Women Entrepreneurship in India-Problems and Prospects

Entrepreneurs play a key role in the economic development of the country. A ?'women entrepreneur ?? is defined as the women or group of women, who initiate, organize and operate a business enterprise. Government of India has defined ?women entrepreneurs? as an enterprise owned and controlled by a woman having a minimum financial interest of 51 percent of the capital and giving at least 51 percent of employment generated in the enterprise to women. Educated Indian women have to go a long way to achieve equal rights and position because traditions are deep routed in Indian society where the sociological set up is male dominated one. Despite all the social hurdles, many Indian women stood as successful entrepreneurs. The transformation of social fabric of the Indian society, in terms of increased educational status of women and varied aspirations for better living, necessitated a change in life style of Indian women. Women in India face many problems and constraints to get ahead in their life in business. They should explore the prospects of starting new enterprise, undertake risks, introduce innovations, coordinate administration and control business and provide effective leadership in all aspects of business. The present paper endeavors to study problems of women entrepreneurs, how to develop women entrepreneurs and study schemes for women operated by different departments and ministries.