Union Budget 2025-26 Sees Record Gender Budget Allocation, Up 37.25% from Last Year

New Delhi: The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, has significantly increased its gender budget allocation, marking a stronger commitment to women’s welfare and empowerment. The share of the Gender Budget in the total Union Budget has risen to 8.86% in FY 2025-26, up from 6.8% in the previous year. This marks a substantial 37.25% increase in absolute terms, with an allocation of ₹4.49 lakh crore dedicated to programs benefiting women and girls, compared to ₹3.27 lakh crore in 2024-25.

This year, 49 ministries and departments, along with five Union Territories, have reported gender-related allocations in the Gender Budget Statement, the highest number since the concept was introduced. In the previous budget, only 38 ministries and departments had reported such allocations. Among the new entrants in the Gender Budget framework are the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Department of Financial Services, Department of Fisheries, Department of Land Resources, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Ministry of Railways.

The Gender Budget is divided into three categories based on the extent of allocation directed towards women. Part A, which includes 100% women-specific schemes, has received ₹1,05,535.40 crore, accounting for 23.50% of the total Gender Budget allocation. Part B, which includes schemes where 30-99% of the allocation benefits women, has been allotted ₹3,26,672 crore, making up 72.75% of the Gender Budget. Part C, which includes programs where less than 30% of funds are allocated for women, has received ₹16,821.28 crore, comprising 3.75% of the total Gender Budget.

Several ministries and departments have dedicated a significant portion of their budgets to gender-focused initiatives. The Ministry of Women & Child Development has allocated 81.79% of its budget for women-centric schemes, while the Department of Rural Development has directed 65.76% of its funds towards such initiatives. The Department of Food & Public Distribution has earmarked 50.92% of its budget for gender-based programs, followed by the Department of Health & Family Welfare at 41.10%. Other key contributors include the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy at 40.89%, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment at 39.01%, the Department of Higher Education at 33.94%, the Department of School Education & Literacy at 33.67%, the Ministry of Home Affairs at 33.47%, and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation at 31.50%.

The inclusion of more ministries and departments in the Gender Budget framework highlights a broader, more integrated approach to achieving gender equity and inclusive growth. This enhanced allocation is expected to accelerate initiatives aimed at improving economic, social, and political opportunities for women, ensuring their greater participation in the country’s development journey.