Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1, 2025, with a significant boost in the Gender Budget.
Key Highlights of the Gender Budget 2025-26
- Gender Budget allocation has increased to 8.86% of the total Union Budget, up from 6.8% in FY 2024-25.
- A record allocation of ₹4.49 lakh crore has been earmarked for women and girls’ welfare, marking a 37.25% increase from ₹3.27 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.
- 49 Ministries/Departments & 5 Union Territories have reported gender-related allocations, up from 38 Ministries/Departments in FY 2024-25—the highest participation since the inception of the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) in 2005-06.
What is the Gender Budget Statement? 📄
- The Gender Budget Statement (GBS) is a reporting mechanism introduced in 2005-06, published annually along with the Union Budget.
- It helps Ministries and Departments assess their programs from a gender perspective and highlight allocations for women and girls.
- Statement 13 of the Union Budget 2025-2026 is a three-part document that lists the budget provisions for women and girls.
- Part A details schemes in which 100% provision is for women,
- Part B reflects schemes where the allocations for women constitute at least 30% of the provision,
- Part C details schemes in which below 30% allocation for women.
(Source: PIB)
