The PRESS Pad

11.55% Increase Over FY 2025–26 as 53 Ministries and 5 UTs Report Gender Budget Allocations The Union Budget 2026–27 , presented in Parliament on 1st February 2026  by Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman , witnessed a significant rise in the Gender Budget (GB)  allocation. An allocation of ₹5.01 lakh crore  has been reported for the welfare of women and girls in the Gender Budget Statement (GBS) of FY 2026–27. This marks an 11.55% increase

This UPSC Mains GS 3 model answer delves into the structural, financial, and societal challenges faced by women-led MSMEs in India. With data from the Economic Survey 2024–25, it proposes a shift from piecemeal interventions to integrated support ecosystems, addressing credit access, formalisation, digital inclusion, and public procurement. A must-read for aspirants aiming to master inclusive growth and gender-responsive policy frameworks.