Impact of Women's Reservation and Women's Well-being Schemes on the Participation of Females in the Labour Force: Evidence from Indian State of Bihar

Bihar is one of the most populous, poorest, backward, and highest migrant-sending states of India. Approximately 33.74 percent of population lives below poverty line while 51.9 percent are multidimensionally poor. However, the female labour force participation rate (LFPR) has improved in various sectors in the economy of Bihar after introducing the women reservation policy. This progress stems from 50 percent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions (village council administration), 33 percent in state Engineering and Medical colleges, and 35 percent horizontal reservation in state government jobs of Bihar. Additionally, women's well-being schemes have been pivotal in breaking the patriarchal barriers and empowering women. Findings of study indicates that reservations for women and women's well-being schemes have significantly contributed in enhancing women's roles in household decision-making, education, police force, industries, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (village council administration) in Bihar through their participations. Further, to eliminate the risk of violence against women and girls, to increase their participation in the workforce, and dismantle patriarchal mindsets, the government should prioritize the establishment of women's empowerment cells in each and every educational institution. Furthermore, compulsory women's studies should be introduced in the curriculum from the very beginning to change the patriarchal and societal attitudes towards women. This would help to raise female participation in uplifting their socio-economic status in the society. This would also enable the government to harness the available potential of 50 percent of population in the growth and development of nation.