The event will focus on the mechanisms by which state governments can be empowered with augmented financial resources by the Centre to improve women’s participation in the labour force. In the Indian context, cooperative federalism has provided a robust mechanism to boost economic growth at the Centre, the State and the local level. The role of the Finance Commission in state-wise devolution of funds plays a critical role in augmenting state-level finances. Armed with the augmented financing, states have the power to provide for programs and schemes to empower women’s labour market participation in the economy. Providing for such programs and schemes that are designed to improve labour market outcomes for women can have immense benefits for the economy at large. However, it is imperative that state and local governments should have a healthy fiscal balance to support the functioning of these programs.