Bigger Budgets, Smaller Impact: Why Gender Budgeting Needs a Reality Check

Bigger Budgets, Smaller Impact: Why Gender Budgeting Needs a Reality Check

The Union Budget 2025-26 has been lauded for its increased allocation towards women-centric schemes, with a substantial 37.02% rise from the previous fiscal year. However, despite these impressive numbers, the real question remains: Is this increased funding translating into real change for women, particularly those from marginalized communities?

More Money, More Problems?

The budget allocation for gender-based programs has grown consistently, yet ground realities indicate that economic benefits are not reaching those who need them the most. Targeted welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) women have struggled to create a tangible impact. For example, while ₹300 crore was earmarked for the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, allocations for other tribal welfare programs remain insufficient to bridge the socio-economic gap.

Even ambitious schemes like Na Vikas Vikas—meant to empower rural women workers—face hurdles due to systemic inefficiencies, digital illiteracy, and bureaucratic barriers. The result? Women, especially in rural and marginalized communities, continue to struggle with economic independence.

Intersectionality Matters—But Is It Missing?

One of the major gaps in gender budgeting is the failure to address intersectionality—how caste, class, gender, and regional disparities shape women’s access to resources. The last Census data does not capture updated socio-economic realities, leading to misallocated funds. As a result, SC/ST women often find themselves at the bottom of the economic ladder, despite increased budgetary allocations.

What Needs to Change?

1. Stronger Local Institutions – Strengthening community organizations and ensuring funds reach local women-led initiatives can improve effectiveness.

2. Better Policy Design – Gender-sensitive policies must factor in caste, class, and tribal realities to address real-world challenges.

3. Improved Accountability – A gender budget tracking portal could help monitor fund utilization and ensure transparency.

Conclusion: More Than Just Numbers

While higher budget allocations for women are a step in the right direction, financial figures alone are not enough. Without addressing the intersectional realities of marginalized women, these funds will fail to bring transformative change. True gender-responsive budgeting must ensure equity, accessibility, and accountability—only then will economic policies genuinely uplift all women.