The state government has devised an extensive strategy to boost women’s involvement in the state’s workforce, with the goal of surpassing the existing 27 per cent participation rate.
As reported by officials from the state’s labour, skill development, and employment departments, India records a labour force participation rate (LFPR) of 24.8 per cent for women, while in Gujarat, it stands at a slightly higher 27 per cent.
Furthermore, government authorities reveal that women represent 27.2 per cent of the rural workforce and 18.8 per cent of the urban workforce across the country. In the state of Gujarat, these figures notably climb to 34.1 per cent in rural regions and 17.3 per cent in urban areas.
Sources within the department have indicated the presence of 277 government-run industrial training institutes (ITIs), 101 grant-in-aid ITIs, and 169 self-financed ITIs. These institutions collectively offer 2,16,000 seats for training across various professions.
The number of reserved seats for women has increased, and they are now exempt from paying tuition fees at ITIs. Additionally, the upper age limit for their admission has been eliminated.
Officials from the department noted that girls who successfully complete a two-year programme at an ITI after completing Class 8 will be recognised as having completed Class 10.
Similarly, those who finish a two-year course after completing Class 10 will be acknowledged as having completed Class 12. That isn’t all. The government has introduced a group insurance scheme for women undergoing training at ITIs.
