In India's gender budget, _____ includes schemes where the budgetary allocation for women and girls is below 30% of the total provision.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Gender Budgeting in India -
Gender budgeting was introduced in India in 2005-06. Under this, the government strives to ensure gender equality in the allocation of budgetary resources. As of recent reforms and the 2024-25 budget presentation, it is broadly divided into three parts:
Part A: Includes schemes where 100% of the allocation is specifically for women and girls (e.g., 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' or 'Matri Vandana Yojana').
Part B: Includes schemes where at least 30% to 99% of the allocation is dedicated to women.
Part C: This new category is for schemes where the budgetary allocation for women and girls is less than 30% of the total provision, but still has a positive impact.
Importance of Gender Budgeting:
Equality: It ensures that the benefits of development reach both men and women equally.
Transparency: It forces government departments to collect gender-based data and evaluate their plans.
Empowerment: It prioritizes women's special needs in areas such as education, health, and employment.