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Women empowerment: What does the interim budget 2024 offer to women
Summary: The interim budget of 2024 highlighted the four main pillars on which the government is working tirelessly. Women empowerment was one such pillar and the budget laid down several provisions that benefit women.
The much-awaited Interim Budget of 2024 was presented on 1st February, 2024. Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Hon. Finance Minister (FM), outlined the achievements of the government in the last few years and highlighted the government’s plan of action in the years to come.
According to the FM, the government was prioritising four major groups for development –
- Youth
- Poor
- Farmers
- Women
Most of the government’s policies are being aimed to uplift and empower these groups so that they can achieve their potential. Women empowerment has always been and always will be one of the focus areas of the current government and the budget did not disappoint in this regard.
In the interim budget 2024-25, various provisions, policies, and proposals were outlined for women and the girl child. Moreover, the FM also highlighted how women have already made their mark in different fields.
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Achievement of women
The budget highlighted the impressive achievements attributable to women. Here’s what it mentioned –
- 28% jump in female enrolment in higher education in the last 10 years. This shows women’s effort to prioritise education
- In STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) courses, women comprise 43% of the overall enrolments which is one of the highest figures in the world
2024-25 budget proposals
Here’s what the interim budget proposed to further the cause of women empowerment -
Vaccination for girls
Cervical cancer is a major risk among women and the budget emphasised on the disease’s prevention. It proposed promoting cervical cancer vaccine among girl children in the age group of 9 to 14 years.
Promoting the concept of ‘Lakhpati Didis’
Earlier, the Prime Minister had announced the scheme of ‘Lakhpati Didi’ under which 20 million women would be given training across villages. This would help women to get suitable jobs and start earning at least Rs 1 lakh a year.
Now that the scheme is active, govt data suggests that 83 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs) with 9 crore women are changing the socio-economic landscape of villages. The budget has increased the target of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme from 2 crore to 3 crore.
Ayushman Bharat coverage
To bring more women under the scope of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the budget proposed to extend the scheme to cover Anganwadi and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides free health insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakhs to insured individuals. The increased inclusion would allow women to access free healthcare facilities under the scheme.
Highlight on women empowerment in interim budget 2024
- Promotion of cervical vaccination among girls between 9-14 years
- Increasing Lakhpati Didi target from 2 crores to 3 crores
- Ayushman Bharat scheme extended to cover Anganwadi and ASHA workers
Also read - Story of #BankAbleWomen: The power of a Women's Savings Account
Dignifying women, one proposal a time
Ms Sitharaman also pointed out that the government has been taking various steps for women empowerment. Some of them included increasing women’s reservation in the Parliament and state assembly, and offering 70% of houses under the PMAY (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana) scheme to women. Add the latest proposals to these and women have the opportunity to grow, shine, and make a name for themselves.
While the primary budget would be presented in July, the interim budget has paved the way for a positive future for women who are instrumental in the country’s overall development in 21st century.
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The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.
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