Budget 2026-27: 20% Fund Jump for Women's Livelihood Mission

ECONOMY

Overview

The Union Budget 2026-27 significantly boosts the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) with a 20% allocation increase, adding Rs 2,880 crore to reach Rs 17,280 crore. This funding targets the economic empowerment of approximately 100 million rural women through Self-Help Groups and the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative, aiming to foster enterprise ownership and sustainable income growth.

Budget Boost for Rural Women

The Union Budget 2026-27 has earmarked Rs 17,280 crore for the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), marking a substantial 20 percent increase from the previous fiscal's revised estimates. This hike of Rs 2,880 crore underscores a strategic focus on enhancing economic opportunities for women in rural India.

DAY-NRLM's Mission

DAY-NRLM's core objective is to organize nearly 100 million poor rural women into Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Through these groups, the mission facilitates sustainable income growth and improved living standards by providing essential financial support via Revolving Funds and Community Investment Funds for livelihood activities.

Lakhpati Didi and SHE Marts

The 'Lakhpati Didi' program, which recognizes women achieving an annual income exceeding Rs 1 lakh, continues to be a cornerstone. Building on this success, the government plans to guide women towards enterprise ownership. The introduction of Self-Help Enterprise (SHE) Marts, as community-owned retail outlets, aims to provide platforms for these women-led businesses through innovative financing.

Government's Commitment

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the transition from "debt-based livelihoods to becoming enterprise owners" as a key goal. This initiative is seen as central to the government's women-centric development agenda, aiming for widespread economic independence and self-sufficiency among rural women across the nation.

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