Did The Union Budget 2026-27 Win Over Women?

Shipra Singh

On February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27. This was her ninth consecutive budget.

The Budget, which displayed fiscal discipline, distinctly focused on women’s education and entrepreneurship, along with encouraging their participation in emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Here are the key highlights of initiatives announced for women in this year’s Budget:

Rise in gender specific allocations

This year, the Government announced an increase in the share of funds allocated for women and girls – 9.37% of the total budget estimate. Last year, it was 8.86%. The combined allocation amounts to Rs 5 lakh crore. This amount reflects the Government’s serious commitment towards women upliftment in matters of education, economic participation and entrepreneurship.

Girls’ hostel in every district of India

The announcement to construct a girls’ hostel in each district throughout India comes as a powerful message that the Government is serious about making higher education more accessible and safer for women in India. With the availability of accommodation, girls from small towns can pursue higher education without their parents worrying about their safe lodging.

Launch of SHE-Marts

The announcement of launching SHE-Marts stole the limelight in the Budget. These community-owned retail platforms promise to help women entrepreneurs become sustainable business owners rather than just confining themselves to a microventure. This can be seen as the next chapter of the current Lakhpati Didi programme.

Rs 500 crore for Centre of Excellence for AI in Education

The announcement of allocating Rs 500 crore for the Centre of Excellence for AI in Education clearly shows the Government’s intent to encourage the youth, including women, in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

Strengthening care ecosystem

The number one reason that hinders many women in climbing the professional ladder is caregiving responsibilities. The Government, this year, raised the allocations for currently-running schemes like Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 by 5%.

From MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G

Viksit Bharat-Guarantee Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill (VB-G RAM G) replaces the 20-year-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which was passed in 2005. The new Bill proposes 125 days as the standard statutory entitlement.

Women’s Response to the Budget

Sangeeta Singh, Advocate, Supreme Court of India

“This marks a pivotal shift in India’s economic philosophy. For the first time, we are seeing the government recognise women not merely as passive beneficiaries of welfare programmes, but as equal stakeholders in the nation's economic framework.  The substantial increase in gender-specific allocations—particularly within education and entrepreneurship—reflects a deep-seated constitutional consciousness.

“This is not just a fiscal exercise; it is an active fulfillment of the promises enshrined in our Constitution, moving beyond the "theory of equality" towards practical, special provisions that bridge the gender gap and recognising that the "Right to Life" is incomplete without the economic dignity that allows a woman to control her own destiny.

“While the framework looks promising, the real challenge lies in whether these schemes will effectively penetrate the most economically challenged backgrounds. “We must ensure that the transition from 'livelihood' to 'entrepreneurship' is supported by robust infrastructure and transparent delivery. By prioritising these sectors, the Budget acknowledges that gender equality is enforceable and mandatory, not simply an aspirational goal for the distant future.”

Entrepreneur Neha Thukral, Founder, Sahayak Business Club

“The Government’s focus on initiatives like SHE-Mart (Self-Help Entrepreneur Mart) is a very positive step for rural and grassroots women entrepreneurs. Such platforms give women not just visibility, but also confidence and a sense of recognition for their work.

“Access to credit has always been one of the biggest challenges for women entrepreneurs. Not every woman receives financial support from her family, and many begin their journeys through small loans or self-help groups. Schemes like SHE-Mart and Lakhpati Didi can help them scale their businesses, provided they are used effectively.

“The Government has introduced several schemes for women, but the real question is—how many women actually know about them, and how many feel confident enough to take that first step? Along with schemes, we need strong awareness drives, mentorship, and community support systems. When women are encouraged and guided, they don’t just run businesses—they transform families and communities.

“As a networking platform working closely with entrepreneurs, we believe this budget has opened new doors for women. Now it is our collective responsibility—government bodies, business networks, and society—to ensure these opportunities reach the right women at the right time."

Noida’s Taekwondo Coach Savita Gupta

"The Budget is good but I am not happy with just 5% allocation to Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0. This could have been better as many women have to choose between rearing their child and continuing their profession. Good Anganwadis and proper care facilities can help women move ahead in their profession." 

Social activist Deepika Sharma

“The one thing I appreciate about the Budget is that it significantly boosted the Gender Budget to ₹5.01 lakh crore, focusing on transforming women from credit-seekers into enterprise owners. The launch of SHE-Marts, which are community-owned retail outlets, will help rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs) sell products directly to markets under the new SHE-MARK branding initiative.

“The government’s commitment to establishing girls' hostels in every district of India will encourage higher education among females, along with STEM education participation. Additionally, the budget increased funding for Mission Shakti to ₹3,200 crore and introduced a plan to train 1.5 lakh multiskilled caregivers, creating new professional pathways in the care economy.

“I give a thumbs up to our Finance Minister for recognising women as stakeholders in our economy and not just beneficiaries.”

Pooja Maheshwari, owner, Dhruvi Textiles

“The Government promises a lot and with good intentions, but somehow, things don’t always go the way the Government plans. My concern is whether the schemes will actually benefit the women at the grassroots level. If it does, then I will say that, yes, this Budget comes as a blessing for the women of India.”

Roopika Anand, Ex-Banker & Co-Founder of Organic Theo

“One thing I noticed about the Union Budget 2026 is that the Government has moved from women's welfare schemes to women's entrepreneurship schemes. This is empowering in the true sense. Now let’s see how much they are implemented. That will bring the true impact.”

Civil services aspirant Alka Srivastava

"As usual, our Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Union Budget in an elegantly draped saree. Well, to be honest, her saree stood out more than the Budget! As I went through the Budget highlights, I was hoping to find some important announcements for the unemployed youth or any allocations for pollution control, etc. But no, there was nothing. Don't want to offend anyone, but to be frank, I found the Budget not up to the mark and hope for something better the next time. Well, hope never dies!"