The Interim Budget presented on February 1 focused on poor, women, youth, and farmers as four key pillars.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who presented the sixth budget of her tenure in the Parliament, underscored inclusivity in her hour-long budget presentation. With a slew of programs across the pillars, here are some aspects focused on women in the interim Budget:

Health cover

The extension of healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers includes around 1.4 million women (anganwadi workers) and 1 million (ASHA workers). Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the largest publicly funded health insurance scheme in the world that provides coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

Financial empowerment

The Finance Minister said that eighty-three lakh self-help groups or SHGs with nine crore women are transforming the rural socio-economic landscape with empowerment and self-reliance. Their success has assisted nearly one crore women to become Lakhpati Didi already. They are an inspiration to others. Buoyed by the success, it has been decided to enhance the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore.

Immunization and comprehensive cover

The minister said that the government will encourage vaccination for girls in the age group of 9 to 14 years for the prevention of cervical cancer. Various schemes for maternal and childcare will be brought under one comprehensive program for synergy in implementation. Upgradation of Anganwadi centers under “Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0” will be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care, and development.