Why in News?
Manufacturing is crucial to India’s economic growth and forms around 17% of the GDP. Under the Viksit Bharat vision (a developed India), expanding manufacturing is a key goal.
However, women’s representation in formal manufacturing jobs is very low, raising concerns about inclusiveness and equality in the growth process.
Current Status of Women in Manufacturing
Formal Manufacturing Sector
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Women in formal manufacturing jobs | Declined from 20.9% (2015-16) to 18.9% (2022-23) |
| Number of women employed | 1.57 million out of 8.34 million formal workers |
| States with highest female participation | Tamil Nadu (41%), Karnataka, Maharashtra, AP, Gujarat |
| States with low female participation | Bihar, WB, Chhattisgarh, Haryana (<6%) |
| Major sectors employing women | Textiles, Apparel, Food Processing (60%) |
| Exception | Tobacco: More women employed than men |
Informal Manufacturing Sector
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Share of women in informal manufacturing | 43% |
| Nature of jobs | Mostly low-skilled, low-paid, without job security |
| Key sectors | Tobacco, Wearing Apparel |
| Gender disparity varies by state | Haryana, UP, Gujarat (high gap); Telangana, WB (more women than men) |
Why India Struggles to Create Enough Formal Jobs for Women?
- Social norms, safety concerns, and gender stereotypes
- Lack of technical education and vocational training for women
- Fewer women in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math) fields
- Limited job opportunities in sectors beyond textiles
Government Targets and Schemes
| Objective | Details |
|---|---|
| Increase manufacturing GDP share | From 17% to 25% by 2025 |
| Key Initiatives | Make in India, PLI Scheme, Skill India, Samarth, MUDRA loans |
| Focus on Women | Skilling women, promoting entrepreneurship, improving workplace safety |
What Can Improve Women’s Participation in Formal Manufacturing?
1. Education and Skills
- Only 30% of women in manufacturing completed secondary education (vs 47% men)
- Only 6% of women have vocational training
- Need for better outreach through Skill India Mission and other upskilling programs
2. Diversify Opportunities
- Women mainly in textiles & food processing
- Need inclusion in automotive, electronics, engineering sectors
3. Safe and Inclusive Workplaces
- Ensure hostels, transport, childcare facilities
- Create gender-sensitive policies at the workplace
4. Policy Changes
- Strengthen laws like Maternity Benefit Act, Factories Act
- Government-industry partnership to share cost of maternity leave
Conclusion
Women in India’s manufacturing sector face limited access to secure, well-paid formal jobs.
Bridging the gap through education, skilling, better policies, and safe workplaces is crucial.
This will not only empower women but also strengthen India’s path to becoming a Viksit Bharat (developed nation).
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which Indian state employs the highest number of women in the formal manufacturing sector?
A) Maharashtra
B) Gujarat
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Karnataka
Answer: C) Tamil Nadu - Which sector has more women than men employed in formal manufacturing?
A) Food Processing
B) Tobacco
C) Apparel
D) Electronics
Answer: B) Tobacco - Which government scheme provides collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs?
A) Samarth
B) MUDRA Yojana
C) PLI Scheme
D) Ujjwala Yojana
Answer: B) MUDRA Yojana
Mains Practice Question
Q. Despite the focus on increasing manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, women remain underrepresented in the formal sector. Discuss the key challenges and suggest policy measures to improve female participation in the formal manufacturing workforce.
