Shimla
Former Union Minister and MP Anurag Singh Thakur has welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27, calling it a transformative roadmap that places women at the centre of India’s development.
He said the Budget significantly strengthens the Gender Budget, allocating ₹1,07,688.42 crore for schemes fully dedicated to women and girls. The focus spans housing, health, education, nutrition, safety, and entrepreneurship, ensuring a comprehensive lifecycle approach to empowerment.
Highlighting women’s economic growth, Thakur pointed to ₹19,200 crore allocated to Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission to support women Self-Help Groups with credit and skill development. He also praised initiatives like NAMO Drone Didi and the launch of SHE-Marts, which will create district-level retail hubs for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to directly market and scale their products nationwide.
Under housing schemes such as PMAY (Urban and Gramin), substantial funds have been earmarked with women as primary or co-owners, promoting financial security and dignity. The Budget also strengthens women’s safety with over ₹1,014 crore for Safe City projects and related measures.
Thakur said the allocation of ₹3,200 crore for Mission Shakti and continued support for education, including girls’ hostels in every district, reflects the government’s commitment to women-led development.
He concluded that the Budget firmly establishes women not just as beneficiaries but as entrepreneurs and leaders, driving India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
