What Women Want from India's Union Budget 2026

India’s Union Budget is a crucial event that shapes the economic and social landscape of the country. For women, it holds the promise of policies and allocations that can improve their lives, boost their participation in the economy, and address long-standing inequalities.

India’s economic landscape is undergoing a structural shift. According to the MSME Udyam portal, there are now 2,99,30,461 registered women-led MSMEs. 

While some may be registered in the names of female family members for administrative reasons, the vast majority represent a genuine wave of female founders taking the reins of industry.

While some may be registered in the names of female family members for administrative reasons, the vast majority represent a genuine wave of female founders taking the reins of industry.

As the 2026 budget approaches, women across India are looking for specific measures that can support their health, education, employment, safety, and financial independence. This blog explores what women expect from the Union Budget 2026 and why these expectations matter for the nation’s progress.

As we look toward Budget 2026, the conversation is shifting. It’s no longer about basic inclusion; it’s about providing the scale capital and policy continuity required to turn small businesses into global competitors.

Beyond Micro-Loans: The Need for "Scale Capital"

Current schemes, like Mudra, have been excellent for micro-enterprises. However, for a woman-led startup to grow into a medium-sized company, "seed" money isn't enough. The MUDRA scheme has helped many women start small businesses. Increasing its reach and simplifying loan procedures can empower more women financially.

 A facility like a dedicated Scale-Up Fund or a specific "Fund of Funds" to provide equity-based investments rather than just debt should be made available

A permanent government body to prioritize and monitor the flow of institutional funding to women-led startups, should be established.

Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Social Security

Financial independence is crucial for women’s empowerment. The budget should focus on:

• Expanding access to banking and insurance services for women, especially in rural areas.

• Increasing contributions to pension schemes and social security programs for women workers in the informal sector.

• Promoting financial literacy programs to help women manage savings, investments, and credit.

• Supporting schemes that provide direct cash transfers to women for economic stability.

  
  

For example, the Jan Dhan Yojana has brought many women into the formal banking system. Building on this success with targeted financial products can improve their economic resilience.

Tax Incentives and Compliance Relief

Compliance is a "hidden tax" on time and resources. For many female founders balancing multiple roles, administrative friction can be a deal-breaker.

• Offering tax incentives and easier credit access for women entrepreneurs and small business owners.

• Early-Stage Tax Holidays: Extending tax exemptions for the first 5 years for women-led startups to allow them to reinvest profits back into the business.

• Simplified GST Mechanics: Addressing the "locked capital" issue by simplifying GST input credit mechanisms so that working capital stays in the founder’s hands, not the government's ledger.

Boosting Women’s Employment and Entrepreneurship

Women’s participation in the workforce is essential for economic growth. The budget can encourage this by:

• Funding incubation centers and mentorship programs specifically for women-led startups.

• Supporting flexible work arrangements and childcare facilities to help women balance work and family.

• Creating more job opportunities in sectors where women are underrepresented.

  
  

Strengthening Women’s Health and Nutrition

Health is a foundation for women’s empowerment. Many women in India still face challenges related to maternal health, nutrition, and access to healthcare services.

Economic growth doesn't happen in a vacuum. To truly empower women to lead, the budget must address the "Double Burden" of domestic and professional responsibilities.

The budget should increase funding for:

• Maternal and child health programs to reduce mortality rates and improve prenatal and postnatal care.

• Nutrition schemes targeting adolescent girls and pregnant women to combat anemia and malnutrition.

• Mental health services tailored for women, especially in rural and underserved areas.

• Expansion of health infrastructure in remote regions to ensure women can access quality care without traveling long distances.

• The Care Economy: Tax rebates for businesses that invest in workplace crèches and elder-care support.

• Urban Safety & Transport: Increased allocation for safe, last-mile connectivity in industrial hubs, ensuring that a woman's business hours aren't limited by safety concerns.

  
  

For example, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has helped many women, but scaling such programs with increased budgetary support can make a bigger impact.

Promoting Education and Skill Development

Education remains a key driver for women’s empowerment. The budget should focus on:

• Increasing scholarships and financial aid for girls, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

• Supporting vocational training and skill development programs that prepare women for emerging job markets.

• Enhancing digital literacy initiatives to bridge the technology gap.

• Improving school infrastructure with safe transport and sanitation facilities to reduce dropout rates.

  
  

A concrete step would be expanding the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign with more resources to reach marginalized communities.

Market Integration and Export Ease

Women-led businesses are creating high-quality products, but reaching international markets remains a hurdle. Specific Credit Guarantee enhancements for women exporters to lower the risk of entering global markets is expected.

Digital Market Linkages: Direct incentives for e-commerce platforms to provide "onboarding subsidies" for women-led brands.

Ensuring Safety and Legal Support

Safety concerns often limit women’s freedom and opportunities. The budget should allocate funds to:

• Strengthen law enforcement agencies and fast-track courts dealing with crimes against women.

• Expand helpline services and support centers for survivors of domestic violence and harassment.

• Promote awareness campaigns on women’s rights and legal protections.

• Improve street lighting and public transport safety measures.

  
  

Investing in these areas can create a safer environment where women feel secure to pursue education, work, and social activities.

Supporting Women in Agriculture and Rural Development

A large number of women work in agriculture, often without recognition or adequate support. The Lakhpati Didi initiative has shown that rural women are some of the most disciplined entrepreneurs.

The budget should:

• Moving beyond traditional handicrafts into Agri-Tech and Food Processing. The budget should provide subsidies for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to acquire modern machinery and cold-storage facilities.

• Provide subsidies and training for women farmers on modern techniques and sustainable practices.

• Facilitate access to markets and fair prices for women’s agricultural produce.

• Support rural infrastructure development like irrigation, storage, and transport.

• Encourage women’s participation in cooperatives and self-help groups.

  
  

These measures can increase productivity and income for women in rural areas, reducing poverty and dependence.

The Reality Check: > Supporting women entrepreneurs is not social welfare; it is sound economic thinking. Women-led enterprises are known to have better repayment rates and a higher tendency to hire other women, creating a virtuous cycle of growth.

Investing in Women’s Leadership and Representation

Women’s voices must be heard in decision-making processes. The budget can promote this by:

• Funding leadership training programs for women in politics, business, and community organizations.

• Supporting initiatives that encourage women’s participation in local governance and public service.

• Creating platforms for women to share experiences and influence policy.

  
  

Greater representation leads to policies that better reflect women’s needs and aspirations.

As we approach the 2026 Budget, the goal is clear: simplify the rules, unlock the capital, and let India’s female founders fuel the nation's journey toward a $5 trillion economy.