Role of Nanda Gaura Yojana of Uttarakhand in Women Empowerment

Women's empowerment is a transformative process that enhances women's ability to make independent decisions regarding their lives. Achieving gender equality and empowering women is vital for sustainable national development, as the participation of both men and women is crucial to overall societal progress. Education plays a central role in enabling women to acquire knowledge, skills, and confidence, particularly in rural and marginalized regions where early marriage and limited access to schooling remain significant barriers. In response, the Government of Uttarakhand launched the Nanda Gaura Yojana in 2017, a flagship scheme designed to improve the sex ratio, curb female feticide, encourage female literacy, and prevent child marriages by extending financial incentives to families. This study investigates the role of the scheme in women's empowerment, its impact on the educational, social, and financial dimensions of beneficiaries, and the level of satisfaction among recipients. The research was conducted in Nainital district, drawing on a sample of 100 beneficiaries selected through convenience sampling. Both primary data (via structured questionnaires) and secondary sources (government reports and official websites) were employed. Data analysis was carried out using percentages, tables, pie charts, and a five-point Likert scale to evaluate empowerment dimensions. Findings reveal that the Nanda Gaura Yojana contributes significantly to reducing gender disparities and enables girls to pursue higher education through financial assistance, thereby fostering their overall empowerment and development.