The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, reflects a strong commitment to women's welfare, economic empowerment, and social upliftment. With a record allocation of ₹4.49 lakh crore towards gender-specific initiatives, marking a 37% increase from last year, this budget sets the stage for greater financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and employment for women.
Strengthening Economic Participation: A Boost for Self-Help Groups
The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) has been upgraded in the Gender Budget, reinforcing the government's focus on Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as drivers of economic change. This aligns with the Viksit Bharat Vision, which aims for 70% women participation in economic activities.
Additionally, India Post is being repositioned as a logistics hub to support women entrepreneurs and SHGs, ensuring better access to financial and logistical support for rural women.
Entrepreneurship and Financial Inclusion
A new scheme for first-time women entrepreneurs, along with SC/ST entrepreneurs, will provide term loans up to ₹2 crore in the next five years. This initiative, modeled on the successful Stand-Up India scheme, includes online capacity-building programs to enhance managerial skills.
In a significant move, the government will introduce customized credit cards with a ₹5 lakh limit for micro-enterprises, enabling easier access to credit for women-led businesses.
Healthcare and Nutrition: Investing in Women’s Well-being
- Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: Nutritional support for over 1 crore pregnant women and lactating mothers will be enhanced.
- Day Care Cancer Centres: 200 centers will be set up in district hospitals to improve women’s access to cancer treatment.
- PM Jan Arogya Yojana Expansion: Gig workers, including women on digital platforms, will now be covered under this health insurance scheme.
Rural Prosperity and Skill Development
A comprehensive multi-sectoral program will focus on empowering rural women and young farmers, ensuring skilling and employment in agricultural and allied sectors.
Moreover, National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be set up to equip women with industry-relevant skills, ensuring better job opportunities.
Infrastructure and Safety Measures
- Urban Livelihoods Program: A new scheme for socio-economic upliftment of urban women workers will be launched.
- Women-Friendly Transport: The Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways have been included in the Gender Budget Statement for the first time, ensuring safer and more accessible transportation for women.
A Vision for the Future
With a clear focus on economic participation, entrepreneurship, health, and safety, the Union Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for women’s empowerment in India. As more ministries join the Gender Budget framework, the long-term impact on financial independence and social equity for women is expected to be transformative.
