NITI Aayog Highlights Rise in Women’s Credit Participation

On 7th April 2026, NITI Aayog released the second edition of its report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India’s Evolving Credit Market”, highlighting significant growth in women’s participation in formal credit systems.

Key Points

Credit Participation Growth:
- Women’s credit portfolio reached ₹76 lakh crore (26% of total credit).
- Increased nearly 4.8 times from ₹16 lakh crore in 2017.
Borrower Growth Trends:
- Credit-active women borrowers grew at 9% CAGR.
- Credit penetration increased from 19% to 36%.
- Around 45 crore women remain credit-eligible.
Shift in Financial Behaviour:
- Transition from basic borrowing to retail and business lending.
- Improved financial capability and economic integration.
Rise in Business Credit:
- Commercial credit to women grew at 31% CAGR (2022–2025).
- Higher than overall commercial credit growth (17%).
- 19% microfinance borrowers moved to retail/commercial loans.
Geographical Expansion:
- Growth seen in northern states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Alongside strong presence in southern and western regions.
Credit Product Trends:
- Personal and gold loans most common.
- Housing loans increasing, indicating rising asset ownership.
Role of Digitization:
- Digital infrastructure improving access to formal credit.
- Reducing reliance on informal borrowing.
Significance of Study:
- Based on data of ~16 crore women.
- One of the most comprehensive assessments of women’s credit access.
- Supports WEP’s Financing Women Collaborative (FWC) initiative.