Gender Budget Allocation Rises to Rs. 5.01 Lakh Crore in Union Budget 2026–27
Share of gender-focused spending increases to 9.37%; highest ministry participation recorded
The Union Government has significantly enhanced its gender-focused expenditure in the Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Nirmala Sitharaman. The Gender Budget allocation now stands at Rs. 5.01 lakh crore, marking an 11.55% increase from Rs. 4.49 lakh crore in FY 2025–26. The share of the Gender Budget in the total Union Budget has also grown to 9.37%, up from 8.86% last year.
A notable development this year is the expanded participation of government bodies. A record 53 Ministries/Departments and five Union Territories have reported allocations in the Gender Budget Statement (GBS), the highest since its inception. Four new Ministries/Departments have joined the reporting framework.
Under the GBS classification, Rs. 1,07,688.42 crore has been allocated for women-specific schemes (Part A), while Rs. 3,63,412.37 crore falls under schemes with substantial women-centric components (Part B). Additionally, Rs. 29,777.94 crore has been reported under Part C.
Among ministries, the Ministry of Women & Child Development reported the highest gender allocation share at 81.73%, followed by the Department of Rural Development and other key departments, reflecting the government’s continued emphasis on women’s welfare and inclusive development.