What are the key criticisms of India's Budget 2026 regarding women's development?

The Budget 2026 is criticized for underfunding women's health, safety, and care systems, with decreased allocations for family welfare and minimal increases for childcare and nutrition programs.

How has the National Health Mission's family welfare funding been affected in Budget 2026?

Funding for family welfare within the National Health Mission has decreased in Budget 2026, impacting essential services such as maternity care and contraception.

What challenges do frontline health workers like ASHAs and ANMs face according to the Budget 2026 analysis?

Frontline health workers, including ASHAs and ANMs, continue to work under conditions of low pay, insecurity, and limited professional recognition, despite their expanding responsibilities.

Home / Business and Economy / Budget 2026 Fails Women: Health, Care Underfunded

Budget 2026 Fails Women: Health, Care Underfunded

1 Feb

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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 Fails Women: Health, Care Underfunded

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.