Women Empowerment In India Needs Gender Budgeting

**Subject:** Economy India's journey towards women empowerment through **Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB)** began in 2005-06, marking a significant shift in fiscal policy approach. The recent allocation of **₹4.49 lakh crore in 2025-26**, representing a **37.25% increase**, demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing gender disparities through targeted financial interventions. ## Requirements of Gender Budgeting **Institutional Framework**: - Establishment of **Gender Budget Cells (GBCs)** in ministries and departments for effective implementation and monitoring. - Creation of robust data collection mechanisms to assess gender-specific needs and impacts. - Integration of gender perspective in **Public Financial Management (PFM)** systems. **Policy Framework**: - Development of gender-sensitive indicators for program evaluation. - Implementation of **gender audit mechanisms** to ensure accountability. - Capacity building of officials for gender-responsive planning and budgeting. ## Current Status of Gender Budgeting in India **Implementation Progress**: - **27 states** have adopted gender budgeting mechanisms as of March 2021. - Integration with flagship schemes like **Ayushman Bharat** and **Mahila Samman Savings Certificate**. - Enhanced focus on women's healthcare and economic empowerment initiatives. **Challenges**: - Underutilization of allocated funds across sectors. - Limited reach of benefits to marginalized women. - Inadequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. - Lack of gender-disaggregated data for effective planning. **Way Forward**: - Strengthening coordination between central and state gender budget cells. - Enhanced capacity building at grassroots level implementation. - Integration of **technology-enabled monitoring systems**. - Focus on outcome-based assessment rather than mere allocation. The success of gender budgeting lies in its effective implementation through coordinated efforts of all stakeholders. As highlighted by initiatives like **Mission Shakti** and **Beti Bachao Beti Padhao**, the path forward requires a balanced approach combining financial allocation with robust implementation mechanisms to achieve **SDG 5 (Gender Equality)** targets.