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Strengthening Nutrition and Empowerment Through Strategic Investments
The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has taken a progressive leap toward enhancing the welfare of women and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities. With a strong focus on economic empowerment, health, and inclusive growth, the budget introduces significant financial support for nutrition programs, while also unveiling a game-changing initiative for first-time women entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Boosting Women’s Health: Strengthening the Saksham Anganwadi & POSHAN 2.0 Schemes
Recognizing the crucial role of maternal and child nutrition in national development, the government has reinforced its commitment to the Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 integrated nutrition support programme. This initiative, designed to improve early childhood nutrition and health outcomes, has received an enhanced budget allocation of ₹21,960 crore for 2025-26—a significant increase from the revised estimate of ₹20,070.90 crore in 2024-25.
This financial boost will help:
Strengthen Anganwadi infrastructure across the country.
Ensure better delivery of nutrition and early childhood education.
Provide essential nutritional support to over 8 crore children, 1 crore pregnant and lactating women, and 20 lakh adolescent girls.
Focus particularly on aspirational districts and the northeastern region, where malnutrition rates remain a pressing concern.
By increasing investments in maternal and child health, the budget aims to ensure that the next generation is healthier, stronger, and more capable of contributing to India’s economic progress.
A New Dawn for Women Entrepreneurs: Financial Support for SC/ST Founders
The budget also introduced a groundbreaking initiative to empower first-time entrepreneurs, particularly women from SC/ST communities. This scheme aims to:
Support 5 lakh women entrepreneurs over the next five years.
Provide term loans of up to ₹2 crore to facilitate business growth.
Offer online capacity-building sessions to enhance entrepreneurial and managerial skills.
Inspired by the success of the Stand-Up India scheme, this initiative seeks to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where women, especially from marginalized backgrounds, can access financial aid and mentorship to turn their business dreams into reality.
This move is expected to:
Accelerate the participation of women in India's economic landscape.
Reduce financial barriers for SC/ST women entrepreneurs.
Foster job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic development.
Expanding Healthcare: 200 Cancer Daycare Centres to be Established
In a significant step toward accessible healthcare, the budget also earmarked funds for the establishment of cancer daycare centres in every district hospital across the country. In 2025-26 alone, 200 such centres will be set up, ensuring early diagnosis and timely treatment for cancer patients, especially women who often face barriers in accessing specialized medical care.
A Budget That Champions Inclusion and Growth
The Union Budget 2025-26 has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering women’s health, financial independence, and entrepreneurship. By strengthening nutrition programs and introducing targeted financial incentives, the budget ensures that women, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, receive the support they need to thrive.
This strategic focus on empowerment is not just an economic decision—it is a bold step toward a more inclusive and equitable India where women are recognized as key drivers of growth, innovation, and social transformation.
As these initiatives roll out, their impact will be felt across generations, paving the way for a healthier, stronger, and more financially independent future for Indian women.
Published by She Business Time
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