Women vote overwhelmingly for parties that offer them doles: SBI

The general elections of 2024 witnessed an increase of 1.8 crore women voters compared to the previous elections in 2019, as highlighted in a research report from the Economic Department of the State Bank of India (SBI) released on January 9. This surge is attributed to the implementation of various women-focused initiatives.

According to data from the Election Commission of India, the SBI report indicated that the total number of electors rose from 83.4 crore in 2014 to 97.8 crore in 2024, with women voters increasingly matching their male counterparts. Presently, there are 95 women voters for every 100 male electors.

Out of the more than 9 crore new voters in the past decade, 58%, or 5.3 crore, were women, as per the findings of the report. The increase in women voter participation has been linked to income transfer schemes that have enhanced literacy and employment opportunities, including initiatives such as Mudra Yojana, housing schemes, sanitation improvements, electricity access, and better drinking water facilities.

The report further noted that the addition of 45 lakh women voters can be attributed to rising literacy rates and improved employment conditions, while the Mudra Yojana specifically contributed to 36 lakh female voters. Additionally, 20 lakh more women participated in the 2024 elections due to benefits from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and 21 lakh were influenced by sanitation-related measures.

In beneficiary states, the average turnout of women voters increased by 7.8 lakh in 2024, contrasting with a mere 2.5 lakh increase in states where no such initiatives were implemented after 2019, as reported.

How women play a crucial role in Delhi

The finding that initiatives focused on women have resulted in a rise in female voter participation coincides with a period when numerous states are either announcing or executing such programs in the lead-up to elections.

In anticipation of the assembly elections in Delhi scheduled for February 5, both the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress have pledged to introduce cash transfer initiatives aimed at women.

The general elections of 2024 were held from April 19 to June 1 of the previous year, spanning seven phases to elect 543 representatives to the Lok Sabha.

The economic department of SBI has suggested the establishment of a comprehensive absentee voting system to enable approximately 30 million voters, as estimated by the Election Commission, to participate in the electoral process.

The report emphasized the importance of various voting methods, including postal voting, early voting, proxy voting, and electronic voting, which facilitate individuals in exercising their democratic rights during this significant electoral event.