Content
- International Women’s Day 2026
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
International Women’s Day 2026
Concept & Historical Evolution
- International Women’s Day (IWD) is observed annually on 8 March, recognising women’s economic, political and social achievements and advocating gender equality; formally recognised by the United Nations in 1977.
- The observance traces origins to early 20th-century labour movements in North America and Europe, where women workers demanded better wages, voting rights and working conditions, shaping global feminist movements.
- The choice of 8 March commemorates the 1917 women workers’ strike in Russia demanding “Bread and Peace”, which triggered political mobilisation and became a global symbol of women’s resistance.
- Over decades, International Women’s Day evolved from labour activism to a global governance agenda, embedded within UN gender equality frameworks, human rights conventions and SDG commitments.
- Today, the day functions as a policy advocacy platform, evaluating progress on gender equality, women’s leadership and inclusive development across countries and institutions.
Relevance
GS I – Society
- Gender equality and women empowerment.
- Social issues: gender wage gap, unpaid care work, gender-based violence.
- Women’s participation in political and economic structures.
GS II – Polity & Governance
- Constitutional provisions for women (Articles 14, 15(3), 16, 39, 42).
- Women’s Reservation (106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023).
- Governance initiatives: Mission Shakti, POSH Act, NCW.
Practice Question
Q.“Gender equality is central to inclusive development.” Examine the role of policy initiatives in advancing women-led development in India. (250 words)
Theme of International Women’s Day 2026
- The UN theme for IWD 2026 — “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.” emphasises strengthening legal protections, equitable justice systems and accelerated policy implementation for gender equality worldwide.
- The theme highlights persistent challenges including gender wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, digital gender divide and gender-based violence, affecting millions of women globally.
- It aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 – Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, considered a cross-cutting enabler for all SDGs.
- International institutions such as WHO, UN Women and civil society networks are organising global dialogues to accelerate gender-responsive governance and policy reforms.
Global Campaign – “Give to Gain”
- The global campaign for IWD 2026 – “Give to Gain” encourages individuals, organisations and governments to invest time, mentorship, resources and opportunities to advance women’s empowerment.
- The campaign promotes the idea that supporting women’s leadership and economic participation generates multiplier effects, strengthening community resilience, productivity and social equity.
- Studies by the World Bank and IMF show that closing gender employment gaps could increase global GDP by up to 20–26%, highlighting the economic value of gender equality.
Constitutional & Legal Foundations of Women Empowerment in India
- India’s commitment to gender equality is rooted in the Constitution of India, which guarantees equality before law (Article 14) and prohibits discrimination on grounds including sex (Article 15).
- Article 15(3) empowers the state to adopt affirmative action measures for women, enabling gender-specific welfare schemes, reservations and protective labour legislation.
- Article 16 ensures equal opportunity in public employment, preventing discrimination in recruitment, promotion and service conditions.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 39 and 42) direct the state to ensure equal livelihood opportunities, maternity relief and humane working conditions for women.
- 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) mandate one-third reservation for women in Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies, creating the world’s largest pool of elected women representatives.
- The 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) provides 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, strengthening gender-balanced representation.
- National Commission for Women (NCW), established in 1992, monitors legal safeguards, policy implementation and gender justice frameworks.
Governance & Institutional Mechanisms
- India has shifted policy focus from “development for women” to “women-led development”, recognising women as agents of economic growth, social transformation and governance leadership.
- The umbrella programme Mission Shakti integrates schemes for women’s safety, empowerment and welfare, including One Stop Centres and Women Helplines.
- The POSH Act, 2013 (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act) mandates Internal Complaints Committees in workplaces, ensuring safe and dignified working environments.
- The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 criminalised instant Triple Talaq, strengthening legal protection and gender justice.
Economic Dimension – Women as Drivers of Growth
- India recorded its highest-ever Gender Budget in FY 2025-26, allocating ₹5.01 lakh crore (9.37% of the Union Budget) toward gender-focused programmes across 53 ministries and departments.
- Self Help Groups under DAY-NRLM mobilise 10.05 crore rural households into 90.90 lakh SHGs, accessing ₹12.18 lakh crore institutional credit since 2013–14.
- The Lakhpati Didi initiative aims to enable rural women to earn ₹1 lakh annual income, with over 3.07 crore women progressing toward this goal.
- Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana has sanctioned 52 crore loans worth ₹32.61 lakh crore, with around 68% of beneficiaries being women entrepreneurs.
- Women constitute 56% of Jan Dhan account holders, demonstrating strong progress in financial inclusion and digital banking participation.
- Stand-Up India scheme has supported over 2.01 lakh women entrepreneurs, enabling establishment of greenfield enterprises.
- The Government e-Marketplace initiative “Womaniya” has enabled over 2 lakh women-led enterprises to secure ₹80,000 crore procurement orders.
Education & Skill Development
- Female enrolment in higher education increased from 1.57 crore (2014–15) to 2.18 crore (2022–23), reflecting improved access and policy interventions.
- The Female Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education increased from 22.9 to 30.2, signalling progress in tertiary education participation.
- Women constituted over 53% of UGC NET-JRF scholars in STEM fields in FY 2024–25, indicating rising participation in research and innovation.
- The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) reports around 45% female participation, strengthening women’s employability and workforce readiness.
- Start-Up India ecosystem has supported over 75,000 women-led startups, expanding women’s presence in technology and innovation sectors.
Health, Nutrition & Welfare
- India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio declined from 130 (2014–16) to 88 (2021–23) due to interventions such as PM Matru Vandana Yojana and Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan.
- Under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, over ₹20,060 crore has been transferred to 4.26 crore beneficiaries providing maternity income support.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provided 10.56 crore LPG connections, reducing indoor air pollution and improving women’s health.
- Jal Jeevan Mission expanded rural tap water coverage from 16.72% (2019) to over 81.57% households, significantly reducing women’s drudgery.
- Swachh Bharat Mission facilitated construction of over 12 crore toilets, improving sanitation, dignity and safety for women.
Social & Democratic Participation
- India granted universal adult franchise at Independence (1950), ensuring equal voting rights for women and men, unlike many Western democracies that adopted women’s suffrage later.
- Today India has over 47 crore registered women voters, making women one of the largest democratic constituencies globally.
- Women constitute nearly 46–50% of elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions, strengthening grassroots governance.
- Increasing representation of women is also visible in armed forces, police services, STEM fields and corporate leadership.
Technology & Emerging Opportunities
- NaMo Drone Didi Yojana supports 15,000 Self Help Groups with 80% subsidy for agricultural drones, integrating women into agri-technology ecosystems.
- Women’s increasing participation in digital platforms, e-commerce and gig economy is supported through digital literacy programmes and financial inclusion initiatives.
- Expansion of women-led startups in climate technology, renewable energy and digital services reflects growing participation in future-oriented sectors.
Key Challenges & Structural Gaps
- India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate remains around 37% (PLFS 2023–24), indicating persistent barriers in employment and workforce integration.
- The gender wage gap remains around 19% globally (ILO estimates), reflecting structural inequalities in labour markets.
- Women hold less than 15% representation in Parliament, highlighting the continued need for effective implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act.
- Persistent issues include gender-based violence, digital gender divide, unpaid care burden and unequal property ownership rights.
- Intersectional vulnerabilities affect women belonging to SC/ST communities, minorities, rural regions and informal sectors.
Way Forward – Strengthening Women-led Development
- Accelerate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Act to ensure effective representation in Parliament and State Assemblies.
- Promote gender-responsive budgeting and outcome-based monitoring, ensuring effective utilisation of allocated resources.
- Expand women’s participation in STEM, digital economy and climate technology sectors through targeted skilling programmes.
- Strengthen care economy infrastructure, including childcare services and maternity benefits, enabling women’s workforce participation.
- Enhance legal enforcement against gender-based violence and workplace discrimination, improving institutional accountability.
- Promote financial inclusion, asset ownership and credit access for women entrepreneurs through digital platforms and cooperative models.
Prelims Pointers
- International Women’s Day: Observed 8 March annually.
- UN recognition: 1977.
- IWD 2026 Theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls.”
- 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (2023): Provides 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- National Commission for Women: Established 1992.
- Gender Budget FY26: ₹5.01 lakh crore (9.37% of Union Budget).
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
Basics & Concept
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is a flagship initiative launched in 2008 and revamped in 2015, aimed at ensuring affordable access to quality generic medicines through a nationwide network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs).
- The scheme addresses India’s high Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare, where medicines constitute nearly 40–50% of total household medical spending, creating financial barriers for economically vulnerable populations.
- Generic medicines under PMBJP have the same therapeutic efficacy, safety and dosage standards as branded drugs but are sold at significantly lower prices, enhancing affordability and treatment adherence.
- The scheme operates under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, implemented through the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
Relevance
GS II – Governance / Social Justice
- Access to affordable healthcare.
- Public health policy and welfare schemes.
GS III – Economy
- Reducing catastrophic health expenditure.
- Pharmaceutical sector reforms and generics.
Practice Question
Q.Discuss the role of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana in improving access to affordable healthcare in India. (250 words)
Governance & Institutional Framework
- PMBI (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India) acts as the central implementing agency responsible for procurement, quality assurance, supply chain management and expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- Medicines supplied under PMBJP are sourced only from WHO-GMP compliant manufacturers, ensuring adherence to international quality standards in pharmaceutical production.
- Each batch of medicines undergoes quality testing in NABL-accredited laboratories, guaranteeing safety, efficacy and regulatory compliance before distribution to Kendras.
- The scheme uses a franchise-based model, enabling individual entrepreneurs, NGOs, trusts, pharmacists and private entities to operate Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Scale, Coverage & Product Basket
- As of 2026, more than 18,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are operational across India, delivering affordable medicines in urban, rural and remote regions.
- The government has set a target of 25,000 Kendras by March 2027, strengthening last-mile healthcare access across districts and underserved areas.
- PMBJP offers a product portfolio of 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items, covering 29 therapeutic categories, including anti-diabetic, cardiovascular, anti-infective and anti-cancer drugs.
- On average, 10–12 lakh citizens visit Jan Aushadhi Kendras daily, indicating widespread utilisation of affordable generic medicines.
Economic Impact & Cost Savings
- Medicines under PMBJP are sold at 50–80% lower prices than branded equivalents, significantly reducing treatment costs for households.
- By June 2025, Jan Aushadhi medicines worth ₹7,700 crore (MRP value) were sold, generating estimated savings of ₹38,000 crore for citizens.
- Lower medicine prices help reduce catastrophic health expenditure, which remains a key cause of poverty and financial distress in India.
- Affordable generics also support the objectives of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by ensuring access to essential medicines without financial hardship.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship & Economic Empowerment
- The scheme promotes inclusive entrepreneurship by enabling pharmacists, NGOs and private entrepreneurs to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras as retail medicine outlets.
- Operators receive a 20% trade margin on Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and are eligible for performance-linked incentives up to ₹5 lakh.
- Special incentives of ₹2 lakh are provided to women, SC/ST entrepreneurs, Divyangjan and those opening Kendras in aspirational districts and remote regions.
- The incentive package includes ₹1.5 lakh reimbursement for furniture and fixtures and ₹50,000 for IT infrastructure, promoting participation from marginalised communities.
Women-Centric Initiative – Jan Aushadhi Suvidha Sanitary Napkins
- The Jan Aushadhi Suvidha sanitary napkin initiative, launched in 2019, provides biodegradable sanitary pads at ₹1 per pad, improving menstrual hygiene access for women.
- These pads contain an oxo-biodegradable additive, enabling environmentally responsible disposal and reducing plastic waste from conventional sanitary products.
- By January 2026, over 100 crore sanitary pads have been sold, including 22.5 crore pads during FY 2025–26, indicating large-scale adoption.
- The initiative addresses period poverty and menstrual health awareness, particularly among rural and low-income women.
Digital Governance – Jan Aushadhi Sugam Mobile Application
- The Jan Aushadhi Sugam mobile application, launched in 2019, provides a digital platform for citizens to locate nearby Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
- The app integrates Google Maps-based geolocation, allowing users to identify the nearest Kendra and available medicines.
- It also enables price comparison between generic medicines and branded alternatives, highlighting potential cost savings for consumers.
- The platform strengthens digital health governance by improving transparency, accessibility and informed consumer choices.
Supply Chain & Logistics Infrastructure
- PMBI operates an IT-enabled supply chain management system with five central warehouses and 41 distributors nationwide, ensuring efficient medicine distribution.
- A performance-linked stocking norm mandates Jan Aushadhi Kendras to maintain at least 200 fast-moving medicines, ensuring availability of essential drugs.
- The curated list includes the 100 top-selling medicines and 100 fastest-moving pharmaceutical products, improving operational viability and customer satisfaction.
- PMBI monitors 400 high-demand medicines and uses digital demand forecasting systems, improving procurement planning and supply stability.
Integration with Public Health Infrastructure
- State governments are encouraged to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras inside government hospitals, increasing accessibility and patient footfall.
- Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being encouraged to operate Kendras using their rural infrastructure network covering over 13 crore farmers.
- As of January 2026, 116 Jan Aushadhi Kendras operate at railway stations, providing affordable medicines to migrant workers and low-income travellers.
Social Impact & Health Equity
- PMBJP enhances health equity by improving access to essential medicines among economically weaker sections and rural populations.
- Affordable medicines reduce treatment discontinuation caused by high drug prices, improving long-term disease management.
- The scheme contributes to financial risk protection under Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and complements programmes such as Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
- Increased availability of generic medicines strengthens public trust in cost-effective pharmaceutical alternatives.
Challenges & Structural Limitations
- Limited public awareness about generic medicines continues to affect adoption despite price advantages.
- Some doctors continue prescribing branded medicines due to pharmaceutical marketing practices and trust concerns.
- Supply chain disruptions occasionally lead to stock shortages of high-demand medicines in certain Kendras.
- Variations in state-level implementation capacity and regulatory monitoring affect the scheme’s operational efficiency.
- Lack of widespread generic prescription practices in medical institutions reduces demand for affordable alternatives.
Way Forward
- Strengthen mandatory generic prescription policies in government hospitals and medical institutions, encouraging wider adoption.
- Expand digital inventory management and real-time supply chain tracking to prevent medicine shortages.
- Increase public awareness campaigns on generic medicine efficacy and safety, addressing misconceptions among patients.
- Integrate PMBJP more closely with Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, improving primary healthcare delivery.
- Encourage private hospitals and doctors to prescribe generic medicines, supported by regulatory incentives and guidelines.
Prelims Pointers
- PMBJP launched: 2008 (revamped 2015).
- Implementing agency: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI).
- Jan Aushadhi medicines: 50–80% cheaper than branded medicines.
- Operational Kendras (2026): 18,000+.
- Target by 2027: 25,000 Kendras.
- Sanitary napkin initiative: Jan Aushadhi Suvidha – ₹1 per pad.
