76,000 Women-Led Startups Powering India’s Growth: Dr. Jitendra Singh at ‘Viksit Bihar’ Conference
Union Minister Launches Jeevika E-Learning App, Highlights Tier 2 & Tier 3 Women Entrepreneurs as Catalysts for Viksit Bharat Vision
The Impressive TimesPatna- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative role of women in India’s startup ecosystem, revealing that over 76,000 startups in the country are led by women, many of them emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Addressing the “Viksit Bihar: Envisioning a Developed Bihar through Women’s Participation” conference in Patna, Dr. Singh emphasized that women-led development is central to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The conference, organized by the Department of Rural Development, Government of Bihar, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), witnessed the launch of the Jeevika E-Learning Management System App and the unveiling of the publication, “Shashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar”, celebrating the achievements of women across the state.
Dr. Singh underscored that India’s progress over the last 11 years has been built on four pillars of inclusive governance: the Poor, Farmers, Youth, and Women—with women consistently at the forefront. “From participation to leadership, women are defining India’s growth story,” he said.
He elaborated on four distinct phases of women empowerment under the Modi Government:
Girls admitted to Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy (NDA) for the first time.
Combat roles opened in the armed forces, with India set to witness its first-ever woman Army Chief.
Launch of schemes like WISE, GATI, CURIE, and the Women Scientist Programme to help women re-enter STEM careers.
Patna Women’s College to be adopted under the CURIE scheme for focused support.
Over 48 crore Jan Dhan accounts opened for women.
60% of Mudra Yojana beneficiaries are women.
Creation of 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through SHGs.
Under PM Awas Yojana, homes registered in women’s names enhance both security and dignity.
Six months paid childcare leave for government women employees.
Pension rights for unmarried/divorced daughters and maternity leave extended to cover stillbirths.
Dr. Singh pointed out that India’s 1.7 lakh startups are creating over 17 lakh jobs, with nearly half being women-led. These startups, especially from rural and semi-urban India, are driving a silent but powerful revolution in innovation and entrepreneurship.
He also celebrated women’s rising presence in STEM and governance:
Women leading CSIR laboratories and heading premier research institutions.
Figures like Kalpana from Chandrayaan-3 and Nigar Shaji from Aditya-L1 representing India’s success in space exploration.
Praising Bihar’s initiatives, Dr. Singh highlighted:
50% reservation for women in Panchayats and urban local bodies.
35% reservation in the state police and civil services.
Empowerment of over 30 lakh women, with financial support exceeding ₹5,000 crore.
He urged IIPA to document Bihar’s women-led development model into a replicable framework for other states.
Dr. Singh concluded with a powerful message:
“The future of India belongs to women who lead, not just follow. We are building not just a developed India, but a truly inclusive India where women are leaders in labs, legislatures, and livelihoods.”
The conference was attended by Union Ministers Giriraj Singh and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Bihar Minister for Rural Development Shravan Kumar, and senior officials from Jeevika Mission, IIPA, and the Bihar government.
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