Women At Forefront Of Startup Growth With Majority Mudra Loans: PM Modi

New Delhi, April 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that women account for more than 60 per cent of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, underscoring their expanding role in entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan at Vigyan Bhawan, the Prime Minister said women across the country are increasingly establishing their identities through business ventures and contributing to the nation’s startup ecosystem.

He stated that access to credit under the Mudra scheme has enabled women at the grassroots level to take up entrepreneurial activities, resulting in a significant shift in India’s economic landscape. According to him, the high share of women beneficiaries reflects a broader transformation in financial inclusion and enterprise development.

The Prime Minister said women are playing a leading role in India’s startup movement, breaking barriers and exploring new opportunities. He added that their participation is not only strengthening household incomes but also contributing to overall economic expansion.

Highlighting the wider impact of financial inclusion initiatives, Modi said the Mudra scheme has helped remove barriers to credit, allowing women to start and expand businesses across sectors. He described the trend as a “silent transformation” in the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The remarks came as part of a broader address focusing on women’s empowerment and participation in governance. Modi reiterated that increasing involvement of women in decision-making processes would be a key driver of India’s future development.

He also pointed to the growing public discourse on women’s representation, stating that it reflects the strength of democratic institutions and a positive shift in societal attitudes. He said initiatives such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam would further expand opportunities for women, enabling smoother transitions from grassroots leadership roles to higher political platforms.

The Prime Minister noted that more than 14 lakh women are currently part of local governance institutions, contributing to policy decisions at the grassroots level. He said their involvement has strengthened governance and improved outcomes in key sectors.

Officials said the increasing participation of women in entrepreneurship and governance reflects a sustained policy focus on empowerment through financial access and institutional support.

The address highlighted the government’s emphasis on expanding opportunities for women across economic and political domains, with schemes like Mudra playing a central role in enabling inclusive growth.