Anticipation is growing among experts for notable provisions in the upcoming interim budget, slated to be presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Envisaged measures include enhanced incentives for maternity leave benefits, a strategic focus on skill training programs for young women, potential tax relaxations tailored for women entrepreneurs, and an anticipated extension of paid holidays for working mothers.
The Halwa ceremony, marking the commencement of the final stage preparations for the Interim Union Budget 2024, featured Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Wednesday. As stakeholders eagerly await the unveiling of budgetary allocations, the spotlight remains on potential policy initiatives that could empower and support women in various facets of their professional and personal lives.
Women Entrepreneurs Urge Budget 2024 : Focus on Health, Education, and Financial Inclusion
In anticipation of the Union Budget 2024, women entrepreneurs are expressing their expectations for strategic policy measures. Radhika Dalmia, the Chairperson of FICCI Ladies Organisation (Kolkata chapter), underscores the significance of augmenting the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana allowance and elevating educational benefits for girls. According to Dalmia, these measures are critical components in fostering a more inclusive India.
She further emphasizes the need for reinforcing financial inclusion, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and prioritizing education, particularly for girls, as integral elements for the nation’s progress. In the pursuit of a robust and equitable economic landscape, these focal areas are considered pivotal by women entrepreneurs for the forthcoming budgetary considerations.
“Saloni Verma’s Vision: Proposing Financial Incentives for Maternity Act Compliance in Corporate India”
Saloni Verma, the Co-founder and Chairperson of Sunshine Corporate Creches, recently engaged in a comprehensive discussion regarding the far-reaching implications of the Maternity Act of 2017. This legislation mandates the provision of creche services and a six-month paid maternity leave for companies employing 50 or more individuals.
Verma articulated a proposal advocating for financial incentives aimed at assisting smaller companies in meeting the financial obligations associated with maternity leave salaries and creche services. The primary objective of this proposal is to alleviate concerns surrounding the potential reluctance to hire married young women and to address the prevailing issue of gender imbalance within most corporate entities.
“Jyoti Bhandari’s Vision for Budget 2024 : Prioritizing Skill Development and Economic Empowerment for Young Women”
Jyoti Bhandari, the Founder and CEO of Lovak Capital, has articulated a compelling vision for the Budget 2024, emphasizing the need to prioritize skill training for young women. In particular, she advocates for the implementation of vocational programs following the completion of class 12. Bhandari underscores the importance of fulfilling promises aimed at empowering women economically and fostering the transformation of Women’s Self Help Groups into “Lakhpati Mahilas” or economically empowered women.
Furthermore, Bhandari advocates for robust support mechanisms for successful women entrepreneurs emerging from these groups. She proposes the facilitation of their transition into larger value chain-focused producer organizations, thereby enhancing their capacity and impact within the broader economic landscape.
Additionally, Bhandari highlights the crucial role women play in agriculture and suggests exploring their untapped potential contributions to various non-farm sectors. By doing so, she envisions a significant stride towards India’s aspiration of emerging as a global economic force.
Conclusion
In conclusion the collective vision expressed by stakeholders and entrepreneurs indicates a strong commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women across different sectors. The upcoming Union Budget holds the potential to translate these expectations and proposals into concrete policy measures, contributing to a more equitable and empowered society.
