Top Government Schemes for Women in India (2026)
Why these schemes matter
India runs hundreds of welfare schemes specifically designed for women and girls. They cover everything from cooking fuel and health insurance to education scholarships and business loans. The challenge is that most women never hear about the ones they qualify for.
This guide highlights the most impactful central government schemes for women in 2026, with direct links to apply.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
PMUY provides free LPG connections to women from below-poverty-line households. Since its launch, over 10 crore connections have been distributed.
Who qualifies
- Women aged 18 or above
- Household must be below the poverty line
- Must not already have an LPG connection in the household
How to apply
Visit your nearest LPG distributor with your Aadhaar card and BPL ration card. The connection is completely free.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
The world's largest government-funded health insurance scheme covers up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
Key benefits for women
- Cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals
- Covers maternity and gynaecological procedures
- No age limit for female beneficiaries
Other notable schemes
Here are more schemes worth exploring:
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana — savings account for the girl child with high interest rates
- Mahila Shakti Kendra — community-level support for rural women
- Stand-Up India — loans from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore for women entrepreneurs
How to check your eligibility
Use our eligibility checker to find all the schemes you may qualify for. It takes less than a minute, and your answers never leave your browser.