Although in small measure, the Union Budget has for the first time addressed the issues concerning women, who formed 50 per cent of the population of the country, through various announcements.
This is definitely a welcome feature and has brought cheer to women society, says Rani Muralidharan, co-chair of the National Confederation of Indian Industry MSME Women Empowerment Panel.
There is talk on gender sensitisation in the budget for which various organisations have been raising their voice for years together. At least now the government had realised the importance of gender sensitisation.
The announcements in the budget on protection of girl children and providing higher education to them, improving the sanitation facilities in the girls’ schools, allocation of Rs. 150 crore for ensuring safety of women in larger cities, increasing allocation for women’s education were the ample proof for the same.
Though in a small measure, the Centre has made efforts towards the welfare and development of the 50 per cent of the population on par with the rest 50 per cent, Ms. Muralidharan said and added that addressing the issues concerning women and paving the way for gender equality would promote economic growth,” she says.
The budget has given thrust for entrepreneurship where women could play a major role. Although the fund allocated might not be significant, touching all the relevant areas recognising the need to match makes the whole lot of difference. The talk of “we need to match” had at last been recognised by the Government.
On the SME front, Ms. Muralidharan said although the budget had not come out with corrective proposal, it had made a beginning with the mention on forming a committee to re-look into the whole SME structure.
“The Finance Minister has identified the issue. For the budget prepared at short notice, he has made a good job,” Ms. Muralidharan.
Meanwhile, V. Pushpam, local leader of the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), said that the allocation of Rs. 150 crore for the security of women across the country was too meagre an amount. A lot of problems confront women. The Government should study these problems and concentrate in solving them by making higher allocation, she pointed out.
