With the budget focusing on women empowerment, the next budget of the government can be an important step towards increasing their economic, social and political participation. Special attention is expected to be given to education, health and employment for women in the next budget.
Will the government maintain its focus on women empowerment?
Union Budget 2025-26 is about to be presented and with it the question has also come up whether the government will make it clear that women empowerment schemes will be implemented effectively with the decisive participation of women in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Not a social issue. But it also has a wider impact at the political level.
Success of women centric schemes
Women-centric schemes have achieved unprecedented success between 2019 and 2024. Literacy programs engaged 45 lakh women voters, while employment initiatives like Mudra Yojana benefited 36 lakh women. 2 million additional voters were added by registering women as home owners under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and similarly, sanitation and health initiatives positively impacted the lives of women.
Budget 2024-25 historic step
In the last budget, more than Rs 3 lakh crore was allocated for women and girls. Mission Shakti, working women hostels and skill development programs were given priority. Crèche facilities for working mothers, financial schemes for women entrepreneurship and special attention to security encouraged women’s participation in the workforce.
Expectations from Budget 2025-26
Special attention is expected to be given to education, health and employment for women in the next budget. Digital literacy, participation in startups and industry-specific skill development programs may be given priority. Expansion of health schemes and sanitation programs is also possible. The scope of special schemes like Ujjwala Yojana and Jan Dhan Yojana can be increased for rural women. A government budget focused on women empowerment can be an important step towards increasing their economic, social and political participation. The important role of women in the 2024 elections and the success of women-centric schemes show that women-centric development is not only a social need but also an economic priority.
