It seems like women were expecting a little more than what came into their kitty in the Union Budget for financial year 2016-17. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s third Budget won a few thumbs up and thumbs down from women while some felt that women empowerment was low on Government’s priority list.
Jaitley said the Government has “decided to embark on a massive mission to provide lPG connection in the name of women members of poor households”.
A sum of Rs2,000 crore has been set aside in this year’s Budget to meet the initial cost of providing these lPG connections, the FM explained. Jaitley said this will benefit about 1.5 crore households below the poverty line in 2016-17.
Besides, Rs500 crore has been set aside for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
The Government has announced a separate fund for pulses which will minimise fluctuation of rates. “This is a good step. The rates of pulses have gone up last year and there has been a lot of fluctuation as well. We are glad to know that a separate fund for pulses have been announced and that will also minimise the fluctuation of rates,” said Sheila Dhuper, a resident of Vasant Kunj.
Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal expressed disappointment with the Budget and said there could have been many more announcements for women empowerment. “The Budget is disappointing. Not much investment has been made for safety in Delhi. Moreover the Delhi Police has Rs300 crore which is not enough to even meet its own demand for additional personnel. The Delhi Police’s resources must be strengthened. The Budget also does not reflect the concern of the common masses,” Maliwal said.
Giving thumbs down to Jaitely, Aneeta Singh said she expected more in the Budget to make Delhi a safe city. “I think the Budget has nearly nothing for women empowerment. At least some good announcements should have been done,” Singh added.