Gender Budgeting In India Jumps 11.55%: What ₹5.01 Lakh Crore Means for India

The Gender Budget allocation in Union Budget 2026-27 has increased to ₹5.01 lakh crore, marking an 11.55% rise compared to ₹4.49 lakh crore in the previous financial year. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the enhanced allocation while presenting the Union Budget 2026-27. The share of Gender Budget in the total Union Budget has also increased to 9.37% from 8.86% last year. This reflects the government’s growing focus on women welfare and empowerment.

Gender Budget 2026-27 Allocation Increased to ₹5.01 Lakh Crore

• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026=27 with a major increase in the Gender Budget allocation.
• An amount of ₹5.01 lakh crore has been earmarked for women and girls.
• This is an 11.55% increase over last year’s ₹4.49 lakh crore.
• The rise in Gender Budget 2026-27 signals stronger commitment towards gender-inclusive growth and women empowerment schemes in India.

Gender Budget Share in Union Budget 2026-27 Rises to 9.37%

• The share of Gender Budget in the total Union Budget has increased to 9.37%, up from 8.86% in the previous financial year.
• This rise indicates that nearly one-tenth of the total Union Budget 2026-27 is directed toward women-centric schemes and welfare programs.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development stated that this is one of the highest proportions recorded in recent years, reflecting enhanced prioritization of gender-responsive budgeting.

More Ministries Reporting in Gender Budget 2026-27

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development reported that 53 Ministries and Departments and five Union Territories have reported Gender Budget allocations this year.
• Last year, only 49 Ministries and Departments reported allocations.
• Four new Ministries and Departments have included Gender Budget components in the current fiscal.
• This marks the highest reporting since the inception of the Gender Budget framework in India, showing broader institutional participation.

What Is Gender Budgeting?

• Gender Budgeting is a policy tool that ensures public expenditure benefits women and girls.
• It does not mean a separate budget for women but identifies and allocates funds within various schemes that support gender equality.
• India introduced Gender Budgeting in 2005-06 to address gender disparities in health, education, skill development and social protection.
• Increased allocation in Gender Budget 2026-27 supports women’s economic participation, safety, and social empowerment, which are crucial for inclusive economic growth.

Gender Budgeting in India

• Gender Budgeting was formally introduced in India in 2005-06.
• It aims to track public spending that benefits women and girls.
• The Gender Budget Statement is presented annually as part of the Union Budget.
• Over the years, the allocation has steadily increased, reflecting policy focus on women empowerment, maternal health, education, financial inclusion, and skill development.
• It is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and supports India’s commitment to inclusive development.

Question

Q. What is the Gender Budget allocation for Union Budget 2026-27?

A) ₹4.49 lakh crore
B) ₹3.75 lakh crore
C) ₹5.01 lakh crore
D) ₹6.25 lakh crore