Srinagar, April 07, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir has been allocated Rs 10.42 crore over the past two years under the Government of India’s Mission Shakti scheme, aimed at empowering women and enhancing their safety and support systems. Official data from the Ministry of Women and Child Development reveals that this funding has supported the operation of 22 empowerment hubs across J&K and Ladakh, including one State Hub for Empowerment of Women (SHEW) in the union territory.
Mission Shakti, a centrally-sponsored initiative, focuses on strengthening institutional mechanisms at state and district levels to promote women’s welfare. According to the ministry, J&K received Rs 7.25 crore in the financial year 2023–24 and Rs 3.17 crore in 2024–25, totaling Rs 10.42 crore. These funds have been directed toward establishing and sustaining women-centric programs, with each SHEW and District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) mandated to employ two gender specialists as per scheme guidelines.
The empowerment hubs in J&K are part of a broader network designed to provide resources, counseling, and safety nets for women. “The funding reflects the Centre’s commitment to gender equity in the region,” said a senior official from the J&K administration. “These hubs are crucial for addressing local challenges and ensuring women have access to support systems.” Alongside J&K, Ladakh has received Rs 1.50 crore over three years under the same scheme, with allocations of Rs 45.75 lakh each in 2022–23 and 2023–24, and Rs 59.25 lakh in 2024–25.
While the initiative has been praised for its intent, some local stakeholders argue that more resources are needed to tackle grassroots issues like rural outreach and awareness. The J&K government has emphasized integrating these hubs with existing welfare programs to maximize impact. With women’s empowerment remaining a key priority, the Mission Shakti funding is seen as a step toward building a more inclusive framework in the union territory.
As of now, the 22 hubs continue to operate, offering a lifeline to women across urban and rural areas. The ministry’s data underscores steady progress, but the road ahead involves scaling up efforts to meet the diverse needs of J&K’s population.