Gender budgeting can help in various ways such as assured outcomes. In India, women needs specific policies that not only uplift them from poverty but also skill them so that they can contribute to GDP significantly. This has become important in India where still many families are patriarchal. So they do not like women to work after they get married. In past we have heard of Nairs of Kerela who were matriarchal families but how many of them we know at present except some of them in tribal settings. This is in contrast to developed countries like US, UK and even some of the south asian economies which are fairly advanced. Also, India has come far in terms of literacy rate of women. At the time of Independence, literacy rate of women was only 18%. Today the figure is 67% for women. But still short of 7-8% as compared to literacy rate for men which is 74%. So, gender budgeting become important here again.
Government of India has taken certain steps in this direction. Schemes such as MAA (Mothers absolute affection programme), Priyadarshini scheme(which uplifts the women from poverty in Kerela), Indira Gnadhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana( monthly entitlement benefits to pregnant and lactating women for two birth child) are best examples to support this. However, despite these gender budgeting initiatives in Ministry of Women and Child development, it takes time to achieve the desired outcomes. Perseverance and patience is the key. The programme is started in mission mode starts for few high burden districts initially. This itself speak of the regional disparity in terms socio- economic indicators. But to achieve the results in a coherent manner require innovative and prudent approach from permanent and political executives.
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