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The picture of women leadership in Indian companies is continuously getting stronger. According to government data, there are about 40 lakh directors in active companies of the country, of which more than 11.60 lakh are women.

Tezzbuzz Desk- The Central Government has shared important figures in the Lok Sabha regarding the participation of women in the corporate sector. According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, there are a total of 39,99,656 directors in active companies of the country. Of these, 11,60,933 women are on the post of directors. That means the share of women among the total directors is about 29 percent. In other words, almost one in every three directors is a woman.

Statistics given by the government show that women are now rapidly making their place on the boards of companies and in important decision-making roles. However, the data for different categories should not be viewed together, as the scope of data for total directors of active companies and top 500 listed companies is different.

On the basis of turnover, women are present in many important positions in the top 500 listed companies of the country. In these companies, 9 women are on the post of CEO, 25 women are on the post of Managing Director and 67 women are on the post of Executive Director.

Apart from this, 638 women are holding the responsibility as independent directors and 860 women as directors or board members. There are also 22 women working on the post of CFO.

• 39,99,656 – Total directors in active companies
• 11,60,933 – female director
• 9 – Female CEO
• 25 – Female Managing Director
• 67 – Female Executive Director
• 638 – Female independent director
• 22 – Female CFO
• 860 – Female director/board member

For which companies are women directors necessary?

Under the Company Law, it is mandatory for some companies to have at least one woman director on the board. This includes all listed companies. Apart from this, this rule is also applicable for such unlisted public companies whose paid-up share capital is Rs 100 crore or more or whose turnover is Rs 300 crore or more.

If the post of woman director becomes vacant in a company, then it is necessary to fill it within the stipulated time limit. According to the rules, the appointment should be made before the next board meeting or within three months, whichever is later.

Action against companies violating rules

The government has also given information about the action taken against companies that do not follow the rules to the appointment of women directors.

Between the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26, the Registrar of Companies has Education order in 50 cases Issued. Total in these cases Penalty of Rs 71.01 lakh Was imposed.

If seen year wise, in 2023-24, action was taken in maximum 19 cases. Orders were issued in 11 cases in 2024-25, 10 in 2022-23, 8 in 2025-26 and 2 in 2021-22.

Women leadership increased, but no separate study on challenges

Government figures certainly present a picture of increasing participation of women on corporate boards, but the ministry has not conducted any separate study on the challenges faced by women directors in their leadership.

Yet data indicate that women in the Indian corporate sector are no longer limited to employees or middle-level management, but are making their presence felt in the boardroom, taking up important positions like CEO, MD, CFO and Independent Director.