While Indian economy has grown up since 1991, the participation of women in this economic growth has been negligible and lots needs to be done, says a study by the US-based think-tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). It said that India will touch a double digit growth if women get adequate presence in professional life.

Citing a UN document, the study mentioned India's growth would be increased by 4.2 percent if women are not neglected in the economic growth. “That would push India’s current growth rate of about 7.5 percent closer to 11 percent, making it, once again, one of the world’s fastest accelerating economies,” said the study.

“India’s economic growth is remarkable in its reach and impressive for pulling millions out of poverty, but women are still missing at virtually every level of professional life,” wrote Karl Inderfurth, former assistant secretary of state, US and Persis Khambatta, a fellow at CSIS, who are the authors of the study.

“The loss in GDP that India incurs as a side effect of low female economic participation is a major drag on its overall economic performance,” it said.

“As its economy develops to encompass new knowledge-based industries, and as its population moves from rural to urban areas, the pivotal issue should be given greater scrutiny: Are India’s women poised to take part in the rapidly expanding economy? And what will the consequences be for India’s economic development?”

India ranks close to the bottom (113 out of 135 countries) in lowest percentage of women employees according to World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap report.

Read the study