Evaluate the programmes/schemes initiated by the Andhra Pradesh Government to achieve women empowerment.
In short
Andhra Pradesh's women empowerment programmes, including Mission Shakti's One Stop Centres and 181 helpline, Mudra and Stand-Up India credit, Sakhi Niwas and Swadhar Greh, and maternal health schemes, have improved safety, financial inclusion and health. Fund diversion, health staff shortages and patriarchal norms limit their impact.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 264 words
Mission Shakti and Safety Nets
Mission Shakti’s Sambal and Samarthya verticals include One Stop Centres and Women Helpline (181), providing legal and psychological aid to women facing violence. These services have enhanced women’s confidence to seek help and assert their rights.
Economic Empowerment and Social Support
Financial inclusion is promoted through Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India loans; social welfare schemes like Sakhi Niwas and Palna address accommodation and childcare needs. Additionally, these schemes encourage entrepreneurship and self-employment among women, contributing to livelihood diversification.
Audit and Governance Issues
Andhra Pradesh CAG audit reveals diversion of welfare funds and administrative inefficiencies, undermining scheme delivery. Pending claims and lack of transparency further weaken programme effectiveness.
Health Infrastructure Deficits
The 2024 CAG report notes vacancies and inadequate facilities, limiting maternal and child health programme success. This constrains the impact of Janani Suraksha Yojana5 and PMSMA, which are vital for improving women’s health outcomes.
Promote Gender-Sensitive Norms and Data Use
Increase awareness campaigns to challenge patriarchal attitudes and develop gender-disaggregated data for targeted interventions. Data-driven policymaking will improve scheme targeting and impact assessment.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.

Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Inclusive Growth: India and AP schemes49 questions
Asked in 8 of 8 sittings since 2008
Most tested: Women empowerment and poverty reduction through AP welfare and credit-linked institutions
- 2025Elaborate on the meaning of Inclusive Growth in the context of the Indian economy. Discuss the key strategies and instruments that can be employed to foster greater inclusion and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach all sections of society.
- 2025Critically Examine the major poverty alleviation and employment generation programmes in India. How effective have they been in addressing rural and urban poverty?
All 49 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2017 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.