New Delhi, February 3: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Atomic Energy, Space, and Personnel & Public Grievances, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today lauded the growing influence of women-led startups from India, emphasizing their significant contribution to the global stage. Addressing a delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO), led by its YFLO Delhi President Dr. Payal Kanodia, Dr. Singh highlighted the remarkable achievements of Indian women entrepreneurs, particularly in challenging sectors like space.
Dr. Singh pointed out the extraordinary success of women-led projects, citing the example of Nigar Shaji, the Project Head of India’s solar mission “Aditya L1”, who has earned global recognition as ISRO’s “Sunny Lady.” This, he said, exemplifies how women are not just participating but leading some of the most pioneering initiatives in India, especially in the highly technical and competitive field of space exploration.
The Minister also underscored that women-led development has been central to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance agenda, with the vision of placing women at the forefront of India’s innovation ecosystem. Dr. Singh expressed confidence that women-led startups would significantly contribute to India’s rise as a global innovation leader in the coming years. He stressed that women entrepreneurs have the potential and capability to drive this vision forward, showcasing India’s commitment to empowering women in all sectors of life.
Dr. Singh pointed out that since 2014, the Indian government has worked tirelessly to translate women empowerment from a concept into a practical reality. Programs such as the PM MUDRA Yojana and the PM Vishwakarma Scheme have been instrumental in providing women with opportunities for entrepreneurship and financial independence. The government’s efforts have made it possible for women to venture into business, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Dr. Singh emphasized that this paradigm shift in women’s roles has enabled them to move beyond traditional participatory roles and step into leadership positions in a variety of fields. Today, women are increasingly leading enterprises, driving innovation, and assuming key leadership roles across sectors.
Highlighting a key achievement, Dr. Singh revealed that nearly 70 percent of the youth who have availed financial assistance under the PM Mudra Yojana are women, showcasing the growing presence of women in the entrepreneurial landscape. He added that many of these women are not just becoming self-reliant but are also becoming job creators, offering employment opportunities to others in their communities.
The Minister also appealed to the FICCI-FLO delegation to contribute to realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, urging the members to continue championing women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. He acknowledged the government’s commitment to capacity building for young people, including young women, ensuring that they have the skills, resources, and support to succeed.
In closing, Dr. Singh praised the Modi government for introducing revolutionary measures to create employment opportunities for India’s youth, as well as transforming the work culture by blending the best aspects of Indian traditions with modern practices. He underscored the importance of ensuring that India’s diverse workforce, including women, is fully integrated into the country’s growing economy.
Through these initiatives, Dr. Singh affirmed that India is well on its way to creating a robust ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs and fosters innovation, making a lasting mark on the global stage.