Integrating a Gender Lens in Budget 2026-27 to Enhance Women’s Economic Participation and Productivity
As India prepares for Budget 2026-27, there is a critical need to address constraints on women’s time and productivity. Women contribute only 18% to India’s GDP, largely due to the burden of unpaid domestic work. The article suggests reimagining schemes like PMAY and Jal Jeevan Mission with a 'gender-savings' focus. Key recommendations include expanding the 'Care Infrastructure Convenience Window', increasing allocations for women-led MSMEs, and upskilling women for the AI-driven future. The goal is to move beyond just spending on women to ensuring outcomes in income, agency, and opportunity through targeted gender budgeting.
Key Points
- Women's unpaid labor remains a major barrier to their participation in the formal workforce.
- Gender budgeting should focus on time-saving infrastructure like piped water and clean cooking energy.
- The 'Care Infrastructure Convenience Window' is proposed to mandate reporting on time-use metrics.
- Only 4% of Mudra loan amounts are currently disbursed to women-led businesses, highlighting a credit gap.
Exam Facts
- Women contribute 18% to India's GDP
- 4% of Mudra loan amounts go to women
- VB-GRAM G (MGNREGA rebranding) aims for 100-125 days of employment
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