In April 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 26th edition of its publication titled ‘Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data’.
- The publications offer comprehensive insights of the gender scenario in India, presenting selected indicators and data across key areas such as population, education, health, economic-participation, and decision-making.
- All data sourced from different ministries/departments/organizations.
Key Highlights of the Publication:
i.High GPI in primary and secondary levels: The publication highlighted that primary and secondary levels have consistently maintained high Gender Parity Index (GPI). The data showed that GPI for primary levels has increased from 1.02 (2020-21) to 1.05 (2022-23) and then decreased to 1.03 (2023-24).
- While, GPI for secondary levels has gradually increased from 0.99 (2020-21) to 1.02 (2023-24).
- However, GPI for upper primary and elementary levels saw fluctuations but remained closed to parity.
ii.Increase in LFPR: As per the data of the publication, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) in usual status for ages 15 and above has increased from 49.8% (2017-18) to 60.1% (2023-24).
- Overall, LFPR for male and female of the same group has increased to 78.8% and 41.7%, respectively in 2023-24.
- LFPR for male and females in urban areas among persons aged 15 years and above increased to 75.6% and 28.0% (2023-24), respectively.
- LFPR for male and females in rural areas among persons aged 15 years and above increased to 80.2% and 47.6% (2023-24), respectively.
Note: LFPR is defined as the percentage of persons in the labour force i.e. working or seeking or available for work, in the population.
iii.Increase in Women Account holders: The data highlighted that women account 39.2% of all bank accounts and contribute 39.7% of total deposits.
- Women participation is highest in rural areas, as they account 42.2% of account holders.
iv.Increase in DEMAT Accounts: The data indicated towards rising participation in stock market due to increase in Dematerialised Account (DEMAT) over the years. It showed that the total number of DEMAT accounts increased from 33.26 million (March 31, 2021) to 143.02 million (November 30, 2024).
- It further showed that the number of male accounts surged from 26.59 million (in 2021) to 115.31 million (in 2024), while female accounts increased 6.67 million to 27.71 million during the same period.
v.Rise in female-headed proprietary establishments: The data highlighted that from 2021-22 to 2023-24, there is an increase in percentage of female-headed proprietary establishments across various sectors like: manufacturing (58.4%); trade (13.7%); and other services (14.2%).
vi.Increase in number of electors: As per the data, the total number of electors increased from 173.2 million (in 1952) to 978 million (in 2024), with significant increase in female voter registration.
- However, the female voter turnout varied over the years, which reached to 67.2% (in 2019) but declined to 65.8% (in 2024) but, surpassed male voter turnout.
vii.Increase in number of startups in India: The data showed that there has been an increase in the number of startups recognised by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), over the years, with at least one-woman director, which reflects positive trend in women entrepreneurship.
- The total number of startups in India has increased from 1,943 (in 2017) to 17,405 (in 2024).
About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI):
Minister of State (MoS)(Independent Charge, IC)-Rao Inderjit Singh (Constituency- Gurugram, Haryana)
