.6% to 41.5% (2017-2023), particularly in Bihar and Jharkhand.

Women-led Businesses & Financial Inclusion

• Startup India Initiative: 73,000+ startups with at least one female director.
• Stand-Up India Scheme: ₹53,609 crore loans to 236,000 entrepreneurs.
• Mudra Yojana: ₹32.36 lakh crore sanctioned, 68% of loans to women.
• Digital Expansion:
  • BharatNet, PM-WANI enabled high-speed internet in 199,000 villages.
  • Jan Dhan Yojana: Opened 300 million bank accounts for women.
  • GeM Portal: Women entrepreneurs make up 8% of sellers;₹46,615 crore contracts secured.

Women’s Representation in Governance

• 33% reservation in legislative bodies enhancing women’s political decision-making.
• Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs): 1.4 million women now serving, constituting 46% of elected representatives.
• STEM Representation: Women constitute 43% of STEM graduates, strengthening the technical workforce.

Government’s Stand & Policies

• Multi-pronged approach integrating sanitation, digital access, financial inclusion, and governance.
• Government’s Reforms:
  • Legislative reservations (33%) to enhance political representation.
  • Infrastructure development (SBM, JJM, digital connectivity) to reduce daily hardships.
  • Economic empowerment via Stand-Up India, Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana.
  • Policy shift in governance to ensure women’s participation in decision-making.

Pros

•  Improved Living Standards: SBM and JJM enhanced women’s safety, health, and economic participation.
• Financial Independence: Schemes like Mudra Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana increased women’s access to credit and banking.
• Political Empowerment: Higher representation in governance leads to gender-sensitive policymaking.
• STEM & Entrepreneurship Growth: Digital connectivity and startup-friendly policies support women-led businesses.

Cons & Challenges

•  Implementation Gaps: Infrastructure projects face maintenance and service delivery issues.
• Societal Barriers: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms hinder women’s leadership and business expansion.
• Credit Constraints: Despite loan availability, many women entrepreneurs lack collateral and financial literacy.
• Digital Divide: Despite internet expansion, rural women face challenges in technology adoption.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Policy Implementation: Ensure efficient delivery and long-term maintenance of sanitation, water, and digital infrastructure.
• Enhance Financial Literacy: Bridge the gap between financial access and effective utilization.
• Promote Skill Development: Focus on entrepreneurship training, digital literacy, and STEM education for women.
• Tackle Social Barriers: Implement awareness campaigns to break patriarchal mindsets and promote women in leadership.
• Encourage Private Sector Involvement: Foster corporate partnerships to scale women-led businesses

India, Mauritius and a visit to deepen long-standing ties

Context & Background

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) marks a significant moment in India-Mauritius relations, coinciding with Mauritius’ Independence Day celebrations.
• Mauritius has a newly elected government led by Navinchandra Ramgoolam, a known ally of India.
• Historical and cultural ties between the two nations remain strong, with nearly 70% of Mauritius’ population having Indian ancestry.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Practice Questions :Despite deep-rooted historical and cultural ties, India’s relations with Mauritius face new challenges. Analyze the contemporary challenges and suggest ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership.(250 Words)

Key Highlights

• Historical Ties: Deep-rooted connections through indentured labor migration, cultural similarities, and political solidarity during the independence movement.
• Economic Partnership: Bilateral trade has grown to $554 million (2022-23), and Mauritius remains a major financial hub, benefiting from the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
• Maritime Security: India has invested in Mauritius’ maritime capabilities, including setting up coastal radar stations, modernizing Agaléga island, and integrating Mauritius into the Indian Navy’s surveillance framework.
• Strategic Importance: Given China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean, India’s partnership with Mauritius is crucial for regional security.

Government’s Stand & Policies

• Economic Cooperation: India supports Mauritius as a financial gateway to Africa, leveraging its bilingual workforce and trade agreements with African nations.
• Security & Defense: Strengthening Mauritius’ surveillance capabilities aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific strategy and countering China’s influence.
• Cultural & Linguistic Support: Institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and World Hindi Secretariat reinforce India’s soft power diplomacy.

Pros:

• Strong Historical & Cultural Ties: Shared heritage fosters goodwill and trust in diplomatic engagements.
• Strategic Maritime Partnership: Enhances India’s security in the western Indian Ocean.
• Economic Benefits: The DTAA makes Mauritius a critical hub for foreign investment into India.
• Diplomatic Leverage in Africa: Mauritius’ economic ties with African nations align with India’s outreach efforts.

Cons:

•  Balancing Diplomatic Equations: While India enjoys deep cultural ties, it must engage other ethnic groups in Mauritius to avoid perceived favoritism.
• China’s Expanding Influence: India’s initiatives face competition from China’s financial and infrastructure investments in the region.
• Financial Transparency Concerns: The DTAA, despite boosting investments, has raised concerns over tax evasion and round-tripping of funds.

Challenges:

• Sustaining Long-term Economic Relations: India must ensure continued economic incentives for Mauritius despite global financial shifts.
• Maintaining Regional Stability: The strategic Indo-Pacific framework requires Mauritius’ long-term commitment despite external pressures.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Security Cooperation: Expand the scope of intelligence sharing and joint maritime exercises.
• Revamping Economic Engagement: Introduce new trade and investment agreements beyond DTAA to ensure transparency and growth.
• Enhancing Cultural Diplomacy: Foster engagement with all communities in Mauritius, reinforcing inclusivity.
• Expanding Developmental Assistance: Increase infrastructure and technological cooperation for mutual benefit.