The first Gender Budget in Rajasthan was presented in the year __________.

The correct answer is 2021 - 22.

Key Points

• Rajasthan presented its first Gender Budget in the year 2021-22, making a significant step towards gender-inclusive governance.
• The Gender Budget was introduced to address issues of gender inequality and ensure equitable allocation of resources for women-centric programs.
• In the 2021-22 state budget, the Rajasthan government allocated funds to various schemes focused on women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and livelihood generation.
• This initiative aligns with the broader goals of gender-responsive budgeting at the national and international levels, aiming to promote gender equality.
• Rajasthan became one of the states in India to officially incorporate gender budgeting into its financial planning framework.

Additional Information

• Gender Budgeting:
  • Gender Budgeting is a fiscal strategy that ensures public spending and taxation policies consider gender equity.
  • It involves analyzing budgets through a gender lens to address disparities and promote equality.
  • India introduced Gender Budgeting in 2005-06 at the national level.
• Rajasthan’s Women Empowerment Initiatives:
  • The state runs multiple schemes like Indira Mahila Shakti Nidhi Yojana, focusing on skill development and financial inclusion.
  • Programs such as Sakhi One Stop Centers provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence.
• UN Gender Equality Goals:
  • Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal 5, governments worldwide are adopting measures to ensure gender equality.
  • Gender budgeting is a recognized tool to achieve these goals systematically.
• State-Level Gender Budgeting:
  • Several Indian states, including Kerala, Karnataka, and Odisha, have adopted gender budgeting frameworks.
  • These initiatives focus on enhancing women's participation in development and addressing gender-specific issues.