SRINAGAR: More than 28,000 women in Jammu and Kashmir and 2,500 in Ladakh received assistance under the Government of India’s Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW) scheme in the financial year 2024-25, according to data released by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
The HEW initiative, part of the broader Mission Shakti programme, aims to empower women by providing access to legal aid, financial literacy programmes, and government welfare schemes.
The scheme’s reach has steadily increased, with 24,574 women assisted in JK in 2023-24, compared to 17,110 in 2022-23. In Ladakh, 799 women benefited this year, up from 160 last year.
Meanwhile, under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)—which provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers—over 1.41 lakh women in Jammu & Kashmir and 2,510 in Ladakh received benefits in 2024-25. The scheme offers a cash incentive of ₹6,000 to eligible mothers to improve maternal health and nutrition.
Despite the rising number of beneficiaries, officials acknowledge challenges in reaching women in remote areas. In regions like Keran, Gurez, and Kargil, difficult terrain and lack of awareness have hindered accessibility. The government has been conducting door-to-door campaigns and using digital platforms to improve outreach.
The Ministry has also launched a 100-day women’s empowerment campaign under HEW, focusing on health camps, gender sensitisation workshops, and community mobilisation efforts. Special registration drives for PMMVY are being conducted in rural areas of Kashmir and Ladakh to maximise coverage.
With the Union Territory administrations prioritising women’s welfare and financial independence, the success of these schemes will be crucial in shaping gender-inclusive development in the region.
