Breakdown of Allocations
The GBS is divided into three parts based on the proportion of funds dedicated to women:
- Part A: ₹1,07,688.42 crore (21.50%) reported by nine ministries/departments and one UT for 100% women-specific schemes.
- Part B: ₹3,63,412.37 crore (72.54%) reported by 28 ministries/departments and one UT for schemes with 30–99% allocation for women.
- Part C: ₹29,777.94 crore (5.95%) reported by 37 ministries/departments and five UTs for schemes with less than 30% allocation for women.
Top Ministries Driving Gender Budget
Eleven ministries and departments reported more than 30% of their total allocations under the Gender Budget. Leading the list is the Ministry of Women & Child Development, with 81.73% of its funds directed towards women-centric schemes. Other major contributors include:
- Department of Rural Development – 69.92%
- Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region – 48.60%
- Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation – 48.04%
- Department of Food and Public Distribution – 46.34%
- Department of Health and Family Welfare – 40.44%
- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy – 39.05%
- Department of Higher Education – 32.25%
- Ministry of Panchayati Raj – 30.93%
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas – 30.22%
- Department of School Education and Literacy – 30.10%
Significance of the Increase
The rise in allocations reflects the government’s emphasis on inclusive growth and empowerment of women across sectors. From rural development and education to renewable energy and healthcare, the Gender Budget ensures that women remain central to India’s development agenda.
Experts note that the inclusion of four new ministries and departments in the reporting framework signals a widening recognition of gender-sensitive budgeting. This expansion is expected to strengthen accountability and ensure that welfare measures reach women across diverse regions and communities.
