In the Interim Budget presented in February, FM Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised that women would be one of the four major focus areas for the government this year.
This suggests that women’s empowerment may continue to be a major theme in the Union Budget to be presented on July 23. Here are some women-centric initiatives that may get a boost!
Experts believe that a revamped version of the scheme, with links to sustainable business models, holistic skill development, and market linkages can boost rural women’s economic empowerment.
Urban women entrepreneurs are pushing for measures that support their growth in core industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure, IT, and healthcare including enhanced tax benefits for women-owned businesses.
Experts forecast an increase in fund allocation for the ‘Saksham Anganwadi’ and ‘Poshan 2.0’ programmes, which target the welfare of pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls.
FM Sitharaman may extend the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate scheme to encourage the habit of savings and investments among women.