By- Anupama Sharma Co-Business Head, 360 ONE Wealth

The Union Budget 2026–27 has laid special emphasis on empowering women economically and socially. The Government has extended the successful Lakhpati Didi programme and introduced ‘SHE-Marts’ - community-owned retail outlets designed to help women self-help entrepreneurs transition from credit-linked livelihoods to becoming owners of viable enterprises, with improved market access and institutional support. This shift from dependence to empowerment is significant. Further, the Budget also announced the establishment of one girls’ hostel in every district to expand access to higher education and create safe accommodation, especially for those pursuing STEM and advanced studies. Such initiatives, backed by enhanced financing instruments and infrastructure development, aim to boost women’s workforce participation, entrepreneurship, and equitable growth across rural and urban India.