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