Gender-responsive Budgeting (GRB)

7.Gender-responsive Budgeting (GRB): The Union Budget 2025-26 has raised the gender budget to 8.8% (from 6.8% in the previous year) of the total allocation.

• About: GRB is a strategy that ensures that government budgets consider the needs of all people, regardless of gender. GRB aims to promote gender equality and inclusive development. 
• Four Priority Groups in India: Poor, youth, farmers, and women.
• Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) rose to 42% in 2023-24 (from 33% in 2021-22).
• Global average: 47%, but still 37 percentage points behind men’s FLP of 79%.
• Target: 70% women’s participation by 2047 requires investment in skilling, employment, entrepreneurship, and social security.
• Major schemes include: Skill India Programme, Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme (ESDP).
• National Skill Training Institutes, DAY-NRLM, MGNREGS, PM Employment Generation Programme.
• PM Vishwakarma, Krishonnati Yojana.
• New schemes: PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, first-time entrepreneurs’ scheme, sustainable livelihood for urban workers, Centres of Excellence for Make in India.
• Focus on Gig Workers: 90% of India’s working women are in the informal sector.