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.