NewDelhi: Women are now a part of the country’s economy, more than just a service-giving hand in kitchens and homes. They occupy essential roles at most companies, and, most of them, all the businesses that run in the background, large and small. There are many women in paid work and millions more looking for it. Against this backdrop, civil society members and women’s organisations believe that the incentives for jobs will undoubtedly help raise the number of women with an economic role. Work from Home with flexible working hours and infrastructure support in terms of crèches at work sites will cater to the female workforce. But what do women expect from the upcoming budget?
More Budget for Women
Director of Prabhu Naidu Private Limited, an organisation intervening with rural women in Maharashtra, Ritvika Naidu, observed that the 2025 budget had provided funds of ₹3 lakh crore for women. An increase in this allocation, however, is expected this year. On this occasion, she said incentives for people working at Home would help women work more. He reiterated that working style, better public transport, equal pay, crèches at workplaces, and other aspects can help increase women’s power.
Labour Force Participation Rate
The female labour force participation rate (LFPR) in India was 32.7% (2023). This percentage is for women 15 years and above who participate in work. Groups have argued for the quality of jobs and skills needed for women. Soujanya Kanuri, Director of ACT for Women, said that the increase in ‘gender budgeting’ indicates that more effort is required to integrate a woman into the mainstream. A gender approach is required to better identify and respond to the needs of women and girls, and this will aid in improving workplace involvement.
Unlocking Domestic Capital
By Neera Nundy, Partner and Co-founder Neera Nundy, partner and co-founder of Dasra India, said she expects favourable policies plus “greater tax incentives” to “release domestic capital towards families, individuals and corporates.” While rural and low-income women have been able to join the landscape of the financial ecosystem with increased support of programmes like ‘Lakhpati Didi’, ’PM Svanidhi’, and ‘Mudra Yojana’, Kalpana Ajayan, South Asia Regional Head of Women’s World Banking, stressed, “we need more actions in this direction.” She pointed out that with partners such as SIDBI, CGTMSE and NABARD, women are among the more responsible credits in the market.
Government Schemes for Women
The government is implementing various women’s empowerment schemes, such as Mission Shakti, Matru Vandana Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, etc. These schemes aim to help women move ahead. We may see such schemes get additional allocations in this budget. Media reports quoted Rajesh Sharma, managing director of Capri Loans, as saying that this year, initiatives that work on the safety and education of women and benefits related to maternal health may attract more funds.
Previous Budget Allocations
In the last budget, ₹3 lakh crore were earmarked for these schemes. Sharma said programs like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which offers an overdraft facility of ₹10,000 for women who possess savings accounts, and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, which funds collateral-free loans of the magnitude of ₹10 lakh for SMEs and MSMEs, are useful.
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