Editorial 1: The empowerment of India’s women with bold policies

Context

Government policies have boosted women’s access to sanitation, water, finance, and entrepreneurship; keeping up the momentum is crucial.
Introduction

It’s International Women’s Day and a good time to appreciate India’s strides in empowering women through government policies that enhance sanitation, water, finance, and entrepreneurship, while changing governance, work, and leadership roles as well.

Women’s Empowerment Through Sanitation and Clean Water Initiatives

• Women’s Empowerment & Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBM): It was launched to improve sanitation, dignity, and safety of women and aimed at ending open defecation, especially in rural areas.
• Greater security for women; Over 116 million households benefited, leading to healthier environments and better security for women.
• Maa Tarini Self-Help Group (Rourkela):  Was built community toilets for leprosy patients, a marginalized group. It also improved menstrual hygiene and ensured safer spaces for women.
• Income generation: It aimed to introduce composting for income generation and sustainable waste management.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Access to Clean Water: It was launched to provide every household with safe drinking water. Before JJM, only 17% of rural households had tap water; now over 150 million have access.
• Burden relief: It has also reduced the burden on women, allowing time for education and work.
• Impact on Women’s Workforce Participation: Availability of water increased women’s participation in agriculture and allied work.
  • Rural female workforce participation rose from 24.6% (2017) to 41.5% (2023).
  • Helped women achieve economic independence and boosted local economies.
• Future of Women’s Empowerment in India Policies are improving daily life and laying the groundwork for long-term progress.
• More financial inclusion: Focus on accessible resources, financial inclusion, and breaking social barriers.
• Empowering women to lead and succeed across all fields.

Women-Led Businesses & Financial Inclusion

Various initiatives have been launched and its impacts have been good as under:

• Rise of Women Entrepreneurs
• Stand-Up India Scheme
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
• BharatNet & PM-WANI
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
• Impact on India’s Economy

Initiative	Impact
Startup India	73,000+ startups with female directors.
Stand-Up India Scheme	₹53,609 crore sanctioned for 236,000 women entrepreneurs.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana	₹32.36 lakh crore sanctioned for 51.41 crore loans (68% to women).
Digital Connectivity (BharatNet & PM-WANI)	Internet in 199,000 villages & 214,000 gram panchayats, 247,000 Wi-Fi hotspots.
Jan Dhan Yojana	300 million bank accounts opened for women, improving financial independence.
Economic Impact	Women-led businesses are reshaping India’s economy.

Women in E-Commerce & Government Procurement

• Women entrepreneurs make up 8% of sellers on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• Over 100,000 Udyam-verified micro & small enterprises (MSEs) secured contracts worth ₹46,615 crore.

Success Story of Digital Empowerment

• Reena Kirar (Madhya Pradesh): Runs Girja Devi Jan Kalyan Samiti, a self-help group selling clothing, food, and household goods.
  • Used the GeM portal to expand her business beyond local markets.

Women’s representation in governance

Aspect	Impact
Political Participation	33% reservation in legislative bodies, increasing women’s decision-making power.
Local Governance	46% of PRI representatives are women (1.4 million+ in rural governance).
Policy Impact	Women-led governance improves healthcare, education, and public safety.
Democracy & Social Equity	Women’s leadership strengthens democracy and accelerates progress.

Conclusion

India has advanced in STEM, sports, governance, and entrepreneurship, with women making up 43% of STEM graduates. At the 2023 G-20 Conference, PM Modi stated, “When women prosper, the world prospers.” Strengthening education, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion boosts growth. To ensure lasting impact, policies supporting business, leadership, and skill development must continue driving progress.

---

Editorial 2: An equitable future for women in science, in India

Context

The Indian PM’s visit underscores the need for strong India-Mauritius ties in an uncertain world.

Introduction

Amid global geopolitical shifts, PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) will reaffirm the enduring India-Mauritius ties. A decade after his last visit in 2015, he will be the guest of honor at Mauritius’ Independence Day celebrations on March 12. The relationship remains strong, transcending political changes in both nations.

Strengthening India-Mauritius Ties

• New Government in Mauritius: Navinchandra Ramgoolam of the Labour Party leads the new government after a landslide victory in the November elections.
• Stable India-Mauritius Relations: Despite political changes, ties between the two nations remain positive and stable.
• Opportunity for Strengthening Bonds: PM Modi’s visit offers a chance to build a personal rapport with Mr. Ramgoolam and reaffirm India’s commitment to Mauritius’ security and prosperity.
• Past Leadership Experience: During my tenure as India’s High Commissioner to Mauritius (1992-97), Mr. Ramgoolam was Prime Minister, fostering strong bilateral ties and addressing India’s security concerns.
• Future Prospects: Mr. Ramgoolam is expected to be a trusted partner for India, paving the way for deeper cooperation.

The strong link of history

• Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam’s Role:        Led Mauritius’ independence struggle and was its first PM.
• Connection with Bose: Worked with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in London (1919-21) and proofread The Indian Struggle.
• Indian-Origin Population:     About 70% of Mauritians are of Indian descent, mostly from Bihar and UP, speaking Bhojpuri.
• Diverse Indian Communities:         Smaller Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi groups have preserved their languages and culture.
• Mauritius’ Cultural Diversity: Other ethnic groups, including African and French populations, contribute to its “rainbow culture.”
• French Influence:       The small French community (2%) is wealthy and dominates sugar plantations, banking, and business.
• India’s Diplomatic Challenge:         Balancing ties with all groups while strengthening cultural links with the Indian-origin population.
• India’s Cultural Support: India has promoted  heritage through the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Indian Cultural Centre, and World Hindi Secretariat.

A business gateway

Growing Trade	India-Mauritius.trade reached $554 million in 2022-23.
African Union Member	Mauritius is part of the African Union and has trade deals with African nations.
Bilingual Population	Most people speak both English and French.
Business Hub for Africa	Stronglyfinance and banking sector makes Mauritius a key gateway for African trade, especially with French-speaking countries.
Investment Link with India	A tax agreement (DTAA) makes Mauritius a major route for foreign investments into India.
Financial Centre	Mauritius has become a successful global financial hub, largely due to the DTAA.

 

Crucial to India’s maritime security

Mauritius’ Strategic Role	Mauritius plays a key role in guarding the western Indian Ocean.
Importance of Cooperation	Working together on maritime security helps protect India too.
Colombo Security Conclave	India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Bangladesh collaborate to keep the Indian Ocean safe.
Mauritius’ Large EEZ	Though small, Mauritius has a vast ocean territory of 2.3 million sq. km.
India’s Support	India has built coastal radar stations and upgraded Agaléga for joint surveillance.
Access to Security Data	Mauritius can use India’s naval information center in Gurugram.
Ocean Survey	India’s ship, INS Sarvekshak, mapped 25,000 sq. km of Mauritius’ waters.

Conclusion

With China’s presence growing in the Indian Ocean, India and Mauritius working together on maritime security has become more important. Modi will have a lot to talk about with the Mauritius leader. Their strong relationship should stay steady in an uncertain world.