Declining Gender Budget and Impact on Women’s Education

Why in the news?

Delhi’s gender budget allocation for women’s education has declined significantly, dropping from 54% in 2017-18 to 27% in 2024-25, raising concerns over women’s empowerment, skill development, and economic participation.

Declining Gender Budget and Impact on Women’s Education

Trends in Delhi’s Gender Budget:

  • Delhi’s overall budget increased from ₹271 billion (2011-12) to ₹760 billion (2024-25).
  • The gender budget rose sevenfold, reaching ₹71 billion in 2024-25.
  • Despite the rise, spending on women’s education saw steady decline, peaking at ₹24 billion (2017-18) and dropping to ₹18 billion (2024-25).

Neglect of Women’s Education

  • Share of education in the gender budget declined from 54% (2017-18) to 27% (2024-25).
  • The last five years recorded a negative growth trend in women’s education budget, except in 2019-20 and 2023-24.
  • Decreasing educational investment limits the development of a skilled female workforce, exacerbating the gender gap in employment.

Need for Focus on Education

  • Delhi’s female labour force participation is just 21%, the lowest in India, compared to the national average of 2% (PLFS 2023-24).
  • Many women work in low-skill, low-pay jobs, highlighting the need for better educational opportunities.
  • A mere 3.8% of women are employed in high-skilled jobs compared to 34% of men.
  • Technical and professional education is crucial to reduce gender disparities in the workforce.