Women's Empowerment in Agriculture
The Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill in Maharashtra is a landmark legislation aimed at formally recognising women farmers, including landless labourers in all...
Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill passed unanimously in Maharashtra Assembly
The Maharashtra Assembly has unanimously passed the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill, a first-of-its-kind legislation in India, aimed at officially recognizing women engaged in agriculture and allied activities, irrespective of land ownership. This bill seeks to correct the historic injustice of non-recognition, enabling women farmers to access welfare schemes, subsidies, credit, and market support. Key provisions include issuing 'Woman Farmer Certificates' by Gram Sabhas, creating a database and a Maharashtra State Women Farmers Fund, and establishing a three-tier institutional framework (Council, Committees, Cell). The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation played a significant role in drafting the bill.
Syllabus mapping
Mains syllabus topics
Women Population Urbanization
Social Empowerment Communalism
Federal Structure
Parliament Legislatures
Government Policies Interventions
Prelims takeaways
- Maharashtra is the first state in India to pass a Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill.
- The bill aims to recognize women farmers, including those in allied activities (fisheries, livestock, poultry, forest produce), irrespective of land ownership.
- Key provisions include 'Woman Farmer Certificates' (issued by Gram Sabhas/urban local bodies), a database, a dedicated fund (Maharashtra State Women Farmers Fund), and a three-tier institutional framework.
- The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation contributed to the drafting of the bill.
- The legislation addresses the systemic issue of land ownership being a prerequisite for accessing agricultural schemes, which historically excluded many women farmers.
Elimination traps
- Confusing this state-level bill with a central government initiative.
- Misidentifying the specific provisions or the authority responsible for issuing certificates (e.g., Gram Sabhas vs. state department).
- Assuming the bill only benefits women who own agricultural land.
Static concepts
- Gender equality
- Land ownership rights
- Agricultural labour
- Institutional finance
- Government subsidies
- Legislative process (State Assembly)
- Grassroots governance
- Food security
Probable question areas
Question areas
- Which state recently passed a landmark bill for women farmers' empowerment?
Question areas
- What are the key features and objectives of the Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill passed by Maharashtra?
Question areas
- Discuss the challenges faced by women in agriculture in India and how legislative measures like this bill can address them.
Question areas
- Role of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in agricultural policy advocacy.
UPSC concepts in this story
Durable syllabus ideas for revision — not article memory.
Previous year Prelims questions on overlapping themes and topics.
With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. This initiative aims to demonstrate the improved production and post-harvest technologies and to demonstrate value addition techniques, in an integrated manner, with a cluster approach.
2. Poor, small, marginal and tribal farmers have a larger stake in this scheme.
3. An important objective of the scheme is to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation by offering them free kits of critical inputs of nutrients and micro-irrigation equipment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1 and 2 only
Statement 1 is correct. The Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion aims to demonstrate improved production and post-harvest technologies in an integrated manner with a cluster approach. Statement 2 is also correct. Millets are mainly grown in regions of low annual rainfall and poor arid soil. It is inadequate, small, marginal and tribal farmers, who cannot afford costly irrigation practices, depend on the cultivation of millets. Hence these farmers benefit from the scheme and have a larger stake in this scheme. Statement 3 is not correct. There is no such provision to encourage commercial crop farmers to shift to millet cultivation.
Agriculture
Social Justice & Development
Indian Polity & Governance
Agricultural Policies & Supply Chains
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Which of the following factors/policies were affecting the price of rice in India in the recent past?
1. Minimum Support Price
2. Government’s trading
3. Government’s stockpiling
4. Consumer subsidies
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Minimum Support Price (MSP): The government sets an MSP to ensure a minimum income for farmers. If the market price falls below the MSP, the government procures rice from farmers at the MSP. This can lead to higher rice prices for consumers if the government releases these stocks slowly or not at all. Government's trading: Government agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) procure and sell rice in the market. Large-scale procurement by the government can affect market availability and potentially drive up prices. Government's stockpiling: The government maintains buffer stocks of rice for food security purposes. If these stocks are depleted due to various reasons, it can lead to a shortage and price hikes. Consumer subsidies: The government provides subsidized rice to certain sections of the population through schemes like PDS (Public Distribution System). This can influence overall demand and market dynamics. If the subsidies are substantial, it can put upward pressure on prices. Therefore, all these factors can play a role in influencing the price of rice in India.
Hence, option D is the correct answer.
Agriculture
Indian Economy
Social Justice & Development
Agricultural Policies & Supply Chains
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements:
1. The families coming under the category of 'below poverty line (BPL)' only are eligible to receive subsidised grains.
2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a take-home ration' of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: In 2013, NFSA was enacted to provide food security to 67% of the population in the form of highly subsidized food grains at Rs. 2 and 3 per Kg for wheat and rice respectively. Beneficiaries are identified using Socio-economic Caste Census (SECC) methodology so even non-BPL will also benefit. Statement 2 is correct: Under the NFSA, to issue ration cards the eldest woman of a household aged 18 years or above would be considered as head. Hence, this statement is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a nutritious take home ration of 600 Calories and a maternity benefit of at least Rs 6,000 for six months, says the official act.
Indian Polity & Governance
Social Justice & Development
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ?
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an Act passed by the Parliament of India in 2018, mandates reservation in education and employment, places a legal duty on Governments to ensure accessibility and non-discrimination.
2. The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains — built infrastructure, transport systems and information and communication technology.
3. The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a public sector organisation set up by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs as a not-for-profit company to promote entrepreneurship among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Select the answer using the code given below :
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 only
Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act was passed by the Parliament of India in 2016, not 2018. It aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and places a legal obligation on governments to ensure non-discrimination and accessibility. It also mandates reservations for PwDs, such as increasing the quota to 4% in government employment and 5% in higher education. Statement 2 is Correct: The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) was launched in 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). It focuses on achieving universal accessibility for Persons with Disabilities across three key domains: built infrastructure (barrier-free public buildings), transport systems (accessible railways, airports, and roads), and information and communication technology (accessible government websites and digital ecosystems). Statement 3 is Incorrect: The National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC) is a Central Public Sector Undertaking registered as a not-for-profit company to provide concessional financial assistance to promote entrepreneurship, self-employment, and higher education among PwDs. However, it was set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Therefore, the correct option is B.
Social Justice & Development
Indian Polity & Governance
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Which of the following gives the ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world?
Explanation
Correct answer
A. World Economic Forum
The Global Gender Gap Index is an annual report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF). It benchmarks progress towards gender parity by measuring the gap between women and men across four dimensions:
- Economic Participation and Opportunity
- Educational Attainment
- Health and Survival
- Political Empowerment
Social Justice & Development
Current Affairs
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
Land reform is a broad term: - It refers to an institutional measure directed towards altering the existing pattern of ownership, tenancy, and management of land. - It entails redistribution of the rights of ownership and/or use of land away from large landowners and in favour of cultivators with very limited or no landholdings. - At the time of independence, ownership of land was concentrated in the hands of a few. This led to the exploitation of the farmers and was a major hindrance towards the socio-economic development of the rural population. - Equal distribution of land was therefore an area of focus of Independent India's government. Laws for land ceilings were enacted in various states during the 50s & 60s, which were modified on the directives of the central government in 1972.
Agriculture
Indian Economy
History Of India
Agricultural Policies & Supply Chains
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Consider the following statements:
1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of India and the World Health Organization.
2. The National Institute of Urban Affairs is an apex body of the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs in Government
of India and provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of Urban India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1 is incorrect. The India Sanitation Coalition was launched on June 25, 2015, at FICCI, New Delhi. ISC is a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together the private sector, government, financial institutions, civil society groups, media, donors/bilateral/multilateral, experts, etc., to work in the sanitation space to drive sustainable sanitation through a partnership model. It is not funded by WHO. Statement 2 is incorrect. The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is India’s premier urban think tank, shaping the urban narrative since its establishment in 1976, it not an apex body. It is an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act.
Social Justice & Development
Indian Polity & Governance
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. The entry age group for enrolment in the scheme is 21 to 40 years.
2. Age specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary.
3. Each subscriber under the scheme shall receive a minimum pension of ₹ 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
4. Family pension is applicable to the spouse and unmarried daughters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. 2 and 3 only
With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana, here's the breakdown of the statements: * Statement 1: Incorrect. The eligible age group for enrolment in the scheme is 18 to 40 years, not 21 to 40 years. This allows younger workers to join early and contribute for a longer period. * Statement 2: Correct. Beneficiaries are required to make age-specific monthly contributions, which increase with age. For instance, contributions start at ₹55 for an 18-year-old and go up to ₹200 for a 40-year-old. * Statement 3: Correct. Subscribers will receive a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining 60 years of age. This provides social security for workers in the unorganized sector. * Statement 4: Incorrect. Family pension is available only to the spouse, who will receive 50% of the pension amount after the subscriber's death. Unmarried daughters are not eligible for this benefit.
Indian Economy
Social Justice & Development
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana:
1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments.
2. Its objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among poor pregnant women.
3. It aims to promote institutional delivery among poor pregnant women.
4. Its objective includes providing public health facilities to sick infants up to one year of age.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Only two
Statement 1 is incorrect: Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the National Health Mission (NHM). It is a central intervention implemented by states, not an intervention of the State Health Departments. Statement 2 is correct: The primary objective is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by encouraging safe, institutional births. Statement 3 is correct: The scheme provides a cash incentive to mothers to promote institutional delivery, particularly among those from BPL, SC, and ST households. Statement 4 is incorrect: While care for sick infants is a priority under the National Health Mission, the provision of free facilities for sick infants up to one year of age is specifically a feature of the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) launched in 2011. JSY, launched in 2005, is primarily a conditional cash transfer scheme for delivery.
Social Justice & Development
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)?
Explanation
Correct answer
C. All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments
The Central Government introduced the National Pension System (NPS) with effect from January 1, 2004 (except for armed forces). Subsequently, various State Governments adopted this architecture and implemented NPS with effect from different dates. Eligibility to join
- Any citizen of India, whether resident or non-resident, subject to the following conditions.
- Individuals who are aged between 18 60 years, including NRIs.
- After attaining 60 years of age, you will not be permitted to make further contributions to the NPS accounts
Indian Economy
Social Justice & Development
Indian Polity & Governance
Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Previous year Mains questions mapped to overlapping GS syllabus topics.
Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.
Salient features of Indian Society and Diversity
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
Effects of globalization on Indian society
View Mains PYQ
The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the issue.
Statutory, regulatory and quasi-judicial bodies
Government policies and interventions
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections
View Mains PYQ
Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil and water resources.
Salient features of world's physical geography
Distribution of natural resources and industrial location
Women, population, poverty, urbanization and development
View Mains PYQ
"In contemporary development models, decision-making and problem-solving responsibilities are not located close to the source of information and execution defeating the objectives of development." Critically evaluate.
Governance, transparency, accountability and e-governance
Government policies and interventions
Development processes, NGOs, SHGs and stakeholders
View Mains PYQ
Consider the following statements regarding the Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill: 1. It is the first-of-its-kind legislation in India. 2. The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation played a significant role in its drafting. 3. It mandates land ownership for women to be recognized as farmers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The article states, 'This is the first of its kind legislation in the country.' Statement 2 is correct: The article mentions, 'M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has played a key role during the drafting of this Bill.' Statement 3 is incorrect: The bill aims to recognize women farmers 'irrespective of land ownership' and explicitly states that the requirement of land ownership has historically excluded women. Hence, the bill seeks to correct this by enabling access to benefits even without land ownership.
The Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill establishes a three-tier institutional framework to oversee its implementation. Which of the following is NOT a part of this framework?
Explanation
The article explicitly states that the Bill consists of a three-tier institutional framework comprising of a Women Farmers’ Empowerment Council, State Monitoring Committees and Women Farmers’ Empowerment Cell. The District Land Records Authority is not mentioned as part of this specific three-tier framework.
The Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill primarily aims to address the issue of women farmers being excluded from welfare schemes due to which of the following reasons?
Explanation
The article states, 'the requirement of land ownership as a precondition for access to most agricultural schemes and underlying entitlements has rendered such schemes inaccessible to many women farmers, since only a very small percentage of these women own agricultural land.' This is the core 'historic injustice' the bill seeks to correct.
The Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill is hailed as a landmark legislation aimed at correcting a historic injustice. Discuss how this bill can bring about transformative change in the lives of women farmers and contribute to gender equity in the agricultural sector.
Introduce the bill's core objective of recognizing women farmers. Elaborate on how specific provisions (e.g., 'Woman Farmer Certificates', access to schemes, credit, market support) address existing challenges and lead to empowerment. Discuss broader impacts on economic independence, social status, and gender equity in agriculture.
While the Maharashtra Women Farmers’ Empowerment Bill marks a significant step, its effective implementation will be crucial. Analyze the potential challenges in implementing such a legislation and suggest measures to ensure its success. How might this bill influence agricultural policy discourse at the national level?
Briefly state the bill's purpose. Identify and explain potential implementation challenges (e.g., awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, data collection, coordination). Suggest practical measures for effective implementation. Discuss its potential as a model for other states and its influence on national agricultural and social policies.