Union Budget 2024:Women leaders expect more अच्छे दिन from Modi-3.0

India eagerly anticipates the Union Budget scheduled for July 23, a pivotal announcement set against the backdrop of global and domestic economic recovery efforts. With post-pandemic challenges and inflationary pressures looming large, the budget assumes critical importance in steering fiscal policies towards sustainable growth and job creation.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s agenda is poised to tackle diverse issues, ranging from healthcare infrastructure enhancements and educational reforms to boosting digital initiatives and supporting vital sectors like agriculture and technology. Expectations are particularly keen on measures aimed at reducing the tax burden, stimulating investments, and fostering entrepreneurship, especially among women and startups. Stakeholders including policymakers, economists, and industry leaders are poised to scrutinize the budget’s provisions meticulously. They seek clues on how it will balance fiscal prudence with economic momentum, aiming to propel India towards inclusive growth and resilience amidst global uncertainties.

Radhika Dalmia, Chairperson of FICCI Ladies Organisation (Kolkata chapter), underscored the critical role of tax concessions in empowering women entrepreneurs, asserting that such measures are essential for fostering economic independence. She highlighted the pressing need for increased paid holidays for working mothers, emphasizing their importance in supporting work-life balance and retention of skilled female workforce. Dalmia also advocated for higher allowances under schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana to ensure better healthcare access for women and enhanced education benefits aimed at levelling the educational playing field for girls across India.

Kavita Sharma, co-founder and CEO of Ziyyara Edutech, articulated optimism towards forthcoming policies that could bolster the ed-tech sector, specifically targeting initiatives that support and elevate women entrepreneurs. Sharma stressed the transformative impact of digital education advancements, urging policymakers to prioritize measures that foster innovation and broaden access to online learning platforms, thereby equipping women with essential skills for entrepreneurial success.

Dr. Vani Sud Dhindsa, Country Head – India, Wildr, anticipated proactive budgetary measures designed to stimulate startup growth among women entrepreneurs. Dhindsa emphasized the necessity of tailored tax incentives and improved access to capital, asserting that such initiatives are pivotal in creating a resilient business ecosystem that embraces diversity. She underscored the significance of skill development programs tailored for women, highlighting their role in cultivating a robust and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

Vartika Jaiswal, Manager at DP World, anticipated revisions in income tax policies that aim to enhance financial wellbeing for women. She highlighted the potential impact of improved healthcare accessibility under Ayushman Bharat, advocating for policies that address gender pay gaps and expand opportunities through initiatives like Stand-Up India. Jaiswal emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms that promote gender equality and economic empowerment through strategic policy interventions.

Sandhya Bhosale, Marketing lead, at colorshine coated pvt ltd, emphasized the imperative of allocating resources towards enhancing education, healthcare, and financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs. She advocated for infrastructure improvements and digital literacy initiatives as pivotal steps towards bolstering women’s economic empowerment. Bhosale underscored the transformative potential of targeted policies in bridging existing gaps and ensuring equitable access to opportunities across diverse sectors.

Pretti Shirodkar, Chief Growth Marketer and Brand consultant, highlighted the urgent need for increased funding and tax-saving schemes aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, particularly those engaged in rural and home-based businesses. She stressed the anticipated benefits of healthcare reforms geared towards enhancing overall wellbeing and accessibility for women throughout India. Shirodkar emphasized the role of inclusive policy measures in promoting sustainable economic growth and fostering an environment where women can thrive professionally and personally.

Bhagyashree Deole, Founder & CEO of Grey Mantel Communications, anticipates significant enhancements in financial incentives under the ‘Startup India’ scheme in the upcoming budget. She emphasizes the importance of these incentives in encouraging entrepreneurship among youth in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where untapped talent awaits opportunities. Deole highlights the need for initiatives that empower women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue entrepreneurship, stressing their transformative impact on communities. She expresses optimism that the budget will build on existing initiatives, amplifying support for aspiring entrepreneurs and women leaders nationwide, thereby fostering job creation and economic empowerment from grassroots levels upward.