(GIST OF YOJANA) Gender Budgeting & Legislative Measures for Social Equality

GIST OF YOJANA : Gender Budgeting & Legislative Measures for Social Equality

JANUARY-2026

Gender Budgeting & Legislative Measures for Social Equality

Context:

Women form more than 48 per cent of India’s 145 crore population. The sheer numbers underline the need for strong tenets of gender equality in health, education, employment, decision¬ making, etc. A foundational plank needed to ensure gender equality is provided by an appropriate legal framework, backed by the Indian Constitution, which was promulgated almost 76 years ago. In this context, this article assesses some initiatives taken to achieve gender inclusivity throughout India’s growth trajectory.

Enabling Legal Provisions

Democracy and Gender Equality

Democracy sets the foundation for gender equality.
Many countries gave women voting rights later than men.
India established universal adult suffrage from democratic inception.

Indian Constitution Provisions

Articles promoting equality:
Article 14: Right to Equality
Article 15: Prohibition of Discrimination
Article 16: Equality of Opportunity in Public Employment
Article 21: Protection of Life and Personal Liberty
Article 23: Prohibition of Human Trafficking and Forced Labour
Article 39: Means of Livelihood
Article 42: Just and Humane Work Conditions
Article 51A: Renounce Practices Against Women’s Dignity
Article 243: Reservation of Seats in Panchayati Raj and Municipalities
Article 325: Inclusion in Electoral Rolls

Reservation for Women

33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies.
106th amendment reserves seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for women, with a focus on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Legislative Measures

Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act (2013) promotes safety in workplaces.
SHe-Box launched in 2024 for online complaint registration.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) safeguards rights at home and outside.
Dowry Prohibition Act (1961) strengthens women’s legal rights against dowry.
Indecent Representation of Women Act (1986) prohibits indecent portrayal of women.
Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act (1987) punishes the glorification of Sati.

Labour Codes

Four Labour Codes effective from November 21, 2025, consolidate 29 labour laws.
Aims include reducing definitions and authority multiplicity, enhancing implementation, and promoting technology use.
Legal measures support productivity, inclusive growth, and gender equality for Viksit Bharat@2047.

Way Ahead

The nation is committed to remaining steadfast in its development path by focusing on strategic investments in public welfare schemes with empowering impacts. Women play a critical role in that development. Higher female literacy and increased women’s participation in workforce and leadership in sectors like science, education, business, health and governance contribute directly to economic growth and social advancement. For the country to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, it is imperative that during the Amrit Kaal (2025-2047), women be socially, economically and politically empowered, breaking systemic stereotypes, and the country become a republic of equals.