As of November 30, 2024, there are nearly 11.6 lakh women directors across various sectors in India, with 8,672 in listed public companies, 46,939 in unlisted public companies, and over 11 lakh in private companies, including One Person Companies (OPCs). To foster greater participation of women in decision-making roles, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has implemented provisions in the Companies Act, 2013. Notably, the law mandates that certain companies, including listed ones and public companies with a paid-up capital of Rs. 100 crore or more or a turnover exceeding Rs. 300 crore, must appoint at least one woman director. Failure to comply with this requirement results in penalties under Section 172 of the Companies Act, 2013. These initiatives reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to encourage and support women’s involvement in corporate leadership and decision-making processes.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Nearly 11.6 Lakh Women Directors associated with Public and Private companies
Multiple initiatives taken to encourage women participation in decision making in companies
Posted On: 17 DEC 2024
The cumulative number of women directors in listed companies, un-listed public companies and private companies as on 30 November 2024 are as follows;
| Category | Count of women directors associated |
| Listed Public companies | 8,672 |
| Unlisted public companies | 46,939 |
| Private companies (including OPCs) | 11,11,040 |
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, with a view to encourage women participation in decision making at various levels in companies, has included the following provisions in the Companies Act, 2013,
- Second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 (Act) provides that prescribed class of companies shall have at least one woman director.
- Further, as per Rule 3 of Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2024, every listed company and every other public company having paid up share capital of Rs. 100 crore or more or having turnover of Rs. 300 crore or more, is required to appoint at least one woman director.
- If a company makes default in complying with this provision of the Act, the company and every officer of the company who is in default, is liable for penalty provided under section 172 of the Companies Act, 2013.
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra stated this in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
