Not much to cheer about for women

It seems like women were expecting a little more than what came into their kitty from the Union Budget for the financial year 2016-17. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s third Budget won a few thumbs up from women as some felt that women empowerment was low on the government’s priority list. Among other announcements, Jaitley announced LPG connection for women members of rural homes and allocated Rs 500 crore for the same purpose to benefit around one crore families. Not just that, Rs 500 crore has been set aside for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.

The government has announced a separate fund for pulses which will minimise fluctuation of rates. In future it will also help in forming policies regarding purchase and sale of pulses. “This is a good step. The rates of pulses had gone haywire last year and there has been a lot of fluctuation as well. We are glad to know that a separate fund for pulses has been announced and that will also minimise the fluctuation of rates,” said Sanju Shukla, a resident of Ghaziabad.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal expressed disappointment with the Budget and said that there could have been many more announcements for women empowerment. “The Union Budget is disappointing. Not much investment has been announced for the safety of women in Delhi. Moreover, the Delhi Police have been allocated only Rs 300 crore more. Rs 300 crore is not enough to even meet the Delhi Police’s own demand for additional personnel. Delhi Police’s resources must be strengthened. The Budget also does not reflect the concern of the common masses,” Maliwal said.

Giving a thumbs down to Jaitley, women living in the Capital said they had expected more from the Budget. 

“There is a problem of streetlights and CCTVs when we talk about women security. I think the budget has nearly nothing to solidify the concept of women empowerment. At least some good announcements should have been made,” said a woman living in Vasant Kunj area.