The Indian government has significantly boosted its allocation for the welfare and empowerment of women, registering a remarkable 218.8% increase from FY14 to FY25. This surge underscores India’s commitment to transitioning towards women-led development, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2023-2024.
Presented in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the survey underscores the resilience of India’s economy and its robust post-Covid recovery, according to a Ministry of Finance press release.
The survey underscores the government’s dedication to “Nari Shakti” through legislative measures aimed at enhancing women’s participation across various sectors. It reveals that the budget for women’s welfare and empowerment schemes has surged to ₹3.10 lakh crore in FY25 from ₹97,134 crore in FY14, marking a substantial increase.
Additionally, the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) has seen a 38.7% rise compared to FY24, with its share in the total Union Budget reaching 6.5% in FY25, the highest since its introduction in FY06.
The survey highlights initiatives such as “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for their role in promoting the welfare of the girl child. It also notes improvements in national indicators like the sex ratio at birth and maternal mortality rates, reflecting advancements in health and education for women and girls.
Government efforts have focused on improving conditions for women, including initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission, which have reduced the burden on women and enhanced their participation in economic activities.
Programs like Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 highlight the importance of women’s health in societal well-being, emphasizing comprehensive wellness and immunity through adequate nutrition.
Education remains pivotal, with initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the Right to Education ensuring gender parity in school enrollment. Women’s participation in higher education and skill development programs has also seen substantial growth, underlining strides towards gender equality in education and workforce participation.
Initiatives like WISE KIRAN and Vigyan Jyoti aim to increase women’s representation in STEM fields, reflecting efforts to empower women in areas traditionally dominated by men.
Overall, these initiatives underscore India’s commitment to empowering women across various domains, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development.