Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi is looking forward to implement ‘Gender Responsive Budget’ (GRB) of the state favouring implementation of government schemes for women in the coming budget. Due to unstable government and lack of public coordination this GRB has not been established in Jharkhand till date, claims Annapurna.
Approval of much awaited ‘State Women Policy’ is also among the priority list of Annapurna. Speaking over these issues at the release of study report on ‘GRB in Jharkhand’ on Tuesday she said, “Before this budget framing, all the civil societies will be called in November for their advice so as to analyze the allocation, usage and distribution of funds for various women related schemes.”
“Regarding the women policy which is in final process, we are mulling to introduce ‘budget for women’ also at every department of the state,” she added.
In the recent times, GRB is used in 50 countries including India. Unfortunately, only 10 states namely Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh have officially adopted this policy in our nation.
Recommendations of this study report suggest the requirement of a roadmap in collaboration with political parties, state government and civil societies for the proper implementation.
“Our government declares women empowerment yearly themes like ‘Bitiya Varsh’ and schemes like laxmi ladli Yojna but it is of no use if the target audience remains isolated. Today half of the population involves female gender but social awareness on schemes benefitting them is not done. Making a law will not be fruitful in this situation. It is important to have a stable government as well,” she added.
RanchiUniversity’s Professor Ramesh Sharan and lEADS Director AK Singh who have guided this report feel state women policy is necessary to relate with this GRB for improved state budgeting.
Singh said, “Our survey shows condition of women is not better in Jharkhand compared to other states. Centre sponsored schemes for women like health, nutrition and employment are working here but state sponsored ones are disorganized.”