Women's economic empowerment takes center stage in Interim Budget; Lakhpati Didi scheme expanded to 3 cr women

Highlighting economic empowerment, Sitharaman revealed that 30 crore MUDRA Yojana loans have been disbursed to women entrepreneurs.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Interim Budget presentation on February 1, made a significant announcement aimed at improving the economic well-being of women. Sitharaman announced a substantial increase in the target for the Lakhpati Didi scheme, originally set at 2 crore women, now expanded to 3 crore women.

By increasing the target to three crore beneficiaries, the government aims to create a broader base of financially empowered women.

In his Independence Day address on August 15, 2023, the Prime Minister unveiled Lakhpati Didi, an initiative with the goal of promoting the establishment of micro-enterprises by women within their respective villages. The objective of this scheme is to offer skill training to women, enabling them to generate an annual income exceeding Rs 1 lakh.

Healthcare access for frontline workers

In a move to recognise the pivotal role played by Anganwadi and Asha workers, Sitharaman announced the extension of Ayushman Bharat coverage to include all these frontline health workers.

Streamlining maternal and child healthcare

Addressing the healthcare concerns of women and children, the Finance Minister unveiled a strategic move to consolidate all maternal and child healthcare schemes under one comprehensive program.

Women's empowerment in focus

Sitharaman underscored the significant strides made in women's participation in the workforce, citing a notable 28 percent increase in female enrollment in STEM courses over the last decade. She applauded the fact that girls and women now constitute 43 percent of STEM course enrollment, placing India among the world leaders in this regard.

The Finance Minister lauded legislative achievements, including the criminalisation of Triple Talaq and the implementation of one-third reservation for women in both Lok Sabha and state assemblies. She also celebrated the empowerment of women through property ownership, with over 70 percent of houses under the PM Awas Yojana in rural areas being allocated to women as sole or joint owners.

"Making triple talaq illegal, reservation of 1/3 seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies, over 70 percent houses under PM Awas Yojana to women have increased their dignity," Sitharaman asserted.

Boost to women entrepreneurs

Highlighting economic empowerment, Sitharaman revealed that 30 crore MUDRA Yojana loans have been disbursed to women entrepreneurs

Catch all the live updates of Budget 2024 here

Sitharaman's pre-election Budget prioritizes inclusive growth and social welfare

Presented just months ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections, Sitharaman's speech unveiled a series of initiatives targeting the poor, women, youth, and farmers, signaling a commitment to inclusive growth.

This marked the sixth Union Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, with the understanding that a more comprehensive budget would be crafted by the incoming government post-election. The Finance Minister began her address by highlighting the government's commitment to four major groups - the poor, women, youth, and farmers.