VIKSIT BHARAT YOJNA AND RURAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN TELANGANA: A FOCUSED EMPIRICAL STUDY ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Abstract

The concept of empowering rural women through entrepreneurship has gained considerable attention in India, especially in the context of various government initiatives aimed at socio-economic upliftment. The Viksit Bharat Yojna (VBY) is one such initiative designed to accelerate the nation’s development by focusing on inclusive growth, particularly in rural areas. This paper explores the role of the Viksit Bharat Yojna in fostering rural women empowerment in Telangana, specifically focusing on how it impacts rural women entrepreneurs. By examining the multifaceted approach of the Yojna, this study evaluates the effectiveness of its programs, policies, and support systems in enhancing the entrepreneurial capacities of rural women in the state.

The empirical study is grounded in the context of Telangana, a region with a growing yet underexplored entrepreneurial ecosystem. Telangana’s rural women face various barriers such as limited access to finance, lack of education, social constraints, and inadequate infrastructural support. However, initiatives under the Viksit Bharat Yojna, which prioritize financial inclusion, skill development, and entrepreneurship, have played a crucial role in overcoming some of these challenges. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, with data collected through surveys, interviews, and focus groups with rural women entrepreneurs in Telangana. The study investigates the various dimensions of empowerment, such as economic independence, decision-making power, and participation in local governance, that have been influenced by entrepreneurship initiatives.

Findings reveal that the Yojna has significantly contributed to the empowerment of rural women in Telangana, with particular emphasis on creating self-sustaining business models. The provision of financial support through microloans, subsidies for women-led businesses, and training programs in rural areas has opened avenues for women to start and expand their enterprises. Furthermore, the study identifies that the involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities has led to greater autonomy and increased social status within their communities. The entrepreneurial landscape for rural women, although still developing, has seen a positive shift with the support mechanisms of the Viksit Bharat Yojna.

Despite these successes, several challenges remain, including persistent gender biases, limited access to markets, and lack of advanced technological training. These barriers inhibit the full potential of rural women entrepreneurs in Telangana. However, the study suggests that with continuous improvements in policy implementation, better access to digital tools, and more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, rural women’s participation in the economy can be substantially enhanced.

The study concludes by highlighting the importance of scaling up the Viksit Bharat Yojna’s programs, particularly those that focus on skill development, financial inclusion, and market access. It also calls for more research on the long-term impacts of such programs, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to rural women’s empowerment that encompasses education, financial independence, and social recognition.