Gender Budgeting: Towards Women’s Empowerment and Economic Equality

In the Union Budget 2026–27, the share of gender budget allocation in the total Union Budget increased to 9.37%, rising from 8.86% in FY 2025–26. This reflects a stronger policy commitment towards women-centred development and gender-sensitive public expenditure.

India’s commitment to gender equality is linked to its ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), 1979, in 1993. The first Gender Budget Statement was introduced in 2005–06 and has since been presented annually.

Gender budgeting does not mean a separate budget only for women. It means examining whether public expenditure benefits women equitably and whether schemes address gender-specific needs in education, health, nutrition, safety, employment and economic security.

Area	Details
Budget Share	Gender Budget allocation rose to 9.37% of the Union Budget in FY 2026–27.
Previous Share	The share was 8.86% in FY 2025–26.
International Link	India ratified CEDAW in 1993.
Gender Budget Statement	The first Gender Budget Statement was introduced in 2005–06.
Examples	Schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Janani Suraksha Yojana support women’s education, economic security and maternal health.

Gender Budgeting

Gender budgeting is a strategic tool used by governments to allocate resources efficiently based on the distinct needs of different genders.
It ensures that policies and resource allocations are gender-sensitive and address specific needs within existing frameworks.

PT Facts

Budget Share: Gender Budget reached 9.37% of total Union Budget in FY 2026–27.
Previous Year: It was 8.86% in FY 2025–26.
First Gender Budget Statement: Introduced in 2005–06.
International Convention: CEDAW, 1979; India ratified it in 1993.
Examples: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Janani Suraksha Yojana.

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