The number of women in India’s labour force has doubled over the previous seven years, and in certain industries, they are now working longer hours than males, revealed Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday. He praised the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to change the responsibilities that women play in the workforce.

This change in the labour force of India, spearheaded by women, has been referred to as a “silent revolution” by the Union Minister. He was quoted as saying, “India’s workforce is now witnessing what no one expected… Women are leading the charge, taking on greater responsibilities and breaking barriers like never before!”

Mr Mandaviya pointed out that recent data show a significant increase in women’s labour force participation in India. “Indian women are stepping out, taking charge, and doing it in a way no one saw coming. We should talk about this more,” he continued.

He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives for putting women at the forefront of this campaign. “Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, Skill India – these aren’t token policies, but tectonic policy shifts in how we see women as drivers of India’s growth,” he said.

Women’s Growing Role in India’s Workforce

BJP leader Smriti Irani also highlighted the long hours that women work, particularly in high-demand industries such as professional, scientific, and technological activity. She mentioned that Indian women now work more hours per week than their counterparts in many other countries. “Women are no longer the silent workforce; in fact, they are working more hours than ever, some even over 55 hours a week, in professional, scientific, and technical fields! Indian women are working themselves to the bone, putting in more hours than men across sectors,” Irani stated.

She emphasised the need of businesses, industries, society, and women themselves recognising the sacrifices women make. “Prime Minister Modi has set the stage, but now it’s time for everyone to embrace the sacrifices women are making and ensure that this silent revolution becomes impossible to ignore,” she added.

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