'The Budget Makes Nari Shakti an Integral Part of the Economy'

FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) , the women business wing of national business body FICCI have welcomed the Union Budget for the Financial year (FY) 2018 and termed it as the major thrust towards making women as an integral part economic growth.

“FICCI Ladies Organisation applauds the e government for bringing forward an inclusive budget. Concerted efforts have been made to keep the budget proposals in line with developmental priorities of the nation and will yield dividends for India.” said Ms Vinita Bimbhet , President , FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) in her budget reaction.

“It is commendable that the Government plans to empower over two and a half lakh SC, ST & women entrepreneurs through Stand-up India initiative. Fourteen different sectors have been identified under the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana for the empowerment of tribal people. We hope that women will benefit from this.” Ms Bimbhet said .

“To make the growth process uniform for women, the Government is making 'naari shakti' an integral part of the our development journey by providing equal opportunities. Participation of women in MNREGA has increased to 55%. This will help further the growth agenda in the rural areas. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme is yielding encouraging results. The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan will provide comprehensive ante-natal care to all pregnant women. The revision of Maternity Benefit Act will support pregnant women at the workplace.” Ms Bimbhet added.

“We are hopeful that Allocation of  Rs. 1,84,632  crores  for women and Kids, will help achieve the goal of poverty alleviation and providing adequate healthcare.  We can also see that skilling youth and women have been taken as a priority area, which is truly essential for achieving the goals of sustainable development of the nation in totality. The allocation for women skill development has been hiked to to Rs 1.84 lakh crore and the proposal of setting up of 100 India-international skill centre will enhance skill development and create employability avenues for women.  Another commendable initiative is the allocation of Rs 500 crore for setting up Mahila Shakti Kendra at village level, which will aim at empowering women.” She added

“There is also much required emphasis on affordable housing by giving it an infrastructure status and this will act as a catalyst in propelling growth .Sanitation in rural areas has been hiked to 60 percent from 42 percent and we are delighted that the government is continually working towards a safer and healthier India.” She concluded .