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Budget 2026 Fails Women: Health, Care Underfunded
1 Feb
Summary
- Family welfare funding decreased in the latest budget allocations.
- Childcare and nutrition programs saw only a 5% increase.
- ASHA and ANM health workers remain underpaid and unrecognized.
Budget 2026 allocations in India have drawn criticism for inadequately addressing women's health, safety, and livelihoods, potentially jeopardizing the nation's demographic dividend.
Despite a slight overall increase in health allocation, funding for family welfare within the National Health Mission has decreased, impacting crucial services like outreach, training, maternity care, and contraception. Experts express concern, noting that these cuts occur while demographic trends show significant regional variations in fertility and unmet needs.
Furthermore, childcare and nutrition initiatives, such as Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, have seen only a 5% funding increase. This is deemed insufficient given persistent child malnutrition and the growing demand for childcare facilities, which are essential for enabling women's workforce participation.
Frontline health workers, including ASHAs and ANMs, who are integral to India's health system, are also highlighted as being overlooked. They continue to work under conditions of low pay and insecurity, despite expanding responsibilities.
