Union Budget 2026-27: Gender budget sees 11% rise
India
This fiscal year's (2026-27) Union Budget has set aside ₹5 lakh crore to support women and girls—an 11.36% increase over FY 2025-26 (about 11% rounded).
The Gender Budget now makes up 9.37% of the total budget, showing a stronger focus on gender equality.
Focus on women-led development
The money will fund things like girls' hostels in every district (so more can stay in school), SHE Marts run by women entrepreneurs, and training for caregivers in health and childcare.
The budget also aims to break down barriers that keep women out of the workforce—like lack of safe housing or job opportunities.
As Union Minister Annpurna Devi put it, this is about women leading development, not just benefiting from it.