**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 **โน4.49 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.