Concept and Evolution:

• Defined as gender mainstreaming in the budgeting process (Council of Europe).
• Introduced globally by Australia (1984); adopted by India in 2005–06
• Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
• Categorised into:
  • Part A: 100% women-specific schemes.
  • Part B: ≥30% pro-women component.
  • Part C (since 2024–25): <30% women-related component.

Trends and Developments:

• Initial GB allocation (2005–06): ₹14,378.68 crore (2.8% of Union Budget).
• Peak in 2011–12: 6.37% of Union Budget; decline thereafter due to poor monitoring.
• Renewed focus post-2014–15 with consistent increases in allocations.

Gender Budget 2025–26 Highlights:

• Total Allocation: ₹4,49,028.68 crore (8.86% of Union Budget); highest to date.
• Coverage: 56 ministries/departments.
• Major Additions: 13 new departments including Fisheries, Biotechnology, and Financial Services.

Key Allocations & Initiatives:

1. Health & Nutrition:
   • ₹39,436.43 crore to Dept. of Health & Family Welfare.
   • ₹450.98 crore to Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
   • PM Matru Vandana Yojana provides cash support to mothers.
2. Education:
   • ₹26,458.18 crore (School Education) & ₹16,995.21 crore (Higher Education).
   • PM Poshan Yojana allocated ₹12,375 crore for school meals.
3. Infrastructure & Welfare:
   • Jal Jeevan Mission: ₹20,476 crore – improving rural tap water access; linked to increased female workforce participation.
   • PM Awas Yojana: ₹23,294 crore (Urban) and ₹54,832 crore (Rural); 74% houses jointly/fully owned by women.
4. Safety & Empowerment:
   • Sambal: ₹629 crore for helplines, One Stop Centres, and Nari Adalat.
   • Samarthya: ₹2,396 crore for working women’s hostels, crèches, and rehabilitation homes.
5. Entrepreneurship & Employment:
   • Namo Drone Didi Yojana: ₹950.85 crore to support SHG women with drone-based livelihoods.
   • Gender Budget supports women-led startups (over 73,000 registered).
   • MSME schemes and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana also support women entrepreneurs.
6. Youth & Future Focus:
   • ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds for startups.
   • AI Centre of Excellence and research fellowships in IITs/IISc announced.

 Challenges and Way Forward:

• GB is a reporting and planning tool, not a separate women’s budget.
• Emphasis needed on effective implementation, monitoring, and outcome-based evaluation.
• Continued focus on women-led development and inclusive policy-making is vital.
• Enhancing gender-responsiveness across ministries can bridge structural inequalities.