Gender Audit of Maharashtra Budget

This study attempts to identify women-related expenditure in the Maharashtra budget, in order to estimate the share of budgetary resources actually provided for women vis-à-vis policy pronouncements, the purposes of such allocation, and the utilisation of funds. It shows that despite the professed concern for women in the state, especially in relation to the declining sex ratio, the allocation continues to be minuscule. However, merely increasing the provision of funds does not automatically lead to the establishment of gender equality or empowerment of women. Policies for women must take cognisance of their needs, problems and choices, and incorporate them in the design of programmes.