The upcoming Budget 2024 is likely to introduce several measures aimed at supporting women through increased subsidies and price controls on essential goods, ensuring their affordability, according to a report by Financial Express.
Initiatives such as direct benefit transfers (DBT) for cooking gas and other essentials are expected to alleviate their financial burdens. Additionally, there is an expectation of increased funding for public hospitals and the provision of free or subsidised health check-ups to improve healthcare services for women.
During her Interim Budget 2024 speech this February, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced that Rs 30 crore in Mudra Yojana loans had been disbursed to women entrepreneurs. Furthermore, 83 lakh self-help groups (SHG) are working towards transforming one crore women into Lakhpati Didis, emphasising the empowerment of women through these initiatives.
One of the most notable points in her speech was the increase in women’s enrolment in STEM courses, with women representing 43 per cent of total enrollment, one of the highest percentages globally according to government data.