The Union budget presented on 1st February 2026 did more than outline fiscal priorities- Well, it hinted at a significant rearrangement of India’s growth story. Millions of women, once economically marginalised behind worksheets and statistics, are now being brought to the centre of policy and opportunity.
The budget signals a small but important shift from viewing women primarily as beneficiaries of welfare to recognising them as entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and market influencers. This intent is reflected in the Rs 28,183.06 crores allocation of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, which bases women’s empowerment within livelihoods, education, health, and entrepreneur-building rather than fragmented schemes.
At the heart of this story is the summary of SHE-Marts (Self-Help Entrepreneurs Mart). For countless women who run micro enterprises or small local businesses through self-help groups, markets have at all times been difficult, and middlemen impossible to avoid. Here and now, SHE-Marts goals are to transform this reality.
Running parallel is the Lakhpati Didi programme. It has already helped over 20 million women cross the Rupees 1 lakh annual income threshold. The budget furthers building on this success by connecting these moments, entrepreneurs indulged in platforms like SHE- Marts, encouraging reinvestment, Diversification and formal economic participation. The whole idea now is not survival, but scale.
Financial support again reinforces this vision by increasing 20% allocation of DAY-NRLM. Increasing this to approximately Rs 19,200 crores will support SHG Formation, skills training, and entrepreneurs’ incubation. MSME Reforms, counting a rupees 10,000 crores SME growth fund and improved credit and equity access, are tools that could quietly reshape women’s businesses.
Beyond economics, social infrastructure concludes this story. The suggestion is to establish one girls’ hostel in every district. Backed by viability gap funding, which amplifies access to higher education, especially in STEM and professional fields.
Taken together, the Union Budget 2026- 27 tells a cohesive story- One where women are not helpful characters in India’s growth drive but are becoming essential, leading role shaping an inclusive future.