(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) BUDGETARY INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

(MARCH-2025)

BUDGETARY INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Introduction

Empowering women is a vital factor in both economic and societal advancement, significantly influencing national progress, poverty alleviation, and comprehensive community development. Budgetary allocations are instrumental in fostering gender equality by tackling financial and institutional obstacles that impede women's advancement. With targeted funding and gender-oriented policies, governments can cultivate substantial opportunities for women in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and financial participation. The Government of India has consistently emphasized women's empowerment in its budgeting strategies, launching various programs and financial measures to enhance women's involvement in different sectors and elevate their socio-economic standing.

Key Budgetary Initiatives for Women Empowerment

(i) Gender Budgeting

Initiated in 2005-06 to guarantee gender-conscious planning and resource distribution across various ministries.
Seeks to incorporate gender viewpoints in budgetary planning and implementation to rectify gender imbalances.

Consists of two segments:

Part A: Programs solely benefiting women, assuring focused support.
Part B: Programs where a minimum of 30% of benefits reach women, providing indirect assistance.

Several ministries, including Health, Rural Development, and Education, have adopted gender-responsive budgeting to ensure adequate financial support for women.

(ii) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Introduced in 2015 to tackle the dwindling Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and advocate for education and welfare for the girl child.
Budget allocation: Over ₹3,000 crore since its launch, encompassing awareness efforts, scholarships, and welfare initiatives.
Emphasizes multi-sectoral approaches, such as education, advocacy, and community engagement.
Monitors CSR at the district level and implements corrective actions to guarantee the survival and development of the girl child.

(iii) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

A maternity support initiative providing direct financial assistance of ₹5,000 to expectant and nursing mothers for their first childbirth.
Aims to enhance maternal and child health by promoting proper nutrition and decreasing maternal mortality rates.
Integrated into the National Food Security Act, ensuring food security and reducing child malnutrition.
Promotes institutional births and postpartum care, leading to improved healthcare outcomes.

(iv) Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK)

Aimed at empowering women in rural areas through skill training, digital literacy, health education, and job creation.
Annual budget allocations have varied between ₹100-₹200 crore, focusing on grassroots-level initiatives.
Operates collaboratively with State Governments, NGOs, and community organizations.
Offers training sessions on entrepreneurship, vocational skills, and leadership development for women in rural settings.
Enhances access to information regarding government programs and financial services to enable financial autonomy.

(v) Women Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion

Stand-Up India Scheme:

Provides bank loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for women entrepreneurs, especially from SC/ST backgrounds.

Encourages first-time women business owners to enter sectors usually dominated by men.

Way Forward:

To amplify the effectiveness of budgetary investments in women's empowerment, the following actions should be adopted:

Increased Budget Allocation: Amplify funding for women-focused programs and ensure prompt distribution of financial resources.
Efficient Monitoring & Evaluation: Reinforce oversight structures to monitor fund usage and program success.
Digital Financial Literacy: Foster digital inclusion and financial education initiatives to assist women in navigating banking and credit services efficiently.
Public-Private Partnerships: Promote collaboration with private enterprises, NGOs, and civil society for skill enhancement, job creation, and market access.
Awareness Campaigns: Initiate extensive information campaigns to enlighten women about available programs and benefits, ensuring greater involvement and outreach.
Legal and Institutional Reinforcement: Establish stronger legal frameworks to guarantee gender-sensitive policies and combat workplace discrimination.

Conclusion

Budgetary measures have been pivotal in promoting women's empowerment in India by addressing economic, social, and financial challenges. Despite notable advancements, there is a necessity for enhanced implementation, awareness initiatives, and increased financial provisions to guarantee lasting and sustainable impact. A well-organized and efficiently executed gender budget can foster greater social equity, women's economic participation, and inclusive national growth. It is crucial that financial policies and budget distributions meet women's requirements to forge an equitable and just society.